15strangers | WEEK 1

My offer stands regardless. I've already prepared enough to give one to anyone who needs it, and it is a quite valuable item.

[Not just in the hunt, either. The rare few in Japan who share his blood type no doubt greatly appreciate it when he donates.]

[Did they ask for the hardest mode possible for this challenge? Death Melody sounds appropriate for the situation they're in....]

[ It sure does. Ursula picks it without hesitation for--both of them. Oh god. ]

This sounds like fun!

It's certainly going to put my reflexes to the test.

[Good thing he...usually gets all of his limbs in on this, anyway? He does prefer upright dancing, but sometimes sacrifices must be made for the Score. And...as soon as it starts, it's obvious he's lying about being out of practice. He's good...a bit too good, really. He must dedicate some serious time to keeping in shape and honing his reflexes, because while he doesn't make this look easy, he keeps up while barely running out of breath.]

Mine as well. Good luck, Goro.

[ It's very clear as soon as the music starts that Ursula has been... kind of hiding just how good at movement she is. In fact, she keeps up with ease, and only struggles putting her hands down occasionally, although it does begin to wear on her after a point, she's... stubborn. Her legs have little to no problem keeping up, however. In fact, she's probably doing this in a ridiculous, almost show-offy manner, putting far too much movement into the entire thing.

Still, towards the end of the song, her left arm begins giving out, so her reaction times begin to slow just enough that she misses a few, and Akechi is pulling out ahead. He might win this. ]

Edited 2017-11-30 22:55 (UTC)

[The more focused he gets, the more showy his own motions are, almost as if showing off comes more naturally than the more modest movements he's been sticking to so far. The exertion wears on him somewhat, but he doesn't even slow down. Compared to being chased through Shibuya by hundreds of crazed fans, this is downright relaxing. It's Ursula's handicap in the resilience department that gives him enough of an edge to pull ahead, closing the gap in their score and reaching slightly higher.]

[ Yeah... Akechi wins. Not by a lot, but he just barely wins. In fact, Ursula is holding her arm noticeably when it's over, but she does smile. ]

Well, congratulations, Goro. You got the high score! It would appear that I've lost, but just barely. You really surprised me!

[By the time the song is over, he's breathing heavily and looks like he could use a drink of water, but he stands up without any obvious difficulty.]

I do enjoy a number of athletic hobbies, so that's probably it. Ah, but...is your arm alright?

... Oh, so you noticed, huh? I guess I couldn't hide it forever.

[ A slight sigh. ]

I'll be honest... I probably would have won if I hadn't needed it. But it's...

[ Mmmn. Her eyes glance down at her hand and she flexes it a bit. She can close it, and open it. Gripping things with it is doable, but fine detail work, not so much. It's why she doesn't use her wand with that hand anymore. ]

... An old injury, is all.

[His smile fades to a look of concern.]

It isn't causing you pain, is it?

... It's been causing me pain for a long time. Don't worry. So, yes, while it hurts, I'll be fine with time. It just happens with a little exertion. Small things, like riding a broom is fine. But if I wanted to use my wand in this hand anymore...

[ ... She just can't. ]

It's actually my dominant arm, it was just that the injury with the S--er... what caused it... was about ten or so years ago. Although it's long since healed, there's unfortunately permanent damage.

I hadn't realized you were left handed, Ursula-san.

[It's a small detail, but it seems to make him perk up a little.]

Still, it is causing you more pain than you're accustomed to, isn't it? I doubt I can do anything about old injuries, but I might be of assistance with the recent aggravation. Besides, I'm sure you're quite thirsty after that, right?

[So have a bottle of water held out in his left hand, Ursula.]

[ She'll take it gratefully. ]

I was, yes, until the incident that caused this. Thank you, Goro. I was quite surprised by your athleticism... actually, even for a detective, it's was quite a showing.

Do you have a performance arts background?

No, nothing of that sort. Actually, before I became a detective, I wasn't really anything special.

Ah, I do enjoy a number of athletic hobbies, however. I often cycle around Tokyo when I go out to eat, and I go bouldering in my spare time. [A nervous chuckle.] Along with occasionally running across Shibuya when I' unsuccessful at hiding from my more obsessive admirers.

[ There's a lengthy pause. Hearing what Akechi says, she's starting to think... maybe he's the first person she should tell. About who she really is. ]

... Goro... did I ever tell you I used to be a performer? This injury--it's from a stage show accident. It's a magical injury.

You didn't, no. Though, after your own display earlier, I'm not surprised. Is that injury why you don't perform anymore?

... In part. The real reason I don't perform is because I... made a very big mistake during my final performance. I used be known as "Shiny Chariot".

[ Hah. It's hard talking about it know. She'll drink a bit of the water. ]

I was incredibly anxious during my final performance--I'd been receiving negative criticisms and my magic wasn't what people wanted, and a friend... accidentally said something that made my panicked state worse. So my wand latched onto those emotions, and created a cannon on my arm.

... It... blew a star-shaped hole in the moon. Honestly, if I wanted to ask if we were from the same place, all I would have to do is ask if the moon looked like that. But I didn't want to bring it up.

[He's quiet for a moment, as though mulling something over.]

Is that why you were so upset yesterday, regarding how quickly my fans turn on me, and how difficult I find it to ignore their opinions?

... Yes. I know exactly what it's like. My fans... many of them turned against me. My shows needed more... something. They always wanted more.

... I just wanted to make people smile.

[ She chuckles, but it's mirthless. ]

I lost a lot of things that day. My friend had to erase people's memories. So I disappeared from the public's eye. I knew people would come looking for me, if they traced it back to me. And even then... I had to recover. The damage to my arm was pretty bad.

"Ursula Callistis" is just an alias; the Headmistress at Luna Nova allowed me in understanding my situation, eventually. My actual name is Chariot du Nord. ... All the same, I really do prefer Ursula. I think only Croix has ever called me Chariot.

[He lifts a hand to rest it on her shoulder with a gentle smile.]

Your secret is safe with me, Ursula-san. I'm...certain you're not the only one here with regrets they'd rather others not know about.

[ She smiles back. Hmm... that tone... she wonders if he has his own problems. But she won't pry. Not yet, at least. ]

I would certainly appreciate it. To be honest, I've tried to leave that identity behind me. But the injury is something of a constant reminder. I do trust you, though, Goro.

Has the water at least helped you a little with the current pain?

WEEK 1

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Bleh, wrong icon. Assume previous icon actually...matches brackets description.