AQ- The News Room [Rachel, Miura, Inukami]

[Rachel]

The News Room

+ Description: For some reason or another, you (and maybe someone else, too) have wound up in the Library’s storage room--maybe you’re helping a teacher or librarian find something, maybe you’re just snooping around--but in looking for whatever you were interested in, you find something else… what is this, a lever?

+ Examine what the lever reveals: +2 Guardians, +2 Faberge, -1 Roost

+ Take from what the lever reveals: +1 Guardians, -2 Faberge, +2 Roost

+ Vandalize what the lever reveals: -2 Guardians, -1 Faberge, +2 Roost, +1

+ Decide not to pull the lever at all: +3 Guardians, -2 Faberge, -1 Roost

+ Requirements: Tag for X-mod

+ Submitted by

---

"Okay, I need this one, this one...and.." Rachel whispered as her finger trailed on the aligned books that were in astronomy row. "-And this~" she grinned. Each book she picked up were thick pages containing theories and the lore of outer space she probably already knew before. Some she even read already, but she couldn't help but to check them out again. She remembered back when she first arrive into the academy that reading from another language was at times, quite challenging. But now that she got a good grip on reading and speaking outside of her native language, she thought it would be best to reread some of the books she had enjoyed reading before. She suspected that she had a difficult time interpreting some of the words in several of the pages and in the end, it left her without as much knowledge as she had hoped to find. 

Once she got ready to pick a place to read, she noticed the librarian looking quite distressed from the other end of a course from where Rachel stood apart by. "Hmm?" she cocked a brow upwards then she looked back down at her books. "Maybe I should assist." she thought to herself. Before attempting to go after the adult, she went ahead and continued looking for a space to put down her books. Most of the seats were taken except the one from the far left end corner. "Aha~" she made her way there and finally placed her books neatly in the middle after stacking them up. She clapped her hands as if she was getting dust off of them and then started to walk over to the adult.

--

After discovering that they needed to find two books they have misplaced them somewhere in the library. After hearing that, Rachel insisted of looking for the missing items herself while the librarian returned to their workspace. She had a clear schedule and didn't mind knowing she would use some of her time for helping. As the librarian and Rachel separated, the red-haired student already began searching.

Kou , Koemi

[Koemi]

Oh the library, such a sacred place for the ones that seek knowledge, to immerse their minds in a story and delight themselves in the serene silence. Such a place didn't fit Koemi at all. The hyper girl that could barely stand still for 10 minutes. The one that could not keep a low voice even during a movie. Alas, today Koemi was on a mission. A quest to change herself!

“Kou-kun wait up!” She was walking a few steps behind her male friend, and carrying a pile of books that was almost falling out of her arms. That's right today Koemi decided to turn into a book worm! Open her mind to endless knowledge! And ho boy, food for the brain surely weighed a lot! “I said wait up--oh sorry, forgot to keep my ‘indoor voice’...sorry!” It was probably the third or fourth time that she heard a ‘shhh!’ directed at her. Nevertheless her intentions on learning were pure! All she needed now was a place to sit to tackle all those books.

Looking for a table however turned out to be quite troublesome. With books juggling in her arms and a limited field of vision, plus all the tables she looked at were taken. When her eyes finally spotted an empty spot for her to finally free her arms--!!! Someone took it. “Noooo!” Koemi cried in a muffled low voice. “Kou-kun you were too sl---” Looking around her, Kou was nowhere to be seen. “Kou-?” Koemi tried to look for her lost friend, peeking her head through the many rows of bookshelves, one by one. However after a few minutes she spotted a girl that looked familiar..it was the girl who’d taken the last seat!

Unable to help herself, Koemi started to follow the mysterious girl, engaging on a stealth mission. Red ginger hair, and purple eyes, the girl didn’t seem to be Japanese. A foreign student, how exciting! Oh dear...Koemi’s English wasn’t that good though! While thinking, she forget to keep the balance of her books. One after another they started to fall out of Koemi arms, causing a loud TUD noise on the floor. Her location was revealed, and at this rate it would be really easy to spot her. “Oh-nonono!!”

[Kou]

Recent gossip at Seiyo Academy had lead Kou to plan an investigation of his school’s library. (He could never resist uncovering a good hidden mystery!) There was just one tiny complication- it’s name was Koemi.

The duo had grown inseparable over the past few months, and though he had come to enjoy her presence, there were times where teaming up proved inconvenient. Such as right now. He was attempting to be stealthy, yet she may as well have been holding a sign saying ‘NOTICE US’ in big- bold- glittery letters. It made his unsuccessful search of the bookshelves, all the more frustrating. Where were the magical bookcases that doubled as a revolving door leading to secret underground passageways?

“Sorry, did you say something? I didn’t quite hear you over everyone else in the room.” The silence surrounding them made her voice much louder. “Are you sure you have enough books? Because I think I saw ‘Stealth 101’ and ‘Whispering for dummies’ over there.” Luckily his words did nothing, and the pig-tailed girl carried her selection of books elsewhere. He decided not to follow to use the opportunity for searching solo.

Examining every inch of the library, especially the parts he didn’t have access to, would surely rise suspicions. He hoped Koemi would make a good distraction. With all eyes on her, the librarian wouldn’t notice him in the shadows. However, the woman was already busy talking to a ginger haired student. Being a nosy guy, Kou held a book up and listened in on their conversation. It was nothing quite interesting, (something about missing books) though it gave him an idea. Maybe he could use this girl's library searching privileges to his advantage.

With perfect timing, Kou’s partner in crime stumbled in the next aisle over. Well, that was one way to make an entrance. Now he had an excuse to put his plan into motion. He joined the two girls, while wearing a perfectly surprised expression. “Koemi-chan, are you okay? I was so very worried when you disappeared.” He played the part of the helpful classmate, as he picked up scattered books. However, his true intentions were to initiate conversation with the second year. “She’s such a klutz, this one. I hope she didn’t disturb your search-... ah, sorry. I couldn’t help overhearing.”

[Rachel]

The sound of someone dropping books and their body had startled the redhead. Rachel quickly turned her attention to the girl who had just fell. "Oh my goodness!.." she said with a hand over her mouth. Her only concern was the girl's safety even though the male student had mentioned she was clumsy. She walked over to her side and crouched down to stretch an arm at her way. "Are you alright?"

She looked back at the other student then closed her eyes and shook her head. "No not at all." she answered with a quieter tone. Although she was concerned about the girl, she was also wary of sounding loud. Most of all, she didn't want the librarian to think she was only playing around then to look for the missing items.

"Were you carrying so many books on your own?" she asked the student. "I got a place for you to sit them."

[Koemi]

Eventually the books stopped cascading from Koemi hands, leaving nothing but one book left intact. Koemi stood there, with a stupefied expression on her face, looking at the books scattered across the floor in dismay. Her attempt to play spy failed completely. Not only had the ginger girl spotted her but she also looked concerned about the mess she just made. “I--hum...opsy?” Koemi was far too embarrassed to form words properly, all she could do was muster an anxious laugh as she kneeled down to collect the books. “Y-Yeah!! I’m okay--” Accepting the kind helping hand of the girl, Koemi got back on her two feet. Her attention was soon shifted to Kou that seemed to be acting oddly concerned. “Chan?” Since when Kou call her using chan? “Aww, could it be you were so worried sick about me you--- Kou-kun! Hey! Don't call me klutz!” Her cheeks puffed as the male ignored her.

Something that Kou said did however catch her attention. Something about a search? ”Were you looking for something?” Koemi looked over the pile she had gathered all across the library. Did she happen to get a book that was not supposed to be read?! Either way this mystery book seemed far more interesting “Oh- I-...” The girl asked her again. Being closer to her Koemi could finally notice she was talking to a veteran. The combination of the exotic foreign looks and the senpai factor made koemi shutter. “hum, yeah,I- I mean! Yes senpai! I want to become a bookworm!...okay that didn't sound that good...ahem.” Her cheeks become light pink. “ I thought I could start reading more, sooo - of course I wanted to read hum … Simulacra and Simulation by Jean Baudrillard.” Did she really picked that? Ho boy. “S-sorry! I hope I didn't take the book you are looking for! The librarian already doesn't like me that much.” Koemi said the last part in a murmur. The last thing she wanted now was to upset the librarian even more . “Ah, sorry I didn't introduce myself yet! I'm Miura Koemi! And this guy over there is Kou-- hum, Inukami Kou.” Still mad at him from earlier Koemi turned to Kou with a pout on her face.

[Kou]

“The librarian asked you to look for something, no? What was it? Some missing books?” Kou tried to get the second years focus back on the task at hand, but her attention was solely fixed on his friend. Said friend wasn’t making things much easier, by talking on and on about sugar and spice and everything nice. If kou could facepalm in this moment, he would’ve. However, he still needed to keep up appearances.

“That’s great, Koemi. We all believe in you, sport.” He placed a hand on her head as if to pat it, but ultimately sliding it down her face in an attempt to muffle the chatter, and hide the pout. It was their usual comical banter, cause by the male’s impatience. He was putting on a charming smile for the foreign student, and continued to pry for his own quest of knowledge.

“Kou, at your service.” He took off where his friend ended her sentence, “So about those books! Why don’t we help you look for them?” Because they were both such kind souls, after all. But really, Kou just needed access to more of the library, without getting in trouble. “You know, I think I saw a large pile of books in the conference room. Then again, there was also the storage room that had boxes and boxes of books.” These were two closed doors he couldn’t just waltz right into, the third being the librarian’s lounge, but that’s where the woman was now at. Kou decided to leave that option for last, and hope he found something interesting in the two other places.

[Rachel]

The way she behaved when getting up made Rachel assume that she wasn’t in any physical harm. She felt relieved as she sighed. “I’m glad you’re fine. You seem like you can handle yourself well.” she continued talking in a calm tone and had hoped not everyone in the room can hear the three converting. She wouldn’t have minded this conversation if it was elsewhere, but she was amused nonetheless. “You’re trying to become a bookworm?” she crossed her arms as she grinned. “Well, there’s plenty of ways to do that. Is the book you’re checking out now a genre you’re interested in?”

Once the young female student introduced herself, immediately, Rachel placed a hand on her cheek as her brows raised. “Kou and..Koemi~ Your names are similar and that’s frankly...adorable! Excuse my late introduction also, my name is Rachel McGowen you don’t need to call me senpai at all.”

She wanted to continue her introduction to both of them retorted back to an assignment given to the red head. These two were fairly odd and yet made her feel nostalgic for how her brothers would act when she was back in Canada. The way they behaved made her think they must have known each other for quite a while to already be invasive of each other’s space. ‘They must be a lively duo and had many interesting moments together.’ she thought.“So you’ve heard the conversation the librarian and I had.” she didn’t think it was a bad thing that they must have overheard her though. He looked like he genuinely wanted to help and perhaps Koemi did as well. “I would be very thankful for both of your aid in searching for these missing books.” She took both options he pointed out into consideration. She tapped her chin as she looked up into the ceiling, squinting as a small hum was made. “Well.. I think the librarian wouldn’t mind people searching in either of those rooms.. I think we should go to the storage room since it has more boxes.” Perhaps while she was there, she could also find any books that would fit her interest she might want to collect later on.

[Koemi]

“Is there?!” The small girl blinked innocently, before her lips turned into a wide smile. “ See Kou-kun I told you I could!” Was there a way that didn't involve reading actual books? The more she looked at the pile she picked earlier, the sleepier she became. “Oh, hum..the kind that have lots of pictures…” The idea of becoming a book worm was dying rather quickly now. This mysterious search looked way more exciting!

Rachel McGowen...Such a cool sounding name! Just like a movie actress ( tough any foreign name reminded Koemi of actors). Even with the lingering feeling of embarrassment, Koemi couldn't resist chuckling too, and her nervousness slowly disappeared. Such a kind senpai! “Psss, Kou-kun, she said we are adorable! I like her already!” Koemi nudged Kou, her cheeks pink with joy. It was not everyday her name was followed by the word ‘adorable’! Well having Kou’s name there was also a bonus. “We can help you look for this book! Totally!” Koemi said in a cheerful (yet trying to be quiet) tone. As far as she was concerned she’d just found the nicest senpai of all and she wanted to repay her kindness! Plus wasn’t this like a treasure hunt? It surely sounded fun!

“The storage room?” Koemi tilted her head cluelessly. Didn’t the library have enough books at it was? Why keep even more books in storage? “Shouldn’t we look around here firs--” Her suggestion was cut short by the signals Kou was sending. “...Storage room it is!” Koemi showed her tongue to Kou as soon as Rachel turned around to guide them to the storage room. ”McGowen--er..Rachel...san?” While they walked to the ‘spooky’ (or Koemi hoped it would be) storage, Koemi thought it would be good to know more about Rachel. “Your japanese is so good! Where are you originally from? Is this your first time in Japan? Why did you come to Seiyo?” Koemi bombarded the poor girl with her numerous questions. After all, wouldn't it be great to get to know more people from school ~? Her grandmother would be proud!

[Kou]

“I think you heard wrong-” It didn’t matter. Any synonym of cute used in the same sentence as his name, made Kou’s cheeks redden. It was one thing he could never control upon command, even though he’d mastered the art of the ‘poker face’. It’s effectiveness was even greater, knowing that Rachel was addressing them both, as a duo. Of course Koemi had to repeat ‘that word’, causing Kou to look off to the side to hide his embarrassment.

Introductions weren’t something Kou particularly enjoyed. Gathering information on classmates and memorizing them for future reference, that was fun, but exchanging names felt so personal. Knowing friendly little Koemi, he’d probably have to get used to her inviting everyone she liked into their friend circle. Welcome to the wolf pack, Rachel.

No, bad Koemi! Kou made sure to press his foot against his friends, as she suggested looking around the bookshelves some more. He kept a pleasant smile, as to keep Rachel’s focus at the height level of their faces. With message received loud and clear, they all went towards the storage room. As expected, their journey to better places could not be a silent one. Kou let slide one of Koemi’s questions, and then another, before he realized they would never end. When Rachel wasn’t looking, he yawned and stretched his arms out, just so he could press the palm of his hand against Koemi’s cheek. “Would you look at that! We’re already here.” Kou moved ahead to open the door as would a perfect gentleman-- such as himself. “Ladies first,” He motioned for Rachel to pass, but when came Koemi’s turn he couldn’t help whispering playfully to her “I said ladies, Koemi.”

Inside the storage room, Kou could see plenty of things, tough mostly books and boxes. He wasn’t going to search with the girls, but rather for himself! There was a small corner with Christmas decorations, probably stored there for the library to use during the holidays-- that’s where he’d go. It was a little out of season to see a Santa plushie, and some paper gingerbread men, though.

[Rachel]

The way Kou easily felt flustered from being called cute from his name honestly made her make a small ‘daww’ noise under her breath. She took note of what Koemi said about the picture books. With the personality She had shown her, it did seem like her pace. However when it came to literature, Rachel was more persistent in recommending people stories with thicker pages and no illustrations in sight. If it weren’t for the task she offered herself with, she would have already guided the cute student around for other books in the library. Never mind that, it was time to head into the storage room.

“Oh, you think we should stay-” she wanted to say. Her brow perked at the sudden action those two were doing when Koemi suddenly changed her mind and shared the same conclusion of heading towards the storage room. “Um, then I guess over there!” she said with a nervous chuckle. She gave a small bow to Kou when he beckoned her to go in first. “You’re too kind.” She went over to one of the boxes and pulled it to her side as she began her search.

While her mind set into motion, she was of course, distracted by the pile of questions the smaller student kept giving. The redhead didn’t mind this since it was rare for her to talk about how and why she was present in the academy. “Thank you! When I first came here, I could barely mumble a ‘how do you do’ to those I pass by.” she confessed. “For a few months now, I would come greet my pen pal who I talked to when I was overseas to teach me better with my grammar so I can try to speak fluid.” She stacked the unwanted books to the side and kept looking at the half empty box. “I’m originally from Canada and yes, this is my first time here. I came because I was excited by all the things my pen pal had told me back when I was in my hometown.” she noticed a few things looked a bit dusty so she tried to blow it away even though some had caught onto her face. She balled her hand into a fist and turned before coughing slightly. Poor idea to do that. “And why I came to Seiyo? Mmmmm…” she tapped her chin as she tried to remember why. Once she found her reason, she snapped her fingers. “The school my pen pal was enrolled in didn’t have an exchange program. This school is close to her and it still had an exchange program still up so I chose here for that reason.” she said with a soft sigh. “In a way, I came here than the school I was initially going for when arriving to this country. I feel like I would learn better about..” she almost continued but she was still hesitant to those there who the eggs. From the last conversation she had with another student about that dilemma, she came to a conclusion almost everybody in this academy knew. And yet still, it was something she was unsure about. “Anywho! Did you two find anything yet?” she asked while opening one of the books that looked like it had the contents the librarian wanted. Still, there wasn’t anything yet.

[Koemi]

“Hey, I am the only Koemi here!” Koemi’s cheeks puffed, but quickly her miffed expression turned into a small grin. Even Kou, who liked to appear cool, got shy in front of Rachel! That's the power of a senpai! So far they had never been around second or third years. Maybe hanging out with Rachel would help Koemi see a side of Kou she didn’t see yet! Surely it would be good to make more girl friends.

Because surely Rachel would not step on her foot like Kou just did… “N-No it's okay! Onwards is always the best way!” The tip of her foot was still aching a bit. Right when she felt it fading, her cheek was gently met with Kou’s hand...Only the definition of ‘gently’ was a sudden push that made her head tilt. With her cheek still squished, Koemi looked at Kou from the corner of her eye with a ‘What? I am talking quietly!’ look. She entirely missed the point, but nonetheless they arrived at their destination. She was ready to go in aannnddd Kou was teasing her. Again. “Ashaoghfdof!!!” Koemi fumed in silent protest, shaking her hands in the air as she passed through the door. She didn’t want to startle Rachel after all!

The storage was...ordinary. Koemi was hoping it would be spookier, like in the movies. Her eyes lazily scanned the area, but only boxes appeared in sight. Luckily Rachel’s voice kept her entertained while she ‘looked around’. “Canada!? Wow I’ve never been there before!” As a matter of fact she’d never been outside Japan. It would be fun to be adventurous and travel around the world. “You must have a really good pen pal friend!” Koemi nudged a box with her feet while secretly hopping something would pop out of it. “Aw..too bad you couldn't stay at your pen pal’s school though. But Seiyo is really great! Don’t you agree Kou-kun?” Her eyes automatically searched for him. To her surprise he was with...Christmas decorations! Being the most interesting items in the room, Koemi gleefully made her way to them. “I am sure your friend is very proud of you Rachel!” Koemi was starting to get distracted by the many ornaments. Despite being stored away, they were still well polished. Koemi could see her reflection in them. Gradually she forgot the main reason they came there, especially when she saw a Santa hat. “Hey look what I found!” Koemi shook off the dust and happily put it on her head. The little pom pom on top fell to the left side. “I am a Santa now!” If only the hat was a size smaller…

“Rachel, Kou-kun look look!” Koemi tried to spin around, to show off the hat she found. However she miscalculated her space. The area was too full of boxes. Soon enough she stumbled on some a xmas lights that tangled around her foot. Just like that, her balance was lost. “WAAH!” Koemi threw her arms up to regain balance but it was too late, she was already falling. The pile of boxes that was behind her toppled one by one and she felt ...books...land over her. Not as soft as she’d like them to be. “Ouch…” But at the very least...the hat was fine! “I-I am okay!” The same could not be said for the boxes. An entire wall of them fell down!

[Kou]

 Discussions about traveling abroad alone struck a chord. Negatively so, as it reminded Kou of his much more intelligent brother, who was in the process of doing just that. As riveting as her story was, he brushed thoughts of his twin aside to focus solely on finding potential hidden goodies. His lack of response didn’t mean he wasn’t registering the information the Canadian female was saying, but building friendships was never his strong suit to begin with. Besides, Koemi was doing a good job with the small talk, so he just had to make himself inconspicuous. Easier said than done with the out of season decorations catching the attention of the sugar addicted first year, who was now interrupting his search. “Oh, yes. There’s no better school in the entire world.” He commented, all the while wondering why the second year had let her words trail off in the previous sentence.

“What’s a Santa?” Though most everyone knew who the jolly man was, Kou would pretend to be unaware of ol’ Saint Nick. “Looks like there’s a bunch of interesting stuff over here, Rachel.” He watched alongside the second year as Koemi put on a show, that eventually caused an avalanche of books to rain down on top of her. There was barely any time to react, but luckily his assistance was not needed. The festive ballerina was in one piece, despite being buried under a ton of books. One of them would surely be what the two female students were searching for, but that was old news to Kou, who was now aware of something else of interest. “Jackpot…!”

The male went over to his first year friend, suggesting that he was there to free her from her paperback prison. However, his eyes were fixed on the object that remained standing after the wall of boxes had crumbled at their feet: A lever! “I knew it…” Kou whispered to himself, before finally looking down at the mess, and his friend. “Oh, Koemi…? What are you doing just laying around? Aren’t you supposed to be searching?” He kneeled down to offer a hand, but moved it away at the last second to pull the oversized santa hat over her eyes. “Good job, twinkle toes~” Though he teased her, he wasn’t all that mean. He did aid with the removing of books and boxes from atop her person-... Since he wanted to get to the lever, and the only way was to clear a path.

“This has been fun and all, but I’m afraid I’ll have to get going now.” With all the commotion those fallen books had made, the first year didn’t want to stick around and wait to be lectured by the librarian. He had to find out what would happen once he pulled this lever! He’d be capable of making his own way from here, but he did owe credit where credit was due. If it wasn’t for Rachel’s permission to search the library, and Koemi’s clumsy feet, it would’ve taken him much longer to get to this point. Feeling like he owed them a little, the male hesitated to pull the lever. “Do you guys want to see what happens?”

[Rachel]

She didn’t display it, but she felt genuinely happy to hear the female student find fascination of her homeland. “I visit her often so it’s not like I can’t be in touch with her and stuff.” she shrugged to with a grin. She placed her hand on her cheek for a moment and chuckled. “I’d be honored of her proudness then. Perhaps if we have some free time, I can give you both a little bit of experience of Canada~” she insisted. Perhaps cooking up one of her favorite dishes she always ate there or showing them some of the items she still has when she moved to Japan could be enough.

Even though she was busy replying to Koemi with her lively responses, she was still focused on the subject at hand. Her attention to looking through the stacked books only broke when the small student called out to both of them in request to looking at her. “Before she could say anything about her amusing setup, she instead gasped as she heard the loud clash of books and the poor girl falled from behind. She got up and also came to her side worriedly but soon came to a halt when Kou came between them. While she expected him to carefully remove her from the mess, she instead witness him lightly chastise her. Even though it wasn’t in her place to think hardly of it, she did so anyways as she crossed her arms at the male. She knew Koemi’s actions might alarm the librarian but she felt like she was prepared to come up with an alternate reason for the commotion.

“-Pardon?” she asked with her arms still crossed and a brow raising up. “Leave? I thought you were going to assist..-” her voice drained to just a small mutter as her attention was now on the lever. She squinted her eyes at it then fixed her expression back to a calm gaze. “I don’t know..are we even allowed to touch it?” She wasn’t too keen on messing with things students shouldn’t touch. Before adding more thoughts on the object, she knelt down to the girl and stretched out a hand to her. “You’re not hurt are you?” Rachel knew the girl looked tough from small encounters like this but she couldn’t help but to seem worried if she bruised her back or a small bump on her head.

[Koemi]

“Aw come on Kou-kun! Everyone knows Santa! He visits kids home in the middle of the night to give them presents! Coolest part he does all that without being seen!” Koemi adjusted the hat on her head “Tho I wonder how he is so sneaky even if he is chubby and old---” And then she met the floor. Tus just proving Koemi didn’t qualify to be a good Santa with causing so much noise. Oh bummer.

“...I am searching...the floor.” Koemi puffed her cheeks, at the very least she expected to get a helping hand to get up and be a little coddled after. But nope! Kou rather tease her as usual. “Gee would it hurt to be a gentleman?” Koemi wiggled her legs in a childish way. “See what I have to deal with Rachel? Boys don’t get us frail girls!” Even if she said that with a pout on her face, it was obvious that Koemi wasn’t really upset. Kou was kind in his own way after all. “Eh? Wait really?” Koemi looked up, like a puppy waiting for her heat to be patted. “Of course I did!...What did I do?” The small girl looked clueless as she was being helped out of the mountain of books.

“Lever what lever? Going where?” Koemi looked at Kou, then to Rachel and finally she tried looking up. Seemed like the pile of boxes she oh-so-gently knocked off revealed something. ”Whats tha---” However she couldn't see much as a book fell on her face just then. “Owff!” Knowledge hurt. That's why she preferred illustrated books! The book slipped off her face leaving a red spot on her nose. “I think the library don’t like me…” Koemi muttered, “Ah, don’t worry Rachel I am fine!” The dust left on her face made her sneeze though. Koemi rubbed her nose with her arm, before accepting Rachel’s hand. She got back on her feet, thanks to the girls help.

“Ohhh!!! There is really an lever?! Okay, now it’s getting exciting!” Her hands shook off the dust from her skirt and sweater. She would usually be more bothered by it, however the mysterious lever had her full attention now. “Might be over there? Schools don’t usually have levers do they?!” Such an enigma! Such wonders that could be on the other side of the lever! A secret room full of treasure! “Lets pull it!” Without thinking of the consequences, Koemi joined her hand on top of Kou’s hand on the lever...and pulled it!


Juon Miuna

[Juon]

_{((SORRY FOR DELAY replies will be quicker after this though! o/))}

The lever resounded with a large KACHUNK, and the bookshelf beside it began to vibrate. In a slow and mechanical motion, it slid backwards across the floor, until it clicked into place about two feet farther back than it had just been, settling into a hollow inlet in the wall behind it. What was now on the floor where the bookshelf had just been was...

A hole?

A square hole leading down in to the darkness, the railing of an old metal ladder attached to one of the sides sitting firmly visible and trailing down into the blackness below. There was a slight kick up of dust and an aged smell of stale air that wafted up from it, but it was quiet and maybe just a little bit eerie.

Around the hole, the floor was noticeably marked up, as if this bookshelf had made this movement many times in the past--but the floor around where it had been had distinct lines, telling that perhaps it hadn't seen this movement all that often recently, or at least not in quite a while. Nevertheless, it stood firm and very much there, ready for whoever wanted to make the climb down into whatever lied below.