(If you want to see what some of the older members of the team do late
when some of the younger go to sleep, switch to Inside HQ. However, the next
morning, the teams are eager…or not so eager…to return back to work…)
(SPOILER for the chef…)
(Shot as the breakfast is under Shiine-chan’s watchful eye, flipping over a few eggs. It seems half of the cast are bright and early, after learning in training that being early is probably an advantage…)
Aya: (yawning) Morning Shiine-chan…
(….not like they like doing it though…)
Shiine: Morning Aya-san…
Aya: And the reality of a morning at a murder mystery, realising that two suspects share the same last name as you…
(We can see, like any good Brit, Negi enjoys a nice cuppa in the morning, no ermines to distract him…and whilst 31 cute girls aren’t quite the first thing he sees in the morning, he can feel comfort with 5 (I think Miyabi classifies as an adult thank you) around, as he brews the pot.)
Negi: Morning Hoshino-san!
Aya: (smiles) The magic boys in teamwork, but feels wrong you two doing this….
Shiine: It’s O.K, I like doing this!
Aya: (shaking her head) You poor young man…(looks around)….are we the only ones up?
Negi: (shakes his head) Nope, Ban-san, Satoshi-san, Triela-san and Miyabi-san are in the briefing room and Hinata-san and Kotone-san are in the exercise room.
Aya: Everyone else asleep?
Negi: (sweatdrops) Most likely…
(We leave to what Mizuki, Kurz and Fai are recovering from last night to your imaginations (or just flip over to Inside HQ) – we can see in the exercise room that Kotone is obviously trying to find someone similar to Aoi to be their manager…)
(We can see some sort of VR machine with attachments to Hinata’s wrists and ankles, where it acts like a punching machine where you have to hit precise points – think of the old Fist of the North Star arcade machines or the Gametrack game Darkwind.)
Hinata: Hyah!
Kotone: To the left.
(Open palm to the left, Hinata stands on her tip toes, spins and lashes out an elbow to maximum effect. Kotone smiles as the younger girl finishes, a little out of breath.)
Hinata: Never…thought…you could….use…something…like this…
Kotone: I guess not something you’re used to…
Hinata: (nods) That’s right…I guess…being a little freer would be the word I’d use…
(As Kotone admires her new prodigy (hey, she’s already made one a champion *pictures one hit Sakura KO with evil malice*), Satoshi, Ban, Triela and Miyabi are well into the case…)
Miyabi: Who do you think should focus on who?
Ban: Looking at the people, we have a mix…I think this Ukyo girl…from what they said of her, she’s quite dangerous…and whilst I appreciate the kids are stronger than what I take them for…
Satoshi: You’re worried in case they freeze up?
Ban: (nods) I’ve worked with worse people, trust me on that, but at this stage, keep it simple. I think the pup and his wife may be the best for them…
Triela: The Hoshinos? And what about the church?
Satoshi: We don’t know what to expect if we go there – but I believe that’s what you deal with the best Triela – expect the unexpected.
(Triela gives that cheeky little grin which made me love GSG even more…)
Triela: And how would Satoshi-sama like me to dispose of said unexpectations?
(Ban puts his hand over his mouth – he doesn’t want to be seen laughing…)
Fai: What’s so funny Ban-pan?
(Too late…and his roommate of all people…needless to say, the vein comes back on his head…)
Ban: I don’t think you have any right to say that after your carcass was dragged in!
Fai: What? I’m fine.
(Indeed, Fai is his usual self – on the other hand…)
Fai: I think those two though need a bit more comforting…
(Shot of Mizuki and Kurz dragging themselves out…)
Kurz: Note to self – being a detective is not, repeat, not a shore leave…
Mizuki: Your fault…
Miyabi: (strict) Aren’t you two underage?
Mizuki: Oh, come on – the drinking age in the UK is 18, and we’re basing it on the British author…so lighten up…
Ban: And people wonder why I don’t drink…
Fai: Because you can’t afford it!
(As Ban steams, Triela sighs…and sniffs the air…)
Triela: Ah, team mahou shonen have come up with a bit more magic!
* * * *
(Breakfast is served for most of the team, everyone is there bar Hinata who is just getting changed after her exercise. Casual talk begins which of course escalates around to the case…)
Kurz: Is this where the meat and potatoes start?
(A few look at Kurz weirdly…)
Ban: He means is this where we start getting our fingers dirty in the case?
Aya: We wait for Yukino, then we see how dirty our fingers get…
(At this point, Hinata joins them, a bit embarrassed of course, but she’s a welcome visitor. The talk resumes between sausage, eggs and bacon…)
Kotone: So…who do we focus on?
Satoshi: Whoever seems either the most dangerous…or the least obvious.
Fai: Least obvious?
Negi: You know – the one that is the least obvious is usually the prime suspect…
(Fai thinks about a few of his adventures, including a trip to a castle and a princess…)
Fai: I guess you’re right!
Shiine: So, does that mean Kotone-san did it?
Fai: Nah, it would be Hinata-chan right?
Kurz: (holds his head) I’d probably disagree with that…
(Both girls blush as a little chuckle at their expense comes through…a few aren’t laughing though…Miyabi and Satoshi have poker faces on, as they finish their meal…it isn’t long before Akazukin Miyazawa puts her poker face on at the detectives…)
* * * *
10.00AM
FIRST BRIEFING – DAY
2
(Punctual as always, Yukino Miyazawa (probably grateful for a lie in really considering her normal schedule) strides forward, she seems a little intimidating to the detectives with her nature, but she puts her best ‘friendly’ smile on…)
Yukino: Good morning everyone!
(A half-hearted return doesn’t exactly give Yukino massive confidence, but she lets that slide and begins the day.)
Yukino: Right, so last night, we discussed about what we should focus on. And for today, we will focus on those issues.
(Yukino goes over to the whiteboard and circles some of the clues they picked on, namely some particular issues and suspects.)
Yukino: We know both from Team 3 and Team 1 from their lines
of inquiry that a key issue involves this Returns Church. Now, from what we’ve
gathered is that they consist of two members – suspects Tenchi Masaki and Anna
Respighi.
(The team nods as Yukino continues…)
Yukino: What else do we know?
Negi: That the victim, Kalos, actually made an appeal for closure of them.
Yukino: Indeed – we need to find out why this was the case – so Team 1: Satoshi…Aya…Triela…Kotone…I want you guys to visit this Returners Church – find Tenchi, Anna, both – speak to them, find out more about this case, why Kalos was trying to shut them down and anything else you can link to this inquiry.
TEAM 1: MUST VISIT
RETURNS CHURCH FOR FINDING SUSPECTS AND EVIDENCE
KEY ISSUE: LINK THE CHURCH WITH ANOTHER SUSPECT AND ALSO FOLLOW UP TO TRY AND CLEAR ANOTHER SUSPECT
Yukino: One down, two to go. For Team 2, you guys yesterday found that the workers of Kaleido Stage had reason to believe that three certain suspects seemed to be more in the line of fire for Kalos than others. Ukyo Kuonji, Touji Suzuhara and Chiriko Sasaki.
(The four nod as Yukino issues their inquiry)
Yukino: Ban….Kurz…Fai…Mizuki…I want you guys to find these three – discuss why they may want Kalos dead, and anything further you can find.
TEAM 2: FIND THREE
SUSPECTS AND DISCUSS LINKS WITH CASE.
KEY ISSUE: FIND THE ONE PERSON WHO FOR CERTAINLY CANNOT HAVE AN ALIBI.
(Yukino turns to the final team)
Yukino: Team 3…the other main issue we got from the first day was the bloodied memo that Team 1 found. That blood was indeed Kalos’ which also have fingerprints of his on. This suggests that it was something that belonged to him, but can’t be sure…
(Did Kalos hide this from the killer? Was it something the killer wanted?)
Yukino: Team 3 – that memo referred to the Church…and the
Lumiere Institute – home of the Hoshinos…(looks at Aya)…sorry, Ruri and Haley Hoshino.
(Yukino turns before inflicting the final inquiry of the day at the young team)
Yukino: Shiine-chan…Negi…Hinata…I want you three to visit Ruri and Haley, and see if you can get any information from them linking them to the case – the memo or not.
TEAM 3: SPEAK TO
HALEY/RURI AND SEE HOW THEY LINK WITH THE CASE/MEMO
KEY ISSUE: LINK BETWEEN THEM AND THE CHURCH AND ANY CLUE LINKING WITH THEM WITH POSSIBLE DISTANCE WITH THE CRIME
Yukino: Remember all of you…it’s not just about finding the guilty…it’s about clearing the innocent. I want to see if you can establish alibis for everyone you meet…16 people have been linked with this crime…and 15 of them are innocent. Remember that, innocent until proven guilty.
(Yukino stands up)
Yukino: You’ve got your inquires, start moving ladies and gentlemen – and do good. Remember, whoever in my opinion does the best will survive the first vote…
(Yukino looks over at Miyabi)
Yukino: …though they may not survive your team leader’s vote. Keep that in mind. Off you go.
(After those last not-so encouraging words from Yukino (forcing a few people to look at Miyabi a moment before leaving), the teams get prepared…make or break time guys and gals…and just make sure you’re not broken in half…)
* * * *
(Shot of Team 1 in the van as navigator, GPS and a motley crew of four head off to the Church of the Returners, where they, like the other two teams, get their first chance at interrogation (except for Satoshi, who is used to it…and Aya…whose used to listening to it…and Triela…who is used to dealing with it…O.K, FINE – JUST KOTONE ALLRIGHT!!!) – and two possible suspects are awaiting them…)
Satoshi: …if they are both there, we need to separate them. If that’s the case, Kotone and I will take one, and Triela and Aya will take the other.
Aya: Sure.
Kotone: Is that O.K with you Hiwatari-kun?
(Satoshi nods)
Triela: Yosh! Let’s kick butt!
Satoshi: Knowing that people might want to eliminate myself because of my experience, I don’t want to take things to chance. Of the four here, Kotone is the weakest, so if I pair with her, gives her the chance to be more confident, giving us the chance to survive.
(Team 1 are on the team side of things, as Team 2 on the other hand have to travel to a few places, and considering many of them could have other suspects lurking about…)
Mizuki: Are we all set?
Kurz: Sure – we’ve got a set plan of direct attack…
Ban: Not the best plan in the world, but if it’s just a few single people, then we should be able to get the information with a bit of know how and a lot of intimidation…
Kurz: Sure Ban-pi…
(Yep, with nicknames like that, the suspects are going to be so crapping themselves…)
* * * *
(…maybe the opposite effect should work…be as darn cute as you can to make people tell you everything…and with that note, cue Team 3.)
Shiine: All ready to go…wish I could use my broom, be a lot quicker…
Negi: Yeah, now I think about it, my wand would be as well…I guess it’s because we don’t know where to go…
Hinata: …well…it’s the adoption agency isn’t it? Let’s see…
(Both boys put their hands on the shoulders of Hinata before she Byagukan’s…)
Negi/Shiine: Not now – if we do that, the producers of this will realise how dumb the author is.
Hinata: H-Hai.
* * * *
(After putting Negi and Shiine on the ‘most asking for a killer’s game’ list – we cut to Team 1 first, as we’ll cut back and forth this time for all three teams…)
(RETURNERS CHURCH)
(The three girls and one boy team arrive at the Church, which seems more like a temple at closer inspection. Marble and bronze statues in front…a beautiful fountain shaped in the form of a lady (actually legendary athlete Tomoe Midoh, but the 4 aren’t supposed to know this), and an everglade behind them with lush green. Certainly, more extravagant than the detectives expected…)
Aya: Is the church changing or something?
Triela: Don’t ask me, last time I went to Church it was to change into Kirika Yuumura with about a dozen suits in black…
Aya: What?
Triela: Don’t ask…
Kotone: Um…it looks a bit intimidating…
Satoshi: Indeed. But so are we…Triela?
(The GSG nods as she takes the lead. The three trail behind her as the GSG knocks on the door (amazingly keeping it on it’s hinges) as they wait a few moments…)
Aya: No-one in?
Triela: (knocking a bit louder) I’m just wondering who we’re meeting…some kind of monster or…
(Suddenly the door opens…and the ‘monster’ reveals himself…)
(…into a very handsome bishounen.)
Aya: (awestruck) Monster?
Triela: Hmmm…maybe not…
Kotone: (blushing) H-handsome…
(Indeed, our handsome young man, and probably for those playing the quiz, an answer to one of the questions (hint, bloody, hint), our first suspect is Tenchi Masaki (TENCHI MUYO) – everyone’s favourite male swordsman, and possibly most used male character in reality anime crossovers. Anyway, seeing the three, he notices the ID’s, and instantly seems to shrink back…)
Tenchi: Oh right…detectives…I figured you’d be here sooner than later…would have preferred later…
Triela: Sorry Mr. Masaki, however considering what you just said, you know why we are here…
Tenchi: Fine. Come in.
(Tenchi lets the detectives in, as only Tenchi seems to be in the vacinity…and we do a double-take as we move over to Team 2…)
* * * *
(Shot of Team 2 who have decided to take the route downtown into one of the out of town rural areas…a bit rough, it’s not what you’d expect in the heart of Kaleido Country. However, this is where one of the suspects lives…albeit not my choice…rather by necessity…)
Kurz: So this is where Touji Suzuhara lives?
Ban: Bit of a dump…
(The four head out as what appears to be a flat, or more appropriate, a run down apartment building, as they check for where the suspects were tracked and nod…)
Mizuki: Well, no waste for the wicked….come on…
Fai: Lead the way!
(The four do so, as we clearly see a female figure from a window watching them…)
(Ban knocks on the door, as there is a delay in anyone opening the door. A couple more knocks and Ban gets impatient…)
Ban: Come on!
Mizuki: Maybe they aren’t home?
Kurz: Want me to look in?
Ban: Damn, this is where Kotone or Hinata would be helpful…Fai, do you have any magic tricks to look in?
Fai: (shakes his head) None, sorry Ban-pyon…
Ban: For once, I’m going to ignore that…
(Ban knocks once more, as finally, a voice answers…)
Female voice: O.K O.K! Hold on a minute…
(Kurz takes the lead hearing the female voice, as after a few moments, a young lady, around 19 years of age opens the door. Long pigtails and freckled face, she’s still really pretty. Despite obvious Japanese origin, her clothes are more based on Chinese fashion.)
Kurz: Hello there! We’re here as detectives, needing to establish something had happened a couple of nights ago. We need to make sure that something we’ve discovered doesn’t…
(Kurz lowers his eyes slightly, so before he can completely fail for the team, Ban elbows his skull…)
Ban: Idiot!
Fai: (smiling) Hello there madam. What he did say was that we are detectives, and we’d like to discuss something with you that happened last night, if we may…
(The girl looks at them suspiciously, but Mizuki intervenes…)
Mizuki: It’s O.K, we are detectives madam. (She shows the ID, the young lady still seems apprehensive, but nods…)
Female: Fine. I guess you want to speak to both myself and my husband.
Mizuki: And you are?
(The girl turns as I’m sure most of you know who it is, but in case you don’t…)
Female: It’s Hikari.
Hikari Yagami-Suzuhara.
(Another suspect – so they’ve got two to deal with, making the case more sensitive…suddenly, a tall figure comes into view…and shockingly, has a cybernetic arm and leg…to Ban, who has fought Fudou, this isn’t as surprising as the others, but even Kurz, who has seen it all in his work, seems a little preturbed…)
Male: Are you disturbing my wife?
Fai: No sir, we just need to discuss with you some events that occurred a few nights ago, it won’t take too long and we’ll be gone before you can say Banpan…
(Ban again, chooses to ignore that, but the man seems a little more willing…surprising, considering he’s a top suspect…)
Man: Fine, I’m Touji Suzuhara. So…
(The four enter, as they get ready for their first bit of detective work – will age though be an advantage? Let’s see if Team 3 can dispute that…)
* * * *
(The Lumiere Institute or Adoption Agency is named after Lumiere from Kiddy Grade, but based on the fact that the girl, and suspect, Ruri Hoshino, was perhaps one of the most famous anime girls that came from an orphanage. However, that means nothing to Negi and company, who have come for one thing, and one thing only…)
Negi: O.K, we need to be calm…who takes the lead?
Shiine: We don’t – we go together, works best for all concerned right?
Negi: O.K, Hinata-san, are you alright?
Hinata: (nods) Yes Negi-kun, a bit nervous…
Shiine: (bright smile) That’s what we’re here for Hinata-san!
(Hinata smiles)
Hinata: Hai!
(The three stride forward, a bit more calm. Shiine knocks on the door – unlike the other two, the person answers quickly, but it isn’t Ruri Hoshino who answers…)
(…it;’s actually a handome young man with Elvis like sleek black hair, wearing an orange shirt. Undaunted, they continue…)
Male: Hello there?
Shiine: Hello there, sorry to interrupt you – however, we need to speak to you if possible.
Negi: Yes, we’re here to discuss the events that occurred a few days ago – and we just need to clarify a few things.
(The man gulps…)
Man: I had a feeling this would come about.
(Hinata steps forward, and bows, trying to come across an non-threatening…well, as non-threating as three kids who specialise in magic and ninjitsu can be…)
Hinata: Gomen nasai, but we do need to clarify things…
(The man studies them…)
Male: Young, yet detectives…very well…I guess I can let you in…I’m Haley. Haley Hoshino…let’s get this over with…
(The three head in, as mission infiltration for all three teams successful. It’s just the afters which they should be worried about…)
* * * *
(An interview with Tenchi Masaki is something that a few girls at home would love for Mr. Masaki, however to say that this isn’t the time or the place at the moment would be an understatement. However, Satoshi is quickly into it like he normally is…)
Satoshi: Mr Masaki, we need to know some things. Now, are you aware of events that happened two nights prior to today?
Tenchi: Yes…albeit briefly.
Satoshi: And I assume you know therefore why we’re here…
(Tenchi sighs)
Tenchi: Yes…so I guess you guys better fire away.
Satoshi: Right…you don’t mind if my fellow detectives have a look around?
(Tenchi seems hesitant…)
Tenchi: I guess…but be careful.
(Satoshi nods, as the three ladies begin a quick searchround. Satoshi meanwhile continues the interview…)
Satoshi: At 8pm, on Saturday 5th November, where were you?
Tenchi: Look, sorry, but to just kind of accuse…
Satoshi: I’m not, but if I say I know you were linked to Kalos, and that there are some things that may make you aware that you could be linked with this, then I need your full co-operation. So please Mr. Masaki…
(Tenchi sighs again…)
Tenchi: Yes….I guess you’ve done your homework…well, basically…I was here most of the time – but I can’t vouch for that.
Satoshi: Do you have an alibi? What about the other person who is involved with the Church?
Tenchi: Anna….well…
Satoshi: Well? Can she vouch for you?
(Tenchi pauses…)
Tenchi: No.
Satoshi: Really?
(Tenchi looks a little sad and concerned…)
Satoshi: Why Mr. Masaki?
Tenchi: Because…
(Pause…)
Tenchi: …I haven’t seen Anna since…two nights ago…
(Satoshi’s eye rise up slightly…)
Satoshi: First big clue – not only does Tenchi not have an alibi, but she confirmed that his friend doesn’t have one either…in fact, he doesn’t know where she is. Could be putting the blame…but…
Tenchi: I’m worried about Anna…I don’t know where she’s gone, and she’s never done anything like that…
(As Tenchi and Satoshi converse, as the girls are looking around the church for any clues or links to the crime…)
Kotone: I’m surprised he’s letting us like this…either he’s got nothing to hide…
Aya: …or he’s really sure that we won’t find anything.
Triela: Well…
(Indeed, the church is hard to spot anything…until Triela spots the back room.)
Triela: Back here…
(Tenchi seems to sense them going in and turns around…)
Tenchi: Wait, not back there…
Triela: Really? Why is that?
Tenchi: That’s private…I want a warr…
Triela: Hmmm…
(Triela sees a red light by the answer phone – she casually flicks it.)
Voice: …Masaki, things have changed haven’t they? Tell Anna I guess we don’t need to worry anymore…that bastard is dead now so hopefully this should sort out all these problems…
(Tenchi groans as Triela steps out. Kotone and Aya continue looking for any information, but that’s a good start.)
Tenchi: That’s…well…
Satoshi: Care you explain Mr. Masaki?
(Tenchi looks back…)
Tenchi: Listen…I know that you can figure that I could be linked here. And yes, I know I can’t prove anything…but…he’s probably the most likely person who would do it, from motive to style.
Satoshi: Who?
(Pause then…)
Tenchi: …Touji. Touji
Suzuhara.
Satoshi: Really…(calls)…Aya, you’ve got the phone?
Aya: Sure…Ran would lynch me if I didn’t have it.
Satoshi: Give Team 2 a call…if they’re speaking with Suzuhara, then they need to know that…
Aya: Roger!
(Aya calls…but…)
* * * *
(…we see the phone ringing – in Team 2’s van, where Team 2 are currently interviewing the Suzuhara’s…)
(…and the apartment isn’t something you’d expect. They are in dire situations, living on a benefits based apartment, little help and Touji effectively disabled because of his illness…yet he seems to be Tenchi’s idea of a prime suspect.)
Kurz: Listen, we’re sorry about this but…
Touji: I don’t see why this comes into it – I didn’t even know the bastard was dead…not that I’m displeased about it…
Fai: We still need to get confirmation…and the fact you said you weren’t exactly distraught about that suggests…
Touji: Come on guys! I’ve been suffering from a terminal virus in my metal limbs – I couldn’t do anything if I wanted to…
Kurz: You have an illness?
Touji: Yeah, that bastard screwed us out of the funding for the illness, but it’s not like I could run over, grab the hilt of a shotgun and blast him to bits!!!
(Inside the kitchen, Hikari is being interviewed with Ban and Mizuki, and isn’t exactly exploding with anger compared with Touji…)
Hikari: I know it sounds bad, but we didn’t even know that he was dead…
(So both of them have lied – because Team 1 know that Touji knows he’s dead…)
Hikari: …but if we’re going to be brutally honest, we’re not exactly going to be first served at his funeral.
Ban: So there isn’t any love lost between you then?
Hikari: I guess…but certainly we’re not murderers. Touji has a condition known as the Evan virus, which restricts his mobility…and…and…
(Hikari begins to cry slightly…)
Hikari: …well, unless we can get the cure within the next month, my husband won’t have long to live…
Mizuki: Seriously?
(Hikari seems a little offended, but continues…)
Hikari: Anyway…I was here…and Touji….he was outside fixing the walls…
Ban: When from?
Hikari: Around 8.25pm onwards…
Ban: And you can vouch for him?
Hikari: Yes, of course.
Ban: Fine. Now can you explain what this was with Kalos which you had problems with?
Hikari: But I just said…
Ban: I know, but I need to confirm all the bases, to make sure we get all the facts right…
Hikari: (pauses) O.K…
(Back in the living room, Touji continues with his ‘talk’ with Kurz and Fai…)
Touji: …look, listen…I hate the guy – I think admitting that makes things much better. However, I didn’t do anything…I can’t for one thing if you want to check my medical records, but for the record, I was here with Hikari the whole time two days ago.
Fai: Any proof?
Touji: My word and her word. That do?
Fai: For the moment…
Kurz: We’ve got others to check out…but we’ll probably be back.
Touji: (sarcastic) I look forward to it…
* * * *
(In the van…)
Ban: Right…who next?
Mizuki: Let’s visit this Chiriko shall we?
Kurz: GPS to Chiriko’s…where the locater?
(Suddenly, Fai spots the phone has been ringing…they start driving…)
Fai: Looks like Sato-kun has been calling…
Kurz: Mr Creepy?
(Fai redials…)
Fai: Sato-kun?
(A few moments following a few nods of the head and a couple of ‘hm-mms’. After a moment, Fai says goodbye and puts the phone down…)
Ban: So what did he say?
Fai: (still smiling) He said that Touji called Tenchi and knew that they knew each other, oh, and he knew that Kalos was killed.
(Pause…)
All but Fai: CRRRRRAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP!!!
* * * *
(Shot of Haley putting a sign into a fire…it’s in fact something from the epilogue, but the detectives don’t know about it…)
Haley: He’s gone…no need for this now…
(He turns, and sees three cute kids – but they could be his worst enemy….)
Shiine: Excuse me, what was that about?
Haley: Well…basically it was a problem that kept us from doing business. Things have changed since a few days ago so…
Shiine: Like?
Haley: Well…
Negi: Hoshino-san, we’d like to ask you if this anything to do with the passing away of Kalos, the owner of Kaleido Stage, two days ago?
Haley: Hey, wait…
Hinata: Forgive us, but we need to establish everything…so…
(Haley gives up…)
Haley: Yes…we only just managed to return back to work, because Kalos had put a lease on us…but that was all wrong anyway…so now…
Shiine: …because…
(Haley sighs)
Haley: …because he’s gone, we can resume business. And I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong. But…when Kalos died, a lot of problems ended…
Negi: So you know he died…
Haley: (pausing) News travels fast…
Hinata: We want to know a few things if that’s O.K…mainly, is there anyone around here you’ve been helping with?
Haley: W-why do you ask?
Negi: Let’s just say we’ve done some investigating and we know that you’ve been involved with the Church…
(Haley puts his head down)
Haley: Fine – yeah, we’ve done some work together. But certainly nothing streneous…well…I changed my name thanks to them when we got married…rather than…
Shiine: Really?
Haley: Yes, I was Haley Mabiki – but out of respect for my wife, I changed my name rather than…
Negi: Is that possible in America?
Haley: Not really…that’s why the church have had problems with people…like Kalos…and because we were part of their patronage…
Negi: I see…
Hinata: Where is Mrs Hoshino then?
(Haley gulps)
Haley: Just…well…I’m worried…she’s asleep.
Shiine: Asleep?
Haley: She got in last night about 5am…she’s been doing that for the last few nights working…I’m worried about her…
Hinata: For…the last few nights?
* * * *
(We stop there and cut back to Team 1, who have got a new lead…)
Satoshi: O.K, we’re heading to the track field, but why would Tenchi suggest there?
Triela: To get rid of us?
Satoshi: I thought that, but…
Aya: …he said that if Anna is anywhere, it’s most likely there…or at least a friend of hers is.
Kotone: So, that’s what we’re doing now…
Satoshi: I’m afraid so. It means we’ve got to follow up on this new lead…
(A quick drive over…but ironically, the person they are following up on is almost as fast as the vehicle…)
* * * *
(The four exist the van as the sun brightly obscures most of the views…but let’s just say if Kurz would say there would be only one view he was interested in…)
(….stands there, in a rather skimpy (and for the detectives who may have seen it back in training, would have been familiar if Ichino hadn’t decked the author) athletic outfit, is another suspect, Cosmo Beauty Akari Kanzaki.)
(Akari begins to run…)
Kotone: She’s…fast. Faster than Aoi-chan…
Aya: …she’s faster than Ran – that’s saying something…
Triela: Hmmm…I could take her…
(They all look at Triela who chuckles)
Triela: …not.
(Satoshi looks on with a twinge of admiration but he’s forced to interrupt this speed abruptly…)
Satoshi: Excuse me?
(Akari stops, a little out of breath, but turns to see Satoshi and the girls moving towards her. Akari seems a little confused, fortunately, that’s normal for Akari-chan.)
Akari: Hello there?
Satoshi: Hello, are you by chance Miss Kanzaki?
Akari: Hai…I’m Akari Kanzaki, and you guys?
Satoshi: Forgive me Miss Kanzaki…(shows ID)…we’re detectives hired for a recent event here…
Akari: Ah yes…I hope everyone’s alright…it was brutal…
Satoshi: Indeed, however, we believe you had some involvement with the victim and we need to establish some things if its O.K…
(Akari pauses, obviously not fully expecting this…but relents.)
Akari: O.K, let’s sit over there guys and we’ll talk…
(The four join Akari over there, as they establish another suspect…)
* * * *
(Even in Los Angeles, we have the traditional eloquence of Japanese culture (otherwise we wouldn’t have a plot at times) as a dojo/shrine of the youngest of the Suzaku Seven emerges. Now who would suspect the young sweetie-pie who was everyone’s favourite character of Animole even if they never seen Fushigi Yuugi?)
(However, he’s grown up. Now 18 years of age, Ou Doukon, or as he is better known as, Chiriko…who not so legally changed his name to Chiriko Sasaki, he’s learned the martial arts from Tamahome, the literary arts from his now deported wife, and the scholarly arts…well…from himself. Making him more dangerous than he would appear…)
(…however, considering his reaction to the detectives, and indeed, their reaction to his place, it doesn’t seem to matter…)
Fai: Well, this is a nice place…more close to home…(thinks for a moment)…well, maybe not my home, which is a good thing…
Kurz: Don’t normally see things like this in America…
(Chiriko steps out…)
Chiriko: Welcome the young lady and the gentlemen…
Mizuki: Hello there!
Ban: Hey there – are you Mr…Chiriko?
(Chiriko chuckles)
Chiriko: Yes, Mr Sasaki…but Chiriko is fine.
Kurz: Do you mind if we have a talk? We’re detectives you see and need to discuss something that happened a few nights ago…
(Chiriko’s bright deamenour sours slightly…but he’s still got a smile. Despite growing up to about 5 foot 7, he’s still got a face which defines cute. Mizuki is trying hard not to fall for him…^_^)
Chiriko: O.K…I almost expected it, the stars told me…and I fully understand. Come in…
(The detectives don’t need any further instruction, as they join the latest bishounen from FY…)
* * * *
(…and enjoy a tea ceremony, which seems to be something else Chiriko has picked up from his wife…)
Ban: (quietly) My knees are killing me…
Kurz: (quietly) This is not American practision…
Mizuki: (quietly) …I don’t know what that means but it’s painful…
Ban: (quietly) …and if so…(not so quietly)…HOW COME DART-BOY OVER THERE IS THE ONLY ONE NOT HURTING?
(Fai is all smiles)
Fai: My my, you should be enjoying the basic arts of tea ceremony, native Japanese Ban-pyon…
(Cue the vein…but before Kuroga…I mean Ban can use Fai has a human pincushion, Chiriko returns with 5 small lots of green tea.)
Mizuki: At least with this person we get a warm welcome.
Chiriko: I’m sorry about that, but I think we need to enjoy this, because I fear what you won’t say will be pleasant…
Ban: Indeed. Are you aware of the events of two nights ago?
(Chiriko takes a long sip of his tea before answering…)
Chiriko: If you are referring to the death of Kaleido Stage owner, Kalos, then yes, I am well aware of that.
Ban: Very well. Now, we have witnesses at the scene of the crime who believe that for some reason or another, you could hold a grudge against Kalos.
Kurz: In short, this puts you under our inquiries, so with your permission, we’d like to ask you some questions and get your thoughts please.
(Chiriko takes another drink, before speaking again…)
Chiriko: To be blunt, he was the main reason why my wife left me. It was quite well known…that my wife was accused of bigamy.
Mizuki: Bigamy?
Chiriko: I…don’t come from here…as in this country…or this world for that matter…
Fai: I can understand where you’re coming from.
Chiriko: And Kalos, well, he sees things from more a view than I do…and the organisation that was involved that helped to be wed got in trouble, and they got the names of various people involved…all because of him.
Ban: So he wasn’t exactly high on popularity?
Chiriko: You could say that.
Ban: So Chiriko, can I confirm where you were around 8pm of two nights ago?
(Chiriko finish off his tea before answering)
Chiriko: I was conducting a farewell ceremony with a few of my friends – they were moving back to China that night and I wanted to wish them well.
Ban: They moved to China?
Kurz: Anyway we can contact them to confirm it?
Chiriko: I haven’t received confirmation details from them yet, but I hope so. I know this is tough, and yes, I also realise that you may think I could have possibly done this…but…
(Chiriko sighs)
Chiriko: …after Rika left…my wife’s name…I could have done anything…even committed physical violence…but time…has numbed the pain. I wouldn’t harm another human being…even if I wanted to…and was trained to.
Ban: We need to see if these friends of yours can clarify your alibi – can you give me their names please?
Chiriko: Mu Xu, Mei Ling and Genro Tasuki. If I can find details for them to contact you I’ll contact you first.
(The guys do so, unaware that there is a vital clue under their noses…)
Ban: I think that will do. We’ve got one more place to go to…
Mizuki: Bye bye!
(They leave as Chiriko waves goodbye to them…underneath his arms however was a call sheet, confirming when he was out…and 2 nights ago on the 5th November, there is no marking under 8pm…which means if his story is true, there should be a marking there…)
(…and speaking of more revelations…)
* * * *
(…back with Haley, Team 3, Haley gives the three youngsters permission to search around.)
Haley: It’s O.K…nothing to find here…
Negi: That;s O.K, we don’t expect anything. Shiine-chan, shall we look over here, and Hinata-san, you want to try over there?
Hinata/Shiine: Right!
Negi: Hoshino-san, can you tell me where you was then on 8pm from the 5th November?
Haley: (nods) I was here mostly…I was working out how to combat Kalos’ countersue with us, he was saying we as an adoption agency, shouldn’t go with blasphemous ideologies in the way we deal with things. But it wasn’t like that as all…
(The two boys separate from the young lady, but Negi gives a wry nod as they separate. As soon as she’s out of sight, Hinata turns around and…)
Hinata: BYAKUGAN!
(Naruto a la natural – we see the trademark Hyuuga technique (for those unfamiliar, a technique that all the Hyuugas use which puts veins in their eyes and allows them to see in a 360 angle and up to several feet, metres, kilometres, miles even. It’s also able to see the tenkensu (mark spots on a persons body which chakra (the Naruto equivilent to ki) of people, making the Hyuugas the last people you want to play at hide and seek.)
(However, it’s being used for an effective purpose here…)
Negi: Nothing around here…
Shiine: I guess have we got everything…
Haley: I’m sorry – I don’t really want to disturb Ruri…
Hinata: What’s that?
(Suddenly Haley freezes. Hinata is pointing to what appears to be an altar. However it does have a large crack on the side, a bit unusual…however, it seems Haley is having a heart attack…)
Haley: Oh, nothing there…
Hinata: Negi-kun, Shiine-chan, check the crack there…
(Haley tries to stop them, but Negi turns around to stop him. Despite Haley being 9 years older and at least a foot taller, he’s nervous about taking on Negi…Shiine quickly manages to get to the crack, and opens it…)
(…which reveals a cellar steps.)
Shiine: Yosha! It’s a bit dark…
Hinata: Hold on…
(Hinata steps over as the two boys investigate – Haley seems wanting to stop them, but as soon as Hinata joins them, she takes the lead into the dark, her Byakugan still active. She grabs the hands of the two boys who have turned the other way keeping an eye on Haley.)
(It’s not long before truth is unveiled…)
* * * *
Negi: I know that Evangeline-san likes that Serial Experimental Lain show but I believe this seems like a real tribute…
(We’ll leave Eva-chan’s anime favourites for the time being, because it is something down there that Miss Iwakara would be proud of. A large computer system, with detaching black wires surrounding, an almost ethereal energy surrounding it.)
Negi: It’s like a mothership!
Shiine: What’s on it?
Negi: Me.
(Negi (the only one of the three with any real experience with computers) looks on, as the World-esque system is showing – it seems there’s a lot of information, but of course, they can’t break the password…but they don’t need it.)
(The CD-Roms marked TRACK: TAMAHOME, TRACK: KENSUKE, TRACK: TENCHI…should be enough, especially, with one key one staring at them in the face like an Eric Stuart mole clue…)
(TRACK: KALOS)
Haley: Stop!
(Shiine turns)
Shiine: Tell us what this is about Mr. Hoshino.
(Haley gulps, but again, despite the obvious age and height difference, they are still giving an intimidating aura. He relents.)
Haley: Information…we have the ability to track people if we need to – people that maybe linked with our causes…
Shiine: These people may be linked with the case.
Negi: Hoshino-san, can we borrow these – this could be very useful in helping and establishing people in the case…
Haley: I can’t…Ruri will…
Hinata: Hoshino-san, please…
(Haley realises he can’t win. He relents…again…)
Haley: O.K.
Shiine: Yosha!
(Shiine begins collecting them as Negi begins interrogating…)
Haley: Ruri is upstairs…she is asleep as far as I’m aware…
Negi: Hinata?
(Hinata nods and begins to head out, presumingly to head upstairs…but as she does…)
????: Who are you?
(The ninja turns as she comes face to face with a light haired blue haired girl, her once trademark ponytails now down and long. Growing up in a few years, the once cute kid from the battleship Nadesico has now becoming a beautiful young woman – a beautiful electronic fairy as she was called before – and is the wife of Haley.)
(Ladies and gentlemen, Ruri Hoshino.)
Ruri: Let me guess.
Negi: Sorry…Miss Hoshino, I assume?
Ruri: Yes. I assume you are involved with this Kalos case.
Negi: Yes madam..I’m afraid we’ve had to ask for some information on this, and if it’s allright to talk to you…
(Ruri looks at Haley…)
Ruri: They found that…
Haley: Forgive me…
(Ruri nods)
Ruri: Sorry…but not today…
(The three detectives emerge out…as Ruri steps forward…)
Ruri: I applaud you for finding some information out, however, it won’t make a difference. So for tonight, please leave us alone…
(Suddenly, Ruri’s eyes glow. Her hands emit strange light from them…)
Hinata: What’s…that…
(Before they have time to figure that out…)
Ruri: Idiots.
(…the three are surrounding in blue light, almost like a shield…in fact, it’s more appropriate to say they are…)
Shiine: Trapped!
Negi: It’s like a bubble – she’s using mechanical energy somehow…
(The imprints on Ruri’s hands glow as she head over, her eyes penetrating a scared stiff Haley.)
Negi: Not good…Hinata-san? Can you break through?
Hinata: I-I’ll try!
(Hinata powers up her Jyuken (Gentle Fist) whilst Negi encants…)
Negi: Rastel…magistal…
Hinata: KYAH!
(Hyuuga powered taijitsu vs. Hoshino based energy…)
(…shot of Hinata flying back to be caught by Shiine…)
(…Hoshino wins.)
Negi: 16 AERIAL ARROWS!
(Now take 2, with Negi’s magic…)
(…which smashes against the bubble, but no damage. Shiine-chan is up next…)
Shiine: MAGIC BULLET!
(A glow emits from Shiine-chan’s fingers, and blasts against the wall…which just emits a smoke effect in the end.)
Shiine: She’s heading in! Something stronger guys!
Negi: RASTEL MAGI…
Hinata: SHUKKOHAKKE…
Shiine: WOLF…
(Too late. The Hoshinos have locked themselves in the agency tighter than a drum. As soon as they do, the shield evaporates, making three kids in some attempts of an attack…look very stupid…)
Shiine: How undignified…
Negi: We need to get back in…
Shiine: Negi…I think we can’t do it without getting arrested ourselves…
Hinata: That girl…is strong…she controls energies which I can’t comprehend…
Negi: Well…I hate giving up…
Shiine: What’s that old saying? He who fights…
Negi: (finishing in English) …and runs away, lives to fight another day. Still means we couldn’t get close to Ruri.
Hinata: I don’t think it’s a bad day though Negi-kun…
Shiine: She’s right – we got the evidence from Haley, we know Ruri wasn’t at the time of the murder, an unclear alibi for Haley, plus we have these…
(Shiine shows the tracking discs that the Hoshinos were using to track some of the suspects…)
Shiine: I think this evidence will suffice for the moment.
(Negi, looking a little disappointed a first, perks up. His cheeky boy smile returns…)
Negi: I guess another phrase is handy here…
Hinata: What’s that?
Negi: Tommorrow is another day.
(Negi smiles and put his hands on top of Shiine’s and Hinata’s…)
Negi: Let’s go show the adults what we were capable of…
(Hinata blushes with a smile as Shiine nods. The three head back to the van, in a decent days work for a 13 year old ninja, a 12 year old warlock and a 10 year old magician/teacher…)
Hinata: Negi-kun seems a little disappointed, but Shiine-chan knew the right words to say…I couldn’t do that. I think as a team, we have real strengths and weaknesses…but none concern our age. We managed to even everything out in that, and despite failing to get to speak to Ruri, that wasn’t our fault.
Shiine: I think Negi may be a bit of a perfectionist…even I am in a
way, and I like to compete. However, overall, we came away with the goods, and
I hope Miyabi-san realises how strong we are.
Negi: I was hoping to get everything we could – my teammates…no…my
friends…we worked together without saying anything – it was just chemistry. A
twinge of failure I felt after failing to break Ruri’s…’attack’…but it was
quickly doused.
(The three brats (Ban’s term) or three lovely kids even if one is a bit perverted (surprisingly not Negi…^_^) as I’d prefer to call them, they head back, as speaking of Ban-chan…)
* * * *
(…patience is something he hasn’t acquired over the years as a Getbacker…)
Ban: …we’ve been waiting almost an hour!
Kurz: She’s a chef Ban…we need to wait until she has a moment…
(Kurz peers over the counter…)
Kurz: …not that I mind waiting and keeping an eye on her for a few moments longer…
(A small spatula imbeds itself on the counter, catching the American off guard…)
????: Did someone talk about me? Most people sneeze…me…a spatula hurls towards the person with extreme justice…
Kurz: No ma’am!
????: That’s good sugar…as in…good for your own good…
(Yep, since my early days of anime, a few good ole girls
from Osaka have added to my favourites list, like Ichino Yanagida, Hikaru
Yoshimoto and a girl named Ayumu Kasuga…who you ask? Try the name of the place
which is three line above and you may know…but the first one I fell in love
with was an okonomiyaki chef from the classic anime Ranma ½, our next suspect, okonomiyaki ninja herself, Ukyo Kuonji.)
(We’ll get back to them because they may be waiting a while, let’s check in how Satoshi and company are watching with Akari-chan…)
* * * *
Akari: Yeah, Tenchi is right. I’m a friend of his…um…employer…
(Triela nods the slower tone saying that, shrugs and continues….)
Triela: So, this Anna…she’s a friend of yours then?
Akari: Yes…I feel maybe he can find her…but….sadly, I haven’t seen her since the day of the murder.
Aya: You saw her?
(It seems each of the cast are asking her questions at a time…)
Akari: (nods) There was a few meetings gone on the day of the murder, and I was also inquiring about Kalos. Anna-chan is a precious friend to me, and her church was funded and set up by another very good friend of mine, Kris Kristopher.
Kotone: So what did you do…after seeing her…and at this meeting…
Akari: I…well…let’s just say I saw somethings…
Satoshi: Things?
Akari: Well…a couple of months ago, I was given word of Anna-chan’s problems by another friend of mine who lives in New York, Jessie Gurtland. I wasn’t happy with Kalos…that’s for sure.
Triela: Are you protective of your friends Miss Kanzaki?
Akari: I am…but I can tell what you’re thinking. And yes…I will admit this. I was heading to Kaleido Stage around that time…
Aya: (shocked) Seriously?
Kotone: Why did you tell us? You know that could insinuate….
Akari: (nods) I know. Which is why I’m also telling you this…I was calling Tamahome…thinking he might have a word with Kalos…
Satoshi: Tamahome? He’s someone we’ve been wanted to have a word about…
Akari: Yes, he’s got some grudges against Kalos as well…I think he was hoping a bounty would be put up on him…I tried to get to call him, but his phone was turned off…so I stepped to see if I would have a word with Kalos…
(…dramatic pause…)
Akari: …but I didn’t. I stopped, turned around…and worked my frustration on the field.
Triela: Worked?
(Akari nods)
Akari: I basically was running most of the night on here, basically until I could collapse…
Aya: Anyone verify that?
(Akari shakes her head)
Akari: No…but if you want an alibi, check that out.
(She points skyward, where on the track and field stadium, we can see a skyloft, and there…)
Akari: There are cameras directed at this field – I can guarantee if you can talk to the organisers they’ll give you a tape of me being there at the time of the you know what…
Satoshi: You confident?
Akari: Yes.
Satoshi: Why?
Akari: They carried me back after I collapsed…
(Almost a sweatdrop, (but to be honest, only Aya probably would have) the four nod as they head up to ask about CCTV footage…)
* * * *
Miyabi: Welcome back…
(Team 3 are the first to return, and only about 15 minutes behind, Team 1 are also behind…with some goodies.)
Triela: Santa Claus is here…
Miyabi: So what have we got here?
Satoshi: Plenty of information, and the possibility of a cleared suspect. We need to look at the tape…
(Aya notices their bags aren’t the only ones there…)
Aya: Who else is back?
Miyabi: Hinata-san, Negi-san and Shiine…(stops herself)…chan…
(Someone sneezes in the background…)
Negi: (faintly) Have a cold there Shiine-chan?
Shiine: Not really…maybe that Ruri’s coldness got to me…
Triela: Ah, Team kawaii returned…
Aya: (mock pouts) And we’re not cute enough for you Triela?
Triela: Of course you guys are! Just cute as in my age rather than beautiful like you three are…
Aya: (a small blush) Sayo says that a lot…actually you two are similar ages…
Kotone: (blushing) T-Thank you Triela-san.
Triela: Knock the ‘san’ off girl, Triela is fine.
Satoshi: So how did they do?
Miyabi: I’ll let you know in a few seconds…
(Satoshi is the first to realise that Miyabi is looking through something on a PC. It’s a series of roads, and seems to be some sort of beep with a marker…)
Aya: What’s that?
Miyabi: Those guys managed to get some CD Roms where the Hoshinos were tracking a few people. Suspects…and victim.
Kotone: Really?
Satoshi: (impressed voice) Really. So this is…
Miyabi: Yep, Kalos.
(The marker is of course no longer there, however, there are various saved files of the past few weeks, with the key one being two days ago, aka, the day of the murder…there seems to be several road paths which have been marked suggesting how to get to Kaleido Stage.)
Miyabi: It seems they were keeping a look out on some of the suspects – interesting, I’ve looked at Tenchi and Tamahome already, and it seems Tamahome was a frequent visitor of Kaleido Stage.
Aya: The day of the murder?
????: Sadly no Aya-san…
(Negi comes out, in regular kid clothes. At this point, he’d be in his school suit, but now…)
Aya/Kotone/Triela: KAWAIIII!!!
(Cue the shotacon…)
(Negi, fearing his usual glomping, gets back…but that’s never stopped Triela. ^_^)
Triela: I need to get you back home with me…tell you what, if I go for a killer’s game, I’m kidnapping you!
Negi: T-r-I-e-l-a sannnnnn…
(Shiine laughs…but then he realises he’s embarrassed…not used to ‘normal’ clothes – in fact all he brought apart from the detectives suits – was his warlock robes. As they aren’t really practical for a mansion with 12 people in Los Angeles, Negi has lent him a plain T-Shirt and khaki shorts…in short, he’s embarrassed…)
Triela: Or shall I kidnap you instead?
Shiine: Triela-san…no…
Satoshi: I think the serious part of this just ended.
(The final member of the trio, Hinata, seems to have escaped the jury of clothing…or has she? Still decked in that grey jacket of hers, it’s a big no-no for one of the group…)
Triela: Nope, the ninja look doesn’t work here…then again, considering I wear mostly suits I don’t have a right to say that…
Hinata: S-sorry…
Aya: (smiles) Maybe some of Ran’s tips will come in handy for makeovers…
(Now Hinata is REALLY afraid…trust me, she should be…anyway, Inside HQ has more of this, let’s get back to a bit of work…)
Miyabi: …so this Tamahome seems to go into a different area of the stage rather than the place where Kalos is and was…and when he was murdered.
Negi: Yes…interestingly, Ruri’s navigations seem to only effect Kalos on the day of the murder – there are no reports for any of the other suspects.
Shiine: And Tenchi in particular, this tracker with him seems to involve endless walking. The Stage yes, but through the church, the adoption agency, the chef’s boulevard, the airport…
Satoshi: To sum it up, he’s hard to stop.
Hinata: Well…we’re not sure how it links to the case…but there must be a reason…
Satoshi: Yes, shame it was on file – could have been handy if we investigated Tenchi now.
Kotone: Now we have to wait for Mizuki and the others…
* * * *
6.00PM
(Finally, Ucchan’s closes. It’s been a hard few hours for Ban and company – despite the fact that the okonomiyaki is damn good (Ban, who starves for a living, is very appreciative) – but now they get to interview Ukyo.)
Ukyo: O.K darlings, what’s wrong?
Fai: Miss Ukyo…we need to speak with you about a few matters…
Ukyo: You’re a detective sugar?
Ban: (shows his ID) Yep, we all are. And we want to ask a few things – as you may or may not know – a certain high ranking individual was killed a few days ago.
Ukyo: Yeah yeah, don’t grease the wheels sugar – I know what you’re talking about…that bastard Kalos right?
(Her brashness catches them off guard – even the very brash Ban and Kurz)
Mizuki: Y-yeah, that’s the one.
Fai: On a slight hunch, I take it there is no love lost between you two?
Ukyo: There’s about as much love between me and him than there is between myself and a certain Chinese bitch back home…
Mizuki: Let’s not get into personal matters please…
Ukyo: Sorry sugar, but to be honest, I’m glad. It’s the wrong thing to say, and it could give you the wrong idea – but he was making myself, and my two friends, Hikari-chan and Shinobu-chan…a living hell.
Ban: Hikari? Would that be Hikari Horaki?
Ukyo: That’s the bishoujo.
Kurz: Agreed…
(Ban elbows Kurz and continues…)
Ban: Well then Miss Kuonji – I need to establish a few facts. Can you determine where you was on the night of November 5th, at 8pm – and can anybody verify that?
(Ukyo pauses and smiles…)
Ukyo: I was closing the night.
Kurz: But you close at 6…
Ukyo: Special occasion…because SOME PEOPLE made me.
(That nearly puts them in their place…but you’re talking to Ban Mido here…)
Ban: Can anyone confirm that?
Ukyo: I work alone sugar – do you see anyone else here? No…I can’t.
(Ban is about to say something else, but another young lady makes her entrance…and Kurz’s eyes grow wide…)
Kurz: Sweet!
(Take one 14 year old blunette and a very popular one…age her 5 years…got that? Now for those of you who have read the manga, picture the old Naru/Keitaro gag in Volume 1 and then do it for the last volume…where a new girl enjoy a bath, and a beautiful girl enters to her shock…)
(…because that girl in said manga, and now appearing in this fanfic, is the now 19 year old Shinobu Maehara (LOVE HINA). Tokyo U student on a year sabbatical to make some money, she’s had a few problems to say the least. It’s up to the detectives to somehow find these troubles out.)
Shinobu: Ucchan, can you…
(She stops, after seeing the rather dull atmosphere and 4 unknowns surrounding the chef. Despite aging beautifully, she’s still shy, so she bows…)
Shinobu: S-sorry! I didn’t realise you had company…
(Shinobu heads out)
Ukyo: Shinobu-chan wait!
Ban: Shinobu? Would that be Shinobu Maehara?
Ukyo: Yes hun…why?
Ban: Mizuki, come with me. Fai, you and Kurz continue…
Kurz: Eh, why me? I wanna…
(Ban’s eyes glare through Kurz, who gulps.)
Fai: My, my…Banpan scary…
(Ban and Mizuki chase after Shinobu, as Ukyo seems appalled…)
Ukyo: You honestly don’t think she could have done this right? She’s the sweetest person alive!
Fai: Indeed…but if you met our Negi-kun or Hinata-chan, you’d say the same thing…and they can hurt you in mysterious and painful ways…right Kurz-kun?
Kurz: I didn’t realise she was in the shower!!! Geez…
(For more info on Kurz’ failed infiltration mission, read Inside HQ. For now, we see Ban and Mizuki managing to catch up with Shinobu…)
Shinobu: S-sorry…I didn’t realise that you were detectives…
Ban: Well, we are, and sorry to interrupt you Miss Maehara, but we need to ask you a few questions.
Shinobu: W-why?
Mizuki: We have reason to believe that you may have wanted to cause harm to Kalos, so we need to confirm a few things…
(Shinobu looks ready to cry…)
Shinobu: Why would I do such a thing?
Ban: Miss Maheara…please…all we want to know is one thing – can you confirm to us where you were around 8 o’clock on Saturday Night, 5th November, two nights ago?
(Shinobu stops and calms down slightly…trying to think…)
Shinobu: Yes…I know where I was. I was heading down after work, and heading towards the airport – I was ready to get a call from international relations…from…
Mizuki: From?
(Shinobu’s eyes water, she wipes them down…)
Shinobu: …from Naru and Keitaro Urashima…
Ban: Who are they?
(Shinobu pauses…)
Shinobu: Friends…well…been trying to get things patched up…they were upset when I changed my name at the church…
(That makes their ears prick up…)
Ban: Like Kuonji in there?
(Shinobu nods…)
Shinobu: We’re similar in a way…we have a friend we are in love with, but he’s married to another friend of ours…so we use this to make ourselves a little happier, as silly as it sounds. However, Kalos reported this ‘blasphemy’ to our loved ones. And our relationships dwindled…
(Shinobu begins crying again…)
Shinobu: I love Naru-sempai, and Urashima-sempai…and I know that to him, I’ll be his little sister, his ‘number two girl’ as Kanako-san said to me once, but…it just…
(Shinobu breaks down and runs away)
Ban: Wait?
Mizuki: Let her go Ban…I think she’s had enough.
(Ban seems disappointed, and worse when Fai and Kurz head towards them…)
Kurz: Not much back there I feel…expect…
Ban: What?
Fai: Kurz-kun saw a lot of weapons in the back, all with edges, but there was one that was really out of place…
Ban: Hmmm?
(Fai describes the object…)
Fai: …a blade in the shape of a diamond with a hilt, unsure what it is…
Ban: Hmmm…why was it out of place?
Kurz: Because the rest of everything in the kitchen was cooking equipment, a few razor sharp spatulas, but nothing that would show the damage that killed Kalos. But this blade, or whatever it is…
* * * *
(Back at HQ, they find out what it is from an expert…)
Kurz: So…it’s called a kunai?
(Hinata nods after describing the items to the other teams.)
Hinata: It’s a weapon common in ninjitsu – if it was fairly big, I could assume that it could cause the damage done to kill Kalos…
Ban: So…a slight idea of the murder weapon then…and another suspect in this Maehara girl…
Kurz: She said she was heading to the airport on a collect call from international relations right? Well, we should look into that…if it’s true, then we’ve got another suspect cleared right…
Satoshi: Indeed. We’ve got one.
(A quick flashback to see Team 1 in action at HQ…)
* * * *
(We can clearly see Akari running around at 15 minute intervals between 7.30pm and 11.00pm – all caught by Satoshi and Triela watching it with Miyabi.)
Satoshi: 1 down, 15 to go.
* * * *
(And that’s not all…)
* * * *
Negi: Miyabi-san!
(Miyabi locks her workstation as she sees Negi calling her over – it’s actually a return from some evidence that Team 1 collected on their first day of inquiries…)
Miyabi: What is it Negi?
Negi: This note from forensics…
(It has a number of things returned after clearing up the mess on the first day. However, there is a note on front of the bag…)
NOTE: FINGERPRINTS ON
BROKEN GLASS FROM OUTSIDE – TWO FIGURES – ONE IS THE VICTIM, THE OTHERS BELONG
TO…TOUJI SUZUHARA.
Miyabi: Well I’ll be…
* * * *
Miyabi: You think you guys did well then?
(Shot of Miyabi in the team meeting with the group, the last one before two of them will be heading off into the great unknown, THE KILLERS GAME. And one of them won’t be back…)
Satoshi: I think we established enough early motives for the moment – the fact that the church duo can’t confirm where they are…in fact, one of them is missing at the moment.
Aya: We’ve also managed to clear one suspect without too much difficulty in Akari Kanzaki.
Ban: We think that another suspect could be cleared in Shinobu Maehara, and found possible motives in the Suzuharas, Chiriko and Ukyo, with a possible murder weapon at Ukyo’s place…
Negi: …and we’ve found out that Ruri and Haley were watching certain people involved with the case from a tracking system – and their own possible motives as well.
(Indeed, to conclude Day 2’s proceedings, let’s confirm what they all found out…)
DAY 2 CONCLUSION
Miyabi looks at the
information collected and is rather impressed. Key points from 2 days…
·
Forensics came
back with the glass found on the day of the murder – fingerprints found belong
to two people…Kalos…and a suspect, Touji Suzuhara. Big especially considering
what Team 1 found.
·
Touji and Hikari
both lied about not knowing that Kalos was dead. This puts these two as the
main suspects, Touji more so.
·
Anna, a prime
suspect as well, is missing. They know
Touji was somehow in cahoots with Tenchi as well.
·
A bit of
information about Shinobu and Ukyo and Chiriko, but after further information,
they realise more about Chiriko lying.
·
Ruri has been
tracking various people on her system – one of them being Kalos after looking
through the CD-Rom, interesting, also she’s tracking was Tenchi, Kensuke and
Tamahome – all suspects. However, with Kalos, it looks like she was discovering
different routes around the area…
·
They found out
why Haley was having problems with Kalos, giving the Hoshino’s motive.
(However, this is what the detectives didn’t know…)
* * * *
A QUICK SHOT OF WHEN TEAM 2 RETURNED FROM THEIR INQUIRIES – A SHOT OF MIYABI ON THE PC
Miyabi: What’s this?
(An e-mail from Yukino to Miyabi *TO MIYABI’S EYES ONLY* - COME TO THE INTERROGATION ROOM.)
(Miyabi complies and we see Yukino enter…)
Yukino: Miyabi, here is a chance for you to make a decision of who could be playing the killer’s game. Every team leader has to nominate one person at 8pm today – to help you out though…
(In front of Yukino are three televisions…)
Yukino: …you can watch elements of what all the teams were doing today – who you can see is strong, weak, bright, happy, sad, lonely…or whatever reasons you could have for eliminating someone. As you’re the first you are aware this will happen, which gives you an advantage for the moment…but I advise you use this as best you can go.
(Miyabi seems a little surprised, but nods.)
Yukino: You have 1 hour – this room will be locked and I’ll call the others to confirm where you are. So be ready…
(Yukino calls…)
* * * *
Miyabi: …so it seems every time, the TL has to file a report with the lead investigator before we go into playing the killer’s game. It’s tough to say the least.
Kurz: That’s right…we’ve got that tonight…
Ban: And we have to vote for someone already?
Shiine: I’m afraid so…
Ban: Crap…
Ban: Playing detective, being home with good food, some beer, and some rare intelligent conversation, and suddenly, we remember after 2 days, someone has to go…that just sucks no matter what…
Kotone: The fear of being the first to go is paramount…if people know
what we’ve been doing or not, impressions are usually the most effective thing
in deciding these games…and I’m worried…
* * * *
8.00pm – KILLER’S
GAME DECISION
(It’s time. Yukino will come down in a few moments to explain the rules, and what will happen – but you can see a few nervous faces in the audience – and not just from the usual suspects either – Triela, Kurz and even Fai look a little nervous…)
(When Yukino comes down, it’s like she has them under a paralyzing glare. She smiles as she notices their looks of apprehension.)
Yukino: Heh…heh…what’s wrong? You look scared to death…
Kurz: Nee-san is mean…
Yukino: That’s who I am, and live with it. O.K guys, we know what this is about. Tonight, two people will be sent out to two locations – both delivered in a rather interesting way by the murderer of Kalos. Either at the KALEIDO STAR CARE CENTER or THE KID’S STAGE will the killer show up and eliminate one of you – the other place will have a clue which will give a small help to discovering the identity of the killer…)
(Yukino looks at them quickly and quietly.)
Yukino: The first person will be chosen in a group vote. Everyone bar Miyabi will vote for one of the 11 people in front of me on who they would like to send out to play the killer’s game and why.
(Yukino pauses and turns over to the Team Leader, Miyabi Kagurazaki.)
Yukino: The second person will be chosen by the Team Leader, in this case Miyabi, again, any person, for any reason.
(Yukino turns once again to the 11, now more nervous than ever, detectives…)
Yukino: However…there is a catch in the group vote.
(Yukino notices their looks of confusion and grins)
Yukino: Throughout the last 2 days, I’ve been observing each one of you and how well you’ve done. I have given you each a rating out of 10 for ability, attitude, skill and intelligence in your situations. Now, here’s the thing.
(Dramatic pause…)
Yukino: Whichever team who scores best in their average score will be exempt from the group vote, meaning they can’t be voted for.
(A few gulp, some breath out…)
Yukino: HOWEVER, the Team Leader can still vote for anybody, so it’s not a safety net to use a Kaleido term. So, let’s see how everyone did.
(A projector screen comes up and each detective (within their teams comes up) and next to them, a rating out of 10 will pop up.)
Yukino: Team 1: Satoshi, Triela, Aya and Kotone. Overall, it was a good day for you guys, finding out plenty of information, managing to get a key clue at the murder site (the note about the Hoshinos) – then finding out the lack of alibi of Tenchi and that a suspect is missing, and also clearing a suspect. Overall, very good – but how about individually?
Satoshi – 10 : A
LEADER OF QUALITY – HE TOOK CONTROL WELL BUT DIDN’T GET IN THE WAY OF OTHER
PEOPLE WITH THEIR OWN SAY. EXCELLENT.
Aya: 8: VERY
WORKAHOLIC – KNEW WHAT TO DO MANY TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO ASK AND ANSWER
QUESTIONS WHEN NECESSARY.
Triela: 7: NOTHING
OUTSTANDING – BUT WORKED WELL WITH THE TEAM AND HER SKILLS ARE READY TO BE
USED, JUST NOT AS MUCH AS MAYBE SHE WOULD HAVE LIKED THIS TIME ROUND.
Kotone: 6: STAYED TO
THE BACK AS HER TEAMMATES TOOK CONTROL. HER CONFIDENCE INCREASED THOUGH, AND IF
SHE KEEPS IT UP HER RATING WILL AS WELL.
OVERALL: 31 (AVERAGE
SCORE) – 7.75
(Team 1 look please, though Triela looks a bit disappointed, perhaps more so than Kotone.)
Yukino: 7.75 to beat for the other teams. So how did Team 2 do?
(Another pause)
Yukino: You got the information well on the first day, finding the answers out, though with one of them, they managed to get away – kinda hard to stop her, but never mind. Today guys, you seemed a bit more impatient and didn’t try hard enough to learn more, particularly with Ukyo and Shinobu. Plus…when interviewing Chiriko, there was a piece of evidence you missed…
(Yukino clicks a button at a point during the tea ceremony, circled is the sheet that the guys missed – enlarged, it shows that during 8pm on November 5th, Chiriko didn’t mark down that he was working then – innocent mistake…or proof he was lying about working then?)
Yukino: Chiriko told you guys that the time of the murder he was working right? Well, oddly, it shows that on his sign in/out sheet, it’s blank when the murder occurred. So…he could have lied. Clear as daylight, and you missed it…
(A real pause as Team 2 are silent…they can’t really say much to be honest)
Yukino: A bit disappointing guys – let’s see if the scores confirm that.
Ban: 7 OUT OF TEN –
THE SELF APPOINTED LEADER, HE CERTAINLY WAS STRONG AND WANTED TO GET TO THE
BOTTOM OF IT, BUT DIDN’T SEEM TO LET OTHERS HELP IN IF POSSIBLE.
Kurz: 6 – FAIRLY WELL
IN QUESTIONING BUT SEEMED TO LAPSE OUT WHEN WORKING WITH CERTAIN PEOPLE
Fai: 6 – AGAIN,
FAIRLY WELL AT TIMES, BUT LACKED INTEREST AND ENTHUASIASM AS WELL
Mizuki: 5 – WITHDRAWN
TO THE BACK, MAYBE NOT BY CHOICE, BUT BARELY SAID MUCH AND ALSO STOPPED GOING
AFTER MAEHARA
OVERALL SCORE: 24
(AVERAGE SCORE – 6)
(You can see that the fact that these 4 know they will be voted for is bad enough, but the scores don’t help their confidence…)
Yukino: So Ban, Kurz, Fai and Mizuki…you will be in the vote, that’s for certain. But who will join you – how did Team 3 do?
(Another pause)
Yukino: Day 1, you got into the station and got the information needed – you learned about the remaining suspects and how Kalos died. Very well done especially with a bit more analysis than I think was expected. Day 2…you visited the Hoshinos, and managed to use your…erm…unique talents to a detective’s effect – tracking down these discs which they had on various suspects – unfortunately, Ruri stopped you for doing too much, but that couldn’t be helped. I think you guys surprised me with your efforts day, but let’s see if you were rewarded.
Negi: 9 OUT OF TEN –
HARD WORKING, WANTED MORE EACH INQUIRY, ENERGETIC, INTELLIGENCE, QUICK AND
RESOURCEFUL. A YOUNG LEADER – BUT A GOOD ONE.
Shiine: 8 OUT OF TEN
– THE SPEAKER MOST OF THE TIME – HE HELPED BUILD CONFIDENCE IN HIS TEAM AND
ORGANISED THINGS VERY WELL
Hinata: 8 OUT OF TEN
– NERVOUS TO START WITH, BUT GRADUALLY THANKS TO HER TEAMMATES GOT STRONGER,
AND WAS THE CATALYST TO FINDING THE KEY INFORMATION IN DAY 2 – POTENTIAL IS
THERE FOR ALL TO SEE
OVERALL SCORE – 25
(AVERAGE SCORE: 8.33)
* * * *
Yukino: (smiling) Well, I think we have a winner…
(Negi, Shiine and Hinata are stunned. In fact, most of the group are. Until…)
(…shot of Satoshi standing up and heading over to the front row, where the three are sitting.)
(And he holds his hand out to Negi.)
Satoshi: Well done Negi.
(Negi shakes his head, and Satoshi does the same to Shiine and Hinata. Then the remaining members start clapping.)
Triela: I told you they’d be a handful!
(Hinata is red, Shiine is all smiles and Negi is shuffling nervously. But from this result, NEGI, SHIINE AND HINATA CAN’T BE VOTED OFF FROM THE GROUP (though can still be voted for by Miyabi). Yukino clears her throat and they are all attention…)
Yukino: Age doesn’t matter guys – this has already proved that – skills and smarts, and knowing what you’ve got is just as important. The team utilised Hinata’s Byagukan ability and was able to find out the key information, and their enthuasism just beat out the smarts of Team 1. So these three are safe from the initial vote. Which is what we’re about to do now.
(Yukino stands up)
Yukino: The interrogation room will be open – I’ll be there and you will submit a vote via computer towards the database in there – you will explain your vote to me, and then I will register it. Once 11 votes have been cast, I will show them on the projector screen, revealing the name of the first person playing the killer’s game. Maybe what you’ve seen here may give you an idea of your first vote, maybe you have a personal issue with somebody…but whatever the reason, you make the vote.
(Yukino turns)
Yukino: Once you return, we will show you the results of the vote, where then Miyabi will then choose a second person for whatever reason – explained by the team leader. Then, the two chosen will pick one of these two envelopes – which contain one of the two locations we’ve shown. And from then…well…I’m sure you can guess. Well…
(Quick pause as Yukino heads upstairs)
Yukino: …I’ll be in the investigation room. Every 5 minutes, another person may enter. Team 1 – you start first, then team 2 and then team 3. Until then…
(Yukino leaves, as the reality hits the teams. In a few hours, one of the initial 12 will go…but who…and why?)
* * * *
Aya: Satoshi has got bottle to go first…
Kotone: I think he’s doing it just to make sure no-one else is nervous…and trust me…I’m very nervous…
Triela: Actually…I am as well.
(The two girls look at the GSG as she does seem to look a little pale…and for once, not from cramps…)
Triela: We don’t know who is going, for what reason, for why…I certainly don’t know – this is more nervewracking than any mission I’ve been on…
(Team 3 are the only ones even remotely relaxed, and despite the fact they are exempt, they still don’t take pleasure voting for one of their teammates…)
* * * *
Hinata: I feel relieved that we don’t have to go here…though we could still…
Negi: I know…but…
Shiine: …it means possibly eliminating someone else. But…we have to do it…and have you got someone in mind?
(Hinata turns…)
Hinata: Hai…
Shiine: Negi-kun?
(Negi sighs and nods…)
Negi: Yes…
(Shiine looks ahead, where Team 2 are conversing, and Team 1 looking up the stairs, waiting for Satoshi…)
(…as Ban looks at the kids…)
Ban: Dammit – those guys managed to outsmart us all…and now, one of us could be cut from the pack…
Fai: Now now, we can’t begrudge their victory – we must be gracious in defeat Ban-ban…
Kurz: …yeah, and if one of us is not coming back from that?
Fai: Um…
Mizuki: It’s all in our own hands now…just making sure we didn’t make a bad enough impression during that fiasco I guess…
Ban: We screwed up there…but…this is where we musn’t screw up…
* * * *
(No more dramatic effect, we cut to Yukino with Satoshi in the interrogation room…)
Yukino: As the detective veteran, you have had a good eye on how the others have worked – so you’ve probably got the best eye to choose. A weak link, a threat…
Satoshi: I’ve got my ideas Miss Miyazawa, and have chosen.
Yukino: Very well, let’s not beat round the bush.
(Satoshi looks at the desk, where buttons are laid out on who to pick. All 12 names are there, so in theory, if they wished, they could vote for themselves. However, that’s one thing Satoshi won’t do…and he casually picks a button.)
Satoshi: I pick Mizuki.
Yukino: Interesting. Why?
Satoshi: Our team could have improved, but I don’t wish to vote for any of my team who did well as a unit – just Team 3 were better on the day. Out of the 4 members of Team 2, who for today I considered the weakest, Ban and Kurz have the intelligence to do well, whilst Fai can be a talker. From what was shown though, Mizuki relied too much on others, and her low rating proved that. So Mizuki is my first pick.
Yukino: Real reasons – I’m in shock. O.K, bring in the next victim.
* * * *
Yukino: You handling it O.K Kotone?
Kotone: (nods) It’s been nervous, but the others have made it easier for me. I know that I can improve, but doing this makes things even more nerve-wracking for me…
Yukino: Can you see if you are going to survive Kotone?
Kotone: (shakes her head) I don’t see the future for that I’m afraid…otherwise I wouldn’t be so nervous.
Yukino: So Kotone…who is your pick…and why?
(Kotone looks at the buttons with each name. Note: she can’t pick Negi, Hinata or Shiine as they have been greyed out. Kotone takes a deep breath…and presses a button.)
Yukino: Ah, Kurz. Why?
Kotone: I feel…he’s not showing everyone the respect that people do deserve – a few incidents already show this….and I believe he’s upset a few of us for personal reasons. So more for that than any skills – his departure would help a lot of us feel more comfortable…
Yukino: I see…thanks.
* * * *
Yukino: …you’re right at home aren’t you?
Triela: Yep, surrounded by cute girls, have older people look after you, and dealing with a murderer – yep, pretty much a normal day at the office.
Yukino: Heh. So Triela…who is it which is cramping your style the most?
(Triela looked across the list, looks back…thinks for a moment, and makes a surprising pick…)
Yukino: Aya? Why?
Triela: I dunno…I could only see what I could see in my team – and Aya, whilst she’s a smart cookie – she seemed to bang to the beat of her own drum more so. Kotone-chan didn’t really have a chance to show what she could do, and Sato is too valuable at this stage. Whilst Team 2 may have done poorer, I can’t vouch for what I saw there, so it’s Aya…
* * * *
Yukino: ….and you’re away from your kogal troupe – how have you managed to fit in?
Aya: It’s different…I’m on my own, yet I’m not on my own so to speak…
Yukino: You handling it O.K?
Aya: I think so – it’s seem a strong point for me to do so…I’m still a bit nervous though as I don’t know what is going to happen here…
Yukino: So…make sure it isn’t you – pick your choice.
(Aya quickly makes her choice…)
Yukino: Fai. Explain.
Aya: I just think he isn’t taking this seriously enough – he’s a nice guy, but he’s not a good detective – he’s simply what I think is the weakest link.
* * * *
TO RECAP, IT’S ONE
VOTE EACH TO FAI, AYA, MIZUKI AND KURZ. SO IT’S STILL ANYONE’S GAME. A KILLER’S
GAME…
* * * *
Yukino: You’ve worked on plenty of cases for money before Ban…does this differ?
Ban: I guess…first it isn’t a two person team…and second…I’m still driven insane by my partners…
Yukino: Ah…so it is similar.
Ban: Just means I’ve got double the headache…
(Yukino nearly facefaults, but manages to keep a poker face…)
Yukino: Ban…simple. Who to go…and why?
(Ban looks over the picks – his hand hovers over Fai for a moment…but then stops and presses someone else.)
Yukino: Kotone?
Ban: Yep.
Yukino: Why?
Ban: She’s a sweet kid…but…she’s so nervous, I dunno if that’s something to do with her power…the Fudou thing doesn’t help…others are nervous as well, but they seem more useful – so it’s her.
* * * *
Kurz: …I have no reason why – he just creeps me out.
Yukino: (sarcastic) Of all the reasons to pick why you need to eliminate someone, the best you come up with is…he creeps me out.
Kurz: Yeah.
(Yukino is about to retort…but then thinks for a moment…)
Yukino: All right…fair enough. So then…
(We see the hand on the mouse Kurz touched…Satoshi.)
* * * *
Fai: It’s very different…but it’s what I am and what I do – to go into different worlds, that’s what I want to do.
Yukino: Riddle me this…riddle me that…whose being thrown out like the scurrying cat?
(Fai, still smiling, looks at his list. Ignoring the three greyed ones, he hovers around Kurz and Mizuki, before moving to the left and picking another one…and proving he and Ban might be more similar than they think…)
Yukino: Kotone. Why?
Fai: It’s bad to pick anyone, but I just don’t have the heart, forgive the bad joke, to pick someone from my team despite our mishap. And the weakest member of those remaining was Kotone-chan…
Yukino: O.K.
* * * *
Mizuki: I hate doing this to anyone, and considering how I did…apparently…I don’t have any right to say this…but we’ve got to go for the jugular.
Yukino: I can see that…
(We see Mizuki-chan’s hand on the mouse…)
Mizuki: I think that will do.
Yukino: Kurz. And the reason?
Mizuki: His playboy ways get on my nerves – his methods are annoying and whilst he can be smart at times, it doesn’t help the other members of the team if he’s around flirting with Chinese acrobats…
Yukino: And to think I thought I could get AWAY from Asaba for a few days…
Mizuki: Huh?
Yukino: Never mind.
* * * *
BEFORE TEAM THREE
VOTE, THE RECAP OF THE VOTES ARE AS FOLLOWS;
KURZ HAS 2, KOTONE
HAS 2, WHILST SATOSHI, AYA AND MIZUKI ALL HAVE ONE VOTE.
* *
* *
Yukino: Is this type of work something you’re used to or is it something you have to adapt?
Hinata: It is required to always be alert and to be smart…and tracking I guess is something we do a lot as well…solving murders isn’t something I’m used to…trying to stop them would be more appropriate…
Yukino: O.K then, who is on the guillotine in your pale eyes?
(Hinata ignores that as she looks at who she can pick. She looks across, and stops on a surprise…or is it?)
Yukino: Wow…Ban. Why?
Hinata: His nature…it’s very intimidating to me, and a lot of people. I think he’s trying to avoid that, but…the feeling of him looking down on us is there…and I don’t like that…
* * * *
Shiine-chan: …and also, he thinks with his Snakebite, he’s superior to us. He’s a fighting genius he says, well, myself, Negi and Hinata have skills similar or superior to his, but at least we don’t brag about it.
Yukino: Heh, Kano would love you guys. Youth over experience eh?
Shiine: I guess.
(…yep, Shiine-chan has also picked Ban. That means Kurz, Ban and Kotone all have 2 votes. The final vote…)
* * * *
(…belongs to Negi.)
Yukino: Child teacher to 31 girls, magic user, Chinese martial arts trainee…and now detective. Not a bad career if you can get it…
Negi: (embarrassed) Yes…well…
Yukino: Heh, you’re used to girls teasing you, so don’t worry Negi. Anyway, the last vote is yours…so…who will it be?
(Negi has a good long look…his hand hovers over Ban…looks at the others, nods…)
(…and presses…)
* * * *
(Downstairs, Negi heads down – all the other detectives are in their seats. The front row is fairly calm, knowing they can’t be voted off…at the moment…but the 8 people behind them are not quite as calm, with the possible exception of Satoshi.)
(Suddenly, Yukino bundles down. She fires up her front desk workstation and we can see a screen of the 11 on the screen. The faces of Hinata, Negi and Shiine are greyed out, signifying that they can’t be voted for (in later eps, it will also signify they are eliminated). )
Yukino: The votes have come through for the first vote. And it was a close one…but we do have our first player of the killer’s game.
(Yukino presses a button as the graph fills with life…)
Yukino: And the first to go is…
(Suddenly, the numbers flash. Triela’s is the only one which doesn’t show anything…but the others do. And the large one is…)
Yukino: Kurz.
Kurz: You’re kidding!
Yukino: Does it look like I am?
VOTES:
KURZ (3) KOTONE,
MIZUKI, NEGI
BAN (2) HINATA, SHIINE
KOTONE (2) BAN, FAI
AYA (1) TRIELA
FAI (1) AYA
MIZUKI (1) SATOSHI
SATOSHI (1) KURZ
TRIELA (0)
(Flashback)
Yukino: Kurz…why?
Negi: This sounds hypocritical considering I teach 31 girls, but he’s not interesting in playing…unless it’s around girls…I don’t think he even cares about winning…I think he just wants to be away from work…well, what better punishment than eliminating him first?
* * * *
Ban: I got 2? Who the hell?
(Kotone looks ready to cry, but seems to be consolled with the fact she wasn’t eliminated…)
Yukino: Listen, this is how it worked and that is how the votes were calculated. Don’t like it? You’ve got until 10pm to get your frustrations out…especially as more could come. Miyabi?
(Miyabi, quiet as a mouse, stands up…)
Yukino: You now have the decision of being the first team leader to pick someone to play the killer’s game with Kurz Weber. Who is it…and why?
(Miyabi looks around – now, everyone is nervous, as Hinata, Negi and Shiine can also be picked. Satoshi again looks calm, and Triela seems to have relaxed, but everyone else seems down…)
Miyabi: This isn’t easy. And I hope who I pick today doesn’t hold it against me when I send them out as I wish them good luck to return.
(Miyabi studied everyone…starting from a very nervous front row.)
Miyabi: Negi-san…Shiine…chan…Hinata-san…
(She looks at the three youngsters a moment…and smiles.)
Miyabi: I think your efforts today made sure you won’t be going out with the group…and I will continue with that. You will all stay.
(A relieved team of three almost sigh in unison, as Miyabi walks up the teams, as now it’s 1 of 7 remaining people…)
Miyabi: I also believe that Team 1 should stay, as overall they did well as well. Whilst some should work better than others, there is room for improvement.
(Kotone looks up as Miyabi smiles…)
Miyabi: You’re safe Kotone-san.
(A tear escapes the girls’ eye, as Ban’s vein pops up and not because of a name, Fai looks on, and drops into a slight frown, as Mizuki looks up anxiously…as it will be one of these three who will go.)
Miyabi: So…to Team 2. Kurz…is already going. Ban…
(Ban hasn’t been scared of a female this much since Himeko...)
Miyabi: Ban. You’re a leader…and a good one. Your attitude however can make people mistrust you.
(Ban looks down with a pout…)
Miyabi: But I’m not one of them.
(Ban’s looks up…)
Miyabi: You’re safe.
(Ban almost becomes SD (taking a page out of Ginji’s book) but instead just sighs with relief. However, Fai and Mizuki are certainly not…)
Miyabi: So…just two people I’ve chosen on. And out of the two, it’s the one who I believe at this stage has contributed the least to the game. And if they come back, I hope they prove me wrong.
(Miyabi breathes in…)
Miyabi: The poorest scorer…Mizuki…you’re playing the killer’s game.
(A few seem surprised, considering Fai’s relaxed attitude – Mizuki looks very upset. So does Kurz as 9 other detectives escape the noose…for this day.)
Yukino: Mizuki Takase and Kurz Weber. Please come up here.
(The two, grudgingly, make their way up. Comic Party vs. Full Metal Panic may not be the first battle you’d think off for a battle royale, but here it is. And Yukino is the executioner as she holds out two envelopes.)
Yukino: One holds the location of a clue – the other, the killer. Pick your destiny.
Kurz: Ladies first…
Mizuki: (sarcastic) Thanks.
(Mizuki picks the one in Yukino’s right hand – Kurz takes the other as Mizuki opens it.)
Yukino: Show it to the others and where you are going.
(Mizuki does so after looking at it herself.)
Mizuki: KALEIDO STAR
DAY CARE CENTER.
Yukino: That means Kurz…
(Kurz follows through and shows the others his envelope…)
Kurz: KID’S STAGE.
Yukino: Good luck…and come back alive.
(Both look like at death already, but the decision is final…and it’s not a happy one…)
* * * *
(Inside HQ has the
fallout of this – including a few explanation of votes for those brave enough
to admit to it, but a little taster here…)
Mizuki: …it doesn’t matter anyway considering I voted for you anyway…
Kurz: What? But we were getting along…
(Mizuki snorts…)
Mizuki: Yeah right, I have enough trouble with one troublemaker at home – an American playboy isn’t one I need here…
Kurz: That’s a bit pessimistic – I mean, after you getting to know me…
Mizuki: …if I did, you’d still be a jerk. And I don’t mind saying this now as we won’t be seeing each other tonight anyway…
Kurz: Heh – this is reality TV – always expect the unexpected…
(Upstairs, we hear a slight conversation between Kotone and Hinata, more explanation in HQ but…)
Hinata: …I had to say it to him – it was on my heart…
Kotone: How did he take it?
Hinata: Better than I expected…
Kotone: At least you had the courage to do so – I can’t face Kurz now…
Hinata: Kotone-chan, has anyone admitted to you that they voted for you?
(Kotone pauses…)
Kotone: That’s a point…
(Back downstairs, Ban is thinking hard as Miyabi sits by the Getbacker…)
Ban: So Hinata voted for me…who else? Probably one of the kids, surprised it wasn’t all three…
Miyabi: Children can be surprising.
Ban: Yeah…you were pretty surprising yourself…Mizuki?
Mizuki: Simple – she was the weakest. The statistics said so.
Ban: Hmmm…but still…
(Negi and Shiine on the other hand are more optimistic)
Negi: Good start Shiine-chan!
Shiine: I know – we did well with Hinata-san, and we’re all safe, so Miyabi-san knows we can do this…
Negi: I’m just worried that people may now look at us as threats…
Shiine: Nah, we’ll be fine! We’ll kick butt – the three of us are the new love, courage and hope!
Negi: (sweatdrops) Very.
(Satoshi seems to like speaking to Fai…)
Satoshi: …I thought you were inflappable.
Fai: Oh, no way Sato-kun! I was nervous – I thought I was exitting to the underworld in my next visit…
Satoshi: Maybe you should be more serious.
Fai: Me? Seriously?
Satoshi: Just some advice.
(Satoshi walks off, as Fai narrows his eyes with a wry smile.)
Fai: I’m always serious.
(Finally, Triela’s speaking to Aya is a bit more interesting considering of course, what just happened…)
Aya: …I guess I was surprised about the vote – you’re the only one who avoided it!
Triela: Yep, everyone loves me!
(Aya chuckles…)
Aya: But still…it makes you wonder if people are playing the game early, Ban and Satoshi are both smart – and they’ve already got votes…
Triela: I think it’s just making sure you’re out of line from the ambitious, but not so stupid to make you a target, like with Mizuki, and with Kurz just being obnoxious.
Aya: Mizuki is my roomate you know…
Triela: Just stating the facts I’m afraid.
Aya: (sigh) True, she’s the only one around that is similar to my friends back home in age and style though…I will miss her if that happens.
(Aya walks away, as Triela sighs…)
Triela: Lying sucks…
* * * *
10.00PM
(Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the first killer’s game of this season. For those not familiar, it can get a little spooky for the uninitiated (Leon vs. Inez in Season 1 seems a popular one to surprise people) but the jist is that the two detectives head out to the location they chose, get the crap scared out of them by various ‘accidents’ and at the end of the path, they will find a dead end. One will have a clue, but the other…well…you figure it out.)
(Yukino is blocking the door as Kurz and Mizuki get ready to head out. Some leaving scenes in HQ, but for now…)
Aya: Good luck Mizuki…
Mizuki: (smiles) Sure Aya.
(The two hug as Mizuki waves to them – outside, the taxi is awaiting them. Our first driver for this season is Rinrin from Sister Princess – and her taxi is…well…think Transformers – and yes, I’m aware Rinrin is under the age for driving, but come on! You should have seen it coming!)
Rinrin: Where to madam?
Mizuki: Here.
(She hands Rinrin the envelope with KALEIDO STAR DAY CARE CENTRE.)
Rinrin: Bit late for childcare isn’t it?
Yukino: Rinrin-chan, please…
(Rinrin salutes Yukino…)
Rinrin: O.K then, hop in!
(Mizuki seems wary of Rinrin’s Optimus Prime concussion, but she doesn’t hesistate. She waves everyone behind as she steps in.)
(A few moments later, a more conventional vehicle stops outside the Headquarters, and out steps another familiar face…)
???????: Yo.
(Eikichi Onizuka (GTO), school teacher, former street gang member and now taxi driver. Hey, helps pay the bills. Anyway, Onizuka looks over Kurz and sighs…)
Onizuka: How come I got the punk and Rinrin-chan got the babe?
Yukino: (cracks her fists) Want me to answer that?
(Onizuka, fears former gang leader with influence of over 100 gangs in Japan…)
(…bows in fear of the mighty Yukino Miyazawa…)
Onizuka: PLEASE MASTER, FORGIVE THIS FOOL…
Kurz: …the last word is very accurate…
Onizuka: Watch your mouth you blonde bi…
Yukino: KEEP IT DOWN! WE HAVE 10 YEARS OLDS IN THIS TEAM!
(Negi’s already closed his ears as Onizuka and Kurz shut up. Kurz, even more grudgingly, enters the taxi after waving back. Ban gives a wry nod as he leaves…)
Yukino: So, who is coming back?
Fai: 50/50.
Yukino: Well done sherlock…try again…who do you want to come back?
(That catches them off guard…)
Negi: We didn’t really get to know everyone well enough, so it’s hard…but to be honest, I won’t cry if Weber-san doesn’t come back…
Ban: Kurz is strong, we know that. I think he’s a better detective than Mizuki, so the threat aspect is to go with Kurz. But I don’t really have a preference in terms of personality…
Aya: I do want Mizuki to come back – that’s a fact. And sorry, but that’s the way I feel…
(The teams look ahead, 10 people are safe, but one of two will soon meet their maker…)
* * * *
Rinrin: SO…how do you feel?
(Mizuki seems relaxed in the back…but you can tell that the nerves are playing…)
Mizuki: To be honest, I came here to relax…and that’s the one thing I haven’t done since I got here. This game is already taking it out of me.
Rinrin: But you’re smart – you can handle this surely?
Mizuki: (nods) I can. But do I want to? But…I did make a good friend in Aya, and I do want to come back to see her.
Rinrin: Well, good luck Mizuki-chan!
Mizuki: (smiles) You sounds like Yuu.
Rinrin: Of course I sound like myself!
(Mizuki sweatdrops…)
* * * *
Onizuka: Tch…of the detectives, only four of the girls would be worth my time, one of them is 7 years old than me anyway, and one of them could already be gone…
Kurz: Hey, stop reading my mind!
Onizuka: I’m not! I dunno who this killer is, but I’d be happy to hit you over the head with a shovel and dump your body in a river!
Kurz: Are you Kotone-chan’s older brother or something? Stop reading my thoughts!!!
Onizuka: Oh for goodness sake…
Kurz: Humph. I just want to return to prove those that did vote for me what a mistake it is for the almighty sniper Kurz Weber to be discarded like something from the author’s Yu-Gi-Oh deck…
(Anyway…the two head out into the darkness, where once released, will follow a set path shown on a map on the back of the card where the location was said. Armed with a torch, their belongings and a bag to collect the killer clue…they are now alone.)
* * * *
(Kid’s stage is
located at Kaleido Stage, but in the back alleys, where a pool specified by
their mascot seal Jonathan is there. However, unlike Jonathan, the pathway is
less than cute for Kurz Weber…)
(Kurz looks in the
pathway as the first shock hits…)
*BANG*
(On instinct Kurz
rolls to the floor, but in fact it’s…)
Kurz:
Fireworks…typical…
(Kurz head towards
the shakily open door…)
* *
* *
(Mizuki head towards
the entrance of the center, which is on the opposite end of town from Kaleido
Stage, but on the pathway…)
Mizuki: This is
outside a care centre…
(She steps forward
and stops and screams…)
Mizuki: Oh yuck!
(A dead dog, in
decomposing stage, is waiting as a present for Mizuki…)
Mizuki: I’m going to
be sick…
(Mizuki holds it in,
and sees the ‘open’ sign in front the door. She’s about to enter…)
(…but it opens
again.)
Mizuki: S-scary…
(She gingerly
enters…)
* *
* *
(Swirls of water surround Kurz in the outdoors, like sprinklers. Kurz
passes through, getting a bet wet…)
Kurz: Great…so instead of drowning in blood, I’m just drowning…
(He looks through the map and notices an arrow heading west. He goes
there and realises that it leads to a small hole. He about to enter it…)
(…and a crapload of juggling balls fall on him…)
Kurz: Under attack!
(Out of habit, he jumps into the hole…before realising what fell on
him…)
Kurz: Wasn’t scared for a moment…
* * * *
DAY CENTER
(Mizuki is very nervous, in fact, if it wasn’t for the fact she can’t
arm herself and her hands her full, I would expect her hammer space inspired
bat with nails on to be in full use.)
Mizuki: Children centres based on circus tricks should NOT be scary!
(Tell that as an IT like clown pops out of a wall with a spooky laugh.
Mizuki screams and falls to the ground…)
Mizuki: I HATE CLOWNS!!!
(She looks at the map, wanting to get out of there as quick as
possible…she realises she has to head upstairs…and as she gets to the foot of
the stairs…)
Mizuki: Not more…
(Illusions of ghosts flash out and pass through Mizuki, covering
herself as she could…)
Mizuki: End this now, p-p-please…
(Mizuki closes her eyes and slowly ascends the stairs…)
* *
* *
KURZ
Kurz: Kinda cramped…
(Kurz seems to be going through a tunnel of sorts – every now and then
it flashes with random images, and a deep voice echoes through it…)
DIE…DIE…DIE…DIE…
Kurz: I prefer to read thank you…
(Kurz escapes the tunnel and realises he’s backstage…)
Kurz: Map…
(Open space, and the arrow points directly to one room…Kurz, a little
more aprehensive, approaches…)
* * * *
MIZUKI
(The stairs are a long way up for Mizuki, as three rooms show
themselves. According to the map, Mizuki is to head straight ahead…but…)
Mizuki: KYAH!
(One door opens with a slam…)
Mizuki: NO MORE!
(…and the second one does as well…)
(Mizuki runs and opens the door ahead, the one with a star symbol on…)
* * * *
(…which also is the same symbol where Kurz is entering. It’s a dressing
room in this case.)
Kurz: What is this?
(On the desk, is the calling sign of the killer. For this season, we
have a symbol of a star with roses, and an eye made from daffodils.)
Kurz: Is this it?
(Kurz approaches the table…)
* * * *
(…whilst Mizuki, in a children’s room, goes to a cot, where the same
symbol is showing in the cot.)
Mizuki: Is the clue here?
* * * *
(A double cut shot of both detectives looking at the flowers…AND THE
DOORS SLAM SHUT IN UNISON.)
(Mizuki screams, whilst Kurz gasps. Suddenly…)
(…THE GREEN CAMERA FOLLOWS ONE OF THEM AS A DOOR BREAKS. THE CAMERA
APPROACHES ONE OF THEM…)
Echoing scream from…
1 DETECTIVE DOWN – 11 TO GO. 1 SUSPECT DOWN – 15 TO GO…
* * * *
(Outside the HQ, one of the taxis return, but in the darkness, we can’t tell which taxi. Inside the HQ, the group are mostly still up, however, seperating in the house we can’t tell…)
(…however, a sign that someone’s returned is that the lights turn blue, then red, then yellow and back to blue. That’s the sign so everyone (still awake) heads downstairs…)
Miyabi: Someone is back then…
Aya: Come on Mizuki…
Ban: Kurz has gone through worse…love to see him back crapping his pants though…
(10 detectives await as the doors open for the detective to return…)
(…and it’s…)
Fai: (smiles) Welcome back.
(…out of the shadows, steps…)
KURZ WEBER SURVIVES.
(You can see the disappointment in Aya’s face, and whilst mostly they welcome him back, it’s fairly muted. The guys seems O.K with it, but Aya and Kotone in particular seem disappointed. Negi also seems on the disappointed, but it’s a case of catch 22 in this case.)
Kurz: Scary, yes…but…got the reward.
(Kurz reveals the clue, tucked into a plastic bag. It seems to be some paper, but what of?)
(All is revealed in the next episode, though you can get a sneak preview in Inside HQ. However, the bottom line is…Kurz Weber survived. Mizuki, is literally, back to the drawing board. However…Mizuki now will choose a successor to Miyabi as a team leader…who will she choose? Will they get revenge on Miyabi for eliminating her? Will Kurz learn his lesson? And who will go next?)
NEXT EPISODE…
* *
* *
NEXT EPISODE…
·
Whilst the new lead investigator is a bit
bitchy, the team leader is all but. Will it be objective, or will he or she
honour Mizuki’s wishes?
·
More suspects revealed, more motives, some
bad alibis and some law breaking – and the detectives miss more than they find.
Is this cause for some new victims for the killer’s game?
·
Touji lying – some Kaleido Star members
bitching, and a few Love Hina characters get their spot this time? But is
Shinobu all that innocent, and is Seta a dirty dealer?
·
And find out what happens when you get a
Pokemon character combined with a motorcycle. It’s bloody to say the least…as
all this and more on the next episode of Murder Game 3.
* * * *
* * * *
Yes, nearly 100 pages of blood, sweat and tears, but the first chapter of the third (and final) installment of the Murder Game has begun!
Forgive my lack of action in the last month but my PC has been screwing with me, so I haven’t had access to the internet. I had my laptop to fall back on to do this, but it means I haven’t been able to download anything in a month! I’ve got withdrawl symptoms! I’ve missed god knows what from Pani Poni Dash, Suzuka and Naruto…wah…
And Comic Party is my scapegoat card for this episode – hard to pick someone to go, and whilst I have gone back and forth deciding a winner this term (ask Adam) Mizuki was my choice to go. She’s a very nice character (she’s a lot more funnier in the manga) considering the anti-otaku aura she has in a world of otaku (put Sai from Genshiken with Mizuki as a tag team for AGW…), but she isn’t anything outstanding, which was one of the main reasons she went early. With the new rule allowing them to use abilities, it wasn’t advantageous for Mizuki at all.
Already a few plots are being brought it, and we’ll see how everything goes. And Mizuki’s successor, will he or she continue with the havoc? (Hell yeah!)
A few bits in the fic;
Love, courage and hope that Shiine-chan refers to is the first part of the incantation of the spell to Holy Up Chacha – Chacha is love, Riiya is Courage and Shiine is Hope. Maybe he saw that in the three team with Hinata and Negi…and one wonders if the two guys will fight over the girl this time as well…^_^
Ginji in Getbackers goes SD (Super-Deformed) about half the time he’s on the screen – it’s a joy to watch with his screams of ‘BAN-CHAN’ and his gopher like face make him one of the unintentionally funniest characters in anime – so it’s isn’t a surprise that Ban has picked up this bad habit…
The speed that Akari runs at is, as BAV fans can attest to, is breathtaking. Even fast runners like Triela, Ran (from Supergals) and even Rock Lee would have trouble beating this Cosmic Beauty. She was an easy pick for the first to go considering her lack of motive, that, and she’s way too pretty for me to try and put down as a killer. (Insert obvious fact about people like ‘WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER 7 GIRLS THEN?’)
In the words of Xelloss: It’s a secret (The second most used line I use in my fics other than ‘I/He/She/It’s a ninja…^_^).
O.K then, I will bring up the results of the first MG Quiz ASAP – until then, happy head hunting!