[Event Post]

[fearthearrow]

*So, as you may know, Kou has been working at DA now. This isn't too much of a secret, though he hasn't really given a reason for why he's doing this.

Well, you may find him acting upon one of these reasons, later in the night on the island or in the city [You Choose Which]-- perhaps you're someone who just doesn't follow the rules of curfew or you're late coming from things you had to do, but you'll find some guy following another, certain creepy shut-in dude.

If he's in the city, he's in his dumb incognito outfit, but if he's on the island, he isn't bothering with it. Stands out too much in that situation.*

Comments

[fearthearrow]

Little too dark right now, so I'm gonna have to wait until daybreak... *oh right, it is... night time.*

You should try to get back to the dorms. I know you feel like you can handle this, but I don't know if this guy's gonna try to double-back or some--

Wait, he knows you, right? You said that?

[frozenperdition]

"Yeah, I worked with him on stuff before I got, uh. Sidetracked. ... am I bait now? Because I can absolutely bait."

[fearthearrow]

If you don't mind being at least a bit of bait. Just... To see how he'd react if you mention that you spotted him... doing that.

Don't worry, I'll be nearby in case he tries anything weird.

[frozenperdition]

"... yeah, I think I can do that.

I'm more worried he'd try and get me expelled, but I think I can eke through an expulsion duel."

[fearthearrow]

He isn't on official enough staff to make that judgment call himself, anyway. Just enough to try to bring up the topics and barter.

*he thinks a moment*

Think you can do it right now and try to tail him? Just say that you noticed him and wondered what he was doing. *you could use the excuse of you checking out places, anyway.*

[frozenperdition]

"... yeah."

She hands you a crossbow constructed out of pens, paperclips, and the tightest work on a rubber band you've ever seen.

"I'll go in unarmed. If he gets weird, I trust you to be able to help. Or my ghost is gonna tell Trena ya let me die."

[fearthearrow]

*taking the makeshift crossbow.

I'm shocked this even worked.*

Right, don't worry. I'll make sure you live long enough so that your ghost can't get revenge on me.

[frozenperdition]

It's a miracle of Briar engineering. They think it'll work, so it works.

"Thanks."

And with a deep breath, she goes after Tarou, not trying to be stealthy much anymore.

[knowinginthedark]

*Kou's gonna follow from a safe observance distance, but eventually, you do find Tarou, sat down on the grass, putting back on his white button-up after he got a chance to wring it out in privacy.*

[frozenperdition]

"Mister Tarou...? Are you okay?

I saw ya just... walk into the river."

[knowinginthedark]

*jumps a little at suddenly being addressed, turns to look. ... ??*

You're a student, right? You shouldn't be out so late.

[frozenperdition]

Oh, right. He probably doesn't recognize me.

"It's, uh. Me. Renat Briar? ... stuff happened, don't worry about it."

[knowinginthedark]

*... he looks you up. looks you down.*

Huh. Things... definitely happened to you. I'd been wondering where you got off to after I gave you my research notes.

[frozenperdition]

"I got stuck in a void for a bit, maybe got mocked by a kid or something. A little hazy on the details.

I wanted to start back on these sorta projects, even if I'm gonna have to repeat the year. Some things are more important. What're you doing out here? Research?"

[knowinginthedark]

Oh, sorta. Did you know that there's an underground vault on the island? It apparently used to keep some very dangerous cards under wraps, and was guarded by seven keys.

I was trying to see if there was a way into there from underwater.

*... something about this... feels like a cover-up. just the way he's saying it.*

[frozenperdition]

Well, yeah, but I'm not exactly going to call him out on it.

"Is there? It's also fine if ya thought I was one of the duel bears or something and walked into the water to get away from me. A little weird, but whatever works, y'know?"

Oh god I did, I sort of called him out on it.

[knowinginthedark]

*well, of course, it's only natural*

If I thought you were one of those dueling bears, I'd have not bothered to partially undress.

[frozenperdition]

"Yeah, that's reasonable."

She snaps.

"Oh, man, if there's maybe a vault though, we can bust out some scuba gear or something!"

[knowinginthedark]

That might be a plan.

Though... *he adjusts his glasses slightly*

Why were you following me, anyway? It is rather late...

[frozenperdition]

"... honestly I was hoping that you'd lead me to a site I ain't checked out before because the faculty deems it 'too dangerous' or 'secret.'"

[knowinginthedark]

Huh. Well, I guess you were on the mark there.

Did you see anyone else, by the way?

[frozenperdition]

"Sorry. Once I realized ya knew I was around, I figured I'd come clean.

I thought I caught a glimpse of someone else, but I wasn't sure."

[knowinginthedark]

Well, that's to be expected.

I've been followed for quite a while, now.

*... so he definitely knows.*

[frozenperdition]

"Did ya piss off some duel ninja clan or something?"

[knowinginthedark]

Oh, no, probably not that.

I barely even duel at all, anyway!