>Higurashi
{Might not be the best way to introduce new members to a game, but as long as there is a mystery then I'll role with it}

After thanking the other physician I decided to check up on Oishi first.

>>10840
You walk into the room. In the bed there is a rather large man.

"Ah, Doctor, nice to see you again. I've been feeling a lot better recently, all thanks to you."

>>10843
"Excellent that is good to hear."

While I talk with him I check his file assuming I have it on me or if it is in the room.

>>10844
The file: Blood sample taken and analyzed. Seems he had a combination of vitamin deficiency compounded with stress at work. He stayed overnight in the hospital to see how he felt in the morning. It is probably a good idea to keep him one more night.

An additional note slipped in "You can probably just tell him to eat better and take vitamins daily."

Oishi speaks up, "so doc, what's the analysis? I hope to return to work tomorrow"

>>10845
"Well it looks like it wasn't anything major. Mostly a case of vitamin deficiency so if you start taking a few vitamins each day you should be fine."

In a more serious tone I add

"Have you been feeling stressed at all lately? This too could explain why were not feeling that well. I would suggest taking it easy..."

>>10846
"Well, the life of an officer is nothing but stress. I take it as easily as I can, but your life is on the line each and every day. Vitamins though, huh? I'm sure I can manage that as long as I can still eat all my favorite foods."

>>10847
"I thought that would be the case... Well anyway keep that in mind. The vitamins should help a bit regardless of any stress. Oh and you can keep eating your favorite food so don't worry about that."

I finish up my talk with Oishi and make sure there is no other problems he has. I then leave the room. After I then check the time.

>>10848
No other problems noted.

It is now 10:45

>>10850
I head to the next room, 103.

Satoshi is laying in bed. It looks like he is asleep.

>>10852
After deciding it would be best not to wake him I check his file in the meantime.

>>10854
File: Satoshi Houjou. He went mising a year ago during the summer festival. Apparently was found and hospitalized in a few towns over. Was transferred here at Dr. Irie's request. Apparently just got in this morning. Still in a coma.

A note slipped in: "Check his vitals, change his IV, take a blood sample for testing."

>>10855
I do as the note suggests.

>>10857
He is certainly stable. You change the IV bag. You also take a blood sample. You should probably go give the sample to the nurse.

>>10858
I leave the room and check the time. I then take the blood sample to the nurse.

>>10860
11:15

The nurse is a blonde woman. She looks up from the desk and smiles.

"Ah, Dr. Ozaki. How is the first day on the job? Well, I guess you've been here a while, but this is your first day out of residency right? Also, is there anything I can help you with?"

>>10861
"Yeah, everything is going well so far."

I continue to chat with her until I bring up the blood test which I hand to her.

"Anyway, I believe I was told to pass this on to you. It's a sample taken from the Houjou boy."

>>10862

>>10862
"Oh, Satoshi Houjou? Right then. I didn't realize we'd be needing another blood sample from him so soon."

Just then, two people burst through the front door. Huffing and puffing as if they had ran here as fast as they could. Two girls, one with green hair and the other with blonde hair.

"Where is he?!" the green haired one demands.

>>10863
Heh, not quite.

>>10864
"Woah hold up, you can't just come barging in here like this. Where is who?"

>>10867
"Why, Satoshi, of course. I heard he's here."

She then points to the younger blonde girl.

"This girl here is his younger sister. Please show us to him."

The sister nods in agreement asking "Where is nii nii?"

>>10868
I look towards the nurse for confirmation. Assuming she gives it I explain to the girls.

"He is... sleeping at the moment. I can take you to him but you will have to remain calm."

>>10869
"Information certainly seems to travel very quickly around here, huh? As long as they understand that he's in a coma and mustn't be disturbed physically, visiting him shouldn't be a problem."

>>10870
I explain this to the girls and make sure they understand. I then take them to his room. I also check the time.

>>10871
11:30

You take them to room 103. No change in Satoshi's condition.

They both are disappointed to see Satoshi in this state.

"Doctor, when do you think he'll be awake? This is only temporary right?"

>>10872
"...He will remain comatose for a while. At the moment I cannot say what will happen, however there is still a chance he will awake."

>>10873
With that, the door opens. Looks like some more kids arrived, led here by nurse Takano. A blue haired girl, another green haired girl, an orange haired girl, and a brown haired guy walk in. You recognize the boy as the patient you still need to see today.

They all walk in and confirm with their own eyes Satoshi's condition. Keichi takes a metal baseball bat he was carrying and lays it on the bed next to Satoshi.

He murmurs something to the patient. "I hope you get better soon, for your sake and Satoko's." He then turns to you and asks "Can you find Irie-sensei? I had a check-up scheduled today."

It is now 11:50

>>10874
"Irie is a bit busy today so I'll be doing your check up. Ozaki Toshio is my name, nice to meet you."

After exchanging pleasantries we head to a different room in order to proceed with the check up.

>>10875
You both step out into the hallway. You pass Dr. Irie in the hall.

"Ozaki, don't forget to ask about his mental state. We also need another blood sample for lab work." He then turns to Keichi "Keichi, this is Ozaki, my partner. He will be doing the check-up. Be sure to speak with him truthfully, it is very important that we monitor your mental condition closely."

You and Keichi enter room 102. Keichi sits down on the bed

>>10876
I start with the usual physical and after proceed to take a blood test.

"So Maebara, is there anything you are concerned about lately? Any pains or headaches or anything of the sort?"

I then proceed to question about his mental state.

>>10877
Physically he is fine aside from the expected minor cuts and bruises of a boy his age.

"Y'see, doc. I've been having these odds dreams. Dreams that are horribly violent. Dreams of me being killed. Dreams of me killing people. Sometimes the killers or victims are my friends, sometimes they're just strangers. I'm scared. The idea of me hurting my beloved friends or vice versa terrifies me."

>>10879
"Oh? Well that isn't something that should be ignored. Could you clarify, it may help to solve this problem."

I take note of what he says.

>>10880
"Well, if they were simply dreams, I wouldn't expect to remember them all so vividly. I can still feel it in my hands. The backlash feeling of swinging a baseball bat into their heads. It almost reminds me of that funny theory from that mystery show. Y'know, fragments or whatever?"

>>10882
"Mystery show? I'm afraid I don't know what you are referring to."

Assuming he explains I then follow up with.

"Well if the dreams get any worse make sure to tell me immediately. I don't think they have any real meaning personally, but I don't want them to affect you anymore than it has already."

I check to see if there is anything else he has to say, if not then we'll end the check up here.

>>10883
"I think it had something to do with seagulls or something. Well anyways, I'll be sure to contact you or Irie if it gets worse."

"Oh and one last thing, doc. I know today was the first day we've met in this clinic, but have we met outside the clinic before? Your face is rather familiar, and I can't help but feel like you showed up one of my nightmares."

Meanwhile, outside the clinic, a shuttle bus arrives. Several passengers get off the bus. It is very hot outside today. Makes sense, it's the middle of summer.

As planned, you all arrive at the clinic. Oishi should be inside, you should probably go see him.

As you open the door, you feel a wave of cool air come out. The building is air-conditioned... good.

Roll call. Who all is here?

Upon stepping into the building I stretch out my tense arms and legs. I then let out a smile at the homey atmosphere.


"What a nice area to be in, better than being inside of that cramped bus at least!"

>>10890
"<Good>. We're finally here."

I try to remember what exactly I'm even doing here and why I'm with these people.

I take a puff from a cigarette, and appreciate the fresh atmosphere of the place.

"Ah, sure is better in here. Countryside ain't bad at all."

I try to do the same as Erika, which is remembering who the hell are these people.

>>10905
>>10906
You were asked to come here by that officer, Oishi. Seems he has been staying at this clinic overnight. All the other people on the bus were acquaintances of his as well. Knowing Oishi, this is probably important enough that he needs several people.

You enter the front door and walk up to the desk. A nurse is there, seems she is adjusting a radio behind the desk. She pauses and looks up as you all approach, "Oh my, I didn't know we'd be expecting so many people today. Might you be visitors, perhaps?"

>>10914

>Quietly joins the other members, trying not draw attention to myself.

>>10917
H..o..w... embarrassing. I did it wrong.

>>10917
[ green ] Doing stuff [ /green ]

Type like that but without the spaces.

>>10919
I..I knew that! I was just testing you guys! Ah..hahah..

>>10914
"Bonjour, mademoiselle, what a pleasure to be welcomed by such a charming lady !
In any case, we were called by the old geezer, Mr.Delicious, seems like he's here instead of at the police station, for some reason, mind telling us where are we finally forcing him to change his diet ?"

>>10921
"Oho, a gentleman, I see. Oishi is located in room 101, first on the left down that hall."

She goes back to tinkering with the radio.

>>10922
Stares off into space for a second before I nod at nurse. I then walk to room 101, sticking my head through the door way before entering the room.

>>10924
Oishi looks over to the door as it is opened. He notices you as you stick your head in.

"You've all finally arrived? Come in, come in. I have something important to ask of all of you. You see, the local summer festival is going to happen the day after tomorrow, and I was hoping to have you all attend."

>>10925
Enters the room and takes a seat on the floor
"Summer festival?! With food and games, right? Ooooo. Sounds exciting! I'll be happy to attend! When does it start?"

>>10926
"It will begin in the early evening the day after tomorrow. Do enjoy yourself, but I would like to ask that you all keep a lookout for strange things I suspect will occur. I can tell you more as the event approaches, but I suspect murders may occur this year. I'd bring in my police force to investigate, but the locals hate the police, especially the outside police. But tourists, now that is a group of people they love. It brings in money to the town."

>>10925

"Hmmm."
Looks up at the ceiling and thinks
"I see. Do murders occur every year at this festival?"

>>10928
"Not exactly. They have some odd tradition of people disappearing every year, but there is never enough evidence. All the cases resolved in either concluding they were accidents or they just left town without telling anyone."

>>10929

"Alrighty then. Thanks for the invitation."

Gets up pats down my track suit just in case it collected any dust.

"Do you think it’ll be okay if I roam around the hospital a bit? Pfft. Why I’m asking you? I'll just go ask the nurse."

Tells Oishi that I'll see him later. I then exit his room and begin to look down the hall.

I see that Izanami is trying to leave, but I merely look to Oishi and ask him a few things while putting a hand on my hip.
"Murders you say? Disappearances? Surely the police or someone as established as you has some type of lead or suspect. Are you able to tell us about the others who have disappeared?

>>10929
Having overheard the conversation between Izanami and Oishi, I step inside his room after having thanked the nurse with a handwave.

"Alright, I get it, though, is that all you have to say ? About the disappearing part precisely, I'll be happy to know more about what happened, especially if that's what we're supposed to be watching out."

>>10930
The hallway is empty at the moment. Takano is still at her desk. There are a few other rooms down the hall.

>>10931
"Well, there's that Houjou family which has befallen great pains. Two kids, Satoshi and his little sister Satoko. Their parents fell off a waterfall, they were adopted by their aunt and uncle. Said aunt disappears along with Satoshi.

Along with them, others have disappeared as well, but I cannot recall them at the moment. I'll see if I can get the case file for you tomorrow."

>>10932
"A lot of the disappearances occurred during the actual festival. So perhaps it would be best to be scouting around town away from the festival grounds."

I nod to Oishi and give off a smile to him as I turn to leave.

"If there is nothing else, I will be on my way. Thank you for the information!"

After speaking if he said there was nothing else I would go to the nurse and introduce myself to her.

>>10933
"The Houjou family uh ? If I got that, there's just the girl and the uncle now ? Sounds like persecution, could they be targeted by someone for some reason ?
Well anyway, I'd be happy to have the file too. Oh, also, where are we supposed to sleep ? Is there a hotel in such a small town ? "

>>10933

Suspiciously looks to my left and right before I run down the hall, knocking on every closed door.

"Mawahahahaaaa!"

After that, I head back to where the nurse is located and sits on one of the benches

>>10934
She seems rather busy with her paperwork.

>>10935
There's a hotel in the next town over. It's a short drive away, I can call a taxi or a bus over if necessary.

Another woman walks in through the front door.

"Takano, I heard Satoshi is here. Is that true?"

The nurse pauses and looks up. Responding, she says "Why, yes. He is in room 103"

The blue haired woman walks off towards room 103.

>>10936

>>10939

I follow the blue haired woman into the room, going in just after her when she goes inside. However I merely look over the scene and listen in on any conversation, not saying a word yet.

>>10938
"Hey nurse. Anyone can just go in and visit Satoshi?"

>>10941
There appears to be a group of girls in the room. They refer to the woman as 'sensei.' They talking stop when they notice you enter the room.

You notice they are all gathered around a blonde boy laying in the bed. He appears to be unconscious.

One of the girls speaks up. "Hello, are you here to see Satoshi as well?"

>>10937
"I see, thanks. See you and take care pops."

I go out and try to ignore the supposed detective knocking on doors while laughng like a child for some reason. I follow Apaula

>>10942
"Ah, I see. You're not from around here after all. That's his teacher."

>>10944

I look over the room before anyone speaks to me, taking in everyone who's inside. When she starts to speak to me I give off a smile and shake my head.


"Ah... Sort of, I do not know him but I am here to help out sort of. I was hoping to speak to a few people if none of you would mind, but it can wait."

>>10947
"This is certainly an oddity. I've never seen this person before. Who are you and where are you from?"

>>10943
"Wait, Satoshi, as in Houjou Satoshi ?
But isn't he supposed to be ?...
Damn Oishi, I'm doubting the talent of the police if they can't find a missing person who's resting two room away from their boss.

Anyway, Apaula, take care of that for me alright, I'm bad with kids, I'll just gather information elsewhere, since it looks like I won't get testimony from that boy.

See you 'round kids"

>>10945
"Ah, I see, too. A-l-r-i-g-h-t-y~☆"
Gets up and goes to room 103. However, I don't enter the room. I stand outside the doorway and listen to their conversation.

>>10949
I get out of the room and go back to see Takano

"Hey missy, that boy there in the room 103, Satoshi, wasn't he supposed to be missing or something ?"

Ozaki's pager rings. It's Irie, he wants you to go to his office.

>>10949
Glancing down the hall you see two people walk out of the room between Oishi's and Satoshi's. One walks into Satoshi's room, the other walks further down the hall and enters another room.

>>10948
A boy walks into Satoshi's room. He is apparently friends with all the other people in there, as he states that his check-up went quite well. "Chie-sensei, when did you arrive?" The rest of them all converse together.

"Ah yes... I have not introduced myself. I am Apaula, I'm a tourist along with the others on the bus. Now, who might you be?"

I turn to Squitcher, only nodding to him in reply. I try to also keep a friendly tone towards Rika and the others, trying to not seem nervous from being put on the spot so suddenly.

Having been eavesdropping on the various conversations, I enter room 103 and join the rather large gathering inside.

"Hm, there sure are a lot of people with blue hair here. I'm surprised, I'd gotten to think that I might be the only person in the world whose hair is naturally that colour. Anyway, would all of you mind telling me your names? And do you know anything about what happened to this Satoshi kid? According to what Oishi-san was saying, he seems to have some connection to the case we're working on."

>>10954
"We're all Satoshi's friends. Well, aside from little Satoko over here. She's his sister. And Chie-sensei, she's our teacher.

There certainly are a lot of you tourists here today. Are you coming in to see the Cotton Drifting Festival?"

>>10955
"I'm Shion, this is Mion, Satoko, Rika, Rena, Keichi, and Chie-sensei.

Satoshi went missing last summer. We didn't know anything about him until just today when he apparently transferred to this clinic."

"Why yes I am of course. I haven't heard much of it however, would there be anyone to explain it?"

I look to Erika, looking a bit annoyed that she jumped in on my questioning but I only shrug in response.

>>10957
"Well, that certainly seems suspicious...Hmm."

Trusting that Apaula will fill me in on the details of the festival later, I leave the room and seek out the nurse to ask her about Satoshi's condition and how he came to the hospital.

>>10958
"Basically we shred up the old futons and take the cotton inside and set it adrift down the river for good fortune. As head of the Furude family, I am the priestess for the ceremony.

Aside from that, it's a festival for fun. We play all sorts of games and eat lots of good food."

>>10959
"Well, I was surprised to see him here this morning, too. Irie-sensei said he found Satoshi had been in a hospital a few towns over, and had him transferred here. Apparently his condition has significantly stabilized since just this morning."

"It does sound very fun Rika, thank you for filling me in. Would there be anyone I could speak to privately? I would say it here, but I'd prefer not to put hostility in the room."

>>10961
"I see. Do you have any idea what exactly is wrong with him, then? Did the other hospital tell you anything about how he came to be in their care?"

>>10961
"I see, then I guess we'd have to ask the other hospital to get where the hell he is coming from, or from the boy himself... Do you know if he was unconscious here too ?
Oh, also, do you know something about the disappearances that happen around the time of the festival ?"

>>10962
"Privately? Say, you're not one of those police officers are you? I'll have you know our town follows our traditions. We couldn't care less about your 'investigations'"

>>10963
Takano shakes her head. "I haven't been told anything other than that. It seems like Irie is keeping his fair share of secrets."

I go to irei or whatever.

>>10965
"...You really don't know anything, do you? I think this Irie person is the one I need to talk to. Any idea where I could find him?"

>>10952
"Satoshi apparently transferred in last night at some point."

>>10964
"The medical file just said that he has been unconscious since discovery. As for the disappearances, each can be explained separately. Accidents, bums skipping town, it's pretty simple, really."

>>10967
"He's in his office. It's best not to disturb him while he is working. He takes his job very seriously, after all."

>>10965

"Oh no no, while I am helping them along with others on the bus, I will tell you this as a sign of good faith. I do not mean to impose, nearly clear up any issues. I am sure your town is quite lovely Mion, I merely wish to not put any bad air between myself and anyone in the room with my possibly sensitive questions."

I seem a bit thrown off guard at her sudden outburst, but I manage to somewhat keep my cool.

>>10968
Get's more conformable by going back to where the nurse is located and sitting back on the bench, listening to everyone's conversations

>>10968
"Well, then they all decided to skip town or have accidents around the same time of the year ? Well that'd make for a quick investigation if that were true.
Do you remember the people who disappeared and what year they did, by any chance ?
Also, do you have the phone number to that other hospital ? Don't forget to give me yours as well, of course~"

>>10969
"Oh, since I'm working on this at the request of the police, I'm sure that Irie-san won't mind interrupting his work to talk to me. Would you mind directing me to his office?"

"Ozaki, I wanted to discuss Keichi's check-up with you. How exactly is he doing?"

Before you can respond, there is a very loud sound, not unlike an explosion. A tremor follows. The lights flicker constantly. A monitor next to Irie begins to light up.

"What the hell?! The atmospheric conditions.... sulfur?!"

He begins messing with his machine, you hear a low rumbling noise coming from all the air vents, and an odd feeling comes over you. Your ears need to pop.

"Dammit!" He yells. "Ozaki, this is important. The back-up generator seems like it's having issues. Come with me, we need to go fix it, fast."

He leads you out of his office and into the hallway. Down the hall, towards the end. He swipes a keycard on a door and leads you in you follow in, to see a set of stairs leading down.
____________________________________

As for everyone else, your moves are being cut short by this event. You can clearly see outside the windows that there is some strange fog outside.

>>10974
"Huh? What's going on!?"

I adress the nurse.

"I-is this part of this town's regular weather patterns or something? What was that noise just now?"

I look surprised at the sudden fog and I look to everyone as if looking for an answer.

"Wh- what is this fog? Does fog come in randomly sometimes?! I should check out that noise too!"

I turn to leave the room, trying to find the source of the noise after everyone has finished speaking in the room I'm in.

>>10975
"This is most certainly not-"

She pauses for a second. She then covers her nose with he hand. It looks like she's doing that old deep sea diver's ear pressure trick.

"Ah, I see. It's like that then?"