Kimura Shiori's Story

"Just when i thought I'd finally catch a break, huh?" Dual mutters to herself as she pays for a can of soda from a vending machine right across from the hotel where the members of the CCG that were sortied to the fourteenth were supposed to meet up. Opening the can and taking a sip in between puffs of smoke from her cigarette, Dual observed the building from where she currently was. From the outside of the building, everything looked perfectly fine. proceeding her observation further, she glanced around her surroundings through her peripherals. Nothing seems out of the ordinary around either. She dropped her cigarette and promptly stamped it out while taking a long chug of the soda she held in her hand.

She had arrived some time ago and was observing the meet up location, waiting for the remainder of the group. As the senior investigator in charge of the case, Dual had the duty to arrive her on time and before everyone else. Although, admittedly, she had arrived a bit later than planned, just in time to see one person snag some keys and head into the depths of the building. Based on that alone, she had to assume that the possibility of other people having arrived before her was likely.

To be honest, I really don't wanna head in just yet. But I suppose I might as well see if anyone else checked in before I arrived. She thought to herself as she finished off her drink. Crushing the can in her hands, she turned towards a nearby recycling bin and tossed it. Pulling out another cigarette and lighting it, she quickly jogged across the street towards the hotel, the metallic case fastened to her back making the run more awkward than it should have been. She entered the building and took a glance around the room. It was pretty plain and simple, but it was fashionable in its own right. She turned back towards the main counter, but thought twice before addressing the two managing it. They seemed rather... eccentric and unpleasant to deal with.

With a puff of smoke, she decided she'd just wait in the lobby for now. She'd rather not deal with the pink-themed duo, it felt like work just looking at them. Instead, she chose to walk over and sit down on one of the chairs in the lobby. She unfastened the case on her back and put it down between her legs on the floor. "This would be such a good time for a nap..." Dual said aloud, as she stretched her arms upwards. However, she knew that a nap was something she couldn't take. She had to watch the entrance of the building, just in case another member had entered. For the time being, she'd just sit back and relax with her smokes.

Dual's lazy expression softened ever so slightly at the sight of another member of the CCG walking into the building. The cigarette which she had been holding in between her lips nearly fell to the ground. Though she would not admit it herself, she almost outright shrieked at the sight of the junior investigator headed towards her. What the heck? What dimwit made this adorable kid be a fighter? She's a doll! She shouldn't be on the damn battlefield! At least, that what Dual was thinking. On the exterior, however, she managed to hold herself back by biting hard on the end of her cigarette, although careful enough to not chew right through the paper. However, despite how cute she thought the other to be, she couldn't help but scowl at the introductions made. Her eyes quickly scanned the room to see if any eyes were fixated on their position, but, in her immediate line of sight, there appeared to be none. Granted, scanning your surroundings without being too conspicuous is not too simple of a task, especially if you happen to be able to see out of only one.

"Y'know, we're in enemy territory. You can't just flat out say who we are. You don't know who might be listening," Dual said with an exasperated sigh as she softly rubbed her forehead. "You ain't wrong, but we don't know whose listening in on us. Though chances are they already are aware of our presence. Doesn't take much of a genius to know we would be taking action sooner or later." With a troubled smile she sat up straight and tilted her head forward slightly, as a sort of mock bow, and returned the handshake with Tori. Out of the corner of her eye, Dual noticed another person enter the building. She caught a glimpse of white hair and was about to comment, but was stopped short by Tori's offer.

Dual took a second to let the proposal sink in. Well, as far as the Investigators go, she ain't wrong. It's only us two girls. I personally don't mind bunking with either a guy or girl, but maybe she does. In any case, Dual couldn't resist the offer from such an adorable person. "Well, since you've taken the time to make such a generous offer with me, I don't see why not. Thanks." Dual replied, letting a more peaceful smile spread across her face. "Ah, by the way, Dual's fine, kiddo. I'm not into the whole respect for the seniors thing. Not like I'm much of a senior anyways."

Leaning back into her chair, Dual adjusted her position ever so slightly as to allow the duo at the desk to enter her field of view. Partway through her chat with Tori, Dual noticed the person who had entered previously walk over to them. While she did scan the files given to her prior to sortie, she had only glanced at the files of the ghouls. More specifically, she can match the name to the face and that's about all. She took off one of the ear-like accessories off of her head, and pretended to fiddle around with it as she observed. The one who had previously entered the building before, Esmé or so Dual remembered, looked absolutely adorable as well. Dual was sure that Esmé was fully capable of carrying herself (Dual only skimmed the files, mind you. She honestly believes thus far that Esmé is of the female gender) and would likely not require her assistance if something happened, but ghoul or not, Dual was in charge of the group. She had to be prepared to step in at a moments notice, should push come to shove. After all, she couldn't help but shake the feeling that they were being monitored... from more places than one.