~~000~~
Tales of the Multiverse Bit 240
"Oh, not you guys again!"
Upon encountering Sharpshooter Jane, Soaphie Lapislazuli, and Sora Aozora in the depths of a mysterious forest, Crusher the Highlands Goat, Kouta Fujiki, and Marcus Reservoir expressed their surprise and frustration at the unexpected reunion.
~~000~~
The narrative commences in the serene Lovebloom City, situated to the north of Neo-City. Presently, the DAN Army is conducting a mission in this particular city, diligently searching for any signs of Emotionless or any other dubious activities.
However, their efforts have yielded no results thus far, as the city boasts a remarkably low crime rate, if any at all.
Save for one...
"A vase has been stolen from an art museum?" Mandy Rosal uttered in disbelief.
At present, the entire DAN Army is situated in their RV as they head towards the art museum.
"Yes!" Dan Mandel hollered in affirmation, "A vase was stolen from the craftsmanship gallery!" he rehashed, "Do I truly have to rehash myself?!" he shouted in disturbance.
"Dan..." Elise Pearson trailed, "... I know I said some time recently that I won't question you once more but what does a stolen vase had to do with our current mission?" she addressed.
"Hey!" Dan growled, "Since arriving in this so-called 'love' city, we have accomplished nothing...'' he trailed with a finger quote, "... and so far, the only thing we've done is walk and walk, so we can look and look, so we can walk!" he stated in annoyance.
"Dan's got a point." Ninja Dave Bauza expressed in understanding, "Also it is expressed in our mission that we ought to see around for any suspicious exercises." he pointed out.
Elise considered it, "Well..." she trailed, "... I guess we don't have anything to lose." she conceded, "But are we permitted to do our own investigation?" she inquired, "I am confident that the local police department in this city is currently carrying out their investigation.'' she stated.
"No worries." Kafuu Kalawaiʻa reassured, "Dan already got permission." he revealed.
"Really?" Mandy uttered in surprise.
"Yeah." Dan replied in confirmation, "Earlier this morning, I had a meeting with the police chief and she agreed." he recounted. "Initially, I had planned to threaten her but she turned out to be very pleasant, so I chose to be kind to her instead." he admitted with a blank look.
"Huh?" Elise uttered in surprise, "That's odd." she commented.
"Hey, any plans for when we get to the museum?" Chris Pearson inquired, his gaze fixed on the road ahead and his hands firmly on the wheel.
"Of course we'll look into it!" Dan exclaimed, "Come on, think for yourself, you goofball!" he scolded.
"It's still surprising to me that there would be a crime here in this town." Brick McArthur confessed.
"Definitely." Denton "16-Years Old" Gibson chimed in, "This place used to be so safe compared to other cities." he stated.
"We have to get to the bottom of this, no matter what." Mandy urged.
"Trixie has spotted the art museum." Trixie Lulamoon declared.
The RV at that point ceased before the art museum and after each individuals got off the vehicle one by one, they made their way interior the expansive building whereas looking around.
"Sugoi!" Honne Nohotoke shouted in wonderment, "This place is lovely!" she commented.
Isamu Oohori at that point taken note something, "Hey, Denton, doesn't this statue kinda looks like you?!" he inquired whereas indicating out at a certain statue, which strangely sufficient, looks like Denton.
"Holy shit!" Denton shouted in stun, "It does look like me!" he conceded.
"Focus, you dimwits!" Dan beckoned, "Focus!" he repeated, "We need to start the investigation, so we can capture, torture, stuff the vase thief in a bag and throw them in the gulf of Mexico!" he listed off in declaration.
Shuuhei Shinozaki winced at the thought, "Ugh, too much information, Dan...'' he protested.
"I think we should start in that place." Mandy suggested while pointing towards the painting section with a few large vase displayed alongside police line taped at one entrance part and a policewoman can be seen inside, "There's also a policewoman inside, so maybe we should go talk to her first." she added.
"A really conventional recommendation." Dan articulated, "Considering." he included which got an eye roll from Mandy.
The team then heads towards the painting section and the policewoman spotted them, "Excuse me..." she started, "... only authorized personnel are allowed in this area, so please turn back immediately." she requested politely.
"Well, we're actually here to assist." Elise responded, "We're part of the Heroes Coalitions of Neo-City, and we heard about a stolen vase in this museum, so we wanted to help." she clarified, "We also have permission from your superior." she added.
"Heroes Coalitions, huh?" the policewoman acknowledged, "That's good to know." she said approvingly.
"Sure, sure..." Dan interjected, "... just step aside, so we can start our investigation and catch, interrogate, bag the vase thief and toss them into the Gulf of Mexico!" he said with a deadpan expression.
The policewoman frowned at the comment, "Do you really have to talk like that?" she inquired.
"Sorry about that." Ninja Dave apologized, "Dan is pretty much of a jerk." he admitted frankly.
The policewoman glanced at Dan's shirt and saw the word "jerk" written on it, "I see..." she acknowledged, "By the way..." she continued, "... I'm Chrys Heart." she introduced herself.
Lovebloom City Policewoman
Chrys Heart
Chrys is young woman with an average height, she had a slender frame and a fair complexion, she had a shoulder-length blue hair tied in a ponytail and she has pink-colored tareme eyes. She wears dark-blue short-sleeved collared uniform with a black necktie, she wears a dark-blue tight pants with a black pouch belt wrapped around her waist and she wears a pair of black leather shoes. She also wears rectangular-shaped glasses and a police cap.
Everyone made their introductions, with Chris presenting Dan. Just as they were about to further their conversation, the museum's doors suddenly burst open, startling everyone. A mysterious woman entered, striking a pose with a rose in her mouth.
"The power of love is unmatched..." the woman started, "It can lead people to madness..." she continued, "... causing them to commit unspeakable acts, and when they do..." she added.
"Wait, is that a rose in her mouth?" Ninja Dave exclaimed in shock.
The woman then struck another dramatic pose, "I am Romance Detective, and I pledge to uphold Romantic Justice!" she proclaimed.
Detective
Romance Detective
Romance Detective is a young woman with a tall stature, she had a slender frame and a fair complexion, she had a back-length black hair and her eyes are hidden by a thick black-colored sunglasses. She wears a light-brown trench coat over a gray tank top, dark denim shorts over black tights and she wears a pair of high-heel boots. She also wears a light-brown Fedora and a pair of black gloves, and the most noticeable thing from her is the rose in her mouth.
Everyone then gazes at her strangely as Denton leans towards Brick, "What on earth is this woman talking about?" the supposed 16-year-old questioned in confusion.
Brick simply shrugged, "I'm just as lost as you are." he responded.
Chrys then interjected, "Um..." she hesitated, "... excuse me, ma'am, but this is a crime scene." she pointed out, "No civilians are permitted here." she reminded.
"Don't fret, I'm a detective." Romance Detective assured.
Dan raised an eyebrow, "Really?" he said aloud, "You seem more suspicious than detective-like." he observed.
"Detective?" Chrys echoed, "Then may I see your badge?" she requested.
"This rose..." Romance Detective began, "... should suffice as evidence." she stated.
"I insist on seeing your badge." Chrys persisted.
"Badges are superficial..." Romance Detective interrupted, "... they are unnecessary." she furthered, "I solve crimes with passion." she declared confidently.
Elise facepalmed, "What in the world are you talking about?" she questioned, "Chrys just wants to see your badge." she clarified.
"I do?" Chris asked in surprise.
"Not you!" Trixie corrected, "Chrys!" she corrected while pointing to the policewoman, "She wants to see your badge." she added.
"W-Well..." Chrys stammered nervously, "I believe it's best to leave this to the police and the Heroes Coalitions." she suggested.
Then another young woman entered and approached them, "Is there an issue, Chrys?" she asked, "I need you to gather evi-" she paused as she recognized the mysterious woman, "Oh, it's the one and only Romance Detective!" she exclaimed with a smile, "When did you arrive?" she inquired.
The young woman had a short stature and a dark-brown complexion, she had a petite and robust frame, she had shoulder-length brown hair , she had brown-colored eyes and wears oval-shaped glasses. She wears a dark long-sleeved uniform with yellow cuff linings over a white-collared shirt with a black necktie, she wears black pants and brown boots. She wears a black police chief cap with yellow band and insiginias. This is Heather Murphy.
Lovebloom City Police Chief
Heather Murphy
"Y-You know this woman, Chief?" Chrys asked in surprise.
"Of course!" Heather exclaimed in confirmation, "She's got quite a reputation here around here!" she revealed, "Plus, we went to the same high school together!" she added.
"What does that had to do with anything?" Trixie uttered in disbelief.
'"I had no idea!" Chrys admitted in shock, "She was trying to enter the crime scene without a badge so we thought..." she trailed in explanation
"Don't worry about it, you're still new." Heather reassured, "Now, what can I do for you, detective?" she inquired
"I've come to solve this case of love!" Romance Detective declared.
"What's up with her and love?" Denton questioned in disbelief.
"Love, huh?" Heather uttered, "Then Chrys, why don't you help her out?'' she suggested.
"Huh?" Chrys uttered in surprise.
"You heard me." Heather replied, "I'm assigning you to be her partner for this case with immediate effect." she stated, "Plus you got these guys from the Heroes Coalitions to help you out!" she added.
"Thought you forgot about us." Dan muttered in annoyance.
"Huh?!" Chrys squawked in shock.
"Oh God..." Oohori trailed, "... we're about to learn here some tips about love." he grumbled sarcastically.
"Excellent!" Romance Detective cheered, "You are now, Romance Cop!" she declared towards Chrys and the rest burst out in laughter.
Chrys flustered in response, "W-Wait!" she squawked, "You can't just change my title!" she chastised.
"Come, my subordinates." Romance Detective beckoned.
"Did she just included us?" Kafuu uttered in confusion despite the creepy smile on his face.
"Where are we going?" Chrys inquired
"To investigate!" Romance Detective declared.
"But we're already at the crime scene!'' Chrys pointed out, "Chief, are you sure about this?" she asked in concern.
"You have your orders, Romance Cop." Heather replied with a grin which made the rest bursting into laughter again.
"Ch-Chief?!" Chrys squawked in disbelief.
"Hurry up and brief her along with everyone with the case." Heather beckoned, "I'm pretty sure that with all of your combined efforts will bring back that vase in no time." she declared, "I'm counting on you!" she expressed before walking and leaving everyone behind.
"B-But, I mean..." Chrys trailed, "... just like that?!" she squawked in disbelief.
Mandy placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know the feeling, I know the feeling." she uttered with a nod.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Dan demanded.
Chrys then let's out a sigh, "Guess if the Chief trusts her..." she trailed, "We might as well..." she conceded, "But..." she trailed once more.
Romance Detective then realized something, "Right." she uttered, "One more thing." she said before attaching a rose on Chry's left pocket.
"What's this rose for?" Chrys asked in confusion.
"It comes with the title." Romance Detective answered.
"Kinda like Dan's t-shirt." Shinozaki quipped.
"Hey, I heard that!" Dan exclaimed in annoyance before smiling, "But I ain't denying it." he admitted.
"O-Okay...'' Chrys accepted with an unsure look.
"Now then." Romance Detective begun, "The vase was stolen right?" she inquired.
"Absolutely!" Dan confirmed, "We've mentioned it multiple times!" he pointed out, "Oh my goodness!" he exclaimed, "Please pay attention to us, for heaven's sake!" he urged in frustration.
"It's one-of-a-kind vase." Chrys continued, "It was taken around 10 pm last night." she shared, "The thief made it past all of the museum's security measures but for some reason, the vase was the only one stolen." she explained.
"What's the thief gonna do with that vase?" Trixie questioned, "Use it to drink wine." she assumed.
"I drink beer with a vase once." Denton quipped.
"Seriously?" Brick uttered in disbelief.
"Those are the facts so far, if you guys like me to explain things further, go ahead and ask away." Chrys suggested.
"Well then..." Elise trailed, "... let's get all the information we need first before we do anything." she beckoned.
"Agree." Romance Detective said in agreement, "Are there any suspects?" she inquired.
"Not yet." Chrys answered, "But the thief did leave one thing behind." she shared, "We think it's supposed to be a calling card but..." she trailed.
"But..." Romance Detective pressed on
"It doesn't have a phone number?" Chris assumed.
"Well..." Chrys trailed, "... see for yourself." she beckoned before presenting a paper with the words 'Romanse Theif' written in pink crayon along with a drawing of a heart.
Everyone stares at it with a blank look.
"By the looks of it, our culprit might be a grade schooler." Chrys assumed.
"No kidding, the paper is written in crayons and the spellings are wrong." Mandy listed off.
"I say it's Rhode Dogg but since he's not here right now, so I guess he is out." Dan stated with a blank look.
Ninja Dave raised an eyebrow, "Where did you even get that conclusion?" he questioned.
"We can assume that." Romance Detective acknowledged, "But it might be a trick." she assumed.
"Not that I was serious in the first place but like Mandy pointed out, the name was written in crayons and the words are mispelled." Chrys stated, "Really, what else is there for us to gather?" she asked.
"Something bigger might be at play." Romance Detective claimed, "Bigger than us." she continued, "Bigger than this city.'' she added, "Don't trust anything, Romance Cop and friends." she beckoned, "This is the work of my adversary, after all..." she trailed.
"Yeah..." Trixie trailed, "... Trixie is sticking with the grade schooler." she quipped.
"Adversary?" Chrys repeated, "Is there some kind of ongoing rivalry between you and this thief?'' she assumed.
Romance Detective shook her head, "No." she answered, "This is the first time I've heard of them." she admitted, "However, by using the word romance in their title, clearly they mean to challenge me." she declared, "A challenge I'll gladly take...'' she trailed.
Chrys facefaulted, "Now you're the one making assumptions." she pointed out.
"She gets work up for nothing." Kafuu added with a casual smile.
"Now..." Romance Detective trailed, "... tell me more about the vase." she beckoned.
"It was donated to the museum sometime lat week by a local antique collector, the artist is unknown." Chrys explained while presenting a photo of a pink jar with a heart symbol, "This is what it looks like." she presented, "It isn't particularly expensive compared to the rest of the museum's collections, so we don't think that thief intends on selling it..." she admitted.
"The design is beautiful." Romance Detective complimented.
"You like it?" Chrys uttered in surprise, "The color is nice but I think the heart is a little much." she commented, "I don't know why anyone would steal something so gaudy." she stated
"Too bedazzled if you ask me." Dan quipped.
"Everybody is a critic." Ninja Dave grumbled.
"Well I like it!" Honne chirped.
"It would make a nice centerpiece..." Romance Detective muttered.
"D-Did we hurt her feelings?'' Chrys thought in concern while the rest remains oblivious.
"Was there anything with the security cameras?" Elise inquired.
Chrys shook her head, "No." she answered, "A few of them were tampered with but there isn't anything useful we can gather from the footage." she stated, "You would think a place like this would have a better security system, right?" she commented.
"It's unfortunate but it's understandable." Romance Detective admitted, "This city's crime rate is very low." she pointed out.
"So they didn't expect something like this would ever happen?" Chrys uttered in surprise.
"Seems like it." Brick assumed.
"Securities are useless anyway." Dan stated rather bluntly.
Romance Detective thought deeply, "Only stealing a single vase..." she trailed, "What kind of motive this thief posses..." she furthered
"If they had anything at all." Mandy quipped.
"Well, that's everything I know." Chrys concluded, "We've been investigating all morning but there aren't a lot of clues to be found..." she trailed, "... this thief is really good." she admitted
"A worthy adversary indeed..." Romance Detective uttered in acknowledgement.
"This detective is definitely odd..." Chrys thought while turning to the member of the DAN Army, "And so does the rest of the guys..." she trailed, "... but I'm glad that they're at least taking the job seriously." she acknowledged, "Umm, hey, before I forget." she spoke up, "I'm sorry about earlier, I just transferred to this city, so I hadn't heard anything about you." she apologized.
"Yeah, we're sorry too." Elise followed.
"No, don't apologize." Romance Detective reassured, "I must work harder to be known worldwide, that way..." she trailed, "... such a thing would never happen again." she declared.
"Right, well, good luck with that." Chrys encouraged.
"You're gonna need it." Denton added.
"Anyway..." Chrys trailed, "... I think it's about time we take a break." she beckoned, "There's a cafe across the street..." she shared, "... would you all care to join me for lunch?" she suggested.
"A group lunch date?" Romance Detective uttered out loud, "I accept!" she declared.
Chrys flustered once more in response, "I-I didn't mean like a date or anything?" she squawked, "I just thought you guys might be hungry..." she trailed before shaking her head, "A-Anyway!" she stammered, "Let's go!" she beckoned.
As everyone left the museum, Honne exclaimed, "If this was a group lunch date, Dan is mine!" she declared.
All eyes are on her, except for Dan, who looks visibly disturbed.
A/N: Inspired from someonestupED, damnlastwords, Jamesdean5842, Hope the Victor and Ace Neptune. All OCs and concepts not created by moi were given permission for me to use by it's respected creators.