Pentagram

Zach's Plan

                   I found JJ in the lobby, throwing darts at a dartboard beside the window. I watched him for a few moments, and then made my way over, "Hi JJ."

                He looked over his shoulder, and a wide grin split his face. "Akaya! What've you been up to?"

                "Not much." I glanced at the dartboard, "All in the middle, huh?"

                He shrugged, and tossed another dart. "I'm just bored. They don't have any games here, so I figured 'd throw some darts. Chynna and I played a bit yesterday - I totally smoked her."

                "You two sound close." I grinned, picking up a dart. "So, how exactly did you meet her again?"

                "She was being hunted by officers. Apparently she's a wanted criminal on this planet, for fighting against the government and "terrorism." But five minutes with her and you'll know she's just a gal trying to find her way. She does have a reason for being in Pentagram, though." JJ motioned for me to throw a dart, and I tossed the one in my hand at the dartboard. It hit the outer ring.

                "Yeesh, I suck at this." I complained.

                JJ grinned, reaching into the pouch on his leg and pulling out another dart. "Mine are custom-made. I've won more bets then I can count with this pouch." He flicked his wrist, and the dart flew straight into the center, knocking off two of his previously-thrown darts. "I just had too much free time."

                "Well, aren't you like a professional gamer?" I yawned.

                He glanced at me, "How'd you know?"

                "Just a hunch. You're way too good to be anything but professional." I sat down in one of the chairs beside us. "Seems like a fun job, playing video games for a living."

                He shrugged, "I guess. I don't get to meet very many people."

                "Really?" I blinked.

                "I just play games." He grinned, "Doesn't require much traveling or social skill. Regardless, playing a game is what got me into this mess."

                "I thought you wanted to help Chynna?" I sighed.

                "I never said I didn't." He glanced at me, "But something's not right about this mansion. Please tell me you've picked up on it too, but only a few minutes of staying here and I could tell there's all sorts of crap going on. Chynna's already told me someone was murdered here!"

                "Seriously?" I breathed, "Where?"

                "In that Pentagram downstairs, right where you were sitting." He folded his arms, "Before Soro took over this place, supposedly it was home to a group of criminals. Granted, I don't even think the government knew it. Otherwise this place would be nothing but a pile of dust."

                "What do you mean by that?"

                JJ laughed, "Our government doesn't like people who disobey. Criminals and the like are hunted mercilessly, which reduces crime rate. But that also means Chynna is being hunted by the government, and she's staying with three famous singers! What if the governor came in here with officers to visit Minori, and saw her?"

                I paused, "It would make sense that Mika and the others would be branded criminals..."

                "Exactly. So why are these famous stars helping Chynna?" He blew a sigh, "I wish Zach were here, he seems like the type who can figure out these things."