A/N: The more I write their antics the more I adore Problem Solver 68; they have so much chemistry together~

That aside, enjoy~

Halo

Chapter 2: Clues

''Hmph, so this is the place...?''

Aru held up the photograph and eyed it closely, tilting her head as she compared it with the alleyway before her. It looked the same; it had the same brickwork around the mouth of the alley, the same cracks, and most telltale of all the graffiti in the inside of the hallway, though it was clear someone had recently been in the process of washing it away judging by the missing half of a bubble-lettered word.

It was nearly six o'clock by the time they found the specific alleyway – part of the time taken up by transiting from Schale all the way to Trinity, but part was just finding the place. The street was one of the quieter ones due to the closed theatre and other businesses that had shut their doors for the day, leaving a fair number of people about, but far less than it would have usually. People gave them a wide berth, undoubtedly due to their suspicious appearance, but nobody did anything beyond a wary look before continuing on with their day.

''Hm...'' Mutsuki leaned in and compared the alley with the photo. ''Seems like it. So, what're we looking for? I'd have guessed it'd have already been searched for clues.''

''Yes, most likely so. However! We must try regardless!'' Aru enthusiastically proclaimed, marching into the alley. ''Come on, let's get... looking!''

Mutsuki snickered and complied, grabbing a nervous Haruka by the arm and dragging the shotgun-wielder inside, unheeding of her stumbling stutters. The fading sunlight spilled down the length of the street outside, leaving much less light to illuminate the narrow alleyway, though mercifully the alleyway itself stretched out into the next street over. There wasn't much in it however beyond some plastic bins, heavier metal dumpsters and obviously trash.

''So.'' Mutsuki then repeated herself, looking about. ''Are you seeing anything? Because I'm not.''

''W-We've just arrived! Who knows where some clue could be hidden!'' Aru shakily barked back, flustered. ''Like... in the trash... guh...''

''I-I'll do that part, Aru!'' Haruka feverishly volunteered. ''It's only fitting for someone as lowly as me!''

''Um... right, thanks...'' Aru sweat-dropped but permitted it. ''Anyway, get to work – we can't walk away so soon!''

Humming Mutsuki complied, meandering over towards the mouth of the alleyway and checking it out. Pink eyes keenly scanned the walls, tracing each crack and scanning for the slightest detail... but, as she had initially suspected, there was little actual evidence. No scratches in the walls, no convenient weapon or drug needle laying about, not even much in the way of suspicious footprints or a scrap of cloth.

She expected it, sure... but the fact a student had gone missing right where she stood did admittedly bother her a bit. She wasn't scared – the idea was laughable – but she would admit to being at least a little bothered. Students didn't just go missing; with how armed students were any confrontation would inevitable end in gunshots. Yet, given Sensei didn't mention anything of that nature, she had to work with the assumption that they didn't put up a fight. Or if they did, they weren't able to use their weapons.

''Hm...'' Mutsuki frowned, gazing down at her feet.

The victims were isolated; alone. They didn't or weren't able to put up a fight. And there was barely any evidence left of a scuffle.

In other words they were taken by surprise – and, presumably, incapacitated whilst unaware.

''...Hmph...'' Mutsuki adjusted her black bag. ''Guess I'll just have to be on my toes, huh...''

Dismissing the train of thought Mutsuki went back to her 'task' – staring at the walls and ground for any trace of evidence.

As she predicted, they found nothing by the end of it.

X-x-X

Meanwhile at the same time, Ayane's group found themselves within Hyakkiyado, arriving at their own destination.

''This is the place.'' Ayane confirmed with just one look down at the photograph in her hand. ''Let's head inside and ask around, see if anyone knows anything.''

''Sounds good to me.'' Hoshino lazily agreed, taking the lead.

Neither Ayane nor Serika contested that; following behind their shorter senior as Hoshino led them inside. The door opened to the chime of a bell, their eyes sweeping over the rather dull and unimpressive grey interior, two lines of washing machines on either side of the room with a row of benches between. It was definitely not a luxury place, that was for sure.

Still, Hoshino began to wander up towards the front desk all the same – eyes on the clerk behind the front desk at the far end of the room. He was youngish, probably mid-twenties and with messy blonde hair and looking like he'd much rather be anywhere else, but perked up somewhat at the sight of them. Hoshino hummed at that, rolling through the questions in her mind as she approached, and by the time she reached the man she had several on-hand.

''Hey.'' Hoshino casually piped up. ''You happen to know anything about a... Reni Rhodes?''

The name of the missing Hyakkiyado student was clearly not unfamiliar to the clerk; a twitch travelling through him. ''Oh, great. More of you wannabe investigators.''

''Huh, what's that supposed to mean?'' Taking a step forwards Serika spoke up, ticked off. ''We are on an investigation thank you very much-!''

''Yeah, like the other two groups that dropped by today, hounding me for over an hour and holding up the shop?'' The clerk snapped back, irritated. ''Uh-huh, sure.''

Ayane took the chance to cough, grasping Serika's shoulder in a subtle signal to back off – something the dark-haired girl did with some reluctance. ''Forgive me, but we're members of the Foreclosure Task Force from Abydos. We've been hired by Schale as of today to investigate the missing student here. Would you have any information that could help us?''

The clerk looked at her, then glanced over at the still-annoyed Serika and yawning Hoshino, before huffing. ''Not much I can tell ya that I didn't already tell those suits from the council. I was stood here, minding my own business and with that Rhodes girl about to do her laundry, I went in the back to grab some more supplies to re-stock the machines after she left, and when I came back she was gone. Didn't hear nothin', didn't see nothin', she just up and went.''

Ayane frowned. ''I see...''

''Anything else?'' Serika curtly asked.

The man opened his mouth, a scowl on his face – before he paused. Falling quiet he seemed to take a moment to think, before nodding. ''Hm... I guess an odd thing was that her clothes were just, sort of on the floor? Like she didn't throw them aside or nothin' in a struggle, but like she just up and vanished?''

The prospect made the three Abydos girls share a look. Ayane was the one to speak. ''How long were you in the back for?''

The man shrugged. ''Not long. Supplies are just behind the door on the left; I was in for about... ten seconds, at most. No less than six.''

''And when you returned there was no trace of her, and no hints of anyone else being in the store?'' Serika double-checked, earning an affirmative grunt. ''That's impossible! Even if they managed to knock the girl out or something, how the hell could they get in-and-out of the store so quickly?!''

''Especially with that door-chime...'' Ayane also noticed, frowning back at the door. How could a potential kidnapper get in and out within ten seconds, let alone also incapacitating a student and getting her outside, and whilst apparently nobody in the street saw her either?

Something wasn't adding up.

''Hey.'' Hoshino then spoke up, looking up at the taller man. ''What about the girl herself? Did she look... off?''

The man frowned, scratching his chin. ''Uh... now that you mention it, yeah. Guess she looked a little paranoid? I remember she kinda kept lookin' around, and only really stopped when I asked if somethin' was wrong.''

''What did she say in response?''

''Just said 'it's nothing' and left it at that.'' The man stated, shrugging. ''Then I went into the back, came out, and she was gone.''

Hoshino hummed at that, crossing her arms. ''Nothing else?''

''Nothin'.'' The clerk lazily confirmed.

''Hah... well, at least we got something.'' Hoshino mused, glancing up at her two club members. ''C'mon, let's go check the surrounding area for anything before heading back to Schale.''

Serika and Ayane frowned but muttered a general agreement, the door chiming on their way out.

X-x-X

It was sundown when Sensei arrived at Corridor Road.

The street was a fair ways away from the main roads that crossed through Trinity's autonomous district; requiring a long walk from the transit hub. It was one of the furthest-out streets of Trinity in fact before the sprawling cityscape turned into vast parks and then into total wilderness... and, perhaps because of that, it wasn't exactly a sprawling and lively place.

Rather, it was undoubtedly a seedier sort of place. Something that Sensei felt quite acutely as he walked down the street, eyes idly looking over the narrow houses that lined both sides of the road, several plots empty or abandoned. Thin alleys between houses were sometimes host to two or three younger folk hanging about, some casting them cautious looks until they were out of sight, but none dared approach them.

''This place is...'' It was Nonomi who finally broke the silence about it, clearly uncomfortable. ''Are we in the right place, Sensei?''

''Mm.'' Firmly Sensei nodded, idly adjusting his suit a bit – more out of habit than anything else. ''Let's not cause any trouble while we're here, understood?''

A collective murmur of agreement came from the three girls. Shiroko was the one who spoke. ''Where are we going exactly, Sensei? Alleyway, house, park...?''

''Park.'' Sensei confirmed, nodding down the narrow street. ''Witness statements say she was last seen entering it. Authorities have already swept the whole area including the neighbouring wilderness, but found no trace.''

''I would hope the victim was okay, but...'' Nonomi trailed off, pursing her lips.

Perhaps understandably so. Even he didn't dare utter the dark thoughts that lingered at the back of his mind.

For a city that had students regularly commit violence with everything from guns to mobile artillery pieces, murder was actually quite rare. It still happened of course, sometimes even involving students, but it was a distinct rarity in comparison to how commonplace gunfights themselves were. However kidnappings would usual have a ransom or something involved, something to gain from it. If there was none and the person just up and vanished... then the outlook for that individual looked rather grim.

Sensei shook his head slightly, about to reply to Nonomi – when he caught sight of movement ahead. The others did too, some raising their guns slightly as the figure so suddenly stepped out from a narrow alleyway; stopping mid-motion when Sensei snapped a hand up. The movement, in turn, caught the attention of the individual, surprise lighting up her bespectacled space and tension stiffening her frame.

Shimiko. The kind librarian student from Trinity.

''Ah...? Oh, um... g-good evening, Sensei...'' Shimiko greeted him somewhat timidly, adjusting her glasses. ''I didn't expect to see you here...?''

Sensei smiled lightly, approaching more within speaking distance. ''We're here on official business. What brings you here?''

''W-Well, I... live here.'' Shimiko said awkwardly.

''Ah.''

Though unsaid, the implication was rather obvious. He certainly hadn't expected the kind and helpful Shimiko to be living in one of the poorer areas of Trinity. And judging by her reaction, she clearly hadn't wanted him to know either.

''Anyway.'' Sensei hurriedly changed the topic. ''Are you busy at the moment? We'd like to ask a few questions about the area.''

Shimiko looked more than glad to change subjects. ''Of course. What do you need to know?''

''We're here looking for a missing student.'' It was Nonomi who spoke, smiling politely. ''She went missing about a day ago at the park. Can you tell us anything about it?''

''Missing student...? Ah... yes, yes I know about that.'' Shimiko nodded, grimacing. ''Kurimura Airi. A friend.''

''Oh... I'm so sorry to hear that...''

Sensei on the other hand flinched, remembering that name; it was one of the girls he'd spoken with personally. Though they'd never been overly close he knew her well enough to recognise her in a crowd, and the fact she was the one who'd been taken – and more importantly the fact he'd apparently not noticed that fact – struck a chord within him.

''What can you tell us about her? And her disappearance?'' Sensei then spoke up, taking on a firm tone.

Shimiko answered truthfully. ''I was one of the last to see her. We were walking home from school; Airi doesn't live here, but she wanted to visit the park here and hang out with me... I stopped in at my house to drop off my bag while she went ahead. When I got to the park I couldn't find her. I called and texted her, but when she didn't pick up I suspected something was wrong and called the police... but even when they came, they couldn't find her...''

''...was there anyone suspicious around?'' Kayoko quietly asked, hands in her pockets.

''Um, not really. It was actually just us on the street.'' Shimiko said. ''It was a gloomy sort of day; overcast and it rained later, so most people probably just stayed inside. Police knocked on doors but nobody said they saw anything.''

Sensei nodded. ''Would you mind showing us to the park?''

''Of course. Please follow me.'' Shimiko dutifully nodded.

Smiling he murmured an agreement, just a step behind the bespectacled girl as she hurriedly walked down the path ahead of them. Together the entourage of five made their way down the street; passing by several houses and another two alleyways before passing by some potentially abandoned plots – 'potentially' due to the sight of someone moving in one of the decrepit houses. Still the group moved on without hindrance, soon reaching the end of the street.

The park could easily be seen from a ways away. Stone walls with a short metal fence topping it lined the square-shaped park, located on the right-hand of the street and taking up the width of about half a dozen houses – which wasn't exactly much for a park. Still, for a small street like this it added some much-needed greenery... though, as they reached the archway entrance, Sensei realised that said greenery looked remarkably at-odds with the surrounding street.

It was a nice park. Strangely so, considering how run-down and depreciated the rest of the street was. Trees were lush and green, the grass was short and clearly regularly cut, a small river ran through the area that had some benches beside it... it was like a little piece of heaven amongst the rather dilapidated street. And of course, the most eye-catching part of the whole park was the centre where a statue was erected.

Built from fine stone it stood out against the lush greenery around it, the cubical base featuring a man atop it, frame slim but standing tall and with his head raised, arm outstretched as if to hold something up for all to see. Meandering closer Sensei could read the inscription upon the cubical base's nameplate.

''Argo Tsuchinoko. Inventor, Great Mind, Architect of the Future.''

''Sponsored by Kaiser Corporation LLC.''

'Of course it's sponsored by them.' Sensei flatly thought, taking his eyes off the statue. ''Anything you can tell us about the area?''

Shimiko adjusted her glasses, humming. ''Not much, I'm afraid. Some of the neighbourhood come here but not particularly often. Groups of students come from the nearby streets to hang out here from time to time, there's a gardener hired by the Kaiser Corporation that keeps this place neat... it's nothing really all that special, despite how pretty it looks.''

Kayoko frowned. ''Why does the Kaiser Corporation have a park? Out here of all places?''

At that Shimiko just shrugged. ''I don't know; it was here before I moved here. Maybe just to honour one of their board members or as a tax write-off.''

Sensei frowned a little and made a mental note of how far Kaiser was digging their claws in, but ultimately pushed it from his mind – opting instead to focus on their surroundings. ''Did Airi seem different when you last saw her? Did she suspect the two of you were being followed, did she seem uneasy, was she feeling sick... anything?''

''No.'' Shimiko sadly admitted. ''She was just as bright as every other day. Last I saw her she was telling me to hurry up... maybe I should have.''

Sensei's expression softened, the dark-haired man sparing a glance at his three companions and nodding off to the side – signalling to give them some privacy. Mercifully all three girls understood, and without much more than a half-hearted murmur they broke off; sticking in a group of three to be on the safe side and keeping him in line-of-sight, but making an effort to look busy investigating the statue and surrounding shrubbery.

''There wasn't anything you could do to stop it.'' Sensei said softly, resting one hand on Shimiko's shoulder. ''Don't beat yourself up over something you couldn't have expected.''

''I should have though.'' Shimiko argued softly; no real heat to her tone, but more of a bitter concession. ''These parts of Kivotos can be... sketchy at times, Sensei. I should've known better than to let Airi just wander off alone. Who knows what kind of sick people have her? What if she's no longer...''

Airi trailed off but Sensei understood where her mind went, and was swift to distract her. ''Then all the more reason to find out who took her. Listen, is there anyone you could stay with for the time being? I don't want you out here all alone, especially if whoever did this might be lurking around still.''

Shimiko bit her lip. ''I suppose... is it absolutely necessary, Sensei?''

''Better safe than sorry.'' He carefully replied. He didn't want to scare her... but, he also couldn't in good conscience leave her out here. ''You have my number on MomoTalk. Message me if you can think of any details that could help find Airi, understood?''

''Hai, Sensei.'' Shimiko softly agreed.

''Good. On that note, what about the gardener you mentioned? Maybe he saw something?''

''I don't think so; the police interviewed him but he hadn't been there at the time...''

X-x-X

It was nightfall by the time the three student teams completed their own individual investigations and regrouped back at Schale; the clock ticking over to nine o'clock.

Sensei arrived first with Shiroko, Nonomi and Kayoko in tow; the four needing to wait only a short minute before Ayane, Serika and Hoshino arrived. Aru's team was the last to come back, and once all nine students had gathered he led them up to his office once more, the building mostly unlit on their way back.

Until soon he meandered into his office, eased himself down into his familiar desk chair, and sighed. ''Alright. Anyone got any good news?''

Silence.

''Didn't think so.'' Sensei smiled wryly. ''Never hurts to ask though. Aru– what did you girls find?''

Aru stepped forwards slightly, all smiles, though he could see through her facade easily – she was disappointed. ''Nothing much I'm afraid. The alleyway held no clues nor any evidence. We even checked neighbouring alleys but found nothing there either.''

Sensei hummed. ''To be expected I suppose. Good work all the same.'' Sensei hummed. ''For our part, myself and Shiroko's team discovered that one of the last witnesses to the victim's disappearance just one day ago last saw her as they were passing down the street; she stopped in her house to drop off her bags, and when she arrived at the park down the road her friend was nowhere to be seen. I'll pass on an inquiry into the gardener there, but until then, we've got no leads either. Ayane?''

''Yes, and no.'' The dutiful student reported, stepping forth. ''We were unable to determine how or why the student went missing. However, we were able to discern some little bits of information.''

Sensei gestured for her to continue. ''Such as?''

''For one, the clerk who was working that day said that he was in the back getting supplies – but, was only gone for a matter of seconds. No more than ten.'' Ayane explained with a troubled frown. ''By the time he returned the victim was gone. On top of that the clothes she was going to wash were laid on the floor as if she'd justdropped them, rather than tossed them in a struggle. Adding to this, there is a door chime on the front door; anyone who entered, no matter how stealthily, would've set it off.''

''Hm...'' Sensei leaned forwards on folded hands, frowning. ''That's troubling indeed. Whoever must've kidnapped the student would've had to act in under ten seconds then, without making a sound, and without triggering the door chime?''

''It sounds almost impossible.'' Shiroko noted with a mirrored frown. ''Are you sure the guy wasn't lying?''

''He seems honest enough?'' Ayane said uncertainly, grimacing. ''I don't know. He seemed tired from being hounded so I didn't want to push any further.''

Sensei drew a breath. ''Well, either way, thanks for acquiring the information, girls. I'll pass it on to the relevant people shortly. For now, that's your jobs done for today; you're free to head home for the night. Though I'd ask that you stay in groups of two or three if possible, for obvious reasons.''

''That's easily doable, it'll just be like a sleepover~'' Hoshino languidly smiled. ''Matter of fact, I could use a nap right now~ Let's go~''

''Ah, hold on Hoshino-!''

''Come on~''

Sensei just smiled, waving off the Abydos girls as they all filed out of the room, chirped goodbyes sent his way – until soon with a click the door shut behind them, their silhouettes disappearing down the hall.

His gaze turned onto Aru as the red-haired student stepped forth, smiling. ''Well, Sensei, would I be right in presuming you'll be alone here tonight?''

''Naturally.'' He curiously remarked, elbows planted onto his desk as he leaned forwards.

Aru's eyes gleamed, and with a graceful flick of her hair she posed an offer. ''Would you like us to stay with you, then? It wouldn't do for some bold assassin to sneak into your office whilst we're all away and kidnap you as well~''

There was a confidence to her words, a surety, as if she knew he couldn't possible refuse.

Sensei smiled wryly. ''It's alright; you girls can head home too.''

''E-Eh?!'' That threw Aru through a loop, apparently not having considered his refusal into whatever grand plan she'd been imagining. ''B-But think of safety in numbers, Sensei! I-It's an extra service too, free of charge!''

''Is it really free though, since we're already getting paid...'' Mutsuki mused aloud.

''S-Shut up!''

Sensei let out a light chuckle, reaching out and petting the back of Aru's hand. ''I'm flattered you're so concerned about me, Aru, but trust me I'll be fine. You girls head on home now.''

''I...'' Aru hesitated for a second, pursing her lips, before finally nodding with a sigh. ''As you wish, Sensei. We'll be back at nine?''

''Sounds good.'' He smiled. ''See you tomorrow. Good work out there today.''

A chorus of thanks and goodbyes came his way. From Kayoko's languid goodbye to Haruka's stammering thanks they said their parts and departed swiftly, all clearly intent on getting back to their residence as soon as possible. He watched them go through the frosted glass windows, his smile fading somewhat now that they weren't around to see him.

Aru's words remained, though. About people coming after him. Truthfully however he doubted it; he was too important, too high-profile. Whoever was behind this wouldn't go for him if they had a lick of intelligence behind them. Sure, he was a valuable and vulnerable target... but if he suddenly went missing, especially after he started investigating the student disappearances, then it would undoubtedly trigger a city-wide manhunt as this turned from a disturbing missing student case, to a full-blown conspiracy. Academies would put their weight behind such an inquisition, not specifically because of him – though his good reputation didn't hurt – but because if someone as important as the head of Schale was kidnapped, then that meant nobody was safe.

No, his main concern laid with the girls themselves. He trusted them, yes... but, judging from what they'd found out thus far, all it would take is a matter of seconds, a simple moment of poor judgement, for them to be left vulnerable. Taking out the trash with nobody to see them, parting ways for just a few moments, maybe something as simple as being alone in a bedroom... perhaps even their homes weren't safe. He had no way of knowing, and neither did they. All he could hope for was that they'd act sensibly.

''Hah...'' Sensei sighed, spinning around in his office chair, musing for a moment.

Where to go from here?

'I need more information.' He decided. 'We've only investigated three spots. Maybe there'll be something else at the other spots...'

Somehow, he doubted it. However he had no other leads to go on – thus, with a sigh, Sensei pulled out his phone and started drafting an email to Rin regarding that gardener at Corridor Road, before pouring through the documents left on his desk for any miniscule detail that might remain.

[END]

A/N: Poor Sensei, still no progress~

See you all next time in Chapter 3: Drastic Measures~

Sneak Peek:

''Why would someone only kidnap on days like this, though...'' Nonomi frowned, troubled.

''I don't know.'' He confessed. ''But I know we need to do something before another student is taken.''

Shoes tapped against the polished floor as Mutsuki stepped forth. ''I'll be bait, then.''