*Walking down from his apartment above GYM, Kalib would notice a flyer on the notice board by the door. He'd walk over and check it out.* Narumi Detective Agency, huh? *With a grin Kalib would dash out the door to track down the building in question, arriving some time later. He'd approach the door and open them.* Hello? Anyone home? I found your flyer and I'd like to offer some assistance! To whatever extent that may be!

*Having noticed the excessive amount of flyers around while out training, Delta decided it wouldn't hurt to see what the problems was. He arrives in front of the agency with a rope tied around him and four tires right as Kalib would be entering. Taking some time to untie the rope from his torso, he would then enter the building to see what the flyers had exactly been about.*

*Kalib does a heel turn as he hears steps behind him. As he turns, his face lights up with a smile.* And so he returns! *Kalib walks over and extends a hand to his mentor.* Welcome back to the land of the living, Delta. I heard you were stirring, but I didn't have time to swing by... sorry about that!

*Alice took an immediate interest in the flyer for Narumi Detective Agency as soon as she stumbled across it for the first time. She most likely found it around one of the many places she's been known to lurk but she found one nonetheless and brought it along with her to aforementioned establishment.* Huh... I've never really done much sleuthing but hopefully this place is newcomer friendly. *She'd look up from her flyer at the door of the building, checking out the front of the place before heading up to the doors. She'd look from side-to-side, as if expecting someone else to show up, before eventually opening the door and stepping inside.*

*Mig looks at the flyer in her hands, then up at the building* Sheesh, gone not even a full day and everything's going screwey. Oh well, guess I can lend a hand. Thinking was my stronger suit.

*Taking his hand and offering a warm smile, Delta greets his star pupil and best friend.* It's good to see you too Kalib. I was gone longer than I would have thought, but it's nice to be back. Don't worry about not stopping by the dojo. I'm surprised anyone had even found it in the first place. How have you been? *Noticing Alice enter he turns to give her a greeting as well.* Ah, Alice, was it? I take it you've been brought here thanks to the flyers around town as well correct?

*Inside the building is a cool office, the ceiling fan keeping a nice, relaxing current of air flowing with the open window. Raidou Kuzunoha XIV stands at the desk, notably without his usual combat harness and cloak on, both pieces of equipment hang on the hat rack by the door. It seems the owner the establishment is named after has stepped out, leaving Raidou in charge. Hearing the commotion outside, he opens the door with a smile, and waves everyone to come inside. Gouto has notably found comfort on top of a shelf, and he turns to the open door, blinking and wagging his tail.* "Glad to see people turned up, really sorry for the ads by the way. We really could use assistance though, so thanks for coming everyone!"

*After giving a firm shake, he'd pull his hand back.* Well let's see...I'm pretty sure I'm not dead...so I have that going for me! Otherwise, life has been quiet outside of the newest tournament! *Kalib would perk up at the mention of Alice and look to her direction with a smile.* Oho! I should've known to expect you to be here! What's up, Alice?

You have the right of it and yes, Alice is the name. I had a feeling you looked rather familiar but I don't recall catching your name the last time we met so I'm afraid I don't quite know what to call you. *She'd rub the back of her head in embarrassment due to her ignorance in regards to Delta's name. By this point she'd notice Kalib, especially once he had addressed her, and would respond accordingly.* Nothing interesting yet but I think that's about to change! *One Gouto announced his presence, and Raidou's by extension, she'd turn to address them.* It's nice to see you two. If I had known you two were in charge of this operation I would've come by sooner. A friend in need and all of that stuff, ya know?

It seems so Alice. *Kalib quickly turns at the sound of the opening of the door and proceeds to enter at Raidou's behest. He'd look over to Gouto with a smile as he responds to the comment.* Of course! People need help, so of course there would be people to answer that call! Though ones as esteemed as yourselves asking for assistance is unsettling. You aren't anything to sneeze at so this can't be an easy task.

Well... what's the issue that's so important? You find Nobody or something? Oh, Mom wants me to make sure I start asking if it's some villain from another world.

I see. It's often the quiet moments we miss the most once they leave us, so enjoy them while they last. *To Alice, he would give a brief introduction.* My name is Delta. You were one of those that helped save me some time ago. *To Gouto, he would offer a slight bow before making his inquiry.* The flyer wasn't exactly clear. What is it that you need assistance with?

*Raidou smiles at both Kalib and Alice, glad his friends decided to lend a hand. He shuts the door behind the group, and hurries over to fetch the case file he's been salving over for the newcomers to look over. Gouto remains still, but begins explaining.* "As some of you might have noticed, Raidou has been slaving over one particular case-no, series of cases for a few weeks now. Usually, we try to handle things ourselves without getting outsiders involved, but truth be told Raidou here is relatively unaccustomed to the multiverse and it's many facets. So, we figured we'd contract help from all over to solve this little caper. As for what that entails, read it for yourself." *Raidou places the file on the desk, and leaves it there for the group to look it over. Inside are details of information breeches all across the Nexus, from the Kirijo Foundation and government systems across the multiverse, to more obscure sources like the Ring of Gaea. Each case seems unrelated at a glance, but happen mere days apart, and each of these incidents tell of massive breeches that could not only damage reputations of these sources if they are to be leaked, but in the wrong hands could endanger countless lives.*

*Kalib walks over and looks over the documents with great interest.* This clearly isn't corporate or government espionage...this is too out in the open. And I'm sure you guys could nab a spy in no time. *Kalib crosses his left arm under his right as he brings his right hand to his chin.* But going off of what you said, you seem to suspect an otherworldly power?

Oh goodness I remember now! So you're Delta? Forgive me for not noticing sooner but at least it's nice to formally meet you, and thanks for remembering. I was kinda just dead weight back then. *Alice would be sure to shut up once Goutou had begun explaining the dilemma that he and Raidou had been facing. Once the case file had been laid out for her and the others to witness she'd approach the table but hang back a bit as to let others in to read over them as they please. She'd follow up once Kalib spoke about what was on his mind.* An otherworldly power or just anything otherworldly is certainly a possibility. What else could operate this quickly? Although now I can't help but wonder... What kind of person would possess that ability? And what does he hope to gain?

Mmhm.... mmhm.... *browses over the details, re-reading the Kirijo Group a few times....* So. What would someone hope to gain from all this? It almost feels like someone trying to incite a war between some of the most powerful groups in, and perhaps outside, the Nexus.

*Looking over the case files Delta allows a bit of worry to escape from his usually calm expression.* This doesn't bode well for any involved. I'm no detective myself, but I assume since you've already connected these cases you have some sort of lead for us to follow. What could it be? *Contemplating Alice's questions he poses another one of his own.* Who's to say this is all the work of a single individual?

That's... Actually a really good point. Yet you say you aren't a detective, hah! *She couldn't help but laugh at this point, finding it somewhat humorous.* I have a feeling that kind of thinking is going to be incredibly helpful in solving this mystery Delta. *She'd also reply to what Migrant had to say.* As for a war, that too is a possibility but I'm curious to see what Gouto and Raidou think about this. They're the experts here, afterall.

*Raidou nods at the group, and reaches into one of the drawers of the large wooden desk near the window. He produces a second file, revealing that there have been five people that were very easily caught by Raidou recently, each of whom confessed to be the sole individual behind these breeches. Gouto stays in his spot on the shelf, and seems troubled.* "These guys were real easy to find, almost too easy. Not only that, but they said they were the only ones behind their respective incident and the ones before it. Despite that, the next breech would always happen, and a new "perp" would always confess. It also seems like nobody wants to touch this case with a ten foot pole, and every organization that hired us to help out simply gave us our cash and shooed us away. Raidou, myself, and Narumi all agree there's a lot more going on here than we know, and we won't settle for taking the money and leaving whoever's at the head of this to run free."

Just a passerby, ignore me.

Hmm.... if the people who are victimized want you to stay out, odds are blackmail is involved. As for new perps, always claiming to be the only one.... have any of them been looked at psychologically? To determine if a sudden change of personality occured?

*Tatsuya walks in through the doors and looks around at the assembled group* Oh you got into this too huh Raidou? I'm not really surprised... Weird as hell ta see so much information being taken. *He pauses for a moment and snaps his fingers* Though what really concerns me is if anything else has been taken yeah? Kirijo, The Ring. All these bastards have something supernatural so... What's to say these people behind it aren't trying to collect such powers for some reason? Also. *He grins at the boy and the cat before leaning back against a wall* I'd offer my qualifications but I think you two know by now that I've got Experience.

*Kalib grumbles as he crosses his arms once more.* Taking the comment that it wasn't a single person, but a group, I think I can see what they're doing. Trying to make us unable to see the forest for the trees. *Kalib scratches his head before leaving his arms at his sides.* But these people seem to willing to sacrifice themselves if my theory does hold any water. Why would they go to these lengths? Did they say anything unusual besides their simple confessions? Mig has a point, I'd be curious if these people are totally themselves.

*Alice would cross her arms and lower her head. She'd wait for Gouto to finish speaking on the next set of info he and Raidou had before even considering to share her thoughts... But she didn't have much else to say so she kept quiet. That is, until the others had spoke up.* The people who turned themselves in definitely raise suspicion, but what of those that you two have already been in contact with? To just pay up and shoe you away... It's almost as if they too are involved in the break-ins and don't want you to stick your nose into it. *Alice looks up and over to Tatsuya upon his arrival. She'd smile.* Another ace detective has arrived. You know about this case too Tatsuya?

*Raidou smiles at Tatsuya as he enters, and gestures for Gouto to continue explaining while he leaves to get refreshments for the group. He fwips his cloak of the hat rack with a flourish and leaves, leaving his partner behind. Gouto stands up and stretches before continuing.* "Glad to have you Tatsuya, not surprising someone as prolific as yourself already heard about this. Anyway, when we were grilling these punks, they were basically unable to uphold a conversation, too busy blubbering about how guilty they are and begging us to let the previous perps go. The first one didn't do the second thing, naturally. The behavior is really odd, and leads Raidou and I to believe there might be some sort of mind control going on here."

I'm just a little good at connecting potential dots is all. The bulk of the work is done by people like Raidou, Alice. *Thinking over this new information, Delta voices a few thoughts.* So it might not be a stretch to believe that some mental manipulation could be at work here... Mind control, hypnotism... perhaps changes of hearts? That seems more far fetched thinking about it. What other ways of coercion can you all think of that could change how a person even thinks?

*The cat nods at Alice and Delta, and leaps off the cabinet.* You're right girl, the clients just giving us the boot is cause for suspicion. If we're to run with the mind control theory, then it's entirely possible that our clients were afflicted as well.

*Barely thinks for a moment.* It makes me think there's changes of heart going on here. It's been done before where people were driven into temporary psychosis, unstoppable guilt, or even killed. Controling a Shadow to make the victim confess to these crimes seems just a step further than all that.

*Tatsuya nods at Alice* Yeah I've been looking into it... Didn't know where the guys went till now though. *A look lights up on his face, showing he's obviously intrigued by the thought of dealing with something different from the usual gods and such of this place* Anyways yeah mind control is possible... What about black mail of some kind? You two think we might be dealing with someone abusing good ole mind readers? And besides... Maybe they just don't think it's worth pissing these guys off? Probably someone or something big behind this, assuming of course it's really one thing at all.

I guess another question would be if these people could've committed the crimes anyway? Like, I doubt an average schmuck like myself could get past Kirijo Group security. Did anything stand out about them? *Kalib shudders.* I'd hate to really bandwagon on the thought of manipulation...but if all of these folks were able to be put under....what does that say for us?

... Well good news is I'm probably fine Kalib, I've dealt with that sorta shit before. Uh bad news is even I'm not totally immune and well I doubt anyone else here bar perhaps Raidou has the know how to deal with that crap. So it doesn't say anything good to sum up. But hey maybe it only works on weak minded fools? *He sighs and glances around the room, suddenly realizing that for all most of these people have seen? In truth they're still not really used to dealing with magic, not after a few months in many cases.*

*He grips his right arm with his left.* Right. Only the weak minded. I'm sure it'll be fine...

Yeah I doubt the victims are being manipulated in the same was as the "culprits." More likely the victims were told if they sought help their information would be released publically. I imagine for evil cults and mega-corporations that would shut them up immediately.

Haha no probably not. That was just me trying to reassure you guys, honestly we should probably assume the worst and just kill anything that looks at us funny... If we're really unlucky there's some serious bullshit like dream based mind control going on, then god only knows how to defend yourselves honestly. *Tatsuya rubs his chin in thought for a moment before shrugging* Eh that's possible Mig but I'd rather not discount that the victims are under the control of our foe. It's just too early to rule anything out here.

*The feline hops onto Alice's head, a new favorite spot of his and continues his explanation.* "We even tried giving the perps' minds a good scrubbing, nada. Completely hollow inside. That furthers our little mind control theory. As for these punks' qualifications, nothing to speak of. All of them were random Joe Blows off the street, which would make them expendable to a boss with a greater goal in mind." *He turns to Migrant, inquisitively.* "Changes of heart are possible, especially given the amount of people who can use that Metaverse thing nowadays. On the note of blackmail to our clients though, you make a good argument. We assumed mind control might have been to blame, but maybe it wouldn't be possible to get into the head of someone as important and well-guarded as the victims here."

Well as big a threat a number of us are there's bound to be some reason we aren't or simply can't be affected. If this is somehow related to changes of heart, all of us besides Raidou have Personas, exempting us from Palaces or areas of Mementos where our Shadows can be manipulated. On the other hand, if this is some other method of messing with people then we may only be safe as long as we remain inconspicuous. The fact that despite all that's happened most of the populous doesn't notice the supernatural probably helps. *Delta taps his foot in slight annoyance.* Speculation is one thing, but how much more is known for certain? Maybe if we could question the first arrested suspect...

So let's say that there is person or a group of people or- *At this point, Gouto had assumed his position atop Alice's head. Her expression would go blank as she tried to understand why the cat would find this a suitable spot but also why she was chosen over the others. Eventually she regained her thought process and continued, ceasing to think on the bizarre act for the moment.* Ahem, sorry. Whatever the thing is, even if it can control people's hearts and minds, or at the very least those of "random Joes," what does it even want with the private information of these victims? Blackmail is indeed highly probable, but what could our mystery villain be blackmailing them for?

Not to mention the amount of mind control needed to stop, say, the Kirijo Group from seeking aid. A cult you can shut down by just taking over its head. But a company like that, if someone went after JUST Mitsuru, there'd be others who would still push for your aid.

Hmm... If they're using changes of hearts then maybe we could track them in the Metaverse? I would assume there's a trail of dead shadows leading to the victims, though no telling if it's Mementos or Palaces...

What... *Kalib pauses for a moment.* ...no that wouldn't make any sense...even if it was a CEO of one of these companies pulling the strings, it doesn't make sense to put your company in as much disarray as the others. *Kalib starts to pace along the back of the room.* So a working theory of an interdimensional imterloper with powers of suggestion and, or, access to, and knowledge of, the Metaverse. But that still leaves a resounding "Why". Someone who gets off on seeing others suffer? But to this extreme? *Kalib stops in his tracks.* I agree with Delta on the point of talking to the perps and even the victims need be. There's something here, and it's just under our noses...

*Raidou returns, carrying hopefully non-supernatural drinks for everyone. They notably aren't Shin-Sekai brand, so at least there's that. He arrives in time to hear what Delta was saying, and shakes his head no. Gouto speaks for his silent partner as usual while Raidou puts the sodas on the table.* "Unfortunately, with our clients dropping us like a sack of mud, we don't have the clearance to get into the station to question the guy. Unless we have an inside man in the police force, we're outta luck. As for what this supposed boss would want, it really can't be anything good. As Tatsuya put it, all of the places that have been breached are supernatural in nature, so if someone were behind this then they must have something to gain from digging through areas like these. We really can't be sure if they're using the Metaverse or what, Raidou and I are sorta lacking in ways to get there."

Well I don't have an in with anyone. I mean I know that detective boy--er, girl around the Cafes a bit. But not enough to go asking for interrogation permissions. Anyone else got friends or family in the police?

*Taking one of the sodas with a nod of thanks to Raidou, Delta continues speaking some of his thoughts.* If checking the Metaverse is something we'd want to try then I think most of us have the app on our phones.... The Kirijo deal mostly with Shadows, but what are some of the supernatural elements these other companies and organizations deal with? There may be something to connect them together.

Wait a second....what if we stop looking to the past! What if we try and focus on where a "next" attack would be targetted! We catch the next guy in his tracks and make him talk! *Kalib snaps his fingers before bringing a hand to his chin.* But where would be left to target? I barely know any of the big organizations in the Nexus...ehehehe... *Kalib would follow Delta's lead and grab a beverage, cracking it open and taking a sip.*

I uhm... No ties on my end. *She'd frown at Migrant merely mentioning family ties but go right on with what she had to say.* But don't we want to avoid gaining notoriety? I think a direct confrontation with the police or any sort of authority figure might be counterproductive. *Upon Delta's recommendation of entering Mementos for further investigation, she'd nod.* I think that's a sound idea Delta. We'd have to leave Raidou and Gouto behind but we'd at least have a starting point for further investigation. Do you think it might also be possible to encounter the shadows of the ones who turned themselves in?

Actually, figuring out who is next would give us a chance to catch the true culprit. But... I think Yu would remind us that's basically impossible...

*Tatsu grabs a soda absently and starts thinking aloud* Ring is Demons Delta, beyond that uh... Kalib has the right of it I think yeah. *A lightbulb seems to go off in the man's head* What about Genm Corp? They've got that weird Kamen Rider tech, might not be magic but if someone is getting powers I'd wager they want in on it. *He looks at Alice curiously, wondering why she's not aware of how her own equipment works* No we'd have no reason to leave them, Metaverse Navi pulls anyone in just fine and I can't think of any issues with those two coming... Alice how much do you know about that stuff anyways?

Actually if ANYONE would have a Palace it'd be that ass of a CEO they have.

*Raidou picks Gouto off of Alice's head by his head and carries him over to the desk. Raidou takes a seat and plops the cat on the desk.* "Hey lemme go you punk or I-ahem. Sorry. Uh, well the Ring of Gaea is known for association with demons, and anything supernatural that leads to chaos, really. Other than that, it was mostly legislative systems across the multiverse that don't have a ton to do with the supernatural. I do agree with you Alice, we need to lay low if possible. If we had a covert way of getting to that guy it'd be worth a shot, but as it stands we should probably keep to ourselves. Feel free to go to that place by the way, it'd be well worth a shot." *Raidou perks up at Kalib's suggestion, and points at him as if to say "Now there's an idea!".*

*Kalib dons a shy smile at the recognition before turning to Tatsu.* I think Tatsu might've found a decent candidate too! Go team! This is what I'm talking about! On that note...I have no idea who they are...I've only heard of these Kamen Riders. *Kalib would notice Alice's reaction to the earlier comment but leave it for later.*

*Alice, upon being questioned by Tatsuya, looks dead ahead and seemingly off into space. She wouldn't really react when Raidou came to get Gouto off of her head as she seems to be stuck in thought. After her short, awkward pause, she becomes animate again and shakes her head.* I uh... How silly of me. I guess I overlooked that possibility Tatsuya. Eheh... *She'd be rubbing the back of her head, clearly embarrassed at her own foolish mishap and unsure really of how to proceed. She'd go back to quiet mode afterwards as she'd rather avoid another embarrassing situation, especially since she actually doesn't know anything about whatever the heck a "Kamen Rider" is.*

So with all this being said why don't we split our attention a bit. Gathering information like these case files isn't my forte, but investigating Mementos is something I'm confident at. If you two could maybe compile a list of potential targets then some of us can check out the people's cognition. This Gemn Corp. seems worth looking into if Tatsuya thinks they could be targeted. *Drinking some of the soda he took Delta would wait for the others to say something he could latch onto or respond to his suggestion.*

I'm with Delta, subtlety isn't my forte... *He'd place down his drink and crack his knuckles.* .... knocking around heads however, is. So I'll partake in amy expeditions through Mementos and try to get it straight from the horse's mouth!

*Raidou nods at Delta's suggestion, and yawns. Judging from the obvious bags under his eyes, he's been without sleep for a few days. Gouto looks at Raidou, before turning to the group.* "Why don't we call this little meeting adjourned for now, and meet up another time? Thanks for coming by folks, and stay safe out there."

*Tatsu looks around at the others, wondering if anyone has something else to add before he speaks up* Since I don't think all of us are yet familiar with Riders I'll sum them up. Kamen Rider tech somehow or another creates superpower granting armor out of thin air... The ones Genm Corp build happen to be based on gaming, but silly factor aside these people still hit like a truck and have various weapons. That being said one needs special surgery to use said devices so most people can't make anything of it... Genm likely knows how to perform that though and our mystery foe may go for said info. *He takes a deep breath and sips from the soda before continuing* Beyond that yeah I say we go down the list of targets and check out the Metaverse, just sitting around waiting isn't going to crack any case so best keep on the offensive here.

*Alice stuck around for Tatsuya's Kamen Rider explanation but she was eager to get going after Gouto had given them the go-ahead to head home. Once he finished his info dump, Alice hurries for the door without hesitation or so much as a "see you later." It would seem that she took that one slip-up of her's very seriously and had since been drained of her confidence.*

Power granting armor? I can dig it. *Kalib nods at the suggestion to head out.* Well I got some business to tend to. I'll be in touch! *He'd wave off his friends and grab his soda. Before heading out he'd glance back at Alice with concern but swiftly looks away and leaves.*

*After taking this information in Delta too, would leave the agency. Retying the rope connected to the four tires, he runs off to continue his training.*