InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "IM soooo cold...finally"

Adam Alexie (constantguard) wrote in nosuchplace,
@ 2008-05-01 21:18:00

Entry tags:

constance alexie, events: thievery plot, midori kamiyama

Tuesday: September 4, 2007
Who: Constance and Midori
Where: Town Hall
When: 1 PM
What: Midori says she knows who the thief is . . .

Inside of the conference room Constance chose on the first floor, the curtains were snatched by Constance's hands and pulled back to reveal brilliant sunlight. Brightness flooded the room and illuminated the Elven design of the room, adding a radiant gleam to the walls. Constance didn't know what it was about Elven paint or architecture, but it tended to sparkle a lot, that was for sure.

Overall, it was sunny and beautiful weather. A great contrary to Constance's mood for the morning and possibly for the rest of the day. The elves were in an uproar, a very powerful artifact was missing and in the hands of who knew what, and . . .

Well, it seemed like Midori knew exactly what.

Constance left the door open and took a seat at the table. Having just eaten lunch, she was full and it was easy to keep her seated in one place. The council member chose to meet after lunch to ensure she wasn't as fidgety as she normally would have been at any other time of day. Hopefully, they could talk about this and get to the bottom of everything nice and quick. Constance wasn't anything if she wasn't a go-getter.

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lightofhokkaido
2008-05-03 02:21 am UTC (link)

Midori strode purposefully into Town Hall. She had her head held high, an air of carefully tempered anger coming off her in waves. She bowed to Constance. "Alexie-sama." She brought herself back up quickly, untying the thin black rope around her neck and removing the Hoshi no Tama from around her neck.

"This is a Hoshi no Tama," Midori said evenly, her voice betraying none of her emotions. She got right to the point. There was no point in formalities, not given the situation. "In English, a Star Ball. It is of great significance to the Kitsune people. It is the representation of our clan, which is the most important thing to us. Each clan has a specific gem... The cut and coloring indicates which clan a Kitsune belongs to, so we can recognize and acknowledge each other upon sight. No clan is the same and no clan would dare where the jewel of another. And for an outsider to wear one is a taboo of the highest regard. The only person who could wear it is a Kitsune of the Celestial Clan."

She held out her hand to Constance, opening it to show off the gem lying in her palm. It was identical to the one that had been displayed at the meeting regarding the theft. "Does it look familiar?" Midori asked. "I have my Hoshi no Tama. There is only one other Kitsune of the Celestial Clan within Elysium. And with her proclivities, I would have believed her a suspect even without this evidence against her."

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constantguard
2008-05-04 08:47 am UTC (link)

Constance thought she sensed the presence of the elder kitsune before she even saw her in person. Anger like that was easy to pick up on for the grandmother, so the moment Midori Kamiyama strode into the room, Constance knew something was wrong beyond her normal expectations for today. "Miss Kamiyama," she said, her voice just as taut. It certainly wasn't directed towards the elder kitsune, and Constance bowed her head to show her respect at Midori's arrival.

She watched with careful interest as the mother and clan leader removed the black rope tipped with a fine jewel at the end from around her neck. The jewel gleamed brilliantly with the aid of the sunlight from the windows, but Constance had a feeling it didn't need sunlight to shine so brightly. Listening intently to Midori, Constance soaked in the story about Hoshi no Tamas. As the elder kitsune spoke, Constance's eyes flitted once more from her face to the jewel. It looked strangely familiar. In fact, it looked exactly like the one found at the temple the night the artifact was stolen from its altar.

After Midori mentioned only the Celestial Clan wore this specific jem, Constance recalled the term 'star ball' in English. "Sounds better in Japanese," Constance remarked. She sat back in her chair, a firm look on her face that drew her features thin and made her wrinkles more pronounced. "So, from what I gather, this Hoshi no Tama is the jewel of your clan, only jewels from your clan look like this one, and no two clans are the same." As Midori held out the jewel for her to see more closely, Constance leaned forward and eyed it. Of course, it did look exactly like the one that was displayed the previous evening, the one they found at the temple. Constance lifted her eyes to her companion. "It most certainly does look familiar," she said.

Constance sat back in her seat, letting out a heavy sigh. "So, I guess this means Mitsuko Kamiyama is a suspect now?"

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lightofhokkaido
2008-05-04 06:31 pm UTC (link)

"No offense, I find most things sound better in Japanese than English," Midori said rather brusquely. She was a snob and she knew it. But that hardly mattered at the current time. What was important was the Hoshi no Tama that had been recovered at the Elven Temple following the robbery."

"I have made it a point to acquaint myself with the Kitsune within Elysium. Besides myself and my daughter, the only ones I have met are Logan, who is only a half-breed and thus not recognized by any clan. Then there is Takemoto Shigeru, who is of the spirit clan. His Hoshi no Tama is similar to the Celestial clan, but distinct enough I would not mistake it."

Midori's expression remained neutral. "Knowing my daughter's history... I believed her a suspect the moment I heard of the robbery. The Council has been informed of her history, of course. She is a kleptomaniac. I thought she might stem these impulses with the current situation, but it seems I was mistaken."

Taking a deep breath, Midori looked firmly at Constance. "I will understand any punishment that needs to be brought against her."

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constantguard
2008-05-04 10:55 pm UTC (link)

Constance raised an eyebrow. "I find most things sound better in Dena'ina than English, but there you have it," she added idly with a sigh as she touched her forehead with her hand. She listened to Midori further, collecting the names in her head. Logan would not be someone to call in for questioning unless it was to gather the whereabouts of Mitsuko that night. Shigeru Takemoto would have to be brought in for questioning. They still did not know for sure if it was Mitsuko, so they would have to bring in the whole bunch and speak to them all.

"Why does that name sound familiar?" Constance suddenly asked as she thought about the final one metioned, the Shigeru. It took time to remember as a few moments of silence passed with her finger tapping her chin. Aha, she thought. "Shigeru? Snotty little kitsune boy with black ears on his head?" the alchemist inquired. While he hadn't given his name at their meeting, Constance made it a point of hers to find out his. "No respect for authority or the Head Council. I'm calling him in just in case."

Another sigh escaped her lips. When it came down to it, Constance was fair with judgment, despite the fact that she really didn't like Mitsuko. She leaned forward against the table with both arms crossed and atop the shiny surface of wood. "Yes, your daughter has a history," she concurred, "and the night before I was informed from my godson that he spotted her and another, by the name of Irei Arakaki, near the temple. They may have had something to do with it together, or they may have been able to witness something. Either way, I must call them both into questioning. As well as the boy, Logan. He lives with his sister. He may be able to confirm her whereabouts that night."

Though Midori was much older than Constance, Constance looked the grandma in physical appearance. She quirked her lip slightly, though it seemed her humor was gone from her. "I'd hate to give anyone a bad name around here, but it seems we have four people to call in for questioning." Slowly, she shook her head. "No, no punishment can be given yet. We need to know for sure, and we need proof it was her before we can do anything." Constance lifted her eyes to Midori. "As much as I dislike your daughter for what she's done previously, I need to be fair. It's my duty."

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lightofhokkaido
2008-05-04 06:15 pm UTC (link)

"Most language sound better than English," Midori murmured. "It's a vulgar language, in my opinion." Her comments were rather distracted, rather focusing on the crime and her daughter's involvement in it.

She nodded in affirmation at Constance's questions of Shigeru. "Yes. That would be the boy. Little Genko brat as far as I can see. It may help if I am there when you question him. No offense to the Head Council, but the boy does know respect. But he only respects other Kitsune. Such is the way of his clan. I suggest I be present at his questioning. My status within the Kitsune community makes him quite unwilling to cross me."

Midori frowned slightly at the mention of the man. "My daughter was in the presence of a man that night?" The name was definitely Japanese. Of course, Midori knew of Mitsuko's promiscuity, but she had the impression she had fallen for the Muse. Maybe there was hope yet. "Of course. Anyone who was near the temple will have to be questioned. As for the boy... The boy is mute. I do not know if you will be able to get a statement from him."

"Mitsuko's name has been bad for quite a long time. Any accusation against her will make very little difference." Midori sighed deeply. She did love her daughter. He truly did. But there had been too many days like this. Too many times when Mitsuko had gotten herself into trouble, which Midori then had to deal with. "Of course. You need to get all of the evidence. I understand." She paused. "But you will want to keep a close watch on Mitsuko. Kitsune are tricky creatures. And if she believes she is suspected of a crime, she will try to slip away."

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constantguard
2008-05-04 07:01 pm UTC (link)

The alchemist couldn't help but chuckle. "Most languages sound vulgar in my opinion, but I can't say most things in Japanese particularly tickle my fancy either. No offense, but it's not a very ‘romantic’ language. Either way," Constance continued with a wave of her hand, returning back to their most important topic instead of the one on languages, "I think it's best if we handle the boy ourselves. It's time he learned how to live outside of his clan in the real world with everyone else and how to respect authority of those in charge, whether or not they are of the same species as him. If he wants to put up a fuss, he'll learn we can be quite cross ourselves."

She noticed the frown on Midori's face and listened carefully to the elder kitsune. "Yes, she was in the presence of a man. Nico crudely says she's in the presence of all men, but none of that's particularly my business." Constance never cared much for Loki, but at the same time, hearing that from Nico did make her feel sorry for him. She nodded. "Yes, he's mute, but if I can get him to nod or shake his head, that's all I'm looking for. Yes or no questions for him," she stated firmly.

"I don't doubt you there, Miss Kamiyama," Constance said with a respectful nod. After all, who would know the girl better than her mother? She nodded her head again, gathering together the list of people she needed to contact and call in for questioning and anything else she needed to do. "We'll round up everyone and talk to them. To make sure they come in, notices will be dispatched to each of their houses. If anyone is guilty and likely to become flighty, we should probably send out guards to collect them. It's not like they could run very far in four walls, after all."

Constance felt it was best to take Midori's words to heart. "Depending on the evidence and how she reacts to it, we might keep her in a holding cell until more information is discovered. If it's her and she's in here, she won't be able to move the object from wherever it is out there while we go searching for it. Thankfully, we don't need a warrant in Elysium to search her house." The alchemist always that was a pesky rule. "Though, if she's a good a thief as I hear, the last place she would hide it would be in her house."

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lightofhokkaido
2008-05-05 08:59 pm UTC (link)

Midori bristled slightly. She wasn't used to be cast in a subservient position. For the past eighty years, she had been the leader of the Tenko and the de facto leader of the Kitsune in Japan. But now she was just.... A citizen. Someone expected to follow orders. "I suppose you're right," she said, a slight edge in her voice. "Takemoto-kun will have to learn to abide by the Council."

She was set even more on edge by Constance's next words. She cocked her head slightly. "I have no idea who this Nico is, but I am certain he is wrong. I have been observing her since my arrival in Elysium. My daughter may have a reputation of dalliances, but she seems devoted to her Muse." It was quite obvious from her voice that she was as unhappy with that situation as she was Mitsuko's promiscuity. "And he would do well not to spread rumours." Midori had her own issues with Mitsuko, but she was not going to let the girl be defamed by some boy. It reflected poorly on Midori as a mother. Mitsuko gave her enough trouble as it was.

"If it is required to hold my daughter, please consult me on the holding cell. I am well versed in Mitsuko's talents and the abilities of Kitsune powers. I believe I might know how best to hold her." Her eyes flashed dangerously. "Believe me... She is not someone who is caged easily. I've tried in the past. Please keep me informed of the situation as it progresses." Midori bowed to Constance. "I will be taking my leave now. Thank you for meeting with me."

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constantguard
2008-05-06 03:21 am UTC (link)

Having the position of being a leader for her family was the only sort of leadership Constance ever knew, so her new position took care and hard work. Sometimes she wondered exactly what Theora said of her to earn her a place on the council. Perhaps with the hectic state of the world, there was not much time to argue over elections for council leadership in each haven. The alchemist didn't think about the possibility that Midori was not used to being just a citizen after being a leader for so long; it was the opposite in the case of Constance.

Constance chuckled a little to herself. "Nico is a boy with a big mouth, brash words, and doesn't seem like he has much sense to him. But overall, he's a good boy. It shows in his character when the moment calls for it. Doesn't mean he doesn't need to be put in his place sometimes, though. He's still just a teenager." The grandmother rolled her eyes. "Not enough discipline in him."

An interested look appeared on her face as Midori spoke of her daughter. It seemed a topic best not to touch. Nico had a big mouth, though, and Constance knew what happened between Mitsuko and the other man. "He doesn't spread rumors," Constance did say firmly. "He says what he sees, and he reported to me exactly what he saw. Your daughter was seen kissing Irei, and I don't mean a peck on the cheek. Make of that what you will. However, that's not important to me. What's important is the two of them were at the temple when the artifact was stolen, which makes both of them suspects at this point."

Her brashness was obvious. Tact wasn't the alchemist's strong suit, and while she often had to discipline Nico himself for his behavior, she knew the kid was a good kid or he wouldn't be anywhere near her grandson. "I will most certainly consult you if we need to hold her. I'm hoping we don't have to." Constance offered a worn smile. "I'm just an alchemist, anyway. Nkemdilim is the one with the power, and Theora. But she's not here." Here, she shrugged. "Gotta make due."

She nodded her head to Midori. "Thank you, Miss Kamiyama, for coming out here today." The next thing seemed like something Constance wouldn't say, but for some reason, she felt a need to say it. "For the record, I'm hoping it's not your daughter," Constance said, showing the slightest hint of softness in her expression and her voice.

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~FIN~

lightofhokkaido
2008-05-12 07:53 am UTC (link)

Midori's entire life was geared towards leadership. Her mother had been head of the Celestials, and her mother before her and her mother before her. Oh, they weren't dynastic... But the Kamiyama women were bred to be leaders. Spent their lives studying so they could lead with a strong and even hand. In fact, it was the only reason Midori had a child at all, so she would have someone to take over the clan from her someday. But that was gone now. Mitsuko had rebuked her duty and the Celestials were dead.

"Such is the mind of a young one," Midori said simply. If she met this Nico, she would certainly have words with him. But she considered Constance's words. "My daughter is not above using her sexuality to extract favors from me. If she believed she needed assistance in the heist, she might have used her wiles to entice him to help. You might not have two suspects... But two culprits."

Midori bowed to Constance. "I am, as always, at the Council's disposal." She turned at Constance's next statement. "I hope it is not as well." She glanced over her shoulder. "But I know her too well to believe that."

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