TAKE ME TO THE MOON (End Game Investigation)

[whimsicalism]

[Friday arrives uneventfully. The fog is growing stronger, it's true, but nothing obvious has happened. It's probably a relief not to have Kakuya's presence or a monster breathing down your neck. That doesn't help the sense that something has changed. Not one but two areas have opened up. A large skyscraper now towers over everything in the east, it's large bulk casting shadows over the entire 'city'. In the west, a park surrounding a lake sprawls out; a solemn looking Japanese shrine sits on an island in the middle of the lake.

Two large new areas are open to you... it's a bit disorienting but you probably should spread out.]

((Welcome to the final investigation for the dead! It's entirely optional so don't feel pressured to join in. ICly, this will be happening at the same time as the living's investigation and trial. Something may happen near the end of the investigation not involving these locations so keep an eye out.))

Comments

MEETING

[holyironmade]

[After her chat with Edward, might as well turn back to the more neutral territory of the initial barracks. She thought doing it on top of the rooftop would be more dramatic but some of us are yet more dramatic vampires. So she just picks up a plain blanket off one of the beds and spreads it out across the floor.]

We know not the hour of our deaths, but let us face it carrying the weapon of knowledge.

I will share mine and then leave you all be as you wish.

[noblesnow]

There was a plaque on the roof of the skyscraper, dedicated to the victims of the Momoi Department Store fire. [She shows her list of the names.] The name Masaru Ishimaru had been vandalized somewhat, though it was still legible. There was also a Momotaro Okayama who'd had the name Tomoko scratched in by hand nearby. Based on a drawing I found that had been left as an offering, I believe Tomoko must have been Momotaro's mother.

There was also part of what seems to have been another book by Yakumo Miroku, about someone being trapped in Kakuriyo by an evil spirit. [She hopes she doesn't have to explain the relevance.] It suggested that, by putting a mirror next to the one containing the spirit, the worlds can be connected and those trapped can be freed.

I don't know that that's relevant anymore, but there is a suitable mirror in the bathroom.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

If the book is by that guy, I...might've found the title page, or at least part of it.

[Several papers have been stuck between Dylan's collar and against his neck, since he lacks pockets yet again. A novel sized torn piece, and two different newspaper articles.]

I also found some newspaper articles. More disappearances-different from the four missing girls. A...Yakuza Scion, whatever that is, and an Idol's Daughter. Eighteen-year-old Seiji Amanome, and sixteen-year-old Kaoru Hazuki.

I...don't know what it means, but...with everything else, it feels like it must be important.

[cellpreservation]

The yakuza scion is the son of a gang leader.

[Helpful translation time.]

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

Ah. Guess that explains how he's The Prince of Threats.

[He appreciates help!]

[noblesnow]

An idol's daughter... could she be connected to Momo Kuruse?

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

That's...might be it? I just thought the clothes looked familiar for some reason...

[Offering the article!]

[noblesnow]

...it's hard to be sure, but it looks like they could be the same person. It wouldn't be unusual for a performer to use a stage name.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

Maybe? It's possible, at least.

Though, it could still just be the simple answer, and they really are just mother and daughter.

[Sometimes things are simple! Sometimes you expect something deep and complex and instead the evil person is just petty!]

[panglici]

I think I get why this thing is burned, now.

[By "this thing", Carrie means a toy gorilla.]

"Masaru lost and took Moimoi with him," that's part of what Valmont found near this. If it's the same Masaru, then... was the fire another game?

[holyironmade]

((from here))

The shrine was in the center of a lake, a location that I believe is traditionally of great spiritual power. There were many turtles as you have most likely noticed by now.

The pages of a certain book described the ritual called Nagoshi no Gi, which is apparently a matter of great secrecy. It is about sending a spiritually enhanced doll to seal a spirit in a mirror. Which seems very strange to me. You think they would have alluded to how this was a euphemism for a human child.

It was in a baby carriage. I wonder if that was supposed to create the atmosphere of a doll.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[...oh for crying out loud-]

Here's your title page.

[Shoving this paper in Jeanne's direction.]

Re: MEETING

[cellpreservation]

[He actually has bags of food from the conbini and first aid kits, which he'll set out in a very "help yourself" kind of way.

Otherwise he's just here to listen to what the others found.]

Re: MEETING

[noblesnow]

[thank you yuta you're very helpful actually]

[britbrat]

I can't assure you how much of it will be relevant, but I found these in the office of one Mr. Ishimaru. The letter, at least, mentions a "Kaguya doll".

[ Valmont places said letter on the evidence blanket, along with... several bills addressed to Noboru Ishimaru. Well, he did say it might not all be relevant. ]

[noblesnow]

That has to be Kakuya, right? So the Ishimarus were involved in sealing her.

[britbrat]

I don't suppose they'd like to show up and repeat the process for us.

[ Aaany time now, guys. ]