27 彡 [video]

[toplay_thefool]

[FILTERED AWAY FROM CHILDREN // 90%]

At some time during the past week, a nine year old girl was... Kidnapped and murdered. [Souji's expression is grave, but something about the set of his jaw suggests a well-contained anger.] We're still trying to discern details, but I think it goes without saying that we need to be far more cautious. Even if it

Comments

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[notmycreampuffs]

Hey, sorry to put this on you now, [even truthfully, her tone grim but set,] but I need to talk to you. In person.

video;

[toplay_thefool]

... [His brow furrows, but he nods.] Sure. Where do you want me to meet you?

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[notmycreampuffs]

At the temple, [and she doesn't add the 'now', but there's a certain urgency to her tone. She already feels her nerve draining.]

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[toplay_thefool]

Alright. I'll be there in ten minutes.

[And, true to his word, he'll be showing up shortly.]

[gate_guard_girl]

That's... that's horrible!

[ And, not to sound creepy or anything. ] ...was she eaten?

[toplay_thefool]

[He blinks at this for a moment, because somehow the concept makes it all the more horrible, before answering.]

...We can't tell. All we found was... her skin.

[gate_guard_girl]

[ She's visibly disturbed, too, don't get her wrong! But she's trying to put her knowledge to good use, here. ] I can't think of any youkai that would skin a human and just leave it lying around. That's why I asked.

[toplay_thefool]

[Much as he hates to consider it, nauseous as he now feels - it makes sense.]

It's a possibility. I don't... think it's too far-fetched, that some of the fae might eat people.

[Audio]

[shamanisticrage]

No child should have that sort of horror done to them. Rest assured, I'm looking into the matter myself.

[Audio]

[toplay_thefool]

Mm. [A sigh, somewhat reassured.] Please let me know if you find anything.

[Audio]

[shamanisticrage]

The longer I remain here, the more it seems the Fae behave much like the elements. In light of what has happened, I've come to believe they are neither good nor evil, simply chaotic forces in this realm.

At this same time, this has many implications that I'm not ready to discuss yet, but it also means I might be able to speak with them on common ground.

[Audio]

[toplay_thefool]

[He considers this for a few moments, quiet. He'd been beginning to think something similar, but in some cases...]

Is that how your shamanism works, sir?

[Audio]

[dragon_savior]

Does she remember what happened?

[Ryu's voice is oddly tense. Hurting a child is a big no-no in his book.]

[Audio]

[toplay_thefool]

I'm not sure. I think she remembers bits and pieces, but not everything that happened. I'm... not sure she knows that she died.

[Audio]

[dragon_savior]

I'll check on her myself, make sure everything is ok. If she doesn't know, then she's better off for it.

Do we have any leads on who or what did it?

[Audio]

[toplay_thefool]

Not at the moment. We might be able to find out more, but... I'm not going to press for information right now.

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[unholy_rebirth]

...are we certain that it was a fae, and not one of our own?

[toplay_thefool]

[He doesn't answer at first. The idea - well, he'd been aware of it on some level, but actually considering it -- the only real danger he knows of is Adachi, and Adachi wouldn't be capable of this...]

...Her body was flayed, her face stitched into a grin - [And there's a rarely heard edge to his voice that comes from anger.] - and she was left in a tree. I'd... like to give residents the benefit of the doubt now.

Of course, if evidence suggested otherwise, we'd pursue it.

[unholy_rebirth]

[well.

Her voice is very soft.]

Is she alright?

[toplay_thefool]

She seems to be well.