Scene #8655: Work Type: Investigation

Owner	Pose
Touta Konoe	A new request is brought up in regards to the potential collaboration between UQ Holder and Lobotomy Corporation. At least, this is how it appears officially when the request comes in this time. While it had been originally intended to be something requested directly to Angela, it was likely impossible for that to occur unless L Corp was made aware and permitted the request in its entirety. While assisting in the request itself likely wasn't going to be as high a priority for the group, being able to have Agents scout out the creatures that could potentially qualify as Abnormalities likely would have justified the arrival just as easily. Regardless of the actual reasoning that transpired behind the scenes to justify the request, L Corp's agents are provided permissions to arrive through the Warp Gate situated back at Fairyland Hall. If Angela wasn't there, hopefully she would have provided the Agents with some intel pertaining to what arriving through the Warpgate was like, however if not...They'd find that upon entering it would seem almost like they were entering into a hotel lobby. Only there didn't seem to be an entrance in or out of it with the exception of the Warpgate itself, and the two elevators that were on the other side of the hall. On the side, there's what appears to be a check-in counter with two women dressed in more traditional Japanese attire, one appearing human while the other almost appeared a bit more robotic in appearance. It is the robotic one that would greet any Agents on arrival with a tone of voice that had no mechanical tone to it whatsoever. She'd ask for all the Agents to sign in with their names, or provide it for her so as to sign them in if not possible before informing them that rather than going up the elevators to traverse up or down, they'd be waiting a while longer... The group finds themself waiting for perhaps five minutes at most before Touta would arrive from the elevator. At the moment appearing in his older form to welcome the group, and he didn't come empty-handed it seemed. While he wasn't sure which Agents would be making his appearance, after his conversation with Shajo the last time and the fact he wasn't able to bring anything to L Corp. due to the nature of how short notice it was, this time Touta arrives with a few boxes of pizza in hand. "Welcome, figure there might be a bit of details on the situation already provided, but figured I'd explain a bit more of what today probably would look like so feel free to grab a slice of pizza while I'm going through it, and one for the road if you want." He quickly drops the boxes on a nearby table letting those who want it take it as they see fit as he starts speaking up again. "Our destination will be the underground library that's a few miles out from our current location. While we'll be trying to set up a more comfortable form of transportation for the investigation team when they show up, we'll be walking through the cavern system on foot a bit first so as to make sure you get your bearings just in case something were to happen the next time that requires you to get back on foot. Plus, you might be able to see a few more of the larger 'Abnormalities' that linger in the caves that way. Don't think we'll be having to worry too much about getting attacked on the route we're taking, I'd ask that caution be used all the same. If anyone's got any questions let me know. Otherwise, we'll start heading out."
Angela	Angela is ultimately not in charge of L-Corp. The Manager is, technically speaking. That being said though the Manager is also an amnesiac (mostly) so Angela can sort of get away with a lot more than she might otherwise imply but it is true that she has to be a little more careful about it as of late... If only because she isn't quite sure why 'Wonderlab' has grown suspicious of her actions... Angela has to be patient. She has to be patient. She has to be patient. But she isn't going to skip out on visit to some weird ass library if given the opportunity. It's part of the plan. So she simply told Ayin that it was part of an initiative to ensure Touta's support in further Meltdowns! She hasn't told Touta about this yet and figures she doesn't ened to since he seems inclined to help out at the Meltdowns anyway... Angela can't actually sow up herself. She never could! But she has sent Agents Yuri and Shajo present, equipped with Ice Queen and Warmhearted Woodsman EGO gear respectively. Yuri is holding a pad with Angela's face on it. And so it goes. "Yo." Yuri says, waving a hand towards Touta. "Touta, yeah? We're here to help with some preliminary library investigation." "Yeah, just tell us the job details and we'll do it, no problem." Shajo adds. Shajo collects a pizza but Yuri has something a little more pressing to ask. "So what exactly is a Library?" Yuri asks. Not 'The' Library. 'A' Library. Angela sighs on her screen but doesn't answer herself but she does bob her head to Touta's suggestion on how they proceed and why. "A preliminary investigation is wise. I would prefer to not lose agents as part of this endeavour. Captain Shajo, that means you are to be careful as well." "yeah yeah, do libraries normally have caves?"
Touta Konoe	As the group arrives, he really wasn't sure whether or not Angela would be attempting to show on the screen or not. If anything, he thought that perhaps it was going to be a similar situation as to the sewer turtles from before. A small group of Agents provided their autonomy to move about. Though, it did make sense for Angela to see the path as well for their future encounter. Plus...He does imagine that maybe, just maybe there's some anticipation or even excitement in her desire to see the library herself. Who knows, maybe if they had the time she could read a bit or even get a book brought back beforehand? Regardless, as Angela appears on the screen, there's just a subtle blend of warmth and restraint. "Thanks for taking the time..." It's the immediate response and the first one that's provided to the group for Angela as he lowers his head back in kind. He's quick to respond to Yuri next, a small wave offered with a bit of an easier smile. "Yeah, nice meeting ya. Glad you guys were able to make it. I'd tell ya to enjoy the scenery while we're going around but I'll be honest that till we reach the library it's probably gonna be humid, hot, and pretty dark actually." Probably not the most fun you want to hear but at the same time, might as well let them know ahead of time what the situation would be like. Speaking of which, Shajo seeming all but ready to hop into action was appreciated. The moment he comes up to get some pizza, he'd find that there's a pat on the back for him, something that was meant as a friendly gesture, but just in case... "Good to see ya again. Guess you're not paired with Betty! and Moku this time? Well, if you see them around let'em know I say hi. Also I'll try to bring something back the next time I'm around." He'll take a slice in solidarity, just about ready to take a bite till Yuri asks that question. It's a bit surprising, and at first he wonders if Angela wanted to explain, though seeing her expression on the screen makes it pretty clear. What's more though is the question that follows up from Shajo as well. "Dang are there really no libraries in the city? That's kind of..." It was concerning to say the least, but after hearing it again, from what he knows of Shajo's lack of ability to read, it shows just how much of a priority reading might be to those in The City. "...Anyway, I guess the simplest answer is that a library is usually a building that's used for storing lots of books on a bunch of different topics. Basically, think of how Agents are provided information about Abnormalities from Agents that have worked with them before due to their reports. Even though you may never have met those Agents yourself, you're able to pick up some handy tips because of what they provided. A library is basically a place for humanity to store knowledge like that...And a bit more. Though no, they usually aren't underground. This one is sorta like...Well, L Corp was put underground for privacy reasons right? You can probably consider it the same way. It's a library that's meant to store knowledge, but not necessarily be easy to show up to." It's probably not the best explanation but he hopes that it's enough to get the message across. It does allow him to transition as Angela discusses the endeavor to make sure that there's no loss of Agents, especially out in the Multiverse.
Touta Konoe	"We'll make sure nothing happens here Angela. The path we're taking should be pretty safe since we made sure to clear it out again recently. That said, while it might make it harder to keep track, we'll probably need to do our best to avoid using too many lights. Angela, I should be able to bring us back from the library just in case, but if for some reason I get stuck there or something happens, it'd be important to make sure that you can find some sort of landmarks in the dark if possible." Maybe he's being overly concerned, but he'd rather make the mention than not. If there were no other questions at that point, Touta would begin leading them not towards the Elevator, but to the nearby wall. He'd place a hand upon it before looking back to the check-in staff. He gives them a brief nod and before the group's eye, the wall that had been behind them just slowly fades away and with it... Darkness. If not for the light being provided by the hall itself, the path before them would be pitch black, though this was the best chance that they'll be able to see a full view of what they were getting into. A blast of humid blows right at them, a near chill in the air as they stare off into a multi-level chasm. They can see that the roof of the cavern goes up several stories at least, with rock formations so large they appear as cliffs, with streams of water so long they appear as rivers, and the sound of roaring water in the distance so clear it could only be heard as a waterfall. "Alright, everyone out. Don't want to attract too much attention." As he says that Touta begins to step through the now available path, making sure the others follow suit. It's only as the last person exits does the path back into the hotel lobby disappear only to appear as some sort of larger rock formation. "The entrance to the library we'll be using is about a mile out. Should give everyone's eyes some time to adjust to the dark. But just remember to watch your step and keep sharp. You'd be surprised how quickly the water depth can change. One moment you're just ankle deep, the next step you think you'll have you end up meeting..." Before he can even finish iterating his point, The group could see that a few feet from where they were stepping out there's... Something's fin(?) a ridged back that promptly shows up from the water. It feels close enough that any moment it could have just come up on them but before either Shajo or Yuri attempt to act, Touta would raise a hand. "Don't mess with those unless you're sure you can cut it down in one hit. Otherwise, it'll bring more friends into this area. Anyway...Start heading up the rock path, we'll be wanting to keep out of the water as much as possible." With those words, Touta continues on trudging the path, bringing them up a rock path that almost seemed like a stairway in the way the structure formed.
Angela	Angela is (secretly) very eager about investigating a library. This doesn't show on her face--her face is as cool as cucumber as it ever is, but Petra of all people was the one who convinced her to go for this because of how much she'd dig it and if Petra is telling her to--it's hard for her to justify saying no. She wasn't sure if she wanted to or not. Friends are an uneasy prospect for her--she has at least three friends and that's really more than she ever expected or needed and she is a little worried she might start feeling like she needs friends and she'd rather not fall that far. Yuri says, "Anything for the company mascot." "I am not the company mascot, Yuri. I would thank you to not disrespect me in front of Outsiders." Angela says. "Haha, sorry Miss Angela. I just think it's sweet how more hands on you're being lately." Angela considers sealing Yuri in with an Abnormality for a moment before she focuses on Touta. "We have brought a light source. Shajo." Shajo holds up--actually it is a lantern rather than a flashlight and seems like it might be pretty heavy to cart down the whole trip but Angela doesn't comment on that part--nor does Shajo actually. Shajo shakes his head at Touta, relaxed as all ever--but still quite firmly distant and polite. "Not today. Usually I work with Nonon in Disciplinary. You're just catching me at weird times. Will do, though." Touta has a reaction to Yuri's ignorance on the matter of libraries. Yuri rubs at her neck, but doesn't seem embarrassed just sort of--exhibiting a mild sense of 'whoopsie' to the situation. "Oh books. I know what those are." Yuri says. Angela does clarify, however. "Humanity is not a prerequisite to a library, but essentially the definition is correct enough." A Library put away for privacy reasons. "Oh, like Library Corp. Heh." Yuri grins at her own joke. "Guess it makes sense there'd be monsters down there." ''We'll probably need to do our best to avoid using too many lights.'' Shajo, who has been lugging this lantern over the whole trip to Touta's world starts muttering under his breath as he sets the lantern down. "Mother fucker. Arm gonna be sore all day tommorow for no goddamn reason, not paid enough for this shit..." Angela ignores this. Needless to say they move on, through the landmarks. ANgela's tablet provides some light by virtue of it...being a tablet that is showing video but hopefully that doesn't stand out too much in the dark--it's not A LOT of light. The group gets a nice look of... darkness. They hear a waterfall. They feel humidity. They follow after Touta, Shajo taking the lead near Touta, Yuri taking the rear. The tension is palpable, at least for them. A mile trip. Shajo rubs at his arm periodically. "Don't have to warn me about the dangers of underwater areas..." He mutters. As far as he's concerned, everywhere underwater has monsters at a certain point past civilization. Shajo sees a fin. He raises his axe carefully and-- ''Don't mess with those unless you're sure you can cut it down in one hit'' "mgrghhhrr...." Shajo grumbles.
Touta Konoe	Touta's curious to see the back and forth banter of Yuri and Angela. Yuri definitely seemed to be one of the more openly social Agents that he's seen so far, or at least one that seemed most willing to playfully tease Angela in earnest. He doesn't immediately say anything to it but there's just a pleasant smile as he sees the two. Even if it comes off as 'disrespectful', he can appreciate that someone beyond just the Elites consider Angela 'sweet'. Though, even he knows that it might be less about sweetness on this one, and more just about being 'eager' to check out the library. As for Shajo, he'll accept the polite distance for now. "Nonon...Nonon...Oh, okay yeah I think that name rings a bell. Don't think she'll remember me much but definitely let her know I say hey too. And if she's the one you work with usually obviously let her know that the next time I come over I'll try to bring something if she wants to. Same goes for you, Yuri. When I get the chance, I do like trying to show people new things to check out." There's no sort of negative response to Yuri's embarrassment. If anything, he imagines that would probably be the similar kind of reaction he'd have in that scenario. So he just smiles and nods as she realizes what he's talking about. In fact, Angela's reaction has him doing nearly the same as he brings his own hand behind his back, almost mirroring Yuri as she does it when he speaks up next. "True, true. Probably should have said 'societies' or 'civilization'. Still, libraries have been a big part of humanity. We might see crazy powers and abilities in the Multiverse, or even the craziest inventions most of the time but when you stop and think about it, a library is probably one of the most valuable assets any civilized society can have. There's an old saying that 'The pen is mightier than the sword.' If that's the case, a library would be even mightier, don't you think?" After explaining, Yuri does get a chuckle out of him with the 'Library Corp.' remark. He can appreciate the light-heartedness she exudes. As for Shajo and his distraught look at the realization there was no need for the lantern well... Touta's less inclined to ignore it. "Ehehe, sorry about that Shajo. You can leave it at the rock formation and they'll bring it through the barrier to hold onto for later. Though if your arm's really gonna get sore you think, when we finish here maybe I can see if you guys can't stay for a little while and enjoy the onsen for a bit? Might be a good way to ease the muscles before you head back. As for the monsters being here, supposedly they're cause of the negative emotions in the city seeping down here, though I was told that there wasn't as many of these monsters back in the day still." It's food for thought as the group begins to travel. There's very little issue that Angela's light provides thankfully, though it certainly doesn't provide much assistance either. The group is mainly relying on Touta's guidance and their own night vision to traverse the area. Which doesn't lead to much comfort when the echoes of the snarling and growling in the distance feel like it's coming from all directions. It's just a mile of this...Actually a little more than that or so, maybe two? It's still rather 'scenic' in a sense. For as they hear the waterfall, they can still see it some way in the distance, and for a moment...See another fin that looks as if it goes the full length of the body of water that the waterfall crashes into before submerging. Thankfully, they're much higher up on the path now. At this point, they've gone from a rock terrain, to starting to walk on something that was essentially a paved path. It even looked like there were streetlights sprinkled along the way, though none were working.
Touta Konoe	"We should be getting closer to the entrance. It'll just be a straight shot from her--" Touta halts a hand coming up, before a different kind of screeching can be heard. "Shajo, Yuri, weapons up high on our ten. Get ready..." Touta gives a brief warning to the two. While he's told the group he'd make sure no one died, at the same time he found it might be important to see if the Agents could handle themselves against these cryptids. So he makes it a bit apparent that he's not immediately intervening as he doesn't get into any position to raise his blade just yet. Regardless of his intentions, the two Agents can no longer just hear the screeching, but feel it as the sound alone rattles their bones with close proximity. From up above their heads through the darkness they'll see it just as their enemy charges at them. A small swarm of bats descend on the group, a size of no more than four immediately identified through the darkness looking as though they're all but ready to swoop down. Though, their size makes them appear more comparable to flying bears than just a tiny rodent. It seemed as if they were planning to land right on top of the group or whisk them away if they could reach down quick enough to snatch and grab a meal. One attempts to come down on Touta, another comes down face first towards Yuri, fangs bared in a low gliding tackle. Meanwhile, the other two look like they're about to go for Shajo. Though in the middle of their descent they appear to be getting into each other's flight path. At this point, one of them seems to intentionally knock its competition off balance to the point that one of them looks like it's going to be just falling at Shajo first, while the second would attempt to swoop in while he's having to avoid collision with the first.
Angela	Or at least the quality of how 'hands on' she's been as sweet. It's likely this is just how Shajo is. He's a bit like Justin Rook that he likes to be professional about things. Unlike Justin, he isn't actually professional, but he does care about doing a good job even if his personality sometimes gets in the way. He used to be a much wilder guy. Shajo says, "Yeah, she's my partner." He says of Nonon. "She's the top--" Shajo grips his axe. "And it's not really anyone's business but we've been friends since before L-Corp." Would Nonon remember Touta much? ......... Well she's probably gonna remember the guy who got his head bit off and kept going if nothing else. It makes an impression. Angela doesn't seem particularly troubled. Frankly, she wouldn't have bothered to mention if she wasn't aware of, as of late, whole worlds filled with robots out there, spaceships--full of robots--other sorts of people! IT's a wild multiverse out there. "Apparently, not where I am from." Angela admits. How did she even learn about libraries in the first place? Well, that's a story for another time. She nods her head in agreement before realizing she's maybe showing off her appreciation of libraries a little too much and TOO EARLY so she says, "Libraries are, however, quite susceptible to fire." Shajo says, "Yeah yeah..." at Touta, still grumbling. Yeah. Maybe not as professional as Justin. Shajo tenses visibly whenever a fin reveals itself. Yuri does too, honestly, but Shajo may have heard...stories about undersea monsters before. Angela is mostly paying attention to what she can see. It's not a library yet, so she isn't too invested but it pays to keep track of the path so she can retrace it if need be--not that it'll help much with recognizing threats. Touta calls for weapons. Yuri draws her spear and Shajo his axe. They immediately quiet down, listening carefully. Even Yuri. Something pulses through their body and... Shajo swings his rusted axe up sharply towards one of the werebats crashing for him but rather than try to slice both of them, he's trying to cut down one of them quickly so he give the remaining bat on him his full focus, this means the other might get a bit off of him before he can take another swing. Yuri on the other hand has a bit of an easier time. She only has one tackling at her and she positions her spear between her and the bat so if it wants to tackle into her, it's gonna have to impale itself on her weapon!
Touta Konoe	"That's awesome though." Despite the teasing that Yuri provides, Touta seems honestly happy for Shajo. The look on his face earnest in how happy he is for the guy. "I got a buddy like that too. I only knew'em for a few weeks before coming here but I can't think of life without'em now. I imagine that Nonon's someone you've known way longer back then that though. So I can only imagine." Despite Shajo raising his axe, Touta really does only seem to compliment Shajo on that relationship, whatever form it takes shape in. That said, he does hope that maybe he'll try to put Touta in a better light than just 'Guy who got his head ripped off!' He hopes he's left a better impression than that to Shajo at least. Angela's remark pulls his attention once more, and her follow up remarks only lead him to question them more. For him, he imagines that where she's from it's the absence of such establishments that lead to such a divide in power... "Yeah, they are...Still...Maybe one day someone will try to start up a library back in your world." It's an interesting thought surely, but well...He imagines there's reasons there are none at this point... When it eventually comes to the ambush, Yuri's spear proves fruitful in impaling the bat, it's screech providing it a good sense of location of its prey, but not well suited for the swift movements of handling of her spear which its already abysmal eyesight doesn't play into well. That said, the momentum of its tackle doesn't get impeded fully from attacking impaling it. So as it finds itself skewered on her spear, if Yuri's stance wasn't secured, if she didn't have the proper might to resist its weight, she might find herself at best getting pushed back on her feet or worse, having that bear-like body crashing into her, and knocking her off her feet entirely otherwise. Though it seems whether that's the case or not, there's a presence that can be felt coming up from behind her. Had it been another bat that snuck in through a blind spot? Another creature?! Whatever it was, she could feel as it rested its hand upon her back. Rather than attack, the shadowy figure appears to just be acting to help support the brunt of the bat's weight, and even attempting to assist in stabilizing her stance if needed. Shajo dealing with the two seems to have the situation well thought out. The first bat is cleaved through creating an opening for which he can avoid full-on collision with the body. Though it would have certainly left Shajo open to dealing with the follow-up attack on his own without proper time to respond as he tries to catch where it'd attack from. At least...It should. "Shajo, duck!" Should Shajo listen well, the sounds of screeching bats would actually amplify once more. Though only for the fact that he'd possibly seen as one dark figure was flying towards the other bat that had been trying to go for Shajo as if it was just lobbed through the air. The two bats ultimately end up crashing towards a nearby wall, though rather than slamming into it, the group could see as the two bear-sized bats even without flying now appeared suspended in mid-air. Both immediately flailed in a panic as they swayed back and forth in whatever trap they had ended up in. "Mmm, think the dark might make it a little unfair to get a good idea on this but...Any first thoughts on these guys off the top your head?" Touta calls from a bit away from the other too. Seemingly having thrown his bat before at the one that Shajo had struck. At the same time though...If he was there...Where had that extra hand come from?
Angela	Shajo says, "Yeah yeah, yuck it up all you like." though he doesn't seem to be actually all that bothered by it. "Anybody'd be lucky to have Nonon in their life." Touta isn't yucking it up but he hesitates for a moment before he says, "She saved my life. Before L-Corp. And I've known her before that. She's not the type of moron who'll go around saving a punk like me without knowing me first." Angela frowns as Touta engages in very obvious foreshadowing. She isn't going to admit anything because the last thing she wants is to draw attention to it... BUT FIGHTING Yuri doesn't need to be a capable fighter because the one benefit of EGO gear is that it teaches you how to use the weapon you're using. It might not be mastery, but it is competency. She's a pretty light frame so she is nearly bowled over anyway but she's only pushed back on her feet, at least, not knocked off a ledge or under the water. Or maybe that's the SHADOWY FIGURE behind her supporting her. She is, naturally, going to immediately spin around to see who is doing THAT noise because YEEP. ''Shajo, duck!'' "WHA?" He ducks instinctively only for a... DAKR FIGURE...to crash into THAT bat. Shajo readies his axe again but once he sees the other bats are trapped he relaxes slightly before he too glances around for who the heck helped out. "You got a friend you were expecting, Touta?" He asks.
Touta Konoe	"So you feel the same way about her then?" The moment that Shajo starts chatting up about the type of person she'd rescue, it becomes apparent that Touta's keen to hear if he'd do the same. It's probably something that he already imagines would be the case, but having Shajo admit to it, he's very curious to hear all the same! As for Angela's frown well...Maybe it is because of the foreshadowing, but he really can't help but say it. At least, he would hope someone would. The thought of someone providing a library that might act as a beacon for humanity of that world. It'd take someone with immense amounts of knowledge. Something that could only be provided by those with power...Or those under the influence of those powers to offer. Pertaining to the battle though... Yuri's issue ultimately stems less from her expertise with her weapon but more of a weight class issue unfortunately. Though her stance being as solid as it was, provided from her weapon's knowledge surely kept her from just getting flung away. Though that might have been thorough in its support, the moment that she turns around...Within the darkness, all she can see is a smokey black. It almost looks like she can make out a hand within the darkness, but not a face, not a body. And while she's sure of what she saw...Soon, even the visage of that hand starts to fade away within the darkness of the cavern. Shajo as he turns might see from behind Yuri as he looks to try and figure out the situation, but in the distance...All he can see is an amalgamation of what looked like a black cloud, and what looked like a human hand that had slowly been receding into it, as it too was fading into the darkness. "Mmm? No, just me this time. Anyway, let's keep moving. It looks like those bats ended up in a spider's nest. Those things are trouble, but one wrong bite from those spiders, and even I'll possibly end up paralyzed for a month." It seemed that either he was actually none the wiser on the matter, or he was playing innocent regarding the issue. Regardless, he keeps moving along for the time being till ultimately the group after some wandering arrive at a large stone door. "Alright, this will bring us inside one of the lower levels of the library. It's not the level that we need to get to immediately to search, but at the very least it'll give you all an idea of the scope we're goin got have to scour." Touta starts pulling out a key, though there's nowhere to insert it. If anything, the key begins to illuminate and as it does, runes upon the door begin to shine brilliantly in kind. Both sides of the door open inward and as they do, light beckons out from the entrance with such brilliance that for the group that had become so accustomed to the dark they all might find themselves blinded for an instant. Though when they finally are able to see again, as they enter inside...It's likely nothing they've ever seen before. The walls that went up several stories, just like with the cavern itself, are lined with bookshelves that reach the top. They run along the outer edge of the cavern as far as the eye can see. Several more shelves line the room that looks like it could go on just as far as the group did previously, only for several staircases seemed to lead both upwards and downwards from their current location. There were texts written in a plethora of languages, on a multitude of topics. Though for most there, it'd likely just be a bit of sensory overload to attempt to even keep track of a sliver of the books that hugged the walls. If there was only one sin of this place is that there were so many books, that even on the lower portions of the floor near the water, one could see bookshelves half-submersed, still containing housing books that were all but 'drowning' beneath the underground waters in what would have otherwise been the perfect sanctuary for the avid reader.
Angela	Angela isn't actually frowning because of meta awareness, fortunately, she's just worried her own hopes and dreams are being READ LIKE A BOOK. And she doesn't think that touta's inclined to spread details intentionally but Outsiders do tend to forget the particulars of how her world works, from time to time, and how dangerous her situation really is. And even when they don't, it lulls Angela herself into a false sense of security... Yuri spins her spear around and frowns as a spooky hand that has been on loan lends a ... hand. Shajo sees it too. "You got spooky hand powers? Just checkin'." Shajo mumbles but.... ''So you feel the same way about her then?'' "Don't ask questions with obvious answers." Shajo says grumpily. It doesn't really take much to imagine he'd be willing to do the same for her. And more. The Agents move on. So far so good but they haven't even made it to the Library yet. A key without a keyhole, Angela thinks, briefly remembering Xion. It's been a long time hasn't it Xion? Too long. And they enter and... Angela looks at the library. And she looks at the library. And HOO BOY does she look at the library. There's countless texts as far as the eye can see. Even Angela would take forever to even make a dent in the reading material here. "Is there....not concern about the elements--or monsters destroying tomes?" Angela asks, apparently way more interested in the architectural design of this place than the actual adventure leading up to this location. A sin of too many books? Angela is immune to such horror because that is the horrror she would inflict. No the horror she's worried about is the fucking treatment of these tomes. Oh, it's not the cave itself that really hits her--that's worrying but not what really REALLY hits her. No, it's the books that are SUBMERGED IN WATER. "...This is awful... Won't the water severely limit the lifespan of these books? I'm surprised they haven't dissolved." "Maybe they're magic books that can handle getting wet." Yuri suggests. Angela, predictaby, frowns. And elipses as hard as she has ever elipsesed.
Touta Konoe	"Well, despite what everyone thinks of me, I /am/ technically a vampire still. Or at least a fake one. Would it be surprising if I had spooky powers?" He doesn't say much more than that, neither confirming nor denying anything further on the matter as the group makes their questions. It seems that Shajo, Angela, and Touta all have things that they'd rather hold their tongues on. What they aren't holding back on is the views that they see. For while Angela is looking at the library, Touta is just looking at Angela...Watching as what could potentially be one of the very few times he might catch the slightest slip of her mask. The gleam in her eyes as she sees the library that looks as though it could span on into eternity. He knows that for now she can't come to such a place, and yet at the same time...He's happy that he can show her this. For even if one can't arrive at the stars, getting to see the night sky was still brilliant, no? "We're still underground so not like they'll be impacted by sunlight. Supposedly the lights that are used here actually are from spirits. So there shouldn't be any light damage to the books. As for the monsters, I don't think their inclusion in the labyrinth was originally expected. Remember, they're made from negative emotions seeping down here. So getting this far down is probably an achievement in and of itself. That said, I don't think they'd have any interest in going after books. Most of the time, they're more interested in going after a meal like an animal. It is possible while we're searching for what we want on the deeper level they get rowdy though so we'll need to be careful. As for the water... I can't say. We're this far down in the labyrinth that was in the magical section. So I'd imagine that most of these books are protected in some way?" He's not that familiar with the books in this place unfortunately. So he can't attest to her concerns.He can only follow along with Yuri's suggestion in the moment as he starts heading over to one of the submerged bookshelves. "Let me see if I can pull one of these out at least so we can have a better look. Yuri, Shajo, stand clear just in case." He's gives them both a very clear warning as he gets into the water and grabs at one of the bookshelves from both sides. Using his strength he was planning to /lift/ that bookshelf completely out of the water and allow it to dry. It's just...As he attempts to pull up the bookshelf, he finds that the more he pulls...The more shelves they find buried in the floor. It gets the point that the shelf in question ends up appearing half as tall as some of the larger ones before he stops. "Angela...I think some of these shelves might be multi-floored. Starting in one room...Then going down into the floor to the next. If that's the case..." They'd likely just be putting more books in danger. At this point he can imagine that Angela's concerns were still visible...Though he does notice one thing on the ones on this shelf specifically. Most of the books as he takes them out of the water do appear to have some sort of binding skin around the entirety of it.
Touta Konoe	"Angela, I think Yuri's onto something. Looks like these books have certaining bindings around them to keep them sealed from water." While it was true that the older parts of the library likely had issues, it did seem like on some level a certain level of precautions were taken to preserve this library. "Who knows, some of this literature isn't even human in origin. It might be possible that more of the magical literature is kept more resistant against elements that'd weather away at it. I can probably check with Yukihime when I get back. In the meantime though..." He starts looking around the room, to him every book comes and goes in his mind. Though for Angela, at least for how he knew it, each one was something that she'd recognize immediately, take note of it even at a glance. Even now he's sure that if possible all Angela wants is someone to twirl her pad around so she can get a 360 degree view of the place. "...Can we get you a few books you'd want to check out first?"
Angela	"Not a surprise really just wanted to make sure it wasn't some other spooky blood fiend." Shajo says. Maybe it's not really a surprise that the Lobotomy Corp team is perfectly fine with vampires despite insisting on the term blood fiend. Angela is friend to enough space girls that she surely wishes to seize the stars in her own hands but right now she can content herself with observing one. Even this is a big jump from what she usually gets to experience. She thinks, faintly, how little that it matters. They can help her in a thousand easy ways because they live in a paradise and she is trapped in hell, this is nothing to them, nothing. Angela shudders as these thoughts come back to her and closes her eyes. She hates this. How can she trust anything like this? How can she trust anyone? In truth, even Angela has to be able to trust SOME people. So she does. Even if for some people like Benjamin, it's trusting them to behave in a certain way. But adding more people to that list feels like opening up extra vulnerabilities to the multiverse to little benefit. But Touta does seem to understand her limits at least and in a way that helps her relax a little. If he's willing to respect boundaries, she can move freely within that boundary. "Mm... It would make sense for a magical world to have magical protection." SHe admits but it still feels elementally wrong to her that they be held in a place like this. Yuri and Shajo step back when indicated. Shajo adjusts his grip on the Angela-pad so she can get a good look at what's about to do and-- ...Oh he's just...diving in and pulling out the shelf himself. "I see." Angela mrmurs as Touta gives his explanation. "We should not endanger the books. Even if it is inconvenient, knowledge should go to those that make the effort. That is only reasonable." "Hell yeah," Yuri says at being on to something, grinning at Shajo like she got one up over im. Shajo rolls his eyes and doesn't seem to think twice about it. "I suppose if some tomes are dangerous it also makes sense to make them more difficult to access... Though I don't know if 'under water' is enough...Shajo, would you mind taking a look around closer to the shelves?" Her eyes slant to Touta and she nods. "Of course. There is no need to be greedy on a first visit either." Shajo starts moving around, guiding the tablet so Angela can see the spines of them without having to have them pulled out. "Yuri you're carrying the books." Shajo says.
Touta Konoe	"Blood fiend, huh? That's a new one." He wonders if that might still be more appropriate than vampire considering his origins, though he's not pushing it much one way or the other. Simply taking the remark in stride with a smirk. As for Angela...It's hard to say that Touta knows her limits. It's been clear that he's been trying. Stumbling for certain, but certainly trying. And in it, he has done something that Angela probably could identify to some extent as well....He's attempted to show some vulnerability. Perhaps for Angela, doing something like that is inconceivable. To allow others to take note of such weakness, to abuse it...It's simply unacceptable. For Touta well...Half the time it seems like there's no expectation for him? One could almost question if maybe he was underestimated on occasion? It likely depended on who you asked, but then also what one sees of him. All the same, regardless of opinions, doubts, vulnerabilities, or feelings towards him...One can't say that there is some level of attempt that goes into his acts. For better or for worse. As he continues lifting the shelf, it's only at Angela's request does he halt. "Got it...Still, knowledge going to those that make the effort...You think that applies in most cases?" For the time being, Touta just continues chuckling to see how content Yuri is at the remark, though it doesn't seem to be impeding as much as Shajo's requested to help in aiding Angela look about. As they go, there's certainly quite the array she can see. Near her there's books of literature that have a language on the spine that seems incoherent, using symbols she's never seen before, but not of the ones that had been provided of her previously. A few shelves down appear to be some books that appear in Latin. Some seem like biographies of mages of the past, and other significant figures. Farther down then that there appears to be what can only be described as books of folk-lore and fiction. Some have several volumes at the very least. 'A Dragon's Hollow Heart,' 'Stuck Within the Hourglass,' 'The Marionette of Red Strings,' 'I See Them with Envy' There's just those that read a few, and only more that continue down the line. History, magical texts, biographies of scholars of long lost civilizations, poems, fiction, documentation, the list just went on and on... The options were so much to choose from that frankly attempting to sift through the titles in these shelves alone could fill the pages of some of these books to the brim. A labor of love for certain, yet at the same time it did truly have to raise the question...If she was not to be greedy, where would she choose to place her interest? "Look as much as you need. We can probably take as many books as we can carry back, so Shajo, Yuri might not be the only one carrying them. So just remember we'll all be doing our part."
Angela	'Trying' is a weird space for Angela. She doesn't seem to harbor ill will towards Touta at least. She can't forgive Petra for how she treated Lilian in the past. It is not her place to. But she can accept it. She is still more in the camp of Lilian deserves the world rather than the world doesn't deserve Lilian. Touta tells Shajo everybody'll be doing their parts and he grumbles predictably. At least they have backpacks. Angela is a voracious reader and she can take her time studying the titles, occassionally asking Shajo to pull one out so she can study in further detail--but for Touta it might seem like she isn't taking that much time. Thinking at a thousand times the rate as normal means she has plenty of time in her own head, for good or ill. Of the listed volumes, she skips Stuck Within the Hourglass entirely--fuck that--but she does seem more interesting in the other three, particularly The Marionette of Red Strings. She lingers on that one before ultimately adding it to the others. Other than that she seems mostly interested in the biographies, history, and poetry which might say a thing or two about her. Eventually she says, "I believe that is enough for a preliminary visitation, Touta. Unlrss you have a particular tome to recommend... Regardless, my apologies for being overly emotional." She was in her own mind at least. She is reluctant to leave but she must consider the care of two of her best Agents.
Touta Konoe	"Mmm, can't say that I have anything at the moment to offer from here. Truth be told, I don't really know much of the books in this part. But next time...Maybe I'll try to recommend something I enjoy at least?" Unfortunately or not for Angela, Touta does not have the same kind of perception of time so his ability to scan through an entire hall of books is near impossible, and even if it was it's not like he could give an honest recommendation without reading them himself. Regardless of Shajo's griping he'd find himself getting several of those books dumped into his hands. At least, they aren't carrying all this /and/ a lantern. Even Touta's getting his hands full, before he starts placing the books delicately into the backpacks, even looking back to Shajo and Yuri both. "We gotta be careful with this, don't want to wear out the covers or bend the spines, right?" Even he's making sure that they're handled with care as he looks back to Angela on the matter. At this point speaking up once more. "It's nothing you need to apologize for...Sometimes, it's just important to get it all out. If anything...I kinda wish people would be more honest with their feelings about me than otherwise." His words linger for a moment as it seems the group is ready to head back, though at that time, he looks back at Angela back on the monitor. "Still, you never answered my question though...Even if it's inconvenient, knowledge should go to those that make an effort...Those words you truly believe in?"
Angela	Angela says, "Perhaps we ought to leave you here for a few days then return," which is probably a joke though with her enunciation it is nearly impossible to tell beyond her seeming thoughtful about another topic entirely. A topic that is returned to when Touta presses the matter. ''Knowledge should go to those that make an effort...Those words you truly believe in?'' "Yes." She says. "Knowledge without effort is just power and there is enough of that out there. It is unfortunate that some simply have all the knowledge they could want at the jump and others have to struggle. It would be better if everyone struggled so the worth of it can be acknowledged. I imagine that is why this library is a hidden library rather than above the surface." Or at least one reason. Touta seems to understand what she means by emotional. "...Understood. I am inclined to agree. The longer you hide your honest feelings, the more damage done when the dam ultimately bursts." Yuri says, "Hey hey I'm not a dummy..." but Shajo says, "Ehh? But they're magic ain't they?" but either way they will be cautious.
Touta Konoe	"Perhaps we ought to leave you here for a few days then return." "If we did, maybe I'd see about keeping that pad for the time. I imagine if I was here for a few days, you'd be the best person to talk to about any of the books I found. Besides, Who knows, maybe we'd find more books together when work hours or over." Touta takes it as a joke all the same, even if it isn't, and in the same vein opts to tease Angela a bit back. Though, considering neither of them actually did need sleep, that actually could have been a viable way for Angela to spend her time when things were quite back at L Corp. "Wasn't trying to say you were. And Shajo...Just because something's got protection doesn't mean you should rough it up, right? Treat it with respect, okay? Those books probably have more life in them than all four of us." It's probably a bit of an over exaggeration, but one could probably assume some of these books were in the centuries when it came to age. With a small clarification to the two, he finds himself again looking back to Angela through the screen. All the sudden...He finds himself thinking of the many times that Angela goes about asking questions on the radio, inquiring about topics here and there, and in this moment as he speaks, he almost feels like he's in a similar position. Asking more of her, learning more of her stances...Her truer feelings. "So...If knowledge should go to those that make effort, how much is enough...? Is it just enough to act with effort, or is there a threshold? And if there is...Who decides it? The ones who hold all the knowledge...And if so, do they have the right to tell those who struggle but are putting in that effort that it's not enough...Or that it never will be enough?" Admittedly, even Touta feels like he's speaking with much more of a philosophical thought to him than he's used to. It's hard to say if it's a good thing or a bad thing. Someone who never really seems so well-versed in it doing so now? Though, maybe that could be considered growth? Or perhaps just throwing on airs. "That so? Well, that makes me glad to hear that you do. Makes me feel like I'm not just speaking entirely out of thin air. At the same time...I know it's not always as easy to do it either. Sometimes speaking from your heart feels like it goes against what's knowledgeable...Like what'll keep you safe...So, while I wish it was something that more people would do...It's not like I don't get why they might not...If that makes sense?"
Angela	Angela raises an eyebrow as Touta suggests keeping the pad here for all that time. She cups her chin, considering it, before determining it would be too distracting from her daily work. "No, no. Not viable." She says quickly. "A second trip would be ideal. The aim of this visitation was simply for recon. We've already surpassed expectations." "Yeah yeah," Shajo says. "Why is it whenever we meet up it's around cold dank places." He doesn't seem to understand the idea of books having more life in them than all four of them, but Angela doesn't argue. "Some of these tomes may have protections against poor tampering. Be delicate. That is all." Angela says. ''How much is enough?'' "I have not deigned to dilineate the concept to such a degree." Angela says. "I never found it neccessary. It is an idle musing far from what reality would ever be. It is the seekers of knowledge who decide how much effort is neccessary, I imagine, whether it is enough effort or not." She considers the matter of honesty and admits to Touta, "Lying unneccessarily is weakness, determining when it is neccessary is where the finesse comes in." Angela says, though she IS an AI that can lie.
Touta Konoe	He can't help but smile as she takes the remark so seriously. Even seeing as she really does start taking her hand to her chin in contemplation. "Hehe, sorry, sorry. It was meant to be a joke. Though, I appreciate you were taking the time to think about it all the same. If you had said yes though, I think I definitely would have needed to take some serious consideration in kind back. But yeah, I think we've reached our quota." He starts nodding along till he hears Shajo's remark, "I mean, if you guys have a few hours to spare I'd tell you to come hang out back at the resort when we're finished here. But it sounds like you're all still on the clock. So how about I just bring you guys back a goodie bag to take back with the books?" The group continues on in that time they can see as more and more of the shelves appear at their back, the light of the spirits that graced this sanctum with wisdom beginning to fade as they start back through the path that would lead them into darkness once again. Though as they walk Touta does listen to her thoughts with intrigue... "I never found it neccessary. It is an idle musing far from what reality would ever be. It is the seekers of knowledge who decide how much effort is neccessary, I imagine, whether it is enough effort or not." "That so? Well, I've been starting to build my own opinions on it honestly, but...Well, if it ever comes to mind more than just a musing, I'd be interested to hear if you still think the same or not. For now though, did just have one question..." At this point, Touta is a little unkempt. He finds himself leaning right into the camera of the pad, till it's basically the entirety of his face on screen. Though it's hard to say whether he's focusing on the camera itself, or on her own expression on the pad. "Was it a good time?"
Angela	Angela's a mostly serious person. If she's going to be hilarious, it'll usually be accidental. She can joke, but her humor is generally understated. Yuri loves the idea of a goodie bag, "Oh well if you insiiist o/~" Angela considers saying no to goodie bags but ultimately keeps her trap shut long enough for Shajo to say, "More carryig... Well, sure, alright. I'll take that as incentive. Will probably be something in there for Nonon to like if nothin' else." They make their way back. Touta speaks on their own opinion on effort and knowledge but Angela is mostly caught on the last question. Was it a good time? There was a lot that a greedy Angela could wish for but she ultimately settles on, "Yes, it was an adequate outing." with predictable neutrality in tone despite the reality of it. "You have my gratitude for inviting us on this trip."
Touta Konoe	"Hai, hai, you both worked hard today too. So it only makes sense. Although...Might be against company policy for employees to accept gifts~." He means that fully as a joke, but at the same time he could totally believe someone in the HR department opting to say 'No gifts' for bribery reasons. Albeit, he's probably already done that to some extent if unintentional... "Also for sure, Shajo, let me know if there's anything specific and I can try to set it up too. Speaking of other Agents though, what did Moku mean still when there was that whole thing with the hands and stuff? I still didn't know if that was like a threat or something!" He's still a bit boisterous, still a bit loud, but still trying to play it nice all the same. And it's only as Angela gives her response, does he finally seem to have his smile simmer...It's not as in your face as before, but more tame, sincere. "Thanks, I'm happy to have it. Though next time, maybe I'll see if I can put in a bit more effort so that we can go from 'adequate' to 'pleasant'. Yeah?" There's not much he adds with that, simply continuing to walk back out through the library, this time though maybe having Angela test her memory in the dark as they return back.