4/24/2003

04:20 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

120 E. Houston Brownstone - Apt. 1

Sparse is the decor of this rather spacious room. A low table in lacquered black is set in front of a low couch, the cushions barely above the floor, while woven mats have been placed about to cushion footfalls. A few watercolors have been hung from the walls, lending a splash of color to the austerity. The entertainment unit off to one side and computer desk in the corner being the only concessions to modern achievement.

The living room opens onto a small dining room which as been furnished just as sparsely. A black lacquered table stands mere inches above the floor, and has been surrounded by what appear to be leg-less chairs. The only touch of color comes in the form of a single vase containing an arrangement of bright flowers, and two large water colors depicting birds amid spring blossoms.

The fairly modern kitchen is usually hidden behind a closed door, as is the bathroom.

Nuriko is here.

Obvious exits:

Out   Bedroom 1

 

Hotohori

From elegance unmeasured to dignity well bound, this young man possesses a stature of rare nobility for all of his six feet in length. Athletic in build and form, an almost imperial subtlety tickles along his every movement and gesture. Long, silken locks of the darkest chocolate brown descend with an almost ethereal grace and straightness to mid-back as the golden tawny gaze of his eyes is often partially overshadowed with a persistent forelock. Beyond the obvious aesthetic lines of a face wrought with gentle beauty, there is determination etched along the curve of his jaw. Not just another pretty face.

Button-down shirt of pale fawn dresses him with an almost gauzy frailty, tailored to perfection so that it drapes with the finest of lines. Top two buttons are left undone as long sleeves end in tapered cuffs that seem to flirt with the skin of his wrists. Long slacks are an almost silvered-grey, drawing down the length of his long legs so that cuffs rest with but a whisper at the Gucci loafers upon his feet. Hair is drawn loosely back with a braided tie that criss-crosses just beyond his shoulders.

Hotohori appears to be 22 years and 11 days old.

He is awake and looks alert.

 

There is a gentle knocking at the door, and standing just without is Gabe. Skepticism is in his gaze as he knocks again, apparently not exactly expecting an answer to his summons.

 

Kourin gets off the couch where she was napping and heads for the door, answering it in mid yawn. "Gabriel?" She's surprised to see him there, but smiles all the same, swinging the door open wider for him to come on in. "What brings you by? Not that you need a reason to come see us, Hotohori-sama." Ingrained habit.

 

Gabriel is looking mildly surprised as well when the door is opened. "Oh. I wasn't sure anyone would be around at this hour. Hello, Kourin. This isn't a bad time for you or anything, is it?" But he does enter once the door is opened more fully, offering her a faint smile. "Actually, I was just in the neighborhood. You know how that goes, and thought I might actually see if anyone was home. You have a nice home."

 

"I work at night and into the early morning, so I'm usually home at this time. I'm glad you happened by," Kourin says, gesturing for him to sit upon the couch. "May I get you something to drink? We have tea, water, and I think some soda in the fridge. This place is Hiroshi's and I had nothing to do with the decorating, but it is home. You know you're welcome here anytime."

 

"Tea would be fine, thank you," Gabe answers after her, moving over to the indicated sofa. "I didn't wake you or anything, did I?" His eyes flicker to his wrist watch for a moment, before he is looking back to her. "Oh? Is Hiroshi here then as well? And thank you."

 

Kourin disappears into the kitchen, the sound of running water beginning not long after as she fills the kettle and places it on the stove to warm. "It'll be a few minutes," she says upon reappearance. "I was napping, but not really sleeping, so it's not a problem. Even then, being woken up by you is a good thing, ne? Hiroshi is out and about. Hopefully not getting into any trouble. So how have you been? Have you remembered fully yet?"

 

Gabriel watches her wryly for a moment and then nods his head. "Next time I'll remember to try to visit a little later in the day then." He knows well the importance of beauty sleep, even if he doesn't really need it. Some people just aren't as gifted. "Ah, then you'll have to give him my best if he returns when I'm not here." His smile is turning back into a wry line at her questions, and how inevitable the last one is. "Couldn't be better... and no, I haven't, but not for lack of trying, although I'm not sure what else to do to try to jog my memory of these things the rest of you keep telling me."

 

"We could send you off to meet the Byakko who can do things with people's minds. If you have something sealed off, he might be able to help. Unless there is some connection between the fake you and you? He remembered things and now you can't." Kourin really isn't the expert here though, that's Hiroshi's job. All she can do is speculate. The kitchen is returned to as she pours the heated water into a smaller pot where the tea leaves are held, letting the beverage seep.

 

"I think someone suggested that before as well," Gabriel ponders, looking thoughtful for the moment. "Unfortunately, I have also been unable to find this Trevor, the singer. I would love to finally meet up with him, but..." He is shrugging his shoulders, the movement elegant for all of his negligence in it. "Although I did take the rest of you at your word, at your suggestion that apparently I'm good with sharp, pointy objects. And that went well, all fingers and toes still in tact." And fingers are waggled in evidence.

 

"That you are merely good with swords is an understatement, Gabriel," replies Kourin with no small amount of humor as she remerges with two tea mugs, handing one off to him before she sits down on the couch as well. "As for running into Trevor, I'm not sure if that's a good idea before you have your powers back. I wouldn't want him to hurt you, Hotohori. We've only found you at last. Losing you is not an option."

 

Gabriel chuckles softly at her words, reaching for the mug with a nod of his head in appreciation, "Thank you." As his hands up the mug, he glances back over to her, "I don't say this to sound rash or anything, but... Kourin, with as much as the rest of you keep talking to me, hoping I remember these things and all else, running into him might have to be an option."

 

Kourin can't argue with that logic actually, although she will sigh and say, "If you go looking for him, at least take one of us with you too, just in case?" She can hope he might actually consider that, but the Suzaku as a whole seem a bit too impetuous at times. "Another option, however, would be to find Houki. She's here you know. Your Empress."

 

Gabriel takes a sip from the cup, before nodding his head once more, "I have to actually find him first. But yes, I'll be sure to ask one of you along, or more than one. Seeing as the rest of you have actually met him, while he fooled you, you have an interest in him as well." He sighs softly, nodding, "I would like to find her too, but I have no clue where to start."

 

"I can help you with that, I believe. Karen, my sister, has met her. At least I think it must be her. Her name now is Shinobu. Unfortunately, Karen didn't get her last name, but with her description, surely we'd be able to find her?" Kourin is being optimisitic here, but she's been wanting to find her friend again.

 

Gabriel takes another sip from the cup, only to visibly frown at mention of that name. "Shinobu..." His gaze slips away and to some point on the floor as he looks rather thoughtful. A breath later and an almost amused smile tickles across his lips. Eventually, his gaze lifts to meet Kourin's. "I think I've already blundered into her."

 

Kourin blinks back at this news, surprised. "You have? But that means that neither you or she remembered each other, doesn't it? Damn." Nuriko's mouth twists into a pouty expression. "I thought for sure seeing her would spark something, since you were able to at least recognize me if not subsciously. She and I do look alike."

 

Gabriel sighs softly, shaking his head from side to side. "I can't believe I met her and... It was just as we were brought back here to New York. I showed up right in the middle of the sidewalk, in front of her." If he wasn't holding that tea mug in his hand, he'd probably be facepalming right now. "I knew there was something there, but..." Other then the fact that he couldn't take his eyes off of the woman, and didn't want to leave her.

 

"Maybe we should see if Dylan can unlocking your memories, if only a little. Because this is getting... well... absurb, not that it's your fault, Gabriel. I think whatever the Yin did to bring Trevor into existence has robbed you of what was rightfully yours." Kourin looks far from pleased about this possible idea. "Damn. Has your symbol even appeared yet?"

 

Gabriel is looking wry once more, "Well... as I said before, I'm welcome to try just about anything at this point. I'm assuming Dylan is the Byakko you mentioned before? Or Trevor, or anything else." He sighs, once more looking just a little bit confused, "Symbol?... Oh. No, I don't think so."

 

"Chiriko might be able to help with that. I'll ask him, but yes, Dylan is the Byakko I had mentioned before. I suppose it's worth it for him to at least see if he can tell what's holding your memories back, ne?" Kourin's not too keen about letting the former oni into her former heika's head, but the situation is getting desperate in her opinion.

 

Gabriel nods his head slowly in understanding. "If seeing this man is what it takes to get these memories of mine back, or find out what is keeping them, then I am more than willing to try it. It would seem that I have to. But seeing as the rest of you seem to know quite a bit more of this then I do, for obvious reasons, I'll have to rely in you."

 

Kourin reaches for the phone and nods back to him. "Might as well call him then and see if we can set something up soon. At least to have him take a look at you, ne?"

 

Kourin begins to dial her phone.

 

Gabriel blinks owlishly at her for a moment, and then bobs his head in the affirmative once  more, "I suppose that will do. I'm trusting you judgment in this, Kourin." He continues to watch her while sipping at the last of the tea in his cup.

 

<Phone> "Dylan? This is Kourin - Nuriko of the Suzaku. I apologize for disturbing you, but perhaps you have heard of our recent trouble with a false seishi?" Kourin does hope the news has spread.

 

Gabriel remains as is, silently listening to this half of the conversation on the phone, curiosity still rather obvious in his look.

 

<Phone> Kourin frowns, having not heard that news. Either bits of it. "I guess we're not the only ones who have had difficulties then. But yes, we thought Trevor was Hotohori and he did have a lot of Hotohori's memories, but it turns out that he likely a Yin plant. The real Hotohori has been found, but he can't get to his memories. He gets little bits that come through, but nothing more. I was hoping you could possibly look into his mind and see if you can detect something blocking them. He's here with me now and has given me permission to call and ask you this."

 

Gabriel will still look just a wee bit uneasy at the mentioning of looking into his mind. What person wouldn't? Setting the tea cup to the side, the man briefly frowns at her, before allowing it to ease.

 

 

4/24/2003

10:17 PM

Logfile from Gabriel.

 

<Phone> "Hai, I think we're all relieved he wasn't the real one, Dylan. More than you might know. But if you can help Gabriel get back his memories or at least figure out why they won't return with as much prompting as he's had, then I'd be very grateful." Kourin glances over at the other seishi and gives him a reassuring smile. "Do you know when you might be able to come over?"

 

<Phone> "Now wouldn't be a problem if you don't mind. I don't think you've been to Hiroshi and I's place before? We're next door to Nicholas and Tori. That should help things. Okay?" Kourin will just cross her fingers now.

 

Kourin hangs up her phone.

 

Gabriel gaze remains upon Kourin as she speaks on the phone, answering her smile with one of his own. As she hangs up though, he nods back over to her, "Then he will be coming over soon to try this? Hopefully something will come of it."

 

Kourin sets the phone aside and nods, "Hai, very soon I hope. Dylan is able to use portals to get from one place to the other. He should be able to at least tell you what is going on in that mind of yours. I hope it's not too complicated, but I'm a little worried. Trevor had Hotohori's memories to some degree."

 

Dylan seals off the portal as soon as he's stepped through it, but it's a safe bet that he's just at tad on the tired side. "Sorry for the entrance, but taking a cab just wasn't on my list of things to do today."  Both are given a nod before he glances at Gabriel.  "You thought the other guy was /him/? Even I can tell the difference. Mostly because he's not got a head full of air, but that's beside the point."

 

Gabriel shrugs his shoulders at Kourin, sighing, "Well, if he can, then he'll be doing quite a bit better than me. And complication would probably be fitting." The man sits up though at Dylan enters, peering intently at the other man. He doesn't quite manage to hide most of an amused grin at the other's words, "I'm just as baffled as you are how I could be mistaken, but..."

 

Kourin clears her throat. She so doesn't want to even think about the fact that she had /sex/ with te false Hotohori thinking it was the real one. Nope. "Dylan, this is Gabriel. Gabriel, Dylan. Karasuki of the Byakko, this is Hotohori of the Suzaku. We're sure this time. He was sent back to the past when we all were. That's how we met him for the first time. Can I get you something to drink before you begin, Dylan?"

 

Dylan nods at both before regarding Gabriel again. "You're alright with this? No second thoughts? I won't go after anything but the memories that you seem unable to access, but there's always the off chance that I'll catch something I don't mean to. There's no worry of me sharing it with anyone else, though."  He has morals that prevent him from doing so. Kourin's offer is given a negative shake of his head, but he does manage a smile. "Thank you, but no. I'll be alright for a few more portals before I have to .. never mind. As soon as I get home I'll probably find myself with a glass in my hands, no matter what I say," he says, grinning again.  "So, if you'd like to do this, then I'm ready whenever you are."

 

Gabriel moves to stand to greet the other man, offering him a faint smile, "Nice to meet you, Dylan. It's a shame that it is under these circumstances, but I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I am, in effect, probably placing my life in your hands." And then he is shaking his head, "Dirty little secrets, you mean? No, I'm not worried about that, and I think this is a bit more important than anything along that mien. Thank you."

 

Kourin leaves the couch to sit upon the floor, gesturing for the two men to sit there instead. "Can't say I'm too happy about having to do try things this way, but when Hotohori doesn't even recognize the woman he loved and married back then, than things are pretty serious, ne? Of course, she's not remembering either. Unfortunately."

 

Dylan returns the smile before sitting.  "Well, then, we can start any time. Oh, since I'm here, I should let you in on a few things as well. Rainey, as you may have heard, is not Suzuno. We /have/ found my miko, but she's currently passed out on the couch at home recovering from having her memories returned to her. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be quite.. unpleasant, especially when those memories have been warded and sealed."  That said, he nods. "This is never the best way, but it does save some time and trouble."

 

Gabriel nods to Kourin, moving to sit where she indicates. He sighs softly, a bit of a frown showing. "Recognize her? Unfortunately no. There was something there, but... I just don't know." He blinks though at the man's words. Passed out and recovering? His smile turns into a wry line, but he nods his head, "Whatever is necessary, unpleasant or not. It is obvious that I'm going to need these memories, so I'll do anything to get them back."

 

Kourin shifts her position to bring her closer to Gabriel, a hand reaching out to rest lightly on his knee in silent support. She nods then to Dylan and settles in to watch quietly, not exactly sure how this will work or what will happen.

 

Dylan doesn't wait for further confirmation, but closes his eyes as the symbol on his neck begins to glow.  "Alright, then," he sighs, reaching out to attempt to find the missing memories, pushing anything that might be connected to them to the fore.  "I don't think this is going to hurt you, but I can never be sure."  It's certainly going to emphasize his own headache, but this is what he does. Maybe he should charge.  A few older memories are nudged at in an attempt to get them to move to the surface, but he's not going to dig very much just yet.

 

Gabriel offers Kourin another warm smile at the touch, but then in the next breath he is looking back to Dylan, almost expectant. He draws in a low breath as he waits for the other to begin, nodding his head in understanding. "Alright. Do what you need to to see." He blinks for a moment though, concentrating within as well.

 

Kourin's fingers curl against Gabriel's knee, her brow furrowing as she contines to watch expectantly. Her gaze continues to shift from one man to the other, hoping for either positive or negative signs on how the probing is going.

 

Dylan frowns just a bit, pushing the memories he can find forward. There's the emperor bit, which he expected to find, and the man will at least remember the other seishi, but something seems to be missing.  "You're .. damn. I think you're half empty, but.. Maybe that can be fixed. I can't find any other memories because they simply aren't /there/. There are places where they /should/ be, which makes me suspect that they're tied to someone else. Perhaps this false seishi? He may have to be hunted down and dealt with." 

 

Gabriel's eyes finally shut, following along with where Dylan is going in his head. His chin lifts just the slightest as something is released. A long breath is drawn in as those things that he was cut off from, he becomes aware of once more. Briefly, he frowns, before the expression lightens and his eyes slowly open in amazement. "Half empty? I'm still missing some?" And the frown is right on back in place.

 

Kourin releases a sigh and nods, "Trevor had memories. He had to have gotten them from somewhere, ne? He also had the Shinken and it really was the holy sword, then we have to find a means to get that back as well. Will killing him be the only way to free Hotohori's memories of could you take them back, Dylan?"

 

Dylan nods at both Kourin and Gabriel, though he shrugs at the question. "I'm not sure, really. It could be that just getting the sword back will do it, or he may have to die in order for those memories to be released. If you don't want to do it, I'm sure that someone else could be sent to take the sword and to kill him, but..  That wouldn't be me. I'm against killing if I can help it, really. Unless he attacked me directly." 

 

Gabriel shifts a glance to Kourin, finally seeing her in something of a new light as compared to before. "If he is the one that keeps the rest of these memories that I am apparently missing, then I must find him. Or the sword. Whatever is necessary to complete this process. I'm not about to continue this with simply half of who I was."

 

Kourin glances up at Gabriel, frowning, "I won't argue over your need to do that, but at the same time, I don't want to see you getting hurt or killed, Hotohori. I know you don't remember, but I was once very fond of you. I still am, in a different way. Would you consider taking both Chiriko and Tasuki with you if you go looking for him?"

 

Dylan stands looking over at the two.  "I should go, my headache is returning, but I do agree with Kourin's words. Take someone with you. If he's from the Yin, he's not going to be unprotected, and he may just be one of their oni. Please let me know if you need me again?"  

 

Karasuki has opened a portal to Dakota-Penthouse-Bedroom 1

Karasuki has entered the portal.

Karasuki has closed the portal.

 

"After coming this far, I'd like to think that getting killed would be a sore conclusion to this story. Kourin, I already said that I'd be sure to ask for help if and when I do find this man," Gabe answers with something of a hard turn to his voice. He glances back up as Dylan moves to leave, and disappearing. "He left before I could thank him again... He definitely gave me something. Quite a bit -and something to make those stories seem a lot more clearer now."

 

Kourin takes Dylan's place on the couch, nodding back to Gabriel. "Something is better than nothing, ne? We've missed you, Hotohori but more importantly we need you back and we need you whole. Miaka our miko needs you. We had all hoped it would be a gradual transition perhaps, that you no one would have to try to force you into remembering, but it seems there's nothing that can be done except find that bastard."

 

Gabriel nods his head slowly to Kourin, but the ghost of a smile tickling about his lips, "It is... It is actually rather good to finally be able to place your face where it belongs, with who you were before, and it explains so many things for me." A soft sigh escapes him, "Ahhhhhh, Miaka. Yes, I know. I'm sorry that this could not have been easier. But thank you for what you have helped me with, Kourin."