Tribulations of the God-Harem King [Highschool DxD/Exalted] (CLOSED)

[X] You see someone that shouldn't be there.
----

You blink. Then you blink again, but unfortunately the image doesn't disappear.

{What are you surprised about? If she wasn't there, that would be aggravating.}

The 'she' in question is Eiko. She is on the other side of the road, leaning forward to see better the interior of a bookshop. In contrast to her kimono or Kuoh uniform she is wearing a sleeveless dress with floral trims that arrive just above her knees. On her feet she wears golden sandals, and there is a small white pursue hanging from her left shoulder. In short, she's beautiful. As if sensing her gaze she turns towards you, winks and goes back to look at the books.

You sigh. 'Honestly.'

[You know.] Belzard begins. [It always struck me as odd that you never tried to pursue her romantically. Unless, of course, there are circumstances..?]

'There are not. However, it's true that I never considered doing it.' You admit 'When I spent four months in my mental landscape I thought about it a lot.'

[And?]

A wry smile appears on your lips. 'I surmised that it's my subconscious telling me that romancing Eiko is an all-around bad idea, even for my standards.'

[Very loose standards.]

A vein pops on your forehead. 'Oi!'

[Sorry, sorry.]

Any further discussion is prevented by the return of Kuro. "Done. Is everything alright Hyodo-san? You were spacing out."

"I was just thinking about something." You shrug to indicate it was nothing important. What-"

A couple of talking housewives pass near you. "Another one?"

Her friend nods wildly. "Same place, same day of the week. I tell you, this is the work of youkai!"

Both yours and Kuro's head turn sharply at the mention of the word 'youkai'. You are merely curious, but the disguised youkai is frowning. "Excuse me." He walks up to the two women. "I couldn't help but overheard. If it isn't too much trouble, could you tell me what this supposed 'work of youkai' is about?"

"Oh. Well..." The one who first spoke puts a hand on her cheek. "You know about the Toshusai Sharaku Museum? The one in the Third District that was closed two years ago? People have started disappearing while passing in the area, only to reappear a week later in front of the entrance."

"Yes, yes!" The second one continues with excitation. "Those who disappeared always appear back on Tuesday. And when they wake up they start rambling about getting trapped within a maze and being chased by Hi no Tama from what felt like eternity! My cousin that works in the hospital told me so!"

You and Kuro exchange looks. Seeing the hard expression on his face, it isn't something that he was informed of. And if him, a high ranking member of the Nura Clan of youkai that managed the land, doesn't know...it's possible this isn't the work of Nura youkai at all.

"One last thing." You ask them. "When did the first victim appear?"

"Three weeks ago."

You thank the two housewives and leave. "Three weeks. Is that...?"

"Yes." Kuro answers. "It's after the first attack from Shikoku..." His eyes light up. "But it's immediately after their Commanders first appeared in front of Rikuo-sama! And since I know for sure no youkai live in that area or operate that way-"

"There is a possibility of it being the work of a Shikoku youkai spreading his legend." You finish for him.

"Definitely possible." He muses. "The other attacks were performed at random places, but there was one who followed a pattern. If this is the same..."

Then you need to inform the others. Or, you and Kuro can deal with it yourself.

[] Tell Rikuo
[] You two are sufficient
-[] Go straight to the place
-[] Investigate some more
[] Write-in