Scene #5989: The Water's Daughter-1

Owner	Pose
Asellus	Last stop before returning home. After leaving the Cygnus to go on its way since it needed to dock for repairs after the pirate attack, Asellus and White Rose had been trapped in the Region of Scrap until they had money for a ride on the local Region Ship taxi, which just took them back to Koorong. To expedite the ride back they'd hitched a ride on yet ANOTHER independent Region Ship... One that looked a bit like a plane. The same one that had delivered the Multiversals to Facinaturu, coincidentally enough. Nothing weird happened this time, but the pilot had to deliver some stuff to Owmi. Also where the Multiversals had departed from and returned to when going to Facinaturu. Too close to Orlouge. But Asellus really, really, really wants to get home and make sure her aunt is okay. To tell her that SHE is okay. So she'll cope for now. White Rose seemed to get along well with the pilot, but she seems to get along well with everyone. Now, though, they stand in the Region Ship terminal, waiting while the pilot refuels and gets his cargo unloaded. Since this is yet another Region Asellus has never been to, she's considering heading out to see the town while they wait. And maybe she'll meet some familiar faces while she's here.
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke doesn't know what he's doing here. At least that's what he's telling himself. What he's been doing, more or less, is wandering the Regions wherever he could. Why? Well, he told himself he wasn't looking for some sign of Asellus and White Rose. But, well... he was totally looking for signs of Asellus and White Rose. Jumping into that magical fire was a kind of... well, VERY final solution. But would Asellus have done that? Would the fire itself have COAXED her to, if it was THAT final of a solution? Though no... he deep down, he doesn't believe she really made it. But something inside him made him want to come and look. He's hoping to find traces and clues rather than the two of them, alive and well. A scarf, or a burned scrap of cloth. Something. And if he didn't find anything, maybe he could still find some way to get back into Fascinaturu, and punch that Mystic not-vampire right in the face. Which is another thing that kind of irks him -- the Mystics have all the typical vampire powers as he'd heard from Jotaro about Dio. They even live in a world of eternal night. But Hamon doesn't hurt them? That's cheating! Anyway... how he got to Owmi himself is anybody's guess, but who should walk into the Region terminal but Josuke, with a serious look on his face. He scans the area visually... and then freezes, his eyes wide. Surely not. No way. It's impossible. Josuke is kind of frozen there, so Asellus and/or White Rose may need to approach first.
Marisa Kirisame	Marisa knows exactly what it is she's doing here. She's enjoying a day by the sea! Owmi is a beautiful, picturesque town set amidst crystal clear waters, and it's a rare day that Marisa Kirisame gets to take some time to do some good old fashioned fishing without needing to worry about clubbing mermaids or accidentally pulling up a kraken. Right? Right. The witch whistles a jaunty tune as she strolls into the Region terminal, a fishing rod slung up against her shoulder and a whole host of colorful lures dangling on hooks from the rim of her great big hat. She pauses when she notices Josuke standing around, and--- "Oh!" Marisa chirps, at White Rose and Asellus' very much non-cooked appearance. "You're both alive and not barbecue! That's great news! You guys wanna go fishing? I've got plenty of lures."
Asellus	Asellus looks surprised when she spots Josuke, but doesn't immediately make a move. White Rose, noting the widening of Asellus's green eyes, trails her own brown ones to Josuke a moment later. She is likewise mildly surprised, but does not hesitate to smile. Right as she opens her mouth to speak-- A WILD MARISA APPEARS. "Ah, um, yes. The more powerful Mystics have very strong healing abilities. I will not say it was pleasant, but we were able to fully heal afterwards." "Josuke... Marisa... It's good to see you both. I heard from one of the people you brought to rescue us that everyone thought we were dead. I'm sorry for not reaching out to you, but right now it's probably better for us if most people continue to think that. I don't think Orlouge will come looking for us if he doesn't think we made it." She pauses and then says, "Thank you. I'm not sure we could have made it otherwise." White Rose addresses Marisa's question with the diplomatic reply of, "We are only waiting for the pilot of the vehicle that brought us here to be prepared to go, then we will be journeying to Lady Asellus's home Region. Fishing might, unfortunately, delay our departure or cause us to have to find another ship. I am sure we would not mind a walk around town, to catch up, however?" Unless there's an objection, Asellus and White Rose will head outside with Josuke and Marisa, to find out more of what happened, and just discuss what has transpired since last they saw each other on both sides. And their walk may take them towards a bridge over a channel leading into the expansive all-surrounding ocean. An inn lies just on the other side, with a seafood restaurant further past it, straight ahead. Some water flowers seem to be gathering on the water's surface, the setting sun turning the whole ocean into a rippling mirror of molten gold.
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke has no objections, no. But Asellus might just get a hug! Because Josuke is the kind of guy to do that. He thought of her as a friend, he thought she was dead, and she suddenly wasn't! This might also involve the MANLY TEARS that his bloodline and those who call them friends are so fond of using. "I can't believe it! Y-you both made it!" Of course he's excited, and happy! He's going to need a few to get himself together anyway, and a walk is just the ticket for that. But as for what's been going on? "Well... after we got out of Fascinaturu, I've been looking for a way to get back in," he notes. "I didn't know if I might find some clues or not, or if I should just figure out a way to punch that asshole right in the face." All present probably know what asshole he's talking about. The sun on the water is calming, so there's that too. Probably a good thing, after the emotional shakeup. Even if it's a GOOD emotional shakeup, it's still an emotional shakeup. "What about you?" he asks suddenly, meaning all three. "What's been happening with you?"
Marisa Kirisame	"Pfft, I knew the two of you wouldn't die so easy," Marisa huffs, puffing out her chest just a bit. "I mean, if I could survive flying into a nuclear furnace, the two of you should have been just fine with a little bonfire like that Kurenai thing!" Marisa clearly has too much confidence in the ability of your average elite to survive horrible and crippling burns. Also she doesn't say that she was carrying around ~Kappa Supertech~ and ~literally a philosopher's stone~ to protect her. Nobody needs to know about that. "Too bad about the fishing, though," the witch sighs, then shrugs. "Sure, I wouldn't mind. It's beautiful out there, you know? I don't get much chance to see ocean like this back home!" And it /is/ extremely pretty. The golden sea, the blossoming water lilies, the scent of seafood... "Haaah," Marisa sighs, "Yeah, that's the stuff and--" Beat. Marisa stares at the one-point-five mystics for a long moment. "Hey," she says, "How'd you guys make it through without your clothes getting all singed and stuff? More weird magic vampire powers?"
Asellus	The hug makes Asellus semi-panic at first, just unsure how to respond, but she pats Josuke on the back consolingly as she is cried on. She didn't realize she meant that much to him! "I'm sorry for worrying you." is her lame reply. "Well, first we met with a Mystic Lord by the name of Lord Virgil. He provided us transportation to another Region from his own. From there, we managed to get aboard the vessel known as the Cygnus. However, we were ambushed by pirates." White Rose begins the story. Once Asellus is free and they're on their way, she picks up the story from there. "Then, before we could arrive in Koorong, we had to help dispose of some kind of flying Region Ship fortress-weapon produced by some corporation called Trinity. Together with the others available, we managed to disable it so that Trinity's own ships could destroy it. After that, the Cygnus needed repairs so we tried to find a different ship to take us to Shrike, but wound up being stranded in Scrap... And then it was back to Koorong, and now we're here. After this, I can finally go to my aunt's house." She looks away a bit at Marisa's question whether because she doesn't want to remember that magic furnace or because she doesn't care to remember the one who returned their gear to them, and White Rose answers instead. "Lord Virgil restored our belongings to us with his power. It would have complicated interactions with humans otherwise." Because Asellus is looking down at the water, she notes all the flower petals gathering there. "Look at all the flower petals on the water." she says just to change the subject off of Virgil. He creeped her out. White Rose looks over the side of the bridge as well and, after a pause, notes, "They're forming into letters." "Can you read them?" Another pause and then, "'Water Mystics seek the missing daughter.'" Asellus frowns, brushing her green hair behind her air as the mix of fresh and salt water off the lake and ocean of this watery Region blows it in her face. "Water mystics?" "Mystics who live in or near bodies of water. Rivers, lakes, and the ocean. They're very shy. You almost never see one. Some must be living in this lake." Asellus takes a moment to consider that, then ruefully says, "A lost one. Just like me."
Josuke Higashikata	"I don't think they're actually vampires," Josuke replies, to Marisa's mention of 'magic vampire powers'. "At least, not like what I'd call the 'classical' definition." He raises a hand, looks at his fist. "If they had been, that Hamon barrage I delivered with Crazy Diamond would have melted them where they stood. But, if they're vampires, they're not ''undead'' vampires. Unfortunately, whatever they are, it's not something Hamon can affect." As for being worried about Asellus? Josuke shakes his head. "I'm just glad you're both all right," he notes, gratefully. The mention of a Mystic that actually HELPED them gets a surprised look. "Huh. Wonder if he can be trusted?" Probably not, Josuke figures. No telling what conditions he put on his assistance. Well, he'd have to help make sure that doesn't happen, doesn't he? The story gets a whistle, though. "Wow. Quite an adventure. You guys have been all over the place here." And then Asellus is seeing magic flower petals spelling words! Josuke looks as well, blinking. "Someone's daughter is missing? Anything we can do to help?" Despite his bad experience with the Mystic thus far (present company excluded, of course), he still seems willing to help.
Marisa Kirisame	"They're pale prettyboys- and girls- who wear far too much frills and lace, hang out in a giant castle in a world of perpetual night, and keep humans living in terror in a tiny town at the foot of said giant castle for their own amusement. And to keep making clothes with far too much frills and laces." Marisa huffs, then shrugs, "I dunno. They seem to check all the boxes for me." What's a 'Hamon' anyway? Sounds like a tasty pork dish. But then, suddenly! a message appears in the water. Marisa cranes her head over to peer at the letters in the flowerpetals, but can't make heads nor tails of their meaning. Fortunately, White Rose, being a flower herself, is on the case! "A missing daughter, huh?" The witch rubs her chin. "Welp! Guess we should probably find her then. Anyone got some kind of water nymph radar or something like that?"
Asellus	Asellus shakes her head in response to Marisa. "I don't think I got any special senses from any of this." White Rose, ever sensible, suggests, "Why not ask around town? Someone might know something." There are people right on the other side of the bridge after all. A pale girl in red pigtails and a denium overall, blue hat, no shirt. A bit dangerous attire if she got to be too active, but the neckline is high enough, and she has cyan sleeves and leggings sticking out, so maybe there's something underneath after all. She's standing and looking out over the lake on the side of the bridge they just came from. There's a brunette older woman wearing a red cap and dress, standing next to the door of of a multi-story hotel with a very cottage-y feel to it, though mixed with Victorian aesthetics. Something older, in appearance, but modern enough in construction and maintenance. A boy in a red and white striped outfit walks around near a fountain in the middle of the area on the other side of the bridge, a bit south of the woman in the dress. He's wearing an oversized hat on his head, with a red puff ball on top. To the south-west of the boy, on a small wooden platform with a railing, a man with bright red hair and beard, thick glasses that hide his eyes, and a blue outfit, stands looking out over the lake. Beyond all of them, and beyond the fountain, there's also a seafood restaurant. There will probably be people to question in there as well. And there might be another familiar face to meet up with.
Josuke Higashikata	Josuke shakes his head at Marisa's question of having 'water nymph radar'. "Nope. I don't have anything like that. But if they're affecting the water, then... they probably have some awareness of the water, so..." He digs in his pocket and pulls out a piece of discarded paper, and a small, stubby pencil from another pocket, this one inside his jacket. These he hands to Asellus. "Can you write 'Where?' or something on this? If they're aware of disturbances in the water, they might be able to tell us something if they know someone's willing to help." He's not sure it'll work. But if Asellus does that, he'll fold the paper into a small paper boat and then crouch down and try to place it on the lake. "In case that doesn't work... where do you want to start with asking around?"
Marisa Kirisame	"Damn, well there goes that idea," Marisa says with a huff, crossing her arms poutily over her chest. "I kind of wish they had more information than just 'oh no we're missing someone' but I guess mysterious water vampires are mysterious for a reason." But it looks like maybe Josuke has an idea as to that end already, so Marisa is left with needing to explore other avenues. Like going around town and asking people if they've heard any news about strange, watery waifs falling into any nefarious clutches recently. Not... Literally asking them that, of course. But just sort of going around and putting her Thiefy Skills and max ranks of bluff to good use. It's pretty easy keeping a prisoner a secret in a town like this, but surely someone's noticed that a noble or someone's been recently bewitched by a recent addition. Or maybe someone keeps an exotic pet menagerie? It's a mystery! Also that's a lot of people to ask in the immediate area, so Marisa gets right on that. By asking them. In order!!
Theurgus	Theurgus is out exploring the wide spaces of Region Space once more. Honestly doesn't she have a Drive to manage? Oh well that can be dealt with by her protege while she and Charta take some time off. The little Book Fairy seems grumpy regardless. "Honestly Lady Diamond Soul, you've spent far too much time out here, I'll be surprised if there's a Drive to go home to at this rate!" she says, her voice soft, slightly higher pitch than a normal humans, but filled with imperious vigour. The bluenette shrugs nonchalantly, carrying a tray with some selections of local cuisine to a table as the fairy floats beisde her. "Oh pish tosh, Grimoire. Arcana is more than capable in my absence. Besides, did not my predecessor take extended leaves of absence and the Drive was perfectly fine?" she asks, seating herself and digging in, seemingly oblivious to the grumpy nature of her companion.
Asellus	As she is handed the paper and pencil. "I, uh. I can't read or write that flower language." She writes 'where' on it anyway. She doesn't really see the point of it. If the Water Mystics KNEW where, they wouldn't be sending out anonymous messages via flower petals to inform people they're looking. Maybe they're only there to inform other Water Mystics, and White Rose intercepting the message is simply a happy coincidence. The results of Marisa's questioning are alternately irrelevant and potentially connected to their investigation. Pigtails Girl Tempting A Wardrobe Malfunction says, "On the carpet in the mansion there's a drawing of a beautiful woman. I wonder who she is?" Old Woman By The Inn says, "The Lord's manor is this way." as she turns to point north, towards a hill. Oversized Hat Boy asks, "Do you know what a mermaid is?" Suspicious Glasses Redhead Guy Who Totally Isn't A Mystic That Riki Will Confront Later On In His Storyline asks, "How do you like our lake? Splendid, isn't it?" That just leaves the hotel and the seafood restaurant. When Asellus is done with Josuke's attempt at a return message, she and White Rose head for the restaurant next. Which is where they come across the sight of Theurgus. The fairy is new. Asellus thinks so anyway. "Oh, it's... ...You!" Asellus is slightly embarrassed not to remember the magician's name immediately. "Theurgus." White Rose supplies, discretely. "Theurgus! We keep running into people we've met before all over... You especially. Have you seen anything strange going on here?" While Asellus and White Rose catch up with Theurgus, perhaps someone else can ask the others scattered around the seafood place? There's a blonde woman in a green hat and suit, with a sort of naval appearance to it. There's also a pale, red-haired woman who bears a striking resemblance to Pigtails And Overalls Girl. She seems to be a waitress or something. Maybe the other's mom. There's a scruffy looking man in a wool-knit cap, looking a bit sailor-ish, behind the half-rectangle counter on one side of the restaurant. There's also a purple-haired woman further in, in a purple and an orange tracksuit, and there's a rope ladder leading up into an attic space of sorts or something, where the sounds of rummaging around can be heard. For anyone investigating the inn, there's a woman in fancy, feathery garments behind the counter. Very dressed up for just greeting customers. Must be a pretty high-end hotel.
Marisa Kirisame	What is with all these weirdos in this town and having strange NPC-like speech patterns? Like, Marisa didn't even really ask about the Lord's Manor or anything. But hey, whatever! A lead's a lead! Besides, 'Lords' seem like the kind of people who would keep a vampire locked up somewhere. This may seem like an odd thing to conclude, but keep in mind that Marisa is from Gensokyo, where the only major 'lord' of anything on the surface is a weird little vampire girl who locked her sister in the basement for centuries. So, you know, maybe a bit biased. The witch whistles a witcheling song as she sails up towards the lord's manor, riding her broom only about a foot off the ground as mandated by local law and custom. Speed is no problem, though. She can go fast. People don't seem to mind. But soon, Marisa is on her way... To possibly take a local noble's precious things...! She does send word, though! By phone, of all things. Of course, uh... The only person whose number she might know is Josuke's. So he's who gets the message! 'Heard of a local lord, checkin' out their crib. I'll let y'all know if anything's fishy up in their hizzouse.'
Josuke Higashikata	"Well, even if they don't understand, they'll know someone got the message," Josuke reasons. "The meaning should be understood, at least." And once Marisa seems like she's going to head off, Josuke waves. "Take care!" he offers brightly. He'll head for the restaurant, yes, since Marisa's got this part of the area covered. And he waves to Theurgus once he sees her. "Hi there again!" he greets in his usual bright way. A pause, though, as his phone buzzes. And he gets the message from Marisa! He sends back, 'Right, gotcha. Be careful, and beep if you need anything.' Of course, 'beep', because Josuke is a child of the 90s. As he puts the phone back, he notes to Asellus and White Rose, "Marisa said she's going to check out the local lord. I told her to let us know if she has trouble." Well, let's do this in order then. First that red-haired woman. She does look familiar -- yes, Josuke noticed the young girl. He approaches her with a greeting of, "Hello! I'm new to this Region. You know of any interesting gossip?"
Theurgus	Theurgus looks up from her meal, and beams a smile. "Hello, hello, Asellus and White Rose! Indeed, we keep running into each other." she doesn't stands, but does gesture to her companion, who floats up and takes a bow. Theurgus continues. "This is my companion and assistant, Grimoire." The fairy visibly recoils, shooting a glare at the DCC, before speaking for herself. "My name is Charta, Oracle of the Diamond Drive. It is a pleasure to meet you." Theurgus ponders a bit, tapping her chin. "Strange? Not particularly, though the locals would call /me/ strange if asked." she replies. "Nothing comes to mind... what about you Grimoire?" Charta pinches the bridge of her nose, then heaves a worldweary sigh. "No, I have heard nothing in our time here as yet."
Asellus	The waitress lady answers Josuke with, "Our master is taking care of an injured Water Mystic." Welp, there's the confirmation. Though with Theurgus admitting to not know of anything going on, Asellus explains the situation, and then moves around asking questions of everyone else. Can't hurt, right? The man behind the counter says, "He should let her go or else we'll be cursed by the water god." The purple-haired woman explains, "The Water Mystics used to live in a river near the port. We were very careful not to disturb them. But because the port expanded the landing zone, the Mystics had to move to our lake. One got caught in a net." And up the rope ladder, Asellus encounters... Michael Jackson in his Thriller outfit!? not!Michael Jackson says, "Gotta' work!" as he attends to a barrel of something or other. Y-you do that, Michael! With that confirmation of everything, Asellus passes it along to White Rose who waits near the bottom of the ladder, watching the half-Mystic descend. White Rose then passes the info along to Josuke, Theurgus, and Grimoire. Once Asellus rejoins them, she says, "I think we should meet up with this man." Unless, there's objections, they should be arriving shortly at the lord's mansion, where Marisa likely already is. It's a very large house, with the roof peaking in multiple places. One of those peaks has a gargoyle sitting on it. More evidence of VAMPIRISM!? Or maybe just AWESOME DECORATION SENSE!? Either way, Asellus, not one to wait on ceremony, just... Goes inside. She just goes through the front door without knocking or anything. Girl's on a mission, and perhaps her sense of personal space is even less particular than Marisa's or Josuke's! Hopefully everyone else comes in to back up her and White Rose, because the lord of the mansion comes out of a door up some stairs in the large central room, understandably perplexed by suddenly having unnanounced visitors. "Can I help you...?" he asks tenatively as he descends the stairs.
Josuke Higashikata	An injured Water Mystic? Oh that's exactly what they're looking for! So of course he listens. And once they've got all the info they can, Josuke offers to the red-haired woman, "That's <great> for stories! Thanks!" Of course, he's not going to tell her they're going to look for the Water Mystic, or that this is probably the one that the other Water Mystics are looking for... And of course, on the way to the mansion, Josuke will get in contact with Marisa again. 'Looks like the Water Mystic was injured, and there's some lord taking care of her. Like as not her family didn't even know she'd been injured, and just know she's missing.' Hopefully that will dissuade Marisa from taking the nuclear option right from the off. Or at least, leaving some for them if she does!
Marisa Kirisame	Marisa gets a message! Unfortunately, it's the kind of message that means Marisa doesn't get to break down doors, flash a totally made-up badge belonging to a totally made-up police force and punch some goons in the face. Instead, it's the kind of message that means that she has to take it ~slow~ and ~be reasonable~ and all that jazz. Well! To heck with that! Marisa Kirisame does things at Marisa-like speeds or not at all! And so she's not actually there with the others at the front door, she's... Well. She's sneaking around, mostly. If she was a door to a forbidden prison chamber in a noble's house... Where would she be, exactly?
Theurgus	Theurgus finishes her meal, standing and joining Asellus and White Rose with her companion. The two don't really have much to add to the conversations, but seems more than willing to lend her aid where it might be needed.
Asellus	White Rose holds down her skirts a bit as Marissa goes zipping off at high speed, searching the mansion. She tries to keep the lord's attention so he doesn't realize what just happened as he stops on the stairs. "We've heard you are keeping a Water Mystic." Asellus leaves the diplomacy to White Rose since she's better at it. "Yes, and...?" the lord says, suspiciously. Pretty reasonable of him to be just suspicious of these strangers who have entered his home without permission instead of asking wtf they're doing here. "The other Water Mystics are looking for her." The lord is surprised by that, clearly. Even looks panicked for a moment. Asellus seizes upon that opportunity to say, "You must let her go." Panic turns to anger as Asellus pressures him, and he yells at them all, "Get out of here!" Asellus and White Rose turn to look at each other, and then move to leave. They ARE technically trespassing. But the lord stops them quickly. His tone is apologetic as he says, "Wait! I'm sorry! Is what you just said true?" Without missing a beat, White Rose says, "Yes." The young lord, in his green cap and attire, white leggings, and blonde hair, looks very princely. He paces a bit as he speaks. "What should I do? I know she would be better off in the lake, but I... I..." He looks quite conflicted. "Calm down." the Mystic says gently. Asellus tries again. "Let us speak to the Mystic." The lord looks over the motley assortment of individuals in his home, including the one whose hair style makes him look like he was born in the wrong decade. Cautiously, he says, "...All right. This way." He then leads the way to a room upstairs. Once they arrive, he pauses outside the door and says, "This is the room. But she won't talk to you. She hasn't spoken since the day she got here." "Please let us speak to her in private." The lord's suspicions and alarm flare up again as he starts to say, "But...!" But he restrains himself, and grudgingly says, "I guess it's all right." Perhaps it will lead to her speaking to him, after all. He stands back to allow the Mystic and the Half-Mystic, the Stand-user, the magician, and the fairy thing, go into the Water Mystic's room. It's a rather large room, and there's an indoor pool in the corner, though it is much smaller than the rest of the room, about as big as a hot tub. After a moment, Asellus looking at the others, she advances to talk to the Water Mystic herself, whether others follow or not. White Rose, her flowery shadow, chooses to follow. She's gray-skinned, white-haired, with a pair of little 'antlers' seemingly made of coral on either side of her head. She's also, clearly, a mermaid. And as she turns to look at them, eyes wide, she is also, very clearly, topless. Though she has very small modesty starfish so it's okay. Meanwhile, Marissa's investigation leads her to a number of treasure chests scattered throughout the house. In the attic, and in the basement both. She gets a Ghost Rifle, a Rubber Suit, a Kris Knife, and a Max Cure. Whatever any of those are. She also probably avoids the Super Obvious Trap Door at the base of the stairs, that wouldn't have worked even if she stepped on it, and down there in the basement, before the treasure room, there's a door covered in chains and padlocks, with a note attached mentioning that it's dangerous and that one shouldn't enter. She probably will, but maybe she'll go check on the others first and meet the mermaid NEXT TIME on SaGA Frontier Z!