Voile Library - Gensokyo "Damn." Patchouli knew what Jack was planning: he was going to make a hole in her library. But too late to make the gravity back to normal, OR changing the air friction around to stop his momentum. "Sakuya. Call Remilia and Flandre. A varmin like this must be put to death before he endangers anyone." Scarlet Devil Mansion - Gensokyo "Welcome back, Mistress!"
Remilia entered her mansion to notice something odd. The fairy maids were on high alert, guarding the entrance to the library and cleaning up mess at the front lobby. No Sakuya around to help them.
"What's going on?" Remilia asked a fairy maid cleaning the rubble. "Was there an attack?"
"An intruder, mistress! He beat miss Sakuya and headed into the library!"
"This is serious. If this intruder has the power to defeat Sakuya, that means Patchouli might be in danger as well." Remilia assessed. "We have no time to lose. You, pirate man, follow me! Fairy, you did good work. Keep cleaning the mess as best as you can."
"Yes, mistress!" The fairy maid nodded and went back to business. Groznyj Grad - Russia "Believe it or not, we were stranded here." Rengar began. "We came from Australia, hunting down Neo Yakuzas and their Base 2, until some stuff happened and we ended up here. Snake knows the entire details, so I wouldn't go into it."
"For the past 4 months, we've been working our butts off trying to afford our way back to Australia." Sheva continued. "It was hard work, mercenary working and all, but we have enough money to buy a helicopter."
Outside Eientei - Bamboo Forest of The Lost - Gensokyo | Dusk
John was glad that Utsuho had finally broken her embrace and quickly recovered his calm composure.
"Yes. I finished gathering everyone, so now we can go.", John said to Utsuho as he hovered down and closed his Corridor of Darkness from before.
After landing, John waited for Utsuho to land as well, so that they could go inside. After all, John remembered that Utsuho didn't like to travel using the Corridors of Darness, and it was always nice to walk instead of simply teleporting.
Emberlight
Takoizu nodded as The Higher Power listed off what each vial did and thought about how they could use each one. Perhaps they would come across an enemy that was only weak against status effects.
"What is the pill for?", Takoizu asked The Higher Power in a curious tone.
Interrogation Room - Sector 2 - Prometheus Labs | Dawn
After Volgin had finished speaking, Dr. Halsey remained silent for a couple seconds and quietly thought about what he said. After a long pause, Halsey finally spoke.
"You say that Characters are dangerous, but you do not even consider humans as a part of your little thesis. Just like Characters, humans can be seen as either a gift from the gods, or a very serious threat. I've read your inFamous Thesis, and all I can say is that all of it was a given from the start, that Characters behave just as normal humans do. All you did was put the obvious onto paper. Just as how humans would act, Characters would surely treat this world as their second chance, treat it as a new opportunity. Using their morals, experiences, and habits, they set goals for themselves and choose what lives they want to live. Just like humans, they decide to be either good, or bad. The only difference is power, but if there is one thing that age has taught me, it's that power does not ensure victory. Even you can fall to a mere human with a good head on their shoulders."
"As for countries being up in arms, that is nothing new. Humans have killed each other for less than power. There has never been a time when humans have not been at each other's throats, and the introduction of Characters is no exception. It will not end with Characters, just as how it didn't just end with the creation of the Atomic Bomb. It is a cycle of violence that started the very moment humans learned to bang rocks together, and it will never end until we as a species, die off. We are here to ensure that malignant, hostile countries don't gain enough power to threaten the natural political order of the world, and if you consider yourself a country, then we will give you what you want. We'll treat you like a country."
"You clearly do not know where we stand in terms of finances or resources. We are given grants and resources by various sources, sources that benefit from our technological advances. Even if the grants and the resources stopped coming in, we have enough to last years before running low on either one. I will not allow our Labs to be used to help the Neo-Yakuza gain the power they need. I know what they do to Characters.", Dr. Halsey said before taking out a couple sheets of paper from the manila folder in front of her and showed Volgin the information on them.
On the papers were various intelligence reports on the Neo-Yakuza's Character Trafficking operations, each one with a picture of the victimized Character, as well as the faces of some of the agents. Not only that, there were also destinations for each "delivery". Addresses, the amount of money paid for the Characters, and many other pieces of information that led straight back to the Neo-Yakuza.
"Manuel Terez, a member of a Drug cartel of in Mexico and an operative in Mexico City. Sophitia Granche, a wealthy businesswoman from Athens, Greece. There are many others than just those two. In fact, there's even dropoff locations at the SK Gaming Headquarters, the Hokkaido Hotel, and even the Hong Kong Triad Branch. You're selling Characters like slaves, as objects. You are a part of all this. When the Neo-Yakuza cannot recruit a Character by choice, they do so with lies, extortion, and force. As far as I care, you're a disgrace to your own kind for helping them do this.", Dr. Halsey coldly said as she then tapped on a part of the table between Volgin an herself.
Just then, a Hardlight, holographic screen appeared out from the table and hovered in the air and a video was suddenly played. On the video was a group of Characters; a fox humanoid, a small, blue robotic boy, a keyblader, a green-haired woman with a parasol, a large man in bulky, green armor, and various others. As the security footage played, Volgin could see the humanoid fox sneaking through the corridors of Base 3, searching for any hostages, the blue robotic boy fighting alongside a woman that was firing off what could only be described as "curved lasers", the Keyblader placing magic bombs along various surfaces in the building's infrastructure, the green-haired woman fighting the twisted abominations inside of Base 3's labs, and the armored green giant wielding a Gau-16, mowing down countless Neo-Yakuza personnel and Characters. For a moment, Halsey seemed to focus more on the green giant than any other part of the security footage, as if the person in the video was important to her, but after every couple of seconds, she would shift her gaze to the other Characters assaulting Base 3.
"As you can see, we know about Base 3's destruction. Soon after its destruction, we sent spies in and had them collect all the intel they could from the site, all without leaving a trace of their existence. We know about everything that the Neo-Yakuza were doing in Japan; how they operated, their protocols and procedures, and even their research data... The Neo-Yakuza are even worse than their predecessors. They need to be wiped from the planet."
"Prometheus Labs will never be your ally, not while I'm still in charge of it. I did not create this facility for power, I created it as a way to advance technology, as a way to help humanity advance as a species, as my second chance. That is why I have to decline your offer.", Dr. Halsey finished, leaning back to her normal seated position.
Originally posted by S121 Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.
Volgin remained silent. Then, after a while, he spoke.
"... Very well. I would imagine the leader would respect your decision."
Volgin closed his eyes.
"... However, I'm not one to leave empty handed. I would like to ask a small favor of you, if that is alight with you. You may benefit from it."
His eyes shot open. "I want you to try to find out everything you can on the Base 1 leader. What is he? What game he is from?"
He took out a folder of papers. However, this folder wasn't given the Neo-Yakuza logo. He took out some paperwork.
"I've been trying to find out for quite a while. He isn't human. I had collaborated with the leader of base 5 Intelligence base as he was also curious. We found his name was Ases Inozuka. I noted that there was a boy with the same last name, but he couldn't possibly be it. He was picked up off the streets, leaving us with the option that it was a typo and that he may be related to a character from the Touhou series named Komachi Onozuka who also used to work with us. We cannot find anymore information than that. I want to know what he is. You need that information as well if you want to beat him. I don't give a damn about the Neo-Yakuza or what they're after! All I can imagine is how big it's gotten! There is only one thing I know of that can possibly give them the funds to build the Neo-Yakuza, and that is the Philosopher's Legacy! My legacy! I don't care about what anyone else wants! I shall not be treated as someone's lapdog anymore! Do you hear me Ases?! Damn you and your-"
Suddenly, Volgin collapsed on the ground, holding his head.
"Gh! Damn it! The drug! It's... Wearing down!..."
That will be enough, Volgin. Return immediately.
There was a faint voice from Volgin's ear. It was almost audible.
"... Damn... You... I thought I made it clear... I didn't want to be... A part of your damnable company!"
Voile
Sakuya got up.
"Yes miss." And with that, she disappeared.
She reappeared in front of Remilia having used her power to stop time to make haste.
"Mistress! There's a problem in Voile! An intruder has entered the mansion for unknown reasons without notification! Where is Mistress Flandre?"
Groznyj Grad
Snake sat up. "Something? What happened?"
Otori had been thinking to himself. I dunno. I've been doing the same thing and I kinda enjoy it. Hell, wouldn't mind if I could stay in Groznyj Grad. It's an artifact!
Gerard hit him on the back of the head.
"What the hell was that for, gramps?! Don't tell me you can read minds!"
"When it comes to you, I don't need to," he replied.
Interrogation Room - Sector 2 - Prometheus Labs | Dawn
Dr. Halsey was genuinely surprised when Volgin gave her all the intel he could find on the Neo-Yakuza's leader. Just a moment ago, Volgin seemed to be sided with them, but after she declined his offer, he suddenly changed. What exactly was going on here? Right before Halsey could ask Volgin about his ties to the Neo-Yakuza, Volgin suddenly fell to the floor and grabbed at his head as he writhed in pain. As soon as Volgin began to seemingly speak to himself, Halsey knew what was happening. Volgin was using some kind of earpiece to talk with somebody, similarly to how security guards from The Labs would talk to each other. Thinking quickly, Halsey considered the possibility of a drug effecting Volgin and thought up of a plan. She knew that The Lab's Infirmary had drugs that could purge a person's system and cure them of withdrawal symptoms, or at least suppress them. As for the person speaking to him, finding the signal was one of her highest priorities. If Halsey was correct, Volgin's earpiece most likely had a secure frequency, which meant that there would only be a few available frequencies on his communicator. That meant that the frequency could be quickly and easily traced, and thanks to Daniel being next to her, they could get the information as fast as the transmission could travel back to the Neo-Yakuza's base.
"Daniel, trace the signal coming from Volgin's earpiece, and get him to the infirmary. Tell the doctors that he is under the influence of Class-VI drug.", Dr. Halsey said to Daniel in a serious tone.
"Yes Ma'am.", Daniel said as he quickly activated his communicator and adjusted it to Volgin's frequency as he quickly, yet gracefully hopped over the table.
As soon as Daniel landed on the other side of the table, he quickly grabbed Volgin and lifted him up.
"Don't worry, we'll get you help.", Daniel said to Volgin as he ran out of the room with him in his arms.
Meanwhile, Halsey grabbed the intel Volgin had given her and held it tightly, partially worrying for him, as well as trying to figure out who exactly this Neo-Yakuza leader was. Whoever he was, it was clear that he held no regard for the lives of those under his control.
Originally posted by S121 Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.
Eientei - Gensokyo Utsuho followed suit, closely behind John to make sure she does not lose ways in the hypnotic hallways of Eientei. "Then let's start with a simple blood test." Eirin began by drawing a syringe and injecting the tiny needle into Max's arms. Red hot blood began filling the syringe, but only a little was extracted to prevent Max from getting anemic. She then applied a drop to a petri dish and used her microscope to check the blood. Voile - Gensokyo "Isn't she at the basement, like she usually is?" Remilia pointed down the stairs. "I'll take over from here, get to your duties." Groznyj Grad - Russia "We were contacted by an unknown man by the name of K." Rengar said as he brought out an audio recorder. "We don't know who it is, or where he is from, we can only infer that this K person is a male."
"K told us that he has top information about the Neo Yakuza executives. But we're not sure if this is a trap or not." Sheva tagged along the conversation. "Our plan right now is to track this K person down and see whether he is truly an enemy of the Neo-Yakuza or a well-fabricated trap."
Shadow was about to warp them when they heard the commotion on the surface.
Ara who was slightly scared of the situation grabbed onto Rena. "What's that!?" Ara asked in a slightly panicked tone, mostly caught off guard by the sudden commotion on the surface. Rena looked at Ara, just as confused she sighed. "I don't know Ara, but it sounds like the battle on the surface got more intense..." She replied as Shadow just smirked.
"Whatever the case is... It seems like there is more excitement going on up on the surface..."
Hilly Field - Outside Prometheus Labs - London | Dawn
Eve shook her head as she calmed down. The Nasod Spears also vanished as she looked up at Jack. She looked somewhat weak, like she just woke up from a bad headache. "I-I'm sorry... I had lost track of the Queen's Throne's state... I should have ran the safety procedures before activating the Queen's Throne..." She said as she stepped back. "Shall we continue...?"
Samus` armor was still being repaired, but it had enough power for its basic form "I swar that every time I meet that pterodactyl in a mission, my suit gets rebooted somehow" The bounty hunter spoke abviously annoyed
The commander chuckled at that and handed the blonde a mattock shotgun "Atleast we are trained for any kind of weapon`s arent we?" she asked
"Indeed, now let`s see, the mansion should be around.. what?" Samus glared at her screen. Jane looked at it and noticed some seismic activity as also some gravity push in a certain area of the building "Guess your information woman has some visitors, should we head out?"
Smus landed the ship in the nearby woods and made it lift off to a secure space after they got outside and ran to the vampire`s home
Outside Eientei - Bamboo Forest of The Lost - Gensokyo | Dusk
As John and Utsuho entered the building, John made sure to deactivate his Energy Sword and put it away. Even John did not particularly like how hypnotic the hallways in Eientei were. John knew it wasn't true, but the hallways seemed to stretch on forever. At least he remembered which room Annie and the others were in. After a couple of minutes of walking through the hallways, John and Utsuho finally arrived back in the room Annie and the others were in.
"Okay, now we're ready to go. Is there anything we need to know before we fight?", John said to Annie as he entered the room.
Catacombs - Santa Cruz - California | Night
"Yea, let's just hope they're on our side.", Isaac said as he waited for Shadow to transport them to the other crypt explorer's location.
As Isaac waited, he made sure to check the ammo count of his Plasma Cutter again. When Isaac took his Plasma Cutter with him, he was expecting to only encounter street thugs and the like, not undead. If he knew that, then he would have brought his entire arsenal, along with some Med Packs. If things got any worse, Isaac didn't really know if he would be able to be of much help to the others. Then again, Isaac at least had some C-4. If he had only one charge left in his Plasma Cutter, he could always toss the ball of C-4 in his suit and shoot it. The explosion would definitely be enough to damage the old infrastructure, as well as kill some enemies.
Hilly Field - Outside Prometheus Labs - London | Dawn
Jack was a little frustrated and was somewhat torn between getting his suit repaired and Eve's welfare. After all, he may have wanted his suit fixed before Halsey found out, but he couldn't endanger the life of a civilian, simply for his own sake. After a brief moment of silence, Jack decided to pass the decision to Eve. After all, she was the one that was repairing his suit. It was her energy being expended, not Jack's.
"That decision is yours. Are you going to be able to continue in your state?", Jack calmly asked Eve.
Originally posted by S121 Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.
Eientei - Gensokyo "I'll explain them to you once we get to Valoran." Annie answered. She looked slightly uneasy, but determined to help in any way she can. "You do know the location of the Institute of War, right?"
Catacombs "Of course you do." THe HUntress turned away, taking one more glance at Eleos.
"You're just a blank face in the crowd." The Huntress then bounded off, heading in the direction of the source. Emberlight "Healing, duh." HP said. Crack it open and you'll be back to tippy top shape. "What, did you expect it to be cough medicine?" Eientei Mima popped in. "What's this talk about War?"
Sometimes when you're driving down a road, a bug hits your windshield. It's ugly and unpleasant, but you just activate the wipers / cleaning fluid and it's gone in a few seconds. It's just part of driving down the road. You don't dwell on it, because that'd be silly. Bugs aren't worth the time.