DXN - Wayward Daughter - Part 3 (Outros)

[00:00] <Cherem> =====

[09:11] <Cherem> Doyle, this is a scene you're starting to get familiar with: carrying a giant cardboard box, complete with (low-power mode) drone, marching down the street. You left Honda with Goemon and Ai, after he insisted that you meet up with him at a local resturaunt after: no turning this one down.
[09:11] <Cherem> Thankfully, you at least have Operator on the line with you, and you've been going over the events of the day, comparing observations on Mukage and Agent Cherry Blossom.
[09:13] <Cerys_Doyle> Really it wasn't anything hugely new to her, it went quite quickly too. Other than the thing being quite disgusting, and it feeling like a setup from the start she was fine.
[09:14] <Otomo_Reiko> "They're both the kind of trouble we should strive to remain unassociated with." Instead of the tapping of keys there was the faint sound of a mouse clicking away, a sure sign the hikki was playing a game.
[09:15] <Cherem> It's as you're mousing over a limited drop item, Reiko, that you notice the slightest of movements. Several figures, several flashes and glimpses of matching uniforms. They're trailing Doyle.
[09:16] <Cherem> To your credit, Doyle, you can feel a presence, but narrowing it down is a burden with your physical burden and the other external stimuli: there's people going about their business, a man walking his dog, two high school students walking home.
[09:19] <Otomo_Reiko> "Well that's not good. Don't look back, keep going." Game forgotten Operator switches screens, pulling up a series of maps.
[09:20] <Cerys_Doyle> "You see something?" She keeps up what she's doing. No point in letting them know she knows.
[09:20] <Otomo_Reiko> "Goon squad, not sure whos yet."
[09:23] <Cerys_Doyle> "I'll follow your lead then."
[09:24] <Cherem> There's a fork up ahead where the path splits into the main road (towards Operator's place) and an allyway that leads away at a 45% angle, before linking up with another main road. That one would be more populated than this one at the moment.
[09:26] <Otomo_Reiko> "Take the allyway, pick up your pace until you're through and just blend in. Drop the case if you have to, it's just a dirty drone."
[09:26] <Cerys_Doyle> "Roger." She does just that, picking up speed and making her way dow nthe alley.
[09:28] <Cherem> The allyway is pretty narrow, enough space for one person to walk with comfort and maybe two people sharing an umbrella's space. As you exit, though, there's a pretty constant stream of people, some of whom glance your way at the sight of the big box, but most minding their own business.
[09:28] <Otomo_Reiko> "Looks like UGN, or their uniforms anyway. No way to tell if this is related to that-- Agent Cherry Blossom."
[09:29] <Otomo_Reiko> "I'm going to shoot a message out to the others to keep an eye out too."
[09:29] <Cherem> Operator, you're able to see the agents almost clearly, catching them from multiple angles: black outfits, down to their shoes, all matching. Earpieces and all. One of them, who is sporting a firey mane of red hair, hits his watch several times.
[09:30] <Cerys_Doyle> Into the crowd she goes. Even if her heritage was qutie different from most here it shouldn't be too hard to blend into so many people.
[09:30] <Otomo_Reiko> "Interesting, can I get a better shot of your watch there Red-san?"
[09:30] <Cherem> Doyle, as you're walking, behind you there's the sound of a siren... two, three, four. Several car alarms start going off in unison, and you can feel your own muscles sieze for a moment, picking up an electric pulse. It's not enough to affect your pace, but it's a bit of a start.
[09:32] <Cerys_Doyle> "Hrn. What's going on Operator? This, this isn't good feeling."
[09:32] <Cherem> You're not unaffected by it either, Operator. Your cameras blink out, restarting after a moment. Red is gone, but you can see the other two men with him ducking down the allyway.
[09:33] <Otomo_Reiko> The hikki leans closer to her screens. "One of them has some special watch, messing with electronics. Down to two but where did Red-san go? Haaah."
[09:34] <Cerys_Doyle> She ditches the drone amongst some other garbage and baxes then blends back into the crowd.
[09:36] <Otomo_Reiko> "Any particular objection to kicking their asses if you have to?"
[09:36] <Cherem> Doyle, you see the hair before it really connects. Bright red, as in, not ginger red, but, "racecar wine red". He's watching his wrist... up ahead of you. And from this distance, you can see his lips counting one, two, three...
[09:36] <Cherem> People are leaving the area in an alarming number: the car alarms must have something to do with it.
[09:39] <Cerys_Doyle> "Doesn't look like I'll have much choice." She stops in her tracks.
[09:39] <Cherem> Reiko, you catch him too, waiting. And from the allyway come the agents. Rock and a hard place.
[09:41] <Otomo_Reiko> Reiko must be panicing, of the other end of the line it sounds like her last time in public. With luck she won't pass out this time.
[09:41] * Mid_ (~androirc@A9F84736:65B6F9FA:B88705FA:IP) has joined #DXtheGame
[09:43] <Cerys_Doyle> "Got an exit for me or am I going to make a display out of this guy?"
[09:44] <Cherem> As the crowd clears, that leaves you, Doyle, face to face with "Red" and his agents. The man approaches you, holding up a badge. Yep. UGN. "Agent Red King, you are Tindalos Agent Doyle." His voice isn't so much gruff as it is... solid. It's heavyset and leaden.
[09:45] <Otomo_Reiko> Sounds like Reiko is already investigating mister Red King here.
[09:46] <Cherem> The man himself is around your height, Doyle, maybe a centimeter shorter, although his hair puts him at your height at least. His suit is fitted and follows his movement, and you're quick to see he has no spare movement.
[09:46] <Cerys_Doyle> "What's this about?" She says, her tone obviously unpleasant.
[09:48] <Cherem> Red King's hand goes to his pocket, putting away his badge before holding up his arm, wrist-up. His watch glimmers for a moment, and an image materializes before you, maybe 4cm tall and wide.
[09:49] <Cherem> Inside there's a young girl, with surgical mask and the local high school uniform. "Illegal Overed Nomi Akane." He lets the name hang.
[09:51] <Otomo_Reiko> "This again?"
[09:52] <Cerys_Doyle> "An eyebrow raises behind her sunglass and she relaxes a smidge. "And?"
[09:53] <Otomo_Reiko> "Careful, Cerys. These guys are special branch, Overed Hunters."
[09:54] <Cherem> "We've reason to believe you have come into contact with this Overed, either crossing paths with her or aiding her to avoid UGN scrutiny." Red King's watch flicks off, the image disappearing. "She has several warrants out for her arrest, including arson, murder, aggrivated assault, and membership within the recognized terrorist Organization False Hearts."
[09:58] <Cerys_Doyle> "There was contact yes. I shot her several times. Our reports were filed accordingly. So what's this really about?"
[09:58] <Otomo_Reiko> "Sounds like they're big on killing False Hearts and...accused False Hearts."
[09:59] * Cerys_Doyle doesn't respond to Reiko, but you can tell she's listening.
[09:59] <Cherem> "There's no body," Red King puts bluntly. "We've reports from our own agents she's still attending the Public School. We are giving you a chance to aid us, both you and your cell."
[10:00] <Cerys_Doyle> "This isn't exactly the way you should be approaching us with a job."
[10:02] <Cherem> "Observation is a key element of our repetoire," Red King's hands go to his pockets. "In addition, your boss' friend was less than pleased to see my emmissary to him. This is your second chance to be on the right side."
[10:04] <Otomo_Reiko> "What a dick."
[10:04] <Cerys_Doyle> "See, it's threats and shite that really make this exchange have an overall bad feeling. There's no pleasantries in stalking."
[10:05] <Cerys_Doyle> "We've done your dirty work, and you take the credit." She crosses her arms. "I'll pass yer word on to me boss, but ye gotta say please."
[10:06] <Cherem> Red King's watch blinks, and your cameras flutter before restarting again, Operator. It's a warning, directly to you. "Then, please. We will require your cooperation to make this arrest as clean as possible."
[10:07] <Otomo_Reiko> "Garuru..."
[10:08] <Cerys_Doyle> "Wasn't so hard was it love? I'll let the boss man know."
[10:09] <Cherem> Red King nods a little, "Good to know. Enjoy your day, hope you didn't lose your package." He turns on his heel and starts walking, back wide open. At your sides, his agents flow past you like water: looks like two more showed up while you talked.
[10:11] <Otomo_Reiko> "This is really becoming a problem."
[10:11] * Cerys_Doyle sneers and waits til they pass before saying "I'm really going to need a strong drink."
[10:12] <Otomo_Reiko> "They know I'm watching, too. That watch kept cutting out the cameras."
[10:13] <Cherem> You finally get a responde from Honda regarding your warning and information, "Saw it, one of his guys came by the Sports Club. Owner chased them out while we slipped out the back. Still on for dinner?"
[10:13] <Otomo_Reiko> "Rather not..."
[10:14] <Cerys_Doyle> "Long as yer buying."
[10:17] <Cherem> "Well they approached us once and we said no, what's the worst that could happen? Worse comes to worst, we have each other." It's enough to give you a toothache.
[10:17] * Cerys_Doyle backtracks to find the drone, then continues back on her way to deliver it.
[10:18] <Otomo_Reiko> "Hope they didn't bug it...hm."

[00:00] <Cherem> =====

[10:48] <Cherem> You had just exited the sewer and parted with Doyle, who was heading to return Reiko's drone, when Honda suggested it. "Ai, Miyu, do you mind if we make a pit stop before we drop you off? I figure, showing up covered in insect guts and slime might be... offputting.
[10:48] <@Mr_Rage> "Ah--right!"
[10:48] <Cherem> ". He doesn't even ask if you want to come along Goemon, but he does give you a look like, "And you too."
[10:50] <Goemon_Hozuki> "That would be preferable." Goemon looks at his clothes.
[10:50] <Cherem> "Miyu, you've already been there, but Ai, I think you should meet the owner. She reminds me a lot of you." He hops into the shotgun seat of the car, "Aaah, and now I get this seat."
[10:50] <@Mr_Rage> "Oh?"
[10:50] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Sure."
[10:51] <Goemon_Hozuki> "i suppose i get to drive for once?"
[10:51] <Cherem> Honda nods, "Yeah, I'm useless behind a wheel. Behind an iron sights too, I guess." He laughs at his own self-depricating joke.
[10:52] <@Mr_Rage> Honda gets a gentle patpat on the shoulder.
[10:52] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon gets into the driver seat "just give me the directions."
[10:52] <Cherem> Honda smiles, "Ah, I was only joking. Right? Right?"
[10:52] <Cherem> And it's into the car and downtown you go. Seems a little counter-intuitive, driving into the city with more people, but it's not too long before you've arrived at the F&F Sports Club.
[10:54] <Cherem> There is, thankfully, a back entrance, specially for the Overed Clientelle that visit. And at the entrance, dressed in track pants and tank top, a woman with long, ruddy-brown hair is waiting. At the sight of your car she holds up a hand, and you can see her knuckles are wrapped in tape. "Oosu, Isou, you got messed up again?"
[10:55] <@Mr_Rage> Ai tilts her head, studying the woman with wide eyes.
[10:57] <Shinjou_Miyu> Miyu waves with a little smile. "Not that bad for me."
[10:57] <Cherem> Something about her bleeds out from her skin, not neccessarily overtly, but a sort of... aura. She seems to just radiate a very calm, restrained strength as she approaches the car. "Oh, welcome back Shinjou-san. Looking better than last time." And then her serious face splits into a guileless grin.
[10:58] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Sure am. Not sure if it makes up for the smell, though."
[10:58] <Cherem> Honda frowns, "I didn't get hit that bad. We just had to drop into the sewers for a bit." He gets out after the car is parked, "Ai, Goemon, this is Akite Hua. She's... well, not Tindalos. But she's friendly enough."
[10:58] <@Mr_Rage> "Nice to meet you," the Chimera bows politely, only taking her eyes off the woman for a moment.
[10:59] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon nods as he gets out and locks the car.
[10:59] <Cherem> Akite makes a face, "He made you go down there?" Her tongue clicks, "Ah, good to meet you two as well. Honda takes you all with him to keep him safe?"
[10:59] <@Mr_Rage> "Mhm!"
[11:01] <Cherem> "Ah, likewise." Akite remembers her manners, fist meeting her hand before her as she bows. "Well, good. You know, he's told me he has a hell of a sucker punch, but I just haven't seen it yet." She laughs as Honda actually reaches out to punch her arm, her limb moving about as fast as you can register, knocking his arm aside.
[11:01] <Goemon_Hozuki> "Does he?"
[11:02] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Huh... I never would have thought."
[11:03] <Cherem> "I haven't seen it yet." Akite catches the next punch in her hand, and gently pushes him back. "Alright, Yeah, I can smell it." She hesitates, "Ah, looks like you guys got wet with something too." She steps back, "Well, follow me. We'll get you cleaned up. Should also take this moment to plug, I guess."
[11:03] <Cherem> Honda follows her as she's walking, holding his hand, "I have a good punch, I can hold my own against, uh, non-overeds."
[11:04] <Cherem> "Yeah, well, that's not what you're fighting most of the time, right? Like today, for instance?" She looks back over her shoulder at you all.
[11:04] <Shinjou_Miyu> Miyu follows along, trying not to laugh. "It was god awful today."
[11:05] <Goemon_Hozuki> "Honda it would be alot easier to protect you if they weren't overeds."
[11:07] <Cherem> "What'd you end up fighting? Xenos? Guild?" Akite turns a corner and you can hear her spit out venemously, "False Hearts?"
[11:08] <Cherem> "Ah, well, Gyaum are probably worth more of our time, right?" Honda responds, "I mean, I can take a bullet, but that thing was..." He shudders.
[11:11] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Yeah. Looked like some freakish movie monster."
[11:12] <Goemon_Hozuki> "The army of bugs wasnt a joke either."
[11:12] <Cherem> Akite grins, "Wait, so it was False Hearts?" She looks excited, "Okay, I need to hear the story." She directs you to a clear divider. "Hop in there, you can get cleaned, we can clean your clothing as well too. It's been a while since I heard a good one."
[11:12] <Cherem> Honda nods, "Alright, Goemon, you're with me." He heads in, grabbing a towel from the piles alongside the bathrooms.
[11:13] <Shinjou_Miyu> And off Miyu goes, too.
[11:13] <@Mr_Rage> Hup hup hup~
[11:14] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon goes in after honda grabbing a towel.
[11:16] <Cherem> It's... remarkably nice. It's still a gym bathroom, but there's dividers for stalls and cleaning, and you get the distinct impression that this place is kept as clean as absolutely possible. Any blood on you, guts, anything goes down the drain and leaves you feeling refreshed. And in the (segregated) dressing rooms, there's already warm gym uniforms, with a note in messy japanese saying your clothing is being washed, please put up with this for the time being, et cetra.
[11:17] <Cherem> Honda's out pretty quickly, seeing as he didn't do much of the dirty work. And he's already chatting with Akite, who's sitting and listening to the long begining of the story.
[11:17] <@Mr_Rage> The Chimera hops out before too long, wearing the gym clothes well. But since they're shorts, her tails are on display, curled self-consciously around her thighs.
[11:18] <Shinjou_Miyu> Miyu takes her sweet time, but eventually she, too, comes out, looking refreshed.
[11:18] <Cherem> Akite raises an eyebrow as she gets out, "Oh, tails?" She leans in, "Huh... Some other features too... Exile? Chimera?" A pause, "... Angel Halo?"
[11:19] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon gets out after taking a bit.
[11:19] <Cherem> Honda whistles, "Feels nice, doesn't it?"
[11:19] <@Mr_Rage> "Chimera," Ai answers with uncharacteristic sheepishness.
[11:20] <Cherem> "Aaah, so the first guess was right." She sits up, "That means you're strong then, right?" Akite grins, "Tell the truth, I'm part Chimera myself. Salamandra too. Means I'm double strong."
[11:20] <Shinjou_Miyu> "It's great. And I'm not at death's door."
[11:20] <@Mr_Rage> "!" Sensing a challenge, Ai puffs herself up a bit. "Not as strong as me!"
[11:21] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon looks at the two of them. "I dont think this is the place to test your strength."
[11:22] <Cherem> Honda nods, "Yeah. They have a doctor on call, you know, for that kind of..." He pauses.
[11:24] <Cherem> Akite stands up, "Aah, let's see that then!" She grins, "Ah, Goemon, right? You're new to City N, right?" The grin takes on a markedly wolfish tone, "Truth is, this facility is owned by an Overed. It's the unofficial meeting ground of City N's underground Overed Boxing Ring."
[11:25] <@Mr_Rage> "Boxing...?"
[11:25] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon cracks his knuckles "Sounds interesting."
[11:27] <Cherem> "Ah, yeah, we call it that, but when it comes down to it, not very many Overed have the fundamentals down." Akite nods, "It's a referee'd slug-a-thon, a test of strength, willpower, and how many flaming punches it takes to be champion." She grins, "We act as advisors for it... with UGN oversight." She adds the last bit a little sheepishly. "It's on-the-level."
[11:28] <Cherem> Honda nods, "I've seen you participate in them, even. Was considering inviting everybody to come and see it sometime. It's an Overed-only thing, and the UGN does have a peacekeeper there."
[11:30] <@Mr_Rage> Stars shine in Ai's eyes.
[11:30] <Cherem> "So..." Akite grins, "Why don't we go for the simplest strength test." She sits down on one side of a table, setting her elbow down firmly on the metal.
[11:31] <Cherem> Honda glances at Miyu, "I don't know if I'm put out for arm-wrestling."
[11:31] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Not my thing, either."
[11:32] <Goemon_Hozuki> "I could give it a go."
[11:33] <Cherem> "You sure?" Akite gives him a look, "What're you then? I know Honda's no go for me with his Syndrome, but I won't accept anything less than your best!"
[11:34] <Goemon_Hozuki> Flames lick across his arms.
[11:35] <Cherem> "Oooh. Are we going to use the Renegade?" Akite licks her lips carefully, "I'd be careful, Fire's on my side too." There's a little glint in her eyes. "I was young and full of vinegar once, but..."
[11:36] <Cherem> Honda murmurs, "Are you old now then?"
[11:36] <Goemon_Hozuki> "Dont have to use the renegade, I'm a salamandra."
[11:37] <Cherem> There's a pinging noise, interrupting you all. "Hua, to the front. Hua, to the front. Offical, closed business."
[11:38] <Cherem> The fire disappears from Hua's own aura and she curses, "UGN? Really? Now?" She stands up, "Look, you guys wait up. I'll be right back, I still need to hear your story!" With that she's up and gone, jogging quickly.
[11:38] <Cherem> Honda frowns, "UGN? Already?"
[11:39] <@Mr_Rage> "--!"
[11:39] <Goemon_Hozuki> The flames dissappear from Goemons arms.
[11:39] <Cherem> Looks like it's serious too: from where you are, you can hear Akite's voice carrying, "Ooi, you can't just barge in here like that, you know, this is a respectable business." And beneath that, a much calmer voice.
[11:39] <Shinjou_Miyu> Miyu slumps a little.
[11:40] <Cherem> However, it's sort of hard to hear what's being said. However, Honda's already creeping closer to eavesdrop.
[11:41] <Shinjou_Miyu> Miyu does this, too.
[11:41] <Goemon_Hozuki> Goemon creeps up following close by Honda.
[11:43] <Cherem> "Look, Miss Akikami, we need to-" "It's Akite." "- We need to speak to your customers. We've had-" "You can't just come in here and bug people about personal business, you know. We have rules, and-" "-need to see your Tindalos friends."
[11:44] <Cherem> Sounds like two men and one belligerent Gym Manager.
[11:44] <Cherem> Honda scowls, "Tindalos? Can't mean us, can they?"
[11:45] <Shinjou_Miyu> "They're quick."
[11:45] <Goemon_Hozuki> "whats the plan."
[11:45] <Cherem> If you look around the corner, you can see two men in suits, and... at least three other outside. They aren't wearing badges, but they just exclude a dangerous air.
[11:46] <Cherem> "We followed the car here, on orders from Agent Red King. You know who we are. Show them to us." The leader has his sunglasses in his hand, and a furrowed, killer stare.
[11:47] <Cherem> Honda goes a little pale at the name, "I don't like that. Agent Red King, that's not good."
[11:49] <Goemon_Hozuki> "I guess that means the car is out."
[11:50] <Cherem> Akite draws herself up to her full height, "Well, can't he come down here himself?" She has her hands on her hips now, and you can see that same fighting spirit oozing from her again, "Look, if you have a problem with our clientele-"
[11:51] <Cherem> Honda leans out a little bit too far.
[11:54] <Cherem> But Goemon, you're already there, grabbing him before he goes out all the way.
[11:55] <Cherem> "Look, fine. If you want Tindalos members, I can give you Tindalos Members." Akite clicks her tongue and sighs, "This way, training rooms." And she takes the leader and two of the men with her... in the opposite direction.
[11:56] <Cherem> However, as they do that, the other two start heading right in your direction.
[11:57] <Cherem> Honda curses under his breath, "Maybe the car would work." He starts to turn, "So, this Red King guy. He's a UGN Overed Hunter. And, not the nice kind either, if there is a nice kind."
[11:59] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Yeah... not liking the idea of sticking around here."
[11:59] <Goemon_Hozuki> "Alright then."
[11:59] <@Mr_Rage> A nervous glance in the direction Akite left, but Ai eventually nods.
[12:00] <Cherem> Honda nods, "Let's head out. If they think we're here, we can probably go and eat still..." He catches Ai's look and smiles, "She's a bit blustery, but I promise she'll be okay. She's had my back once before, she's a strong person."
[12:00] <Shinjou_Miyu> "Sounds like a plan."
[12:03] <Cherem> Leaving through the back, you're able to avoid the other men. Honda hesitates for a moment, "Ai, Miyu, we'll take you guys home and pick you up after, I don't think we can get our clothes back right now." He laughs a little, "Unless you want to find out what those sinister UGN agents want."
[12:03] <@Mr_Rage> "Mn... okay."
[12:04] <Shinjou_Miyu> "I'll pass on the clothes tonight."
[12:05] <Cherem> Honda nods, "Alright. I'm sorry, I didn't think something like this would happen..." He smiles shakily, hitting himself on the chest, "Well, I'm sure a meal will lighten things up!" He goes... right for the car. He's certainly got some nerve.