Who: Mitsuko and Midori (narrative)
When: Very early morning
Where: Near the forest cottages
What: Mitsuko searches for her friend, gets into trouble and has a surprising moment.

There were only bits and pieces of information. The Council was playing things pretty close to the chest. The only thing Mitsuko knew was that Dante had taken two women hostage. She knew of Dante's interest in Adrienne. And her friend was not at her home.

Mitsuko had not formally volunteered for a search party. She suspected as a young woman with three teenagers in her charge, she'd be rebuked, that it was too dangerous for someone with such responsibilities. And she couldn't say she was at all comfortable with the Council still.

Besides, Mitsuko was a hunter. She was better at searching on her own, in her animal form. If she was in a 'search party', she would be slowed down.

The small white fox stopped and let out a small growl. She was tired-- she'd been at this for nearly a day. Her body ached and she was just getting confused. So many people were out searching for Dante and the kidnapped girls that her nose was clogged with the scents of so many people.

But she couldn't give up. Not when her friend was out there. She had told herself she wasn't going to lose anyone else she cared about. If that meant she had to push herself, she was going to do it. She continued on, deeper into the trees.

She was weary and her nose was close to the ground. So focused, she didn't notice the large creature leap at her.

( You territorial bastard! )

Who: Midori and Irei
When: Afternoon
Where: Irei and Sascha's bungalow
What: Midori goes looking for Sascha, but finds Irei instead

It was time for Midori to take care of some business.

Oh, it had nothing to do with her position on the Vice Council. She had no doubt she would be called into duty soon. News of the showdown had reached her. But she was certain the High Council would be handling the situation themselves. She would come when she was called, but not before. She had some... More personal issues to attend to.

She knew of Mitsuko's affection for Zechariah Kitano and Adrienne Conte. No doubt she was preoccupied with what had happened to them. Too preoccupied to spend time with her lover. That gave Midori a rare opportunity.

It had been well over a month since she'd discovered Mitsuko's involvement with Sascha Connolly. As with Loki before him, she found the idea... Troubling, to say the least.

There were so few of their kind left. Much of their own clan had disappeared before arriving in Elysium. The idea of Mitsuko breeding with a human, diluding their bloodline...

Even with her flaws, the daughter of Kamiyama Midori was far too good for a perverse, smartaleck, human Gaijin. She needed to let the man know that.

There was also her want to have her command respected by someone. While she was part of the Vice Council, she could not say she felt entirely useful. In fact, she felt rather impotent on most things. But Mitsuko... Mitsuko was something she might be able to exact some control. Mitsuko was her daughter after all. She was perfectly within her right to control what Mitsuko did.

She opened the door and allowed herself in. Like her daughter, she had little use for knocking. The home was not large and it wasn't long before she found someone. It was not, however, whom she'd come her to see. Rather, it was the other. "Arakaki Irei," Midori said impassively. "You were not the resident I expected to see."

Who: Midori and Hayate
When: Evening
Where: Town Hall Dungeon
What: Silence of the Foxes-- Erm, Midori interviews Elysium's resident psycho vampire in custody

Italics = Japanese dialogue

Hayate.

It was the name that was on the lips of many citizens of Elysium. The man thought to have committed the string of maulings and murders over the past few months.

Midori wasn't sure what to think. She had no strong opinion on vampires herself. Oh, they were fairly vile creatures (most non-Kitsune were), but the drinking of blood was not an issue with her. It was simply a fact of their biology. She would have to meet the man-- to look him in the eye-- before she made judgments.

She had researched what the Head Council and Elven guards had on the man, on his alleged attack on Sanura Hart. She had not consulted her fellow Council members on the matter yet. Midori had no need to discuss things as a committee. It would just be a waste of her time. She had dealt with this sort of thing before.

For the past few hours, she'd simply observed the man. She'd kept her distance, stood with the guards. She saw the young blonde girl visit him. Chris Jung. She was in the reports on Hayate. Injured recently while Hayate was in custody. She was quite devoted to him, it seemed.

The time for observations had passed. She had no idea if her fellow Vice Council members had visited him, but she did not care. She needed to speak to the man.

Dressed in a primp green kimono, her dark hair swept up, she strode down the stone corridor to the vampire's cell. "Hayate-san." Midori bowed her head slightly in greeting, but kept a careful eye on him. "I apologize for the familiar greeting. I'm unaware of your family name. You are a man of some mystery. In fact, the only thing really known about you is what you allegedly did."

She pulled herself back up to full height-- while still short, her air of superiority made her seemed taller. "My name is Kamiyama Midori. I am from the Vice Council." She paused momentarily, cocking her head slightly. "Are you more comfortable with Japanese or English? Japanese is my personal preference." She glanced down the corridor. "It has the advantage of keeping the conversation between just us."

The language she used was incredibly proper, formal, almost old-fashioned. While conveying her authority, it also gave the illusion of respect for Hayate. It was simply an illusion, but there was nothing to be gained by treating the man with hostility from the outset.

Who: Giles and Midori
When: Evening
Where: Midori's place
What: Harassing Talking to Midori about the picture she sent.
Warnings: The pervert in Midori's home? Come on now. Even the start of this is perverted.

How do you get an ego boost? Well, by getting a seat on the Vice Council. Though it wasn’t like back home where his position got him the possibility of getting laid more, it was pretty gratifying. What was even more satisfying was discovering a picture of Midori in her not so usual attire. Nope, it wasn’t by accident. She deliberately sent him a picture and the empath took that as an invitation to be able to visit her.

Oh boo hoo, his daughter didn’t congratulate him. He wasn’t expecting her too. In fact she asked him if he was going to make a law that ordered all women to walk around topless during the summer. This was a possibility. They could be carrying concealed weapons in between their breasts. Plus, he bet his daughter wouldn’t mind. Psk, like he didn’t know she didn’t ride the dude train. He’d probably get slapped in the face if he asked her to talk about it. Not to mention it was just weird.

When Giles got to Midori’s place, he didn’t knock. He just invited himself inside.

"Are you naked!?"

Who: Midori (Narrative)
When: Afternoon
Where: Forest Cottages
What: Fulfilling a campaign "promise"
Warning: Slightly racy photograph within (nothing obscene, but suggestive)


Midori was in an incredibly good mood, now that she'd gotten onto the Vice Council. It was a better mood than she'd been in for a long time. In fact, it made her feel things she'd never felt before.

In Japan, there was an old saying Kaeru no ko wa kaeru-- Child of a frog is a frog. Perhaps, if her daughter was mischievous and more than a little scandelous then, deep down, so was her mother. She wanted to throw Giles for a loop. Too often, that man had the upper hand in whatever this crazy relationship was. Midori was certain this would take him completely by surprise.

He wasn't the only one who was surprise. Her daughter had been very shocked when Midori stopped by to borrow her camera. At first, she'd resisted. But Mitsuko had her price. Midori had to simply promise to not speak badly about Mitsuko's lifestyle. She might have rethought that arrangement if she hadn't been in this good mood. But as it was, she had no desire to haggle and she really wanted to take her picture.

She'd taken the picture, wrote a quick note to go with it, recalling the false campaign promises Giles had been writing on her poster not so long ago. She put both photo and note in an envelop with Giles' name on it and placed it outside his door.

"Will take top off for votes," she rolled her eyes. That man.

( To Dr. Giles Audley )

Who: Everyone!
When: Evening
Where: The Arts and Trade Enclave
What: Grand Opening of the Enclave! Elected Vice Council members are announced! Not to mention, there’s a par-tay!

Tonight was the night for the Grand Opening of the Arts and Trade Enclave. After many careful months of renovating the original buildings located near the tip of the northern mountains, it was completed at last. What was once an old village had been turned into an enclave for learning and the arts, which had been deemed important by the Head Council for the community of Elysium. The public lacked a place to pursue their love of the arts and finer crafts, and now it was made possible for them with supplies, teachers, and more. It was one of the finest ideas for the haven’s people. Hopefully, it would come to fulfill the extra needs of the citizens.

As for the party itself, they had gone all out for the occasion. Gold and white ribbons decorated everything from the doors to the windows to the eaves of the roof, and everyone was dressed up for the occasion. Both inside and outside of the building, there were long tables dedicated to serving snack foods and beverages to the attendees. The ballroom was open, serving as a dance floor for the evening with live music, and even the patio beyond was lit by glowing lanterns and a full crowd of mingling people.

The party had been going on for no more than thirty minutes so far when it was time for the Head Council to announce the elected members of Vice Council. The music ceased temporarily out on the patio as the three of them made an appearance on the stage in place of the entertainment for the evening.

( “Welcome, everyone!” Dylan announced with a smile. )

Who: Sascha, Midori and [later] Mitsuko
When: Noon
Where: Near the Cafe
What: Politics and a case of mistaken identity

It was one of those crisp winter days where the entire world seemed like one gigantic backdrop of white. The overcast sky was a blanket of grey calm across Elysium, and as Sascha trekked through the powdery snow toward the cafe, cane in hand, he could barely suppress a shiver of anxiety. What the hell did he think he was doing?

Not that he didn't have a set destination in mind, of course; he was on his lunch break and had decided to stop in at the cafe for something quick and warm- hot chocolate, maybe, since it was awfully close to Christmas and he was trying to get into the festive mood. He hadn't seen Mitsuko for a few days, anyway, and since she'd gone to the trouble of paying him a visit at his place of work, he thought he'd return the favor...with less lecherous intent, at least this time around. Sneaky little thing had stolen the pack of smokes he'd lifted from Irei, and he wasn't about to let her get away with it, even though technically she already had.

( No, no, Sascha's current uncertainty had nothing to do with pilfered cigarettes or freezing weather )

Sascha was momentarily pulled from his brooding by the sight of a familiar figure walking just ahead of him on the path, and he grinned deviously. The woman was wrapped up in cold weather garb just as he was, but he'd recognize that long hair and those tell-tale furry ears anywhere. She must have been on her way to work- perfect! He'd just head her off now and take care of business. He quickened his pace to catch up to the woman, and once he was close enough behind her, he reached up to draw the hair away from the back of her neck and press a nibble of greeting to the nape. Hey there, dumplin'. I think you owe me an apology.


*Denotes mindspeak

Who: Giles and Midori (because I am an idiot and messed up, lmao :/)
Where: Market area
When: Afternoon
What: Giles is up to no good again..and runs into just who he's looking for

So the Vice Council had nominated Giles to run for the gig and he needed ideas as to why he would be a good member for the crew. No, he couldn’t say he appreciated a good looking ass and some nice fun bags. He couldn’t say he would like a strip club here and there and he couldn’t use the fact that he was a doctor to help out his campaign. Who gave a shit? It wasn’t like he needed to perform CPR on everyone. Though..for the ladies..

“Oh my god..” When he saw Midori’s posters he simply smiled. He hadn’t seen the woman since their date and it was time to see if he could get that fiery woman to come see him if she knew he added some..new additions to the flyers.

Pulling out a red marker from his pocket, he began to doodle on the flyers.

Will take top off for your support.

He’d pay to see that. People shouldn’t underestimate the goods on that woman. Though she would snip out both your jugular and your balls before you got to touch anything on her body, Giles had the benefit of knowing what was underneath those formal clothes.

He began to whistle while continuing to doodle on all of her flyers.

Who: Midori and Adair
When: Afternoon
Where: Helicharis-- Near the Library
What: Canvasing and meeting someone new

The day before had only been moderately successful for Midori. She had answered a few questions for various citizens. However, it seemed many were staying away from town following the Harpy attack or else were not interested in speaking to one of the Vice Council candidates.

So Midori was out again today. She was putting her posters up wherever their was a spare bit of wall. She wrinkled her nose as the strong wind blew the poster she had just put up off the wall. She swore under her breath and ran after the poster. She caught up for it, but her usually impeccable look had been disturbed, her hair mussed and her kimono slightly wrinkled.

She looked around, a little panicked that someone had seen her so disheveled. It was hardly respectable for the Light of Hokkaido to be caught in such a state.

Who: Midori and Mitsuko
When: Afternoon
Where: The Cafe
What: Campaigning and Mother-Daughter Talk

Italics=Japanese speech

Midori was dressed in her one of her best kimonos, her hair primly pinned up and her features flawlessly enhanced by both makeup and illusion. She wanted to display herself as perfectly as possible for today.

Despite the cool weather, she was outside of the cafe, a pile of flyers clasped in her delicate hands.

Mitsuko was close by, cleaning up the remanents of a chair that had been destroyed in the harpy attack. She looked over at Midori warily. "Are you sure you want to do this out here, Mother? It's rather chilly."

"I can reach the most people out here." She cast her daughter a disparaging look. "I'm surprised you care at all for my welfare."

Mitsuko smiled tightly. "It wouldn't look too good if my mother died of pneumonia at my place of work on my shift."

Midori sniffed derisively. "You know very well we cannot catch pneumonia. Besides, this is nothing compared to home." She softened for a moment. "Thank you for allowing me to campaign here."

Mitsuko shrugged dismissively. "My nominee decided not to run..." She let out a small laugh. "Besides, if you get elected, you'll be too busy bossing everyone else around to bother with me." She took one of Midori's flyers, looking it over. "These aren't bad. How in the world did you get them to look like this?"

Midori took the flyer back from Mitsuko. "Despite what you might believe, I'm not a completely backwards bumpkin."

Mitsuko looked at her mother in disbelief.

Midori rolled her eyes. "I traded an old kimono with a human with... Electronic things. Happy? Now, go do your job." She said the final word with pure contempt.

With a shrug, Mitsuko went off back into the cafe to serve the customers, while Midori stayed outside.

Using her most commanding voice, Midori spoke to the citizens of Elysium who were making their way passed the cafe, surveying the damage left from the Harpies or else trying to get on with their normal lives. "I'm Midori Kamiyama and I am running for Vice Council," she said importantly. "I'm here today to answer any questions you might have as to how I will serve the citizens of Elysium." She found this entire exercise rather crass. Imagine, the Light of Hokkaido having to beg and scrape for votes. But she had to appear as a woman of the people. Only a scant few knew of her command. Now she needed the rest to know.

Who: Kayo and Open!
When: Evening
Where: Around the marketplace area
What: Exploring the Marketplace after settling into one of the cottages in Helicharis

After spending much time brooding and recuperating in the northern forests, Kayo decided to move into Helicharis and create a fresh start. The girl did not regret her decision as she looked around her. Albeit it was not her homeland, the atmosphere, the lights, and the citizens walking through the streets comforted her. What she was unused to the most was how it wasn't all humans and she did not need to expend the extra energy to hide her fox like features (although she still did it out of trained habit). Slowly she lifted her illusion to reveal a soft long tail, wagging slowly back and forth.

However a fleeting feeling of loneliness swept into her mind as she wished Nagi was able to experience this hopeful town with her. She closed her eyes and let the feeling pass. When she opened again, reminding herself that this was a second chance and she'll need to have double the fun in absence of her little brother.

Who: Everyone
When: Afternoon
Where: Town Hall
What: The nominees for the Vice Council are announced!

The Head Council had been busy as of late with the homicides of Faye Capricia and Kaiya Sato. It had filled the priestess's heart with much sorrow knowing that someone had deliberately taken the lives of the innocent fae. Not only that, but it was done by a fellow citizen, someone who lived in the haven with them all. The question on the priestess's mind was how were they to ensure everyone's safety when the danger came from within?

Theora didn't have much time to ponder that question, however, since it was time to announce the nominees for the Vice Council. She put on a smile for the gathered crowd, and stepped up to the podium to speak. "Citizens of Elysium," she began, her aura exuding a calm glow to ease the worries of the people. "Thank for you for coming out her today to meet those who have been nominated for the Vice Council positions. I will call out the names of those who have been nominated, and, if they so wish he, or she, may accept the nomination and give a short speech to the audience. However, if the nominee wishes to decline, they may do so as well."

The priestess waited for the small whispers in the crowd to die down before she continued. She looked at her paper with the names of all of those who had been nominated. Hopefully, some of them would be here today to accept their nomination. She began to read from the list slowly, as to give each nominee time to respond.

"Amada Ontiveros-Smith... Beatrice Darcy-Bertrnd... Corisanthias Xyllaniasodas... Devin Blair... Dominic Powell... Giles Audley... Leon Saunders... Malcolm Gray... Midori Kamiyama... Peter Ross... Pietro Conté... Sascha Connolly... Scarlet Faherty... Travis Nielsen... Zane Smith."

Theora allowed each person who accepted their nomination a few moments to speak to the crowd, stating why they would be good for one of the Vice Council positions. Once they were finished with their miniature speeches, Theora took to the podium once more.

"Our candidates will now begin their campaigning to garner your votes. This will continue until January of next year, when you will be placing our final votes for the positions. Thank you again for your time, and may Elune be with you."

( Notes on the nominees. )

Who: Midori Kamiyama and Giles Audley
When: Evening
Where: The Restaurant, Helicharis
What: The Date of the Randy Doctor and the Ice Queen of Hokkaido.

Midori self-consciously tugged on the hem of her skirt. She was feeling more than a little exposed. She was dressed in a short red silk dress. It had a vaguely kimono-like style, which Mitsuko said would make her feel more comfortable. But with the plunging neckline and short hemline, Midori didn't know if she had ever been more uncomfortable. With the knee-high boot Mitsuko had lent her, Midori felt like an utter tramp. No doubt Giles would be terribly pleased with the attire.

She wanted that damn man to get there. While she wasn't particularly looking forwards to his lewd comments, she felt like an idiot just standing around waiting for him to arrive. The sooner he got there, the sooner they could get this ridiculous sham of a date over with.

Despite her ill feelings, Midori felt her heart speed up a tad. There was something exciting about having a man who wanted to do nothing but lavish attention on her. She had never taken the time to enjoy such things before. Perhaps it was time.

Who: Midori and Mitsuko
When: Afternoon
Where: Mitsuko and Logan's Cottage
What: Midori is going on her first date ever. She needs help from her daughter getting ready

Japanese folks speak Japanese, so all dialogue is translated


Midori hesitated outside of the cottage Mitsuko shared with her half-brother. She and Mitsuko had not been terribly friendly since she had arrived in Elysium. Their meetings had been fraught by arguments and disapproval.

Her daughter was precious to her. No matter what Mitsuko did or had done, she was still Midori's only heir. When Midori looked into her daughter's eyes, she could see a good soul and untapped potential. Yet they were unable to find any common ground. They might never truly get along.

But today, Midori needed her daughter. Tonight was the date she had agreed to with Giles. She had also agreed to wear a dress, something she did not own herself. As Mitsuko was the most fashionable person she knew, she would seek her help. But she wasn't much looking forward to actually asking. Mitsuko would take far too much pleasure in it.

Finally, she knocked on the door. She regretted it almost the instant she did it, but the door was quickly opened and she was face to face with Mitsuko.

( What did I do now? )

Who: Giles and Midori
When: Afternoon sometime
Where: Front of his cottage
What: Giles is setting up a sign in his front lawn and gets company

With all the dogs running around or whatever the hell with four legs, Giles was actually making an effort to do something with his life. He got up early in the morning to go to the art supply store to get some basic stencils and he made a good looking wood shaper ..Vance..Vince something like that make him a wooden sign. It was blank before, but now it clearly read.

NO ANIMAL SHIT IN MY YARD

The message was loud and clear and he didn’t care if a set of ‘darling’ puppies were set in front of him. Dog shit was dog shit and he didn’t want it around his house. Couldn’t they make a designated area for animals?

With that deed done, he looked around and figured it was time to hit the good old cottage for some food and a day without his daughter. Maybe she was out getting drunk and hanging out with the giants, hmm..maybe the gnomes. If they were like the Travelocity ones, then it would be one hell of a party.

Who: Idehr and Midori
When: noon
Where: Midori's cottage
What: Ide offers his carpentry services.

Idehr gathered his carpentry tools into his box before leaving the forest cottage, towards the one a few houses down the road. If Malcolm was correct, which he was sure he was, a woman was working on her cottage. He hoped that it was improvements with which he could actually help, but maybe he needed to give himself enough credit. Then there was the question of whether or not the woman wanted his help. She could be doubtful of his skills because he was an orc or something. Shifting the toolbox to his other hand to scratch his nose, Ide neared the cottage and hoped that it was the right one.

He gathered his courage and knocked on the door, smoothening his hair so that he'd look presentable enough for whoever it was that opened the door. As always, he was on his best behavior when meeting a new customer. Maybe fixing things with Malcolm would be just as interesting as carpentry and he'd be able to make something good enough to impress certain people. A grin spread on his face as he imagined the appreciative look on her face and he lost himself in a train of thought. He stopped himself after a moment - it was not a good idea to have those kinds of thoughts right now. Deciding what he should say seemed like the best course of action, as he'd rather not sound like a creep.

Who: Everyone
When: 5 PM
Where: The Mausoleum by the Temple
What: Dr. James Pryce's wake

Zane stood in front of his mirror, adjusting the tie just one more time before he would slip on the black jacket. He could hear Pryce's voice in his mind, "Why so dressed up, Smithy? Planning on getting laid tonight?" The thought made him smile a little, only to find that the idea of never having to hear his friend's voice tore him up inside. He swallowed the lump in his throat, and smoothed out his hair before he left for the mausoleum.

The tone was somber as with any funeral service. The attendees were downtrodden, and a few of them were crying. Zane was trying his best not to be effected by it, but it was hard when there at the front of the room was Pryce's coffin. It was left open for anyone who wanted to come up and say a few words to the dearly departed, or for anyone who wanted to pay their respects. Though many people did not know Doctor Pryce personally, many knew of him since he was one of the few doctors in Elysium.

The service was presided over by Theora, and the Elven priestess spoke words that offered comfort for those who felt the loss the deepest. "Do not think of James as being gone," she said. "For he will live on forever in our hearts and memories. We honor him best by living our lives to the fullest." Zane had kept his emotions in check until the moment he walked up to Pryce's coffin. The top half was left open, and Pryce was lying inside, dressed up in his nicest suit. He looked like he was sleeping, and in some ways that brought Zane some comfort.

"This is it, buddy," he said in a low voice. The tears that had welled up in his eyes were falling down his face now, and the doctor made no attempt to hide them. "Look at you, all dressed up. I don't think I've seen you this dressed up since the wedding." He chuckled a little through the streaming tears, wiping them away with the heel of his hand. "I can't believe you keeled over on me before our next poker night," he added, trying to make light of the situation. "Dammit..." The jokes weren't working as well as he thought, but he kept talking. "Thanks for everything, but most of all, thanks for being my friend. It won't be the same without you." Zane wiped at his tears again and moved to pat Pryce's cold hands as they lay folded along his middle. "See you later, buddy."

And with that Zane moved away from the coffin, making room for the next person to say a few words to the late Doctor James Pryce.

Who: Midori and OPEN
When: Afternoon
Where: Combat Gym
What: Working out frustrations

Midori took a deep breath. Her eyes were shut tightly. There was so much on her mind, she needed to center herself, focus on one thing at a time. Serving as the head of the Celestial Kitsune for so many years, she was good at this. But things involving Mitsuko tended to muddle situations, made it all so much harder to figure out.

Gone were Midori's usual formal kimono. Instead, she wore a casual hakama and gi. The clothing she donned to practice in. Going through the movements of combat centered her in a way nothing else did.

Keeping her eyes closed, Midori let her body guide it's own movements. They were fluid, with a natural grace. Each step and turn of her body was smooth. It was almost as if it were a dance, but each movement had a dangerous edge to it. Her kata was in no doubt part of a deadly art, one she was quite good at.

Once she finished the final move, she went still. Her eyes remained closed, but she knew there was someone there, behind her. She had felt the presence during her kata. "I do not do this for entertainment," Midori said softly, a dangerous tone in her voice. "If you plan to watch me, I suggest you attack."

Who: Mitsuko Kamiyama, Midori Kamiyama, Pietro Conté and two Elven guards
Where: Town Hall-- Dungeon
When: Morning
What: Incarcerated Mitsuko is unhappy Mitsuko

(OOC NOTE: Italics denote Japanese)


Mitsuko was in a foul mood. Not surprising, considering she had woken up in a jail cell. The small, white fox transformed into her human form once again. Rather than the white dress she had been wearing during her interrogation, she was now in a black track suit.

"Ite," she murmured as she rubbed the back of her neck, sitting up on the hard square that passed for a bed. She swung her long legs over the side and got to her feet, walking to the bars. There were also two guards flanking her cell.

One of the guards noticed she was awake. He just glared at her. "Sleep well?" His voice was filled with malice.

Mitsuko glared back at him. "Kutabare!"

The other guard simply stared at Mitsuko, malice in his gaze. She glared back. The first guard moved away, going to retrieve a tray of food. He went to the door of the cell. "Move back."

( Nani-temë? )