======================== ARCANA GUIDE ======================== - chapters twenty-seven to thirty-eight: rise of the hierophant - - additions? subtractions? tell Erin at ee970@hotmail.com - ======================== TABLE of CONTENTS ======================== 1. Abbreviations used in this guide 2. Chapter Summaries 3. Some common powers of the Arcana 4. Character bios, to date a. Trumps b. the Minor Arcana c. other characters d. incidental characters ======================== ABBREVIATIONS ======================== P - Page o - Of P - Pentacles Kn - Knight B - Blades Q - Queen C - Cups K - King W - Wands A - Ace TRA - Tower Reversed Arcana (Miyuki's group) ======================== CHAPTER SUMMARIES ======================== Chapter Twenty-Seven: Falling Into A Trap / Brett Schimmel + Hierophant has World watching his 'puppet'. He states his plans as eliminating the Paradox (Natsu), then the Magician (Hotaru). World wonders why they do not go after Justice. + Tetsuya takes care of Hanako for the day, but she runs away, unwilling to be a bother. She runs into Maki, who takes her in. + Hotaru is down because she can't find Miyuki's parents. [25] + Victory is fixed. She wants revenge against Keisuke. [25] + Natsumi (the puppet), threatens Natsu to stay away from the Magician. Natsu refuses, and they fight. Natsumi is quite strong, and beats Natsu badly. Natsu unconsciously taps into her power and kills Natsumi. The Page of Cups heals Natsu's wounds. Natsu goes to jail. Chapter Twenty-Eight: Closer / Signus Megido + Hotaru visits Natsu in jail, and she explains how Natsumi seemed to be acting strangely, and how Natsu's wounds were mysteriously healed. + Chairman Oda (Hierophant) wins the candidacy for Prime Minister. He has past history with Will. Will's goal is to call the Kings to Tokyo. Hierophant wonders why Will has not killed Maki, as he had instructed. Will asks Hierophant to leave Natsu alone -- she is family, and he has his own plans for her. + Nakamura suspects Natsu's murder case has to do with Joker + Will (and Victory) go to visit Maki. He sees a cleaned-up Hanako, and is intrigued. Maki offers her to him if he does well. + Will introduces Hotaru-tachi to Rusty, Natsu's attorney. Rusty shakes Hotaru's hand, and it tingles. Offhand, he names her as Warlock. + World is watching. Chapter Twenty-Nine: Stir / Signus Megido + The voices in Joker's head have stopped, since Harlequin's death. He's fallen in love with Hotaru. He leaves her so as not to be a liability. + Will asks Hanako to tell him about the Tower Arcana + Natsu's trial begins. Natsu acts like a guilty person. Hotaru and Sumire feel a buzzing sensation at the trial -- another Arcana. They notice Hanako. Keisuke realizes that she is with Maki, and leaves to try and explain himself. [8] + Joker is spotted by the cops. He runs, is shot in the knee. He jumps into a river to avoid capture, but is saved by the Knight of Pentacles. Chapter Thirty: The More Things Change / Erin Ellis + The prosecution has finished their presentations, and Natsu has done her best to seem completely guilty. Hotaru still refuses to believe that Natsu did it. She goes to speak with Rusty. + Keisuke goes to ask Maki about Hanako, and her relationship with Will. Maki tells him that the best way to get the peace he desires is to unify all Arcana. He considers it. + Atsuko, the Knight of Pentacles, brings Joker to Maki. Joker decides this is a bad thing. Chapter Thirty-One: Lucid Dreams / Seiijuro + Tetsuya does a reading, looking for Hanako. The cards tell him that Hanako may be with Joker. + Joker escapes from Maki. + A man bearing the Hierophant card visits Maki in the middle of the night. + Hermit invites Natsu and Hotaru into the dream world. Joker tags along. Hermit explains himself and the nature of the Hermit. He is Magician-sensei. He can only give guidance, not use his extensive powers. Hermit explains the Paradox; her dream was not far from the truth. + Joker overhears someone say that Justice is the key to the fate of the Spread, but no one is there. Chapter Thirty-Two: Evil and Flowers / Erin Ellis + Hotaru reads in the paper that Joker has jumped off of a bridge. [29] + Natsu reflects on the dream. [31]. She has issues with the whole history of herself as Paradox. Tetsuya visits, tells her that Will/Chariot tried to kill Keisuke. [24] Natsu angers at the insult against her family. They are interrupted by Rusty. Rusty wants to know what really happened with Natsumi. He knows she is the Paradox. + Despite news reports, Nakamura believes that Joker is still alive. Sagara tries to change the subject, not wanting Nakamura to be pulled into the situation. He knows that Maki took Joker. Sagara takes Joker's tarot cards from Nakamura. [4] + World calls Hierophant into her world. She tells him that High Priestess has joined the Spread, for motivations unknown. She mentions awakening the Warlock, but does not elaborate when Hierophant asks. Hierophant questions her loyalty. + High Priestess attacks Joker, kidnaps him as one of the Magician's "toys" + Victory hit-and-runs Keisuke. [24] Chapter Thirty-Three: Inextinguishable / Brett Schimmel + Sumire and Arisa try (and fail) to see the comatose Keisuke at the hospital. [32] Arisa feels indebted to Keisuke [14], and vows revenge. Sumire doesn't think Arisa could take on Victory alone, and instead takes Arisa to the Tower Reversed. Hanako is there. She/Miyuki tells them there is an Arcana in Izumo -- the Page of Cups -- that can help Keisuke. + Hotaru, sad about Joker's (seeming) demise, goes to Natsu for support. Natsu is frustrated and is about to snap at her when Shiho appears. She supports Natsu, despite other friendships. + Maki is angry at Will getting rid of Keisuke, stating he still had uses. [30, 32] She orders Will to kill the Magician, and Atsuko to kill Will once he's done. Chapter Thirty-Four: Blurred Crystal / Signus Megido + Will goes to school, trying to knock out the Magician on his way to freeing Tower Reversed's Shackles. While fleeing the Tower Reversed [33], Hanako runs (literally) into Will. Feeling sorry for herself, she begins to cry. He finds this surprising, but comforts and takes her with him. Atsuko sees this, figuring her Queen won't like that very much. + Francine gives Chris a crystal to protect him from 'evil energies'. Reluctantly, he wears it. + Maki meets with Hierophant [31]. He asks her to join him, implying that she is too young and inexperienced to get what she wants. She refuses. Hierophant later meets with Hanged Man, writing off Maki as inconsequential. He instructs Hanged Man to concentrate on the Magician, and to find High Priestess and determine his intentions. Hanged Man implies his partnership with Hierophant is not quite rosy. + Tetsuya and Hotaru visit Keisuke at the hospital [32]. Tetsuya swears revenge on his assaulter. + Natsu counsels with Rusty [32]. She tells him everything that's happened so far, less her friend's names. He tells her about Will and himself. He obliquely threatens her for more information on Hotaru. + Healer patches up Joker. [32] + Chris asks out a girl at the arcade. It's Atsuko. Chapter Thirty-Five: Illness Illusion / Erin Ellis + Joker has a series of disturbing dreams -- High Priestess is seducing him against Hotaru. + Natsu is pardoned by the Diet. Rusty is disappointed he couldn't win the trial himself; Natsu, feeling guilty, is disappointed she was not judged. + Oda is angry at finding that he supposedly ordered a pardon of Natsu, and swears to find out who is manipulating him. + Sumire and Arisa arrive in Izumo, and start looking for Healer. [33] Chapter Thirty-Six: Endless Games / Anthon + Healer attempts to find the Blades so he can help Keisuke. Instead, High Priestess finds him and beats him badly. + Miyuki is frustrated over having neither powers nor form. Tower tells her her purpose will be revealed. + Joker is turned against Magician. [35] Chapter Thirty-Seven: Fate and Memories / Anthon + Hotaru comes to the Tower Reversed, and calls for Miyuki to help her with a reading. + Sumire and Arisa sense the Page of Cups-- but he is badly hurt. [35] + Maki is angry that Atsuko hasn't killed Will yet; she says she will when she gets a better chance. [33] Privately, she is horrified that Will and Chris are related. Chapter Thirty-Eight: Ashes, Ashes / Erin Ellis + The Blades find Healer; High Priestess has beaten him within an inch of his life. When they try to help him, he takes the potion intended for Keisuke and drinks it. He says he has been called by his King. + Natsu is depressed, feeling guilty over Natsumi. [27] Hotaru comes over and tries to cheer her up. Natsu finds that Hotaru had to quit drama club because of her. She tells Hotaru to stay away from her because she is dangerous. + Maki meets with Sagara. She tells him to find Joker, and find some way to destroy Chairman Oda. + Atsuko, becoming more and more taken with Chris, rats on Will [32] to the police. ======================== COMMON POWERS of ARCANA ======================== + Arcana can create a "field" -- a mirror dimension. A small bubble just outside of normal space and time. Normal people can get out, but not in; Arcana can get in, but not out. Nothing that happens there affects anything in the real world, except for living beings and objects closely associated with them (clothes, etc). Time does not stop, but timepieces do. Fields can be moved, if everyone within the field wills it so. + Arcana can use certain decks of tarot cards to determine what card they are aligned with + Arcana can identify other Arcana by a tingling feeling by touch and sometimes in the air ======================== CHARACTERS ======================== (Japanese names written Japanese-style; Surname Given name) (Trumps)---------------- Usono Ishido CARD/ALIAS: 0. The Fool, Joker INTRODUCED IN: chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: cares for/tries to kill Hotaru; used by Maki (QoP), High Priestess; past Fools APPEARANCE: Tall and thin, sharp, angular features, unkempt blue-black hair, bright black eyes. Red school uniform, cloak. DESCRIPTION: Sardonic, insolent. First year (10th grade)?, Shoshin High. Before being 'awakened', was a nerdy type. [15] Former Fools: Skald, Minstrel, Harlequin [29] POWERS: Blind luck in every situation. Uses a silver knife. Maintains the knowledge of all previous Fools (voices in his head) The Harlequin CARD/ALIAS: 0. The Fool (previous to Joker) INTRODUCED IN: chapter seven RELATIONSHIPS: Joker, Healer [18] APPEARANCE: looks like Joker, but with red hair, glowing red eyes, painted white face with black around eyes; multicolored patchwork suit; belled jester's hat (dream appearance) DESCRIPTION: A previous Fool; more evil, violent and twisted than Joker. When Joker is drained, will take over as his dominant personality. (No physical manifestation). Killed by Healer [20] POWERS: Can invade/affect others' dreams Komatane Hotaru CARD/ALIAS: I. The Magician, Firefly (Joker only) INTRODUCED IN: Chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: Mother, Father. Best friend of Natsu. Tenuous romance(?) with Joker. [16] Learns from the memory of the old Magician (Hermit) APPEARANCE: shoulder-length curly brown hair DESCRIPTION: Unassuming manner. Oversleeps often. Powder blue and pale yellow sailor uniform. First year (10th grade), Hataraku High. POWERS: As the Magician, controls the elements. FORMERLY: Other Magicians: Sorcerer [killed by Tower], Hermit, Warlock [evil] (reverse chronological order) High Priestess CARD/ALIAS: II. High Priestess INTRODUCED IN: chapter thirty-two RELATIONSHIPS: hates Hotaru, desires Joker, Healer, amused by Ace of Cups APPEARANCE: androgynous male. Very tall and slim, pale skin. Formless black cloak, sturdy black leather boots. DESCRIPTION: Obsessed with 'beautiful' things (pain and violence count as beautiful). Wants to destroy the Magician, and take everything she holds dear. Kidnaps Joker [32] POWERS: mental manipulation CARD/ALIAS: III. Empress DESCRIPTION: Maki desires to become Empress, and is amassing her forces towards this end. CARD/ALIAS: IV. The Emperor DESCRIPTION: the King of Wands believed he had taken this position, but Hanged Man assured him he was not [25] Oda Kazuhiro CARD/ALIAS: V. The Hierophant, Chairman Oda INTRODUCED IN: chapter 25 RELATIONSHIPS: Maki (rival), Hanged Man (employs), World, Will (old acquaintance) APPEARANCE: trim, late forties. Silver spectacles. Dresses well. DESCRIPTION: from previous Council Arcana. Hanged Man, World work for him, though do not seem to get along. Is waiting to take power from Maki. Majority Leader, Candidate for Prime Minister of Japan [28] Wants to take control of future to make up for past sorrows [34] Hates seasons. Victory CARD/ALIAS: VII. The Chariot INTRODUCED IN: chapter eighteen RELATIONSHIPS: Will Forrester (owner/??) APPEARANCE: mixture of ATV, WWII jeep and moon rover; green and yellow DESCRIPTION: Will possesses the Chariot in a co-dependent relationship... Victory can't do much, being in the shape of a car, and Will needs Victory to give him success in business and life. Jealous of Will's attentions? [34] POWERS: Winning Miyamoto Inazuma CARD/ALIAS: IX. The Hermit; Magician-sensei (Hotaru only) INTRODUCED IN: chapter thirty-one RELATIONSHIPS: Hotaru APPEARANCE: old man. wears a dark robe, monk's staff. DESCRIPTION: a former Magician (shows Hotaru the ropes) POWERS: has memories, powers of previous Arcana incarnation; can use powers of recent Hermits. Cannot interact, just give guidance to those who need it. Sokana Miyuki CARD/ALIAS: X. The Wheel of Fortune (the Fourth) INTRODUCED IN: chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: parents (never seen). Hanako (PoP) briefly stole her powers. [19] Killed by King of Wands. [24] Merged with Tower [25]. APPEARANCE: small and fragile. Straight, waist-length hair. Brown and yellow uniform. Pale silver-white eyes. Mirrored sunglasses. Age 12-13. DESCRIPTION: serious for her age POWERS: can see, affect possible futures (this Sight extends to the real world, so she can 'see' even though blind) CARD/ALIAS: XI. Justice RELATIONSHIPS: Sgt. Nakamura is hinted to possess it [5, 19] DESCRIPTION: This card is blind, comes and goes from its hosts at random. [24] Hanged Man CARD/ALIAS: XII. The Hanged Man INTRODUCED IN: chapter 19 RELATIONSHIPS: Maki (mentioned he was one of her 'uncles'), works for Hierophant APPEARANCE: upside down. Older man DESCRIPTION: Seems to have previously been part of the Council Arcana, though the KoW thought him dead. Works for Hierophant out of necessity; seems to be waiting for opportunity to betray him. [26] seems to have a bit of influence over Maki; thinks little of Will and Victory. Kills King of Wands [25] POWERS: uses silver wire to attack ??? CARD/ALIAS: XIV. Temperance, old man (Chris) INTRODUCED IN: chapter 19 RELATIONSHIPS: Chris Forrester APPEARANCE: old - white hair, beard DESCRIPTION: old man who spends lots of time at the Arcade. Good at Mystery Club Tournament Deluxe. Gives nuggets of wisdom to Chris; admires Chris' patience. Very old; since doesn't get involved in inter-Arcana conflict. The first Temperance [25] POWERS: personification of balance The Tower Reversed CARD/ALIAS: XVI. The Tower INTRODUCED IN: chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: Miyuki merges with it (him) [25] APPEARANCE: an upside-down tower deep within the earth; linked through a storage room in the school basement. The meeting room for the Council Arcana. U-shaped table, several chairs (one specifically for each Arcana). Spirit form can be seen by Miyuki; the indistinct form of a young man DESCRIPTION: Saves Miyuki from death by letting her merge with him. Traditionally the vehicle for constant, violent change, was roped into the side of Arcana-rule during the "Great War". Eventually, he was disillusioned, and decided to turn his powers on himself, creating the Tower Reversed. The magical backlash of this destroyed many of the Arcana; the others became the original Council. Tried to dampen powers when the Council left the TR for their own agenda. Wants Miyuki to merge with him to provide a connection to the physical world & the rest of the Arcana. POWERS: Reversed, so as not to stand for destruction (powers limited by his "Shackles" [34]). Others can tap the power, so long as are within the Tower Reversed. The Tower is constant; never died/been reborn. CARD/ALIAS: XXI. The World INTRODUCED IN: chapter 27 RELATIONSHIPS: Hierophant, Rusty APPEARANCE: traditional Japanese clothing; blindfold DESCRIPTION: seems to be an advisor to Hierophant; however, seems to have own agenda, and knows more than is revealing to Hierophant. POWERS: can See other Arcana (Minor Arcana)---------- Shirosawa Keisuke CARD/ALIAS: Knight of Wands (the 10th), Shirosawa-sempai INTRODUCED IN: chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: parents (at work/out of country), younger brother Masahiro. Friendly(?) tension with Tetsuya (KnoC). Working with Maki [8]. antagonism with Victory [24] APPEARANCE: very tall & broad; short hair, green eyes. DESCRIPTION: Good-natured, jovial, slightly awkward. Adored by girls; has a fan club. Third year (12th grade), Hataraku High. Baseball team captain (& star). Questions the direction of the TRA, Miyuki's motives. Somewhat pacifistic. Put into coma after hit-and-run by Victory [32] POWERS: Can control any Arcana's fields [24] Mr. Sudou CARD/ALIAS: King of Wands, Emperor, the Council INTRODUCED IN: chapter 23 RELATIONSHIPS: Miyuki (kills), Natsu (wounds) APPEARANCE: eighty year old man DESCRIPTION: The mighty Council, down to only him (and Temperance, who won't get involved); the shadowed figure who has been manipulating the TRA. Believes he is staving off some future disaster by killing Arcana while young. Believes he has gained the powers of The Emperor. [24] Is surprised to find that Hanged Man lives. Killed by Hanged Man. [25] POWERS: telekinesis (or ultra manipulation of fields?). Scepters of light accompany these displays. [24] Healer CARD/ALIAS: Page of Cups INTRODUCED IN: chapter eighteen RELATIONSHIPS: Harlequin, High Priestess, King of Cups APPEARANCE: small child, heavily bundled in robes/scarves, clear blue eyes DESCRIPTION: sworn not to interfere in the duties of the various Arcana. Wanders about the dream world, healing people. (Healed Arisa, Natsu [24]) Becomes drawn, forced to heal those he knows are sick. [36] Taught Harlequin what he knows of dream walking. Is tortured by the souls of those he kills. [24] POWERS: can create healing potions; can move, work in the world of dreams Koishikawa Tetsuya CARD/ALIAS: Knight of Cups INTRODUCED IN: chapter two RELATIONSHIPS: relatively close with Hanako; enamoured(?) of Natsu, tense cameraderie with Keisuke APPEARANCE: aquamarine eyes, long blue hair. DESCRIPTION: A playboy. Smooth, calm, collected. Enjoys flirting with Natsu because she is a challenge. Second year?, ?? school. POWERS: uses a vajra (small golden cylinder w/ three prongs on each side) [9] Can charm (almost) anyone Yasuragi Sumire CARD/ALIAS: Ace of Blades, Yasuragi-sempai, Su-chan (Arisa) INTRODUCED IN: Chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: Arisa (KnoB), Miyuki. Shaken trust in Keisuke [8] APPEARANCE: tall, athletic, severe DESCRIPTION: Cold, closed, stoic, formal; logical at the expense of emotion. Only weak point is Arisa; feels guilty for injuring her in the past and losing her as a friend. [9] Loves Arisa. [26] Previously a singer. Third year, Hataraku High. Kendo team captain. POWERS: Can control any bladed weapon upon touch; anyone wielding a blade is at disadvantage against her ??? CARD/ALIAS: Page of Blades INTRODUCED IN: chapter sixteen RELATIONSHIPS: Maki showed him his powers DESCRIPTION: a petty thief. Uses a knife. Maki shows him his powers a week previous to ch. 16; she kills him when he won't join her. Shinjo Arisa CARD/ALIAS: Knight of Blades, Ari-chan (Sumire's old name) INTRODUCED IN: chapter nine RELATIONSHIPS: Sumire (AoB), Maki (contracts for), Keisuke (briefly worked with) APPEARANCE: waist-length black hair, blue eyes, scar down right cheek DESCRIPTION: Sumire's former best friend; after being scarred in a confrontation that ended in Sumire realizing her powers, gains a deep and single-minded hatred for her. Works for Maki in exchange for the chance to kill Sumire. [9] Believed to be killed by Sumire, she was nursed back to health by Keisuke. [14] Finally lets go of her hatred for Sumire. [26] An artist. POWERS: Can use arms as bladed weapons Rustom Cutterson Smith-Date CARD/ALIAS: King of Blades, Rusty INTRODUCED IN: chapter 28 RELATIONSHIPS: Natsu's lawyer. Old friend of Will's. APPEARANCE: Tall, smartly dressed. Late twenties. DESCRIPTION: a lawyer from Okinawa. POWERS: Hanako CARD/ALIAS: Page of Pentacles INTRODUCED IN: chapter three RELATIONSHIPS: little sister-figure to Tetsuya (KnoC); unnerved by Queen; inadvertently stole Miyuki's powers [19] APPEARANCE: blonde, blue-eyed? A lovely young girl living on the streets; usually covers self in dirt to seem boyish and be left alone. DESCRIPTION: Logical, blunt. Always hungry. Age 10. POWERS: Good at thievery; involuntarily steals other Arcana's power. good at placing tarot cards for readings, they "speak" to her. Chuyama Atsuko CARD/ALIAS: Knight of Pentacles INTRODUCED IN: chapter 29 RELATIONSHIPS: loyal to Maki; sympathetic to Joker APPEARANCE: chin-length, reddish hair, sleepy brown eyes DESCRIPTION: somewhat geeky. Into video games. Loyal, good-natured. POWERS: teleportation (creates a pentacle-shaped glow) [29] Kurayami Maki CARD/ALIAS: Queen of Pentacles, the Rebel Queen INTRODUCED IN: Chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: frustrated by insolence of Joker; wishes to destroy Hotaru, Council to become The Empress. Parents (Umiko,?), never around APPEARANCE: well-dressed, tailored DESCRIPTION: sweet exterior, in reality manipulative, cunning, arrogant, self-controlled. Rich. Second year?, Shoshin High POWERS: monetary fortune, sustain life; can create destructive field by tracing a pentacle around the area [16] Akio CARD/ALIAS: ? INTRODUCED IN: chapter nine RELATIONSHIPS: Arisa, Maki DESCRIPTION: killed by Arisa on orders from Maki. [9] (Others)---------------- Natsu Forrester ALIAS: The Paradox INTRODUCED IN: chapter one RELATIONSHIPS: Mother, father; uncle Will, aunt Francine, cousin Chris, Rusty (attourney). Best friend of Hotaru. Dislikes Sumire, annoyed by Tetsuya APPEARANCE: Short blonde hair, tall. Wears a boy's uniform. Features sharpen, eyes glow blue-green, wings when taps 'paradox' power. [12,17,31] DESCRIPTION: Self-assured, athletic, friendly, honest. Protective of Hotaru; feels she is too trusting. Doesn't like rain. Loses self-confidence after inadvertently kills Natsumi. [27] First year, Hataraku High Chris Forrester CARD/ALIAS: none INTRODUCED IN: chapter fourteen RELATIONSHIPS: Natsu's cousin (they've known each other since birth); Will & Francine's nephew APPEARANCE: blond hair, blue eyes DESCRIPTION: friendly, playful. William Forrester ALIAS: Uncle Will INTRODUCED IN: chapter eighteen RELATIONSHIPS: Chris and Natsu's uncle, Victory, works for Maki. Old friend of Rusty, Oda. 'Business associate' of Maki's father, grandfather. [28] APPEARANCE: middle-aged, red hair, big, handsome DESCRIPTION: charismatic; stereotypical Westerner; a semi-lolicon lech; affluent businessman. Posesses the Chariot (Victory). They seem to be working together to destroy the Tower Reversed's Shackles [34]. No parents; apparent sordid past; Rusty got him out of 'trouble' in exchange for going straight. [34] Francine Forrester ALIAS: Aunt Francine INTRODUCED IN: chapter eighteen RELATIONSHIPS: Chris & Natsu's aunt, Will's wife APPEARANCE: longish blonde hair, blue eyes DESCRIPTION: enthusiast of the occult Sgt. Nakamura ALIAS: none INTRODUCED IN: chapter four RELATIONSHIPS: Sgt. Sagara, partner APPEARANCE: glasses, younger than Sagara DESCRIPTION: a detective at the Shinjuku police station, does most of the paperwork. Becomes intrigued with the cases of Joker/Natsu and the tarot cards confiscated from Joker's arrest. Serious. Could become Justice [19]. Sergeant Sagara ALIAS: Uncle Sagara (Maki only) INTRODUCED IN: chapter four RELATIONSHIPS: Sagara Aoi, wife; Sgt. Nakamura, partner; Maki (QoP), on the take APPEARANCE: older, chain smoker DESCRIPTION: a detective at the Shinjuku police station. His wife has cancer, but he doesn't have the money to afford treatment. Began recieving money from Maki (QoP) in exchange for favors. [6] Unaware of all Maki is capable of, but still wary of her. Shiho INTRODUCED IN: chapter six RELATIONSHIPS: member of Shirosawa Keisuke fan club; attempts to be a friend to Hotaru and Natsu; friends Mariko, Natsumi, Takahata-sempai APPEARANCE: short, mousy brown hair, hair ribbon DESCRIPTION: often speaks before thinking, then must apologize. Promised to befriend Natsu, after calling her a "freak". [6, 8] Defends Natsu as innocent in Natsumi's murder [33] Hataraku High Natsumi INTRODUCED IN: chapter 19 RELATIONSHIPS: friend of Mariko, Shiho. Tries to befriend Natsu & Hotaru. APPEARANCE: twin pigtails, freckles DESCRIPTION: a gossip. on gymnastics team. Possessed by Hanged Man [26] Tries to kill Natsu, but instead is killed by her. [26] Mariko INTRODUCED IN: chapter 19 RELATIONSHIPS: shiho, natsumi, natsu, hotaru APPEARANCE: long braid, heavy glasses DESCRIPTION: nitpicky; believes Natsu betrayed trust by killing Natsumi [33] Dr. Takasakura INTRODUCED IN: chapter seven RELATIONSHIPS: Joker, Nakamura, Keisuke APPEARANCE: petite, brunette, thick horn-rimmed glasses DESCRIPTION: A doctor in the local hospital. (Incidentals)----------- Akiyama-sensei - Chemistry teacher Mochida & Takahata(-sempai) - on girls soccer team [1, 14] Hayashi - baseball team pitcher [1, 14] Takajima - police officer who arrested Joker [4] Kyoko - friendly girl from Natsu's class [10] Miki - young officer; writes up report for Sagara [15] Ms. Kawamoto - King of Wands' neighbor [24] Aso - the Kurayami butler [28] Kotori - Chairman Oda's secretary [30] Sato Junji - Diet member from Ise; writes pardon for Natsu [35]