fiddlestick | [IC] Mochi House Group Text @ recolle

[Of course it isn't good news. And of course it relates to the card that's been thrown down, with the tip about names he'd mentioned offhand. Goro's skin crawls and he shifts on his feet, sighing deeply.]

Can you really ask me to stay safe when you go out and do this sort of thing, Akira? Returning from the dead or not, I--

[Mmmmmmmmm.

He's going to move away to the counter, to busy himself with dishes or... anything. It'd be too easy if Akira was found out. This is just one more thing to keep hidden, he supposes, what difference does it make.]

[ There are no words, there is only Yusuke standing up, and vanishing into the living room area. Followed by a sofa cushion flying through the air to whap into the back of Akira's head.

Fuk u. ]

[ Wow. wow.... He guesses it’s just you and him, Elliot? And the cushion he didn’t dodge. He rubs the back of his head, knowing full well he deserved that and then some more for not discussing this plan in full. He has his reasons, more that he doesn’t want to involve his friends when they obviously weren’t keen on it in the first place.

The cold and astonished reactions were to be expected. ]

I’m sorry.

[ Truly, but not enough to stay away from the case.

It was even a struggle to bring this up with the holidays—he wants to say he’s very sure he’ll live past the 10th, but he digresses believing it may set someone off. It would also mean something else. Less about his own well-being, it frames one person into view. Saying he’s sure this will work might as well mean he’s sure this person who he didn’t want to suspect is the culprit or somehow involved. It’s a thought to disclose his theory, but naming the closest lead with Goro around is difficult.

He’ll just wait until the end of the 10th. ]

That’s all I wanted to mention.

[If he was sorry, he wouldn't have done this in the first place. He wouldn't have hidden it from them until the deed was done, wouldn't have followed up their perfectly nice lunch with sour news, wouldn't--

There's a lot he can say, a lot he wishes he could, but considering it's all based in fear... he doesn't want to incite anything else, be it a fight or questioning. Yusuke is doing well in dealing out proper punishment anyway.]

You're not forgiven.

[This is how it's gonna be for now... tight lipped and short. Until he can figure Akira's safety, until whatever happens happens, it's this.]

... But thank you for giving us something. I suppose.

We had a discussion about you not discussing important things with us before. I had hoped we'd reached an accord regarding it, but then you do something as dangerous as this.

[ There's a point to be made here: ]

Even before, the thieves agreed on targets together. So there would be no charging ahead without support, and extra help. You've used their card, but not their ideology.

[ And that... disappoints him. They were a team, in their memories and in this other world. While he can't expect everything to be exactly the same, their guiding principles would still fit. ]

What are we supposed to do if you rush into danger without us?

[He went silent after his initial outburst, watching these two react. He's seen Yusuke's quiet fury before, but his heart hurt to sees Goro. Goro wasn't one that liked to express emotions directly, but it was clear he was worried and hurt.

He sucks in a breathe.]

...Yeah. I wasn't a phantom thief in the other life, but that was Class VII's ideology too. We only acted when we all agreed on it, especially if it was something risky. And this...

[He bites his lip]

You matter too, Akira, you know. What are we supposed to do if your theory turns out wrong and you do die?

I’ve discussed this with those also looking into the case. [ As of that moment, the people in this room do not make up his “team”— ] You are my friends.

[ That’s where it’s different here. While naturally he would rely on his friends to go on other missions and to come with him on investigations, these are not those times. He had told them he’s been looking into the case and been investigating on his own, giving them that notice about his participation, and... If it was an unspoken word that they’ll be working on Zee’s case together, then that was lost on him.

To be honest, he shouldn’t be telling them as it may jeopardize everything, but he did learn his lesson. All their words are discouraging, but he doesn’t yield—there’s no room for doubt. ]

Currently, there is no named target to pursue or agree upon. I have a theory, but it isn’t enough to make a decision. If we can at least confirm that a name is what’s needed to cause these deaths, then there’s a solid lead. [ ... ] After the tenth, the authorities can do a thorough investigation on the suspect and I can leave it to them.

[ Akira intends not to meddle more than that, only because there’s not much he can do aside from point the police and investigators to the right direction. This isn’t Tokyo and, ultimately, this isn’t Phantom Thief work. He grows quiet, demeanor wavering as Elliot questions him. He knows he matters, he knows this is risky, but he also believes— ]

It’ll work.

[ Which... Just opens more questions like why is he doing this if he knows it will? Conflicted, he still hasn’t come to terms with where the results will lead them. ]

Those also looking into- [What the frick Akira! He can't speak for Goro and Yusuke, but himself?] I have been looking into the case! Why do you think I kept telling you things related to it?!

[It was...insulting, being discounted like this. He knows he probably isn't the most useful. His scanner spell worked on too small a scale, his magic knowledge too limited. But to act he didn't count- when his fiance was a suspect, when he was a potential suspect, when one of the victims was someone he cared about-

And to think that Akira, someone he trusted and thought so highly of, didn't count him enough to let him in on this information, to give him leads when he'd been worried-

Congrats Akira, you made Elliot go from upset and worried to mad.]

You don't know that! If you were sure, you wouldn't need to test it!

Death magic doesn't always require a name. I have death spells that don't need a name to work! What you're doing is going on a tip! A hunch! What makes you so sure it's a trustworthy one?! And if you don't die, how do you know it means they need a name and just didn't see your card? Is there something else you're holding back from us?

[He shakes his head]

And "give it to the authorities"? You do know there's no way "death magic" is gonna hold up in court, right? Even if they make an arrest, nothing will stick. They're convinced James did it.

So sorry Akira, but I'm not reassured.

Edited 2018-12-10 22:19 (UTC)

Then they could have gone after that anonymous poster. They were assisted by James when they broke into Zee’s office and the information disclosed on the post still brought us closer to the answer. It also helps the killer keep tabs on what everyone else knows to better cover their tracks, but continuous engagement on the post made it more dangerous for them, even if killing the poster would jeopardize their identity. Zee’s constant check on the mailbox during the murders suggests the power is tangible. It’s an item that can be hidden anywhere in Recollé or the four regions—killing them wouldn’t incriminate the list as long as the investigation finds no item that could have done this.

They’re in a comfortable enough spot to kill James and continue to use him as a scapegoat despite that prediction being blatantly posted for all to see months before. Why James? Why not other people on that list? James may make sense for those outside of Retrospec, but for us it’s obvious. It’s evident that they think there’s no one that can stop them... And may suggest they also need to know what their victim looks like.

[ Even if it basically puts several people under the spotlight, leaving them to fight for their own innocence. Overall, it was a risky move to post that onto the network, even under anonymous, but helpful in their case to brainstorm. It’s also why he isn’t as worried.

Elliot’s uproar is valid. Akira had considered at least filling him in completely, but... Just the make of this house with Goro living in it made it unfavorable. There’s nothing he can do to soothe the anger or reassure him on that front and it might be better that he doesn’t try. When this is over, he can make it up to him somehow. ]

I don’t have an answer or way for it to stick in court. [ And he’s not sure what Elliot is expecting from him in this regard. He can only help narrow things down. ] Even if those deaths are written down word for word, documented evidence of the item’s usage won’t exactly help. It’ll only be Retrospec users that understand the item’s power.

[ ... But holding back? He can at least divulge this. ]

I believe the murder weapon is a notebook or notepad.

Edited 2018-12-11 00:47 (UTC)

[Goro tenses, careful not to let the dish he'd been washing drop, and breathes out softly. It's only what Akira thinks. He doesn't know for sure. And truly, it wouldn't help in court... not without proof of concept, of it being used in front of the judge, but that would be a matter of responsibility -- the person who tested it, if not his brother, would be held accountable for that death as well, even if it was someone on death row anyway.

... Would they even believe it then? That a notebook and pen was a murder weapon? Ridiculous. How was he supposed to help James..?]

That's ridiculous, Akira. [It's even-toned, but it's very much... in that old practiced way of his, something more reminiscent of their past lives. He can't stop that resemblance.

It's due to stress, after all. His boyfriend is doing dangerous things, he has every reason to be stressed. It's definitely not due to the very correct guess. Goro hesitates, then shakes his head; better to give a bit than be outright against.] Though it would make sense for the apparent reach of the death magic, what amounts to a journal of all things..? ... No, I can't discount it -- a good detective discounts nothing but the confirmed, and even if I don't take that sort of thing very seriously anymore I have been looking into this a bit myself.

[In his spare time, is what he means to imply, and boy has he never wanted to finish a chore so fast. Easy, easy.]

... And considering how things were in our memories, it feels a little silly to say that even the most ridiculous of means can't be a possibility. [A softer sigh, with a slight plea:] Now more than ever, Akira, if you think so, please be careful -- you are the last person I want to lose.

[He couldn't forgive himself if something happened, but that's not something he can say.]

[Elliot isn't really one who has outbursts often. He's not very outspoken, and he rarely gets mad enough for one. Doing so now? It was more a frustration of being dismissed as well as his worry for Akira. He doesn't want Akira to die, or anyone else for that matter.

So he's fallen quiet for a long period, hearing Akira's words followed by Goro. He can see that Goro is stressed about the situation, nearly metaphorically sticking his head in the sand. Even if Elliot's blind to all the reasons, he can't...blame Goro entirely. this was the person he loved putting themselves at risk against a truly dangerous killer.

Goro seems to think a notebook is ridiculous but....]

...If the names theory is true, a notebook would make sense. [he's sorry Goro, his tone is much quieter than before. ] Magical objects can take all sorts of forms...phones, flutes, toy guns. As long as there's a means to channel the magic between the user and the object, it's possible. Writing names down could be that means.

Needing to know what they look like makes sense too. I can't use my scanning spell on someone I can't see.

[he still unhappy with you though, Akira. Just you know, can't deny the deduction]

[ As far as Yusuke is concerned, he's said his piece. Akira's blind determination to take everything on his shoulders is dangerous and apparently he still doesn't think to trust them with information... or thinks he's doing them a favour by doing all of this himself.

He'd thought they'd got through to him before, but apparently not. ]

...

So writing a name down could pinpoint a spell on someone? Writing and visualising to send the spell without the caster being obvious?

[ ... ]

It might explain a few things. Even if it doesn't do anything to put me at ease.

[ Please, friends. It's a step better than before, but he does have his reasons why he didn't want to disclose this plan to them and in this house... ]

Anything can channel one's thoughts since we have people that remember fantastical worlds, but from the suspect list given to us, one that Zee was personally looking into himself, it's hard to imagine there's some kind of relic that can instantly change someone's fate in their hands.

Minato Arisato was a Persona user and came from our own world where death can be swift, but not as detailed as making someone write a suicide note when they're innocent. He's off the app, so off the table. James Barnes, when he forgot himself due to his trip to Bosuma, talked about fighting Nazis like it was his mission. Eren Jaeger lives in a world filled with Titans and can turn into one if he inflicts enough pain. Leo Valdez can control fire. Akira Turner is a law student, likes talking philosophy. I personally have little experience with Hitori Togusa, but James doubts it's him.

Eren obviously has no motive, if anything he's the least suspicious. Attacking Retrospec jeopardizes his chances at something integral. [ And he won't discuss the details of that. It's for Eren to tell and he knows Elliot can confirm this. Not like anyone in this room suspects Eren, anyway. ] His room also doesn't show anything worth mentioning and I've visited before and during the serial murders.

While James may have had a stint in opposition of Retrospec and a background of violence, this case would be insane if he was the culprit all along, assisted in obtaining incriminating information from Zee's office, then turned himself in, then confessed, and committed suicide, only to respond rather well to my theory that he was murdered. It's an unnecessary process to deceive us if that's the case. [ STUPID, REALLY. ]

Leo Valdez, from what I know about him from Futaba and my own experience, is very intelligent, but his home doesn't have a Retrospec item that stuck out to me. He also has no motive, though he broods over his affairs with Futaba. [ He thinks it's memory-related, but doesn't want to drag Leo like this. JUST AN OBSERVATION. ]

Someone will have to investigate Togusa themselves. [ And, for the house's heart, Akira isn't saying he's going to do it because he hasn't decided. ] And Akira Turner. I've visited him already, though I didn't want to suspect him.

There's nothing unusual about his home, too. The only thing I noticed is a piece of paper in his wallet that wasn't there before. It isn't large enough to be a photo, so I wonder what piece of paper—given by Retrospec—is so important.

[ He doesn't need to say his suspicions here because it's obviously tied to the mention of a notebook, the whole to a piece. It's obvious without saying it that he will be disclosing this to what respectable authorities left in Retrospec to look into discreetly. ]

Even with a solid lead, whatever police or agents in Retrospec still need to take a step back and look at everything with new information in mind.

[Mmmmmmmmmmm Goro's setting aside this plate and leaving the rest, wringing the washcloth anxiously. The dots connect. The suspicion lay bare. Akira... is right, which is what makes the lump in his throat harder to swallow, and he feels the back of his neck burn like someone's watching him. The devil, maybe.]

... I'd rather not talk about my brother, if it's alright by you.

[He could offer to investigate. It'd be easiest for him. But he doesn't want to offer when he doesn't know how the next few days are going to go -- if something happened to Akira in them, then he'd certainly turn in his brother without a second thought, but it'd also be too late, and it being something he could stop--

Goro exhales to calm himself. Even steps, even tone, tense form. Fine, fine.]

I'm going out for a walk. I didn't find anything of the sort in his wallet, by the way, [a lie, he hadn't even looked,] so maybe it was nothing.

[And he's just. Gonna go!!! A little fast. Belle is apparently coming with him, from the sound of her harness (which Yusuke gets to see, since he's in the living room), but if he's not stopped that's that. It's just. To ease his nerves, anxities, because whenever he gets jittery in some way he goes to exercise and that is all this is.]

[Elliot listens to Akira's breakdown of the suspects and the evidence. He knows what he's talking about with Eren's lack of motive. He won't give any details either, just giving a simple nod of confirmation.

As for the Leo part...] Futaba told me that Leo was with her the day Zee died, so that rules him out too. If anyone would notice something suspicious, it'd be her. [Because his baby sister is the smartest and the best]

[But...ah, he goes quiet at Goro's reaction. Still learning about the other, he hadn't realized that Goro's brother was on the suspect list. That was....well. Bad.]

Ah...

[He watches Goro go, a worried look on his face.

And then slowly he looks back at Akira. ]

...That's why you didn't want to talk about it with us, isn't it?

[ Akira waits for Goro to leave the house officially with the slam of the door before he continues. As much as he wants to say they should reevaluate the suspect list with a set of refreshed eyes, he has a name and a face in mind. He just didn't feel comfortable talking about it with Goro around.

Even when he wasn't, he would be forcing both Yusuke and Elliot to live with this secret since they share the same house. He lets out a deep exhale. Here we go. ]

... Yes. At first, I brushed it off, but Goro has been suspiciously evasive about this topic.

[ It makes sense why. His brother is a suspect? But it feels more like he's hiding something, but he doesn't want to doubt him, so. He's going to let it go and go a little deeper here. ]

After the months where we were kind of different people, Goro told me that he was part of a some mob family and his brother would take over in the near future. He never explicitly told me which family, so I couldn't use what knowledge Ren had of the underground to draw an exact connection... But that crime ring was big in Recolle, so taking them out would do a service to the public and for their family no matter how powerful and influential they were.

[ It's still a reach compared to concrete evidence, but it's a motive nonetheless. This connection has more weight than anything they could have pulled from the suspect list. ]

I like Akira, but he's the most suspicious right now.

People are evasive when a topic is uncomfortable, or holds a truth they don't want to discuss. Or both. Which is understandable. It is possible to press the topic with them, but it's tricky to do so without causing conflict.

[ Spoken with the wisdom and tiredness of someone who has had nine hecking months of this, and only managed to pick vague details along the way. Akira, you have his sympathies even if he is still lowkey ticked at you. ]

The ... things from when we were essentially different people haven't necessarily stuck though, have they? [ ... He knows it didn't for him, at least. ] Or some parts did and others didn't, if I'm remembering correctly? I wonder if it's possible certain aspects of those other lives could stick for one half of a family and not the other.

Yeah.... [Elliot bites his lip] It's possible he knows something, but it'd be better to look into other leads first before trying to force him to talk. It is his own brother, after all. It'd be really hard for anyone to come forward...so he needs to figure that out on his own terms.

[It'd be better for Goro, in the long run. As well for Goro and Akira's relationship. If they can get proof without forcing Goro to sell his brother out, all the better]

It's...hard to remember what stuck and what didn't, exactly. Besides, the murders against criminals did start around that time, so even if those memories didn't stick, he did have a motive at the time.

Meanwhile, I know that Togusa is a police officer. It's possible he's become crooked and decided to take the law into his own hands by killing some criminals...but if this power lets you control how a person dies, I think a cop would stick to lower profile deaths, you know? Deaths that wouldn't cause problems for other officers.

There was nothing low profile about Zee's death, you can say that much.

[ Yusuke being low key ticked is better than High Key. He will take this as a small victory. Anywhere, there is some solidarity in Mochi House again. ]

They would investigate those closest to suspects first—family and friends... Unfortunately, Goro will need to answer questions even if it doesn't come from any of us.

[ Despite saying that, Akira doesn't seem all too gung-ho about pressing Goro for any answers... He gets it. It's family. ]

I see your point, Elliot. I don't think it's quite enough to rule out Togusa, but I'll be sending this information off to someone capable.

[ Well. This is all awkward. What else is there to say? ]

Thank you for hearing me out.

[ Nailed it. ]

[IC] Mochi House Group Text @ recolle

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