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"Have you heard? The story of the Death Bridge." Charlie spoke in an eerie tone, a flashlight shining on her face, the clubroom completely covered in darkness as she narrated. "Under the lamp bridge infamously known for its name as the Death Bridge, at the dead of night anyone who wanders under the bridge will be pulled underneath it's dark abyss, your very blood will be drained." she paused, gazing at Evan and Christine. "It is said that the very few who have survived havel been etched with a deep scar which calls their name." she turned off the flashlight, walking to open the curtains.
"So? Did that make your heart beat?" she uttered with a hint of pride in her tone, but was met with a dead stare by Christine.
"Hey!!! Try to pretend at least you were a bit fascinated. You know I'm renowned as the best horror/ghost story teller." Charlie reacted, trying to comfort herself.
"Ohhhh??" Christine raised her head, trying to sound impressed.
"Don't just 'ohhhh?' me"
"How about a second one. I'd love to know more." Evan said, showing a hint of interest.
"Finally, someone who gets it," Charlie face revealed a hint of admiration as she cleared her throat prepping for the next one.
"The sign under the big statue at Macclesfield square is said to house a big secret only a few natives know. Every now and then, under the face of the full moon, a glistening light is said to be revealed, the light stretches towards an old cabin at the edge of town. What's in the cabin? No one knows, but I.." A light knock came from the door of the clubroom, interrupting her speech, "Just when I was getting to the good part." Charlie wailed, but was cut short by a second knock.
"Come in" Christine called out, adjusting herself in her seat.
The door opened revealing a girl dressed in a creamed colored silk dress with a high neckline and flowing sleeves, her hair styled with long loose curls; black base with vivid blue highlights. She walked towards the centre of the room, raising a sheet of paper, "I'm Mary Tsubasa. I'm applying as a member of the MIC, I'll be in your care." She said with a Japanese bow.
"You're Japanese?" Evan highlighted.
"Yes." she replied.
"Transfer student? So late in the semester?" Charlie spoke.
"Yes, but if it's okay with you I'd love to be part of your club." Mary replied with a smile.
"Your application is approved.." Christine approved the application, getting up from her seat as she walked towards Mary to give her a warm handshake.
"Who made you the class representative?" Charlie grumbled.
"Welcome to the MIC." Christine smiled.
"How about a welcome party? Drinks at that famous restaurant after school." Evan suggested.
"I'm down for it." Charlie raised a hand.
"I'd love that." Mary replied.
"But before that how about a school tour? I'll show our new member the ropes" Christine opted for a school tour, tugging Mary's hand as they both left the clubroom.
After a few minutes of walking in silence, Mary decided to break it as she spoke with a clear voice.
"Rin-sama, Sugomora-sama sends her regards."
"Oh, you've been briefed?" Christine chuckled, a sly grin curving on her lip.
"Up to speed."
"From now on you shall call me Christine, no honorifics at the end." Christine turned up a path to the stairs.
"But that would be disrespectful." Mary shrieked.
"We're almost the same age and it'll put our efforts to waste if you called me that. Just Christine, okay?" she turned to look at Mary, placing her hands on her shoulder drawing up close as she whispered in her ear. "Don't forget," she redrew her hands looking directly in her eyes, noticing a faint flush creeping up her cheek. "Now, there's this game I really enjoy playing, wanna join?" she continued her walk up the stairs.
Just a few seconds after Christine and Mary left, the remaining two sat in the clubroom, contemplating about Christine's attitude.
"Never thought Christine was the chummy type," Evan chuckled, "But it's sometimes nice to see a whole new side of her."
Charlie slumped on the desk, "And after all my hard work, she just got up and left. But it did kind of looked like they were acquainted... Not like me thinking is gonna help, she's just gonna keep it all to herself even though I asked." she grabbed a strand of her hair, rolling it.
"How about some ghost hunting?" Evan stroked his chin, glancing at Charlie from the corner of his eye.
"Ohh!" She got up from her position, the thought and sound of it piqued her interest. "And what do you suggest?"
"Just something a little intriguing."
- - -
Night had fully descended over downtown Los Angeles, casting a mosaic of shadows across the Museum of Contemporary Art's angular architecture. The museum's sleek facade, a testament to modern design, stood in contrast to the darker, narrower alleys flanking it – alleys that played host to movements far removed from the art world's polished public face. Three figures moved with practiced stealth toward the museum's rear door.
They approached the unassuming back entrance, a spot they'd surveilled meticulously beforehand. One of the trio, skilled with technology and wearing a black glove that hinted at both proficiency and precaution, worked swiftly on the digital lock securing the door. His fingers danced with precision, bypassing security protocols with a quiet efficiency that spoke of rehearsal. With a muted click, the alarm fell silent, and the heavy door swung open soundlessly, as if inviting them into the museum's nighttime quiet.
Inside, they navigated with economical movements through dimly lit corridors, their footsteps absorbed by the institutional stillness. Their destination: the Modern Wing home to "Kanojo no Yume" ("Her Dream"), a painting notable not just for its aesthetic impact but for threads it held to powerful interests – interests the underground staked in. The artwork, a fusion of traditional Japanese motifs with avant-garde expression, hung prominently on a wall, spotlighted for dramatic effect even in the gallery's nighttime dimness.
The robbers worked deftly, their tools suited for the task. With careful cuts, they freed the canvas from its frame, taking seconds to roll "Kanojo no Yume" meticulously, avoiding creases or damage. The rolled painting fit into a custom bag, designed for both protection and discretion.
They exited into a narrow LA alley, flanked by the museum's wall and backs of commercial buildings lining Main Street. Neon signs from nearby businesses cast fragmented glows across wet pavement – remnants of earlier rain perhaps – adding an eerie patina to their swift departure. Ambient city sounds – the hum of distant cars, a police siren's faint, Doppler-shifted wail from blocks away – masked their movements effectively.
A black sedan waited with engine idling softly, parked unobtrusively down the alley, its dark tinted windows reflecting alley lights like opaque mirrors.
Just as luck would have it, a very peculiar figure strided along the alley way, hands brushing against the buildings as she stepped on puddles.
"Hurry!" one of them called out as they rushed through the alley, bumping into her forcefully. Without a second glance she placed her hands on his head, knocking him out with a blow. The remaining two shrieked, dragging their fallen friend along. "Tsk, we don't have time for this." They slipped into the car quickly; "Kanojo no Yume" lay hidden among them now.
As the sedan pulled away smoothly, blending into Los Angeles's night traffic flowing like dark rivers through the city's grid, the art piece's possession played into larger dynamics. The car turned a corner onto a busier street; headlights swept across nighttime crowds at a popular bar-restaurant intersection.
"Should I have stopped them?" she uttered to herself, pondering on the right answer, "It can't be helped. It's a pain to get involved in matters like this." she glanced at the sky, "Though I think I just got myself looped in a bigger case." she tossed the can of soda she was holding, raising herself in the air as she gave it a forceful kick which sent it flying towards a car.
"Hey!!" the driver called out.
"Sorry." she replied with a sheepish smile, whistling away as she strided down her path. She glanced at the walls then at her phone, cracking up her fists. "Where did he go?"