(alright, that should fix it)
02:52:01
*It was a typical weekend. I was taking a break from watching over the Moonlit Moonshine to go for a walk in, of all places the forest. I knew it was dangerous and the last time I was here didn't exactly end well. But something about this place helped put my mind at ease. And frankly I needed the peace of mind. Learning about the case from the big guy got me worried. One of Sunny's friends who made some enemies suddenly goes missing with just a letter to say goodbye? I don't want to assume he's in trouble or anything, but it seems likely...*
03:00:15
*as you walk, slightly too deep into the forest, you suddenly see a large structure appear out of nowhere*
03:01:36
(meow(´ฅω•ฅ｀)ﾁﾗｯHiya meow)
03:02:11
*white, as tall as the tip of the trees and large enough to compete with Romantic's mansion, it stands oddly in contrast with the surrounding greenery. Birdsong continues, as if there is nothing out of the ordinary*
03:02:49
Wha... *Did I take a wrong turn somewhere? What's this, giant building doing in the middle of the forest? As far as I remember the only people who live near by are all at the shine? Still... I was here, and I'm curious about this place. I decide to check this place out, but my steps are slow and cautious *
03:07:21
*As you walk nearer, a lady, dressed in very conservative and traditional clothing, steps out from within the complex, looking directly at you as if to welcome you in*
03:08:54
Uhhh, hi there. *I wave awkwardly at this person as she approaches me.* Is this place yours?
03:11:20
You have a funny way of phrasing your questions. Would I be walking out here to welcome you if it were not?
03:12:26
What brings you here? Only those who are troubled and deep in mystery ever appear before me
03:13:38
*That was a... odd statement. Still she wasn't wrong, and what would it hurt to ask her for help?* Well, You see I'm looking for someone. One of my friends' friend is missing and I want to help find him.
03:18:12
A friends' friend? Little more than a stranger to you, then?
03:19:12
How much do you know about the circumstances before you dove headfirst and offered to help?
03:19:30
Uhhh... not as much as I probably should. *I let out a chuckle and scratch my head.* I know they've been together for a long time. They were business partners and he just up and vanished one day, leaving only a note behind saying they weren't partners anymore.
03:23:35
The road to hell is paved with best of intentions
03:24:12
If he is so resolute in leaving of his own accord, what do you wish to accomplish by tracking him down?
03:24:46
Reunite two friends, give Sunny closure if he doesn't want to come back or got hurt, and pay her back for the kindness she showed me. I'll admit I didn't put a lot of thought into whether or not I should help, but I do have my reasons for doing this.
03:30:14
Very well then. perhaps you will have a better understanding after living through her life yourself
03:31:26
Hey Claire and Ant
03:31:34
*she bows and invites you into the complex*
03:31:45
*The interior of the complex is majestic and grand, with a red carpet flowing right through the centre of the hallway. The hallway is flanked by doors at constant intervals, but the lady ignores all of them until suddenly opening one and ushering you inside*
03:33:12
*Inside is what looks like a hotel room, but an expensive suite. The most notable items you can see are a large, comfortable recliner as well as a huge television screen found on one side of the room against the wall. There is a bed and toilet in the far corner, but they pale in comparison to the recliner and screen, featured prominently in the middle of the room*
03:34:54
Okay... *I mutter as I stepped inside. Either I was walking into the most elaborate tourist trap on the planet or this place was actually magic in some way. Judging from the weird buzz I felt as I walked through the door, probably the later. Still this was pretty amazing, I had never bee. Anywhere this fancy before, with the sole exception of the boss's mansion. Everything was so clean I was almost afraid to do touch anything, expect for that recliner... my legs were killing me from that walk... maybe nobody would notice.*
03:41:19
please, take a seat. this is for you
03:41:47
I would explain to you what this complex does, but I think it faster to show you
03:42:21
*she pops a disc into the reader and the screen begins to play*
03:42:35
[You see sunny, at the mansion, staring at some brandy as she says "Me don't like it, I want apple juice!"]
03:43:53
[The camera swivels a little as you hear Gehrman speak next "... I told you there isn't much to say about me, I'm quiet and I do my job"]
03:45:06
[You see a hand raising a glass to the camera as you hear your own voice speak "...Now I'm here to repay their kindness"]
03:46:03
*The lady watches at the side, and now starts to speak* This is familiar to you?
03:46:49
*I felt shaken and surprised.* This is... the interview, exactly how I remember it...this camera... is my eyesight. That's... that creepy but there's no doubt about it.
03:50:25
*she continues to watch the screen, as sunny stands up all excited at the idea that a shop is being opened*
03:51:33
so... you know what service we can provide here?
03:51:45
*A stray, but strong thought enters my mind. [I could see mom and Kayden again...] and i wanted to. I really did. But i couldn't. It'd hurt too much and if this room could do what I think it could, maybe it could help me find Sunny's friend.* Is it possible to see other people's memories too?
03:58:03
Yes, of course. The only caveat that they must be related to you
03:58:40
Write down their name, current residence and place where you first met
03:58:55
*she hands you a piece of paper and a pen*
03:59:07
*So I couldn't use this to see where Ronny was... but I could use this to learn what Sunny knew about him. But... that would be a massive invasion of privacy, I'd be furious if someone went poking through my memories without my permission but... if Kayden or the girls were in danger, and something I knew could help save them...maybe I'd forgive them? ....maybe. I wish I could ask her but she's not here and I don't know if I'll get a second chance at this.*
04:08:12
....I'm sorry Sunny.. *I mutter as I start writing down the information she needs*
04:09:21
*the mysterious lady says nothing, merely holding out the pen and paper as she continues to stare at you, as if boring holes straight through your soul*
04:09:58
*she takes the paper, folds it, then pops the disc out of the screen. The image immediately dissolves as the disc comes out*
04:10:56
Please wait here, I will be back in a moment
04:11:20
*she disappears out the room, closing the door behind her*
04:11:30
*I take a deep breath and slump in my seat. I don't know if I did the right thing or if I just betrayed her. Still. I made my choice. I'm going to have to live with it no matter how it plays out.*
04:13:33
Well Claire Ouron... here we go...
04:14:07
*The lady comes back, holding a stack of discs, which she places on the nearby dresser. Handing one to you, you see it reads [night of departure]*
04:15:10
Well if any of them would be the one... *I mutter to myself as I read the disc.* This should be it.
04:17:26
[The screen shows a busy tavern, and what seems like modest fare on the table in front of the camera]
04:18:05
[the camera faces a young dashing young man, who seems to being slightly distracted]
04:18:35
[you hear sunny's voice "... and after today, we can have a nice, long vacation. How does the beach sound? Tell me you can't wait to see me in a daring swimsuit!"]
04:19:47
[The young lad is glancing at Sunny, but seems to be focusing on a spot somewhere behind her]
04:20:37
["... Ronny?" came Sunny's concerned voice]
04:21:27
["Eh? Oh yes, the pool sounds nice..." the young lad, Ronny, answers absently]
04:22:28
That's our guy... *I mutter to myself as I lean forward a little, my eyes glued to the screen*
04:23:33
you know him already?
04:23:53
I know the nickname. My partner in the investigation told me...
04:24:24
[Sunny's voice starts getting annoyed "That's not what I said! You never pay any attention to me!"]
04:24:48
["Of course I am!" Ronny protests promptly. "I just... Oh hello, lovely! Come here, won't you?"]
04:26:03
[The camera swivels around to see a large, well-endowed barmaid sashaying her way to the table. The camera pans as it follows her right next to Ronny]
04:27:03
*I can't help but get momentarily distracted by the... rather sexy barmaid, before returning my attention to Ronny*
04:31:14
[Ronny reaches out and takes her by the hand "You look lovely tonight, what say we spend an evening of passion, after you get off from work, hmm?" and he grins at her]
04:31:15
*I blink, surprised by his sheer bluntness.* He totally just said that out loud....
04:32:44
[A small pair of fists appear on the camera "Hey! Ronny! How could you-" and the fists land on the table with surprising force]
04:33:12
[The table must have been old or flimsy, for the side of it absolutely crumples and collapses as the fists hit the surface, sending food flying everywhere and even hitting a couple of diners at the next table]
04:34:37
[A big guttural "Hey! What are you doing?!" booms out from behind, and the camera swivels to see a big burly man leap out from behind the counter, walking forward aggressively towards the now collapsed table]
04:35:56
[As the camera pans, the men that was hit by the food are pretty angry too, and they look very nasty as they start standing up, toppling their chairs over and reach for weapons]
04:36:50
Holy- *I mutter. The only reason I'm not worried for Sunny is because I know she's alright now, but I can't help but feel anxious*
04:38:02
["Damn it Sunny! can't we just have a proper meal for once? ONCE?!" Ronny grumbles as he surveys the carnage and unfolding scene]
04:38:10
[Making a quick decision, he reaches his hand out toward the camera, and it starts being dragged toward the entrance of the tavern at high speed, the food left forgotten on the floor]
04:39:46
[the camera continues to be dragged through the small hamlet, and the arguing starts once outside the gates]
04:41:29
["You always do this! I just want a proper meal and a proper bed! I'm sick of going hungry and sleeping in the rough!" Ronny grumbles]
04:42:41
["Well that's your fault! Stop flirting with all the girls you see!" came Sunny's retort]
04:43:34
["And what business is it of yours? I don't stop you gallivanting about to see all the sights, so why are you denying my "sights"?]
04:44:50
["I-I'm not sightseeing! I'm scouting the place for our targets!"]
04:45:30
"Targets"...? *I mutter to myself, wondering what she meant*
04:46:30
["Oh yea? and you do such a good job of it that you botch more than half of our operations!]
04:46:35
[Ronny continues "If we had managed to steal from every one of our targets, we would be living in luxury! we're only living like this because half the time you screw up and we don't get the money off them!" He points an accusing finger in the camera's face]
04:48:25
*the lady pauses the playback, letting you absorb all the has happened*
04:49:21
*she brings out 4 more discs, all labelled as "Sunny and Ronny being chased out of the diner"*
04:50:31
Would you like to watch the rest of them? They are largely the same
04:50:46
...no, that won't be necessary. *Sunny and Ronny were thieves? I found it hard to believe. She's such a sweet girl. And Ronny... whatever their relationship is doesn't seem to healthy... maybe I'm missing context, but he seems like a bit of a dick to her.*
04:55:00
Yes, it is surprising what you don't know about your friends, isn't it?
04:56:07
or at least, those you consider your friends. They may not turn out to be what you think they are
04:56:28
*she hold up another disc [Ronny's botched heist #7] perhaps this will interest you instead?
04:57:06
*I reply only with a silent nod*
04:58:56
*she takes out the previous disc and inserts the new one as the screen starts to play*
05:00:31
[Ronny is slightly in front of the camera as they are both hidden behind a street corner]
05:02:31
[Ronny whispers "That lady over there, alright? with all the jewelry. The money pouch is in the right pocket"]
05:03:39
[The camera moves up and down slightly, but no further sound is made as Ronny leaves the corner and blends into the crowd]
05:04:09
{The camera continues to focus on the lady dressed luxuriously, watching her movements, when it suddenly zooms onto a spot on her wrist]
05:05:45
[On her wrist, hidden behind her sleeves, is a tattoed insignia - a sword, overlayed with an arrow]
05:06:22
["The concerted strike... the notorious assassin's guild..." you hear Sunny gulp "I need to get Ronny away...!"]
05:07:26
[The camera starts moving forward through the crowd, never keeping its focus away from the well-dressed lady]
05:08:39
Assassin's!? *Was this what the big guy meant when he said Ronny had made some enemies?*
05:08:51
mm... i know not what big guy you speak of, but i doubt these were the ones...
05:09:37
[Ronny approaches from behind the lady, sneaking his hand toward the money pouch in her pocket]
05:10:22
[He gently lifts it out and takes a small blade to cut the small rope attaching it to her belt]
05:10:57
[The lady's eyes narrow and her pupils turn toward side, taking in everything as Ronny extracts his spoils and turns to leave]
05:12:18
[He throws the pouch toward the camera as he dodges through the crowd, even as the lady turns around and watches, studying his retreating figure]
05:13:39
[Two hands rise up to catch the pouch, and then tilts it gently such that two coins slip out of its top, clinking as they fall to the ground]
05:15:13
[The noise is enough to distract the lady, who turns to stare at the camera]
05:15:34
[The camera lowers and looks at the ground as the two stray coins are picked up, before regaining its usual height and moving forward to meet the lady]
05:17:16
["sorry, my lady, but my friend there saw that your coin pouch was worn and about to burst... so he took action before your valuables went scattering all over the marketplace"]
05:18:34
[A pair of hands raises up to present the the pouch, now wrapped in a new cloth and with stronger rope sealing the top, back to the lady]
05:19:21
["I've taken the liberty to make a quick fix. I hope you will find it to your pleasure, and forgive us for our little show. My friend does like to show off for me"]
05:20:48
[The lady regards the camera for a long moment, then takes the offered pouch and looks inside]
05:21:20
["It seems you speak true. Thank you. It was an... interesting show" she says expressionlessly]
05:22:18
["Do be careful who you put on your performances for. Not everyone is as appreciative as I am" she reaches out a hand over the camera, then smiles before turning to walk away]
05:23:30
[It was only a moment after she had disappeared into the crowd that Ronny runs up, irritated]
05:25:21
["What are you doing? wasn't our operation that I'll lead them on a chase while you take away the goods?"]
05:25:52
*As I watch more and more of these memory videos, I can't help but feel more and more guilty at what I'm doing. It feels like sticking my nose in someone else's dairy except worse somehow. Still... there's so much Sunny hasn't told us about her... i wished we could've gained her trust enough to tell us everything.*
05:26:35
["Sorry, I.. uh... had a little accident..."]
05:26:37
["The second time this week?! we need to eat, you know!" Ronny grumbles, pulling Sunny's arm as the camera starts moving rapidly through the crowd]
05:28:19
*The lady stops the recording and pulls out a few other discs*
05:29:04
[Botched attempt against Knight Commander in casual clothes] [ Botched attempt against Lord's son] [Botched attempt against Pirate Captain]
05:30:08
I must say, your friend does know who to stay away from...
05:30:37
she's quite sharp
05:30:49
Sharper then I gave her credit for... *I say, still processing what I just watched. Sunny is a lot more clever than I thought, and I could see why Ronny would be upset, but he was still quite harsh* But... I don't see what the point of showing me that one was? What does that have to do with the case?
05:36:46
For someone who is this sharp, and this devoted
05:38:14
... are you doing them good or harm by reuniting them?
05:38:41
That's... *I pause for a moment. She had a point, my prospective was admittedly limited, but I could see that Ronny wasn't the best person in her life, maybe she was better off with him out out of her life.*
05:44:13
I will leave you to ponder the question. Take your time with the remaining tapes
05:44:50
Oh, one more thing...
05:44:58
While you may watch your own tapes as much as you want, each visitor is only limited to view one other person's tapes per visit
05:46:19
If you want more perspectives to the matter, someone else will have to visit and view a new set of discs
05:46:54
I... I don't know if I want to see anyone else's tapes... this feels wrong... and I've already got a lot to think about now...
05:53:50
Take as long as you want, and review them as long as you want. I shall leave them here
05:54:25
When you want to leave, just follow the red carpet out. If you need to stay longer, the bed the bathroom are behind you
05:54:55
Do note that once you leave, the complex will disappear behind you, and may not appear to you for some time
05:55:15
WIth that, I bid you good day
05:55:31
*She does not wait for a response, seeing you deep in thought. Instead, she leaves all of Sunny's discs in a pile on the dresser, bows, then leaves, closing the door quietly behind her*
05:56:10
(Happy to end here if you are)
05:56:45
(Seems like a good stopping spot for me.)
05:57:42
(alright, see you in part 2)
05:58:57
