Scene #6765: Beautiful Stranger

Owner	Pose
Rean Schwarzer	There's been a few news reports about the Mona Lisa going missing, and a thief leaving a mysterious letter about a "crimson metropolis in the empire of the golden stallion" being where he hid it. It's not exactly a clear location, and with the size of the Multiverse, there's possibly many places that fit that bill. But when Rean brings up that an infamous thief left a note asking him and his classmates to find the Mona Lisa in Erebonia's capital, the answer becomes a little bit clearer. You all come out of the warp gate, and after checking in with the guards stationed there, you go up the stairs into Mater Park. Rean and his classmates are waiting nearby, discussing the notes they got. Yes, it's now notes plural. "Your first clue lies on the back of a wooden accompanist, in a place where one's love of music stirs the hearts of many." Rean murmurs, reading the note. Elliot, a red-haired boy with the group seems to perk up for a moment. He then notices anyone coming up to approach them. "Oh, hey." Elliot says. Rean gives you guys a wave. "Are you here to help look for that painting?" he says. He hands over the note - A white card with a red B on it - and a map of the city with descriptions of landmarks and stores. "Looks like he's sending us on a treasure hunt for this painting."
Lory Thumper	When Lory heard about this, she rushed here as quickly as she could. Which is pretty quick, given her speed. Not just because there is a crime to solve, but also because this is a chance to show off her skills as a detective! ...even though she isn't technically a detective yet. Her ears perk toward the reading of the note before she makes her way over to the small group of classmates. "Hello there! I'm Officer Lory Thumper, MPD. I'm glad to help out if I can." she says before looking over the note. "The thief left a calling card...?" she says quietly, not really asking anyone just musing over the point. "Do you know of any criminal elements who use cards like this?" she asks out loud, then looks at the map. After a quick read over, she looks at the card again, then back at the map. "Well...this seems kind of obvious but should we check out the Concert Cafe Etoile? Does it have a piano?"
Nanoha Takamachi	A famous work of art being stolen is troubling indeed. Art is meant to be something for all to enjoy. To inspire. To provide a view on life that is beautiful and thought provoking. To take that all away is a sad thing. Although one would question the motives of someone who successfully steals such a priceless painting from a high security exhibit only to provide clues as to its whereabouts. Nanoha arrives through the warpgate, still pondering such motivations as she makes her way through the security and up the steps. Seeing some people already gathered, one of whom she knows, Nanoha walks up to the group. Addressed by what look like students, Nanoha smiles, "Ah, yes! I'm Nanoha. I was hoping I could help." Nanoha is just wearing her white and blue uniform at this point, not yet decked out in her combat attire. Nanoha reviews the information they have so far, including the new clue. She nods in agreement with Lory's conclusions, "That sounds like a good place to start." As they begin to move towards what appears to be the next location described by the clue, Nanoha discreetly summons a pair of pink orbs of light in her hand. Softly releasing them, they zip away into the air and off into the city. Hmmmm, what's that about?
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa had heard about the theft, when it came up upon Paladin's radio band. She'd offered to help and so here she was. This was going to be an interesting job. For many of her normal tactics would not work here so far as she was aware she would launch a few camera drones to help with her search about the city, however. After that, the cyborg had fallen in with Rean and his classmates. She had heard Lory on the comms before but hat not met her in person until now is looking over the clue. "A concert hall of some sort?" Sounds like it's on the right track as it comes up. "Oh I'm Kotone Yamakawa I'm with the Paladins." She looks over to Lory whom she is aware is a full-on Police Officer unlike herself so she seems keen to listen to her input. "Think the thief might be native to this world? We should check this lead out." Unless someone will stop her? She's going to head to the cafe and start snooping about, making use of her enhanced vision in the process notable infrared and zoom in functions. Another person she hasn't met shows up as will that being Nanoha whom she keeps pace with. "Rean? Ms Thumper? Ms Takamachi? I have some camera drones up in the air in the event we need them."
Rean Schwarzer	Machias adjusts his glasses. "It's probably Phantom Thief B, if it's someone from this world. I've heard he leaves cards like this." Elliot nods at Lory, smiling. "Yeah, they do. And a cello too." Rean nods. "Sounds like a plan. Let's head over." Then Nanoha does her magic thing. Fie, a short silver haired girl looks over at her and tilts her head. "What was that?" she asks. Anyway, everyone heads over to Etoile. It's basically a small coffee shop with a well maintained piano and cello in the back, as well as a currently silent phonograph. The old man at the counter greets you. Rean goes over to check the piano, and frowns once he's done. "Uh...I don't see anything here. Any other ideas?"
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha walks along with the others, considering the strange name, "Phantom Thief B... What's the B for?" As she is questioned, Nanoha gives Fie a coy smile as she says rather vaguely, "Insurance. I'm not sure if it'll be of any use. But I like to be prepared." As they enter the nice cafe, Nanoha looks around, "Ohhh. This is a lovely place. We should visit properly once this is all over." As Rean examines the piano only to find no additional clue, Nanoha looks thoughtful for a moment, "Well. I do recall there being an opera house included on the map. Perhaps we can try there instead?"
Lory Thumper	Lory is a bit relieved. For once no one even looked twice at her being a four foot rabbit with a full riot officer's uniform. But, her ears do lower a bit as both Nanoha and Kotone seem to have surveillance drones, though she is only assuming with Nanoha's. "Wow. And I thought my gear was on the cutting edge." she says, pulling a disc from her belt and tossing it upward to join the other things in the air. She also pulls a thin, almost wireframe headset from a pouch and puts it on, and a holographic HUD appears over one of her eyes as her drone hovers high above them, just watching their route for anything suspicious. "Nice to see you again, Nanoha! I'm still looking forward to helping teach one of your classes." the bunny says, then looks to Kotone. "And nice to finally meet you. I think I've heard your voice on the comm a few times. Kotone, isn't it?" They enter the coffee shop, but it seems the instruments in question do not have the next clue. At least, not in plain sight. She heads over to give the piano a once-over, then to do the same with the cello. "Hmm...it did say the back." she says, pulling out the piano from the wall if she can. f the piano isn't movable, she will pull out a fiber optic device to look behind it. If it isn't there, her ears perk at Nanoha, then she nods in agreement.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa looks to Lory for a moment with a bit of a grin. "Don't sell yourself short on account of this." SHe notes she does see the HUD with a grin and will make sure to give Lory a feed if her HUD can take it. "Yes it's good to meet you in person as well!" Once at the shop after Rean fails to find anything with the Piano? She will pause for a moment thinking "There other instruments here right? Also, he might have left something with the staff." Then Nanoha brings up something. "If this does not pan out? Sounds like it should be the next spot we hit up." Which Kotone would try to find the manager, she'll flash her badge if she needs to and question them did anyone leave any strange cards behind? Or anything else of that nature she'll also check if the staff have seen anything strange.
Rean Schwarzer	Machias shrugs. "No one knows." "...'K. " Fie says. Elliot smiles at Nanoha's suggestion. "Yeah. My family used to visit here a lot since we live not too far from here." Laura, a tall girl with her hair in a ponytail, shrugs. "If the next clue isn't here, the opera house should suffice." There's no need to go to the opera housse, though because Lory finds the note behind the cello! This one looks exactly the same as the last one but reads, "Your next clue lies at the feet of the conqueror with the heart of a lion."
Lory Thumper	After all the extra effort to look behind the piano...it's a simple lift and rotation of the cello that reveals the note. Lory can't help but eyeroll and giggle a bit. "This Phantom Thief B definitely wants us to find something. Whether it will be the painting or not is much less certain." she says before she reads the note to the others, then slips it and the first one into police evidence bags before storing them. "A conqueror with the heart of a lion..." Lory isn't really up on this world's history, but there was only one location on the map that mentioned a legendary figure. "Would that be Emperor Dreichels?" she asks the class.
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha does look a little concerned as Lory points out that the thief is going to a lot of effort to lead them towards something. They can't be sure it's the painting. Either way though, it's still difficult to piece together the thief's motivations. As Lory suggests the Emperor, Nanoha perks up a bit, "I recall seeing a plaza named after him! We could check there." Time to move on once more. As they do so, Nanoha releases another couple of those orbs that go zipping away. Given that she hasn't been making any obvious attempts to view what they're seeing. They may not be observation drones like the others are using.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa says "They want to be chased I'd say, if they didn't they would have vanished with the art and sold it off." She notes. "The question is what happens if they tire of us." She notes for a moment as she too doesn't know enough about this world so she too looks to the Rean and company for further information. "Any idea on this one? I'm afraid I don't know this world's history well enough to guess on this one." She looks over to Rory and Nanoha for a moment "That does sound plausible." Kotone is reeling with no local online accessible network of information here, and today is showing just how depended on such things she can be.
Rean Schwarzer	Rean nods. "Yeah. He's also known as Dreichels the Lionheart. Couldn't be anyone else." Anyway, you all move on to the plaza. Indeed, there's a statue in the plaza of an old man with a sword. You can see a small piece of paper on the statue's base too. If you go up and grab it, it's another B calling card. This one reads, "Your next clue lies on the bottom of the white burden of the steel bird at the water's edge."
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa will enjoy the trip to the statue, making a note when this is over? To check out the city for a day or two when she has some time off. She'll look up at the stature as they arrive and notices the paper, she zooms in on it hums. She then leaps up into the air and kicks off a second jump. At the apex of this jump? She'll snatch the paper and drop back ot the ground. Though the impact clearly shows Kotone is far heavier than she looks, thankfully she didn't damage the street. "hmmm Let's see here. Your next clue lies on the bottom of the white burden of the steel bird at the water's edge. Sounds like we're looking for a body of water near some kind of aircraft port maybe?"
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha tilts her head a little, "Be chased for what reason, though? Are they testing us? Seeing how we respond in this situation?" Of course, the easiest way to find out is to find the thief in question! As they arrive in the plaza, Nanoha looks with some awe at the palace in the distance. It's like something out of a fairy tale. She remarks quite excitedly, "It's beautiful!" But sightseeing later, crimesolving now. The new clue is revealed and Nanoha ponders, "Not sure what 'white burden' is. 'Steel bird' could refer to an aircraft, as you say. Though that's doubtful as you usually don't find those at the water's edge. The map indicated a port though, so we can start there and see if any of the other parts of the clue make sense?"
Lory Thumper	Lory is a bit too focused to enjoy the sights until Nanoha exclaims about its beauty. She looks up and around, then smiles a bit. "It is pretty, isn't it?" she agrees. The bunny is just about to leap herself when Kotone takes off. The bunny cop blinks, then watches with some measure of appreciation at Kotone's acrobatics. Once the note is read, Judy offers to take it and slip it into an evidence bag as well. "I think burden refers to the cargo area? But...it could be inside or outside if that's the case." she says, then looks to the class. "I think there was mention of a noteworthy ship at the docks. The Esperanza?"
Rean Schwarzer	"Hmm...There's no airship port here, but there IS a regular port, like Nanoha said." Rean says. "And that would be by the water's edge." You all head over to the docks. It's a freight area, so there's workers milling about, a few cranes, and a pile of white metal crates. Indeed, the Esperanza is docked here as well. There's a worker checking his clipboard near the crates, in case you want to ask him something.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa has to admit Nanoha's excitement about the city is infectious the more she goes on about it and she can see why. It's getting to her too, this would have been fantasy land less than a decade ago for her. Its time to move on though and she'll make for the port which she starts to look about, checking for statues, or hell maybe the names of ships. She'll leave the questioning of the locals to her companions. "I'll check out the area for signs of anything."
Lory Thumper	Lory follows the others toward the docks and the Esperanza. She is just about to talk to the dock worker when she blinks and looks up. "...cranes. Made of steel." she says softly, then looks at the white crates. "Steel birds!" she suddenly exclaims to the group, then runs toward those white crates to start inspecting for a clue.
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha follows along with the others. She glances out at the ocean for a moment, moving a hand to hold her hair as it's whipped up by the sea breeze. She then follows Lory over to the crates, admitting that it could be what they're looking for. Seeing a worker nearby, Nanoha walks up to him and smiles, "Excuse me?" A soft flick of her finger causes a holoscreen to appear in the air beside it, displaying her Paladin credentials, "Would you be able to tell me what's in these crates?"
Rean Schwarzer	Lory: You don't find anything on the crates. There's a tiny bit of paper sticking out from under one of the crates though, but there's a good chance if you just try and pull it out, you'll just tear the paper. Nanoha: "Huh?" The worker says, looking at Nanoha's credentials. "Just some food, building supplies, stuff like that. Why do you ask?" Rean steps forward and shows the dock worker the note from Phantom Thief B. "We think it's talking about those crates over there." The worker nods. "I'm not sure if I can just go into them willy-nily like that, unfortunately."
Lory Thumper	Lory notices the bit of paper. It could be just some trash that got caught under the crates...or it could be their clue. She looks over toward Rean and Nanoha. "Hey, ask him if he can have the cranes lift this one." she says, pointing out the paper to the others. "This could be the clue, here." She then looks closer. Does it look like an envelope? Is it clean? Or is it dirty and torn up like trash might be?
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa will home check the names of the nearby ships to see if they might shed light on things here, and she'll once finish join up with Lory as she's getting some help with the crates. If more help is needed she'll lend her aid to moving the crate if the dockworkers can't help.
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha glances over as she hears Lory call out. Nodding to the rabbit, Nanoha looks back at the worker, "We understand. No doubt there are protocols about that. But would it be possible if we could get that crate moved? It could be very helpful in solving a crime." Best not to go into details at this point.
Rean Schwarzer	The paper under the crate looks like cardstock. The dock worker smiles. "That I can do. ...your er, friend over there might want to get down first though." Once Lory's out of the way, The worker talks to the others on the dock and then signals for the crane to get to work. The crane picks up the crate with the paper under it, and lo and behold, it's a clue! This one reads, "Lady Mona Lisa lies hidden among other visions of beauty, in a place where the travel weary come to rest." Sounds like you're almost there!
Lory Thumper	Lory hops down from where she found the card, then she waits until it is clear before she hops back up to grab the clue and brings it to the others after bagging it. "Visions of beauty in a place where the travel weary come to rest." Once again this isn't entirely clear, but Lory thinks on it for a few moments. "Well...multiversal travelers have to go through Mater Park. Maybe we should try there?" she suggests, looking to the others.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa will thank the workers for their help and she will pitch in as well. Once they get the card clear she'll listen to the details on it this place. "Humm an inn? Is there a place of worship somewhere around here? A Church? A Temple? Some sort of shrine? The clue could be related to that as often they tend to thsoe weary of the world ot it could be an Inn?" She looks to Lory for a moment "That also could be it, I might be thinking too hard."
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha stands to the side as the crate gets moved. As the next clue becomes accessible, she gives a wave to the workers, calling out to them, "Thanks!" Nanoha moves over to join the other as the clue is read. It seems like this treasure hunt will be ending soon. At least it's been a rather pleasant excursion through the city so far. Nanoha looks at Lory for a moment, considering. She then shakes her head, "They might trvel through there. But it's not really a place to rest. This sounds more like a hotel." She nods in agreement with Kotone, "I think I saw one in one of the districts. Garnier, If I remember correctly?"
Rean Schwarzer	"I'm with Nanoha on this one. Someone who's been traveling for a while would rest at a hotel or inn." Rean says. "Aidos knows we've been in and out of them on our field studies, when we're not staying at someone's house or an old guild branch..." Machias mutters. Anyway, you all head to Der Himmel! It's a very well decorated hotel, with lots of chairs in the lobby, and paintings on the wall. And one of them happens to be very familiar... "Is that it?" Laura says, approaching the painting. "Oh, do you like that one?" The concierge says. "It was recently donated by a visiting noble." Weirdly, he's got on a hat that covers his eyes....Huh.
Lory Thumper	Lory nods at the suggestion of a hotel, then follows after the others. "A hotel makes sense, but what could the other visions of-..." Her question trails off as they enter the lobby, which is part art museum. "Ah..." She shakes her head lightly and smirks a bit, then looks toward the painting Laura pointed out. "...would he..?" she says softly, then blinks at the concierge. The hat that covers his eyes is pretty suspicious in itself. An art concierge that doesn't recognize a very famous piece of art is also suspicious. She peers at him. "I see...and could you describe this noble?" she asks, even as she tries to remove one of the discs from her belt without being noticed. "And, what is your name, sir?"
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha follows along with class seven, "Oh? It sounds like you've had some interesting field studies." Hopefully they weren't too difficult. Or dangerous. And properly supervised. As they arrive at the hotel, Nanoha glances around at the fancy nature of it. It's not often she stays in such places. That's when her eyes fall on the paining, quickly joining Laura by it. Nanoha looks at the concierge as he interjects, "Oh?" As her hand rests at her side, her finger moves just ever so slightly as she assists Lory in the questioning, "We're investigating an art thief. Any help would be appreciated."
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa follows Lory, Nanoha and class seven, as they make for the hotel she'll pause for a moment as she looks the painting over. She doesn't want to think about the cost to stay here but the painting she reacts to it, she clearly knows it and she also cringes as well with how it's displayed. How much preservation work has been undone? Either way, it's intact still which is good to know and right now it's safe so she can leave it for a little while. "Curious a noble you say?" Kotone is now watching the man with interest. After all the Mona Lisa is one of most Earth's well-known works of art, right? If anything was known in the multiverse that would be the most likely one. So she's thinks something is up with this but doesn't say anything just yet.
Rean Schwarzer	"Oh...a tall fellow with lavender hair in a white suit. Baron Bleublanc, I believe." The name catches the attention of Rean, Machias and Fie. "What- Him again???" Machias says, having flashbacks to their field study in May. Rean frowns, looking the man over. "Huh. I wonder if he knew the painting was /stolen./" Rean says, eyes narrowing. "Stolen?! Oh, my!" The concierge shouts. His eyes then fall on Lory's slight movement to get out her gear. "And my name? Well.." He says, and smiles a bit. His smile then shifts into a loud, joyful laugh. There's a storm of petals in the air as the man throws off his disguise, revealing, well, a lavender haired man in a white suit and mask. "I knew I made a fine choice when I chose you students for this task." He then turns to Lory, Nanoha and Kotone. "And you! It seems the Multiverse does in fact have some sharp minds in it." "So the B stands for Bleublanc, I take it?" Machias says. The Phantom Thief bows. "Baron Bleublanc is one of my aliases, but yes, I am in fact, Phantom Thief B." He then gestures to the Mona Lisa. "At any rate, you're free to take her back home. I'm sure she enjoyed this little excursion. And with that, I shall take my leave." "Wait just one minute-" Rean says, but then there's another storm of petals, and Bleublanc is gone.
Lory Thumper	Lory smirks lightly to herself as the concierge turns out to be their thief. "Blueblanc, huh? I don't know about other worlds, but on most earths the crime isn't forgiven just because the stolen item is returned. That's up to the owner of the painting." When Rean interjects and Bleublanc produces more petals, Lory starts to throw her disc. But, the thief is gone before she can actually throw it. She stumbles forward a few steps as she pulls back on her throw, then blinks and looks around for any sign of the thief. "Hey! Get back here!" she exclaims, heading out the door. "Bleublanc doesn't make sense! You don't have any blue in your outfit or calling cards!" What does that have to do with anything? Well...nothing. But, Lory doesn't like when things don't make sense.
Kotone Yamakawa	Kotone Yamakawa looks at the man over for a moment and she pauses for a moment as Rean and company catch who it is. She notices the man seem quite happy at this, as she forms a theroy about why he did it. "You were seeking a challenge or if there were people who could keep up with you?" She doesn't get an answer as he's gone in short oder before evne she can respond, she'll sigh but look to see the painting is all right she sighs. "We'll have to find him later, right now we need to get the painting properly recovered by experts and returned back to where it should be, still it seems he was mostly intent on testing the multiverse it seems."
Nanoha Takamachi	Nanoha grows increasingly alert as the concierge continues, until finally he reveals himself. Nanoha blinks in a bit of surprise as the outfit. And the way in which the thief proceeds to address them. She frowns a little, "You act as if this is a game. But the crime you've commited is great. As Officer Thumper says. Simply returning the item is not enough." Nanoha flicks her wrist and the orbs she'd summoned earlier all rush into the building through multiple exits. They converge on the Phantom Thief's location, but moments too late as he vanishes. Nanoha sighs quietly, but then smiles at the others, "At least we were able to recover the artwork." Now for the rather difficult part of this mission. Organizing its safe return.