It all started with letters…
To Tou
Dear Mercury Lampe,
First among my dolls, you were always the one I cared about the most. Surely my saving you not once, not twice, but thrice is more than proof enough of my love for you. And verily your strength as a doll has more than been proven as of late. I have deemed you ready to become my true Alice. Keep this letter close and tell no one, not even your medium, if you truly desire to meet me. Come to and you shall be welcomed into my arms. I will be there waiting on Monday, July 14th at 5 PM Pacific.
Father
<X-Union-Chatter> Suigintou says, "… … …"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suigintou SLAM. Click.
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler transmits typing. "You people need stimulants."
<X-Union-Chatter> Suigintou desynch.
<X-Union-Chatter> Jill Valentine says, "Sorry I don't use them."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Wonder what's up with her…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "…strange."
To Desu
My Dearest Jade Stern,
You were always the daughter who reflected the joyous and feminine spirit that I envisioned the perfect girl should have. I desire to meet you so that I may welcome you into my arms as a real girl… as Alice. If you desire to meet with me, tell no one you received this letter. Not your sister… no one. Meet me at <Coordinates> on monday, the 14th of July at 5 PM (pacific) and you shall become my daughter.
Father
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki ~Letter opening tear sound~ "Oooh, a letter~desu~<3" ~Rip rip rip tear shred!~
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki says, "Huh… Wh-?! ……"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Problem?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki deepbreath…
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki CASESLAM! ~Lockclick~ Desynch!
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "….."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "… Im staying in the hospital for awhile to prepare for future injuries.."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "Suiseiseki? What the….?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Jill Valentine says, "Let's hope she's not being audited."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "Renpika."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "That's the… second doll in as many minutes."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Renpika?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki transmits a tiny sparkle. "Go to her case. Now."
<X-Union-Chatter> Link syncs. "Finally, a chance to do something simple!" there's the sound of a fishing pole going swish-swish fweeeeeeee-*sploop*
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "If she is, I can help. Audits aren't that difficult."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki transmits an odd silence.
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki deepbreathes….desynchs.
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Guess it's catching."
To Snake
Brother,
You didn't believe I would depart you so easily, did you? I think it's time we put this foolish rivalry behind us once and for all and settle this like gentleman. Just two men. Pistols at sunset. Meet me at and tell no one. As the sun sets, so shall our duel.
L.S.
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake …
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake crumple sounds.
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Marshal?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake says, "Adai." "Sir?" "I'm taking Monday off." "…sir?" "Just put it through." "…yes sir."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "All right. /What/ the hell is going on?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake says, "Personal business. Don't care to talk about it."
To Link
Link!
My world is in danger again! You must help me… please! You're my only hope! I can only open the portal between our worlds for a brief time. You must meet me on July 14th at 5 PM in ! Don't tell anyone because it's… really embarassing. Just… come alone and I'll explain there, okay?
Midna!
<X-Union-Chatter> Link's radio picks up feathery fluttering and then a yelp from Link. "Whoah! What's this…" Parchement-crinkly… "… Huh—" Cue the sound of a male Cucco crowing at the top of its birdy little lungs. Then… Link's radio signal floods with the sounds of suddenly unhappy birds. "SHOOOOT!!" desynch.
<X-Union-Chatter> Kirby says, "I getta chikky!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "/…/"
<X-Union-Chatter> Seras Victoria says, "what the…bloody hell is going -on- here?"
============================ Union - General =============================
Message: 17/46 Posted Author
X-Ray Unit: Unit Readiness Level I Thu Jul 10 Richard Stadler
There's an order logged in the current orders section of X-Ray Unit's database, and delivered to all members, indicating that Special Operation Group X-Ray personnel are to be raised in Readiness status to Defense Condition 3, and are orders to keep gear, weaponry, and transportation avalible for rapid deployment. The reasons cited are 'disturbing trends'.
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "I see… on the horizon, a pyramid of crimson covered in thick fog."
<X-Union-Chatter> Buzz Buzz says, "What's this about a pyramid, Nayru?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "While looking in the future, that's what I saw. A deep crimson pyramid far off on the horizon hidden in thick fog."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "And… hmm. What does that mean, then?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Buzz Buzz says, "I see. Interesting.."
<X-Union-Chatter> Usopp says, "It means we're doomed. Yup. Definately a Doom prediction. I know em when I see em."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Mayan, Incan or Egyptian?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Jill Valentine says, "Stadler I'm on my Way to Dietrich, Should be there in five. Carlos as well, Do me a tiny favor for Carlos ok?""
<X-Union-Chatter> Chrona says, "Do we h-h-have to be d-doomed? I-I'm not s-sure I'd k-know how to deal w-with that.."
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "I'm not sure yet… I don't know of any crimson pyramids. It must stand for something important. Red's… not a friendly color."
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "When it's a pyramid."
<X-Union-Chatter> Din says, "You're certainly right about that…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Din says, "Although I must say, Red IS a friendly color otherwise! Hmph!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Usopp says, "Pyramids Equal Mummies! We're all going to be strangled in our beds by bandage wrapped undead horrors!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Din says, "Although I must say, Red IS a friendly color otherwise! Hmph!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "Silly you, Usopp! I don't think so… and red's a fine color!" … "But something was very unfriendly about that one."
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "Red… the color of blood, of danger, fire, and passion… a pyramid of that color. Sorry, I'll keep thinking on this one until I can give a better answer."
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…nnn."
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "I feel like I'm forgetting something…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Something wrong, Ms. Ailiar-"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Well, at least you're remembering you forgot, ehh?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "It's kind of… nagging, at the back of my mind…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…I ought to be able to draw it out myself, but I can't. It's like trying to reach through…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…through…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "…fog…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "…the fog is coming…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "…thick, blinding, choking! Stifling your breath, hiding everything!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Nayru says, "Fog… you see it too, Miss Ailiar-… oh my…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "It's everywhere…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Buzz Buzz says, "… I.."
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "…hiding everything! EVERYTHING!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "Your path, your escape…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Calm down."
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar says, "…everything except your sins…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar kehehehehAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
<X-Union-Chatter> Ailiar crumplethud.
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "… Damn it. She's lost it again-"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Someone get a medical team over there- Oh, /wonderful/.
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…I… think I dozed off… how long have I been asleep?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Less then a minute."
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…weird."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Report to Union Medical."
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…'kay."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Too many things going on, right now. I don't need you going crazy where the medics can't see you."
<X-Union-Chatter> Slightly dissonant, Ailiar says, "…I'm not crazy, though. I'm not sane, but I'm not crazy, either. That's gone."
<X-Union-Chatter> Richard Stadler says, "Well, then. I don't need you /less/ sane."
The Day Of…
============================ Union - General =============================
Message: 17/43 Posted Author
Potential Vacation Mon Jul 14 Solid Snake
Audio-only, from Snake.
"As of this morning, I'm officially offduty. I have a few personal matters I'll be needing to take care of in person. The plan is to have things dealt with by tonight, but if I don't, I'll be going on an indefinite vacation. Don't worry, I'll stay in touch with the higher-ups. Behave yourselves while I'm out."
<Ranklocked to Rank 6+, Senior Allies, and Optimus Prime>
"If I'm not back in contact by midnight, Adai has been instructed to list me as missing in action and release a few contingency files to everyone listening to this part of the message. Naturally, Julian, Sisko, Blade, and Optimus are in charge. Keep the kids in line and try not to let the Confeds see you sweat. I'm not entirely sure what I'm walking into."
Sunset… the dropping sun, low in the sky, casts a fiery shadow over the small, backwater town that the four Elites were all summoned to without knowledge that eachother was coming. Each one had received a letter, each one had received a message from their past to beckon them to this town.
The town looked almost quaint. One of those small towns untouched by tourism or heavy population. A little slice of Americana, right? One road going in, one road going out the opposite end! It's settled on a pristine looking lake with sapphire waters. The kind of place you'd want to retire to if you were near the end of some cheesey movie with a happily ever after. The streets are relatively unbusy, everyone having gone home already for their suppers. The sign on the outside of town reads:
Welcome to Georgeton.
Population: 1568
And the town square in the center of town, where each of these four people were supposed to meet their destiny awaits.
Solid Snake is being cautious. None of this seems like Liquid's usual MO, even if the letter *does* sound like him. Whatever the deal is, Snake suspects something is up… but he has no idea what. So, of course, he is using himself as bait. Admittedly, bait is kind of hard to take when it's moving under the cloak of Stealth Camo; but Snake wants to get an idea of just what the hell is going on before he reveals himself in any real way. So, one nigh-invisible distortion quietly slinks its way toward the town square…
It's a rather pretty town. The perfect place for the perfect doll to become the perfect girl~yes? Nonetheless, it was at the bidding of the letter from the enigmatic figure known only as 'Father', that the third of the Rozen Maidens should show up so excitedly! Of course Father would be here for her… And then she could go back to everyone and show off her new status as 'Alice' to the other dolls and proove that she's truly Father's choice for the perfect girl.
Into Georgeton on a flying doll case races Jade Stern, hands propped on the edge of her case as she zooms for the center of town with the lid popped open!
Link's taken a different route about things entirely. The green-clad warrior's strolling down the peaceful streets with a wary gleam in his eyes, but only a touch. It was REALLY unusual for Midna to send a letter… especially in that tone. Maybe she was sick or troubled, or TRYING to be cute… alas, these thoughts weren't helping matters.
Looking up from the crinkled parchment as with it carefully held away from his face… Link scans the town with a few quick sweeps of his gentle blue eyes whilst approaching Town Square. "Now that I think about it, WHY did she say to come several days later if it was urgent?" Far be it from Link to understand the snarky Twilight Princess's ways…
This is it: the proverbial moment of truth. Suigintou floats at the edge of the town in her carrying case, lid open, eyes staring of in the direction she's supposed to go. There is a moment as she takes out her letter and looks over it one last time. Then a final message over radio. After the radio is turned off, she simply… hovers there for a moment, thinking. Whatever was on her mind gets forcefully shoved into the background. She breathes out a slow breath, and her face takes on a different expression: one of pride and accomplishment, determination, and … hope.
Much like Suiseiseki, the first Rozen Maiden's case takes off at surprising speed, racing for the very same square.
<X-Union-Chatter> Link says, "Huh, that's odd… now that I think about it, WHY did she say to come several days later if this was urgent…?"
It's without even an attempt to be stealthy or anything, that the third doll sets her case right down in the center of town. The letter said right here. And it's almost time, isn't it? Digging though her meager posessions within her case, the third maiden whips out a little Detective Kunkun wristwatch, a couple of taps at the face to make sure it's working before red-green eyes scan about. The square's so… Deserted. It's almost eerie, but nonetheless, she leaves her case floating, hopping on out with a little click of heels as she lands lightly on the pavement. "Oooooookay… This… Is the place ja~desu? So where's…?" She trails off. mumbling thoughtfully to herself.
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki whooosh! "Hehehehehe~desu. Oh~ Suiseiseki knew it~ It's totally her~yes~!" Desu seems to be thinking aloud! "Huhhhhh… Oooooookay… This is the place ja~desu? So where's…"
Suigintou hardly pays attention to who or what is in the town until she nears the square. Why then? Because there's someone there who very pointedly should not be! Her case slows and stops. She stands up inside it, and fixes the younger doll with an unblinking stare. There's slight confusion in it, but the true extent is hidden through force. Her irritation is much more noticeable. "My, my, Suiseiseki. Always showing up where you're not wanted. I recommend you leave before I force you to do so. I have a very important reason to be here, and there are not supposed to be uninvolved persons here. Hurry along. You may even be able to go unharmed if you leave now."
Her wings grow out slightly, and their feathers take on a gleam like knives. They stay attached … for now.
<8-Supplemental> Pyramid Head sticks a flag in this channel and claims it for his TP.
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki says, "… Oh HELL no~desu."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "What's up, Suiseiseki?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki says, "PSYBER. You wanna tell Suiseiseki why SHE's here~desu?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Who's where now?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki says, "Suigintou~desu! She's here! She should NOT be here~desu!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki sounds mad. Way mad.
<X-Union-Chatter> Yutaro unpreturbed, "…Is there a reason that the multiverse should be bowing to your demands?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "WHAT?!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Keep her there."
<X-Union-Chatter> Alexander Anderson says, "After this, I am moving my house within the Washington perimeter."
<X-Union-Chatter> Alexander Anderson says, "Err, London. Not New Washington, but nonethelesss."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Boatlights, it's imperitive you tell me where you are."
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki says, "FUCK no~desu! She's NOT supposed to be here! Just Suiseiseki~desu! You take her back right now~desu!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki mad beyond reason!
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Watch your language, Suiseiseki."
<X-Union-Chatter> (14 yr. Old R. DeVanos) Bell says, "…. She's scaring me."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber hnns.
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Where /are/ you?"
Link's paying no attention to Snake's little sneakery so he's probably not spotted him… and probably won't be. The Doll's confrontation quickly shakes him out of his confuzzled funk and draws full attention from him. He looks first from Suiseiseki then to Suigintou before dashing over somewhat and announcing, "Sorry for butting in… what's wrong here?" That's primarily aimed at Tou, naturally, whom he affixes a harder look to for a moment. "… and why are you here too?" Something's fishy about this…
<X-Union-Chatter> Gold says, "So many things going wrong…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki slips into furious German, <You take her back>~desu! <Suiseiseki was called here, not her>~desu! <This is where he said he'd be meeting /me/>~desu! Ah- … Erh… <Suiseiseki can't say, cause she was told not to>~desu!
"…Let me guess," comes Solid Snake's voice from another side of the town square, the Field Marshal appearing from seemingly nowhere as his Stealth Camo clicks off. "You all got a letter from someone you know, calling you here and ordering you to tell no one." He lets out a quiet swear, moving toward the center of the square and making a quick gesture. "Everyone, close together. We've been had, this is some kind of trap."
Someone once said:
"In my restless dreams, I see that town.
Silent Hill.
You promised youd take me there again someday,
But you never did.
Well I’m alone there now…
In our special place…
Waiting for you…"
Thankfully, none of you are Mary or James Sunderland! However, they serve as another great example of Silent Hill's ability to call to people. And as the four of them meet up in that deserted city square, there's a moment of pause in the setting sun between them. Slowly, as night settles in, a fog starts to roll into the town. Heavy fog, the kind of mist that envelopes small lakeside towns. You could almost cut it with a knife at how thick it is. A chill wind howls through the town, biting with bitter cold.
Anyone who looks around… the town seems different than it was before. That sign that said 'Georgeton General Store'? Now reads 'Silent Hill General Store'. The street layout seems subtly different as well. Why, that sign on the outside of town even reads differently!
Welcome to Silent Hill.
Population: (and the rest is rusted off)
Somewhere in the distance, an Air Raid Siren goes off and the sky grows just a bit darker. (Now'd be when you all vanish)
<Comm Signals> Pyramid Head transmits the sounds of heavy breathing followed by a loud air raid siren.
<X-Union-Chatter> Suigintou's signal abruptly vanishes from this frequency.
<Union-IC> Suigintou's signal abruptly vanishes from this frequency.
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Damnit you little bastard doll! Where are you, boatlights!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Link says, "I'll figure this-"
<X-Union-Chatter> Link's signal disconnects into static. BLIP!
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Psyber, which one of them is 'boatlights'? I don't keep track of nicknames."
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki froths raves and screeches angrily in further colorful German before-
<Union-IC> Link's signal disconnects into static. BLIP!
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Suiseiseki."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "…. ARTHUR, what was Link's last location?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Yutaro says, "…Have you considered tracking her radio?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Suiseiseki's radio transmits an air raid siren, suddenly and abruptly disconnecting from all Union channels and completely disappears from any and all tracking systems as well.
<Union-IC> Suiseiseki's radio transmits an air raid siren, suddenly and abruptly disconnecting from all Union channels and completely disappears from any and all tracking systems as well.
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "God /damn/ it."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell asks, very dryly, "Which god?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber | ARTHUR: Suiseiseki was last in the same location as Suigintou and Link. A small town called Georgeton.
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake> Adai …
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Okay, do we have any idea what they were doing there? As usual, I think I missed something."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber | ARTHUR: No idea. There are no filed mission plans for that area.
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Thank you ARTHUR … Psyber?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber transmits the sound of a gun being cocked, "Yes'm?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Do *you* happen to know what they were doing there?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "No idea. All I know is botht he dolls had been acting odd the last few days."
<X-Union-Chatter> Michiko says, "If you gimme the coordinates, I could be there in like a minute and check things out."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell | Masi says, "What gets my attention is that there was one of those stray metal-on-concrete transmissions, with an *air raid siren* in the background this time, right around the same time … and I swear there was an air raid siren in the background of one of their radios at the moment we lost contact.
<X-Union-Chatter> Yutaro says, "…There was."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Yeah, I noticed that too."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Psyber? Do your travel plans for the evening include Georgeton?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "For me they do."
That voice… The first doll… Suiseiseki is already scowling before she even looks up, a light shuffle of tiny feet as she WHIPS around to face Suigintou. "Oh HELL no~desu!" One little finger pointing for the black clad doll as the third maiden instantly clicks into 'bicker mode'. "What the HELL are you doing here? Suiseiseki was called here and NOT you~desu, so just go! Shoo! Go home to your medium~desu! He wants you more anyway~yes!" Already she's ranting, feet stomping childishly as she flails her arms.
And enter Link and Snake. "Wh-… What? Father would never want to make YOU TWO Alice? What's Snake and funnygreenhat Elf boy doing here~desu! You go too~yes? Go! Sh- EYAAAAHHH!!!"
She had hardly noticed the settling fog, but Snake doesn't need to tell her to form up twice as the air raid siren causes Desu to JUMP nearly ten feet in the air. "Trap!? N-no way~desu!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake> Adai …
<X-Union-Chatter> Solid Snake> Adai says, "Winry, contact me privately please. Psyber, you too."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Radio, or an office?"
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: Okay … what's up, Adai?
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'I'm curious too.'
RADIO: Solid Snake radios Psyber and Winry Rockbell: <Adai> I wasn't supposed to release any of this until midnight, but the situation's changed… While you're there, you're looking for Snake, too. Part of his instructions were if he didn't make contact again by midnight, to send a scouting party out to his private beacon's last location. The private beacon just went out. Three guesses where it was.
RADIO: You radio : Psyber sighs, "I'll only need one."
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: Well, slag … what should I take equipment-wise? Heavy combat gear, mecha … ?
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake: Psyber sighs, "I'll only need one."
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'I'm going in at least moderately armed to investigate this.'
RADIO: Over the radio (to Psyber and Solid Snake), Winry Rockbell hms. "Guess I go with standard field gear … I'll have Flare Gryphon on standby, though.
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: All right. Psyber, where're we going?
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'Georgeton, Virginia. America 249.'
Suigintou's reaction holds many similarities with that of her sister, but also many differences. Her head tilts up just a bit, such that she ends up literally looking down her nose at Suiseiseki. She lacks the arm-flailing, but her wings still gleam. "I have someone to meet. Now /leave/. I will not tolerate the presence of some irritating, foolish little doll like /you/ when I have important things to…" She trails off.
Having the third doll here is one thing. Having two other people show up is quite another. As first Link questions their reasons for being hear, and then Snake suggests a trap, the first Maiden grows more anxious. She looks from one to another, before her gaze becomes a true glare. Suiseiseki, of course, is the main focus of it. "<All of you, leave /now,/>" she commands, slipping into stern but somehow worried German. "<I will not have you interfering! Any of you! Leave or I will utilize all the force available to me in removing you forcefully from this town!>"
The air raid siren gets a startled rustle of her wings, while her expression breaks just for a second into terror. Then it's back to stern, and very very urgent. "<Hurry! /Now/!>"
The sudden change in scenery doesn't go unnoticed by Snake - neither does the fact that his personal beacon is now announcing 'Synch Lost' on the Solid Eye System. "Damn it," he mutters, bringing his FAMAS up in a smooth motion. He immediately begins sweeping the area, and begins issuing orders in a quick, firm voice of authority. "Everyone, close together. Form up. Suigintou, behind me. Suiseiseki, behind Link. We're going to move slowly down opposite sides of the street and cover each others' movement. We try and get to the exit. Whatever the hell this is, we're leaving. Now." He looks pointedly at Suigintou, and adds, "That goes for *everyone*, unless you want me to stay behind in hopes that Liquid Snake is gonna show up so I can kill him. Don't be an idiot, this is a *trap*. We can bicker about it later, but for now we're *LEAVING*." The look in his eyes suggests that arguing right now would be a very, very bad idea.
The Master Sword finishes leaving its resting spot with a SCHLING just as Link slips the Mirror Shield to his other arm! "…! You got a letter too?! … whatever this is, I /really/ don't like the likes of it… crap, I knew the letter was fishy…"
LInk nods once to Snake, hopping over to the hyperactive doll, who despite her antics, gets a subdued half-grin from the Hylian. "The name's Link, by the way. Now c'mon, let's get out of here before something else happens!" That's right, his name's not weirdhat elf boy!
"Voice in your head(aka pemit): You're such a dog of war. They'll never let you retire, will they? Never a vacation… never a break. Serve your country… serve your people. It's for the good of all." to Solid Snake.
"Voice in your head(aka pemit): What a dumb doll. You fell right into a trap. YOU? You think YOU could be Alice? With how flawed you are? No matter what you're told, you're just a broken, unfinished doll." to Suigintou.
"Voice in your head(aka pemit): You're SO STUPID! Father make you Alice? You? The doll who said you didn't care if you were Alice any more? What a dumb little girl." to Suiseiseki.
"Voice in your head(aka pemit): Well well well… look who fell into another obvious trap. Par for the course, isn't it? Do you ever *THINK* before you act?" to Link.
Leaving already? Snake gets an almost hurt look from those red-green eyes. "B-but-" This was where Father said to meet- He has to be here! Her logic is infallible! But Mercury Lampe snaps her back into her previous fit, if only for a moment, "You're wrong~desu! Suiseiseki has someone to meet here and he's more important than aaaaanyone Suigintou could ever HOPE to see~yes! Suiseiseki'll kick your ass before-" Before what? Before Suigintou can get all forceful?
"Oh screw this~desu…"Well it doesn't matter as the environment gets significantly more creepy with the fog. And just like that, the third maiden turns, attempting to fly right off into the distance. May as well leave, right?
Wrong.
No more than maybe a minute later she returns, the most bewildered look etched on her porcelain features. "Wh-… What the hell? Suiseiseki went that way- how the hell did she- UGH…"
A resigned sound escapes her as Snake sounds damn serious as she slips in behing the green-clad Hylian. "Nnf." A disgruntled little huff is the only response Link gets as a small green speck of light flits out of her case, floating over and growing into a larger flash of green, finally settling down to reveal… A watering can held in her hands. Best. Weapon. Ever.
And then she winces. As though slapped across the face, though she says nothing further.
Link stares in bewilderment at Suiseiseki's outburst, then folds his arms. The letter was definitely a fake, he was sure of that now… unless… "Could this be that world Midna wanted to save… it doesn't look at all like what I thought. Or is this a trap…" Desu's return's heralded by Link's eyes narrowing straight up at the heavens. "Huh?" Wasting no more time, he takes in the surroundings. "…Okay, we're definitely somewhere else.. why's this town abandoned?— Wha? Who said that?!" What in the world's Link talking about? Left, right, and all around, he looks about frantically for some reason, but finally gives up… "…."
Suigintou snaps right back at Suiseiseki, "<I said leave! There is no one more important than the person I am here to meet! /No one/!>" Snake is next to earn her attention. She does not look like she wants to listen to him at all. In fact, the way her wings curve out just a bit further, it's as if she's about to attack him for implying that she shut up and listen to someone as insignificant as… oh… the Field Marshall. She's very serious, very angry, and probably resembles something like an animal backed into a corner at this point.
Then something happens. "<… What…?>" Her eyes go wide. Her wings retract to normal size, and her feathers return to their normal soft, ragged state. The Rozen Maiden herself collapses into a sitting position inside her case. She glances from one side of herself to the other, observing the fog and the state of the buildings around her. It's finally dawning on her that this is /not/ what was supposed to happen. Now is when she pays attention to authority, wordlessly slipping into the formation ordered by Snake.
And it's about when everyone suddenly starts looking around as though they've heard something that Snake does the same. His eyes narrow, and he begins looking around swiftly and sharply, leading the way with the barrel of his rifle. "…the hell with this," he finally mutters. "Let's move!" When they finally reach the dead-end, Snake's one visible eye narrows. "…blocked in." He turns to address the other three. "Alright. Ground rule. All four of us are cut off from the outside world. It looks like whatever this place is, it's going to try and mess with our heads. So we *stay* *together*. No one goes off on their own, ever, for any reason. Even if you see whoever it is you're supposed to be here to see. We stay in pairs, or all four together." He brings his rifle up, pointing idly skyward for a moment, and looks to Suigintou. "I know you two don't like to listen to orders, and I know you two don't like each other. But I need the two of you to trust me, and if I give an order, follow it without question, no matter what it is. I'm going to try and get all four of us out of here, *alive*. But I can't do that without cooperation. Are we clear?"
He waits a moemnt to hear responses, then points down the side street. "Alright, let's move. There's electricity that way. Could be someone. It could also be a trap, so everyone stay on guard."
And as the four of them walk in formation down the street, already the town starts its work on them. The fog hangs heavy, and all the buildings seem abandoned and boarded up. That main street leads them a fair way before the entire street seems to be… blocked by a hold in the ground at least 20 feet deep that runs across the entire street. You didn't seriously think escape would be that easy, did you?
However, there's a faint glimmer of hope. From down a sidestreet, the yellow glow of a building lit up shines through the fog, almost beckoning them! Someone… someone in this godawful abandoned hellhole is alive!
"You don't need to tell me twice!" LInk's one of the first to start moving… not for any cowardly reason, but the sooner they get out of here… the better. He's sure of that. "Yeah, let's stick together!" The hole's eyed warily by the Hylian when he reaches it… you don't see those too often without a given reason! His head snaps about to view the light, then the hole with its fog… which he cannot for the life of him see through too well.
Looking away from the light for the moment, Link yanks out his treasured Longshot and activates it with a SQUEEZE of the handle. The magical 'laser' guide beam lights up, but doesn't pierce the fog. Even so, Link aims the tool at where he HOPES the other end is and lets the spring-loaded hook fly! …to little effect. Moments later the chain retracts… Link frowns, tucks the tool away, and turns to follow Snake while keeping an eye on Desu. "What the heck could've plowed a hole in a street so big the Longshot can't get across…?" Now this.. a trap…?
Suigintou is listening to some extent, but the majority of her attention is somewhere else. There's enough of it here in the present to keep her following Snake, and to have her stop when he does. His question gets a faint nod, but no spoken response. Nor does she really go 'on guard'. Her wings are kept small, and she doesn't even summon Mei Mei. Troubled doll is troubled, clearly!
<X-Union-Chatter> Ayla says, "Hmm."
<X-Union-Chatter> Ayla says, "What people doing?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Staren says, "Not much. What Ayla doing?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Michiko says, "Playing a game~"
<X-Union-Chatter> Ayla says, "Ayla dozing. Zzzz."
<X-Union-Chatter> Ishalfra says, "I am honestly thinking and doing a little research on tricoders."
<X-Union-Chatter> Winry Rockbell says, "Trying to figure out what happened to Link and those two Rozen Maidens … I wonder if Shinku could track them by N-Field or anything."
<X-Union-Chatter> Ayla says, "Sniff them down. Link has funny smell."
Damn straight Suiseiseki doesn't like her sister. And her fingers grip that little golden watering can rather tightly as the reality is clearly beginning to sink in. The voice- though it looks like other people heard… SOMETHING, she keeps to herself on the matter, face scrunching into a childish expression of mixed resignation and utter disappointment.
For the time being, the third doll opts to now pointedly avoid even looking at the first, absent nods and a depressed "Fine~desu." afforded the Field Marshall as she floats behind Link- bumping into his back clearly as she's not paying too much attention when he stops to try- and fail his hand with the hookshot. "Mphh… Great job~desu." She grumps
Looks like Suigintou isn't the only troubled doll. Anyway… Stay in pairs. Suiseiseki can do that. The place is a lot creepier now anyway, so it's not like she's going to float away from Link any time soon.
With everyone falling into step, Snake moves as well, obviously.
As you guys move down the sidestreet, the building with electricity comes into view! There's the healthy yellow glow of light from windows, and soon a sign becomes visible. That sign reads 'Davidson's Diner' across the top in bright purple letters! And while the blinds are clearly drawn down on the window, the shadowy shapes of figures moving around, as well as several voices, can be heard from inside. And hey! The sign on the door at the front clearly says 'Open' on it.
Snake moves smoothly ahead; as they come closer to the diner, he holds up a hand, indicating everyone should stop for a moment. His Stealth Camo switches on, and the soldier begins silently moving his way up next to the door in a near crouch. He listens for a moment while invisible, and then switches it off, reappearing, before moving to stand. He makes another series of gestures, indicating for everyone to approach. Link is directed to stand behind the door; when the Hylian gets close, Snake murmurs, "On my order, open it, and stay behind the door." Suigintou and Suiseiseki are directed behind Snake. "If someone sticks in the door, you're in the best position to hit them." He himself stands next to the door, so that when it opens, he'll be able to turn right in and give the room a quick visual sweep to see just what's going on.
Link strides through the fog, ever-watchful of Suiseiseki even after the grumpy comment. However, it DOESN"t go unanswered… in fact, Desu gets a somewhat rude, "Aww, stuff it. Like there's harm in trying?!" Step after step takes him closer to the dinery, but he pauses a good distance from it. "Just one building from all of these?"
Link answers Snake with a nod, shuffling over near the door and putting a hand firmly on the doorknob…
Suigintou just keeps following along. There's not much other choice at this point - staying behind, alone and depressed with no idea how to get back, is not a very appealing alternative to going with the others. The light from the diner does pull some of her thoughts back to the present. She looks up, first to the sign, then to the windows, though she doesn't seem as interested as she would be normally. Again, she floats into position behind Snake. Link's reprimand against Suiseiseki is, if anything, ignored. Normally that would at least get a smug giggle.
Right, great, put Desu to work with Junk behind Snake. Let's just see how well that works, shall we? Link however is replied in kind with a childish little scowl and a sticking out of her tongue. Regardless, after the Field Marshall's initial investigation of the diner and the call to do so, she falls in behind him as bidden. Yes. She's aiming her watering can right for the door as she pointedly further tries to ignore the crestfallen Mercury Lampe.
Snake gives the signal, and as soon as Link pulls the door, swings around the corner into the diner - his assault rifle is not *up*, per se, but he's got it ready in case he has to shoot.
And as the diner is opened, the horrifying secret of Silent Hill is revealed! It's a control room with a do-Nah. Just messin with ya.
Instead, there's a tall man with brown hair in a white apron behind the counter of the diner bar, wiping it down with a cloth. He might look quite familiar to some people in the room, "Well howdy strangers! Welcome to mah diner! My name's Sinclair Davidson! Come in and set down that rifle so you can relax for a spell. Best food in town, I say. Cooked by none other than my wife, Milly, and my daughter, Lapis!"
There's a call from the kitchen before a slightly pale red-headed woman sticks her head out and tosses a towel at Sinclair, who ducks as she says, "Listen mister! Flattery will get you nowhere. You still gotta wash the windows. it's your turn!" She chides before a small girl in a sundress with rust colored hair and a very… unique eye condition… runs out with a pad in her hand, "Can I take your or-WOOOOOOOW!" She boggles when she sees Snake, looking at him in amazement, "You look just like my uncle, Sheriff Jack Johnson!" She points to a table in the corner where a man in a tan uniform sits with a plate of cherry pie and a cup of coffee. The only notable difference between him and snake is that he has an eyepatch over his right eye, "Well if the girl ain't right. You is the spittin image of me before I lost my eye in that car accident!" He guffaws a few times. Quite a warm reception for such a deserted town, yeah?
Sinclair Davidson: http://i35.tinypic.com/2drh389.jpg
Lapis: http://i37.tinypic.com/2d8j40p.jpg
Milly: http://i36.tinypic.com/14t5usy.jpg
Sheriff Jack Johnson: http://i38.tinypic.com/10h5ac4.jpg
The funny part here is that Snake currently has the Solid Eye System over his left eye… so he might as well be wearing a patch.
The not-so-funny part is that Snake falls dead still, his mind trying to comprehend what he's looking at. Sheriff Big Boss. "…What the hell?!" The others in the room get less notice; none of them are Big Boss, let alone YOUNG Big Boss.
It's /him/. Suigintou, formerly sitting quietly in her floating case, perks up immediately at the sight of 'Sinclair Davidson'. The name difference, the accent, the fact that this man is married and has a daughter resembling Souseiseki-none of those things are strong enough to override the resemblance to a certain someone in her mind. And that resemblance is what gets her to move.
Her case sails out over the group towards him, while she quickly gets to her feet within it. Her eyes are wide, crazed, and unless prevented, she would grab onto the man himself as she spouts off questions in yet more German: "<Psyber? Psyber?! What are you doing here? You have to take me home! We're going back! We cannot stay here! I won't- He wasn't- I couldn't tell you anything! I couldn't! You understand, don't you? The letter said I couldn't! I /couldn't/! It would end everything but it didn't even /happen/! We have to get back. Don't take these people. They don't matter!>"
Link just kind of shoots another sheepish grin at Suiseiseki before throwing the door open. Despite never being ordered to, Link takes a peek after Snake when nothing comes barreling out with guns blazing. What he sees is gape-worthy… so what the four will see is, naturally, a gaping Link. This was downright creepy. The Multiverse might be full of weird happenings, but who could believe this? "… Uh…"
Yeah, he's looking right at Milly for that moment when she peeks out. The resemblance to Malon's disturbing… at least the skin color.
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: … Adai? Did Snake have any reason that you know of for his 'vacation plans'? Anything at all?
RADIO: Solid Snake radios Psyber and Winry Rockbell: <Adai> (sounding worried, and torn) Half an hour. Give me half an hour. Snake made me promise. If he hasn't contacted us in half an hour…
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'Half an hour, alright.'
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: This is as much about the other three as about Snake. Psyber, did Suigintou have any reason that *you* know of to come to this hick town?
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'No, but she ran away from home three days ago'
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: She didn't leave any hints behind … okay, what about Suiseiseki? Who's her medium … ?
RADIO: You radio Winry Rockbell and Solid Snake with 'Ino Yamanaka.'
"………….." That's…
Plans always change at the last possible moment, don't they? With Suigintou zipping into the Diner, Suiseiseki is quick to follow, "H-HEY! Where do you thinkg you're going~Desu! Snake said- … …" Snake's orders to watch the door are quickly forgotten as she locks right up. Red-green eyes nearly bugging out at the sight of- Well. Psyber is there that's one thing- and Snake is facing down… Snake? Milly gets not a glance- though she does watch her elder sibling try and explain her actions to the Psyber-a-like, a slight frown tugging at her lips she sets down, heels clicking to the floor before-
Lapis. The girl in the sundress gets her rapt attention immediately. Puzzlement, confusion, blank and stupid are perfect words to describe Jade Stern's face as she stares practically in the mirror. Because the girl shares her spitting image. Her /TWIN/'s spitting image. "WH-" … "S-Souseiseki~desu?"
Desu just had a brainbreak. And for a moment it shows- at least before she attempts to tackle the girl. "Souseisekiiii! Suiseiseki is sorry~desu! She should have toooold you~desuuuu!" She wines in the process.
RADIO: Winry Rockbell radios Psyber and Solid Snake: Masi says she can't get in contact with Ino right away … well, if we can't sort this out quickly, we'd better see if she knows what's going on. Anyway, the sheriff here is being rather unhelpful. I'm not sure if he's actively hiding something or not …
Lots of assault occuring in the diner it seems. At Snake's shocked expression, Sinclair says, "Well nah! Dun just stand there, come on in and we'll fix you somethin' ta ea-Hey!" He lets out a yelp as the doll grabs him and starts yelling, "Wha..bu..hey now! Ah'm not this Psybah fella! My name is Sinclair! And I dunno who you ah, but I'd like'n ya ta let go of me no-Hey! Get off of my daughter!" Sinclair says, practically shoving Tou out of the way as he glares at Suiseiseki.
Lapis is easily tackled when caught off guard, and the first thing that Suiseiseki would notice is that she's quite obviously NOT a doll. She's a bona fide (thank you snake for telling me how to spell it) human girl! And she begins to bawl as the doll tackles her, "I dunno who you….you… think I am..am. but I'm not he-her.." She sobs, "Get off me please don't hurt me!"
And to the rescue, out of the kitchen with a very large straw broom, Milly comes running out swinging it, "Hey you! get off our daughter! How dare you come in here and accost her like that!" She swings the broom at Suiseiseki wildly, swatting her as she tries to chase her away from young Lapis.
Sheriff Johnson slowly stands up and walks his way over to snake, extending his hand as he says, "Jack Johnson! Good ta meet ya, son! I been sheriff around these parts for just a little bit. Year or two now, but I take my job seriously." He laughs as he stares at the others in the cafe, "Quite the menagerie you brought with you, eh?"
Once everyone is in the door, Snake finally begins to get ahold of himself. "Suiseiseki, Suigintou. Let the poor people be. Whoever they are, they're not who they look like." Snake glances at the man looking right at him, and then adds, "Trust me on that." He then turns to Johnson and holds out a hand. "Iriquois. Iriquois Pliskin. I apologize for us barging in like this. We're stuck in town at the moment."
Pretty pretty redhead… Was it Malon…or was it Cremia… or someone else entirely? Link was thinking Cremia, with that manner of speaking about her! But… why would she be here? "Malon… er, Cremia…? Wait, wife..?!" All that's mumbled just under his breath… yep, he's a ball of confusion now. He stiffens when Desu runs off… he's been TRYING to keep an eye on her, but can't seem to keep his eyes off of the disturbing resemblance Milly has to two people he knew he really liked…
With all the craziness going on around, Link's just standing there shocked… this only lasts until the broom's thrown, THEN he winces. "Uhm…." Quickly he shakes his head, TRYING to clear his thoughts… not doing too well. "And my name's Link," Says the Hylian, who's looking more than a little perplexed by now, and doesn't sound at all confident.
Let go? And miss the chance she has to cling to something familiar amongst all this weirdness? Like hell! Suigintou is very reluctant to release him, and in fact doesn't take it as serious. "<Don't- Don't joke about>- Ah!" Until he shoves her away. That gets another moment of wide-eyed shock (not to say her eyes weren't wide already), but it's quiet this time. Snake's words, and everything else around her, are all but ignored. She stares for a moment. Then, like before, she drops back to sitting in her case. More staring. At last she backs off.
Her carrying case lands with a soft 'thump' against the floor, while Mercury Lampe simply dwells on her thoughts.
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake, quietly. "I want you all to listen, very carefully."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "This man I'm talking to? Is my dead clone father. A man I killed personally."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "That's how I know this place is screwing with us, and these people aren't real. 'cause he /can't be here/."
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou, quieter and apparently to herself, "…notjunk…"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…no. You're not junk. Don't listen to whatever this place is telling you."
Broom! Dodge! Really though, Desu is too busy clinging to the very human little incarnation of her twin to effectively get out of the way in time- and so she's broomed! Though it's not enough to seriously damage her, it does detach her. And quick enough Suiseiseki is back behind Link, crimson eye peeking out from behing the Hylian's leg, staring at Lapis- as well as the very angry woman with the broom- and… Psyber's glaring at her too…
Snake doesn't need to tell her twice that these clearly aren't the people she knows. "S-sorry~desu…" The Third Rozen mumbles sheepishly.
<8-Supplemental> Link says, "Milly… she looks just like Malon and Cremia." … "Hard to believe everyone'd be here like this… something's really wrong."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "It's this place."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "I don't know what's going on."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "But it's throwing the ghosts of my past right up in my face."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "We've gotta get out of here. As soon as we can."
<8-Supplemental> Pyramid Head | Crackling static on all radios…
<8-Supplemental> Suiseiseki says, "Mnnf… S-Souseiseki… Ugh…" Taptaptaptap, "What the hell~desu… Piece of crap~desu."
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou, sharply, "I AM /NOT/ JUNK!"
<8-Supplemental> Link says, "It's okay! You can relax- gah!"
<8-Supplemental> Suiseiseki says, "WHO THE HELL SAID SUISEISEKI WAS TALKING ABOUT YOU~DESU?!!?"
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou slips into German mumbling, namely insults to Suiseiseki and the fact that she's not junk at all.
Link doesn't seem overly concerned about the people here. So long as they stay friendly! Hence when Suiseiseki ducks behind him he moves slightly more in front of the doll to give her some cover, like any hero should! On the other hand, he can't help but scratch the back of his head in wonder… what to say here…. for once, he's speechless… UNTIL a bright idea lights up in his noggin'! "Hey, what can you tell us about this town?"
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou keeps mumbling.
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "All of us are Union Elites. We've faced down the worst things the Multiverse can throw at us and lived to tell about it. None of us is worthless, or junk, or a dog of war, and we're all going to get out of this alive."
"Pleasure to meet you, Pliskin! They say every man has a doppelganger. Never thought I'd meet mine!" The one-eyed man lets out a hoarse laugh as he takes the hand of Snake and shakes it. Lapis retreats behind her mother, who in turn returns to Sinclair's side as she says to Link, "I'm Milly Davidson!" In a bright tone. However, before many ammends can be made, the radio in the corner which was playing music soon bgins to crackle with static! And then… an air raid horn goes off again. Sinclair narrows his eyes as he pulls out a double-barreled shotgun from under his counter and some shells, loading them in, "Jack… take my wife and daughter and get them to the church. I'll follow soon after." he says cooly, clicking the shotgun shut as he heads for the door. Milly grabs Lapis, picking her up in her arms as she heads towards the Sheriff, who nods and heads out the door after Sinclair, the three running up towards a church so large its even visible in the fog.
Should they follow them out, the group would see the faux Psyber standing in the street, taking off his apron as he mutters, "It's been so long… why now?"
============================ Union - Reports =============================
Message: 16/35 Posted Author
Missing persons Tue Jul 15 Winry Rockbell
<MechTech spinny with Masi's emblem; text report>
At this time, Suigintou, Suiseiseki, and Link are officially 'missing' following the abrupt loss of their radio signals. All three were, at the time, in a small town called Georgeton, located in western North America-249; Winry and Psyber went to investigate.
There wasn't much to find: Winry recorded tricorder scans of the spot where the three of them were standing just before they disappeared, but there were no traces which her tricorder could pick up on which would suggest what happened to them. Questioning the locals proved fruitless as well. Psyber allowed himself to be temporarily incarcerated with intent to continue observing the town.
Winry's suspicion is that we're going to need to bring magical, psychic, and/or other supernatural means of tracking to bear if there's any hope of picking up on what *did* happen to the missing individuals. Short of that, all we can do is hope they make it back in decent condition.
<file ends, no spinny>'
============================ Union - General =============================
Message: 17/44 Posted Author
Vacation, Add'l Tue Jul 15 Solid Snake
Another voice report from Snake.
"This is Snake, checking in. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm gonna be a while longer. I'm afraid I can't go into what's keeping me, but I'm alright for the time being. Julian, Sisko, Blade, and Optimus are in charge until I'm back - follow the chain of command like usual. I'll keep in touch. Yutaro, until I return, you're assigned to Ben Sisko. Follow his orders like you would mine."
<Ranklocked 6+, Senior Allies, Optimus Prime>
"As I'm sure all of you are guessing, my check-in is a prefab I recorded before I left for Adai to post. If you're hearing this, it means I haven't checked in and Adai has gone to contingency. The summary of the situation is, I recieved a letter from Liquid Snake advising me to come to Georgeton to settle things once and for all, and tell no one. The letter sounded exactly like him, but this is nothing like his usual MO. I went in expecting a trap, and kept a beacon on. Adai will be able to give you my current location, or if my beacon has gone out, my last known one. Have a tactical team sent out to scout around, but be prepared for some sort of ambush or trick. Don't let it get out that I've gone missing. We don't want a damn panic."
For those of rank 6+ or Senior Ally, Snake's duty status has been changed to 'Missing In Action'.
Thanks to an unrelated remark by Suiseiseki on the radio, Suigintou ends up death glaring at her sister, mumbling insults and denials in quiet, barely intelligible German. The other people in the establishment are again ignored.
Thankfully the air raid siren is there. Her head jerks up, and she looks, blinking, from one person to the next. Sinclair is where it finally settles. When he leaves the building, the first Maiden goes to follow him, floating up and out of the place without waiting for permission or commands. Even if he shoved her away, he still resembles Psyber. It's enough in her mind.
When the siren goes off, Snake is on the move at once - he falls into step right behind Sinclair, keeping his FAMAS at the shoulder and ready. His Soliton Radar is probably jammed by this point, but the sonar should still be working, so he's relying on that to keep him posted on approaching threats. As they come out into the street, Snake falls in next to Sinclair, rifle levelled and ready for whatever threat is coming. "Take it easy, I'm Union Military. What's going on?"
Married. That had to be the biggest part of the weirdness here for Link where the diner's concerned… "Now that's a cute na- … that siren again?! Hey wait, what's happening?!" Link doesn't wait. He dashes right outo the street after the pseudo-Psyber. "All the buildings are empty, the town's covered in mist… " Link unsheathes his weapon again, now quite serious. "What's going on this town?"
<8-Supplemental> Pyramid Head | Sudden intense burst of static before it dies out.
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake swears!
<8-Supplemental> Suiseiseki TAPTAPTAP! "WHAT THE HELL~DESU?!"
<8-Supplemental> Link says, "I'm /really/ starting to dislike this place… what the heck was that?!"
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou says, "…"
Not like that comment was even remotely aimed in Suigintou's direction, but as on-edge as she is from her encounter with the false-Souseiseki, Suiseiseki wholeheartedly returns that glare, complete with one finger pointing RIGHT at the silver-haired doll menacingly from where she peeks out behind Link's leg.
The siren however… Makes her jump yet again, another little hurt look as the eerie facsimile of her twin is hauled off AND Sinclair snags a shotgun. The slightest little straining noises of the fully articulated joints of her fingers can be heard as her grip tightens on her watering can as she's quick to follow- not Suigintou of course- clearly the faux-Psyber, Snake and Link, practically beating on her radio as it pisses her off royally.
"Nnngh… Stupid town~desu… Stupid lookalikes~desu… Stupidstupidstupid- Suiseiseki just wants to go home now~desu."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…somethin' big is coming."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "I'm getting a huge contact on sonar. Dead ahead."
"To tell ya true, sah, I dunno. I ain't nevah seen it up close before, I just know what it's called roun' these parts. All I know is when the siren goes off we get to the church, and when the radios static its near bah. Ain't no one from this town ever seen it up close and lived." Sinclair sighs, "We used to have many people round these parts. But one by one they been disappearin'. The population of this town before I sah y'all was fo'." He aims towards the fog infront of him, "Ah'll be damned if I let this bastard get mah wife 'n daughtah."
And then… it comes. It's entrance is heralded by the slow sound of metal dragging along concrete. Heavy footfalls echo up the street, audible in the cold, still town. As it approaches everything around the five standing in the street seems to darken…a new town yet again. No! Still Silent Hill… but dark.. evil. There's blood dripping off of Sinclair's diner, the streets are cracked and the town looks utterly driven into the ground.
And out of the fog… it walks. The first thing visible is that giant, triangular helmet it wears. wears. Red… crimson… made of metal and concealing whatever face it may have. Pale white flesh, white as snow, muscular. The torso comes into view next. The upper body and abs are toned and, with the helmet, it stands at just under 9 feet tall. On the lower body, it wears what looks like a butcher's smock… coated with blood both fresh and dried. Its footsteps are slow, shuffling but powerful. And then when one looks at the arms they see that those are just as muscular as the rest of his upper body. Cut.. .toned… powerful. In one hand it carries a spear as tall as itself, the tip of it looking wicked sharp and also coated in dried blood. As it appears, only five words are spoken by the diner owner with the shotgun.
"They call it… Pyramid Head."
<8-Supplemental> Link says, "This just keeps getting worse and worse."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…What the *HELL*."
<8-Supplemental> Suiseiseki says, "Wh- the town~desu- It's… But- when we-"
Oh. Shit.
The landscape changes into hell on earth. The sound echoes through the fog. And then… Pyramid head.
It takes a lot to shake the legendary Solid Snake. A lot more still to do it to the point that he lets his dismay through. Congratulations, Pyramid Head.
"What the *HELL*," Snake exclaims, dismay evident in his voice, at both the landscape and Pyramid Head. He doesn't hesitate to act, however; the FAMAS assault rifle comes up, and a three-round burst is squeezed off right at Pyramid Head's chest.
Solid Snake hit Pyramid Head with his Three Rounds Rapid strong attack! <Experimental>
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou, calmly, "Am I allowed to kill it?"
Too much time wandering the Shadow Temple's horors render Link uninclined to do more than take several long steps back when everything takes on a hellish tone… but nervous sweat rolls down his face even so. "What… what in the…" Pyramid Head's appearance shakes Link. He's seen a lot, but that's definitely one of the freakiest things he's ever layed eyes upon. "Your wife and kids will be fine! We'll hold that thing off. You get to the church too!" Link shoots Sinclair what he HOPES is a confident smile showing off plenty of determination. What it ends up being is a half-hearted one. "Don't stay here! Milly'd feel awful if something happened to you, right?"
Eyeing that lance, Link sheathes the Master Sword in favor of his bow, unleashing a Light Arrow for Pyramid Head's knee! "… why do you LIVE somewhere with something like this around..?!"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "Hit it."
Link missed Pyramid Head with his SACRED KNEECAPPING!? strong attack! (Experimental)
Suigintou stares at the faux-Psyber's shoulder for one long moment. She eventually jerks her gaze away, and floats up somewhere to the side of everyone else. So, something's coming… She watches and waits, once again becoming so locked on one thing as to miss the larger picture: the shifting of the town, the blood that appears. If the thing is a concern of her medium-doppelganger, then it must be hers, too!
When it finally appears through the fog, she giggles. It's short and abrupt. "It's junk," she declares. "It has to be. It has a pyramid head. That makes it junk, right?" Her voice is calmer now, oddly so. To the radio she more explicitly asks: "Am I allowed to kill it?" Odd, perhaps, that she would wait when the others attack it so quickly. Snake's answer is good enough for her.
Her carrying case falls to the ground with a clunk, and her wings grow out, fanning, and would be gleaming if not for the dull light. Knifelike feathers shoot out like a storm at the thing. "You're junk. Right?" she questions, half-laughing, in the meanwhile.
Suigintou missed Pyramid Head with her If not, I'll /make/ you junk! strong attack! (Experimental)
What… Happened… To the town…
It was NOT like that when they went in the diner. Blood leaking off walls? Cement walks cracked, the sheer opressive darkness? The building static on the radio, the SCRAAAAAPING of … SOMETHING drawing closer. There's a slight ~pop~ now as one of Suiseiseki's finger-joints dislocates from how she grips her watering can, red-green eyes almos panaickedly darting left and right- before her mismatched gaze locks upon the form of the red triangle emerging from the pitch black.
And then there's another ~pop~ as her finger sets back into place as the strain is relieved- mainly from almost dropping her watering can. The mere sight alone is enough to make her fumble as she positions herself strategically where any good terrified little girl would- behind Link, Snake, Psy- Sinclair and… Oh. Suigintou can be a shield too she supposes as the third doll catches ahold of her watering can again.
"That's not junk that's- it's… You keep it AWAY from Suiseiseki~desu!" Jade Stern croaks, making a slashing motion with the can- sprinkling… Water in an arc in front of the group.
Of course it's not harmless, as a barrier begins to form- thick, heavy vines forming in front of the others to act a shield- with just enough space to peek out of- or poke a weapon through, aim and fire.
"No, I'm going to help you all buy time. It's my duty." Sinclair responds to Link, aiming the shotgun and firing as the buckshots cracks towards the creature, "We live here because one day… it stopped coming altogether. We don't know why it came back now!"
Pop pop pop! Three shots square in the chest that burst in and cause a viscous black liquid to ooze faintly down the creature's chest, though the buckshot from Sinclair's shotgun catches the creature right in the helmet, causing the head to snap slightly, though it continues its walk towards the five people in the street, hardly breaking it's stride. The arrow of light skims by it, we'll say Link's shot was thrown off by the fog. But more frightening for Tou is that the feathers all connect, sticking out of him like black plumage, but he keeps walking. As it gets closer, they'd finally hear the breathing. Raspy… heavy… in and out… in and out. It attacks naught, for it is still out of range to spear them, but it slowly turns its helmet gaze over all of them, pyramid pivoting left and right, settling on Tou slightly longer before… the pyramid settles on Sinclair. It starts walking faster.
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "Everyone, try not to be directly behind me."
The shots hit Pyramid Head squarely, and he… keeps coming.
"Damn it!" Snake swears loudly, thinking fast. As the walking tank slowly strides his way forward, Snake opts to switch weapons. He shoves the FAMAS into… somewhere or other, and then pulls out its replacemen- oh what the fuck.
Where the hell was he keeping the Stinger Launcher?
Regardless, Snake brings the weapon up. It takes it only a moment to acquire tone, and then Snake cuts loose a single Stinger Missile aimed right at Pyramid Head.
Solid Snake missed Pyramid Head with his MISSILE UP THE EXHAUST PIPE epic attack! (Experimental)
"D-don't be stupid! Monsters like this are an everyday thing for me!" Was that a STUTTER in Link's voice? Yes indeed, for that thing barely even flinched from the shots, and his own arrow missed. "Blast, the stupid fog…" Shooting a thumbs-up at Desu for her definitely-welcome shielding, Link brings his bow up again and nocks another arrow. This time he's taking a few seconds longer to aim… but yet again Light glows up about the arrowhead when he lets it fly! It's aimed straight for the arm this time, right for the inside of an elbow…
Snake's antics aren't that unusual where Link's concerned… he does that allt the time after all! "… now THAT's firepower!"
Link missed Pyramid Head with his Let's try that again! strong attack! (Experimental)
Suigintou's eyes widen again (how many times does that make?) as the feathers strike with no effect. That wasn't supposed to happen! Shakily, she argues at the thing, "You're- You're supposed to… You're junk!!" Though when it 'looks' at her, a very clear shudder runs through her. Not a bloody city, but being looked at by a thing without visible eyes: that's what gets to her.
Suiseiseki's actions snap her out of it briefly. As the vines sprout up, the first doll whips around to fix the third with another death glare. "Don't you DARE protect me!" So indignant.
But Pyramid Head gains it back quick enough. Or, more specifically, the fact that it's heading towards Sinclair. Suigintou - in spite of being shoved away earlier - quickly floats up in front of him. Her wings reshape into dragon heads at the end, while she glares even /more/ death at the thing than she did at Suiseiseki. The accusations of junk-ness resume, louder and more desperate. So too does she fire another volley of feathers. So what if they didn't work?
Suigintou hit Pyramid Head with her I said you're junk. Now stop moving and be junk-like! >:| strong attack! <Experimental>
Bullets, feathers, arrows- clearly if those aren't enough to stop the triangular-helmeted monstrosity, Suiseiseki's probably not going to have any better luck. Heterochromatic gaze frozen on the … THING as it just keeps coming. Suigintou goes mostly unheard, the Third Doll's mounting terror causing her to singlemindedly focus on the metallic helmet and the boodstained tip of that spear.
It's now, that she floats up, over her barrier, a harsh snap of "SHUT UP~DESU!" Finally snapped down at Mercury Lampe, whilst getting out from behind Snake and his Stinger, as she aims again- water sprinkling forth at the approaching feind's legs, vines sprouting rapidly- attempting to wrap his legs and bind him in place with trainspike-sized thorns.
Suiseiseki missed Pyramid Head with her You don't come any closer than that~yes? stun attack! (Experimental)
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake swears.
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…everyone, fall back to the diner."
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou lets out a terrified little screech, then silence.
<8-Supplemental> Suiseiseki says, "Wh-?! Psybe- Nnnghhhhh… Bu-… But the diner's all covered in /BLOOD/~desu… The- the church~desu- weren't the others g-going to the church~yes…?"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…yeah. Yeah, it was. Fall back to the church."
And Sinclair is dead.
Snake swears loudly, get again, watching Pyramid Head go, and then turns to the group. "…everyone, fall back to the diner," he orders simply; his words are short, as though he's not too keen to say much at the moment. And then, quietly he moves over to 'Tou, a bit of genuine worry on his face. "Suigintou. Come on. We've got to get to the-" That's when Suiseiseki points out that the church is probably a better place to go. Man, even Snake is shaken. "…to the church," he ends up finishing. If Suigintou doesn't smack his hand away or the like, he reaches out to gently rest it on the doll's shoulder. "Come on. We've gotta go," he urges gently.
<Comm Signals> Suiseiseki's signal pops up, briefly, though untraceable… She can be faintly heard through static, "PSY-" HHSKK … covered-" SSSS "/BLOOD/~desu!" SSSkhsssSH! "Going- to-" KShhhh "Church~des-" Sssssss-desynch
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "What was that just now?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "What was what?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "The errant signal! It sounded like one of the missing Rozens."
Suigintou stands her ground, though her shouts of 'junk' die off as Pyramid head draws closer. Her dragon head wings manage a feeble growl. So much for trying to be intimidating. So much for trying to be a shield, too. That terrified screech is the result of the spear passing through her stomach region, though oddly, there's no sign of physical pain, nor any sound that a spear on porcelain should conceivably have. It's only once the weapon's been pulled out the other side that she moves; she whips around to watch as Sinclair is lifted … and then as the gestured death threat is made. Again she shudders. And stares.
Now it's Snake's turn to distract her. She does indeed smack his hand away, and hard, following up with another angry glare. But his command is headed. She floats back to her fallen case, settles into it, then raises with it back into the earlier formation - all without looking away from the man, much less looking at him any more kindly.
"…!!" Stymied by this display, Link falls back severl big steps when Pyramid Head comes charging in, bringing his blade to bear the instant it hoists the spear! Yelling at the top of his lungs he LEAPS for the thing, bu it's simply got too much of an advantage in surprise. "Sinclair! Suigintou!" He ws still writhing, but would Sinclair be able to get away… Link punches the ground in frustration, the Golden Gauntlets strength powering the blow. Spiderwebs of cracks spread from the impact, but that's all… "Dammit, I told him to leave it to us… Suigintou, are you alright…?!" Worried for Sinclair LInk might be, but Tou's the one they can get to here! "Yeah, let's head to the Church." The confidence is gone from Link's voice entirely… "Quickly! That thing might go after Milly and the others!"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "…hang on to that anger, Suigintou. I know that sounds funny coming from me right now, but hang onto it. It'll get you through this. Despair won't."
<Comm Signals> Solid Snake's voice can be heard, very faintly, through another burst of static. "Hang on-" *static* "-at anger, Suig-" *static* "-from me-" *static* "-get you-" *static* "-won't." The signal fades to nothing.
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou sounds disgusted, "You pity me, don't you?"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "No."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "I sympathize."
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake says, "And I want to get you, me, and all of us through this. Because we're all here together."
<8-Supplemental> Suigintou says, "Go- … Sy- sympathize?! I don't need sympathy!"
<8-Supplemental> Solid Snake, after a moment of silence, and in a quiet tone. "…now's not the time for a tough act. From any of us. We're not going to get through this if we keep arguing." Pause. "If anyone asks later, we can say we almost tore each others' heads off, if you like."
<Comm Signals> Solid Snake's voice can be heard, very faintly, through another burst of static. "Hang on-" *static* "-at anger, Suig-" *static* "-from me-" *static* "-get you-" *static* "-won't." The signal fades to nothing.
<X-Union-Chatter> Iianor says, "…I didn't really catch anything either but… I'm not really in a position to catch anything…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Man! I know that was Snake! I /heard/ him!"
<X-Union-Chatter> X | Alia says, "Hang on… what was that? It sounded like…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "ARTHUR, play back both those errant radio signals."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "If it was magical or psionic in nature, I don't receive very well."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "It was a ghost radio signal."
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR says, "One moment please."
<X-Union-Chatter> X | Alia says, "I think I got it too Psyber, but it was so fleeting…"
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR takes only a moment before playing back the first message onto the channel: <Comm Signals> Suiseiseki's signal pops up, briefly, though untraceable… She can be faintly heard through static, "PSY-" HHSKK … covered-" SSSS "/BLOOD/~desu!" SSSkhsssSH! "Going- to-" KShhhh "Church~des-" Sssssss-desynch.
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR then proceeds to replay the next: <Comm Signals> Solid Snake's voice can be heard, very faintly, through another burst of static. "Hang on-" *static* "-at anger, Suig-" *static* "-from me-" *static* "-get you-" *static* "-won't." The signal fades to nothing.
<X-Union-Chatter> X says, "…what /was/ that?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "Mein Gott….Suiseiseki…!"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "Oh.. my."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki is struggling not to break down. "Where did she go…."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Interesting."
<X-Union-Chatter> X says, "Hang on, Souseiseki. We'll find them."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "I'm currently sitting in a jail in the town they disappeared in, and from what I can tell nothing has happened here."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki deepbreathes.
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "With the exception of the field marshall, I cannot say I recognize the voices.. but that was definately them."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "Please….find her…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "and .. it sounded like they were in combat."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Or the aftermath of combat. Blood and a church."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki chokes down a sob, sharply desynchs.
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "Where did you say you were again, Psyber?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Georgeton, West Virginia. US-249"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "More specifically? I thought you said something about a jail."
<Comm Signals> Link's the next one audible through heavy static. "Dammit- " *ksssshhhhhtbzzzzkt* "leave- " *staticflood* "Suigintou-" signal drops, picks up to, "okay? Let's-" *bsssshhhhhtfzzzzztch* "- church. Pyramid Head- " *fades to complete static*
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Oh, yeah, so I had an excuse to spend a few days here I sock the Sheriff and let him arrest me."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "… A bit overboard don't you think?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Nah."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Read the report."
<X-Union-Chatter> X | Alia says, "Hang on, another signal just fuzzed in and out. ARTHUR, did you catch it?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "I heard that one too."
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR says, "Affirmative, playing back now."
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR repeats the newest signal: <Comm Signals> Link's the next one audible through heavy static. "Dammit- " *ksssshhhhhtbzzzzkt* "leave-" *staticflood* "Suigintou-" signal drops, picks up to, "okay? Let's-" *bsssshhhhhtfzzzzztch* "-church. Pyramid Head-" *fades to complete static*
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Church mentioned again. And pyramid head? Wouldn't that be a temple?"
<X-Union-Chatter> X | Alia says, "The head of a pyramid? But it sounds like they're in a church…?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Did you get a frequency range, ARTHUR?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Amelia says, "…I am getting a /really/ bad feeling."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "Actually, looking at it from another angle… It sounds like.. They are on the run."
<X-Union-Chatter> ARTHUR says, "Negative. I am unable to triangulate any possible signal origins."
<X-Union-Chatter> Amelia says, "Felt like the hairs on the back of my neck just stood up."
<X-Union-Chatter> Dr. Derek Stiles says, "Almost like they are trying to get to the church maybe?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Dorothy Wayneright says, "Was hoping for EM range. If we can figure out the spread of frequency, we might be able to boost reception."
<X-Union-Chatter> Optimus Prime transform-sound. "I'm heading out there. Blaster, Perceptor, with me."
He… He ran through the explosion… He… He ran through her VINES… Unable to do anything except watch as the monster skewers her elder sister- and then catch- "PSYB-" She can't help but call out, even if Sinclair isn't the man she knows, his familiar appearance is enough to make the doll wince from the sight. And she halts, mismatched eyes watching that throat-slitting motion, even though it's aimed at Suigintou, she bites upon her lower lip.
"Th- the church-" She mumbles into radio- as the diner is currently painted with blood and looking nonetoopleasant a place to go- the whole damn town is nonetopleasant a place to be, really as she plops into her own floating case and follows CLOSE behind Link- the occasional glance aimed at the first doll. … Why did the spear just… Pass through her the way it did?
You guys have a bit of walking to do! The lights of the church are clearly visible up top of the hill in the direction Milly, Jack and Lapis all went up. The town is eerily silent, that fog that covers up what just happened once more having settled in. The only thing left to isgnify the battle are the scars in their hearts, the vines in the street and a few spatters of Sinclair's blood. Sorry about the short pose :P
There's a few holes in Suigintou's dress, too! Two of them. But that's it. And, once in her case, she's very careful about keeping them blocked from sight. Her back is to the back of her case, and her arms are folded across her midsection in front. Suiseiseki and Link also get sharp looks. To the latter, she snaps, "I'm perfectly fine!"
So, to the church! She doesn't follow as closely as her sister does, but at least she follows at all.
Snake straightens up slowly, but seems relatively un-insulted by the handsmack. Now that things are… well, sort of cleared up, maybe, if you look at them real funny, he makes a brief gesture that could maybe possibly be interpreted as 'let's go'. And he himself turns toward the church, and begins the slow, steady walk. Strangely enough, his guard doesn't seem to be all that 'up' for the moment.
Link starts walking, and doesn't intend on stopping! With Tou saying she's okay, and everyone else intact, he's eager to get to the Church and make sure the others got there… "… Maybe one of my songs will get us out of here! But first I gotta make sure those others are okay… we can't leave them out there with that thing wandering around…" You thought it was odd for Snake to be shaken? Well, Link is too. Not good.
Perfectly fine Suiseiseki's ass… Suigintou took that spear DEAD ON. How is she not minus a Rosa Mystica? It's a disturbing question as she snaps her head to look away with a huff at the first doll's shout- but attempts to be as discreet as she can about watching her sister from the corner of one eye.
There's no questioning anymore. She just follows Snake and Link for the church in abject silence.
<Union-IC> Nayru says, "Earlier, I had a vision of a crimson pyramid…far off on the horizon, and covered in thick fog. Could that transmission have something to do with it…?"
<Union-IC> Optimus Prime says, "At the minute, any number of things could have something to do with it. I'll keep it in mind, though, and I'll be searching for any pattern."
Soon the church comes into view, and standing in the doorway is Milly, a worried look on her face and a candle in her hand as she stares down the road. As she sees the elites coming up, she practically sprints out towards them, "my husband! Where is he?!" She asks, a terrified look on her face as the candle clatters to the ground and snuffs out, the woman's blue eyes wide with both fright and worry. Meanwhile, in the shadows of the doorway, one can see Jack tucking Lapis into a makeshift bed on one of the church pews.
Snake's face grows… slightly sad. This is always the hardest part of a commander's duty, even when the deceased isn't one of his soldiers. He takes a step forward and gently rests a hand on Milly's shoulder… and then faintly shakes his head. "I'm sorry. He was protecting you all to the end," he murmurs, low enough so that only Milly will hear. Given how he expects her to react, though, it's probably moot…
Suigintou isn't offering any explanations on things. She just keeps going, soon sinking from poorly-based anger at the others to quiet thought. She does look up at Milly once they reach the church, but she's not about to give answers here, either. Especially not when it drives the past event more firmly into her mind. It triggers a little more mumbling, which is of course in more old German.
"<…not my fault… It's not. I'm /not/ junk. I didn't let him get killed.>"
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku syncs in, the clatter of a tea cup being set on its saucer is heard before the little doll's voice. "Good evening everyone."
<X-Union-Chatter> Leonardo says, "Good evening."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki , a bit more calmly, "Shinku…it's good to hear your voice again."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber synchs back up, "Bah, lousy cot."
Somewhere, Julian has disconnected.
(Suigintou heard):Voice in your head(pemit): It /is/ your fault! You're not even worthy! First you leave him to chase a pipedream! Then you can't even protect him once you find him again! You may be the worst doll ever.
<Comm Signals> Suigintou's radio picks up something in German through heavy static, not spoken directly to it: "<… -y fault..>" *static* "<-junk. I->" *static* "<-let->" *static* "<-illed.>"
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "Your's as well Souseiseki. Its been some time, hasn't it? And Psyber as well, good evening. How are you and how fares my eldest sister? I hope that she is well."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki transmits an ominous silence…
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "I….I should radio you in private. If that's all right with you."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Oh yeah, she's fine and dandy."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Sitting at home eating a cookie, I believe."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "I….I should radio you in private. If that's all right with you."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Oh yeah, she's fine and dandy."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Sitting at home eating a cookie, I believe."
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "I see, well thats good then… and yes, that would be fine with me Souseiseki."
Fingers balling up into little fists as Suiseiseki sits on her knees in her case, slowing down quite a bit as they arrive at the church and encounter Milly. Her eyes dart to the Big Boss and Souseiseki doppelgangers in the church. They seem safe enough. But her attention is /easily/ brought back to the topic at hand- Link's almost crying, even Snake looks like he's struggling- and Suigintou's just looks like she lost it. She grips her dress, shuffling uncomfortably, a few little sniffles are all she issues. That's it. No more.
Between Souseiseki and Shinku
RADIO: You radio Shinku with '….Suiseiseki…she….she went missing.'
RADIO: Shinku radios: What? Are you certain?
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'Yes….they were talking about it on the Union frequency.'
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'Even Suigintou is missing.'
RADIO: Shinku radios: I… I've been out of touch with the news here lately… in fact I should probably talk to you about that soon in person. But this is news to me, and what are you talking about? Psyber just said she was fine, and if this is the case then what are people doing about it?
RADIO: Shinku radios: What?! Souseiseki, this is unacceptable! If our sisters are missing then it is our obligation to find them and bring them home! There must be something we can do, what do you know of how it happened?
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'I…I….'
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "Psyber, are you still there?"
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'I'm sorry, Shinku, this is just too much for me to handle right now. You will need to ask the higher-ranked officers…'
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'Souseiseki sounds disturbingly conflicted. "I…I have been with my medium since last night. Suiseiseki's disappearance suddenly happened, and I want to find her, she means everything to me, but I cannot leave Millia's side…."'
RADIO: Shinku radios: I see, I understand then. If Psyber is just as lost as we are then maybe all that can be done is being done at the moment. I dont think I'll be able to rest untill they are back however. I apologise for getting upset like that… I just dont want to lose anyone precious to me anymore.
RADIO: You radio Shinku with 'Yes…I know. Suiseiseki is precious to me and I promised her that we would never be apart again.'
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber transmits the sound of a tennis ball hitting a concrete wall, "Not going anywhere for a while, I reckon."
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "I see, so just what was it you said Suigintou was doing right now?"
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Oh Tou? She's at my office and is most certainly not vanished without a trace to God knows where and I have no idea how to reach her."
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "So it is true then…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Benjamin Sisko conversationally, "Taking it with your usual good grace I see, Sinclair."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Always, Sisko. Always. Though I suppose I shouldn't miss her too much, right? After all, she was nice enough to at least tell me goodbye before she vanished to do whatever."
<X-Union-Chatter> Benjamin Sisko says, "You know when we get her back, you're going to have to give her quite the lesson on that, Sinclair. Quite the lesson indeed, and one I will look forward to seeing you give, such as it were."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "As soon as we get her back, I'm leaving this redneck jail cell."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "If this place got any more backwater I'd see the Dukes of Hazzard."
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku says, "I know what the bond between a medium and a doll means, and I know what you must be going through Psyber… I myself now have questions I desperatly want answered… so… if you know anything about what happened that you can tell me, please… please tell me. Two of my sisters are now missing… if anything were to happen…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "We can only pray that they return safely…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "It has always been our fate that we find each other, no matter which era we wake up in."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "What I know is this."
<X-Union-Chatter> Psyber says, "Both Suigintou and Suiseiseki were acting odd since about a week ago, when they both acted weird simultaneously. Tou began acting off her rocker, and I scolded her for it. When I did, she ran away from home. This was 3 days ago. I had not had contact with her since, until today when she radio'd me with 'Goodbye' and then turned off her radio. After that, she and the other two Unionites vanished."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki says, "I sent Renpika after Suiseiseki's case, but it was sealed shut."
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki sighs. "Excuse me, I am retiring to sleep."
<X-Union-Chatter> Shinku 's voice wavers a bit, "… this is ridiculous. They shall be scolded harshly once they return. Such behavior is unacceptable…"
<X-Union-Chatter> Souseiseki musters a dry chuckle. "Ja.."
When Snake says it… and then Link reaffirms it, her face locks up and her eyes narrow, "Please don't tell my daughter how it happened." She says in an eerily calm tone, turning to head back to the church as she adjusts her apron, "Tomorrow we'll go back to the diner. She doesn't need to find out about this yet." The woman says calmly, "You guys can sleep in the church tonight. It should be safe."
"… No…" The word comes out as a poorly held back sob, not directed at anyone in the immediate area. Suigintou's wings curl around her. They're more to block onlookers than for anything else, and they're wrapped closely enough around her that her carrying case can still close. … Which it promptly does. A click follows, presumably from the lock. The closed case floats into the church, somehow avoiding hitting anyone, then sets down in some out-of-the-way corner.
Pressing his lips tightly together, Link nods once at Milly. What could he possibly say to comfort either of them…? He plops down on a pew with his shoulders sagging and head held up in his palms. "Not again…"
"…I'll take first watch," Snake says after a long, long moment. "The rest of you get some rest. I know that sounds like a tall order, but we don't know when we'll be able to get some sleep again. I'll be alright for at least another four hours, so take it while you can."
If Snake is going to take the first night watch then Suiseiseki can just float on into the church. "Nff… Snake~desu- … Err… Uhm… Feel free to wake Suiseiseki up for next watch when you need sleep~yes?" Not like she's going to get much anyway.
"J-ja~desu! If anything comes, Suiseiseki'll scream real loud- so… Nnh…" Well at least she's trying to be helpful… Right? But with that, her case closes and clicks locked as well, settling in under the pew Lapis was tucked into.
END OF SCENE ONE!
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Message: 31/13 Posted Author
No Rest Tue Jul 15 Suigintou
"I'mnotjunkI'mnotjunkI'mnotjunkI'mnotjunk…"
Even in a church I can't get any rest. Nightmare after nightmare. Being rejected and insulted and blamed. Seeing them - all of them - standing over me, pointing out every single flaw that's ever haunted me.
"Father… You still love me, right…? You don't hate me, do you, Psyber?"
Being forced to see things all over again. The spear… Him being lifted on it… Being forced to stab him, murder him myself. Unable to stop. Covered in blood.
"It'snotmyfaultIdidn'tdoitIdidn'tkillhimnotmyfaultnotmyfault…"
Being killed. Stabbed, broken, smashed to pieces. Seeing my own Rosa Mystica rise out of me. Or worse, never seeing a Rosa Mystica among my debris at all.
"I'maRozenMaidenI'mbetterI'llbeAliceI'mnotjunkNOTJUNK!"
Seeing him… Standing there… Staring without eyes, breathing, pointing, accusing and threatening silently.
"… I want to go home…"
============================== IC - Mood ==============================
Message: 31/14 Posted Author
First Watch Tue Jul 15 Solid Snake
Milly's gone. I'm not sure when or how she disappeared, but I can't find her anywhere in the church. I hope she didn't run off to do something stupid. Right now I can't go out and rescue her.
I've got my own people to look after.
I'm worried about Suigintou. It's been about two hours, and I can still hear her muttering in the case. I think she's dozed off, and that's what worries me. This place is getting to all of us, but she's really taking it hard. I've gotta figure something out to make sure she gets the hell through this.
I've gotta figure out something to make sure *I* get through this. What the hell *was* that thing, anyway?
Scratch that. What the hell is this *place*? I'm standing here looking at a man who could be the spitting image of Big Boss. Hell, the spitting image of *me*. That only makes it worse. And that guy who looked like Psyber… no. Can't think about that. Not gonna help anything. Focus on my patrol. Maybe I can figure out where Milly went to.
I hope to God we can find a way out of this hellhole soon. Before it decides to try and break me down next.
============================= IC - Mood ===============================
Message: 31/15 Posted Author
Hero…? Tue Jul 15 Link
Nightmares… it's impossible to get real rest 'cause of all of them. Again and again the scene plays in my mind. That monstrous creature turning Sinclair into a shiskhabob and carting him off, writhing and screaming on the spear like some macabre prize, except sometimes it's not HIM caught on the spear.
Did I really just let that happen? No! But no matter how many times I try to think of a way that could have been prevented… I come up emptyhanded.
It doesn't help that Milly's gone. Malon and Cremia lookalike or not, if she went out on her own… I shouldn't have gone to sleep at all!
What if that nightmare comes again and it's Zelda or Ilia on the spear getting carted off?!
Screw this place! I'm leaving once I find out for us, and Milly and the others are safe. Not even the Church feels safe… and here I am, the Hero of Time… hiding in a Church. Some hero I am right now… first Zelda, now poor Milly… and I couldn't do a thing.
