<Nocturnal Harmonia>

[Bloodedge]

The Witch Queen's descent was felt by all, but none more than Yugi. Even though mana wasn't present the last time he'd seen the woman, there was a sense of familiarity in that overbearing presence as it drew closer and closer. A rational person would have been shaking in his boots, but Yugi was far beyond a sense of rationale when it came to this woman. Damned be the System's warning about her. Ah, and it seemed her arrival would save an altercation as well. The man apparently named Nanami was reaching for his tie. Whatever purpose that would have served, he stopped once Hoshimi Rie appeared and spoke. A grumble would follow Rie's explanation of his alleged day off. "Doesn't sound like a day off if I'm going there," he said. When Rie looked Yugi's way, he slipped his hands into his pockets ever so casually. Crimson irises that showed even beneath the enchanted shadow of his hood scanned her in turn, both appraising her power and refamiliarizing himself with something near and dear to his current life of deviance. She urged him to follow along, which he did indeed expect. As for keeping silent, however... "That'll take a lot of motivation," he replied, a startlingly quick downward shift of his gaze occurring in the moment.

Kaiba Seto had no further patience for conversation. Whatever Miko thought of her own potential outing, he didn't care. Whatever hypothetical sleepover was being discussed, he deemed irrelevant. If it were possible for Intimacy to drop below a threshold in a moment like this, his would have lowered. "If you've got time to talk, you've got time to get on stage and start singing. How many times do I have to tell you people? I'm a busy man," he said en route to that room. Once they were inside, Tsukiko finally offered the name of a song she wanted to hear. Seto seated himself beside the girl, thinking he might be able to get past all the mindless chatter at the cost of having to sit through a song. Of course, he didn't seem too pleased about that either... but a bit of music was more than tolerable.

[Apollymi]

Hoshimi Rie made her way to the lobby as if completely unbothered, but also in record time. She technically couldn't have this one having a bad interaction in this space currently. And though the man she called Nanami was the only one truly allowed to handle such things... it was a tenuous situation. She knew there was something odd going on with the boy and now she was more sure of it as she made casual small talk with Nanami. "How things sound and how they are, can be very different. She's never led me astray after all," Rie said and that was all. Whatever Makima wanted them for was obviously not combat or work related, not directly. If it had been she would have just said. No, whatever move the Chairwoman of the Hunter Association was making it was something, clandestine at best. Something that wasn't managing to be that same level of sneaky however was the movements of Yugi's eyes. She'd not seen this boy in about a year, just randomly disappeared on an outing with his father with no real cause. And now here he was standing in a very specific kind of place he definitely wasn't supposed to be. No matter, she'd be leading him along, "Careful with that tie~ You're still covering aren't you?" Rie managed as she turned to walk away assuming Yugi would be behind her, hands in his pockets she was acutely aware of his movements and his eyes on her. His words were also heard. "Some things never change," those simple words were all she said. But as she lead the lad towards a different elevator than she one she'd come down, there was a gentle sway of her hips. Such a thing would continue for the duration of a quick ride into the basement, a subfloor, only reachable with a key she produced from a magical storage space and just as quickly put away. With that done and the key turned the elevator doors would close and it would appear to all that this lad was bare minimum on his way to an interrogation. Still, she wouldn't be saying a word of extra until those doors opened on the basement subfloor, the basement subfloor was nine when it finally opened.

At the same time, Miko was beginning to be able to easily tell when Kaiba Seto was properly displeased versus his base expression. Small talk wasn't part of his deal she knew and understood that, but it was almost completely contradictory to the idea of introducing two teenage girls to each other. In fact, such a thing usually only had two options and he was getting the better one. "Hai hai, I know that part, and my previous inconveniencing of you is the reason I'm still here," Miko's last spoken words to Kaiba Seto would be those but only because she was thinking about that song that Tsukiko wanted to hear. "Sou ka, always a fan of Air Gear. Easily done," Miko said as she hopped up onto that mini-stage. At the same time Tsukiko was settling in beside her big brother with pure excitement in her eyes. "Seto-niisan, this song is one of the best, not just because of Air Gear either," Tsukiko said. She saw this song very different from the norm, mostly because she thought it's message was a bit more personal than the writers of it let on. If only she knew. Still contrary to popular belief she wasn't without showman ship. In this case, a few of those shimmering crystal swords placed themselves around the room by use of Ruler's hand and the piano's cover was lifted as well. The girl's eyes closed, and a shimmering crystal amphitheater's echo shimmered over the room, creating the perfect acoustic domain to carry Miko's voice in surround sound. Whether it was likely a shimmer of light not truly visible, by Miko's own understanding but that was enough. She sat at that piano, fingers running over keys for the first time in days and truly smiled, not even pressing them down, simply getting a feel for them. A few slow paced chords began a song the girl herself would sing with gentle feeling, that echoed back into her own chest. Rare was it indeed for someone to see the girl play and hear her sing simultaneously, Kaiba Seto and his younger sister were as lucky as she'd been earlier. Her signature sound one which carried...

"Just a day♪~ just an, or♪~din♪~ary♪~ day♪~
Just tryiiiin'♪~ to get byyyy♪~
Just a boy♪ just aaaan♪~ or♪~din♪~ary♪~ boy♪~ but♪~
He was looking to♪~ the skyyyy♪~ and♪~
As he♪~ asked if♪~ I would♪~ come along♪~
I started to realizeeee♪~
That everyday he finds♪~ just what he's lookin'♪~ for♪~
Like a shooting star♪~ he shines♪~ and he saaaaid♪!~
Take♪~ my~ haaand♪~
Liiiive♪~ while♪~ you can♪~
Don't you see♪~ your dreams♪~ lie right♪ in the palm♪ of♪ your♪ haaaaand♪~"

[Bloodedge]

Some things never changed. Yugi didn't intend to alter himself ─ especially in regards to the platinum-haired woman standing in front of him. Lo and behold, she once again proved herself to be... an enabler. She walked ahead, hips swaying and rear bouncing as a direct result. While Nanami was letting go of his tie, Yugi was following right behind Rie toward that elevator. His gaze was mostly fixed, but he did get to witness the use of storage magic the way proper Hunters did it. "Sou..." he muttered without a single thought, committing to memory the comparison between Hunters and the System. Alas, there was nothing else to be said once they entered the elevator. Of course, he spent the entire trip down staring a hole into Rie's backside, even as he easily fell into silence with the assumption that they'd reach a more... secure place of discussion soon enough.

In the meantime, Seto kept his brooding self seated next to a very excited younger sister. Internally, he was quite pleased. Externally, he was the very same Kaiba Seto he'd always be. Tsukiko thought the upcoming number was one of the best songs, beyond its attachment to the series Air Gear. The man huffed once more. "We'll see. It's probably something I didn't care to listen to when they met with me about a role," he muttered. Miko didn't seem to be making haste in starting the song. Was she playing with the piano, showing off, or something else? It didn't matter. Everyone had their processes, he supposed ─ even if they were annoying to watch. Either way, the song began eventually. Seto hadn't actually heard it before, so... he'd at least give it a listen while Tsukiko was here.

[Apollymi]

It took no time at all to diffuse the situation in the lobby and get things back to business as usual. At the same time, it took nothing at all for Hoshimi Rie to draw the attention of the man formerly known as the Masked Boy. She'd called him something very different when they knew each other and apparently it still applied. Still, she'd be saying nothing... as she moved around and once they were in the elevator that silence didn't do anything but linger. She went down to the 9th Basement floor and waited for them to reach the appropriate level. While on the elevator she could feel the lad's gaze on her rear, but she'd drawn attention to it, knowing it would keep him quiet for a bit. And much to the lad's credit, the only peep she heard from him was... one of recognition when she used magic to produce that key at the start. Soon enough that silence would be ending though as the elevator doors opened, that key went back to storage and she began to walk, knowing the lad should be following behind her, she'd lead him all the way down to the end of a hallway. There at the end was a room, which finger print locks which she opened before stepping inside, it would only remain open for ten seconds before closing and once both of them were inside it would seal completely. The space itself was composed of a rather rare material. One which supported the suppression of Hunter abilities. Such rooms were placed in every branch of the Continental Hotel, in exchange for Sanctuary for the man who provided them. "This room is Hunter proof, magic blocking and bug proof. So, do you want to tell me, how the hell you managed to go missing on my day off. Where you've been for almost a year? Why you're suddenly looking like a man of my age instead of a 15 year old boy and, what the hell is going on with your shadow," that was a series of questions which required answers for Rie to feel comfortable as she remained standing but kept her eyes trained on the lad in question.

While Yugi faced interrogation, Miko played a solo. Though it took her a moment or two to get started, she was an artists and songs required feeling to play properly. It was one of those things those whose work were less exact understood. She also already understood that though Kaiba Seto was quite the huffy and indignant individual outside, inside he was quite the softy when it came to his sister. Miko didn't expect him to have interest in her music, he seemed like more the type to favor a rock song than the kind of pop music she'd become known for. Still, he sat attentively as she played noting his apparent future appearance in Air Gear. "You'll probably end up with a character song too, not by her though!~" Tsukiko cooed. Her brother wasn't the type for the kind of music that was produced by Museion. Just the same those piano tunes continued and the song echoed at a much better quality than Tsukiko had ever heard it.

"And as he spoke♪~ he spoke♪~ ordinary words♪~
Though they did not feel♪~
For I felt what I had not felt before♫~
And you'd swear those words could heal♪~ and♪~
As I looked up into those eyes♪ his vision borrows mine♪~
And I know he's no stranger♪~
For I feel I've held him for all of time♪~ and he said♪~
Take my hand♪~
Live while you can♪~
Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand?♪~
Please come with me♪~ see what I see♪
Touch the stars for time will not flee♪~
Time will not flee♪~ can't you see?♪~"

In those final words of that part, Tsukiko was holding her own chest, eyes big and bright. That was the part! 'That's the part! They definitely have to be a couple helping each other like that... it's too romantic to be anything else!' Too bad for Tsukiko's fantasy, Miko didn't see this song the same way. For her it was a simple story, a love song for the characters of Air gear and for her... a thank you. Issued to the man who'd extended a hand to her to help her out of the shell she'd created a long time before now. She sang those heartfelt lyrics even to the change of pace. She felt them... she knew them but... to her this wasn't romance, she didn't expect love in return for her feelings. She simply wasn't big enough to hold them all inside.

"Just a dream♪~ just an, ordinary dream♪~
As I wake in bed♪~
And that boy♪ that ordinary boy♪~
Was it all in my head?♪~
Didn't he ask if I would come along♪?~
It all seemed so real♪~ but as I looked to the door...
I saw that boy standing there with a deal♪~ and he said♪~"

[Bloodedge]

In following Rie, Yugi found himself in a room that should have made him feel rather strange. Instead, he felt completely normal. Nothing even registered to the lad until Rie spoke within that sealed room, claiming it was anti-Hunter, anti-magic and anti-bug. "Magic-blocking?" Yugi repeated with an upward inflection. He'd always known something was strange about the magic he and Miko had access to, but there were absolutely no hiccups here and now. 'I'd believe it was just good tech that can't be noticed until you try doing something, but the System would have mentioned that kind of debuff,' he thought. Well, there were other things to consider... like the list of questions Rie had for him. How did he disappear? Where had he been? Why did he look so much older now? Ah, and most importantly... what was going on with his shadow? He'd actually be answering in sequence, technically. "Because your employer was the problem, is how. For the long disappearance, let's call it a Gate for now. My appearance... is rapid growth based on my ascension. As for my shadow... it's wary of you," he answered as a bare minimum. "So did your ass get even bigger? Hips are definitely a little wider. You didn't have a kid while I was gone, did you? I've been dreaming of being the one to put one in there for ages," he said, looking away from Rie at the time as he scanned Inventory. Before any response to his questions could come, Yugi was falling back as though flopping onto a chair. As it happened, a purple velvet throne appeared just in time to catch him in the seated position. "Want a chair? They're scarily comfy," he offered. Yugi didn't even await an answer before spawning another right across from his, letting the thrones face one another.

True enough, Seto didn't care for the type of music Museion produced. It wasn't a point of hatred, disgust or anything of the sort ─ he simply didn't care. Any character song he got from a project with the Aeons didn't matter either; it wasn't something for him to listen to personally. "I don't have the time for the luxury of music," he replied to Tsukiko. In spite of that, he was still listening to the piano being played, the lyrics passing Miko's lips, the way they flowed together. One could easily say it all sounded good ─ excellent, even. Even so, someone like Kaiba Seto could not be convinced to actually enjoy the moment. The only thing he'd sit around enjoying now was the chance for Tsukiko to experience a bit of happiness.

[Apollymi]

Rie upon reaching that room, gave the necessary warning and launched into her questions. She didn't want the lad reacting badly to a decrease in the magical functionality he had to have by the activity in his shadow and the feeling she got from looking directly at him physically. "Yes, these are anti-magic rooms. They are made to contain, certain kinds of individuals temporarily," Rie mentioned. Still the lad answered her questions but his eyes kept shifting. Her own did the same at least once, as she wasn't seeing anything he should ahve been looking at and she sighed, his answers were nothingness. "My employer was your father. Oddly enough your mother also blamed him for your disappearance. Early Gate, an Ascension and a power sentient enough to be wary of the not National Hunter," Rie said almost casually. "Those were also non-answers but I assume there is a reason for that..." Rie said calmly. Moving on from that point the lad was more than willing to go back to the version of him she knew best, chatting about the difference in her physical form and wondering, "I am not interested in making children. Though less drastic than some, Awakenings have tangible physical benefits, mostly it was the hair. Still just a perverted kid~" she said almost casually amused. But men with exploitable weaknesses were easier to manage so she wouldn't complain about it. "Still in my line of work, looking around like that is usually..." a pause came from Rie. Why? Well... there was a throne randomly manifested in this room. That shouldn't be possible, and then another as the lad fell into it. "That's not possible. Even I have issues in these rooms," Rie stated. Still, she looked at that the comfortable chair inspected it thoroughly with both her eyes and her hands. "So where are the real answers..." she said taking her seat and crossing her legs in front of him at the knee, even sitting back straigh with absolutely perfect posture.

While Yugi got into the depths of a conversation with his former babysitter. Miko was going through one of the most viable romance songs in her entire body of work. While she sang everyone watched and felt and she could almost feel that as well. Kaiba Tsukiko was so into her music. Miko herself was feeling it. Everything about the room, even what she'd done had disappeared for her to sink into music both played and sung with her voice in holy harmony. At the crescendo of the song, Tsukiko was leaning forward in her seat clutching her chest with a huge smile on her face.

"Take my hand♪~ live while you can♪~
Don't you see your dreams lie right♪~ in the palm of your hand♪~
Owwwahaa♪~ In the palm of your hand♪!~"

It felt too good to sing that part, she really did appreciate it. And even as she reached the end, she found herself gently transitioning back into the slower paced ending. The softness of the wrap-up which Tsukiko was moving to the beat of naturally.

"Just a day♪~ just an ordinary day♪~
Just tryin' to get by♪~
Just a boy♪~ just an ordinary boy♪~ but...
He was looking to the skyyyyy♪!~"

Miko finished up that song, her fingers no longer mouth closing and a gentle feeling of softness in her soul. She'd played that song a few dozen times before but she'd not felt it like that before. She'd have to talk to Takao about it, and find out if there was some difference between making something up and singing it for people. For now, she simply blushed a little and closed the piano cover. She called back her tools and canceled her magic smiling at Tsukiko as that girl clapped. "I'm glad you enjoyed it..." she said to the girl. "Enjoyed? No! It was awesome!~ Like the highlight of my year so far!~" she said standing up to greet the girl properly as she hopped down from the stage. "I'm glad, Tsu-chan," Miko said as she was soon hugged by a girl she'd not expected to close the distance between them. She wrapped her arms around her and gently patted her back, doing so making a look of gentle confusion pass over Miko's face that Tsukiko couldn't see. "So you said you had to go, but can I get a picture with you at least?!" Tsukiko asked. "Sure, here I'll take it and send you my number too♪!~ Anything else for you Kaiba-sama♪!~" Miko said willing to do that at least while grinning happily in a double person selfie. She'd soon enough be sending that picture as well as a recently taken candid to Kaiba Tsukiko's phone.

[Bloodedge]

It was quite interesting to Yugi that an anti-magic room had no effect on him. There was a key difference between what they could do, and what Hunters were capable of. One day, the entire world would find out about that. For now, it was Rie's discovery to make after she spent some time addressing his partial answers. "Your employer is also the reason I'm here. Well... apart from the fact that I've been trying to figure out how I can get under your skirt since day one," he admitted with a much more casual freedom than he'd shown with this woman previously. There was a reason for his non-answers; he'd get to that eventually. Regarding Rie's physical changes, it did link to something he once said to her. "I said you should grow your hair out. I'm guessing you like that idea now, since you haven't cut it. Also, if you rethink the children thing, there are a hundred reasons you should let me know before anyone else," he chattered. Where were the real answers? Well, it seemed Rie was sufficiently baffled by his use of Inventory to accomplish something she, a National-level Hunter in power, would struggle with. That start was all he needed. "The real answers are in what I was just looking at. You like the chair? It's from something just called The System. I don't have Hunter powers ─ I have all the powers of a video game protagonist. Apparently that means I don't have the same restrictions as Hunters either. From what I can tell right now... I could kill you in this room, no difficulty," he said as a mere observation, taking the time to finally lower that hood and let his unfiltered gaze be cast upon Rie.

At long last, Miko's song for Tsukiko was coming to an end. Seto would be lying if he said it was a bad listen, but it remained an annoying use of his time regardless. At least Tsukiko was pleased; he could take solace in that. Hearing her call it the highlight of her year gave the male a sense of deep satisfaction that he'd never let show. As the girls were hugging and exchanging contact information, Seto stood and rotated his shoulders. "As much as I'd like to say that was a waste of my time, I suppose something good came of it. Happy early birthday, Tsuki. As for you..." he paused, looking to Miko upon being asked if there was anything else. "Keep the equipment. By the time I finish my main project, I won't need that one anyway. You can go now," he said, leaving it at that. In the meantime, one Aihara Nao was still waiting around at Doctor Ohara's office. His shift had been over for about twenty minutes. The first few minutes were totally justifiable lateness. At ten minutes, he began thinking that brunette just forgot or got caught up doing something else. By the fifteen minute mark, however, he figured she had second thoughts about meeting him. Now, nearly twenty minutes past the end of his work day... he was packing up to leave the office, thinking she had no intentions of going out with him at all. Such was life, he supposed.

[Apollymi]

Soon enough, a casual conversation was going on between Rie and her former charge. It would seem he'd done a lot of growing up in the last year or so both mental and physical. He'd been incapable of holding in his thoughts, to some extent, but never had he made his desires something so clear before. "Hmm? That's oddly bold. Been quite busy in that last year. Stopped applying filters to known taboo subjects. Had enough sex to be confident in your propositions~" she observed almost playfully proud of the lad. There was no smoothness to his approach but he'd never been smooth to begin with. In this case he was amusing for his differences. "Also what about him. I don't exactly work for him or anyone else... anymore," Rie mused with ease. Beyond that the lad was quite right, she did like her long hair now, and she'd not cut it, but not for reasons he thought. "Well, I do like it, now that it doesn't matter if I keep it long. It's not like someone can catch me off guard. Besides, it grows back as my mana reserves replenish. It's less time consuming to leave it long. I couldn't promise you something like that regardless of the perverted reasons you come up with... but I'm not interested currently," Rie said her words weren't completely dismissive, they never were but she was, absolutely candid. What was more the lad was soon explaining a few more details. A system that made him into a video game protagonist. Powers that let him avoid the magic blocking of Hunters and gave him abilities beyond what Hunters were capable of and the entertained thought process that he could kill her with ease within this room. "Zero diff? Even though I've been killing since before you were born? Interesting..." she said almost amused and that rather candid amussement would lead to something interesting.

[BOND ROUTE AVAILABLE]

Bond Route: Hoshimi Rie
Intimacy: 25%
Route Activated: Pale Covenant

Rewards Possible:

• 25%: Shadow Stake
Yugi can generate black rods that function as demodulators for high-frequency mana signals. He is able to create and transmit his mana into these receivers for a variety of purposes..
By stabbing an opponent with the rods, the user can transmit their mana into the target's body, disrupting their own mana and throwing off their movements.

• 50%: [To be decided]
• 75%: [To be decided]

ACCEPT?
[ACCEPT] / [DENY]

Soon enough there was an end to a song, and a light conversation and ending with Kaiba Tsukiko. Kaiba Seto for his part, was the harshest type of tsundere that Miko had ever seen. Even so... he was apparently happy his younger sister found some happiness in a moment like the one he'd given her. He even wished her a happy early birthday much to the white haired girl's own happiness. "Arigatou, Seto-niisan!~" she exclaimed hugging him after that exchange was over. Miko watched that with a small smile on her face. Her eyes continued to linger on Tsukiko. That problem of her physical body that she could hear and feel when they were in physical contact. That was a thought she'd let sit to the side. 'You seem like the type who feels the ends justify the means. If your sister is happy nothing wastes your time. I guess I won't bother making sure she's okay then...' Miko mentally mused. Ah but soon she was being addressed directly. Allowed to keep the armor for the dragon. "Hai hai, I'll enjou incognito flights then. Arigatou, Kaiba-sama. Ja ne... Tsu-chan, text me sometime♪!~" Miko chirped. "Hai, your secret is safe with me. See you around!~" Kaiba knew where and how to contact her if he had use of her and she'd be heading back the way she came. To quickly send Kaisel back to her Shadow and the equipment to the shared storage between her and Yugi. She'd also be looking through the System for the teleport back to her therapists office. 'Shit I'm so fucking late. Sorry, Aihara-san!~' Miko mused still a quick text was sent to Yugi. I put Kaisel back in storage （´ ˘｀ ） There's also incognito armor to make him look like a KaibaCorp Tech project, no traces of his magic getting out ⁽⁽`o(≧ᗜ≦)o´⁾⁾ Also found someone else new for you, sending pics (⸝⸝> ᴗ•⸝⸝) With that text sent, Miko found herself, standing right behind the door in the corner of Ohara Jun's office. She made sure she was cloaked by her spell, attention being diverted away from herself to something else in the space as she slipped and closed the door behind her. Only then did she reappear and run for the reception area to find, Aihara Nao packing up for the day, "I know I can't possibly apologize enough, but I am so sorry I'm late♪!" Miko chirped sliding in front of the lad and immediately bowing deeply her face completely red. She'd really not intended for this whole thing to take so long.

[Bloodedge]

"I've only been busy for the last few days," Yugi countered when his changed mannerisms were addressed. "Besides, I've got more than enough reasons to be confident. It won't be long before I start pumping you until it overflows, just to keep going because you can't get enough. It shouldn't take too much work to have you telling me to knock you up either," he boasted. For now though, there was still business to handle ─ along with quite a few explanations. It seemed something around the claim that he could currently defeat the woman was enough to tip the scales and produce a route. He took a very detailed look at it, becoming visually impressed by the acquired Skill. "Wow..." he muttered without thought. "Accept. Anyway, I need to know what the old man has been up to for the past year. I've always known what you were, but I also know I can trust you. I also think you've figured out he's a problem by now. That's almost as important as wanting to see how your ass bounces when I'm balls-deep in your guts. That one's been stewing for ages now." As he was speaking, Yugi once again sorted through Inventory. His fingers snapped initially to produce one of the castle's extra tables between them, and he'd proceed two of the few remaining lasagna plates ─ fresh as the minute they were taken from the oven. "Whether you're still a grazer or not, how about dinner? It's probably the most delicious thing you've ever eaten. There's also dessert, and a whole lot of dick."

Meanwhile, Nao had a backpack of personal items slung over his shoulder. He was ready to leave the office, but just then... the girl he knew as Aoyama Misaki was standing right in front of him. "Oh..." he muttered, genuinely surprised. The immediate apology for lateness took him by surprise as well. "Iia, iia! It would have been fine if you decided to cancel..." he admitted. A 5% boost occurred in Nao's route just then as he experienced a resurgence of hope. "So you wanted to go out? Is there somewhere specific you were thinking of?"

[Apollymi]

The words Yugi spoke were never truly without purpose. If he claimed he'd only been active a few days she believed him. But a lot can happen in just a couple of days, she was more than a little aware of that. "Growing up fast then?" she asked almost rhetorically. The change in his demeanor being far too much to ignore. Beyond that he couldn't seem to stop himself from speaking rather brazenly. "Oh? So sure," Rie said though she wasn't arguing, she wouldn't she'd let men talk this way most of her pubescent life, and killed them for failing to fulfill the verbal contract they'd signed themselves up for. Beyond that those eyes of his were still occasionally moving to the side obviously reading System Screens and even acknowledging them aloud. "Your personal interest in me aside, I've always known my former employer was a problem. My line of work allows me to... ignore that sort of thing for the most part, as long as my contractual obligations are taken care of," Rie started. "As for what he's been up to, I think it will be easier if you tell me exactly what kind of information you're looking for and I'll fill in a few incidentals after that. It's been quite busy with the Gates opening and there are a lot of inconsistencies a lot of people have spent a lot of time looking into, like the magic that seems far greater than a National Hunter for someone not clearing Gates. The S-rank lapdog that appeared out of nowhere with no real records, the previously completely just prosecutor suddenly under his thumb, the various underground points funneling money and influence into his pockets, why he's choosing to keep handy a man trying to make it possible for humans to hunt hunters. His tacit allowances of the development of some drug which emhances hunters simultaneously, the list goes on..." she gave the briefest form of information possible. Soon enough there was a well made table between them and fresh lasagna and the like appearing. It was if the boy fully prepared for a dinner date before coming here. "Oro? I eat like that still, but I've always simply thought food tasted better when it comes off someone else's plate. No matter, we can eat and talk at least," Rie acquiesced settling into the chair and picking up provided cutlery to bite into food which smelled way too good to deny tasting only to eat and bite and have her eyes sparkle. "Who made this? This is crazy, my brother is a michelin starred chef and I've never tasted anything this good before!" she clamored initially. The lad didn't lie that much was more obvious than most things she'd give whatever information she needed to.

At the same time, Aihara Nao was preparing to go home for the day, backpack in place and strung over his shoulder and he'd all but given up on the reappearance of Aoyama Misaki as he knew her. "Iia, I wouldn't do that. I just got really caught up on a thing... and I forgot to get your number before I went into my appointment so I couldn't text you... I'm still pretty bad at the early introductory stuff♪~" Miko said looking more than a little sheepish. Still, she'd offered to spend some quality time with this young man and she fully intended to do so without a thought of being odd about it in the world. As for the idea of somewhere specific Miko gave it a quick thought, Aihara Nao had issues surrounding his lucky pervert syndrome, perhaps finding somewhere both public and private would be best, actually... "I hear the botanical garden nearby is open late for walk throughs. It's also free for entry so we can just enjoy the scenery and get to know each other, how about that♪?~" Miko offered. It would give the man a stress free way of getting to know her, and even if something went wrong, they'd be outside and clear to have fun. Such would be how she approached spending time with Nao, as he adjusted to a potential like hanging around with her.

[Bloodedge]

"You could say that," Yugi replied about his growth rate. He was beyond certain of the future success getting between Rie's legs, but that was something he only slipped in when it was relevant in his mind. More to the point, however, was any details regarding the Prime Minister. Rie knew of his filth all along, but had no reason to act against him. He couldn't fault her for that. As for knowing exactly what information he was seeking, that alone answered Yugi's question well enough. Magic greater than a National Hunter, the Detective Prince at his beck and call, Iino Sosuke kept strongly underfoot, and parts of the underground feeding him money ─ such things accumulated into a fuller picture for the lad. The drug Rie mentioned was something new, however... but that could wait. "So I'll need strength greater than a National Hunter to take him down. Figured as much," he said, committing the thought more firmly in accordance with the existing plan. "From what I've seen... well, it's hard to say. Maybe a few weeks, maybe some months. But what's your stake in this situation? Looks like the underground is still running strong through this hotel; they're all bad at hiding it by the way. When you were working, you kept watch for me more than your job required. Soft spot? Can I look your way for help until I'm strong enough?" he asked. At the same time, Yugi had a fork in his left hand, and his right hand was moving in the air as if scrolling on a touchscreen. Rie was about as amazed as he expected upon tasting the food, but her question was one he didn't intend to fully answer yet. "You'll find out soon. That sweater ─ is that your style now?"

As Nao was thinking only a few minutes after Miko's lateness was confirmed, she'd simply gotten caught-up in something. He didn't even consider the possibility that not having his number was a reason to neglect informing him of anything coming up. No, he'd been too busy freaking out. "Oh, right. I think I was cleaning something up when your session ended. I uh... had another incident with one of the patients," he admitted bashfully. Ah, but none of that mattered now! She wanted a date, and she suggested the botanical garden as a nice, free option. Nao was quite a fan of plants, actually. He seemed rather excited by that idea. "A garden?! Hai! That'd be great!" he agreed enthusiastically. Before they even left the waiting room, he was already asking questions. "Is that a coincidence? Are you into plants? Is it just flowers, or do you like vegetables and fruits?"

[Apollymi]

The smirk that crossed Rie's lips was one which she was known for, of course he'd remember the kinds of words she spoke and her mannerisms. She was old enough that these things about he didn't change much if at all. As they moved through the conversation surrounding the Prime Minister and the rest, there was a bit of an understatement, she'd clarify. "Iia, you'll need the strength of at least a Strike Team's worth of National Hunters. There are very few people I see as unpredictable combative elements... and he is such an individual," Rie said. After awakening, she'd considered briefly the idea of ending the Prime Ministers life as a way of bringing back his missing child, such a thing would have been child's play for her, had he been a simple human, even if he'd awakened as an S-rank Hunter it could have been manageable but whatever he was, it gave her second, third and fourth thoughts. He asked what her stake in this situation was.. and she smiled one of honesty and amusement. "I do, maintain a soft spot for you. My nature makes that a thing that happens from time to time, and I will help you as long as the conditions are right. My stake in this situation and any is what it always is... I tend not to care very much about wide spread problems. So long as those close to me, can lead fulfilling lives," she expressed rather simply knowing through observation at least that it was a sentiment they shared. "As for the underground running through this place, it was an opportunity. After the Osaka Incident, the Continental needed to relocate, doing so in my family's territory made it rather easy for me to grab a large share, this was especially easy following the S-rank Dungeon break in America. Though it isn't just this hotel that keeps such things running. A large percentage of the underground is also running through Parliament here now... and the other more controlled sectors through the Hunter's Association. This place and it's rules are something I find easy to manage," she offered that information freely. Even so she was casually enjoying a meal, way more than she usually did. The lad hadn't given up the source of this particular meal, but that didn't mean she'd do anything but enjoy the plate as it was presented to her. "I dress for comfort now, it isn't as if anything can attack me. I quite like these," she expressed of the sweater dress which was perfect for fall or spring time weather.

As dinner and casual conversation progressed on one end. Miko was coming up with a way to smooth over things with her mistimed date. Of course she heard his words and even with her senses back to human muted she could tell... he'd not been holding out hope for ehr return initially. During the time period she should have been leaving her previous appointment he'd been cleaning up after a different incident with a patient? "Oooh♪~ Another one, huh? That really must be rough on you. We can just blame it on weird circumstances then♪~" Miko asserted able to easily move along from that subject. It seemed Miko's idea for a date, spawned by her running by it earlier was one which Aihara Nao could appreciate, agreeing before he even found out where she wanted to go exactly. "Squee♪!~ It must be my lucky day, picking right immediately!~" Miko chirped excitedly. "I ran past it earlier on my way here and thought it looked pretty. I didn't know who to ask to go with me. But it seems like I chose right... I like plants well enough. I love fruits and vegetables, I like cooking and eating though so that's to be expected. As for the gardens, if I'm remembering the signage right, it's a bontanical garden and arboretum upkept by the University of Tokyo's graduate school science department and free for public viewing and one of the oldest in Japan, Koishikawa," Miko asserted she'd easily extend her hand to the lad, "Come on let's go♪!~" she seemed just as excited as she did, and given the placement of this office it was only a few blocks to get to the gardens main entrance, they could easily find their way there, with Miko leaned directly into his body gently brushing him with her oversized breasts the entire time.

[Bloodedge]

Yugi was corrected. He didn't simply need strength greather than a National Hunter to best his father. Rather, he'd need a group of National-level fighters to get the job done. She had no reason to know, but that was already within the plan... twice, technically. "I'll be stronger than a strike team of Nationals. But, the plan is to also have some Nationals onboard," he admitted. Rie's potential involvement was no different than it would have been a year ago, which happened to mirror his own beliefs. "So yes," he determined. She didn't seem to have control equivalent to Makima's over Japan's underground, but she did seem to have her own form of it. Yugi seemed more concerned with what he was looking at anyway, and didn't bother commenting on anything else... until Rie confirmed her current taste in clothes. "Something could attack you. Like, what about..." The rest of Yugi's clause was to be explained with action. A few taps at the open air proceeded that hand being free enough to mimic a grasp in Rie's direction. From that, she'd feel something invisible claiming hold of her sweater dress. The end result would be... that dress ripping open from the front. "Some pervert could get that thing off you with ease."

Back at Ohara's office, Nao had recently explained the reason he missed Miko's departure. All of that fell by the wayside when the topic of a garden date was broached. Though the brunette's choice wasn't one of great desire to observe the results of gardening, it was something she'd been considering since she passed this one. "It's that close? It must be in the opposite direction..." Nao mused. If he'd passed such a place between home and work, he certainly would have visited by now. Gardening for vegetables and the like would soon become a hobby of his if he managed to acquire some plots. Miko may not have had a passion for such things, but an interest was more than enough. "Sou ka. I've been wanting to grow a vegetable garden for a while now. I could pick up some ideas from looking at a botanical garden," he decided while accepting that offered hand. Just like that, Nao was led out into the streets in what he considered a most compromising position... but at least it wasn't an accident this time.

[Apollymi]

Rie offered clarification and help to a lad who she'd grown fond of over the course of having him under her care. "Well, it's good to make friends and all but how are you going to manage being stronger than a strike team of Nationals... is there something else missing from your explanation?" she wondered casually. She'd made it about halfway through her lasagna and was still eating which was a testament to the one who cooked it, as she generally only ate a few bites of anything. "Yes, in general I will help you. So long as your plans don't compromise the ones I am always protecting. I might even be able to convince the actual 'ranked' National one to help you... she's always looking for a fight," she said almost wistfully, a hint of sibling pride playing across her visge for just a moment. As for something that could attack her apparently Rie was wrong, a pervert could do so... in this case, Yugi used some for of telekinesis to rip the dress from her body exposing her in a pair of cute black panties and bra with electric blue lace and trim that matched her eyes. She seemed almost unbothered, as she simply recrossed her legs and continued eating. "You know, your dating etiquette is off by quite a bit. You can't just strip a girl of her clothes before deseert... it's uncouth," she said in a leisurely manner. "Also can I get a list of the powers and abilities you have, because I'm supposed to be the Witch Queen and telekinesis isn't something I have and I'm starting to feel left out," she complained the way she seemed to do so, playfully with a tiny hint of truth buried underneath. Still between the displays and the attitude the lad would see an easy 7 percent increase in Intimacy over dinner.

Meanwhile, Nao didn't know about the placement of the Koishigawa Botanical Garden. Miko had to then assume that he wasn't living on the university side of this particular establishment. "It has to be on the other side from the direction you travel. You couldn't miss it. Not with the Sakura Blossoms active♪!~" Miko chirped happily. For once, the things happening around Nao would be occurring completely with purpose. Miko was mostly testing his boundaries and figuring out if he'd be interested in the kind of life she had to offer him. What she heard from the man as they began to walk, was about h is desire to grow a vegetable garden. "Chii♪!~ Vegetable gardens are very practical. Do you have room for one?" she wondered almost casually, using light conversation to fish for information as they moved. Only a few blocks down they'd arrive. The entrance held pamphlets so they could identify areas to visit based on interest and Miko began moving based solely on sounds and instinct. "There's apparently over 4000 species here, so we could just look around for a while. All the trees are apparently nice, and bloom seasonally..." she mentionedl looking ahead to a small collection of tropical flowing fruits that had just begun their life cycles as small flowering plants near the bases of the walkways. "Mite, mite♪!~" she said keeping Nao close so that he could see and speak as he wished.

[Bloodedge]

At long last, the most important question was at hand. How would he manage being stronger than a strike team of National Hunters? The answer was easy. "By doing what I always do. Grinding," he answered simply. The rest would come in time. For the moment, Yugi still seemed to be staring out into space, two fingers swiping and pressing at nothing visible. Whatever the case, Rie's assistance was offered, even though Yugi already had reason to expect it. She may even be able to gain her sister's assistance ─ that of a titled National Hunter right here in Japan. "If she's here for a fight, she'll be easy to bring along. You never introduced us anyway," he said moments before Rie was exposed down to her undergarments, which Yugi found perfectly coordinated to match her existing appeal. He whistled even as she called his behavior uncouth. "Fucking nice~" he commented. Regarding any supposed list of powers he could offer, it was a bit too long for a casual dinner chat. He could give some examples however, including an answer to her lacking telekinesis. "A lot," was his only verbal answer. After a few moments of silence, however, Yugi produced a Skill Rune while looking at a new System notification from the crafting menu.

〔SYSTEM NOTICE〕

Skill Rune Creation Successful.

New Skill Rune Created: Telekinetic Force

Effect:
The user gains the ability to manipulate matter using pure mana.
- Can lift, push, pull, throw, crush, or restrain targets from a distance.
- Power and precision scale with mana input.

System Message:
A new power has been forged through the System.

"Here. Break this," he instructed. "You know I wouldn't leave you out~" he added with a wink. All the while, Aihara Nao was walking with surprising comfort toward the destination of... his date. Miko remained disturbingly close, but nothing happened. Perhaps his curse would take a backseat if purposeful contact were made? He couldn't know just yet. Either way, their trip involved a bit of discussion about planting, leading to the question of his available space for vegetables. "I... don't, really. If I could keep a job long enough, I plan to make enough money for a house. If I'm not in an apartment, I can make the space for a whole garden. Or maybe a greenhouse!" he shared, dreaming aloud. Whatever came of that aspiration was left to fate currently. Oh well. When they finally reached the garden, Miko immediately pointed out some little flowers just starting to grow by the walkway. With no hesitation whatsoever, Nao knelt and reached out to touch the petals. "Sugoi! Even the ones all the way out here look so healthy. This is... yuzu? It should have fruit ready just in time. I wonder if they put them on the menu here..."