We are the chick. The world is our egg. Let's play Kara no Shoujo.

Call out to him.

I'm feeling very uneasy about the ring that Tojiko's wearing. There was way too much emphasis on that scene to just be a cute moment. Is the killer this time targeting girls who are engaged or have boyfriends, maybe...?

(So, we decide we want to talk to Lurch.)

Reiji: "Dr. Murase---"



He scowls at me ferociously for a split second, but relents somewhat upon recognizing me. He doesn't look particularly happy about running into me, though.

Murase: "What business do you have with me?"

Reiji: "Err, I just thought I'd say hello since I saw you..."

Murase: "...And because of that, you felt the need to interrupt me? I'm a busy man."

Reiji: "Sorry about that..."

Damn, this guy's a hardass...

///



However ----

Reiji: "...What's wrong, Hatsune-kun?"

Hatsune's slumped in a chair, a dejected look on her face. I'm not sure how to put this. I know she's sad... But there's something oddly charming about it...



Reiji: "What happened?"

I direct this to Kyoko, behind the counter.

Kyoko: "...The usual."

Reiji: "The usual?"



(If we'd been actively pursuing events with Hatsune and Kyoko, we would have a little more background here. Hatsune has been trying to encourage Kyoko to carry more food (ice cream came up at one point, I think) and also doing a bit of experimenting with cooking. The chocolate and baking soda was not a good combination.)

Reiji: "Ahh... Now I see. That explains it."


Hatsune glowers bitterly at me.

Hatsune: "I really tried my best this time, you know...? It's the Hatsune Special, Part 4..."

... If it's Part 4, then I suppose she's made something similar to the previous versions.

Hatsune brings out a tray piled with food from beneath the counter.

Reiji: "Dorayaki...?"

(From wikipedia's description, sort of like a sweet pancake sandwich?)

Unexpectedly, there's whipped cream on top...

Hatsune: "They're hotcakes!"

Hatsune pouts.

Reiji: "But what's that stuff in the center..."

Hatsune: "Tuna preserved in oil, and tomatoes. I also made sure to carefully season it with soy sauce."

Reiji: "Tuna preserved in oil... You mean canned tuna?"

... Wait, forget about that. Soy sauce? On pancakes?



(SPARKLE EYES ATTACK!)

Reiji: "Me...?"

I look at Kyoko; she pointedly averts her gaze.

Sheesh ----

(There's a choice here but it's a fake - if you try to refuse Hatsune just turns up the puppy eyes EVEN HARDER and you give in.)

Reiji: "... All right. I'm a man. I'll eat it..."

With the heroic fire of determination burning hot in my chest, I accept the plate from Hatsune.



I pick up a knife and cut into the pancakes. As advertised, there are red tomatoes and crumbled tuna inside. There's a fluid that looks like soy sauce soaked into the dough.

I cut off a small piece and ferry it to my mouth. This is... the aroma of soy sauce, I guess...

Reiji: "Krgh---"

I close my eyes and stuff it in.

Reiji: "Hmm... It's not bad...."



Hatsune breathes a sigh of relief.

Hatsune: "I'll keep on trying to come up with new menu items, so I'll be counting on your cooperation in the future, okay Tokisaka-san?"

Reiji: "Uh, sure..."

Well, if she can keep producing edible items like this, I don't see a problem...



The sky's tinged red in the twilight.

Now, what should I do ----

(Map location time! Your options:

Ouba Academy - School is about to start again tomorrow. Will anyone be around today?

Moon World - We were just here, but a different customer might have wandered in and want to talk?

Inokashira Park - The schoolgirls are too busy getting ready for tomorrow to be present. Would anyone else be around?

Kuchiki Research Institute - We could try to check on Kazuna again, but that hasn't accomplished much so far...

Natsume's Hospital - No new crimes have been reported, so would she have any new info?

Pick two!)

OUBA AAAAAAND NATSUMEEEEEE's Hospital.

please don't let my decisions get us killed please
pleasepleasepleaseplease

Ouba Academy and Moon World.

Ouba Academy and... hmm, maybe Moon World?

Ouba and Moon World.

thank you everyone for picking moon world. I was afraid to do so since I always pick Moon World, but...t-thank you.

/single, glistening anime teardrop

There are a number of students around, probably engaged in club activities.

I pass beneath the cherry trees and head inside.

I run into Ayumu while walking down the hallway.



Reiji: "Heya, Sato-san. Here for club?"

Ayumu: "Yep. I'm going home afterward. ...By the way, Sensei, I heard that Yosomiya-sempai's having a party..."

Reiji: "Yeah---Apparently they're holding it at my house. If you've got time, won't you join us?"



Ayumu nods.

Ayumu: "Tomorrow's the opening ceremony for classes, isn't it? I'll see you then, Tokisaka-sensei."

Reiji: "Yeah, take care."

Ayumu bows and leaves.

I should be moving along myself.

(It's possible for there to be some extra information in this scene, but apparently Reiji hasn't been stalking a particular Someone Else enough for him to go looking for that clue at this point. Sorry!)

///



I bump into Uozumi in front of Moon World.

Reiji: "What's up, Uozumi?"



Reiji: "...Nothing so flashy as that. All I did was give him a little push in the right direction."

Uozumi: "Psh, aren't we humble today. Why don't we go inside for now?"

At Uozumi's prompting, we open the door to Moon World.



Reiji: "Nah, I ran into this guy."

I point to Uozumi behind me.

Kyoko: "Ohh, welcome, Uozumi-kun."

Uozumi: "Yeah. We're gonna borrow your inside seats."

Wearing his trademark scowl, Uozumi heads toward the inner seats.

Sheesh...

Reiji: "---Kyoko, two coffees, please."

I sit across from Uozumi after making our order.

Reiji: "So what's the news?"





(This isn't exactly a perspective change so much as an enormous info-dump. Only available if you visit Moon World at this particular point! Also... it's not going to be a happy story. CONTENT WARNING AHEAD)

She became pregnant from this liaison.

Ryoichi's father was furious; the divorce followed shortly thereafter.

Custody of the three siblings went to the father. It was impossible for the mother to support them financially.





All Ryoichi could do was shut his eyes and cover his ears to the rape that happened on a nightly basis.

He was too young; there was no way he could stand up to their father.

Eventually, Eriko became pregnant with their father's child.

In his blind rage, their father only abused her more viciously. He raped his daughter's pregnant body, kicked her in the abdomen, punched her in the face --- and broke her completely.

Ryoichi was the first one to discover her hanging from the doorway.





Since then, Yaginuma Ryoichi has tried to mask his character so that no more people turn out like his sister. He trusts no one; he is close to no one; he relies on no one; he will be second to no one---

If he stands alone, then no one can step in front of him to take the punishment....

....i've never been knocked speechless in all of the time i have read LPs on this forum.

if you'll excuse me.

for anyone who needs it, I recommend some emergency guinea pigs.

I'm thinking a link over to the cute animal thread is in order immediately after that info dump, just because godfuckingdamn.

This one?

I'm never sure how much warning I should give when horrible things are about to happen. I don't want to make things worse by forcing you to anticipate them.

The atmosphere has become almost palpably heavy.

Uozumi: "Of course, nobody knows if it's actually true."

Reiji: "That's unbelievable..."

I'm unable to contain my shock.

Yet again, the Kuchiki Pathological Research institute pops up----



Reiji: "So I should do what he says, then?"

Uozumi: "Beats me--- If you don't like the way he runs things, then do as you see fit."

Reiji: "You're one to talk, you sorry excuse for a cop."



Reiji: "Then why don't you find someone, eh?"

I take a glance over at the counter.

Uozumi: "---Idiot. You think I have time for that with all these cases popping up?"

Even as he says that, it looks like Uozumi's mind has shifted over to the person behind the bar.

Reiji: "...Ah, right. Any progress on the case?"

Uozumi: "Hmm... Yeah, there has been. Let's see... It looks like we've identified a victim."

Reiji: "Really?"

They managed to get that much from those tiny scraps of flesh? I'm impressed.



Reiji: "That must have taken a lot of effort... Natsume-san would never have done something like that."



Reiji: "Hmm---"

Uozumi: "The decisive factor was the comparatively recent fractures in the finger. We're probably not mistaken about this one."

Reiji: "So we're up to two victims now."

Uozumi: "That's how it is."

Uozumi drains the rest of his coffee and stands up.

Uozumi: "I'll contact you if we discover anything else."

Reiji: "Sure."

Uozumi pays his bill and leaves the cafe.

(Since you may be curious, here are the profiles we currently have on the victims)

(No information tying them together at the moment other than they're both schoolgirls.)


Well, it's pretty late, so I guess I'll head home.



So... Tomorrow's the opening ceremony at Ouba Girls Academy. And also Tojiko's party...

Things are getting lively. A couple years ago, I couldn't have imagined living like this again. I'm still lonely without Yukiko here, but----

---No, that's enough. There's nothing to gain from looking back at my past.

For now, let's focus on the present case.

Uozumi told me that the victim's identity has been determined. That makes two---- But there's still nothing to indicate a motive.

To deliberately stuff eggs full of human flesh... It's not the work of a rational mind. If all they wanted was to dump the corpse, there'd be no need to do all that work.

In addition, the flesh itself poses another conundrum. Natsume-san's analysis determined that the eggs' contents were solely composed of human limbs. In other words, the torsos have yet to be found. So where did those go?

An image of a girl looking like a daruma comes to mind, unbidden; I shake my head to clear it out.

(Daruma doll - traditional thing, sort of egg-shaped and weighted at the bottom so they tip back upright.)

This isn't good. It's making me depressed.

It's high time I went to sleep.

///



Reiji: "Hnn? What, it's morning already...?"

I come slowly to wakefulness, helped along by Yukari shaking me.

Yukari: "Today's the opening ceremony. You're going, remember?"

Reiji: "Yeah, I know."

I sit up in my futon.



That said, Yukari leaves the room.

Well, I can't be lazing about like this. Let's get up.



Yukari: "Nii-san, is toast all right today?"

Reiji: "Yeah. That's an unusual choice."


Yukari comes out of the kitchen, plates in hand.



(Toast and jam is a "weird" breakfast in Japan?)

Reiji: "Normally, I'd prefer butter..."

Yukari: "We're out of butter today; I'm afraid you'll have to endure."

Well, I'm sure it's going to taste better than the time she fed me roasted ants without me noticing...

(there, getting to a little bit of Yukari before I stop for the day, so the mood is slightly less depressing.)

Students are everywhere, all wearing clean, pressed uniforms. It's a graceful sight; everyone looks happy to be here. They must be brimming with anticipation for life at their new school.

(If you're confused why people are at a "new" school at this point in the story - Apparently the school year in Japan "starts" at the beginning of April, runs until July, has about six weeks off for summer, then picks up with the second trimester in September. Third trimester runs until late March. Then there's graduation and a short break before the new school year starts in April. So I guess Yukari and Toko are now third-years? And we have a new class of first-years? And Orihime *would* have graduated, if not for...)

...That's something you don't really feel from the students already enrolled here. I imagine it's only a matter of time before these girls look just like the rest.



Well, there are exceptions.

Yukari: "Good morning, Tsuzuriko."

Reiji: "Well, well... Noisy as ever, I see."

Still, if she's in high spirits, that's something to be thankful for.



She waves her arms in annoyance; I see the ring on her right hand.

Reiji: "...What, you didn't take it off?"

Tojiko: "I couldn't get it off! Geez... This thing is a violation of school regulations."

Yukari: "I guess all you can do is bend your fingers and try to hide it."



Reiji: "...That'll just make you stand out even more."



It's almost unnaturally quiet, considering the number of attendees.

The opening ceremony proceeds along solemnly. It's almost as though nothing had ever happened.

Tsukishima Orihime and Kusaka Tatsuhiko aren't here. Nor are Nishizono Yui and Imamura Haruka.

Nevertheless, time ticks away inexorably at this school, almost eerie in its unchanging silence.



(image 1700)

Unsurprisingly, there's no seat for me here. I'll say hello to Saeki, then retire to my history prep room.

Reiji: "---Vice-Principal, I'll be in your capable hands again."



Reiji: "Not at all. I don't know if I'll be of any help this time around, but I intend to give it everything I've got."

My first priority is to identify a culprit. That being the case, I shouldn't really be waiting around at the academy, but----

Should I wait for the police to gather data...?



Reiji: "Eh? What might that be?"

Saeki: "If you could check up on the art club every once in a while, I would be much obliged..."

(After all, the game needs to make sure we spend lots of time with Toko...)

Reiji: "Ahh... Sure, that isn't much to ask."

Saeki: "As always, you have my thanks."

Saeki bows his head deeply.

Reiji: "No, not at all."



I suppose I'll go check up on the art club like he asked. With the opening ceremony out of the way it's about time for the students to be there.

I guess it's not yet time for club activities.

Someone's set her bag on a chair by the window, though. Evidently I'm not the first one to be here...

I approach the window and take a look outside. There's an easel set up at the edge of the schoolyard, by where the cherry trees are blooming.

There's only one person I know of who would be drawing in a place like that. This bag is probably hers, too.



She doesn't look up from the canvas as I approach. She might not have noticed me.

It'd be rude of me to break her concentration, so I have a seat a safe distance away and watch. I wonder what she's drawing----



Reiji: "Oh, so you did notice me."

Toko: "You were walking straight at me. A blind man could have seen you coming."

Toko laughs softly.

Reiji: "So, what were you drawing?"



Toko covers the canvas as she asks.

Reiji: "Cherry trees?"

Toko: "Nope."

Reiji: "A building?"

Toko: "Wrong. It's not necessarily something here."

Reiji: "Well, if you put it like that... You generally draw over here though, right?"

Toko: "Drawing outside is calming. It's too stuffy inside the room, and I can't concentrate."

Reiji: "I'm the opposite. I'm at my calmest when I'm crowded in by books."

Toko: "So you say... I still don't really know anything about you, Sensei."

Reiji: "Well, it's only been a month since we met."



Reiji: "Well, time spent doing something fulfilling does seem to pass by quickly."

Toko: "---You're right. I feel that way when I'm drawing something. It'd be nice if I had more time - at this rate I'm going to turn into an old lady soon and die."

Toko laughs again, but all too soon, she falls silent.

Reiji: "What's wrong...?"



Reiji: "...Did something happen?"



Toko sighs.

Reiji: "...Apologizing would be the best thing to do in this situation, wouldn't you say?"

Toko: "Yeah... I know that, but I haven't talked to Toko since..."

Reiji: "If you take the easy way out and wait for time to solve your problems for you, then things will just get worse."



Reiji: "Hey, now... That was below the belt."

I stand up and give Toko a light poke.

Reiji: "You two will definitely be able to reconcile."

Toko: "...Okay."

Reiji: "Well, see you later."


Reiji: "Nah, I'll be in the history prep room for a little while. I'll go back when it's evening."

Toko: "I see---"

Reiji: "I told you that we're having a party for Tojiko today. Are you coming over to our house later?"



Reiji: "Sure... I'm looking forward to it."



I guess she's spotted Toko.

I'm sure those two will be all right. They should be able to make peace with each other.

(Isn't it sweet how optimistic Reiji is...)


Well, what shall I do until Tojiko's party begins?

(Map time!

Ouba Academy - We've been here all day, not likely to notice anything new now.

Moon World - Drop in on Kyoko and Hatsune? I promise it's not as traumatic as the last one.

Kuchiki Research Institute - How's Kazuna doing?

Natsume's Hospital - The last bits of analysis were done by the big research hospital, not here, so she probably doesn't have any info.

Art Museum - We could see how Stella is doing?

Pick two!)

Moon World and Kuchiki Research Institute.

Moon World and Kuchiki Research Institute.

What they said.

Man, Tojoko's ring is foreshadowing so hard you can taste it. I bet we'll have to use it to ID what's left of her body.

Seconding all of this.

For the time being, why don't I have a cup of coffee or something?



Kyoko turns to greet me, bearing a tray laden with cups.

Reiji: "Wow... Busy joint today."

There are several customers inside the cafe.



Reiji: "Really?"

Kyoko: "Yeah--- Hold on a sec."

Kyoko brings coffee over to the other customers. It looks tough, but Kyoko ran the cafe by herself before Katsune came here. It doesn't look like she's lost her touch.



Reiji: "Yeah."

Kyoko heads behind the counter.

Reiji: "So, is Hatsune-kun doing okay?"

Kyoko: "I guess it's because she's been working nonstop recently. Right now I'm making her take a break. Oh, could you go check up on Hatsune-chan for me?"

Reiji: "Who, me?"

Kyoko: "There are customers here; I can't just leave, can I? I think I can trust you with this. No funny business, okay?"

Reiji: "Hey, hey... Do I really look like the type to barge in on a young lady as she's sleeping?"

Kyoko: "Wow, so honest... I like that part of you. But I'm not too worried, Tokisaka-kun."

Kyoko smiles.

Kyoko: "If it's you, I'm sure she won't mind. Okay?"

Reiji: "Well, when you put it like that... All right, I'll go take a look."

No sooner have I stood up than I see her. Hatsune emerges from the cafe's interior.

Reiji: "Hatsune-kun...?"

Her face is red. She's still feverish.



Reiji: "Look, you need to get back to sleep---"

Hatsune: "Th... This is nothing."



Kyoko dashes over frantically and puts a hand to Hatsune's forehead.

Kyoko: "She still has a fever... Hey, Tokisaka-kun; I'm sorry, but could you take her to the hospital?"

Reiji: "I don't mind, but..."

I guess that's probably the best option right now.

Kyoko: "Thanks. Hatsune-chan, c'mon, put on something warm."

Hatsune: "O-Okay..."

Kyoko quickly gets Hatsune dressed, and I lead her out of the store by the arm.


Hatsune bows unsteadily.

Reiji: "Don't worry about it. C'mon, let's get you to a doctor."

I think the clinic that Kuchiki Fumiya runs is closest to here.

Hatsune: "U-um... Are they going to... Give me a shot?"

Hatsune asks me timidly.

Reiji: "I'm not a doctor, so I have no idea."

Hatsune: "Y... Yeah, I guess... Hahh..."

Reiji: "What's up? Have a problem with shots?"



Flustered, Hatsune denies it.

... That's an affirmative, then.



Spotting Fumiya in front of the house, I call out to him.

Reiji: "---Hey there, Kuchiki-san."



Reiji: "No, today I'm escorting a friend of mine. Is the clinic closed?"

Fumiya: "Right now I'm taking a break. ...Is she a patient?"

Seeing Hatsune, Fumiya looks at me inquiringly.

Reiji: "Yeah, she's running a fever. If it's all right with you, could you examine her, please?"

Fumiya: "Yes, of course. This way, please."

Hatsune: "O...Okay..."

Hatsune takes a glimpse at my face.

Reiji: "Go on. Don't worry. I'll wait for you here."

I'd have to be a total heel to leave a sick girl and go off on my own business.

Hatsune: "O-Okay!"

(fade to black, then back)



Hatsune returns clutching her arm.

Reiji: "...He gave you a shot, huh?"

Hatsune: "Didn't you say they wouldn't?"

Reiji: "No, I'm pretty certain I told you that I wasn't sure..."

Well, if she gets better, that's all that matters.

Reiji: "Let's head back, shall we?"



Hatsune gives me a bow once we're back at Moon World.

Reiji: "Nah, I don't mind at all. But you need to stay warm and get some rest."

Hatsune: "I will! Thank you."

Bowing again, she heads inside.

Every time I come here, I'm overwhelmed by the reek of antiseptics.



Reiji: "Hello, Dr. Yamanouchi."

Koharu calls out to me by the entrance. Good timing - I can ask her about Kazuna's condition.

Reiji: "How is Takashiro-san doing?"



Reiji: "I see. Thank you very much."

I guess recovery is going to be a slower process than I thought.



///



Yukari's in the living room, setting up for the party. I wouldn't be able to relax in my room next door, so I'm taking refuge among the stacks.

I sit down in a chair and pick up a book at random.

It's "The Count of Monte Cristo", by Alexandre Dumas, pere.

... Come to think of it, I've got Kuroiwa Ruiko's "Gankutsuou" around somewhere too----

(Wikipedia has no entry for this man! He was a journalist and a translator, who helped bring many famous European works into Japanese. "Gankutsuou" was, of course, his translation of "The Count of Monte Cristo". It's also now the name of an anime series inspired by that story. I haven't seen it.)

It might be fun to read them and compare.

I stand up again and peer at the titles.

Reiji: "---So, where are you..."

Voice: "Who?"

Reiji: "'Gankutsuou', I said---"

Voice: "'Gankutsuou'?"



Reiji: "...Why the heck are you here?"



Reiji: "I know, but... Why are you here, as in 'this room'?"

Toko: "When I asked Tokisaka-san, she said that you'd run away to hide in here, Sensei."

Toko smiles.

Reiji: "Is everyone here?"

Toko: "Just Toko and Sato-san. Yosomiya-san's not here yet."

Reiji: "I see... Were you able to make up with Mizuhara-san?"

Not much time has passed since I gave her that advice, but----



To change so suddenly after she was so worried this afternoon; such flighty emotions.

Toko: "C'mon, let's go. Everybody's waiting."

Toko pulls on my hand.

Sheesh...



Ayumu: "Pardon the intrusion, Tokisaka-sensei."

Toko2: "Good... Good evening..."

(Her voice is high, breathy, and hesitant, like it was back in the beginning of the game.)

Reiji: "You ladies don't have to be so stiff. Just relax."

Ayumu's fine, but I get the impression that Mizuhara's extremely nervous.



Reiji: "...You're one to talk."

She's a bit too relaxed.

Yukari: "---Nii-san."

Yukari beckons me to the kitchen.

Reiji: "What's up?"



Reiji: "Hmm, it doesn't look like it."

Yukari: "I'm sure she was going back to her house for a bit, but..."

Reiji: "...How about giving her a call?"

Yukari: "Yeah... You're right."

Yukari returns to her room.

But... What might have happened?

I feel myself beginning to go tense. She couldn't possibly have ----



I realize that Toko's peering up at me.

Reiji: "...What?"

Toko: "You were kinda making a scary face."

Reiji: "...It's just your imagination."

Easy enough to say, but... Try as I might, I can't make my expression relax...

DAMN IT FORESHADOWING

OH NOOOOO

...Wow, Ayumu's tall.

And Toko2's being extremeeeely suspicious here. DID YOU KILL HER, YOUNG LADY?! DID YOU?!

Not a soul in sight. Tsuzuriko still isn't here.

She'll show up soon, acting like she's right on time.

... So we've been telling ourselves, but it still hasn't happened.

Yukari comes out of the house.



Reiji: "...I see."

Yukari: "Umm.. It might be forward of me, but I've also contacted Uozumi-san. He's driving over here right now."

Reiji: "Uozumi is...?"



Reiji: "Yeah, you're right... I'm sorry, Yukari, I hadn't considered that."

Yukari: "No, don't be... I'll be inside."

Yukari returns, her face lined with worry.

Damn it... Hurry up and get here, Tojiko----

It's not even two kilometers from the south side of Nishi-Ogikubo to Kinpukuji. It'd take around half an hour on foot, and there's nothing on the way that might distract you, either.

A pair of lights are approaching from down the road. A black Datsun approaches.



Uozumi climbs out of the car after stopping before me.

Reiji: "...You're not the person I was waiting for, buddy."

Uozumi: "I know. Whereabouts of a single person unknown, correct? I went and notified the police box at Nishi-Ogikubo station, just in case."

Reiji: "Okay. But first, could I have you take these young ladies back home?"

Uozumi: "Sure, leave it to me."



It's past 9:00 PM.



Reiji: "...Got it."

I nod and light up a cigarette.

Yukari: "Um... Tsuzuriko will be okay, right...?"

Reiji: "...That's all we can tell ourselves at the moment."

The reply doesn't even satisfy me, and I hate myself for not offering anything better.

Reiji: "...When Uozumi gets back, tell him that I'll be in Nishi-Ogikubo."

Yukari: "Sure... Nii-san, you be careful too..."

Though I only just lit it, I stub out my cigarette in the ashtray and put on a coat.

I can't just sit around at home.



I run down the road, yelling in case she can hear. I gave the park and river a once-over along the way; nothing, no matter how insignificant, will get past me.

I ran into a policeman on his nightly rounds and asked him for information, but Tsuzuriko's whereabouts are still completely unknown.

The headlights of a car illuminate me from behind.



Uozumi gets out from the car.

Reiji: "Sorry for making you take 'em all back home. Were you off duty?"

Uozumi: "I was at the dorm. I borrowed this car from a coworker."

Uozumi rests his elbow on the vehicle's roof.



Reiji: "Okay---Thanks."

Uozumi: "For now, just hop in. Let's make the rounds of this area while we can."

Reiji: "...Got it."

I slide into the Datsun's passenger seat. It looks like I'm not going to get any sleep tonight---



(... ;_; ...)

NOOOOOO TOJIKO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHYYYYYYYYYYY ;A;

(I *hate* this scene. I was seriously tempted to skip it completely, but that might feel unfair to those looking for clues, so... just be warned that I don't like reading what's about to happen!)



I pick up a saw.

This process has become a familiar routine. Even with so much excess material to be removed, it doesn't take long.

I apply the blade to her arm, secured with leather straps, and draw the teeth back and forth.



(as usual, hiding the ickiest bits, and as usual spoiler tags refuse to behave for me, so the rest of this scene is in only one of these tags and the other is blank)

I cover the cut edges with paper clay, sealing up the wounds. I've mended her far more beautifully than I'd expected. The red color staining the clay provides a nice accent.

...Though the shortness of her hair leaves much to be desired.

Her head lolls lifelessly forward.

I suppose I'll just have to put a wig on her----

That's all there is to it. It was so simple.

(... i would say that I need a drink except I don't drink. youtube colorful videos ahoy instead!)

...goddamnit.

nooooooo
Tojiko noooooo ;_;

To break the mood, I figured out why your spoiler tags keep acting up. It's because you're bolding them.

Not sure why that makes them act up, but at least now we know!

Well, some things of note.

• ;_;
• At least I think the timeframe makes it impossible for Toko-two to be the killer.
• We only know of limb tissue so far from the girls, right? Maybe this killer is trying to recreate the Kara no Shoujo by removing their limbs and stuff? Shinzo seems kind of suspicious now...

Song 12 - The Stalker in the Attic





Reiji: "Yeah, I'll be there."

Uozumi: "Get some rest first. Don't show up looking all scruffy like that."

Reiji: "...You're one to talk. Go look in a mirror."

I don't even have the will to deliver a retort.



My sister runs to me the moment I enter. Her eyes are red.

Reiji: "...We still haven't found her yet."

Yukari: "... I see."

Yukari hangs her head.

Reiji: "I'm gonna get some rest, then I'll go search for her again. Make sure you go to class."

Yukari: "Okay..."

Reiji: "Oh, and Yukari. Do you have a photograph of Tsuzuriko?"

I'll need that if I'm going to go around and ask for information.

Yukari: "...I'll go get one right now."

Yukari dashes off to her room. I take that time to change my clothes. Sleep is the furthest thing from my mind right now, but if I don't take a breather, my judgement's going to be shot.

Yukari: "Sorry about the wait. Will this do?"





Reiji: "... I know. You be careful, too."

Yukari: "...Yeah. I'll be going now."



I've got to get at least a little sleep; then it's back to pounding the pavement.

First thing I'll need to do is go meet Uozumi at the MPD and get some information----



Uozumi and Commissioner Yaginuma were in the Security Division.



Reiji: "Any progress?"

Uozumi: "Nothing yet. We don't have any eyewitness accounts."

Reiji: "Is that so..."



(SHUT UP ASSFACE)

Yaginuma doesn't pass up on a chance to make himself heard.





Uozumi growls, barely keeping his anger in check.

Yaginuma: "... I just want to remind you that the dismemberment case is at a standstill. Get to work."

Having said his piece, Yaginuma leaves without waiting for a reply.

Uozumi: "Tch.. All he cares about is one-upping you..."

Reiji: "Don't say that, Uozumi. I'm sure he wants the case solved as well."

But for now, Tsuzuriko's whereabouts.

Reiji: "...Do you know Tsuzuriko's movements that day?"



Reiji: "Yeah, but she never did. That means it's possible that she stopped somewhere else."

Uozumi: "...You're right. Sorry Reiji, but could you go hit up any places that you think seem likely?"

Reiji: "Sure, I was already planning on it."

Where should I head to first?

(We get choices, but they're fake - we have to hit them all to proceed, and we already know we're too late.)



There's not a soul outside; class must be in session. I'll go report to Vice-Principal Saeki and ask him if he knows anything.

Reiji: "Excuse me ---- Vice-Principal?"

I call out to Saeki upon entering the faculty room.



Reiji: "Yeah... The police are searching for her right now."

Saeki: "I see... I pray that we find her soon..."

Reiji: "Are you holding normal classes today?"

Saeki: "Yes. We still haven't told anything to the students."

---That's probably wise.

Reiji: "Do you know anything regarding Yosomiya-san's movements?"

Saeki: "No... Nothing in particular. It looks like she just went home yesterday, as she usually did..."

Reiji: "I see. ...If you find anything out, please contact either me or the police. Thanks."

Saeki: "Sure. Please, find Yosomiya-san. I beg you."

Reiji: "...You don't need to ask."

I give him a bow, then turn and jog off down the hall.

///



I wonder if I can find any leads here...

After looking around the front of the station, I see someone I know. Great timing - she'll know something about Tsuzuriko.

Reiji: "Hello, Dr. Yamanouchi."



Koharu bows.

Reiji: "What are you up to?"

Dr.Y: "I'm going to help out at the hospital over here."

Well, that explains the lab coat.

Reiji: "I'm sorry, but do you know a Yosomiya Tsuzuriko from Ouba Girls Academy? This is what she looks like."

I show her the photo I borrowed from Yukari.



Reiji: "Yes... She disappeared last night."

Dr.Y: "Last night... And she still hasn't been found..?"

Reiji: "That's correct. Do you know anything?"

Dr.Y: "No... I had the night shift at the hospital, so I was there the whole time..."

Reiji: "I see... I'm sorry for taking your time; I know you're busy."

Dr.Y: "I don't mind... I hope you can find Yosomiya-san soon."

With that, Koharu leaves.

... She's not here. Let's try to get some information elsewhere ----

///



There's only one guy I'd come here to question. He's started working again, but he'll probably be in his office.

///

Reiji: "Takashiro, are you there?"

Shugo is seated in a chair reading the newspaper.



Reiji: "I'm looking for someone: a student named Yosomiya Tsuzuriko. Ring any bells?"

I show him the photo.

Shugo: "Nope... Never seen her before."

Reiji: "I see..."

Shugo: "Sorry for not being any help."

Reiji: "Nah, it's fine."

Looks like I've no choice but to try elsewhere ----

///

///



The area around the station is crawling with people. Scattered among them are officers in uniform. They're probably searching for Tsuzuriko.

I see one I remember from the previous case and call out to him.

Officer: "Ah, good to see you here."

Reiji: "Have your boys found anything yet?"

Officer: "Yes. We've got eyewitness testimony from last night. It seems that girl Yosomiya ran into somebody."

Reiji: "Who was it..?"



Reiji: "Completely in black---!?"

Could it be... The Black Madonna?

No, that's not... Kusaka's dead.

But then, who...?

Officer: "Furthermore, it appears that they went somewhere after a little while. They left in the opposite direction of the station, but we're not sure where---"

So Tsuzuriko was abducted by a person in black----

Reiji: "Where was this?"

Officer: "Erm.. I think if you head east a bit on Itsukaichi Avenue, it's around there."

Reiji: "I see... Thank you."

Nothing unusual about that, considering Tsuzuriko's home is in that direction. This may be a crucial lead.

But still, a person clad in black...

As ominous as it sounds, it still doesn't give us any solid clues...

(Because this is slightly unclear in the text, I'll add - according to your evidence notebook at this point, what the eyewitness saw was Tsuzuriko *speaking* to a person dressed all in black. Not being grabbed and hauled off, which Reiji's use of 'abducted' might imply.)

Just to clarify, if it's mentioned in the notebook--when the officer says "they went somewhere," did the eyewitness see both Tojiko and the person in black leave together, or just the person in black?

It sounds like it was both of them, which might imply that the person in black was someone she knew. From school, or professionally, maybe? I also think Haniel might be right about that Kara no Shoujo connection. That would explain why the killer is concerned with the length of Tojiko's hair, which doesn't match the girl's hair in the painting.

The notebook at this point does not specify anything other than them talking; all we know about them leaving is what the officer says. Which, yes, does clearly suggest they went off together.

Is it just me, or does how Tojiko was staring at the killer and crying make me think that she might have recognized the killer? And also how she seemed to follow the killer before being knocked out and mutilated...

Hmm, think I'd agree with Haniel that it's likely that the killer's trying to recreate the Kara no Shoujo, as the limb removal and hair thing suggests. How Tojiko followed the killer before being knocked out/how she was looking at them and crying also seems to suggest that she knew them, yeah, although I can't think if she knows anyone who would have the motivation to recreate the Kara no Shoujo?

In any case: D:

Yaginuma is on the phone.

Yaginuma: "Send out an emergency deployment and question suspicious persons. I'll dispatch investigators from here; cooperate with them. That is all."

Reiji: "Did something happen?"

Once Yaginuma has finished his call, I speak up.



Reiji: "--?"

I nearly choke in surprise.



Reiji: "But either way, somebody new has died, correct?"

The problem here is the victim's identity----



Reiji: "...Where's the crime scene?"

Yaginuma; "It appears to have been discovered at a trash depository in Kichijoji. Just the arms and legs; the torso and head have not been found."

Yaginuma glances at a small notebook for details.



... I wonder what kind of expression I'm making right now.

;_;

Yaginuma: "I see how it is."

Yaginuma's lips curled up.

Yaginuma; "There's no use heading to the crime scene. The corpse has been taken to the coroner. I'm sure we'll know her identity soon."

Yaginuma speaks with exaggerated politeness.

Reiji: "Shit!"

Yaginuma: "----Perhaps our cases are related after all."

Yaginuma's words barely register in my ears. My mind a blank, I stumble outside as if sleepwalking.



The sun is already setting, and it's getting dark.

... I'm not ready for this.

Yukari comes running as soon as I enter.



Reiji: "We... still don't know."

That's all I can say.

Yukari: "Then... Why are you making such a pained face...?"

I can't hide it from her.

Reiji: "...The truth is, we still don't know. But... It seems there were arms and legs discovered in Kichijoji."

(Maybe you could have broken that a LITTLE more gently, Reiji.)



Yukari clences my shirt in her fingers.

Reiji: "I don't know..."

I shake my head. There's no evidence.

... Except for the ring.



Yukari's voice quavers; she's on the verge of tears.

Yukari: "Please... Don't try to hide it from me with such vague answers..."

Reiji: "Yukari... Tsuzuriko's probably..."

Yukari: "...!"

Yukari buries her face in my chest. I hug her close.

She's shaking.

I sit there like that for a little while until she's calmed down.

Yukari: "...I'm sorry, Nii-san..."

Reiji: "Are you okay...?"

Yukari: "Yeah..."

Yukari steps away.



Reiji: "...Yeah, that's for the best."

Yukari: "Good night... Nii-san."

Yukari returns to her room, her eyes downcast.

Reiji: "...I'm so sorry."

I bow to her back... for all the good it will do.

Dawn's here. I haven't slept a wink.

Did Yukari fare any better?

I go into the living room. It looks like she's not up yet.

It's understandable.

I jot down a note saying I'll be taking the day off from the academy, then head out.



Yesterday, Yaginuma told me that they were going to perform the judicial autopsy at the forensic hospital. I guess there's no point in coming here, then, but----

There's yet another sign on the door: "Making a House Call."

That's weird----

Well, if she's out, there's nothing I can do about it. Guess the MPD's the only option left----

And just as I turn around...

I spot a patrol car coming down the street. Is that Uozumi driving it? I see Natsume-san in the passenger seat. What an odd combination...

Uozumi gets out of the car.



Reiji: "Yeah... What was I thinking, huh?"



Natsume-san gets out of the car and points to the back seat.

Natsume: "Tokisaka-san, could you carry that box in?"

Reiji: "Box...?"

There's a rectangular box resting on the seat cushion. I open the door and drag it out.

Reiji: "It's cold...?"

And damp, too.



Reiji: "Yesterday's... I see."

So she was reduced to something so small...

Uozumi: "Let's go inside."

I follow Takashiro into the hospital.



I do as she says.

Reiji: "...Do you know her identity?"



Reiji: "...It's Yosomiya Tsuzuriko."

Natsume: "Ahh, so that's how you read it. I'm surprised you know."

Reiji: "Natsume-san... Wasn't there a ring on the right ring finger?"



She shows me a ring wrapped in paper.

Natsume: "Tokisaka-san... Is something wrong...?"

Reiji: "This ring... was a present I gave to her..."

Natsume: "...I see."

She slips it into my hand.

Natsume: "Why don't you take it, Tokisaka-san."

Reiji: "...Thanks."



Reiji: "...Please."



Natsume-san reads through the data, all business.

Natsume: "A saw was used to sever the limbs. I found traces of a vital reaction on the wounds. Also, I detected traces of anesthesia in her blood."

So they were cut off... While she was still alive...

Uozumi: "...We went over the vicinity with a fine-toothed comb, but we couldn't find the head nor the torso."

Uozumi picks up the narration.



Reiji: "...Yeah."

Uozumi: "...It's almost like the case from last month. It's not, of course... The eggs and MO set it apart."

Uozumi sighs.

Uozumi: "Of course, there's no way Kusaka could have done this... But it might be related to him somehow."

Reiji: "...Have you informed the family of the deceased and the academy yet?"

Uozumi: "I told them once we'd confirmed her identity. We intend to return the body, but... I don't know how that's gonna work, since we don't have the whole thing."

Reiji: "Yeah... But you know, Uozumi. Even if it's only one part of her, the family's praying that she comes back to them."

Uozumi: "...Yeah."

---Of course, that isn't always the case...

Reiji: "...All right, I'm taking off."



Reiji: "Yeah... Whoever did this to her's gonna pay."

Even the cherry blossoms look like they're wilting; quite the atmosphere.

///

Reiji: "Vice-Principal Saeki..."



He looks like hell.

... No surprise there.

Saeki: "Another one of my students... Has..."

Reiji: "...Yeah."

Saeki: "...I wonder what our world's come to... People who have done no wrong, dying one after another..."

Reiji: "...No matter what era it may be, the powerless are always the victims."

Saeki: "...I know."

Saeki heaves a deep sigh.

Saeki: "I guess they'll have to travel to and from school in groups for a while..."

Reiji: "Also... I think it's going to be tough for me to come over here for a little while. I'm going to put my time into investigating the case."



Reiji: "Yeah... That's been the plan all along."

///



I don't really want to get near there. By all rights, I should be investigating the crime scene... But it's already been cleared up, after all.

With that being the place where Tsuzuriko was dumped, it's... painful... to go over there.

I sit down on a park bench. The cherry trees are still in spectacular full bloom.

It seems like a lifetime ago that I watched the blossoms here with Tsuzuriko and my sister.

My gaze drops to the ground. Ants are scurrying to and fro.

A shadow falls across them, and I look up.

Toko is standing there.



Reiji: "Toko... What about classes?"

Toko: "I ditched."

Reiji: "What a bad girl."

Toko: "Yep."

No matter what happens, she never changes.

She continues speaking calmly.



Reiji: "...Really?"

Toko: "It's terrible. She was such a nice person, too."

Reiji: "Yeah... She was."

Toko turns around.



Reiji: "...There are many more non-murderers than murderers out there, you know."

Toko: "But the truth is, murders do happen. Despite the fact that people know killing others isn't allowed."

Toko looks at me out of the corner of her eyes.



Reiji: "...Don't even joke about that."

That's the last thing I need on my mind.

Tsuzuriko's murder already has me teetering on the brink.

If Toko were killed ----



Reiji: "Revenge...? No, that's..."

Wasn't that Kusaka's motive in last month's case?

Reiji: "...Different people will kill for different reasons."

This string of murders: the two girls inside stuffed eggs, and Tsuzuriko... We stil don't have an inkling of the killer's motive.

Are they linked, or not?



Toko sighs.



Reiji: "Why is that...?"

Surprised by her sudden vehemence, I can't help but ask.



Reiji: "Toko---"

I stand up and grab her arm before she can bolt.

Toko: (pained voice) "...I'm not gonna run away. Could you let go?"

I release her.

She's crying.

The mask of indifference must be a way of keeping emotions in check.



Toko smiles wryly.

I give her a hug.

Toko: "..!"

Reiji: "Toko... You may hate yourself, but I---!?"

---Toko's lips cut me off in mid-sentence.

Toko: "...You can't say the rest."

Reiji: "...Yeah, you're right."

She draws away from me.



Reiji: "...Sure."

I guess... I'm feeling better as well.

Toko: "Well, I'm going home then."

Reiji: "...I'll walk you back."



I'll do what I can; I don't want to leave Toko by herself.

I take her hand, and together we walk to the Kuchiki residence.



Where do I go now?

(Map time!

Ouba Academy - Did Tsuzuriko leave any clues there to suggest who she would go off with?

Moon World - Kyoko might offer us a hug.

Inokashira Park - We were just here, not likely to be anyone relevant around.

Kuchiki Research Institute - Doesn't seem all that relevant to the current situation.

Natsume's Hospital - We were just here, not likely to be any news.

Shinjuku Station - Might run into a friend here.

Pick two!)

Hmm... Ouba Academy and Shinjuku Station? Although Reiji probably needs a hug. ;