thenearshore | [CLOSED] A Prayer for Protection

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[CLOSED] A Prayer for Protection

Who: Kanji Tatsumi (Ptah) & Naoto Shirogane
When: July 25th
Where: The Near Shore
What: Responding to a cry for help concerning poor, slain animals. :c

[The plea itself had immediately caught Kanji's attention, and he had been glad when Naoto seemed to be on board with it, as well. The fact that there were animals who were being unnecessarily hurt had been an enormous red flag to him, though before they could actually deal with whatever might have been responsible, they have to talk to the handler-- he sounds like he could use some reassurance, at the very least.

Kanji rubs at the back of his neck as they arrive on the outskirts of the farm, trusting Naoto to follow as he starts towards the main house.]

Poor guy. Really sounds like he's havin' a rough time.

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[Naoto walks alongside Kanji, keeping in stride with him. Her hand is already to her chin. Her mind whirling with possible avenues of investigation they could take. She was focused and determined to see their first prayer together be a success.]

Something preying upon them, something only moving about at night. Obviously, we're dealing with a nocturnal creature, a beast comfortable moving around in dark. Perhaps a wolf or even a bear?

What bothers me most is that he described his livestock as being "lured" away. Those predators normally do not behave in such a way.

Both seem possible. Even a coyote, maybe. They all go after animals they think are easy prey.

[And livestock that are penned up? About as easy as it comes, but--]

Yeah. Not like a wolf or a bear is gonna open the gate an' lead 'em anywhere.

Exactly.

[She turns to Kanji.]

The natural behavior for any of those predatory animals would be to attack and kill the animals where they are. I could understand maybe waiting for one to divide itself from the others, but luring one of them away one-by-one...

You think it could be a person, maybe?

[There are worse options that are just as likely, but he'd rather start small. He sighs.]

Whatever it is, we gotta make sure this guy doesn't give up the whole farm first. He's really doubting himself, sounds like.

Hmmm... but the man had said he'd caught sight of some kind of "beast" in his prayer, didn't he? I suppose if it was dark out and he was a great enough distance away, his eyes might have been playing tricks on him.

[Naoto shakes her head, tucking these thoughts and questions away for later. For now, Kanji's right. First, they need to reassure the farmer. Then, they could worry about tracking down the culprit.]

Yes, it did sound that way from the tone of his prayer. How do you think we might go about rebuilding his confidence?

It's possible...

[But they should definitely take it into consideration as having been very real. Plan for the worst, be surprised by the best?]

Well. Best way to do that is to talk to him. We've-- I've seen senpai give enough pep talks to know that people will give you just the opening you need.

[She quirks an eyebrow, quizzically studying his face for a moment before her expression shifts to a more amused sort.]

So I should leave all the talking to you then?

Uh--

[He clears his throat, nervous.]

I mean, probably best if we do it together? I've heard a lot of senpai's talks, but... doesn't mean I'm any good at 'em.

[He's not good with diplomacy, like she is. At least he's got heart?]

[She chuckles softly at that; his reaction had been exactly what she was hoping for. She grins and nods her head.]

Very well. Should I at least let you take the lead then? I'll jump in if any questions or clues arise while we're conversing with him?

Sounds like a plan.

[He smiles. See? Teamwork.

As they close in on the house, he opts to go around the animal pens outside, although he'd like to get a closer look at the livestock inside of them-- best save that until after they've talked to the owner, though. He pauses once they reach the front door, knocking soundly.

Were gods supposed to knock?]

Uh, hello-- yo, we're here to answer your prayer!

[He's ethereal as fuck.]

[Naoto coughs, clears her throat at that, giving Kanji a slight elbow to the arm.]

Maybe don't be so obvious as to the nature of our identities?

[She manages to get the warning out in a hushed voice before the door opens and the homeowner, very likely the man who authored the prayer, opens the door with a rather perplexed look on his face. Naoto couldn't be certain as to how this sort of prayer and answer procedure went, but she had a feeling it'd make things less complicated the more discrete the two of them were about their divine professions.]

Uh-- right.

[Kanji's concession comes in the form of a hurried whisper just before the door opens, revealing the owner within. The man looks confused at best, and looks between the two of them for a moment.]

Who are you?

[Kanji clears his own throat, looking to Naoto for support.]

We're, uh-- friends! I mean, neighbors. Thought we'd check in and see how you're doin'.

[Naoto smiles awkwardly for a moment -- well, she supposes neighbors sounds credible enough -- before relaxing and assuming a more friendly demeanor. She offers her hand for the man to shake, as she settles into character and tries to sell their story a little more.]

Yes, neighbors! We saw your livestock as we were walking past. We both happen to be big animal lovers, and so we were hoping we could have a closer look?

Y-yeah!

[Naoto, you're a life-saver.]

They seem real happy here, too. You must be real good with 'em.

[The man looks surprised at the request itself, raising both eyebrows.]

You want to take a closer look?

[Naoto nods, keeping the ruse going as she smiles innocently at the man.]

Yes, if that's alright with you? We wouldn't want to impose however if we'd be too much of a bother.

[She feigns a look of disappointment.]

[That look seems to do the trick, because the man pauses a moment longer before nodding in agreement.]

Sure. I'll walk out there with you.

[Kanji can't blame him for wanting to accompany them, considering how many of his animals have been lured away, but he doesn't mention that for the time being. He inclines his head towards the pen, starting in that direction and trusting Naoto and the man himself to follow.]

Real nice of you. This is a nice place you got here.

[Naoto beams at the man -- though, Kanji can likely tell it's not quite the genuine sort of smile he's seen her give before.]

Really? Thank you so much, sir. This is very kind of you.

[As they turn to start walking towards the pen, Naoto makes sure she brings up the rear. Taking a moment while the man's back is turned to drop the act and contemplate seriously about how they can keep this pretense up while asking the necessary questions to get the information they need. She touches a hand to her chin as she walks, her expression calm and focused.]

[Meanwhile, as Naoto does her part and handles observation, Kanji remains up front with the land's owner, keeping him company as well as keeping his attention off of Naoto, allowing her a little more freedom without a watchful eye on her. As they approach the pen, Kanji frowns and rests his hands against the top rung of the fence.]

Seems a little-- empty.

[There's some livestock there, but the herd is definitely-- thin.

The man nods slowly, frowning in turn.]

Some of my animals have been getting out at night. They don't come back.

[Naoto surveys the pen. It did look rather empty, meaning whatever's responsible has clearly been striking here multiple times. It wasn't some migratory creature that was just passing through. It'd apparently decided that this farm was it's new feeding ground. On that note, Naoto resumes the friendly, girl-next-door act from before as she steps forward to better address the man. A look of shock and concern on her face.]

They're getting out and not coming back? Oh no!

[She makes a show of looking the herd over.]

I don't see a hole in the fence. How many have gotten out?

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[CLOSED] A Prayer for Protection

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