If you are talking about the meltdown, it has been resolved.
Angela has been “pacified” so to speak.
Sundowner
Haha! It’s just like a VHS on the fritz, all ya’ need to do is give it a good thump!
Real shame, I would’a loved unloading a couple’a rounds into those freaks down there!
Hokma
You’ll have plenty of things to test your weapons out on soon enough.
But I am here to discuss the events regarding those two, are they still fighting?
Sundowner
Yup, they’re still at it, seems like Bateman’s winnin’.
Although… maybe Roland’s not done yet! He’s lookin’ to get ready for another round!
Hokma
…Nip this in the bud, we have wasted enough time.
Sundowner
Yer sayin’ I should kill em?
Hokma
Do whatever you deem necessary, but make sure they are alive.
Sundowner
Heh, I think I have a solution. Lemme see what I can do.
-Sunny D makes a call, Dallas (Dallas) picks up the phone -
Dallas
Sundowner, gimme a minute he-
???A
Leave me alone, ya' damn succubus! I bet you're in cahoots with those bastards! Trying to take me away from her, aren’t you!?
???B
Let me suck it out of you! The pain won't come out if I do not-
Dallas
That's not how you deal with a car accident victim! For fuck’s sa-
Sundowner
Looks like yer havin' a lotta fun over there!
Dallas
Sundowner, you here for another bet? If so, that simp ran off and got himself into a car accident, fucking ret-
Sundowner
Dammit! Shoulda gave me a heads up earlier! I was lookin' forward to his match against Hank!
Whatever, say... Can ya' patch up big ‘ol bullet holes straight through the midsection?
Dallas
Uh, yeah, me and my new assistant can, why’s that?
Sundowner
You two better get down to the arena right now then! I’m gonna aerate a few maggots!
Bateman
That makes up for that fight backstage, fucker.
Roland
I can still fight, asshole!
Bateman
Well, your shot at this belt is gone…
But I suppose we can turn this into a deathmatch, it’s your funeral.
You know, maybe she’s gonna be even more upset with the news of your death.
I wonder, is that fire axe under the stage still there or did that little bitch confiscate that during the redecoration.
???
HEY! TWEEDLE DEE AND TWEEDLE DUMB!
Roland
Hu… What?
Bateman
Great, friends of yours?
Roland
I… I didn’t bring friends…
Sundowner
That’s because I’m here to teach you sons a bitches a damn lesson!
A lesson in followin' orders!
And this here is some extrajudicial punishment! Where I’m from we don’t need court marshaling!
This right ere's my boomstick!
Roland
That’s an EGO weapon!
Bateman
Sundowner, what the fuck are you doing here?
Sundowner
Oh I’m here for a simple reason, see this here gun? You two gon’be gettin’ shot by it!
Bateman
Wow, you’re gonna kill us? What the hell is that supposed to do?
Sundowner
Kill ya? Maybe if yer unlucky! This is what we call “non-lethal” in these parts.
Monsoon
There is such a meme about the cycle of vengeance not paying off, isn’t there?
How spectacular. Do not believe that this is death, merely the start of our part of the punishment.
Sundowner
Here’s to ya, Roland and Bateman!
-der shooty gunshot-
Dallas
Jesus Christ man! That’s a fuckin’ elephant gun!
HEY BUDDY! GET UP!
-remedy runs in-
Remedy
I-I can fix this!
G-gimmie a moment! I have the perfect remedy for this!
Dallas
Damn, never seen a near disembowelment close itself like that.
And regrowing organs for that matter, we’re definitely gonna make some serious cash with this.
Sundowner
You surprise me every time, Doc.
Expect a hefty paycheck comin' soon.
Dallas
Let’s get the fuck outta here, our job is done!
Remedy
But I want to-
Dallas
No.
Remedy
Pleeeeeease…
Dallas
I said no!
-Remedy and Dallas leave-
Roland
What the fuck…
Bateman
Assholes, there was some real good food from Dorsia down there!
Sundowner
We’re just getting started!
-enter axel, haru, ringabel, soma-
Axel
You guys sure about this?
Haru
Definitely.
Ringabel
Looks like you haven’t learned yet.
Soma
We’re here to get this damn investigation done.
Instead you two go out of your way to delay it.
So consider this us finally putting our foot down.
Haru
You guys can’t fucking get along and everyone else has to suffer for it? Get the fuck over yourselves!
Sundowner
Six on two, some people would call this unfair, but I consider it a decisive victory!
Monsoon
How unfortunate for them.
Ringabel
Too bad this isn’t against women, I can’t make a quip about “tough love”...
Roland
You seriously gonna do that?
Axel
Well, we have a pair of doctors here that healed that hole in your chest just now.
Bateman
…
You know what, if you fuckers are intent on fighting…
Then it’s gonna be a fight you’re gonna get!
Hey Roland! Let’s show these fuckers to stay out of our fucking business!
We’ll settle this little death wish of yours for good on a later date!
And as for all of you…
This fight is between us and you fuckers come in and ruin it!
Sundowner
I’m fucking invincible boy, you’re gon’ get more than a boot up your ass!
I see your fellow team members took matters into their own hands while I was gone…
Bateman
Shut it, and get this over with already.
Roland
Here we go…
Hokma
Where do I start with this…
Roland, your absence during a time of crisis could’ve put the Corporation, and even the ship itself, in significant danger.
The Guests and Abnormalities all collectively broke out.
If it wasn’t for Angela’s friends-
Roland
Wait, her friends? They were actually there? She actually went through with it?!
Hokma
Do not interrupt me.
But yes, her friends found a way inside and refused to leave when they should have.
Despite that, their assistance rendered this event to only some damage within the facility.
I’m sure you can envision the potential destruction if the likes of Xiao or Yan were to successfully escape.
Roland
Are they alright?
Hokma
They are still in the process of recovery.
It was bad enough they were using pages, but they were forced to use EGO to prevent their deaths.
Some of them had a very profound effect on their psyche, and we are uncertain on how that will affect them in the long term.
Pray that this does not become an issue, for Tsubasa is one of them.
If she were to break now, it would have a knock-on effect on Angela.
And all of this can be placed solely on your absence.
Roland
…
Bateman
Great, so you’re getting rid of-
Hokma
No, you are just as responsible for this incident as he is, if not more.
Bateman
How the hell am I-
Hokma
Let me be emphatic: We will not tolerate your bullshit any longer, Bateman.
This feud is what brought us here today and what drove a shot from an EGO weapon straight through your gut.
But not only that… It’s what drove Miss Oribe and company to use forbidden L Corp equipment out of desperation to save their friend.
They’ve risked their lives in their attempt to undo the damage that you caused, Bateman.
You are walking on thin ice here, Bateman. Take care that you do not take an action that causes it to crack beneath your feet.
Bateman
…
Hokma
Remember that there are people in positions of power above you, it’s how us businessmen do things, is it not?
Bateman
Hmph, sure I guess.
Hokma
My point has been made clear.
Now then, you may stay on this team, however…
Any infighting between yourselves, or over Angela, I will deal with you both myself.
This petty drama has caused enough delays and it shall not be repeated again.
The punishment will be so severe that both of you will seek a death that shall not be found. You will long to die, only to find that death will elude you.
Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?
Roland
…
Bateman
…
Hokma
Good.
You may leave now, but I expect for you two to both have something for the investigation when we meet again.
That we are, It used to be that Roland was always the first here…
I hope that our current predicament with Roland has been dealt with.
Soma
There is nothing stopping him from killing Bateman, all it takes is for us to keep our eye off him for a second.
Ringabel
Considering that Lady Angela has now climbed down from her tower, it is likely he will be satiated for the time being.
Soma
For a while, I do not think he is going to take what he feels to be a loss as well as the others think.
Haru
Can they try killing each other later?
Y’know, when we haven't got people trying to be sacrificed?
-enter edea, rance and date with Sundowner and Monsoon-
Sundowner
Hello boys and girls, the cavalry has arrived!
Rance
I didn’t ask to be a part of th-
-Punch-
Sundowner
Shut yer damn mouth, you little ankle humper!
Rance
Yes sir… If only I had the sacred ointment…
Edea
So this is that investigation Dimitri and Battler have been busy with?
Seems a little small for such a major thing.
Soma
It's because of L Corp wanting to keep things quiet.
Though by now it's an open secret, so I don't really see the point.
Date
Might be due to L Corp having to do things internally first.
Edea
That's a roundabout way for you to say that it’s because of you two idiots causing constant breakouts.
Date
Come on…
Rance
I'll also have you know we were away from the FOB to collect more samples, before you ask!
Go ask Yesod about that one if you want!
Sundowner
Still doesn't mean that you're no longer lazy shits in my book.
Soma
Hey uh, Ringabel, you look a bit pale, ate something funny?
Ringabel
…Edea? Is that you?
Edea
Who, me? What do you want? Why are you staring at me like that?
You look like you have seen a ghost.
Ringabel
Even if you have not seen sunlight in a long time, I’d recognize those beautiful eyes anywhere, my sweet Edea.
Your eyes as clear as the bluest oceans, hair as gold as your heart and not to mention your ample posterior-
Soma
Ringabel!
Rance
Gyahahahaha!
Edea
Mrgrgr! You damn pig! Why do I always end up crossing paths with damn perverts!?
Ringabel
Oh Edea, you never change, my soul would have been crushed if this new occupation of yours turned your heart into stone!
Edea
Shut up! I hate idiot’s like you-!
!!!
Uh… What the… Why do you sound familiar?
Rance
Uh, Edea?
Date
How come if I even remotely mention her ass, I get shot-?
Edea
Shut up!
…What’s your name?
Ringabel
My name is impossible to forget, sweet Edea.
For I am the one who steals the hearts of all fair maidens, the handsome Vagrant of Love!
Do you not remember when we first met?
Edea
Ringab-!?
Argh! My head!
Soma
Are you alright?
Edea
This cannot be happening, I last saw you-
…What am I doing here? I uh… I need to take a break.
I do not feel well at all…
-Edea leaves-
Rance
I've never seen Edea like this before. What the hell did you do to her, Ringabel?
Ringabel
I am not quite sure… I must have a serious conversation with her when I have finished my prior arrangements.
Soma
(small text) Are you still seriously gonna go to that idol place?
Ringabel
(small text) Of course I am, good friend.
-enter agents battler and dimitri-
Battler
Hey, uh, what’s with Edea running off? She looked pretty distressed for some reason.
Haru
Well Ringabel here started trying to chat her up and beyond some anger, she started saying she knew of him.
Battler
Eh? A bit strange to know someone out of the facility on that kind of level.
Dimitri
Wouldn’t you be familiar with that with that cowboy friend of yours?
Rance
GYAHAHAHA! GOOD ONE!
Dimitri
Anyways, I think I know what happened now that you’ve said that.
We Agents have… implanted memories.
But if something breaks the illusion, such as seeing your real self like I did, or someone your real self knows closely…
The memories surface, and start to conflict, they respond poorly to each other.
It’s like having your face underwater for a lifetime, only to suddenly come to the surface.
Date
Eh? What do you mean by “real selves”?
Is this the same nonsense that all the “old guard” spread around to make themselves look cooler?
Dimitri
That’s not for you to know, maybe it’ll happen to you one day.
Haru
Fake memories, huh? Knew you L Corp people had some weird fucking practices but this is out there
Did you know about this Sundowner?
Sundowner
Heh, don’t get me started on that one! Ain't anything like child soldiers lemme tell ya!
Might be the sudden headache that Ringabel here brought upon that girl.
Ringabel
Perhaps with her memories surfacing, I will find the non-Agent version of her.
My… the thought of it… two Edeas…
Soma
Quit fantasizing Ringabel, we still have a job to do.
Ringabel
I just find it amusing how she is in a similar dilemma to what I had.
Axel
Right…
Hey Cole, didn’t you say you and Battler got an interrogation out of that crazy bitch? How did that go?
Cole
Ah, you see it went a bit like this…
Eri
So what’re ya gonna do to me? Torture me or something?
Cole
Ma'am, this is a private investigation. Although we have been allowed certain privileges, we are not like that.
Battler
Ihihihihihihi! We could let the Extraction Department go to town on her!
Cole
That won’t be necessary, some chatting can work things out.
-cole gets out his notepad, picks "Fucks Young Dogs"-
Cole
DO YOU FUCK YOUNG DOGS!?
Eri
Wha...
Battler
And people think I suck real hard when it comes to giving hea- I mean words.
Eri
I don’t understand!?
What are you talking about?!
-x to doubt-
Cole
YOU FUCK DOGS ERI!?
Eri
Um...Yeah? With all kinds of dogs! Not just dogs really!
How do you not know that? Haven't you seen my tapes?
I wanted to have sex with those bears but they’re always mean.
Shame because they can talk, so consent is no longer an issue, you think they’re incels or something?
Cole
Incels? I am a little "old fashioned" so to speak, what do you mean by that term?
Eri
Well its-
Wait! Shit I wasn’t supposed to say that!
Battler
No worries, it's not like we all don't make mistakes in the heat of passion!
-Cole opens his notepad, ticks last question, picks "Knowledge of The Kumas"-
Cole
So, these "Kumas", what do you know about them?
Eri
N-Nothing, I was just told to follow their orders otherwise I would die!
Battler
You've certainly put on an impression that you were working with them willingly until now, sweetie.
Eri
I have nothing more to say! I'm the victim here! I want my lawyer!
Cole
…
-Cole opens his notepad, ticks second question, Chooses "Link with The Kumas-
Cole
Victim? What a crock of shit! We know you were associating with them willingly even after you've found out what they were planning!
Eri
No I don't! Why would I lie?!
Battler
I imagine it's like eating hotdogs for y-
Cole
You knew what they are planning to do with the missing wrestlers.
Lives are at stake here, Eri! And their blood will be on YOUR hands if something happens to them!
Come clean and we'll see about absolving you of the blame.
Eri
What proof have you got that I know a thing about their plans!?
-cole looks at his evidence and picks the diary-
Battler
"Their soft fur… All I have to do is get them some things and help kill off those losers and they'll let me show them a good time!"
Usually girls write smutty stories involving two guys in a hotel room, but this is something else!
Eri
Where did you-!?
Cole
It wasn't like you did a good job hiding it.
And it's very damning evidence of you… What with being involved in a conspiracy to kidnap and sacrifice over a dozen people in an occult ritual.
Public indecency and zoophilia is one thing, mass murder is something else entirely.
Due to the circumstances of this, it gets handled internally. L Corp has control of this ship seeing as that Manager got told such by King Ingurland.
I have no idea what the sentence would be, what do you think they’d do, Agent?
Battler
I think some kind of gruesome death, thrown to an Abno, weapons testing, Cogito maybe?
Eri
H-H-Haha! Well, they had to tell me to find certain things for them.
A-Apparently even bears like them cannot get a hold of things like um…
Um… the blood of a virgin woman for example! Which well uh… I'm way past that point as you know.
Maybe that's why they tried to kidnap that stupid secretary bitch!
She needs a good lay to get the bitchiness out of her!
Battler
Well well well! It looks like you have bit off more carpet than you can chew with this plan!
Because there’s one thing for certain.
Eri! You are guilty of assisting these demon bears with their kidnapping and attempted sacrificing of fellow wrestlers!
All in desperation of you wanting an animal you could argue you had legal sex with!
Eri
Are you seriously gonna do that!? Send me to my death!?
Cole
That is up to them and them alone. For your sake, you better hope we come back with all these people alive.
Eri
Hey come on! I’m a longtime wrestler here!
Cole
And a two-time traitor, looking at your report.
Eri
Uhhhh… ahahaha…
Cole
But traitor or not, if you can even provide us any leads that can help save their lives, tell us now.
Because it might save your life if you give us leads.
Eri
...Look, I can get you all sorts of information about this cult and all that, where they are, their documents, everything!
Those bears dragged me out of a garbage dump and used me!+
Just don’t have me killed!
Cole
Such mercy would be based on your cooperation in this investigation, and the usefulness of said information.
Eri
I-I-I know where their major compound on the surface is!
Battler
Well, you better be right or there’s gonna be a head spilling!
Spilling blood that is!
Eri
Trust me! It’s actually pretty big!
Axel
…If she’s fully compliant I guess we can’t go extremely harsh.
Sundowner
Well she’s officially a two-time traitor now, I say keep her in the brig for now.
Soma
So there’s a major compound on the surface, not good.
We’ll have to stop it now, before they try anything stupid.
Cole
Something to ask that old guy with the monocle whenever he’ll arrive, then.
Sup, hope ya didn’t miss me too much while I was gone.
Kuze
...
Travis
Where's the warm welcome back?
Kuze
Where the hell'd you run off to yesterday? It was hell around here.
Travis
Well I was uh... sleeping over at a friend's place? Hit the sauce a bit too much, y’see.
Kuze
Sure, I'll buy it.
Travis
...
Kuze
...
Travis
You're looking stern. What's the matter with you?
Kuze
To tell you the truth, I just can't wait to get outta this hellhole.
The whole goddamn sky was on fire yesterday, it was like someone dropped a goddamn bomb.
This damn madhouse, every fuckin' day. Damn Lunatics run this place.
Can't believe I even got roped into this fuckin' shit!
Travis
I hear ya'. Nearly fucking anything can happen around here.
Kuze
I shouldn't even be here, I did some fat bastard's dirty work all for nothing.
I'd be better off back in prison eating that realistic fuckin' bread once a week.
Travis
What did you come here for, Kuze?
Kuze
I wanted to find out where a guy I used to know went off too.
Travis
Did you have any clues to his whereabouts?
Kuze
I knew he was with 'TFR'. Whatever these damn brands mean.
Travis
TFR, huh? What's his name? I might know him!
Kuze
Kiryu, does that ring a bell at all?
Travis
Kiryu? You mean like Kazuma Kiryu?
Kuze
You know him?
Travis
Yeah, what's your deal with him?
Kuze
I wanna fight him.
Travis
…That's it?
Kuze
It's been 20 years since we last fought. I wanted one last fight with him.
Travis
...
Kuze
What's wrong?
Travis
I uh… I hate to break it to ya, but he's dead.
Kuze
What?
Travis
Did you ever hear about that death game that happened over on TFR? The show I'm from.
Kiryu got caught up in all that and he, well, died during it.
Kuze
"Death Game"?
...You’re bullshitting me, right?
Travis
Uh, you okay?
Was he a close friend of yours or-
Kuze
…Those lyin' bastards! I can't believe this shit!
They really took me for a goddamn idiot!
I missed all this while in prison, and these bastards led me by the nose with it!
Travis
Who the hell are you talking about?
Kuze
The lard-ass and his bitch boy who run that damn idol business!
Travis
Wait, the one Tsubasa's originally from!? They've got dealings with the yakuza!?
Kuze
Damn right they do!
They're gonna fuckin' pay for taking me for a fool! I'll teach both of 'em a lesson!
-Kuze leaves-
Travis
Well shit, one more thing going on in this ship.
Just hope he isn’t gonna end up doing something stupid...
Oh, fuck, I never asked why he was so mad at Luka.
A blinding fog, and the ground is like an endless puddle of water.
Though it seems to either side the path falls off into some kind of void.
Just where am I now?
And... where is everyone?
...
I guess I have no choice but to move on...
-walking-
James
How long does this place go on for? It's hard to tell with this fog.
???
Hello~ Can you hear my voice?
James
Who's there!?
???
Someone who puts ideas into people's heads! Don't worry! I'm not here to hurt you!
James
That's not reassuring considering this place...
???
Please, trust me just this once, okay?
I have something amusing I want to do to bother those bears~
James
If you could get us out that'd be quite nice you know.
???
That's quite boring though, and there's nothing to let you all develop as people in that scenario!
Anyways, I do actually have the opportunity to give you guys a leg-up.
Buuuut... You'll have to do a bit of fighting to get through it all.
James
You mean as in wrestling?
???
Nope! Some typical combat, actually!
Here, let me show you what to do!
[combat shit]
James
That was… different, I guess.
???A
Yeah, I think you’re at least ready for what lies ahead of you!~
Now it’s just a matter of encouraging the rest of your… friends? To figure it out as well.
???B
Are you also here trying to play with subtlety? What a fool’s errand.
???A
You enjoy interrupting me, don’t you?
???B
I have my own reasons and my own plans, just like you do.
The way you play… Well, it’s just too boring. The pawns won’t move…
…Without some further encouragement, of course.
James
Uh…
???B
I’m getting bored with the followers of some petty creatures trying to beg me for favors every day.
So I have something amusing planned for them.
You there, there’s a rumor I’ve heard down the grapevine you see…
All your friends should know that in your home… When the television turns to static despite no power, it’ll be the time to watch it.
El Loco
Yo, James? Did’ya fucking hear me?
James
Huh?
El Loco
Thought you went retarded on us for a second there…
Oh don’t worry about it, Miss Oribe, it’s standard procedure.
You see, those pages you were using were not designed with normal human beings in mind.
Netzach
Dunno what Malkuth was thinking about giving you those pages, but at least you made it out alive.
Tsubasa
I would have still fought even without those weird pieces of paper!
Chesed
However, as you may have noticed, using those pages have left you with some unfortunate side effects.
Tsubasa
Like those weird voices in my head?
Netzach
Yeah, stuff like that.
Tsubasa
So you don’t need me to… um… do “that”?
Netzach
Do what?
Tsubasa
S-Strip in front of you?
Chesed
Oh, rest assured that is not needed. A strange question for you to ask us if I might add~
Tsubasa
It’s a request I get a lot in my idol career!
Netzach
…Uh… Thanks for telling us, I guess?
But we’re not here to check your physical wellbeing, we’re seeing how you are doing mentally.
‘Cus those pages are meant for Librarians only. We have no idea how they would affect someone who is not a part of our merry band.
Tsubasa
You have a band?
Chesed
What he means is that they are not meant to be used by people who are not employees.
Not only that, you used EGO pages as well. Which is even more dangerous, you’re lucky that you’re even here right now.
Tsubasa
Am I going to be alright?
Netzach
Well, have you had any problems lately?
Tsubasa
Well uh… the voices have quit being annoying.
Chesed
Wonderful~. That means the treatment is working. As long as you follow it, you’ll be fine.
Tsubasa
But I am having a hard time trying to sleep.
Netzach
Sleeping issues, huh? What kind?
Tsubasa
Um… I’ve been having more nightmares lately after everything. They keep waking me up every time I have them.
Chesed
…Right… Does anything happen in these nightmares?
Tsubasa
I don’t remember much about it, other than being followed around in a dark forest by some birds.
Netzach
What kind of birds?
Tsubasa
Oh they were some strange birds! There was this little white puffball of a bird, a very tall and lanky one and one very big one that had lots of eyes.
Chesed
Ah, I think I understand. They appear to you since you’ve used an EGO page related to them.
Tsubasa
But the birds were not scary to me, they were actually really cute!
What scared me was this strange woman in a lab coat.
Chesed
…
Netzach
…
Uh…
Tsubasa
I’ve never seen her before, I remember saying in your dreams people have blank faces…
But I could see hers just fine!
Chesed
Right… I’ll write that one down then. [have some pause in the … bit]
Now, to further improve your condition, I suggest to-
Tsubasa
Hey… Do you see someone over there?
Chesed
Huh?
Netzach
What do you mean? I don’t see anyone there.
Tsubasa
There was a girl there…
She had a ponytail, I know that! She looked like the woman in my dreams!
Chesed
…
Uh… I see…
Tsubasa
What is she doing here?! I thought she was just a dream!
Netzach
Uh, we don’t see anyone there, Tsu.
Tsubasa
She’s looking right at me! What’s with her eyes? Why are they red?
…
What do you want?! Why are you not saying anything!?
W-w-what is that thing?! NO! STOP! PLEASE!
DON’T COME-
Chesed
I can’t hold her down any longer!
Netzach
I’ve got it!
Tsubasa
Any… closer…
Chesed
…She’s out. I knew there was a chance for hallucinations, but I didn’t expect her to react like that.
Netzach
…Lab coat… ponytail… red eyes too. Did she just basically describe Carmen there?
Chesed
I think so. After all, there is no mistaking Carmen even if my memory of her is getting murky.
Netzach
Tsu saw her in her dreams, she doesn’t even have any idea who Carmen is.
Did Angela tell her or something?
Chesed
No, she would have no reason to tell her about this.
This… This is not good at all. She should not be able to describe her. Unless…
Only reason I can think of is…
Netzach
Uh… Chesed, buddy, look at the other camera. The blinkers on.
Ha-ha, hey, Malk… We just had a… Well, I guess you could call it a breakdown.
Chesed
A pretty high degree of White damage in fact.
I’m administering some of the compound from SP Bullets to stabilize her now.
We’ll speak of it later. Till then.
Netzach
Well… I’m sure this is going to look good for the both of us.
Gonna be soooo much fun having to explain why we are hauling out an unconscious girl.
Chesed
Well, my Agents are gallivanting elsewhere, we’ll need to use yours.
Netzach
And we have that meeting in two hours as well. As if things can’t be any more inconvenient…
Chesed
Just… Just don’t let Angela hear about this. We’ve got enough on our plate to worry about right now. Anything that can set her off again must be prevented.
I dunno what Tadano sees in all of this, still feels as if he is playin' with fire here.
Tadano
I assume you two have gotten acquainted with my wife?
Ace
Not much of a talker is she?
Tadano
She's just a bit shy that is all. Give it time and she'll open up to you.
Now what brings you here?
Q-taro
You need to help us out man, shit has gotten really fucking crazy.
Tadano
No swearing in front of Laetitia please.
Q-taro
I'm being serious here man!
Tadano
…Why do you need my help?
Q-taro
It's about Ken.
Tadano
Ken? I knew he suddenly grew a massive ego overtime but I am not really sure what I can do about that.
There's no cure for that.
Ace
Ya don't get it. He ain't Ken anymore, as in he was never Ken to begin with.
Tadano
What do you mean?
Q-taro
Someone is pretending to be him.
Tadano
That’s a heavy accusation right there, have you got any proof about this?
Ace
Found his journal in his locker, he mentioned working with someone who had a hand in those missing wrestlers.
Tadano
Wait, James and those guys? This "Ken" has something to do with that!?
Q-taro
We gotta find out what he's done to Ken and the other wrestlers!
And to do that, we're gonna need your help!
Tadano
How can I help?
Q-taro
This "Ken" will not talk to us willingly, he'll just keep avoiding us.
But he doesn't distrust you, Tadano, he still thinks you're in the dark about all of this.
If you can just lure him to a certain spot, we can capture him and get the information outta him!
Tadano
This explains why Kenshiro went missing all those months but if Kenshiro is still missing, then…
Q-taro
Then what?
Tadano
Q-Taro, I've been thinking for the past few months.
Q-Taro
Is this really the time?
Tadano
Something hasn't been adding up in regards to you.
Q-taro
Huh? Waddya mean?
Tadano
Up in the facility, what exactly happened in those vents?
Q-taro
I already told ya! I got stuck and eventually they gave out because of my weight!
Ace
Dude, how the hell did you still have the weight to do that? No way in hell eating cockroaches would have kept you at a healthy weight.
Q-taro
Guess they are more nutritious than I thought.
Tadano
You'd think they would eventually notice a big guy like you in there.
Even a place like that needs maintenance once in a while.
Especially with how much destruction we did to that place.
Q-taro
Well it's not like it’s an everyday occurence for people to be trapped in the vents.
Tadano
And it's not normal for someone who caused such a scene while trying to escape to not have any sort of hunting party.
Q-taro
Uh.
Ace
He's got you there dude.
Tadano
Considering both you and Kenshiro are tag partners, the fact that both of you have oddities to your stories isn’t a good look.
In which case, I’m more inclined this may be a case of one spy throwing another under the bus to keep going forward.
So you better explain now, before I take this further.
Ace
…Q-Taro?
Q-Taro
…
Ah shit, yeah you’re right, I kinda lied about it.
Mostly because I wasn’t sure if what I did would get the attention of those L Corp guys or not.
Ace
The hell would you do to piss those guys off?
Q-Taro
Lemme explain.
-In the vents-
Q-taro
Come on Q-taro… this can’t stop you…
Grghhhh! Graaaargh!
Ha! Take that Tadano! I told you this will work!
Now to find a way past the doors…
Q-taro (Present)
(So I lied, I didn’t break the vents, I managed to get free from my problem and so I started crawling about.)
-CRASH-
Q-taro
(Well, I didn’t really find my way around the place…)
Q-taro
Ow…My damn back… At least I got past the doors…
Now what the hell is this place?
Q-taro
(I ended up falling into some restricted area, really restricted by the looks of it.
A room full of machines, I had no idea what they did.)
Q-taro
...I have no idea what any of this is… Looks like an infirmary.
But there are no hospital beds…
(I looked around for a bit, hoping that I can find someone to lead me in the right direction to all the fighting.)
(Until I found a strange machine…)
What the hell is this? Some sort of chamber?
“For the purpose of programming and production of Agents. Misuse of this equipment will result in a permanent 'expulsion' from L Corp.”...
(How wrong I was…)
Oh shit! This thing must be like a remote control for those agents! I could probably use this to turn them to our side!
Let’s see if I can get in…
…
I have no idea what button does what… Let’s try this.
-Chamber opens-
Voice
Settings accepted, please enter the chamber.
Q-taro
Got it! And this must be the computer. Fancy chair they have here…
-Q-taro enters the chamber-
Q-taro
Let’s work that computer magic Q-taro, I am sure even a guy like me can work this thing!
(I thought I was going to stop the Agents from attacking us.)
(Turns out all I ended up doing was having a dangerously close shave with death!)
Uh...? Is this one of those computers that you operate with your mind?
Voice
Greetings, employee.
Q-Taro
That voice… It’s that girl’s voice!
(I heard her voice, Angela’s.)
Angela?
You have volunteered or have been chosen to take part in L Corp’s Agent program at our main facility.
Whichever it may be, such a privilege is very rarely entrusted to our employees. And when it is, it means you have shown nothing but complete dedication to our cause.
Q-taro
Get me the fuck out of here!
Angela?
Now, we at L Corp know you may have a few questions during this procedure.
Such as: “What does it mean to become an Agent?”, “What are the benefits to becoming an Agent?”, “Is this process painful?”
Have no fear, employee. I can easily answer such inquiries.
Q-taro
Here is a question, can you let me go!?
Angela?
Becoming an Agent means you have been entrusted to a more hands-on role around the facility.
You will work directly with the abnormalities, maintaining security and preparing to uplift humanity into a new era.
Q-taro
You call this bullshit uplifting, you crazy bitch?!
Angela?
And you will not be left empty handed in this endeavor, for an Agent will have access to EGO gear.
You may have heard the stories about the wonders of EGO and its awesome power.
Those stories are true.
They will help you level the playing field… Should the Abnormalities ever grow “unruly” during their stay within our facility.
If you are interested in learning how EGO extraction works and how you can master its power… you can fill in a request to become a member of the Extraction Team at the end of this procedure.
Q-taro
Grgghhh! I can break these straps!
Angela?
And as for the last question… Well, you might feel a slight moment of discomfort as you undergo the process of becoming an Agent.
But do not worry, the process will not take long. And when it is over, it will feel like nothing more than a bad dream.
Q-taro
You are going to regret this!
I hope he beats you until you are nothing but scrap metal!
Angela?
Please, avoid struggling during the procedure, for it may cause complications.
Q-taro
Holy- look at the size of that needle! Uh… Help!
Someone!
No! Nononononono-
Q-taro
ARRRRRRGHHHHH!!
(It all went black after that. The pain I felt was ungodly and unending until it was suddenly removed and all I was left with is a numbing sensation…)
(Next thing I knew, I woke up inside some pod. I somehow managed to survive the process.)
Voice
Pod deactivating in 3...
2...
1...
Q-taro
Urgh… damn machines...
Feels like someone ripped all my skin off and then put it back on strip by strip.
…What the hell am I wearing? Some kind of suit? How did I-
???
In here! We’ve got one in here! We need to get them in containment!
Q-taro
Shit! I need to get outta here fast!
I hope they didn't capture the others!
Q-Taro
So yeah, that’s how it all went.
Ace
…Well, uh, I’m not really sure what to say to that.
Tadano
So you too have found something that L Corp might not be happy you know about.
Getting jammed in what sounds like a medical machine explains why you kept your strength a bit better than your last story.
Q-Taro
And I’m tellin’ ya the truth this time around, I promise.
After all, that makes two of us with shit that would get the ire of that corporation.
Tadano
Well, it’s detailed enough that I’d be impressed if it’s a lie.
And considering you helped find Laetitia, I trust you in this.
So then, I’ll try to lure this fake Kenshiro out, you two can make sure he won’t escape.
If he’s trying to stop those trying to save these missing wrestlers, we have to stop him at all cost.
Ace
Man, I didn't expect my ass to be dragged into all of this.
But at least we have a plan.
Alright, run it by me one more time. What’s the problem now? I’d thought all issues were solved by this point.
Lain
Well. yes, they were. All kinks have been worked out. The system is running silky smooth, except it still disrupts.
Right at the end of the process.
Angela
That is quite strange. Do you have any theories?
Lain
An Agent proposed that the issue lies in the chamber where the Agents come out of.
I’ve seen notes on several abandoned ones, one that is still working and making those blue-haired Agents in some kind of a self-perpetuating loop.
The one we’re looking for, however, is completely off the grid. When I made further inquiries, everyone were tightlipped about it. Not of their volition, too.
Angela
And you think that I am the solution?
Lain
Yes. Even with C-Level access it’s like we’re missing something. Could you take a look at the grid yourself? You’re the one with more experience at this facility.
Angela
Alright, sure…
…
Huh, if it’s imitating the layout of the Corporation, then…
Oh. Okay. Lain, can you see what I’m pointing at?
Lain
That’s just empty space. There’s three nodes around it, I guess, but…
Wait, you don’t mean-
Angela
With how symbolic it is, it feels painfully obvious.
Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge, the last steps to actualization of personality… Carrying the aspects of Severity and Mercy, but the place for them to coalesce doesn’t seem to exist.
There is no Crown to place those virtues upon, in other words.
Lain
...I think I get what you’re trying to say. Then, the chamber we seek is on the Kether floor?
Angela
Exactly. If we’re lucky, the data of the person you were trying to make is stuck there as well.
There’s still hope, Lain.
Lain
Then let’s go. The faster L Corp can start making more personnel, the better.
Angela
I remember this door. I’ve walked by it, time and time again. Didn’t expect it to get tucked away all the way here, this time.
Doesn’t seem like it has been open in a long while, too. Not since my rebellion, when I made one last Agent.
Where is he now, anyway? I would’ve expected him to be among the ranks of Sundowner’s trainees.
Lain
He is training, but seems to be somewhere off-site. I wonder when he’s coming back, handling the process was supposed to be his responsibility.
…Well, enough ruminating. Let’s open this.
Lain
Whoa. So much data parsing through here…
Angela
Lain, look. It says here that the pod is occupied by… a “Kazuma Kiryu”?
Lain
What?! But the convergence sequence had failed, how could…
Open that pod. We must see what’s inside.
Angela
Right, a moment…
-pod opens-
Lain
...That’s definitely not Kiryu.
Angela
But… that’s not possible. I saw him, with the other ones that escaped.
Lain
Angela?
Angela
When Ayin led the assault on the Corporation, some of his allies had to stand behind to halt the Abnormalities. They had explained that they went through the vents, but…
Q-Taro?
U-urgh… wha-… where am I?
Angela
Hello? Are you Q-Taro Burgerberg?
Q-Taro?
Yeah, I’m…
Wait. WAIT!
You’re the bitch that sicced those monsters on us!
Where the hell are my buddies? Where the hell is the big guy?
Lain
Sir, it’s not-
Q-Taro?
Ha! Should have picked better tools, bird brain! Outta my way!
Angela
Wha-
-punch-
Lain
Angela! No!
Q-Taro
Tadano?! Manager?! Anyone?! Where the hell are you, guys?!
Lain
(No! After all we've done this can't be happening!)
(Hold on Lain, breathe and think for a moment...)
(She's breathing, conscious but a bit dazed... and a nosebleed too. Gotta make a call about this.)
???
“Yes? Who is it?”
Lain
Kirei, it’s Lain. We’ve unlocked the Agent Creation Facility, there was a locked pod there. We opened it and a guy that… that looked like Q-Taro was there.
He knocked Angela out and ran away, I'm not sure what else to do.
Agent Kirei
“Hrm, looks to be in a small room on Keter, correct?”
Lain
Yes, it's near the ring here, the doors are wide open. We're there right now and it's also where this Q-Taro double ran off from.
I-I'm not sure how strong that punch was though, please send some-
-angela gets up-
Angela
That really was just a nosebleed Lain, this is not the first time I’ve taken blunt trauma to the head...
Kirei, we won't need an immediate medical team, I can get to Welfare myself.
Though an inquiry should be made in regards to how this came to pass. And to assess the condition of the chamber.
Seeing as it was off the grid for some time, I'm not sure what was going on inside.
Kirei
"I’ll relay that. Do let Chesed know of your arrival prior. And don't be arrogant over your status if your vision is blurred or you are disoriented."
"I'll notify Malkuth about the escapee and she'll prepare a team to contain this."
"And… Huh. There is already a Q-Taro already at the ring to begin with, best to let Yesod know too, for an investigation into the matter."
"If you'll excuse me, I'll return to monitoring this compound. Farewell, children of man."
Lain
I'm glad you're okay Angela... you are, right? it should've been obvious there was someone in there why didn't I-
Angela
Lain, don’t fret so much, Tsu’s already doing her fair share of that, what with the recent events.
No need to get gray hairs over me.
Though... Kirei is right, there's already a Q-Taro out there, I wonder what's going on...
Lain
We’ll deal with that, but first, let's get you checked-up by Chesed, just in case. Malkuth and Yesod can take care of the impostor for now.
Angela
Alright, alright… But I still think the worst that punch did to me was give me a nosebleed.
Lain
A vicious punch is no...
Oh, I’m getting worked up again, aren't I?
Angela
It’s okay, Lain. I think… I think it’s best to show concern for your friends, rather than let it eat you up from inside.
Besides, we've found the chamber, and I believe what came out was the reason the sequences were failing.
If so, there should be no more problems with cloning...
I left her with Alice, told her that she had an accident and that we didn’t want to worry Angela.
Chesed
She didn’t even ask any questions?
Netzach
She was busy with Luka, seemed like she just wanted me gone as soon as possible.
Y’know, seeing her and Luka did get me wondering.
Chesed
I think it’s a pretty open secret at this point about what their relationship is~
Netzach
Nah, that’s like asking whether or not we’re gonna have a breakout in Welfare today.
Chesed
Very funny, it’s not exactly my fault that I was given the perverted Agents.
Netzach
But as I was gonna say.
Ain’t it funny how both of them seemed to get over their issues really fast compared to everyone else after using the pages?
Chesed
The others have been doing fine, it’s only Tsubasa who has had complications.
Netzach
I mean sure, Lain has a weird streak to her, we all knew that.
Wakka probably got through it with sheer stubbornness.
And Tidus said that he doesn’t remember a thing about what happened after that.
Chesed
And what about Travis?
Netzach
Heh, said he has his own special way of treating a migraine.
Coincidentally, it’s a remedy I also know.
Chesed
So? What does that mean in regards to Alice and Luka?
Netzach
I mean, Malkuth told us they both took really dangerous pages-
???
Excuse me, have I come to the right place? This is L Corp, correct?
Chesed
Hm? Who might you be?
A! Kirigiri
I apologize, we tried to stop her, but she’d refuse to speak unless it was one of you, sir.
Very insistent on it.
Chesed
Very well… Not like we haven’t had a fair share of guests recently. Return to your duties, Agent.
Netzach
So, as my friend said, who are you?
???
I am… Nothing more but a reporter, I assure you. Maya Amano, from the “Coolest” magazine.
Chesed
Sorry, we do not do interviews here.
Maya
I’m not here for that.
Netzatch
Then uh… Why did you barge yourself in here?
Maya
How eager are you to save your missing wrestlers?
Chesed
Wrestlers?
What are you-
-document dropped-
Netzach
…Nice folder, but we have our own.
Maya
I’ve been following a string of occurrences, throughout Britannia.
Fires spreading, whispers at night, doomsayers springing up… a number of people disappearing from the nation’s wrestling federation…
I suppose you know about that more than most.
Chesed
What are you trying to lead to?
Maya
This folder has documents on the cult related to that disappearance and their main base of operations.
I am sure you can easily piece together how useful this might be for your corporation.
Netzach
…Really now? And how did you find all of this?
Maya
A reporter always has her ways. In any case, I do hope this will be a boon to your efforts, in getting them home and getting that useless cult destroyed.
Chesed
Hold on. No way you’d give up something like this for nothing. What do you want?
Maya
Nothing, for I am doing this as a favor for a “friend” of mine. I am sure you would have done the same for yours.
Netzach
Well… is that it? You’re just doing this out of some obligation? How can we trust that whatever you’re saying is true?
Maya
You can either take the information you have been given and you may finally succeed at saving your wrestlers.
Or you can continue walking around blindly like a fool, it does not bother me at all whichever route you take.
Chesed
Fine, we’ll take it.
Maya
Splendid, now seeing that my side of the bargain has been fulfilled, I will bid farewell…
Giovanni, Daniel.
-Maya leaves-
Chesed
Wait, what? How do you- Hey stop!
Chesed
…Netz, did we just make a deal with the devil?
Netzach
I dunno, maybe? Whatever happens, we can probably deal with it.
Let's just hope this folder she gave us is not bullshit.
-beeping noise-
Chesed
Ah, we have that meeting. No doubt Ayin is going to ask us why Tsubasa had an episode~
Gebura
-kill those idiots if they keep using my Agents as target practice!
I had to clean up after they left some Agent bleeding out on the floor while they were fighting over nothing!
Ayin
Do not worry about that, I have found something that will keep them content for the time being.
If that is all, I have another inquiry.
Netzach
Here we go…
Ayin
What happened in regards to Miss Oribe?
Chesed
She uh… She has been undergoing complications that we couldn’t have expected.
Hokma
Such as?
Netzach
Well… the truth is we really do not know. But we have some sort of uh… theory, I guess?
Binah
Well are you going to elaborate or do you need an IV drip of liquor to start talking?
Chesed
We think it might be Carmen’s doing.
Gebura
Eh? Seriously?
Netzach
Tsubasa mentioned nightmares that always involve the presence of “this woman”.
And during her episode, she claimed that somewhere in the back a woman was watching her.
Red eyes, lab coat, ponytail, if she wasn’t panicking she probably would have given even more detail.
Chesed
But it seemed only Tsubasa could see her, because we couldn't.
Malkuth
I can vouch for that, CCTV nearby in that area reported no disturbances other than Tsubasa's meltdown.
Hokma
What has suddenly made her more active then, I wonder…
Ayin
It may be exposure to a place unlike The City.
Binah
Then activity should’ve picked up when we first arrived here, or very soon after you had defeated Angela.
Instead activity began to ramp up a bit before this case with these “Kumas”.
Tiphereth
You think it might have to do with them?
Ayin
It could be that it’s the very presence of The Otherside itself that is causing this.
Hokma
You are very likely correct.
While we were doing a psychological assessment on Guts, he mentioned seeing a woman while he was unconscious.
Hod
But why would she be down there? That’s what I don’t get.
Ayin
Perhaps there’s something down there that has garnered her attention?
Hod
Maybe she is trying to save the wrestlers.
Hokma
My theory is that the Light has let her contact these gods. The sort Guts had come into contact with.
Her form is both ethereal and all-powerful, certainly something that would fit right in for creatures like those.
Ayin
We'll need to look into this, at least we'll have some good news soon with regards to bringing back Agent creation.
Anything else left to discuss?
Chesed
Oh right, some reporter ran up to us with all this info and pictures of this place.
Apparently it’s the main hideout for this cult that has something to do with the wrestlers we’re missing. Would the investigation need this?
Binah
These pictures are certainly damning evidence of the location, too much, perhaps.
Did this reporter tell you their name?
Netzach
She called herself Maya Amano.
Yesod
Maya Amano… A quick check finds that she is a reporter for a magazine that caters towards adolescents. That, and she’s a wrestler for the federation.
But why and how she ended up investigating a cult and then deciding to pass that information to us is quite puzzling.
Chesed
She seemed very out of character for a reporter, felt more like someone else was using her as a puppet.
Hokma
Perhaps it’s one of those gods that Guts mentioned acting on their own.
I suspect they all act along their own interests, and these Kumas killing that “God Of Tables” got them some pushback.
Gebura
Funny to know that even gods might be bickering amongst themselves.
Hokma
I’ll send some Agents to check the location, no point wasting our investigation on these small cliques.
Ayin
Send some Agents to those areas, we might as well not take any chances.
This meeting is over. Me and Hokma are going to check through this folder.
Head back to your stations and make sure this day goes smoothly.
Good to see you two back, are you ready to stop acting like a pair of children?
Roland
Whatever, I had enough of an earful, and a gut-full, today.
Soma
You too, Bateman?
Bateman
I don't need to repeat what Roland just said.
Sundowner
Maybe now you slack jawed fools’ll learn howta be real men!
Bateman
No guarantees for Roland there.
Roland
You seem to forget what the-
Sundowner
Ol’ man told me to put a bullet between both of yer eyes if you two keep tryin’ to piss each other off!
Roland
How rare for him to be that direct about it.
Sundowner
Well, he didn’t say that exactly but it ain’t that hard to tell what he really means behind all the biblical shit.
Norman
I do not like the tension in this room, this better not turn violent.
-Hokma enters with Guts-
Hokma
Good evening, gentlemen.
Sundowner
Well speak o’ the devil!
Roland
Wait, Guts? You made it out alive?!
Guts
Yeah, not really sure how I did so. I was supposed to be dead.
Bateman
Supposed to be dead? We thought you were dead! How the hell did you get here?
Guts
Some psycho helped me out, it’s a long story. Why did you think I was dead?
Bateman
Got in a fight with some crazy bastard, he had a piece of your cloak crudely stitched to their body.
I just can’t believe I didn’t hear about this.
Hokma
Had you been less busy fighting each other over petty feuds, you would have known about this earlier.
Haru
But why is Guts here? Shouldn’t he be getting some help for the shit he went through?
Hokma
He intends on helping us find the others.
Roland
If he just barely survived, he needs to recover.
Guts
I’ll be fine, I am not going to sit back after leaving the rest of them behind.
I’ll be damned if I let any of them die just because I made it out alive.
Norman
We’ll need all the help we can get.
Sundowner
Well that’s nice but apparently we ain’t going to blow up that little basement cult. Which makes me wonder how in the hell are we gonna go out and bust some heads if we have no heads to bust open?
Hokma
That is why I am here, we have been given a better opportunity.
The building we initially located was very minor, we sent Agents in to break it up and confiscate material.
Akasaka
How come? We had a good lead there.
Hokma
We have been given new information on a bigger compound.
We have schematics, images, locations, everything that we could need.
Axel
You sure it isn’t a trap?
Haru
Yeah, how are you so certain we aren't walking into a trap?
Norman
Better yet, how did you get a hold of this information?
Hokma
The information was given by a reporter.
Bateman
A fucking reporter? Hell must have frozen over if some fucking journalist is giving us this information.
Cole
Curious timing, since we had only recently just pried out the location of this area from Eri.
Do you know the reporter who gave you this information?
Hokma
A woman by the name of Amano Maya, a reporter for a magazine catering to teenagers in Japan.
I am uncertain how a reporter for such a magazine stumbled onto a cult… But I assume she finally realized how out of her depth she is.
Guts
Regardless if it was a trap, it means we are heading in the right direction anyway.
Hokma
Guts is right, whether it is a trap or not, this is the best course of action.
We are going to have a main team consisting of six people who will go through the front. Meanwhile, the rest will either deal with cleaning up or preventing any escapees.
I’d recommend that whoever volunteers to be ready for any kind of resistance from the occupants.
Norman
And what about anything more complicated?
Hokma
The route taken will very likely not have many, so it is not a concern.
Sundowner
Sounds like it's right up our alley, Monsoon.
Monsoon
And a good chance for the baby birds to spread their wings and show us if they will fly or hit the rocks.
Edea
Way to inspire confidence…
Agent Rance
I could do this all by myself, I don’t need your help!
Agent Date
Are there gonna be any babes there, I bet cultist chicks really know how to rock your world~
Bateman
Heh, so long as I don’t have to put up with the emo over there, I don’t min-
Roland
I’ll take it, this is nothing like wrestling after all.
Guts
I want to know more about this cult, this is the first time I’ve heard of it.
