acupxncture.

Chen Min-ho 陈敏豪 Super High School Level Acupuncturist Current status: [ A L I V E ] or [Deceased] Affiliated with Regal Despair (Chapter 1 commencing)

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[chishizumi-blog]

She crossed her arms, taking a minute to think. Would anyone be willing to commit murder? Yes, especially with such a good motive like this one. Spend time in the same place for all eternity, despite being a pleasant place, could drive anyone insane. Everyone had their goals, family, people that they wanted to see again. Things that they had to acomplish. 

“Yes. There should be no doubt that we all are in extreme danger. However, I don’t plan to commit murder for a reason like this. I will live here until the day of my death if it means that the rest will keep living as well. Is a sacrifice I’m eager to take.”

In behalf of everyone, even those she didn’t like, it was what she was going for. There was no way she would let anyone die that easily. Because of someone’s crazy desire to see bloody spill.

“I hope I can stop something dreadful to happen as well. Perhaps I can stop a murder if I keep on the lookout for weird behaviors. How about you, what do you think is likely to happen?”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen crossed his hands as well and tapped steadily using his right hand. Then, he stood up. Furrowing his eyebrows, he found it extremely difficult to swallow that --- yes, murders were likely to happen. Yet the girl in front of him was so calmly dealing with the situation and said the likely truth with such directness.

“I can see a situation where not everyone’s willing to do the same as you... Ah, I suppose I will try to do the same and keep a lookout. That is all I can do at this point in time, other than trying to find a different way out of this. We just have to monitor the situation and do whatever we can to prevent exacerbation.”

There were sixteen students here and all of them would claim to do the same thing. Chen realised that he had no way of assessing the person in front of him, even if Chi was standing right in front of him. He found it difficult to be anything but formal around her and he yearned to be formal around everyone else as well. Having too much emotions and whatnot involved would only spell trouble.

[acupxncture-blog]

Attendance Clear; Open; Ch1

It would be impudent of him to not attend, even if it was mandated by a presence he loathed, so Chen got ready for it. Gatherings like the one organised now were commonplace for him before the incident, so it would have been an opportune time to recognise and learn the names of students he had yet to know for courtesy’s sake -- or get to know more about other students if that information was given unto him or, well, forced upon him. 

When he opened the closet he had in his dormitory, he was surprised to find a set of rather intricately-designed attire waiting for him. After deigning it alright, he donned the gold clothing and headed to the ballroom. Hopefully this wasn’t the type where everyone was expected to dance. He would be perfectly satisfied were it the one where standing at a corner respectfully while sipping a glass of a random drink would be acceptable behaviour. It should be that type...

Chen entered gently so as to refrain from drawing attention to himself. After situating himself at a comfortable corner, he found himself observing in quietness for a while with a glass cup in hand. Time passed and soon his drink was running low, so without anything better to do he headed to the area where he could get refill. Unfortunately, he reached for the drinks at the same time as someone else, causing him to jerk backwards in an awkward motion. Well, at the very least, he had prevented a possibly more awkward collision. He gestured in a way that invited the other student to go first.

“Ah, I’m sorry. You may go on ahead. It was a mishap on my part.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[shsl-lyrics-blog]

Katsurou hadn’t really expected the guy to turn that quickly to stare at him. Honestly, the most he was doing was meeting a student whom he hadn’t interacted with yet. With a nervous laugh, the songwriter started talking.

“Uh, sorry if I startled you? I thought what you said was pretty interesting. I didn’t know that. I’m really just here to introduce myself since we haven’t met. I’m Katsurou Mikazuki, SHSL Songwriter.”

He offered a friendly hand, in hopes that the other would find him to be not suspicious. This was probably the first environment to ever make him nervous about greeting potential friends.

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen reasoned that for now, he was safe. The person who had greeted him had not seemed to be out to accost him in any way, and was not violent right now. Though there was no way of him truly evaluating the other’s character with a simple introduction, he decided there was no need to be completely on edge.

“No... no, pardon me. I apologise if I appeared uncouth in any manner. The current circumstances put me a in a fickle position, is all. Nice to meet you.”

He took the hand offered to him and gave the songwriter a formal smile accompanied with a nod. After the gesture was done with, he followed it up with a brief number of sentences that were made with polite disposition.

“Chen Min-ho, SHSL Acupuncturist. Regrettable as it may be that we meet under such... strange circumstances, I am still quite honoured. Songs are a respectable medium that I find can convey things regular speech cannot.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Shattered; Ch1; Closed;

[afriendontheotherside-blog]

Mineko felt guilty for just running away like she had, but she really did need to get rid of the blasted headache and nausea that had plagued her for a while now. She had promised herself she would make it up to Chen as soon as possible and be pleasurable company while at it. After all, she wasn’t much help investigating the foyer so she would do her best to help investigate the palace itself.

This task took her about thirty minutes and coupled with the thirty minute meditation she had beforehand and the run in inside the throne room, she hadn’t seen Chen in what was pushing an hour and a half and her guilt kept on growing. It had been incredibly rude of her to just run off like she had, especially after Chen had been so kind and polite to her! Honestly, she was ashamed of herself for doing such a thing.

Fixing the bow on her short kimono, she sighed and shook her head. She supposed she would just have to head back to her room and hope that she ran into Chen later. This place was so big, looking for him more would probably be useless, besides, they were in the same hallway so she may run into him. Well, that or she could go to the courtyard and enjoy the scenery…Yes, she’ll do that. Flowers always made her feel better anyway. Especially lilies. Maybe there were some lilies in the yard? if so, she was going to find them! She giggled lightly and put a determined smile on her face before padding off to the courtyard. 

When she entered the yard, she brightened considerably when she noted that there were lilies! A small patch of them, but they were there! She walked over to them and knelt beside them. The light sound of the fountain in the distance reminded her of the river and she felt a little bit at home. She decided this little space was her favorite place in the palace.

She was a bit startled when she heard her name being said and her head turned at a normal speed to see Chen. Guilt immediately overtook her and she stood and bowed, “I’m very sorry for running off like that, Mr. Min-ho! I was not feeling well and went to meditate to try and alleviate the pain even a small bit, sir. You don’t have to worry though! I’m feeling fine, Mr. Min-ho! B-But I investigated the palace a bit! It’s a very nice place and would be perfect in different circumstances.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen touched the back of his neck with his right hand, diverting his gaze elsewhere. Instead of being weary or looking as if he had wronged her, Chen thought her actions were almost indication that the one being apologetic was her. That couldn’t have been the case, though, could it? Either way, it was about time he made up to her for not telling her what she needed to know outright.

“Think nothing of it. Anyone would have been fraught with distress at that kind of news. I personally was shocked as well. Your actions were more than understandable. Also, yes... I suppose this place would have been nice.”

There was nothing much he had besides that he could have added, besides the lingering topic of him not responsibly telling her that their situation was possibly dire, causing her the burden that made her fret so much. Mineko had even experienced unease and what seemed to be agony because of the stress. 

Was it like him to be so careless? 

He rebutted the idea and opened his mouth decisively, about to address it, before he shut it at an alarming speed. This wasn’t something he could bring himself to articulate out loud, somehow. He wanted to sigh at himself, but kept that to himself as well. Chen could not find it in himself, no matter what, to speak his true mind sometimes --- and this was no exception. What initially began as a defense mechanism had now become an uncontrollable reflex. 

“Ah. Nothing. I just observed that when you were looking at those flowers... you seemed at peace. I hope I did not interrupt you too badly then?”

His smile didn’t fully reach his eyes and glazed over them was a sort of subtle insincerity that was still near impossible to discern with the natural way he had delivered that sentence. It was something he had practice with and did often.

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[shsl-birb-boy-blog]

Alistair shook his head, Chen was right… they hadn’t met before.

“….Alistair….er…that’s that relaxing thing with needles right…?…” Without waiting for a response, Alistair stepped back a few steps. He hated needles and didn’t want to see them.

“….Keep your distance…. needles…”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen scoffed, feeling a bit awkward when Alistair had hurriedly backed off. It was weird thinking of himself as anything resembling a threat. He was just contemplating about his situation and how to keep calm before all of this.

His life was not all about acupuncture, even if it was a pretty large component. Either way, it was something harmless and helpful to him and he had difficulty comprehending why anyone would revile or fear it.

“Yes, it is. Oh, but I don’t approach people who dislike the practice... regrettable as that may be. Nonetheless, I apologise if I have somehow intimidated you. That was sincerely not my intention.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Shattered; Ch1; Closed;

Devastation ultimately coursed through Chen’s self when he heard the bear speak; a scenario where his life and livelihood was at stake? He found it difficult to believe, yet he couldn’t deny that he had felt certain waves of emotion got past his denial and had adversely affected him. Chen looked downwards with his head hung low and his lower lip bit. Just as he was telling Mineko not to worry, too. He felt as if his words were stained into mere lies and he had been deceitfully trying to conceal the seriousness of the reality by distracting her.

When the strange bear had finished its speech, Chen didn’t know if he wanted to lift his head or not. To stay here as captives for the rest of their lives? Was there really no intention of letting them go unless a murder had taken place? He didn’t know how to handle the situation... whether or not he should part from the Spirit Medium and fend for himself or to let her follow him for mutual support. However, before anything even resembling a suggestion was made, Mineko had dashed off and Chen found himself not wanting to follow.

He needed time for himself. To think everything through and collect his thoughts. After collecting and examining his ID from his own dorm room, he had wandered around and found himself in front of the fountain. As the water cascaded down, he found himself watching it silently. It was quiet around him, given how big the space was, so here he hoped to find respite. He had already walked around for quite a while, so his mind was beginning to settle. Unluckily, he was shocked out of his potential reverie when he spotted a faint figure in the distance. Was it Mineko, who he was a little guilty towards? Upon further inspection, he found that it was. Approaching her with small steps, he called out to her while maintaining a respectful distance, in case she was weary.

“Ah, Mineko-san...? I was quite concerned when you dashed off like that...”

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[chishizumi-blog]

Pure pleasure, that was the motive behind all of this? It made Chi sick, anger building inside her body. It’s not like she would approave of anything like this, but that was the cause of all this? He wanted to enjoy seeing the students kill each other? Clenching her fist, the female felt like punching somehting. Whenever she had that feeling, there was always her punching bag, but this wasn’t the case. 

It’s not like the cult leader would just go around to look for victims, but she had to calm down. With that in mind, staying in the peaceful courtyard. It was a good decision, since everyone decided to look somewhere else. Chi took her time simply admiring the place, looking at the fountain and so. When she noticed that someone else also stayed there, it suprised her. It was a good thing she was already calm.

She moved to take a closer look at him. Was he sleeping? It seemed so, but he suddenly woke up, which made her feel a bit guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t want to disturb you.” Crossing her arms, her focus changed to the fountain once again. “So we know now why we’re here…”

[acupxncture-blog]

He set his hands back down onto his lap, sitting upright at Chi appearing.

The acupuncturist looked at her with a virtually unreadable expression, before sighing at what she had said. Though less tense than before, given how he knew this student, he was definitely not even near the brink of relaxation. 

It was too morose of a situation that they were suddenly thrust into, and her words did little to help him distract himself from the reason why all of the students were here. He felt apprehensive and stressed at all the implications.

“It is... quite alright, I was not disturbed, per se. And yes, I suppose we do. Do you think anyone would actually act upon those sudden words, Chi-san?”

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[shsl-birb-boy-blog]

Alistair studied the new person. “…Nope…you aren’t someone I’ve met before…” He failed at keeping his hat on and it fell to the ground, the hat kept his fringe still… now that it was gone, his bandages were visible. “….Dammit…”

He fell to the ground on purpose and retrieved his hat, placing it back where it belonged.

“….Much better…”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen’s solemn expression dropped for a second at the sight of the other’s bandages. He wondered if the injury was perhaps severe or painful and his mind unconsciously reviewed the series of pressure points that alleviated hurt from the head area. Pondering about bringing it up, Chen had a brief moment where he considered offering some help with the other student’s injury, before dispelling the thought as soon as he came. He barely knew this guy, anyway. 

Maybe he would touch the subject another time, if he deemed him trustworthy.

“I see, so I was not mistaken? I am a fellow student of Hope’s Peak Academy, Chen Min-ho. I bear the title of SHSL Acupuncturist. You are...?”

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

[shsl-birb-boy-blog]

Alistair sat on one of the tree branches when he spotted a lone student sit on the swing, after a few minutes he seemed to notice his presence. Hanging upside down by his legs Alistair tried to startle the student for amusement. 

“….Boo….that was less fun then I expected…” He just remained hanging upside down, seeming desperately trying to keep his hat from falling off.

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen glanced upwards, taking in the sight of his upside-down classmate. When Alistair had swung downwards, he was certainly a bit startled, but he remained stoic so as to not give a bad impression. Maybe this was simply this person’s way of passing time or distracting himself from the daunting present. 

“My... that certainly is a way to greet someone... especially someone you’ve not yet met. At least, I don’t think we have. Anyhow, are you quite alright, hanging from that tree branch in such a manner?”

The acupuncturist stood up tentatively from his seat, not quite sure what to make of the situation. Even though he initially felt as if he was in danger, right now he felt that the one being jeopardized was certainly not himself, but the fellow student who had managed to climb all the way up that tree. A perplexed expression came onto his face as he wondered if the other would be okay.

[acupxncture-blog]

Seeping Unease; Chp 1; Open

Chen took what appeared to be steady and dignified steps into the foyer, when in all reality there was dread swirling within him already. Without saying a word, he parted from the crowd and sat on the swing that overlooked the creepily serene area that spread out before it. Was he really to remain here for the rest of his life? What would become of all that he had strived for? He leaned back to let himself sit in a comfortable position. The swing only swayed slightly, before settling to a resting position as though as no one sat on it.

“There are... two characters in the word ‘crisis’. One means danger... and the other means opportunity. This is not the time... to let myself falter.”

Chen spoke to himself with no intended audience in an attempt to calm himself. He needed to get into a correct frame of mind before he could start looking around the suspicious place. After all, it seemed as though he had to consider his own safety. There was a delicate balance to be made. Not to be too hesitant and not to be too impulsive. He did a breathing exercise as he tried to hone in on the sounds of nature the garden brought. The rush of water from the fountain filled his ears. The occasional gust of wind reminded him he was still alive. The warm light that shone upon him, even, calmed him to an extent.

Then, all of a sudden, he detected a presence approaching. His set of hands tensed up as a reflex, before he swerved around and took an appraising look.

[glitterandbubblewrap-deactivate]

HEY HEY!! LISTEN! HEY! LISTEN!// Mei Mori//Task 1

[glitterandbubblewrap-deactivate]

“Investigation is easy! A-Ok easy! Mei-Mei-chan learned investigations from Poppy! Oh! Sometimes Daddy brings us both bagged lunches, but that’s because we both forget! Oh! Oh! But we treat it like a game! Detective VS Private Investigator! Who’s better! Who’s better?” Mei gave a small laugh as she bounced around, finally putting her foot back on the ground. She gave a few hops, before grinning up at the other. 

“Unfortunately, there’s a lack of competition here, and also! Mei-Mei-chan! Doesn’t! Want! To! Play! ISpy! Yet! Gridding is funner! But where’s the fun in gridding when! Mei-Mei-chan! Can! Skate!” She gave another few funny hops, before grinning at the other.

“Mei-Mei-chan gets it, Chen-channnnnnnn! Hee hee! Or Maybe Chen-Kun? Chen-Shi? Mei-Mei-chan can’t chooseeeeee!” 

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen noted that she was a tad talkative. However, after a bit of consideration, he tossed away the ‘tad’ from a ‘tad talkative’. The worst part of it all was that he hadn’t accomplished much despite talking to a Private Investigator, which in and of itself was baffling.

 All he had learned was a few fragments of information about her unconventional family that he supposed would do better forgetting, the limit to how loud a single entity might be and the lack of appeal skates had to him. His expression was now somewhat noncommittal, almost evasive, yet his voice remained polite and gentle in disposition.

“It is really up to you, Mei-san. And I am really rather sorry for this, but since you have more interesting things to attend to like skating... I shall be taking my leave as mentioned prior. I hope you do not find this overly abrupt.”

Placing two hands in front of him together, he bowed forward in courtesy before he made his leave. Hopefully, he hadn’t left too much of a bitter taste.

[acupxncture-blog]

Regrettable; Prologue; Open

[afriendontheotherside-blog]

Appreciating that Chen was still acknowledging her even though he was searching and investigating as he spoke, Mineko, once she had finished speaking, helped to investigate as well. She found that the side tables contained blank notepads and some mints which she quickly buried underneath said notebooks so no one would eat them. Mints are bad!

“Oh yes, they’re quite happy to tell you what you desire so long as you talk to them and get to know them beforehand. They do not appreciate it when you simply walk up to them and demand to know something. They will simply ignore you and not answer anything you desire to know. I just do what I would want done for me. I-I want people to be able to part with their families peacefully and no hard feelings to be had…Family should not be that way. They repay me with kindness and that’s all I could ask for.” She said.

Mineko followed Chen around like a puppy but made sure to search other places than him to be somewhat useful. She shuffled through a potted plant, wondering if there was something hidden inside of it but was disappointed when nothing could be found. Drat. She stood on her tiptoes to look out the window that Chen had but quickly looked away. The light hurt.

Tilting her head in thought, Mineko spoke, “Hm, w-well, we’re locked somewhere and we don’t, um, know where. We were s-supposed to be going to a field trip for, um, Hope’s Peak Academy s-so something happened to all fo the kids who signed up. W-We…Do you think we were kidnapped?! Oh no, we were! Oh, Mr. Min-ho, I don’t think I like this place as much anymore!” She had been indifferent to the room they were in, thinking it must have just been where they were all waiting for the teachers to arrive but why had they been knocked out then?

[acupxncture-blog]

After listening to her spree of words, he smiled at a soul he found to be pure and innocent, glad to have found someone who he found pleasant company. 

Chen made an internal decision that Mineko was someone he did not mind accompanying, even if he was not so knowledgeable about spirits. Their differences in knowledge did not make him feel outcast or awkward. It was genuinely... nice, he admitted, to converse with her like this and learn. 

“Truly, you are amazing and suitable at what you do, Mineko-san.”

At the door near the back, where Chen had peered at the window that let light stream in, he noted the worry in Mineko’s voice. Has she really not been suspicious of her whereabouts, till the extent where the information that they have been trapped and in possible jeopardy was surprising? He felt a certain kind of burden overwhelm him at the fact he that needed to tell her the reality.

“Ah. Perhaps we were, but do not worry---”

However, he didn’t get the chance to finish his sentence as the back door swung open, revealing a black and white and most of all, sinister presence.

[chishizumi-blog]

Help those in distress II Prologue II Open

[chishizumi-blog]

If someone was really inolved…they would probably act as normal as they could. She has meet some odd people, but could they really count as suspicious? Perhaps the most suspicious were those that seemed too normal or even too nice. After all, it could all be an act. This was just too hard for her. She wasn’t an expert when it came to read people, actually, she wasn’t that good at doing those.

“I did met someone who resembles a villain and someone else who seems to desire distance. Both could be suspicious in their own ways…but…I suppose the real culprit would be hidden with a mask. A person who we could trust and befriend. Otherwise, what’s the point if you’re going to get caugh that quickly?”

[acupxncture-blog]

Overall, it had seemed as though that countless possibilities still roamed in his mind and he was undecided. With his fastidious mindset, he was taking in too many things into account. Feeling rather gruff at the fact that he already seemed to exhaust this room of all clues, he concluded that he had to wait for what would happen next, as much as he hated to leave things to chance.

“Yes, that is valid... I suppose we must wait and see. Talking with you did somewhat help me see more possibilities... but for now, farewell.”

Chen gave Chi a bow before his departure. As he left, he thought about his interaction with the girl. It was fairly neutral, and he did not think of her neither overly negatively or overly positively, though he recognised that she seemed to be willing to speak about issues when they were relevant, which was something that he had in common. He reserved judgement. After taking note of that, he wandered somewhere else until the door at the back swung open, revealing a monochrome bear with a conniving expression, before approaching it.

[shslcaptain-blog]

Set a Course ✯ Prologue ✯ Open

[shslcaptain-blog]

Seigen rose to his feet and straightened his jacket, flashing a broad grin at his new acquaintance.

“Nothing to get yourself in knots over, kid. Just thought I was meant to be somewhere else.” He squinted. “Still kinda do, actually.”

He took a good look around at the rest of the room. It was exceedingly fancy, as if the decorator’s sole intent had been to flaunt wealth. Gold-plated handles? Who the hell needed that? With a shrug, he turned back to Chen.

“Seigen Kaigara, by the way.” In attempt to appeal to the other student’s formality, he extended a hand to shake. “Captain to you, don’t forget.” Seigen laughed. “You wanna tell me where we are?”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen took the moment where the other student was looking around to ponder about what he should address next. Finally, he remembered feeling rather lost when he woke up as he did. 

The newly-awoken student must be curious about his whereabouts... what was going on... and the like, Chen eventually reasoned. He waited for the captain to introduce himself before going on.

“I do believe that the feeling that we aren’t intended to be here in the first place applies to nearly all of us. It seems as though a class of Hope’s Peak students has been taken here, with little recollection of what has transpired.”

Then, he took a pause and returned the handshake, careful not to leave the captain hanging for too long. After all, a handshake was an thoughtful way of expressing courtesy that Chen was not unappreciative enough to ignore.

“It is a highly suspicious situation and I don’t know exactly where we are ---but it is still nice to meet you, I suppose... Captain it is. It is still remorseful that I had to tell you such a grave thing as you woke up, though.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Regrettable; Prologue; Open

[kohakukido-blog]

Kohaku tipped his head to one side and drew up his chin, raising his brows to look down at the other with a small frown. It seemed clear to Kohaku that he was being doubted, but there was a strange sincerity in the way Chen had phrased the question. With a brief laugh, Kohaku answered.

“I am certainly known. I have made slaves of gods and mortals alike; the mere mention of my name has driven people mad with fear. Could it be that your realm is one of the few untouched by my tyranny?” He spat another laugh. “What a pity for you, Chen Min-ho, to perish here while the denizens of your realm remain unwarned of my power.”

As Chen told Kohaku of his own power, Kohaku smirked and folded his arms. 

“Heh! So you’re a healer. How commendable,” he went on, his tone unmistakably mocking. A hand flung out into the air beside him, its fingers stiffly curled. “Hone those skills until the end of time; they will be utterly useless against attacks as devastating as mine.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Chen looked away, before placing a hand on his forehead, stretched as if he had a headache. Well, to him, it felt like one was genuinely approaching. Perhaps he should get out of sight and massage the acu-points on his scalp.

“You don’t know where I come from and you are stuck here now. I’m not the least bit worried for the place where I hail from. The people there are united and proud of their heritage and culture. They are a collective unit and you won’t be reaching them any time soon if you are trapped here. Just saying.”

Chen also felt his nerves twitch at the mocking of healing in general, for he held his practice in high regard, but he didn’t let that immature comment overcome the neutral expression that he had now put on. An almost bored look glazed over his eyes, as if he saw this routine everyday. Perhaps he did; everyone in the corporate world tended to play themselves as big while throwing jabs at other people as a petty means to highlight their own prowess. Chen reckoned that this Kohaku character was... bearing at least a little resemblance to those insecure, underhanded people. Or rather, a dramatized version of that.

“Still, hypothetically... you intend to seer everything to the ground-- and then what? What comes after that? Do tell. I am not judging, simply curious.”

He stood straight with both of his hands clutched in front of him, awaiting a response that hopefully would be a little baffled. If not, that would be... regrettable, to say the least, for he would have wasted some time over here.

[acupxncture-blog]

Regrettable; Prologue; Open

[bikini-bodies-and-beautiful-baes]

“Woah, that’s such a creepy thing to think about. But you’re right, it does feel weird to have us in a nice place like this if we’re all hostages.“

She brushed some hair over her shoulder and bit her lip; he was right to feel uneasy, the whole situation was just so bizarre. When he mentioned the fact that they had no communications with the outside world, Mizuko immediately realised her phone was gone. She mentally screamed at herself; how could she not notice til now?! It was in her bra for god’s sake!

“I think we definitely need to find who’s behind this and take them out if this IS a kidnapping. I mean, there’s like, sixteen of us, and at least three people in here can hold their own in a fight. I mean, I’ve seen a girl punch that metal door so hard it left an imprint of her fist!“

[acupxncture-blog]

At the mention of a physical confrontation, Chen hesitated at jumping on board. Would it be worth it to exert themselves when they had no idea of what they were facing? To have all sixteen students separated from the people who were supervising them and somehow manage to knock everyone out... the operation that led them to their current state must have been organised and elaborate, with impressive coordination and possibly a large number of people involved.

“While impressive, I’m not sure about trying to use brute force to get out of here. The kind of people who have the rashness to keep us locked up like this must be the devious sort who have no inhibitions, no moral compasses.”

He bit his lower lip as something his family used to say came into his mind. ‘Rivers know no this; there is no hurry. We shall get there one day.’ Chen hated the idea of being rash and mobilizing when clearly the opportunity had yet to come -- yet at the same time felt conflicted because waiting around also seemed to be a foolish choice. Precious as time was, this was no way of spending his hours. But impatience was sure self-sabotage... What bad turmoil.

“We should focus on gathering more information before we attempt anything. We might only get a single chance, we need to be wise with it.”

[acupxncture-blog]

Regrettable; Prologue; Open

[afriendontheotherside-blog]

Mineko nodded, “Yes, something like that. Spiritual energy is made of the same thing person to person. However, the person’s disposition and personality traits change the reading and overall feeling of the energy making it distinct and unique for each person in the world. It’s very interesting and strange if you ask me. So the, um, forearms? Well, n-now that you say that…it, um, makes sense kind of! Thank you very much for teaching me this, Mr. Min-ho! ”

Smiling, she took the hand he offered graciously and pulled her small form to her feet, “Right, let’s do our best to help figure things, um, out, Mr. Min-ho! I’ll do my best, sir!” She said and clapped her hands together once energetically.

Happy to see that Chen was at least semi-interested in spirit channeling, Mineko was happy to elaborate on any topics he may desire to hear about, “Well, it’s beneficial for both sides. The living can learn about the spirit realm and what goes on there. We don’t know much about it so we need to know as much as possible. They also tell us about their abilities and we’ve found that they differ spirit to spirit in accordance to where they passed on. Meanwhile, they can have a chance to say their last goodbyes and even then, have someone to speak to who can keep them up to date with their previous world and how things are going. That’s the summary of it at least. If I said the whole thing, we’d be here for a few hours.” 

[acupxncture-blog]

He felt a sense of accomplishment when she took his hand. About to start the investigation, Chen hummed in acknowledgement as he looked around the room, pausing every so often to look at Mineko and make a polite remark about her opinions and whatever she was telling him. Though multi-tasking, Chen was managing himself to be involved with the conversation, taking meticulous care so as not to appear disinterested or indifferent about Mineko’s presence.

“What goes on in the spirit realm... and how that affects us, must all be very enthralling things to learn from the spirits first-hand. It’s a gracious thing that you allow them another chance at communicating with the living. I am sure they must be grateful for your efforts. And... yes, let’s do our best.”

Quite able to keep tabs on many things at once, Chem’s familiarity with handling many situations simultaneously proved useful. It became a effortless thing to scan the room, walk at a leisurely and unrushed pace, listen carefully to his investigation partner and talk at the same time. Finally at the window situated at the back of the room, he looked out of it in curiosity, having yet the opportunity to gaze out of it in full view. He turned towards Mineko after he had gotten enough of a gander, with both his hands properly behind his back. His expression fell to neutral as he brought up something more daunting.

“So, Mineko, what do you make of the current situation?”