( closed. ) and the winners get to rewrite history.

[runicking]

WHO: Celeste Winters, Colin Locke, Terra Branford, Yuuri Katsuki
WHEN: January 21
WHERE: The LA County District Attorney's office
WHAT: After receiving a tip from Celeste, the Phantom Thieves investigate a newly uncovered palace, and recruit a new team member.
WARNINGS: Putting up a cursory PG-13 rating on this. This might change depending on which direction this log takes. CWs will be added as necessary.

[ But since Locke went through enough trouble of returning her note, it would be rude not to meet him there. The lack of foresight on his end did give Celeste pause, however; didn't he realize that he only made himself look even more suspicious coming here, especially during off hours? She wasn't exaggerating about his reputation, after all. Even if this was a public space.

He really is good at making a statement, even when it's disadvantageous. It's like nothing has changed.

At least Celeste looks like she's supposed to be here, heels clicking as she briskly makes her way toward the courtyard of the district attorney's office, her gaze periodically flicking down to her smart watch. 2:58 PM—he better get here soon, or else she's leaving. ]

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[runicking]

Even before she finishes opening the door, her eyes catch a glimpse of someone there, her posture tensing as her hand remains on the knob. He never works weekends, but of course he would be here—this place was brought about by his true intentions, wasn't it? So it would only make sense that he would be waiting for her.

But that isn't what makes her freeze up; not the fact that he's been waiting for her or that there's something intensely Not Right about the way he looks (his eyes, they were glowing gold), but what he says that gives her pause. That was her job, wasn't it? To track one of them at least, and to bring Phelps information to use against him. But to put it so plainly, like all of this was planned...

She's going to have a hell of a time pleading her case, isn't she, with the evidence clearly stacked against her here.

"...That's not why I'm here." She answers after a moment, her hand falling away from the doorknob as she cautiously takes a step forward. Not inside, but standing in the doorway, blocking the rest of the hallway from view.

She can't call attention to the distortion around her, right? That would be bad. But at the same time, this—all of this—it's disgusting. These were what the men pulling the strings at the top were like, men like Phelps and her father, and it's disgusting.

"What is this about?" It's not a question but a demand for information, her eyes narrowing slightly. He can take it as he will. "I have a right to know."

[returnher]

The Shadow's eyes narrow and he snaps his fingers, the two guards stepping in and grabbing Celeste by either arm.

"My dear, I know you love snooping around but these things really don't concern you. If you haven't completed your assignment, I suggest you get back to work. Your father promised you'd be useful, and frankly I've yet to see it."

Locke tenses as he signals Trance and Frost. "This is getting a bit hairy," he murmurs. "Do we go in?"

[terraburning]

Trance considers, remembering her own first confrontation with a Shadow.

"If they attack, we should respond, but..."

She trails off, searching for the right words.

"I think she might need this."

[runicking]

Celeste's eyes snap open as the shadows grab both of her arms, the color draining from her face. Locke—Hunter—warned her that this place was dangerous, and while she had no reason to doubt him, until now she assumed it was all lip service. She can defend herself. But held there before this man like some prisoner, it's the first time she's been forced to face this threat face-on.

But this, she can still handle. Even if her heart is pounding in her ears, she can put up a brave front. As long as it's just her being threatened, she can face this with grace. It isn't until she hears a shuffle of movement behind her that her rough exterior crumbles, as she tries desperately to pull free from her captors.

Because while Hunter, Trance and Frost have been doing their best to keep a low profile, it seems that they have not gone unnoticed. Shadowy workers surrounding the three in an ambush, drawing the phantom thieves out into the open.