In the sprawling city of Alemonowa, where three rivers and many people meet, Kentarou Kennedy lives as a private teacher. He has returned after a years-long absence to settle down into a cozy life, accompanied by his next-door neighbor and childhood friend Mary Raffles, an expert flower gardener. The quiet peace of his simple life is broken one day after a seemingly innocuous request from Mary drags him into the shattered lives of the people around him, and he decides to do his best to heal these wounds in the world. Come pilot Ken as he enters the lives of five distinct flower-girls, the tales interlocking and then culminating in a fatal finale in the flower garden.
Current Route: White Rose ~Flower of Innocence~
Complete Route #1: Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~
My neighbor and childhood friend Mary Raffles lives in a home completely enveloped in a sea of flowers.
Ever since I moved back to my hometown of Alemonowa as her neighbor a few years ago, I've been an eyewitness to the development of her garden from a small patch of pretty plants to a gargantuan living canvas of colors. She's even asked me to help out a few times, though I couldn't tell what for. It's not like she needs me in particular for anything – she's the expert.
Still, I suppose it's good to be able to catch up with old friends every now and then. The two of us parted ways in college, with me leaving to try and make my fortune in another city and her staying here and cultivating a green thumb. Well, I ended up coming back anyway, in the possession of a degree and debt, but no fortune. Mary, meanwhile, seems to be doing quite fine for herself. At least, I assume so. She's always happy to see me, so it's hard to tell, but I never hear her complain about work or coworkers or anything like that.
Speaking of, I ought to get to work myself.
It's going to be sunny all day today, so I decide to get a fresh start. Might was well go grab breakfast somewhere on the way. Once I freshen up and get outside my house, I bask in the sunlight for a bit. It's a warm day for October, so all I need is a light jacket. Mary's garden looks prettier than ever in the full sun, and I'm not the only one around appreciating it. I can always spare a moment to enjoy something beautiful like this, especially with all the hard work she must have put into it.
Ah, but I don't want to stare at it for too long. After all, after I eat, I need to...
(Choose one.) [] ...get back inside. My next book won't write itself!
[] ...head over to the office, where the work never ends.
[] ...go to the café. Looks like they'll need me today!
[] ...prepare for the private teaching gig I somehow got.
But before I can get going, a familiar voice calls out to me.
???: Oh, Kenny, is that you~?
I recognize it as once as coming from Mary. She must be out in the garden. I can't see her, so she must be off working on the other side or out back. In any case, I call back to her.
Me: No, it's a ghost~! This is spooky month, remember?
Mary: Oh my~! I sure hope you don't haunt me, hahaha~!
Me: Not a chance. Your garden is way too cheery for that.
Me: Yeah, of course. I'm your only neighbor, remember?
Mary: Oh, I know~! I just like hearing your voice, hahaha~!
Me: Well, you can hear it whenever you want, you know.
While I do want to get going, I don't mind stopping for a chat with Mary. She is the only person I know from school that I still talk to. I walk past the swirling colors of her flower garden to the stony path leading to her small home, and find her in her typical dress considering several small somethings on an outdoor table. Stepping in to get a better look, I see that they're seed packets.
As I walk over, Mary turns to look at me with her blood-red hawkish eyes. They're striking when framed by her thin pale face and long black hair. Well, I imagine they would be if I wasn't used to them. Whenever the two of us head out anywhere, she gets glances, stares, and frequent compliments, especially since she likes to ear old-fashioned dresses. She's got one on right now actually – something long and flowing and ruffled in red with white spots and a high waistline. I've only ever seen her in dresses like these since I got back, even when she's out working in the garden. It flows around her as she waves me over.
Mary: Are you about to head out? I want to ask you something before you go! Take a look at these!
She gestures at the seed packets, a set of five. Purple Iris, Yellow Daisy, Orange Lily, Red Poppy, and White Rose are arranged in the table in a circle. They look just like any other seed packets you could get from the store.
I have to wonder what exactly she wants from me here.
I get my answer once I get right next to her.
Mary: I'm planting some new flowers! But I'm not sure which ones to plant... they're all be quite beautiful in full bloom. Do you perhaps have a preference, Kenny~?
Instead of answering, I remind her that Kentarou doesn't shorten to Kenny, prompting her to stick her tongue out at me and point out that Kennedy, my last name, does. She then asks again if I have a preference, insisting that it's important that I pick. After all, I do have a front row seat to her masterpiece.
She does have a point there. This isn't even the first time she's asked me this, but usually I deflect and she ends up choosing on her own, sulking all the while. Not sure why she's upset - she's got good taste. All the colors flow into each other like in a painting.
...but when I try to escape this time, she grabs my hand and insists that she's not letting me go unless I give her a proper answer!
Ugh... I have places to be!
Well, I may as well go along with her whims this time (I say as if I often don't at other times).
So, after looking over my choices, I go with...
(Choose one.)
[] Iris
Me: What about these? Mrs. Calderon would appreciate you planting these in honor of her daughter.
Mary: Oh yes, it's so awful what happened to her. And I'm not just referring to her untimely death...
[] Daisy
Me: What about these? Can't go wrong with these beautiful flowers.
Mary: For sure~! That's probably why The Garland uses them as their symbol.
[] Lily
Me: What about these? Wouldn't they go well with all the other lilies in your garden?
Mary: Maybe, but I've had no reason to plant these vengeful flowers. Others might though...
[] Poppy
Me: What about these? I always associated poppies with somber moods though.
Mary: Ah, but they can also symbolize fun~! There's two sides to the poppy~!
[] Rose
Me: What about these? Your other roses wilted recently, may as well add these.
Mary: I was so sad to see them go... perhaps I should plant Roses of Heaven.
[] ???
NOT AVAILABLE. COMPLETE ALL OTHER ROUTES TO UNLOCK.
...and then chat a bit more with Mary before I head out for the day with her warmly sending me off.
QM Note: Hello! Trying out another original quest, structured a bit like a visual novel. Each route has one Complete End (and may have at least one Early End). Getting the five Complete Ends will unlock the last route and the Final End. I won't be needing to reserve any posts, so you can start voting immediately.
Winning vote: [X] ...prepare for the private teaching gig I somehow got. [X] Lily
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (1)
Mary granted me the knowledge that orange lilies are seen as a hateful flower, and that being granted one is an ill omen. Of course, I reassured her that I meant no such thing when I picked that type of flower. I was just looking for something to further accentuate the beauty of her flower garden. Orange lilies would go well with the white, red, and yellow lilies already planted in there.
Naturally, as I made my excuses, she laughed at my distress.
Mary: Hahaha~! Oh Kenny, I know you didn't mean anything by it. I know you don't put any stock in that kind of thing.
She's right. I leave that to her, and it looks like she doesn't mind.
I then left her to her devices, as I needed to attend to mine.
But still...
...a flower of vengeance, huh?
Yeah, I know who might want to plant some of those. Though I think they'd prefer the real thing.
While I am a private teacher for home-schooled children, I do still keep aware of things going on with public and private schools. And recently there's been terrible news from one of those schools coming in every few days. Students at Daimondwood High School, one of the best schools in the city, have been going missing recently. Five, so far, have made the news, and three have been recovered – two dead in a frightful state of exsanguinated dismemberment, and one recovered alive only due to the efforts of a mysterious and miraculous savior. I'd have to guess that the other two are also dead, since no one came to save them.
However, they aren't the only ones who went missing.
Recently, I was approached by a woman named Charlotte Drake to take on her daughter Lulu as one of my students.
(Choose one.) [][Teaching] I was hesitant at first, since I'm working with another family full time, but she was quite willing to work with my time constraints and pay well.
[][Teaching] She was interested in the "unschooling" methods used by myself and some other private teachers I'm in close contact with for a big group of kids.
[][Teaching] Already having a curriculum developed, all she wanted me to do was teach since she had no time to do it herself. It would have been no problem.
Apparently, Lulu was having problems at school, leading to Charlotte withdrawing her kid entirely. I never got the full details, but it must have been pretty bad if she was going to these drastic measures. I didn't pry either – not yet anyway. Nothing had been finalized.
And now nothing would. Lulu would vanish not long after Charlotte first reached out to me, unnoticed by all except her mom... and me. Of course, Charlotte called the cops to search for her, but they found nothing and quietly dropped the matter. How useless.
I have to wonder if all these other kids vanishing is related to Lulu's disappearance. Maybe the same person – or persons – got all of them. But who are they... and why are they doing this...?
...This is going to bother me until I have some answers, I just know it.
Ahh...
Well, I'll have to put this aside for now. I have to meet up with Sarah, my part-time assistant and niece, and then get to teaching.
(Choose one.) [][Vehicle] It won't take long for me to drive over.
[][Vehicle] I'll bike my way there, as usual.
[][Vehicle] I'd better get going if I want to catch the bus.
I'll think about investigating more afterwards.
QM Note: Next update will be later next week most likely.
Winning vote: [X][Teaching] Already having a curriculum developed, all she wanted me to do was teach since she had no time to do it herself. It would have been no problem.
[X][Vehicle] I'd better get going if I want to catch the bus.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (2)
Sunny skies shine down upon my warm brown skin as I exit the Compass Café in the South Hills and grab a bus over to the Foxfield neighborhood. I've watched as the city's public transit network has grown and expanded over the past several years – the city was pretty well connected before, but now getting around using only buses is so easy that I haven't bothered with my car in a good while. Haven't taken it out for a drive since last winter.
I only have a wait a few minutes for a connector bus to show up. There are a few open seats near the back, so I grab one and zone out until the bus gets me where I need to go.
The most distinctive feature of the South Hills is... well, the hills. Actually, Mary and I live on the top of one of them. The streets are packed together with rows of homes alternating with rows of small shops and public buildings. This bus winds its way around going up and down, up and down, until it goes down one final time and enters Foxfield to the east. From the outside these two neighborhoods aren't so different. Looking on the inside of both, however, one can see the particularities that make them so distinct.
I care about one of those distinctions – the Calderon family, who live roughly in the western part of Foxfield, surrounded by other well-to-do families in a small suburb. The bus doesn't stop right by their house, but it does stop nearby, and I only have to make a short walk over. Not too many people are out and about right now – just a few people heading out to work themselves or taking a break outside while working from home.
The Calderon house is pretty quiet when I arrive and knock on the door.
The instant I do, voices ring out from inside.
First, a boy's.
???: Who goes there~!?
Then, a girl's.
???: Phil, that's Mr. Ken!
The boy interjects, asking how she could know that, leading to her to respond that no one else would be coming by right now, and it devolves into an argument. Meanwhile, the third voice calls to me...
???: Go ahead and come in, Uncle Ken, door's unlocked.
...and then gets to quieting the kids down.
I chuckle. It's good to see some liveliness out of the kids after what happened to this family.
In any case, I enter the sunlit house. The boy and girl – Philip and Faith – are being shushed by Sarah, and shepherded back to their assignments. Looks like rote math. The Calderon mom – Juno – works from home in a small office while the dad – Louis – works in the city. She'd wanted to homeschool her kids due to being home all day, but found it too much for her. So, Sarah and I were called in. Much like Mrs. Drake, she had everything all ready to go, and just needed someone to do the teaching for her.
The thought of the Drake family must have changed my expression, as Sarah gives me a concerned look, tells the kids that we'd be right back, and has me follow her out of the pseudo-classroom living room into the kitchen.
Sarah: Everything alright, Uncle Ken? The kids need our full attention, you know.
Of course, I know that. I say as much, rolling my eyes at her. But it's so easy to get distracted with how many things are going on in the world, and even in our own city. She flips her dyed purple hair out of her face as she gives me a curious look.
Sarah: And what do you mean by that?
Well...
(This time, I would like for you to pick one from the accordion.)
[] It's not a big deal. (Ken investigates on own)
Me: ...it's... well, it's something I need to handle on my own.
Sarah: Oh, a personal matter? ...even so, I'm here if you need help.
Me: Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.
We then engaged in some casual chatter before returning to the kids. Sarah's right. I need to focus and keep them – and her – out of this. I should be fine on my own as long as I stick to basic investigating.
[] It's serious... (Ken investigates with Sarah)
Me: It's about the missing kids from the Elfwoods area.
Sarah: ...huh!? I didn't realize it was affecting you so much...
Me: That's right. Is it not bothering you?
Sarah: It does, but... well, what are we supposed to do about it?
Me: Maybe not a lot, but I want to do something. Just some investigating, nothing too dangerous.
Sarah: ...you say that, but... well, you must have seen the pictures.
Me: Ugh, don't remind me... but I can't just let this be.
Sarah: Oh dear... well, I'll be going with you then. Someone needs to keep an eye on you.
Me: Thanks. I appreciate it.
We then engaged in some casual chatter before returning to the kids. I can focus now, for sure.
...and after we finish chatting, I put on some tea and Sarah goes back to the kids. Juno is allergic to caffeine, so she doesn't keep anything stronger than herbal tea around the Calderon house. But the kids can hear it and immediately start making requests for cinnamon spice tea, prompting Sarah to quiet them down again.
Eh, but I like it too. A nice warm pot for everyone. I'll even leave some for Juno if she comes down.
With the drinks in hand, I join the group and get to work.
(Once I'm done for the day, I'll start some sleuthing. But where should I start?) [][Investigation] The Daimondwood School is in the Elfwoods area, so I'll start there.
[][Investigation] The Drake family lives in the Dwarfpeak area, so I'll start there.
[][Investigation] The one survivor is from the Mount Grandview area, so I'll start there.
Winning vote: [X] It's serious... (Ken investigates with Sarah)
[X][Investigation] The Diamondwood School is in the Elfwoods area, so I'll start there.
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (3)
Sarah and I spend the whole day with the Calderon kids. Once it starts getting late and the sun starts to set in the distance, Sarah and I dismiss Faith and Philip and then head out for the night. Normally, we'd split up – her returning to her apartment in the Mon Meadows and I back to my home in the South Hills. But tonight is a special night, so we're sticking together. As we make out way out of the suburbs and towards the more developed parts of Foxfield, Sarah asks me a simple question.
Sarah: So... what's the plan?
I take a look around before answering. We're not alone, but no one is paying much attention to us. There are a few people out caring for their lawns, and some cars driving by. Other people out walking around either have headphones on, are chatting with someone, or are otherwise occupied. Good, good. I lean in as if we're in on some grand conspiracy, prompting an eye roll from my niece. Though she leans in anyway.
Me: Here's my idea. We should go directly to Diamondwood High School. That's what all of these missing students have in common – they all went there. There must be something about that school that's changed recently or something like that. Or maybe something's changed in the local area. Either way, I want to look around in the Elfwoods area.
Sarah gives me a frown, but nods in agreement. It makes sense, right? Start with the crime scene. Maybe we'll even get lucky and find some evidence.
She then speaks up.
Sarah: Though, how are we going to get in? That place is under tight security, right? Cameras everywhere too. They're not going to let just anybody in.
Me: Well, I'm not just anybody, you know. ...What, don't give me that look, it's true! I know a few of the teachers there, so one of them can let us in. In fact, I know just who to call. So, don't worry about it~.
Sarah's expression tells me that she's going to keep worrying about it, eyes narrowed and brows furrowed at me. Oh well... in any case, the bus is coming, so we both step over to the stop and hop on. From there, we'll transfer to a train to reach the northern edge of the city. The bus isn't crowded, but the train station is. It's on the edge of a big park, so there's lots of people out and about.
...which makes it too noisy to actually call someone...
Ah, oh well. I can always send him a message instead, so I'll do that. Pulling out my phone as I take a seat, I scroll through the contacts, full of names of people I haven't seen or spoken to in a long time, before finding the right guy. His name is Florence Bowie. We were never that close, but were in the same friend circle and hung out every now and then back in high school. I wonder if he remembers me...? Only one way to find out!
I send out a message reminding him who I am – Ken from high school – and asking if he would do me the kind favor of letting me snoop around in his school visit his esteemed learning facility. He doesn't reply immediately, so I let my phone rest in my hands while I take a look out the window. This train line extends to Elfwoods and beyond via the city center, running overland through Foxfield, The Hills, The Villages, Downtown, and Tustin's Terrace before crossing the Mon River and entering the West Shores. From there, it would only be a few more stops before entering the Elfwoods area. Though from the station, I think we still have some walking to do...
While I'm looking up the route, I get a reply. Thankfully, Florence agrees to let me in, though he also calls me a damned shut-in and says I'll owe him one for it. I must be grimacing, as Sarah gives me a curious look and asks what's the matter. All I'm willing to say to that is nothing, instead confirming that I found a way in as I finalize the details with him.
Sarah: Ohhhh...? And how exactly did you manage that?
Once again, I tell her not to worry about it, and once again she gives me an exasperated look. I chuckle at her expense and she goes back to her phone in a huff.
It's a smooth ride all the way to our stop in the Elfwoods, and we get there just as the twilight starts to fade into the darkness of the night. The stop itself is roughly in the center of the neighborhood, and it's only a short walk to reach Diamondwood High School. Though, with how close it supposedly is, you'd think that I'd be able to see it from here...
I understand why I can't see it once we get closer and notice it behind forested cover and fortifications.
I take a moment to stop and look up at it. So, this is Diamondwood High School...
Sarah: I've never seen this place before. This is... a castle?
I nod. Yes, it is. Though, it's not like an ancient one made of stone and wood. This one is all metal and glass on the outside.
Behind brick walls and rows of trees, a sprawling complex looms in the distance. The centerpiece of it all is a massive square building, paneled in cold glass and framed with silvery-gray metal. Spired towers extend out of each of the corners, and several other towers and smaller buildings surround the centerpiece. The bits of greenery from the parapeted roofs and scattered trees don't lessen the imposing nature of this modernist castle. And outside the whole compound is a concrete wall with gates inset, manned by security guards.
Two guards are at the nearest entrance, letting people go in and out (mostly out at this hour). Looks like you need some kind of ID to get in. Good thing I thought to reach out to someone on the inside. Speaking of...
Florence: Well, hello there~!
...one of the men by the gate is waving to me. I don't recognize him at all, but he recognizes me, so he must be Florence. He has blue hair to match his blue eyes, and is clad in a white and silver suit. I wave back and motion for Sarah to follow along. The guards weren't eager to let me in, but once Florence flashes his ID and says that he's taking us for a tour, they let us through without too much fuss. Once we get past the guards, Florence relaxes his practiced smile and introduces himself to Sarah.
Florence: Good evening to you, Miss. My name is Florence. And you are?
Sarah: Name's Sarah. I'm this man's niece and part-time assistant.
Florence nods.
Florence: Oh, you dragged him out of his house. Must have been difficult! Good work!
Florence lightly claps and Sarah gives a small curtsy, before both of them start laughing. Before I can speak up in my defense, Sarah chimes in to clarify the situation.
Sarah: To be honest, it wasn't too hard since this was his idea. You know why we're here?
He shakes his head no, and then elaborates as he leads us closer to the main building.
Florence: Ken here just said that he wanted to visit. Though I could hazard a guess as to why you're suddenly so interested in this place. Heh, it's not like you're the only ones snooping around for clues. The parents have put out quite the hefty reward for anyone who can apprehend the culprit and/or find the still missing students.
I ask if he wants a cut if we find out anything useful, and he agrees at once. Ah, so that's his angle...
Florence: Though, I doubt you'll find much here. No one's been attacked on campus, because of all of the security. So then, how about I show you around here and then around the neighborhood?
That sounds good to me, and it does to Sarah as well, so we both nod and follow along.
Naturally, as we walk, I pester him with whatever questions come to my mind.
(Vote for as many as you like; the 4 with the most votes will be addressed in the next update.) [] Tell me more about Diamondwood High School in general.
[] Did something odd happen on campus recently?
[] What have you heard regarding the dead students?
[] Any chance that one survivor happens to be around?
[] The missing students have friends, right? Can we talk to them?
[] Perhaps you're familiar with another missing girl named Lulu Drake...
[] When did these attacks occur? Maybe there is a pattern...
[] (write-in)
Winning vote: [X] Tell me more about Diamondwood High School in general.
[X] When did these attacks occur? Maybe there is a pattern...
[X] (write-in) Has anyone been really struggling since this happened? I know these things can be hard...
[X] (write-in) Heard any gossip?
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (4)
The main building of the Diamondwood High School complex glows brilliantly in the night thanks to all the artificial lights coming from inside it, brightly shining out of its glassy exterior. As the three of us get closer, I can pick out more and more details, both on the outside and the inside. Ivy and flower patterns jut out of the metal framing, but retain the same silvery-gray color – a cold imitation of the flora growing around in the courtyard and on the roof. Through the glass, only hallways and stairways can be seen – all the classrooms, offices, and other rooms are hidden behind thick walls and closed doors. Even as night falls, people are walking around inside – though mostly staff, and even they are starting to filter out.
Me: We're not keeping you too late, are we?
Sarah frowns at me and asks who 'we' is. After all, staking out the school was my idea. I retort that we're here together since my darling niece insisted on accompanying me, but she rolled her eyes at that and said that it's not like she was going to do anything else. What if I were to get into danger? ...I have to wonder what Sarah would do if we were to get into danger, given that she's smaller than I am, but Florence injects before I can say anything.
Florence: Oh no, I was going to leave soon anyway. Just showing you around won't take too long. Besides, it's not like I mind having your company. I haven't seen you since... well, you know.
I raise an eyebrow at him. We certainly haven't talked since I left for college, but I get the feeling he's not talking about that. But what could he...
...oh, right. He means that day.
The day of my parent's funeral, not long before I left Alemonowa for what I thought would be for good.
I shake my head and force a grimace off my face to put up a mask of thin neutrality. I'm not here to talk about that, so I change the subject immediately and ask him to tell us more about Diamondwood High School in general. Florence looks a bit taken aback, but goes along with my request, especially when my dear niece announces her own curiosity regarding the school.
Florence: Oh, certainly. Follow me please into the central castle. Diamondwood High School isn't a typical private school, as I'm sure you can tell. This is the most prestigious school around, and the typical student here comes from some of the wealthiest families in the area. Only a small minority are able to get in some other way, usually from having a connection to one of said families or by winning one of the few scholarships made available to anyone.
I see... Charlotte told me that Lulu was the recipient of one of those scholarships. I nod along, keeping a neutral face while Sarah scoffs at the exclusionary nature of the school. Her disdain deepens when Florence reveals that because of the nature of who gets admitted, there aren't as many students as you might expect for a huge compound like this, around 150 in total. Lots of extra space gets devoted to the faculty and staff and to outdoor spaces and facilities. We walk past a set of stables and several small gardens as Florence takes us to one of the castle's entrances.
Florence: Here, let me get us in... need to have card access at night.
He waves his badge across a scanner, which then beeps and unlatches the door. Once he opens the door, a thick and sweet scent full of citrus, licorice, and honey envelops us. Even Sarah brightens up at the smell.
Sarah: Oh my! What is this? It smells delectable!
Her stomach then growls, as does mine. Maybe we should have eaten dinner on the way over...
Florence: Hehehe... that scent is from floral arrangements spread throughout the building – sweet flag; hyssop; and meadowsweet. The students like it too. It's new, came with the building once it was finished a few years ago.
Me: Ah, right, I remember reading about this place opening in the news. There was something about a renovation?
As Florence leads us in, we see several pictures and paintings on the inner silver-gray wall. One of them is of a building, listed as the prior Diamondwood High School, which looks like a more typical school building.
Florence: That's right. This new complex was funded by several of the families, headed by Principal Dunbar, pooling funds together... several of said families had their students go missing or die in these attacks.
Sarah: Huh. You think that's related?
Florence shakes his head no, and takes us along for a trip inside the castle. He explains why he thinks this way as she shows us around, opening up the occasional classroom or office for us to peek into. While the school has been open in this renovated form for years, these attacks have occurred only within the span of the last two weeks. The first student in this batch to go missing was Charles Lawson, one of the seniors. Actually, all of the attacked students were seniors – Mitchell Black also went missing; Darby Raleigh and Jeremy Lecuyer were both found dead; and Jack Dunbar was recovered alive. The attacks were spaced out every few days, usually one every three days.
Sarah then asks a question that completely reorients my train of thought as we step out of one of the chemistry labs.
Sarah: Hmmm... if their families were close, then were these five students friends with each other?
Florence nods, and adds that they were also popular kids... though not with everyone. I make a note of that clarification, but leave it aside for now. I've been neglecting something important – these deaths didn't happen in a vacuum. Each one of these missing students – including Lulu, who I note that Florence didn't mention – had friends and family who are mourning their deaths or hoping for their safe return. I follow up with a question of my own, accidently cutting my niece off.
Me: Florence! Tell me... is there anyone that's really been struggling since all of this happened. I... I know these things can be tough, so if... ...er, why are you looking at me like that?
We've stopped in the middle of the hallway, and both Florence and Sarah are giving me curious looks. But I'm not sure why? Is it so odd that I'm concerned for these kids? I might not have been exactly in their shoes, but I know what it's like to lose someone close to you in such a tragic manner. I might not be able to do much of anything for them, of course. But I know that someone out there can, even if it's not me, so I hope they can find that person or those people.
I say as much to them, and Florence's curious look slowly morphs into a small, warm smile. I catch a glimpse of sparkles in his eyes that reminds me of ripping waves on a river on a sunny day.
Florence: That's awfully kind of you. You're not just here for the big payout, are you?
I shake my head no, and explain that I didn't even know there was a reward until he told me about it. I'm here because I want to know what happened. And not just to the kids he mentioned, but also to Lulu Drake. His sudden grimace when I mention her name intrigues me... and Sarah must feel the same way since she asks him why his mood has suddenly dropped.
He looks away, as if searching for a camera or anyone who could overhear, before he answers while continuing to take us around the castle.
Florence: Well, I said before that Jack and his friends weren't popular with everyone. Lulu wouldn't have been a big fan of them, as they were actively bullying her right up until her own disappearance a few weeks ago.
I chime in, mentioning that her mom had asked me to homeschool her daughter not long before she vanished.
Florence: Oh, so that's what you do. ...well, you were only called in since the administration refused to address Mrs. Drake's concerns. She must be going through it right now... but, if you were referring to students, I could give you two names in particular. Tristan Boyce is the sixth member of Jack's friend group, and is the only one who hasn't been attacked yet. I don't think he was involved in the bullying, but I don't know that for sure, especially since he's been in a panic. Meanwhile, Rosalyn O'Keefe was one of Lulu's only two friends as far as I'm aware, and she's been utterly sullen ever since Lulu vanished.
I take a mental note of those names... and of one name not spoken.
Sarah must have noticed it too, as she asks the same question that's on my mind as we enter the inner courtyard, full of pretty decorations and dying plants.
Sarah: Wait, what about Jack Dunbar? Didn't a bunch of his friends die and he almost die too? You'd think he would be freaking out right now.
Florence: That's what I would have thought, and he was right up until he himself was attacked. But he seems more relaxed now. Of course, this hasn't escaped the notice of the other students, and they have their own ideas about why that is, since Jack himself refuses to elaborate.
Me: Actually, on that note... heard any gossip?
One of Florence's eyebrows goes up so high it almost flies into his hair.
Florence: ...gossip? Ha, what, are you suddenly interested in teenage drama? You sure weren't back in high school! If you weren't dead silent, then you were trying to get us to change the topic to 'something important'!
I frown and let out a huff.
Me: I'm not interested in just anything! I want to know if you've heard anything interesting related to these incidents!
Sarah: ...and, what exactly do you expect these random teenagers to know?
Florence considers my question for a moment before answering.
Florence: Well, some of the students think the deaths are faked... some of them think Lulu is behind all of this as revenge for the bullying... some of them think the school is just haunted... there's ideas like that floating around. I don't really put any stock into them, but I guess I can keep an ear out for you?
He leads us out of the inner courtyard as I give him my answer...
[][Gossip?] "Yeah, I'd appreciate that."
[][Gossip?] "No, but thanks anyway."
...and we then come into a great hall, doubling as a cafeteria and auditorium. Not to be confused with the other auditorium, the one outdoors. This place is really ostentatious... this room is lit with lightbulbs in the shape of electric candles dangling from crystalline chandeliers and the furniture looks like it's all made of old and high-quality wood. No one's here at the moment, so Florence leads us back out of there and then out of the main castle. Before he can lead us to another building to explore, my stomach growls again, followed by Sarah's.
Me: Ehehehe... sorry, but it looks like it's time for us to go.
Sarah: Yeah, I could use some food...
Florence: Oh, no worries! Stay in touch~!
He then escorts us back to the gate we entered from, and as we leave...
[] ...I ask him if he can put me in touch with Tristan Boyce...
[] ...I ask him if he can put me in touch with Rosalyn O'Keefe... [] ...I ask him if he can put me in touch with Jack Dunbar... (Florence isn't able to pull this off)
[] ...I ask him to keep me generally informed of any updates...
...and then Sarah and I thank him for the tour and answering our questions as we leave to go get dinner in the neighborhood and maybe explore a bit more before turning in for the night.
QM Note: I think I covered everything? Hope this is helpful!
Winning vote: [X][Gossip?] "Yeah, I'd appreciate that."
[X] ...I ask him if he can put me in touch with Rosalyn O'Keefe...
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (5)
Once Sarah and I get far enough away from Diamondwood High School, it disappears back into the surrounding forest. While there is plenty of development (which could also be called gentrification) in this neighborhood, a lot of it remains urban forest. The school itself is surrounded by trees built over what used to be a vacant lot and what before then might have been public housing. The lot extends out into a small park – not too many people are out and about here right now, but I imagine things would be more active during the day, or tomorrow since it'll be Saturday.
Sarah's on her phone, so I ask her if she's looking for food. She glances around idly before answering.
Sarah: Yeah, I found something. Follow me. It's back towards the station.
She then picks up the pace, forcing me to follow her. One hand is cradling her phone and the other one is clutching her purse.
Me: Is something the matter?
She shakes her head, but I notice that she continues glancing around, especially when she thinks I'm not looking. I'm not sure what could be bothering her. It's not like we're alone on the city streets, but no one around is paying us any mind and we're not being followed. However, when I ask her about it, she just tells me not to worry about it. In response, I give her the same look she gave me not too long ago. She rolls her eyes and promises an explanation when we get to where we need to be.
Since my niece isn't in the mood to talk, I spend the short walk over to a restaurant looking around in silence. There are big houses nestled inside the urban forest, and they become fewer and fewer as we move towards the densest parts of the neighborhood. As soon as I start seeing rowhomes and small shops, all of those standalone homes vanish as does the woods, replaced with simpler rows of trees. The rows are maintained in the densest parts by the station, and there's also more people out and about.
By the time we enter Beijing Express #3, Sarah's completely relaxed. This place is one of those small restaurants with people constantly coming in and out for takeout orders and only a few tables for dining in. We both order at the counter from a half-asleep cashier and take over a table in the corner.
Me: Sooo... what's the deal? Talk to me.
Sarah glances out the windows before answering. I don't know what she's looking for, but she's still relaxed, so it must be gone. In a whisper she says something that stuns and confuses me.
Sarah: Sorry about that, Uncle Ken. We were being followed, so I wanted to focus on getting out of there.
All I can do in response is blink. Followed? We were? But I didn't notice anything! I say as much to her and she doesn't look surprised, which I'm not sure how to take. I want to ask if she's sure about that, but she sure sounded certain about it. So instead, I ask how she knew that.
In response, she flinches and clutches her purse.
Sarah: Ehehe... I just know what to look for. I am a single woman living alone in a big city after all.
...Alemonowa isn't that big a city, but that's a minor point. This is just an excuse; I can feel it. She's hiding something. Now, I might have let this slide under other circumstances, but there's a killer on the loose.
Me: Uh-huh. And what exactly were you looking for? I didn't see anything when I looked around...
She starts to sweat a bit.
Sarah: Uh, well, I...
Luckily for her, she gets interrupted by both of our stomachs growling.
I let out a sigh.
Me: ...never mind this for now. Let's just eat. I think that's our food over there.
She relaxes again as the server comes over and drops off delicious smelling dishes. They taste just as good! Both of us eat in a rush, loudly tearing through our dishes – mine full of meat, hers vegetarian. But I'm not so focused on my meal that I don't notice my niece suddenly tense up again, and she's notices that I've noticed. Instead of explaining, she just mentions that we should get out of here ASAP.
Me: Alright, but I want an explanation.
Sarah: Okay, okay... I'll tell you what I can. But we need to go now!
I paid at the counter, so once we're done, we put up our dishes and dash out. Once again, I don't see anything odd, but my niece is in a hurry, so I simply follow her along back to the train station.
Not even a block away from it, someone calls out to us.
???: Hold it...!
The voice is cold, and hearing it makes me shiver. We both turn around and I see that my niece was on to something after all. Someone is just behind us – a young girl in a black hoodie that covers her face. Actually, pretty much all of her skin is covered up. I don't recognize the voice either. Who is this...?
Sarah's clutching her purse again. Is she armed? I should have asked beforehand...
Me: Who are you?
She doesn't immediately respond when I ask her a pointed question. Instead, she slowly looks up at me. Only then do I see her eyes. They're a bright orange and shining in the dark. I can't look at them directly. But before I looked away, I saw that they're not human eyes at all – they remind me more of a lizard's eyes, with a vertical slit down the middle, now focused on me.
The girl doesn't answer my question.
Hooded Girl: What do you want with Rosalyn...?
She instead asks one of her own. Rosalyn... that's the girl I wanted to talk to...!
I give this girl a curious look. She doesn't react to it, instead staring tensely at me.
Sarah's in distress, so I move to put myself between her and this stranger. She then gives me a bewildered look and asks me what I think I'm doing. To be honest, I don't know either. But we're not alone – there are people out and about. I doubt this girl will just attack us out in the open while there are witnesses around.
Besides, maybe I can get some information out of her...!
Me: Since she was kind enough to come to us, I want to talk to her for a bit. If she's willing.
The girl doesn't respond, instead glancing between Sarah and I.
Sarah, still tense, keeps an eye on the girl. She looks ready to bolt, but I'm not sure if she would be running towards the girl or away from her. Either way I need to...
...!?
Another girl, one in the white-and-silver uniform of Diamondwood High School, is running up towards us!
Uniformed Girl: Hahaha~! I found you~!
Hooded Girl: Tch... why now...?
The hooded girl and the uniformed girl then dash off into the crowd...!
...I want to follow them, but as soon as I suggest the idea to Sarah, she warns me against it and suggests that we just get out of here now and stay away from these strange girls. Her eyes are wide and she's twitchy. There's no way that she'll go with me if I decide to tail them, so I'd be alone in an unfamiliar part of town.
[] Still, I have to know what the deal with those girls is... I'll just tail them for a bit, that's all.
[] I don't like it, but I ought to stick with my niece while she's like this. Maybe I'll get lucky later...
-[] Since we've leaving the area, I'll decide what I'll do in the morning as well:
--[] Go find Mrs. Drake and chat with her
--[] See if anyone is at the Dunbar estate
--[] Get an actual explanation from my niece
--[] Search around the Elfwoods area
--[] (write-in)
QM Note: Ken will walk Sarah back to the train station before dashing off.
Winning vote: [X] I don't like it, but I ought to stick with my niece while she's like this. Maybe I'll get lucky later...
-[X] Since we've leaving the area, I'll decide what I'll do in the morning as well:
--[X] Get an actual explanation from my niece
Orange Lily ~Flower of Hatred~ (6)
There's a small part of me that wants to follow the girl with orange lizard eyes and her Diamondwood pursuer.
...but...
I ignore it. My family comes first. I relax, and so does my niece. She takes a seat on a nearby bench and I sit beside her, waiting for her to catch her breath. A few passersby give us curious looks, and a couple even asks if she's doing alright. She waves them off with an excuse about college stress, and I nod in agreement. They tell her to hang in there and then walk off, dissolving back into the crowd. We're then silent for a few minutes.
My niece would be the one to break the silence, flopping over and sinking into the bench.
Sarah: Ughh.... sorry, Uncle Ken...
I shake my head at her, and then give her a side hug.
Me: No worries... though I do want an explanation. A real one.
She sighs. If she could sink into her seat further, I think she would.
Sarah: Can it wait until the morning...?
I nod.
Sarah: Thanks. Now let's get out of here...
Me: Of course.
I then get up and lead her into the train station. Her stop in the Mon Meadows is on the way to my stop in the South Hills so we ride together for quite a while before saying goodbye. Most of the ride is spent in silence – me watching the scenery fly by, and her on her phone. She occasionally mumbles something, but I mostly tune her out – except for one line.
Sarah: How am I going to explain this to Violet and Aster...?
...her roommates? What do they have to do with anything?
I don't ask her about it, and so don't have an answer by the time we split up.
Not long later, I've returned to the South Hills. The streets grow more and more silent as I make my way home. Mary's house is dimly lit by candle light, unlike all the other houses around with the usual electric lights. I could go and talk to her... but I think I'd rather turn in for the night. I could use a good night's sleep after an odd day like today.
.
.
.
It occurs to me when I wake up that Sarah and I never decided when or where we were going to have that talk.
It's around 9 in the morning on an overcast Saturday, with a threat of rain later in the day and into the night. After showering and getting dressed in...
[][Outfit] something formal (Ken wears the same suit jackets, button-downs, and slacks that he wears while teaching pretty much all the time)
-[][Outfit] (write-in more details as desired)
[][Outfit] something balanced (Ken usually wears button-downs, and switches between slacks and jeans, but skips the suit jacket on most occasions)
-[][Outfit] (write-in more details as desired)
[][Outfit] something casual (Ken fully dresses down while not at work, usually into a T-shirt and jeans with various designs and colors)
-[][Outfit] (write-in more details as desired)
...I start to head out for the Mon Meadows, sending Sarah a message letting her know that I'm on the way. I can eat breakfast there... actually, I may as well treat my niece to another meal while I'm interrogating her. It's not like I can't afford it.
I don't get far though before Mary practically leaps out of her front door to interrupt me.
Mary: Kenny~! Good morning~!
She seems eager for something. She's in her usual red dress with a small black purse.
Ah, she must want to go somewhere.
Me: Morning Mary. Can't stick around – I have places to be.
Her happy expression is consumed by confusion. She blinks.
Mary: Huh? You have plans today?
Well, not for the whole day, but I do right now.
Me: Yeah, I'm heading to the Mon Meadows to chat with my niece, Sarah.
Mary: Oh! I remember you told me about her. You should introduce me!
...Have Mary and Sarah really never met? That doesn't sound right... oh wait, I don't think Sarah (or for that matter, any of my other family members) have visited my house since... in a long time.
Me: Maybe another time. In any case, I'll talk to you later.
Mary: Of course~!
She sounds happy, but I can hear the disappointment in her voice and hear it in her thin smile as she waves goodbye to me. Well, tomorrow's another day, and I can spend some of it with her then if I want.
As for today, I'll start off in the Mon Meadows and then see where things take me. A short train ride takes me to the center of that neighborhood, which is also the University of Alemonowa area. A bit of a walk later and I've made to Sarah's apartment complex, one of a series of low-rise brick buildings. The students are out and about, but I pay them no mind and they do the same to me. Instead, I quietly make my way to Sarah's apartment and knock on the door.
Her voice chimes in only seconds later.
Sarah: Ah!? Is that you, Uncle Ken!? Hold on a sec!
...well, it's not like I have anything else to do so, I wait.
A few minutes later, the door opens and a thick smell of floral incense attacks me.
I immediately start coughing.
Sarah: Uncle!? You okay!?
It smells nice, but it's very thick... ugh...
Me: Yeah, I was just surprised. We doing this here?
She's dressed in a long purple skirt and puffy dark blue shirt with her hair fluffed out around her, so she's fit to go outside.
Sarah: Yeah, I'd rather not be in public for this. Come in.
She then beckons me in, so I follow diligently... despite the thickening incense scent. I ignore my growing headache and take a seat on the couch. Sarah, frowning at my displeasure, walks off to the kitchen and leaves me alone. I don't hear anyone else here, so looks like her roommates Violet and Aster have stepped out. Maybe they weren't involved after all?
Sarah steps back in with a glass filled what looks like water.
Sarah: Here, drink this. It should help you.
Me: Ah, thanks Sarah. ...!?
As I drink, a feeling of deep peace pours into me as well. This is some good stuff! It tastes the way a refreshing autumn breeze feels too!
Me: This is good! What is it?
Sarah: It's water.
Me: Hahaha, no way!
Sarah: I mean it! It's water... though it's not ordinary water.
She takes a seat across from me in a salvaged pink armchair as I ponder her words.
Me: ...you didn't lace this with anything, did you?
She glares at me.
Sarah: What!? No! I... look, that's magic water, okay! I enchanted it to heal you!
...I would be tempted to retort back that this means that she did indeed lace it with something, if I wasn't more stunned by her declaration. Magic water? Is she being serious? She doesn't look like she's kidding... I drink the rest of the glass, but mostly because it tastes good (that and I trust her not to poison me). I don't know if I believe in this magic stuff, but Sarah usually has a good head on her shoulders, so there has to be something odd going on... may as well go with it for now.
Me: Magic water, huh?
She nods.
Me: ...and I suppose that girl's orange eyes were also magic?
She nods again.
Me: Are these the same magic?
She shakes her head. This time, she even elaborates.
Sarah: No. Her magic was... rancid and evil. I didn't want you go near it, near her. She's filled with wicked intentions. If you were alone with her, there's no telling what she might have done to you. I hope that the other girl was able to protect herself... though I felt something off about her too...
Me: Both of them...!? But that other girl was a student at Diamondwood High School.
Sarah: I know, uncle, I saw her uniform too. She could have stolen it from someone, you know.
Me: Well, I can't rule that out without further investigating, I suppose. I'd doubt it though.
Sarah: Further...!? Uncle Ken, I just told you that those two girls were dangerous!
I'm sunken into her couch, totally relaxed, while she's tensed up and leaning forward in her seat.
I probably should say something to help her relax a bit. It'd be the responsible thing to do.
[][The Girl] "Oh, I know. I won't investigate them on my own. I'll have to find help from someone else... I don't know who yet though."
[][The Girl] "You said you didn't want me around her alone... so you should come with me. You have magic too, so you can keep us safe."
[][The Girl] "Well, it's not like I have to look for her myself. Florence said others were investigating too. Let's get them to look for her instead."
[][The Girl] (write-in ... you may also add further details to the above votes if you'd like.)
[][The Girl] Shirk responsibility and investigate on my own from now on. (Are you sure?)
QM Note: Violet and Aster will be prominent characters in Iris's route, and so will not play much of a role in the current scenario.
