Turn 7: Danger Zone


"True patriots fight to better their home with or without approval."


It took some time but they managed to meet up in a hotel room, they decided to discuss matters inside the suite the Doctor was staying in, a bedroom with two beds at Amiya's insistence. He was fine sleeping on the couch, however the bunny girl insisted on staying at the same bed as Kal'tsit instead. They caved in with her request, this is one of the rare times the leader of Rhodes Island acted like her age so it brought a smile to the two adults who looked like they haven't aged a day.

However, now is not the time to think about such things as at the moment Amiya was spending time with Gummy and her peers. There is a possibility of that being violently interrupted by volcanic activity.

They instantly contacted the young expert of this topic to the fray, in turn they received one of the youth's lectures that go to great lengths to dissect the information she analyzed.

"I see, thank you and great work Eyjafyalla." The young volcanologist briefly explained the confirmation of the data she obtained from the samples she received. Thanks to the Doctor's acquisition of materials and Closure's efforts they managed to make transport drones that can travel from Siesta to the Ark which was located at Lungmen currently. "Your efficiency in analysis and Provence's and Skyfire's vigilance are invaluable here."

The three smiled at were slightly embarrassed by the praise the Doctor gave.

"It would be best to start evacuation procedures immediately at least that is what the data here says."

Kal'tsit sighed knowing that no doubt Rhodes Island will be involved with this whether she wants to or not, "I am more concerned as to how the local Catastrophe Messengers here have not picked up on that." She looked over the newcomer that Skyfire and Provence managed to stumbled upon, "Present company excluding of course."

The newcomer nodded, "That reminds me I haven't introduced myself before no?" She cleared her throat and fixed her sitting position, "Please address me as Ceylon, all of this was so sudden that we skipped the formalities." She spoke with the aura of a graceful nobility, hard to believe that she was doing on-field research a while ago.

She tapped her knees, miffed about something, "It's a shame that did not bring my notes with me, I never knew data could be analyzed and presented that way." They could have sworn they saw sparks in Ceylon's eyes as she absorbed Eyjafyalla's report like a sponge.

The Catastrophe Messenger rubbed her temples, seemingly mentally exhausted after being the audience to that forty minute discussion, "I feel out of place here seeing you four understand all of that..."

"It's fine, I only understand the gist of it Provence." The Doctor responded with a sheepish smile, "What's important is we need to evaluate the best course of action in evacuating the people here."

Something about this seems like foul play however, the residents here live with an active volcano surely they would have their own efforts to evacuate its citizens. It would have been in the leader of Siesta's best interest to have more focus on their magma-filled neighbor's condition.

Yet, that Catastrophe Messenger on the radio acts as though thing are fine.

"That reminds me what we're you doing in the vicinity of that volcano Ceylon?" Kal'tsit raised a valid question at first glance a girl like Ceylon wouldn't be near an active volcano. "I assume it wasn't because you got lost?"

Ceylon sighed as she realized that she skipped some details that the two leaders would like to know, "I forgot to mention that I am Originium researcher hailing from VNU, it is in my best interest to be there conducting research since I am the daughter of the mayor as well.' Victoria National University? Well given her status they supposed that she would receive the best known education in Terra given that Victorian is also the go-to language people internationally communicate with.

"Daughter of the mayor huh...well given the circumstances a diplomatic accident would be the least of Rhodes' worries." The Doctor gulped at least they wouldn't have to worry about world politics if the daughter of Siesta's leader is by their side. It's reassuring for Kal'tsit to have someone from the local government with it's best interest at heart for once as well.

Skyfire huffed as she recalled the less than ideal scenario as to where the three met, "We didn't expect the circumstances of us meeting would be so odd." She shivered like the cat hybrid that she is.

Said circumstances that Skyfire was referring was the over-abundance of Originium Slugs at the crevice of the volcano, not just a massive concentration of the creatures but all of them are agitated. An alarming phenomenon but only a small symptom of a larger problem.

"Ah yes, the amount of slugs was unexpected but the agitation was something I discovered." Ceylon mused no doubt she was deep in thought.

Kal'tsit eyes opened, "Why is that?" There was no way that such dangerous levels of volcanic activity are being overlooked even before they got here.

However, that seemed to be the case. Ceylon recalled an earlier time before they met she was talking with one of her father's employees, contrary to the city's cheer the data she obtained was something that brought more than concern to the Siestan.

"This is not first time I've monitored Siesta's volcano..." Even before the volcano was in an abnormal state, "I can't fathom as to why they would cover this up, the City Council isn't exactly focused on these kinds of matters so I truly hoped that I could find people such as you."

Well, that checks out any oddities in Siesta's disaster management. Rhodes Island being here was a miracle, still that doesn't discount the weird management of this place if the daughter of the mayor is only person who sees the incoming threat.

"Back to the slugs, I concluded such because of the change in the environment that would be congruent with the volcanic activity after all."

Provence piped in, "Yeah it would be environmental change...that would explain the odd and irritating odor we picked up on." The confirmation of a different Catastrophe Messenger was something that concerned Ceylon, "Not to mention the aggression and heat...it's highly possible that the volcano is rich in Originium."

They all shuddered at the thought of mining companies learning that knowledge, forget volcanic eruption; capitalism would be the end of Siesta if that got leaked.

Kal'tsit was the first to stand up, "Well what are we waiting for, let's go." Their two subordinates and the client had their eyes widened in shock, the former because they rarely see the medical head act like this, "The faster this problem is under wraps the easier Rhodes Island can wash their hands of its involvement."

"You're really going to help me?" Ceylon asked still slightly surprised from the reserved woman's boldness. She figured the lynx to be more of a shadowy administrator of authority within Rhodes.

"You came to us not taking no for an answer right?" The Feline woman replied in a more formal tone, "The five of us will suffice for this task right Doctor?"

The Doctor nodded, in truth he would not think of asking the Operators for help while they are on their vacation. Even if some of his colleagues would be at his beck and call.

"Yeah, if things go well we won't need to fight in the slightest." Even if Personas aren't perceivable by cameras it'd be better if he didn't have to use his powers.

With the discussion over they all stood up and went outside with no time to waste, whilst they were suiting up and for Provence's case she was adjusting the drawstrings of her crossbow, Ceylon opened her music player and popped in some wireless earphones humming to herself to remove stress.

The Liberi lady could not shake the feeling that this is going to be a long day.

0o0

"Is it truly alright if we did not notify Amiya about this?" Skyfire asked her two bosses, while her partner Provence was more focused on looking at their surroundings. The Lupo might as well take in the Siestan sights she missed while Skyfire tagged along with her before.

The two in question nodded slightly, without even talking to each other they would rather not speak of this to the rabbit girl who was enjoying her vacation. Anything to distract her from what happened a few days ago after all, it would be detrimental if she is suddenly worked up over a potential Catastrophe.

"If we managed to get this thing sorted we might not even have to speak another word of this." The Doctor hopefully sighed, there are things that he still has to do after all, "Besides...I'm more concerned over Miss Ceylon here."

Ceylon didn't even hear their conversation, she was deep in thought while music was blaring through her earphones. No doubt she, as the local, has more anxiety over the fate of her land and the people here.

"Ah, she can't hear us..." Skyfire deadpanned, she looked over to her fluffy tailed companion who was taken back to the group slightly surprised her intense focus was broken. Provence in turn instantly heard the familiar notes of a band she was following.

"Miss Ceylon is a fan of MASK as well huh?" The Lupo mused, the band's popularity was an anomaly to the record charts according to one magazine she read. The underground group was only established a few weeks ago and yet everyday more and more people are getting behind their banner even with limited songs that they have. "Even though I'm as much of a fan as the next guy, their growing popularity is unnerving."

The Doctor chuckled, the band's popularity grew like an algorithm rather than the democratic nature of communities in his opinion, "Still maybe it's because of Mr. Emperor's word?"

"Yeah that's probably it, although that wouldn't explain the Penguin Crew's lack of info." The King's Wand Feline added in, "They weren't being shady too, they really have no clue about that decision."

Not that Penguin Logistics has any say in about their boss' music partnerships but scraps of information would have slipped up past the couch cushions. Heck, Sora was surprised at the fluency of the vocalist in Victorian although she can feel the girl complaining like she was familiar with that member of the band.

"We're here." Ceylon didn't bother to look at the building as she took off her earphones and pocketed them in her person, she looked towards the Doctor, "I think it's best if only us two would enter. Three more and Cronin would see it as a show of force." That did make sense, the Doctor is the only one without a weapon on hand after all even within her swimsuit Skyfire carried a ARTS conduit with her.

Kal'tsit's natural demeanor would probably be taken as hostility as well.

"We'll stay in watch in case of unseen consequences then." The other Doctor offered, not that she's going to do any actual fighting with Monst3r, she had two elite Operators at her side. "I trust you know what to say Doctor?"

"Leave it to me."

0o0

Cross Civic Square is where the City Hall of Siesta resides, like it's namesake this area is always the centerpiece of the city's layout. It's the best way to manage every other sector in the place fairly, Ceylon knows that so she didn't bother to have them go through an optimal route.

Being the centerpiece means that this place is the venue of what is annually awaited by the majority of Terra. Even when taking the elevator to confront Cronin with the information they received they could hear DDD starting the show. The Doctor gulped in anxiety.

"Nervous are we?" Ceylon smiled, she figured the man to be more stoic based on how he rationalized the situation before, "Is this the first time you met such authority?"

He scratched his head in embarrassment, "Nope but anticipating things is really a nerve-wrecker."

She could relate to that, even she was nervous at defending her thesis to the most prestigious of schools in front of most authorities of Originium research. However that is all in the past she has no intention of going back to those days, the taste of coffee dissipated quite easily back then.

"I don't really mind the music although I prefer the elegant and classical music." Ceylon was studying at Victoria and that kind of music was much appreciated when you are a student, "Even though we also have those musicians you just can't beat what's trendy."

Ceylon sighed as the walked up past a glass staircase nearing their objective, "I always go to Second Avenue's cafes and with a few books by my side I didn't even realized that the day had already passed."
She looked at her music player, a digital playlist of MASK on it and she smiled with a hint of nostalgia and amusement, "Back then Jazz was all the rage."

"Yeah but I think it's coming back to relevance." The Doctor responded, "You know with MASK incorporating it to their songs." Her cheeks suddenly dusted pink as she realized the Doctor saw what's on her playlist.

Paying no mind to it, after all it was her carelessness, "They are quite the splendid band aren't they?" Ceylon decided to check their band out of curiosity as they were having some strange raising of following and after the first song she was hooked.

"Well a lot of people say that." The Doctor remained neutral in her question, "Still by the way you talk you must really love this city huh?" It was kind of a stupid question she is the daughter of the mayor and they are here to save her home.

Ceylon smiled back at him, "Of course I do, all of this was possible because of their support. Not just my father but someone I'm close to works here." The Liberi composed herself as she realized she was raising her voice in excitement, "Well you'll meet her soon, with her help we can determine this problem much easier."

"Do you mean your mother?" After asking he noticed gloom weigh down on his current companion, "My condolences I-"

"It's fine...my mother died in childbirth after that my father buried himself with his work." The way she spoke had a layer of sorrow not hate of her father's slight emotional neglect, "However it's fine with me because Schwarz always takes care of me growing up."

"What is she like?"

"She's more of my bodyguard but she treats more like a sister, whenever father is busy I spend my time with her." Ceylon then recalled of a happier time in her youth, one where she had no idea of what Originium or Catastrophes are and the scale of the destruction they bring. She went silent for a slight second, "Well never mind about that we're nearly there."

Even though Ceylon said that cheerfully the Doctor wasn't fooled by that facade, like porcelain her mask was fragile yet beautiful however.

Almost like she wasn't validating her frustrations about something, it could have been about her father but that change was only after she mentioned her friend.

0o0

A bodyguard showed them the way and allowed Ceylon to have an audience with the man in charge of things, The Doctor wondered what sort of man Cronin was. For insurance however he whispered a name of some kind, so quiet that only Ceylon heard a fragment of what he said.

"You may enter now Miss Ceylon and..."

The Doctor responded in a diplomatic fashion, "I'm her escort don't worry about it." The bodyguard thankfully didn't press any more questions at him as he and his fellow doctor would prefer things to be anonymously conducted.

They entered the office that Cronin was working inside, there was one thing that came to the Doctor's mind when he saw the interior. Expensive.

It was nothing gaudy but the room itself carried the feeling of thousands of Lungmen Dollars being used as the figurative structure of this place, the floor had the highest quality of timber for a building that is mostly made of Reinforced Building Material so all the choices here were deliberately for aesthetic.

Nevertheless the room itself felt cozy along with the bookshelf presumably made of the same material that contained equally expensive books with vital knowledge as well as a few chairs and a table, perhaps to unwind while reading a book with some tea.

What caught his eye however was the display case of rocks, that by far was the most eye-catching piece of this room. It had one of the few legal obsidian pieces in display, all of the stones looked more like priceless gems by the way they are polished, not bad for what is essentially hardened magma rocks.

The man himself was reviewing a piece of paper near the window before stopping after he noticed the two come inside, "So what brings you to City Hall milady? I'm afraid I have no time to spare if you want to have tea and discuss."

His words felt like they could cut hay, the Doctor was reminded of his talks with Wei; the man before was of the similar vein. Shrewdness and cunning coated every fiber of his apparel and even though Ceylon had yet to notice, the man was looking down on her even though he is just a substitute and she is the daughter of his boss.

"I'll get to the point Cronin, the volcano's eruption is nothing but a likely event. For the sake of the people we must postpone the Obsidian Festival." Cronin narrowed his eyes at what she suggested, he gazed back at her with displeasure and a hint of annoyance.

He scoffed at the thought, "Do you realize what you are saying milady? I assure you the volcano is far from turning her ire on Siesta." Cronin ran his hands to a piece of paperwork he was addressing, "You are an exception but I fear that whatever you have to prove this theory of yours is utter nonsense."

The Doctor could feel the choking sensation of his words, the man before them definitely loved the sound of his own voice as he chastised their client. This was certainly not the last time Cronin was dismissive of the girl's concerns.

Ceylon was miffed at the dismissive tone of the interim Mayor however, "Are you kidding me, there is more than enough evidence to show this to be the case."

"Oh? Do tell."

The Doctor already noticed that the man was way in over his head to listen to her but Ceylon obliged nonetheless, She rummaged through her purse and took out her notes, which was previously retrieved and dotted on, "For one, the unnatural agitation of the Originium slugs, changes in temperature not to mention the weird smell..."

Cronin raised his hand signaling the woman to stop, "I've heard enough Ceylon, truly I wish to believe your case but the parameters we have obtained say nothing of the sort, I should know since our combined efforts designed the system."

"Are you serious? Cronin you should know yourself that..." Ceylon was flabbergasted, she knew that the man was a bit rude but he was never disrespectful towards her.

"That what, did you interview the native slugs, the heat, or that strange smell?" Cronin threw his hands in the air, angry at her questioning his reaction to the evidence shown to him, "Enough of this Miss Ceylon, we all don't have spare time to play investigator. "

That was enough for the Doctor, they aren't getting anywhere with this and they are wasting valuable time preventing this disaster. Still, for a Catastrophe Messenger to have this fly over his head...

"Someone of your position should know this much." He thought to his head, however by the looks of the people in the vicinity he thought that out loud.

Cronin narrowed his eyes at the newcomer, "Who exactly are you...still you sound familiar." The Liberi man gazed intensely at him trying to analyze what he can from the enigma. His subject did not falter his gaze however, the Doctor was not the least bit amused with all of this.

Then it hit the man, he snapped his fingers and chuckled slightly.

"I see, so you have duped Miss Ceylon into doing this." He walked briskly towards the Doctor, intent on intimidating the younger-looking man,

Ceylon's eyes bulged at the declaration for she reached out to them on her own accord, if anything she was the one stringing Rhodes Island along, "What are you saying I-"

"Shush milady." Cronin's voice offered no room for arguments like a disapproving father of Ceylon's friend, "You see, many a men have always tried to ruin Siesta..." He was facing the Doctor but his words are directed to her, scolding her for even daring that he might have overlooked something.

"Jealous of our development they have resorted to things such as assassinations to blackmail they have tried everything to bring her down to her knees however I'll give credit when it's due, points for doing your homework." The Doctor couldn't help but roll his eyes at how stupid he sounded flinging accusations and exposition left and right, "The Mayor gone and his daughter coming back, that would explain the report of a sudden drone returning to Siesta awhile ago."

"The nerve of you lot using the tired old "volcano eruption" rumor to stir chaos like a boy who cried Lupo."

Internally, however the man was puzzled as to why the Doctor was not stirred by his accusations. In truth the man before just came to Siesta to take it easy after grieving so the hollow case he presented di not stir him.

That and if you are working with Kal'tsit not being scared of something like this is a requirement.

Annoyed at the Liberi for wasting valuable time, the Doctor stared back at him meeting his gaze, "You know a lot of cities where also ruin by their ruler, incompetent fools that love to jump the gun." Unlike Cronin his words carried a chilly tone, letters like hail.

"And like some ruined cities they fall because of a ruler letting a single swindler past their eyes."

Ceylon couldn't begin to understand what's happening because this was the first time she had seen Cronin be angry at her, "You don't understand it was me who approach them Cronin, they saved my life."

"Who's to say, they did not plan that encounter of yours as well?" Cronin shouted, there was no room for her in this debate. "I've heard enough, Security!"

Said call was heeded as the door was loudly opened, men in suits with stun batons and minor ARTS proficiency arrived at the only visible exit.

"Detain this con-man, Miss Ceylon wouldn't listen to reason so stop any movements she might do in her fit." Ceylon was trying to find a way out of here, seeing as they are surrounded strangely by bodyguards she hasn't seen before but they might recruits from the time she was gone, "We can't have the both of you causing chaos out for the tourists."

Earlier while Cronin was talking, the Doctor had pressed something at his wrist. The microphone setting of his communication device, the girls outside heard everything they discussed and he can bet that Skyfire would love to burn the man to a crisp after dismissing Rhodes Island's far advanced analysis system and Eyjafyalla's superb work as baseless numbers.

While Kal'tsit would love to skewer the errant man himself for dismissing Rhodes Island as nothing but a con-artist group, she find one thing odd. However now is not the time to theorize about his intentions they need to secure the Doctor and Ceylon's safety. Luckily they managed to go unnoticed among the bikini-clad folk, however they did notice a few guards huddling near City Hall.

"For your sake Cronin, you do not want to anger who I'm working for." The Doctor tiredly said, the escalation of this discussion was getting ridiculous. Not to mention the countless fallacies the interim leader reasoned. Still a warning wouldn't hurt and for his sake he does not want to anger his lynx colleague. He can already see her fuming about this ignorant paranoid buffoon.

"So, you admit to being a con-man then?" Cronin smirked, "Working for a shady group, for Terra's sake we really need to dismantle whoever you're working for then, sounds dangerous."

The Doctor shook his head, "No, like you said about Siesta many have tried to ruin them but it all fell apart." Rhodes Island in of itself a living being to the residents of the Ark and even with his absence they managed to weather the countless storms Terra itself threw a them, "Why? Well because no matter how good you are at underhanded tactics, you can't assassinate a storm."

"That's a nice story, but I don't care."

"It's a warning Cronin." He looked at Ceylon at carried her, at that moment the guards hesitated to attack. The Doctor was using the daughter of the mayor as a hostage.

He looked at his captive, surprised that he could carry her with one arm, "You know good thing I came up with a Plan B."

"Plan B?" Ceylon asked wondering how is he going to turn this situation around.

The Doctor stared at Cronin not leaving his gaze, "Here's another story then, you see when things get rough our group was one tried and true method to things around Cronin."

He was met with only disdain and silence from the Liberi.

"Not one for talking anymore eh? No matter you're wondering what it is don't you?" They didn't even noticed that the Doctor was edging closed to the nearby walls, "Well I'll tell you anyways, it's a modest application of my legs."

CRASH!

"It's to run as fast I can!"

Courtesy of a faint specter of a Persona crashing the window, he defenestration the two of them out of the building. Naturally Ceylon was shrieking at the turbulent fall they're experiencing, the Doctor gripped the arm of the maiden tightly so that she won't fall on her own speed. It was hard to not see the sight as they are smack dab in the middle of Siesta and the City Hall to boot.

"What are you thinking Doctor!"

Ignoring her complaint the Doctor launched the grappling hook at the City Hall, using his left arm as both swing and launcher. Persona or not the friction still managed to burn through the Doctor's hand.
He bit through the pain however, knowing that all of this was a temporary thing he had to endure.

The best part is that even if the guards came at their sights, they couldn't take him from afar lest they kill Ceylon in the process. So he was really using Ceylon as a hostage but is it really bad knowing that the woman would agree that it was the best plan at the time.

Not really the time to think about that when now he was swinging from building to building, trying to reach the ground.

Provence saw them and they headed towards where the Doctor and Ceylon were going, Skyfire was not having fun running in her get-up.

"Quick, head to the beach." Ceylon insisted, that was also in the mind of the Doctor. There were a lot Rhodes Island personnel that can defend them as well as the tourist camouflage.

As they progressed however a few bolts whizzed past them, Ceylon was mortified she couldn't believe that her father's men would risk her life to end a perceived enemy.

On the other side, the shooter was backhanded by a stun baton. Orders were to subdue the two not to kill the mayor's daughter.

"Are you insane!? That almost hit her dead-on!" A guard berated the fool.

"I'm sorry, I thought I had a good shot."

His co-worker could only sigh, "It was an unnecessary risk you moron, Lady Schwarz is already on their trail."

0o0

Skyfire huffed in exhaustion, keeping up with Provence and Kal'tsit was impressive in itself but it still was quite the workout. It was an odd feeling, feeling heat on the inside without the ARTS factoring on her misfortune.

"Have you guys seen the two?" Provence was vigilantly looking for the two, even though they managed to disappear into the crowd, regrouping for their next move is another story. Her question was responded with two shakes of non-conformation.

The Doctor on the other hand was on high guard, without a weapon on him he has to resort to his Persona to defend himself.

Why would the Doctor care about that after having security confused to where they are?

"Schwarz?" It was the newcomer Feline that carried a big crossbow in front of them. "Great you're finally here, can you explain what's happening with Cronin?"

He had a feeling that Schwarz wasn't here to help them, she reeks of battle prowess.

"She's the one huh?" The Doctor mused, "Sorry Ceylon I have a feeling she isn't here to help."

"Huh?"

Schwarz sighed as she let out her crossbow, Ceylon and him were separated enough that the girl wouldn't be hit collaterally. "You ought to listen to Cronin milady, Master Doykos is out of town after all."

"Why? I already told Cronin that I came to them, they're innocent of all this." She was distraught that her best friend of all people wouldn't listen to her.

"Be that as it may milady, they are listed as dangerous by him." Schwarz prepared a bolt and drew her string, "Orders are orders." The aura emanating from the Doctor did not sit well with her, it is an anomaly.

Schwarz without hesitation shot at the Doctor, while she doesn't plan on killing the man she fired at his arm. Whatever he is, he can survive it.

"Doctor!" Ceylon's voice covered the whole beach, Provence and the rest where hot on their trails as a result. They feared for the Doctor's safety because base on the shout of anguish from Ceylon, he was not doing so great.

While the dust was settling, Schwarz felt a sharp pain internally as if she herself was shot by her own arrow bolt. She coughed up a bit of blood which redirected Ceylon's concerns for a while.

"How-"

There was the Doctor his face was full of annoyance, yet he was unscathed.
"I was real lucky getting [Repel Pierce] of all things on Shiki-Ouji." He patted his clothes that were dusted with sand because of the impact, "I'm not interested in fighting you Schwarz, can't be hurting our client's loved ones and all."

"Doctor, thank Terra you're okay." Skyfire breathed out, they managed to regroup with the man after hearing Ceylon shriek.

Schwarz then noticed one of them, the Feline from the bar before. "Aren't you..." Kal'tsit noticed this as well, of course she's a bodyguard of Cronin's after all.

That all but confirmed to Schwarz that this Doctor was a dangerous element, with nothing to restrain her anymore she fired bolts like crazy, all directed at him.

"What you're doing is pointless, Schwarz." He can't help but sigh as Shiki-Ouji came out and like a phantom, the effigy caught all the bolts and flung it back at her. Onlookers can barely see its visage and they concluded it as some sort of heat haze image, some of them are hammered after eating Gummy's menu.

Ceylon and whatever Rhodes Island personnel nearby saw his Persona though and while they've grown slightly desensitized to it, the Liberi was still in disbelief.

"What is that?"

Schwarz dashed towards him instead, if projectiles won't work then she'll shred that paper guardian of his with a knife. This prove to be useless as every slash she made at him, she found the same slash appearing on her skin.

"What kind of ARTS is that!?" Schwarz was losing and she did not like it, fighting is the only thing that kept her around Ceylon so if she couldn't protect her from people like this what good is she?

The Doctor raised his hands, "The reflective kind also I'm not your enemy."

But before Schwarz could say anything she was intercepted a silhouette of a man.
"You are-"

The man gestured for them to run away for here, something that the Doctor gladly accepted. He didn't really care about Schwarz's attempt on his life, that close encounter with Skullshatterer made him realize that use of Personas that have little to no care about guns and knives.

Physical Resistance is way better than the armor the Operators use sometimes.

0o0

"Fall back, fall back!" A bunch of their panicked as they ran away from the flames, from the hair on their head to the face. They suffered some degree of burn, well they were just following orders from Cronin so mere pawns have no need to be punished that harshly.

"Thanks for that Ifrit." It was a good idea to come to her for help, with the others closely behind they managed to sent the bodyguards packing.

The firebrand child laughed and grinned, proud of her handiwork, "I'm awesome I know, hey Docs since I saved your butts can you not tell Silence about this. I really don't her giving more homework."

"A very skilled Caster with a flamethrower-like ARTS device, worrying about homework..." Ceylon mused, "Rhodes Island is a strange place..."

"Oh, you have no idea." Provence quipped and the rest barring Kal'tsit chuckled.

Kal'tsit smiled back, "We do owe you, very well." Then she wondered as to why Silence would leave her charge unattended after the fact that the Doctor met her earlier in her lonesome, "Wait that reminds me where is Silence or even Saria?"

"Funny story, after they came back Saria managed to almost drown saving someone." Ifrit recalled a young kid who was caught by the waves of the huge faux beach, "Silence was pretty worried about her, but seeing that blinking on her eyes, I think Saria will be fine."

"She collapsed at shore after rescuing a kid?" Skyfire incredulously asked.

The Doctor recalled the night before that he saw Saria with deep eyebags, the Defender had no field operations to do so she was back to lab work. Still, they filed for the vacation leave at Siesta as well. The duo of her and Silence even helped them in convincing Kal'tsit to come with them.

"Oh..." Then it hit him, "She was didn't get enough sleep before coming here I think, heard the sounds of packing in her lab and saw a bunch of post-it notes on the whiteboard."

The Vouivre spent all night planning their vacation, right after doing on-the-clock work. Those two are more similar than they would care to admit.

"Anyway, who's the princess?" Ifrit cheerfully asked, "She called me a powerhouse right?" Her eyes sparkled with glee, ever her usual self she liked being complemented.

Ceylon bowed, slightly embarrassed that she forgot to introduce herself, "My apologies, my name is Ceylon Doykos pleasure to meet you Miss...?"

"Uwaah...she's so formal..." Ifrit was panicking, "Hey Doc, Doc Kal, what should I say?"

Kal'tsit looked at her fellow Doctor for answers, he's the one good with talking to people.

"Bust some dance moves?" What he got in return was a smack to his head, but the young Sarkaz took it seriously.

"I'll go do just that...wait I still have some orders to do!" Something dawned on her as she heard the sizzle of the meat on her grill, "Later guys!"

"So, everyone's here I take it?"

"Holy hell, you scared the crap out of me!" Skyfire was shocked at the hulking figure beside them, it was Hellagur who was treating himself to a meat skewer, "You're done with that Feline bodyguard?"

Hellagur put aside the finished stick into the disposal bin, "It was not easy Miss Skyfire." He looked over his fellow Operators, "We should discuss these matters in private Miss Kal'tsit and Doctor."

The two nodded, they know just the place to discuss these things. This is the third time they have to return to the hotel, should they be concerned that Amiya's not picking up on what's going on?

Hellagur looked beyond the outdoor railing, he saw an Infected it was apparent base on his armband but he was being harassed by some of the tourists there. Before he could intervene however a Rhodes Island Operator whom he recalled was called Blaze kicked the two into the ground.

"Oh and the two of you should stay on guard."

0o0

"Columbia huh?" Kal'tsit mused, that would explain her battle experience. Columbia for all its leniency did have the downside of fighting prowess being a precious commodity. Last time they heard about that place is about a mission involving Grani, Skadi and a former Reunion member now homestead owner.

The Doctor knew for sure he saw this Big Bob on the beach but it's better not to introduce himself to somebody that reminds of the last time he encountered his former crew. Thinking about Talulah and W was slightly fine but that's besides the point.

Schwarz was apparently a hitman working for the highest bidder back then, whatever her story as to how she became a famous killer for hire it didn't matter. Even if she ended a clan and a patrol group with a big name.

On the bright side, at least he actually got his Amber Hook with him next time. Shame that he has to wear his old field attire again in the blistering heat, he might as well keep his face hidden for now to help with stealth, Cronin's goons must be patrolling as they speak.

"Fame in the underbelly of society isn't usually a good thing." Kal'tsit chimed in, the dark places of this world would do the dwellers good if they stayed in the shade.

They all agreed that Ceylon should hear a word about this, seeing as the Doctor mentioned that she was the one who cared for her ever since she was little. Kal'tsit even thought that she was just a hardened bodyguard not this former femme fatale of the underworld.

Something Hellagur insinuated is that she managed to make a name of being a Feline to not be trifled with. Her feats were something of a sight, if he recalled correctly she killed three people with a freaking ball-pen.

"Still, a ball-pen..." The Doctor trailed off, "I could understand a pencil since it can be sharpened easily but..."

"Yeah, fountain pens aren't far-fetched either but that..." Kal'tsit used countless of the seemingly harmless things maybe she should reconsider what brand of pen she'd use.

Somebody of her reputation residing in Siesta didn't make sense on paper but Kal'tsit immediately understood what her fellow Feline was going through. She too wanted to find stability after such a hectic and chaotic life.

Kindred spirits finding solidarity in that desire, must have been the reason as to why she approached her.

Ceylon not knowing about who Schwarz was probably because of their similar backgrounds, she couldn't bear the thought of Amiya learning about the things she had done.

She looked at her palm and winced, next was her shoulder now exposing the Originium growing in her body. Kal'tsit glanced at her fellow Doctor, wondering if the Doctor was also a part of the people who she can't fathom to expose to the past stained with shadow and blood.

"Hang on, how do you exactly know this Hellagur?" That's a pretty good question, there was no way he could get all that from one clash with her.

Hellagur coughed, clearing his voice, "I've heard from the last person who knew all of this, he had a scar on his left shoulder to his right heel." Looking at that scar was a bit grisly, only the truly expert at their craft can do such a thing.

"The point is, as a cold-blooded killer myself I've know that one in particular went missing." The Liberi swordsman paused, "Call it a hunch but if that Feline is that woman are the same...this mission has gotten a lot more troublesome." Siesta is a thriving developing city who would have blamed Mayor Doykos for hiring one of the best killers in Terra to play security and possibly even personal hitman for him to secure his home's prosperity.

"Is it really fine to keep Ceylon in the dark like this?" Kal'tsit was no stranger to hiding volatile information from her subordinates and even loved ones, "It seems to me, in order to save Siesta we have to dig deeper into the skeletons it has in it's closet." After all she too is starting to coming to grips with the possibility of them learning about what she had hidden away.

Yet, she still can't at least loosen her tongue even slightly.

"I agree, Cronin is probably going to use it as leverage blaming her fath-"

CRASH!

Shattered porcelain made the discussion turn towards a screeching halt, the trio of elite members saw the graceful figure before them.

Speak of the Sarkaz, it was Ceylon. Devastated.

"Miss Ceylon, you don't have to eavesdrop." Hellagur decided to let her down slowly, knowing that Kal'tsit held her tongue because she knew she would say something coming off as an annoyed tone.

Ceylon looked down on the tray and the broken glass, the water inside the glasses seeping through the hotel rug, "I just thought you three could use some water...I didn't mean to...I was curious up until my father..." She went back to what her professor used to say when verifying sources for her thesis and then asked for the currency of the data, "When that mercenary began her career, when did she began and then went missing?"

"Her name was already there after I was discharged..." That was a long time ago, his duty to protect and fight for the people of Ursus, "Her disappearance afterwards was somewhat of a year ago after that clan's annihilation."

The Liberi girl got what she wanted, "I...Schwarz was taking care of up until six years ago but then one day my father asked something for her, then that year she only came to pick me up for Christmas..." What Hellagur said explained a lot of her own childhood's anomalies yet even with the evidence so damning to her friend's character...

"But I'm sure she was just in a bad mood and even then she was just following orders..." She couldn't help but not believe in that her friend was, "She's not a cold-blooded killer!"

"Furthermore, are you implying that my father had a hand in Cronin's actions! I don't believe it." She shouted in denial, but then she realized what she had just done and closed her mouth with her hands.

Kal'tsit was not pleased as to how Ceylon reacted, "So, even with all the evidence he has you refused to believe it? Why you're acting like Cronin right now." Ceylon gasped, realizing her hubris she ran out of the room and without hesitation the Doctor followed.

The lynx closed her eyes in frustration she went too hard on the innocent girl, "I went too far didn't I?"

"Perhaps, but she wouldn't run if you didn't have a point." Hellagur mused, "You aren't going to run after him?"

"Why? He's the only one who could understand what she's going through right now."

Hellagur chuckled, "Yes, you are right."

0o0

"Ceylon! Wait a minute." The Doctor rushed towards the girl who by now was just walking in frustration."

The Liberi looked behind and saw the man approaching her, she gestured towards him to have a little walk with her. Her face was smiling but her eyes carried a hollow hue, yet her yellow orbs glowed more brilliantly than ever.

"You know I'm worried about you." The Doctor took off his hood just to look at her with his face, security be damned, "Look, I apologize for what Kal'tsit said she's a bit harsh to strangers...but she means well."

"No, she was right I was talking like Cronin for a second there." Ceylon replied, "Besides I was not angry at what I heard because I didn't want to believe it."

"Perhaps I knew for awhile that my father and Schwarz we're not what they seem."

Long ago when Ceylon was a child, the beach was not this busy full of people cheering because of the musical cheer. She would make sandcastles and lost herself sleeping on the beach, serenaded by the waves of the ocean-like river like a lullaby she couldn't help but feel drowsy.

A far cry from her life at Victoria, expected to have a sense of nobility and grace all the while stressing over herself for her education in order to help a dear friend.

"My father and I...don't get along well but at least the city is getting better every day." Her eyes told a different story compared to what she just said however, "I've always wondered what was more important to him, the wealth of the city or me...her daughter."

"I told you how my mother died right? Sometimes I wondered if that's the reason as to why he was avoiding me, because he was barely there home felt more like a house for two strangers living together." It was a pretty heavy subject for the girl, but who better to tell this too than the man she could call a friend. He was a kindred spirit to her for some reason, she saw a similar mask on his face. A mask made of the same fragile material yet visible when looked at a different angle.

"I suppose that didn't matter when I was with Schwarz so much so that her being at my side was normal to me." She remembered how she would string along her best friend to go observe the ecosystem of the beach, even before she was an Originium Researcher she always wanted to know more than the few books she had, that desire eventually matured to her leaving her home for a while to seek knowledge although as time passes motives change.

They passed by some people organizing the concert that was about to happen in a few hours, all of them while working we're still having. Ceylon still remembered that plot of land was nothing before but now it's a part of something bigger.

"Time sure flies..."

+0+

"Awww, why's that?" A younger Ceylon asked her closest companion, a grey-haired Feline about what those growths in her body are. From what she said they are the reason as to why she couldn't spend time with her like they used to.

Schwarz was somewhat reluctant to speak, ashamed because of her sickness, "It's because I have Oripathy milady, for your sake you have to only call me if it's really important."

Oripathy was a foreign term around Siesta, not many people here grew to learn about that word. Many could not fault the young woman for being ignorant of it.

"What's that?" However based on how Schwarz said it, it must not be a good thing, "Does it hurt?"

Schwarz shook her head, "No, It does not." At least at her condition, "I will die one day because of it though."

"Does it have a cure?"

Once more she shook her head, "No, it does not..." Schwarz was ready to die and succumb to it, once you get this disease your life is over after all.

"Then I'll find it!" Schwarz was surprised at that declaration, "I'll defeat this illness! Just wait one day I'll snatch you back from that disease's claws."

What she did not know however was Schwarz definitely believe that she will, Ceylon's resolve shone far brighter than any fighter she encountered.

+0+

"She was the reason why I became an Originium Researcher." Reminiscing about the old days, her struggles and hopes, "It was hard at first, but eventually I got it down I even went to Victoria to further my studies. I almost succumb to giving up and accepting the harsh reality of her situation."

This was one of those moments it seems, she wondered why is she even doing all of this if her only friend was slowly becoming more of like her relationship with her father.

"I've been gone for too long..." She sighed to release some of her stress, "I don't even know if I'm more Victorian than a Siestan woman, Ifrit was able to instantly recognize my Victorian side but as a Siestan it took me being the mayor's daughter to have that."

There was a brief pause, recalling what happened earlier.

"Doctor, is what I have an illusion?" There was a faltering voice in her words, to know that everything you have had a hidden layer of darkness in it. The Doctor couldn't imagine what she was going through, at least Kal'tsit omit things that have no purpose.

Right?

0o0

Kal'tsit and Hellagur were gearing up to leave, the woman contacted a few things that they might need. It's a shame they can't have Lancet-2 carry some of the things the Doctor stockpiled for combat.

"I don't think Schwarz is as cold-blooded as those stories say Hellagur." Kal'tsit stated as she wore her usual clothes, daylight is running out there was no need for her to wear summer clothes with a mission on their hands.

"How so?" Hellagur gazed at the slowly appearing moon and then glanced at the sword on his hip.

The lynx met her fellow Feline before, the testimony Hellagur said and the woman she met at the bar. "I met her at the bar before, she was somebody that had something to protect."

"I see..."

0o0

Schwarz's determination to protect Ceylon earlier was not fake, the Feline really thought that they were a threat to her safety. Her slashes and shooting were not to kill but to subdue, if she was such a woman then she would aim to do the opposite.

No cold-blooded killer would be ashamed of their title in the presence of who they loved, if they have anyone to call that.

"No, I think that's precisely why she was avoiding you." The Doctor answered her understanding of the subject matter's feelings, "She loves you that she's ashamed of what she might have done."

"She could have just have been upfront with me!" Suddenly she shouted directly at the Doctor, her yellow eyes tearing up giving a deeper hue to her golden orbs, "I'm sorry for that, it's just doesn't she realized the flaw in her logic?"

"She's delaying the inevitable." Schwarz was herself of what she had done, being ashamed of a bloodstained past she should know that she can't escape or hide it especially to those she cared about. "If all those sins she piled up deep inside her are that heavy then it will eventually fall on her back now would it!?" Raising her voice, she stomped the ground in frustration the people around didn't even bat an eye they were busy with the festival.

She sighed, clearly satisfied with a little venting she did, "I wonder if I should just give up?" It's easier to leave these matters to the people who know, it's much easier to revert to the sheltered girl that only cared about reading and taking long walks at the beach.

It was much easier than today.

Yet as much as she wanted to do so, she found herself unable to. If she had done that then what was she doing, was she wasting her time? Would things stay the same if she stayed in her own little island?

She refused to believe that.

"I can't say for sure but all I know is that your efforts aren't in vain." The Doctor solemnly said, he too rushed towards understanding everything he could when he returned but all of that proved futile.

His efforts didn't mean anything when it counted.

But every failure would remain as such if he gave up at that moment. Even if it hurts him, he must endure even if he makes the same mistakes and the same outcomes, until he gets it right he has to keep on pushing.

Can we vanquish Oripathy when all we can do is delay the inevitable?
Can we save the Infected if even after such cures are made they will still be persecuted for political gain?
Will there be an end to these tribulations, is Oripathy the only problem we have to address?
If there is an answer to all those questions above, would it even be something we can do?
Can we just give up? Yes.
But I don't want to nor those who have stuck by my side.
As long as we draw breathe, all we can do is fight.

As if guided by a different voice the Doctor then said, "Perhaps the land we've been born into is blighted but the things you have done were not in vain. Believe in the choices you have made."
A flashing image of a barren battlefield stroke his memory, a dawn after the struggle.

"Embrace those decisions since only you could have made them."

There was silence amidst the booming crowd, Ceylon was at awe on what he said. For him to look as they are yet speak with such wisdom and experience. His face was melancholic, those orbs of his refused to meet the sky and yet the golden light of the afternoon shined briefly on his eyes.

"Ah, I'm sorry I didn't know what came over me." He apologized profusely, clearly embarrassed as it seems like he was talking in a trance. Ceylon chuckled, from a wise man to slightly awkward adult such a one-eighty.

Ceylon was clearly right asking for their help.

"No, you're right." After that short motivational speech who wouldn't be pumped, "It was foolish of me to be distracted by sentiment. I need to find proof that they are doing the unthinkable, and if they are truly endangering the citizens on purpose then I believe in my decisions and fight for this city even if no one else will." A sharp surge of energy coursed over Ceylon, the desire to seek out the truth and put it to good use.

"Well said." A newcomer's voice chimed in among the blissful cheer of the unaware.

Hellagur with Kal'tsit in tow, the former smiling and the latter with a neutral expression but based on those eyes the Doctor got the message.

They won't let Cronin get away with this.

Surprised by the sudden emergence Ceylon clumsily apologized to the two for her rudeness before. However Hellagur raised his palm, it was OK after all Ceylon had the right to be skeptical especially if it badmouths her best friend even if that was not their aim.

Gestures are enough to bury that hatchet.

"Your mind's made up?" Kal'tsit asked, raising an eyebrow in inquisition. In truth it was redundant since they already know the answer.

"By the looks of things you seem to have found your answer." Hellagur gently smiled.

The girl in question nodded, plans racing through her head the first thing she proceeded to do was come up with a plan.

"Yes, indeed I have." Ceylon confidently said, "Can you three hear me out? My biggest priority right now is to ensure the peoples safety, even if I am wrong about this at least it won't be catastrophic."

She then pointed at the tower far away, "The broadcast tower?"

"We'll be using that to spread the word, it's the largest one of them all in Garrison Amusement Park. It controls the whole broadcasting system so if we get their no one can interfere."

Both Kal'tsit and the Doctor find that an oversight, spending time with Closure they knew that putting your eggs in the systematic basket would be prone to vulnerability and yet Siesta manages to thrive with such a disastrous oversight, "Wait a minute, is that not the biggest oversight in Siesta's security? Fear-mongering would be the least of his worries with that skeleton."

"I suppose that's more proof of Cronin intentional sabotage." Ceylon mused, "But he managed to cover that with his goons all around it, still when the major concert begins he and his bodyguards will have their hands full on stage."

Ceylon then clasped her hands together, "Alright! So can I ask the three of you to lend me your aid?"

"Three? No." The Doctor opened his communication device and sent a few messages, "For a princess to reclaim her home she requires an army."

Pleased by the messages that he received as a reply, he twirled his hooksword and raised to the sky.

"Alright, time to liberate."

0o0

Staring down at a lot of scary and armed men was kind of a letdown to Ceylon in all honesty, she should have been scared but now she realized what she had done to end up on this place.

She went through an active and near-erupting volcano, was almost assaulted by Originium slugs of all things. Had an existential crisis awaken from the deep recesses of her mind and then be resolved in the matter of minutes, that's not even mentioning that in the middle she was carried by a guy who can endure vertical momentum and was completely invulnerable by the attacks her best friend who may or may not be a legendary hitman.

A group of well-paid brutes just seemed less threatening in comparison. Then again her perspective on things was forever changed, she wondered if Rhodes Island has any good therapists after this.

"I knew you'd come here milady." Like an elite guard from a movie she seen, Schwarz came in the middle on the heated conflict. Yet the Feline noticed a change within her milady's disposition, she lacked something.

Doubt.

Is she that convinced that what she was doing was right?

"Schwarz..." Ceylon could feel her blood suddenly pump, it really is different when your staring at the object of your frustration. Her father she could understand, Cronin was peeling back his kind facade but Schwarz was different.

She was her best friend.

"After you got turned down by him it was obvious you'd go to the broadcast tower at this time to spread your message." It was unthinkable for her to raise her crossbow at Ceylon, "That won't work it will only cause confusion and chaos...you may hate your father or Siesta but Master Doykos has given all that he can to Siesta. This will only destroy Siesta and the Obsidian Festival."

It was strange feeling to set off by every word Schwarz has said, Ceylon gritted her teeth in frustration yet her friend took as the girl hesitating in what she is going to do. In truth, Ceylon was getting more frustrated at her friend for not even hearing her out.

Does she really value Cronin's word over hers? If so then what did that promise mean to her? A child talking big, not knowing the harsh reality of the world?

"I know that, I know that it might deal something far worse but the truth needs to be heard!" She all but screamed at her friend who refused to relent.

"I'm aware of Master Doykos mistakes, but even so he has done a lot for Siesta." Schwarz remembered the time he offered to take her away from of all this, the time she was asked to take his life but got something much better in return.

But for Schwarz to bring up the guilt card on her, "That's got nothing to do with this."

"Feel free to criticize me, I just don't want you to do something irreparable something beyond redemption."

It was like talking to a brick wall with her, when did she treat her like a petulant child and when did she act like she was a puppet dancing on Cronin's stringed up lies?

"Do you really think I'm a child throwing a temper tantrum?" Schwarz did a double-take on the fury that Ceylon's words echoed, strange there was a cold sweat dripping on her head.

"No, milady. I'll try to persuade Master Doykos," This was her poor attempt at sedating her best friend's ire. In hindsight she sucked at diplomacy even back then, it was stupid to think she could talk down Ceylon with language best suited for children, "But just for now, let's head back together."

Schwarz couldn't believe that she continued that thought, this was the last thing the girl wanted to hear and she knew it. She can tell that Ceylon did not like what she heard.

"Schwarz...don't talk to me like that..." It was a warning, a cold yet it carry more fury than the heat of the sun to Schwarz. The first person who was supposed to be in her corner, working against her unaware that who she's working for is damning them all to a lava-filled death. She of all people talks down to her when she needed her the most.

Ceylon was holding back if her uneasy breathing was any indication, "Be still..." She almost step into hating her closest friend, the reason she was fighting for a cure and now for Siesta's soul. All of this was to reach out to the truth and do the right thing with it.

Even if her grievances with her current relationship with Schwarz she still loved her, why else is she trying her damnedest? Her mission was a thankless one, that much she knows.

It doesn't matter if Schwarz can't see that, she still talked her down into doing what's right. At least what she thinks is right?

"I know you and Master Doykos aren't getting along well but for the time being we should go home."

It didn't matter if Schwarz was oblivious to the truth right? Then can anyone explain the tightness within her chest? She talks towards her own friend like she was still the same child that played with her on the beach.

"Why can't you see that I've grown?"

"Why can't you see that I want to help?"

"I told you to not call me like that!" Ceylon shouted, eyes flaring and her ward taken aback at the emotion she's displaying. She refused to lose eye contact with her best friend, even as tears welled up in her eye, "Is this your way of mending things Schwarz, then why don't you just talk to me like we used to? Talk to me as my friend Schwarz!"

..."I'm just a servant of the Doykos family."

Nerves were not struck in Ceylon's heart, they were shattered. What did anything mean anymore? Schwarz couldn't bear to look at her master anymore when she saw the woman's devastated look. She beated herself internally for making what's precious to her cry further cementing what she just said.

"What happened to you? Why would you treat me like this?"

No answer came from the Feline.

The brief silence was cut abruptly by sudden gasp, Ceylon could feel binds wrapping around her arms and legs. She was captured in the midst of her confrontation.

Schwarz was clearly shocked by this, meaning this was not part of the plan.

"What the hell are you doing, she's the mayor's daughter!"

The guard did not bat an eye and dragged the captive towards her, gently setting her aside as to not set the killing machine's screws loose.

"What? We have the Obsidian Festival to manage." The bodyguard said with a tired sigh, "She's attempting to disrupt Siesta's peace, daughter or not this is the most efficient way to be done with this job." Are these fools that confident in their plan that they don't care about the repercussions?

Already they knew something was up from the get-go after all, this seemed to easy unless, "You fools are forgetting one thing, why would she go in here alone without a single bodyguard of her own?"

"Unless that wasn't her objective." He looked at the mayor's daughter who gave him the stink-eye in return. Schwarz's mind was racing on what to prioritize, it pained her to even let this slide but maybe..

"Yes, her companions must be -" Suddenly Schwarz felt like she was being shocked by a million volts coursing through her body. She dropped the knife she was holding and staggered, grimacing that she was caught by surprise by those fools of all people. Ceylon shouted, horrified at seeing her best friend hurt.

The bodyguard who shocked her smiled and they didn't waste any time binding her in the same fashion as Ceylon, Schwarz would have recovered in a few moments so they wouldn't like to take the chance. Even such a skilled killer would crumble when subjected to a little electrical exposure, she is a mortal like the rest of them.

"Not like it matters when we use you two as hostages." He gave the taser to one of the others, "Be generous with the tazing on Ms. Schwarz even after one shock she would still have some energy to break free, shame we don't have sedatives." Not like it mattered, Schwarz was built like any other Feline after all.

"My apologies for doing this but we know you'll disobey if we get a bit rough with subduing her."

Yet, all those words didn't register inside Ceylon's mind. The moment her best friend was hurt she couldn't take it anymore. She failed at her end of the mission, she couldn't even convince her most trusted friend to hear her out.

Do you see now, this is what you are up against she was right to worry.

Even her bait and switch plan crumbled before her, how did her father managed to protect Siesta on his own before?

You know how, it is quite amusing that you pretend to not understand why.

Then she realized why she didn't bear any hatred towards him or the reason why she was more accepting of her father's sins.

Perhaps, if she was forced to picked between integrity and under-handedness she would choose the same.

Hoping for a cure to be made by others is the same thing as her father wanting to be honest even at the cost of Siesta's survival. They both were people who would do anything to see their desires fulfilled.

And why shouldn't they, they just wanted to make things better and her father showed the results. Understanding this she felt closer to the man than ever before, a realization that lead to her resolve.

Kind platitudes did not get anyone far, you know that much after all during your time outside did you see results by being doormat for others?

"Hey, you noticed something?"

Schwarz didn't understand what they were talking about, they really did go to town on that tazer they shared. She could only hear the waves crashing down, the gentle water soothing the pain that she sustained.

Ceylon on the other hand felt time slow, kneeling on the hot stone pavement insulated by her dress she noticed a droplet of water hovering down her.

You have come to an understanding my dear?

In order to protect what you love, words alone won't suffice.

Yes, she tried that on Schwarz and it did not work. Even if she was just stalling for time she was trying to repair that strained bond they had. Words weigh like feathers without proper force to see it through.

"No matter what I've say, no one listened to me." Schwarz heard what Ceylon was whispering and then she realized why she was so adamant on doing this, "They would rather hear their interpretation of what's happening than listen to the contrary."

She looked at her own reflection on the water of this place and did not want to see the same.

It was a mistake to treat her like that, the girl who left for a while just to find a way to save her from Oripathy would never want distance. It was foolish to assume that she was doing all of this to destroy Siesta when the clearly loves this place with all her heart. Yet Schwarz was sold on that story.

Ceylon's not the type of person who would risk her life for trivial things like a grudge against her father.

He bartered blood as water for this sand castle you call home.
As somebody who loves this land themselves, won't you do the same?

Ceylon nodded to the voice, she would do anything to see what she sent out to do come to fruition. Maybe not to the extent her father had done but there lies her understanding of her father's actions.

Were they so reprehensible that revealing them would lead to Siesta's ruin, maybe that's why hiring Schwarz was such a necessary move.

Not of that matters however, all that matters is strength. To have her wishes and vision be backed up by a force that will make fate comply. Cronin has his guards and title as a Catastrophe Messenger, she needed something that will rival that influence.

Your heart desires power but do not be ashamed.
No king or queen had got through their quest without raising a sword.
If your desire to seek and spread the truth is true,
Then reach out to it and force them face this fact that is overdue.

"You are right, I know that I need a weapon of my own" Ceylon admitted yet like what the voice said she did not condemn herself for it, "It was foolish to leave my wishes to the palm of those from above. I did not went outside to remain naive and ignorant."

Well said!
If not even those assigned to protect this land could see that then it is up to you.

Suddenly some sort of capsule was felt on her right hand and her head felt so heavy.
Her surroundings were being distorted and she can feel herself sweating heavily. As if illness spontaneously manifested within her, the only possible sure to it was laden in her palm however she was restrained.

Show your resolve, be the first to be cured of this disease called "ignorance."

She couldn't take the pain anymore so she screamed in agony, the guards were disturbed by sudden throes of pain the mayor's daughter is experiencing. They were all filled with a sense of dread like they have angered something they could not comprehend.

"Is she faking it?" However upon closer inspection her pain was the real deal, "Oh dear, she really is in pain, we should call an ambulance at the very least we can take her far away from here."

All she wanted to do was to ingest this possible cure into her mouth, her arms flailing around trying to be set free. Her limbs erratically moving like she was experiencing some form of a seizure.

"Ceylon!" Schwarz shouted in distraught, seeing her friend in such sudden and sharp pain she reverted back to what she used to call her "milady."

"GWAAH!" The rope was ripped apart with a force that sent the guards surrounding them aback. Ceylon stood up, now with her newly liberated limbs and eyes that screamed bloody murder at her former captors.

Without Schwarz to prevent them from doing so, they readied their batons. No need to play nice after all there wouldn't be a Siesta to be imprisoned in after all of this.

Ceylon downed the pill in her hand, determined to end this nauseating disease in her head.
However, she was met with even more pain as she struggled to stand up again. But this time this pain was sort of liberating, a feeling of a weight that was no longer there and an ephemeral glowed covered Ceylon's body.

Like a pill to a damnable migraine, she rose free from this disease.

Her eyes glowed a radiant gold, a color that made the rest of the people there uneasy.

Magnificent! With this our contract is now set.

A sudden surge of power emanated within her core, water slowly surrounding the girl in a manner that did her graceful and elegant demeanor justice. She found herself able to stand once more, and after that bitter pill that she swallowed she was more than determined to use this newfound power.

I am thou, thou art I.

As the voice in her declared this day as a momentous occasion, a card hovered near her arm. Depicting an Empress sitting in a chair ever so lonely she couldn't help but touch it.

The audience did not dare to interfere a queen's coronation.

O' princess of this ocean, it is time to claim your birthright!

With the truth as your trident, be the guardian your land needs.

"You dare muddy the waters my father had graciously bled over!?" Ceylon crushed the card with such intense will and by her side was a floating trident made of water, "You treat my friend like a loose end to you and Cronin's machinations."

They feel powerless at the materialization of the guardian of the sea, the entity that answered to Ceylon's every back and call. Seashells of black and grey decorated this goddess of water and the deity was not benevolent to them.

"For your transgressions, I shall personally cast you into the sea!" A Victorian mask decorate her face, one of those masquerade props in parties. The look on Ceylon's eyes however said that this will be a party of one. Well two is the more accurate term, as a spirit hovered by her side a guardian called upon her will while Schwarz was absent. They are one and the same so to call it a lone dance would be accurate.

She raised the trident and directed it towards the man that restrained Schwarz and ordered the spirit with a single word.

"Aques."

Water erupted near the man, heavily damaging him. Seeing this will justify hurting Ceylon, they immediately charged towards her raising their glowing batons in both fear and anger.

"Malaques." This time all of them got hit by the same water ARTS(?) attack that their comrade suffered from.

That was not enough to take them down however, they rose quickly and proceeded to attempt another attack at the now frightening Ceylon. All the while Schwarz was dumbfounded by the sudden power her best friend has acquired.

One by one they were blasted by water or batted around by Ceylon's trident, and one at a time they rose up to fight once more. Some see that retreat would be a better option but they find that they aren't able to.

A wall of water is impeding their path.

Horrified they looked at the girl with a deity of water by her side slowly approaching them, the rays of the slowly revealing moon shining the water that made up her trident making it look like it was made of moonlight.

"Cast them away... Amphitrite."

Without further delay, she charged towards the horrified crowd. A hand grasping the truth and another grasping a spear of justice.

0o0

Three knocks to the door reverberated, the guard inside was miffed as earlier he heard horrified screams from the other end of his communication device. What the hell is going on there, he would rather not know.

It made him uneasy and the knocking didn't help, "What!?" His shout directed at the door, they're were strict orders to not let anybody in here after all.

"Expedited delivery sir." A small girl-sounding voice replied.

Strange, there was no heads up on such a delivery even if their boss occasionally orders fancy objects of wealth like that golden seashell paperweight the other day.

"We haven't been notified about such a thing, you must have went to the wrong address."

"No, we're sure this is the spot it's on the label." The girl behind the door explained.

"Get lost, we already told you we did not order anything!"

Then they went silent, the delivery starts to sound like a stupid plan to get pass security. The hapless guard heard distant mumbling and sighed as he sees his other guards do leisure or are sleeping on the job.

"Oh, forget it." Footsteps are starting to sound louder and louder until it-

CRASH!

The wood of the door crashed with a great thud and every guard instantly got into fighting condition, the door was knocked back so far that the hinges flew like rotating blades embedding them into the wall.

The one who was capable of that feat of strength was a small Sarkaz warrior carrying a spear. The Vanguard of Rhodes Island code-named Vigna.

"FBI! OPEN UP!"

Before they could register who the enemy was they instantly felt a cold chill crept up in their spine, the temperature dropped to a crisp fifteen Celsius then to an undeniable zero. The guard soon found himself unable to move his legs as ice formed around it, immobilizing him. He couldn't even shout for back-up as his voice turn into a shivering mess.

A hooded figure release his hand from the wall, the origin point of all this frost. The guard could make out a nearly-opaque looking snowman accompanying him, gleefully dancing at their predicament.

"You know, that only works if before you smash the door wide open." He said in a deadpan tone, in which the Sarkaz with him scratched her head in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, were in a bit of a hurry." The Doctor sighed, his breath visible due to the chilly environment, "Do your thing Vigna."

"Aye, aye sir!" She readied her weapon and with the blunt side of her spear, she caved in the skulls of every guard in the room.

The Doctor focused energy from his eye, the imperfect Third Eye that can only help him perceive written words. It was time to read between the lines.

0o0

Ceylon undid the restraints that bound her friend, the binds those men had on them where enough to prevent her from moving her limbs. Those were not the tools a security guard carries, seems to be more proof that those people were prepared to betray Schwarz or capture Rhodes Island Operators.

"I'm grateful for that Ceylon." She was overjoyed hearing that, perhaps there was hope in fixing that bond so strained, "However, do you mind explaining what in Terra is that?"

By that she was referring to Amphitrite, the water goddess hovered beautifully awaiting her master's orders. A body made of water yet it looks very much like Ceylon, Schwarz found her beautiful.

A better protector compared to her as well at least in her opinion.

"Oh right, this is Amphitrite she's my Persona." Ceylon explained clearly, she then did a double take how did she know what her Persona is? Then she remembered what she had seen with the Doctor when he was defending against Schwarz, "I guess this power is like the Doctor's..."

Schwarz grimaced at that thought, never had she felt so helpless against an opponent. Opponent might be a far stretch as he was not interested in fighting as he only reflected her attacks back at her.

"How are you feeling Ceylon?" ARTS of that intensity should have been exhausting to use.

Ceylon shook her head, "No, I feel fine...I feel liberated actually like a weight in my soul was lifted."

"Listen, I don't care."

Schwarz was taken aback, "What?"

"I said I don't care." Ceylon sincerely said, "I don't care that you killed or that father did a lot of shady deals during the early days."

That was a surprise to her, isn't all that the reason as to why she's doing such a reckless thing.
"Wait a minute isn't that why you're doing this, it's because you hate your father and have leverage to get him removed?"

That was a surprise to Ceylon, mouth agape at such an accusation.
"No, why would I hate my father? If anything he should hate me, my birth was the catalyst of my mother's death." Even for all his shortcomings he was doing his best to balance his duty and his grief, his distance towards her daughter should have been an indication of hatred on her but he did not.

Why else would he go through such lengths to protect her home? Why else did he gave her his blessing when she left for Victoria? Why else did Schwarz became such an important person in her life?

"If he did, why would he give me a big sister?" Ceylon smiled, she sees what has been ailing her best friend rather one of the members of her family. Doubt.

They both have been feeling like if they actually belonged in what they called home, to Ceylon it was whether Victoria or Siesta is her true home now or Schwarz that wonders if she has to right to be with her after all the blood she spilt.

"The only thing I could hate about him is how he arranges everything for me, gives me the means to seek out an education that can help you with Oripathy but never tells me why or what he's planning."

Schwarz and father had a similar form of shame towards her, they have done a lot of bad and they couldn't look at her in the eye because they think it would ruin her innocence.

However, Ceylon is no longer an innocent girl reading books and dreaming what's beyond the pseudo-sea of her home. She has seen what the average Terran has to fear, what those Infected had to go through she has even heard of Reunion at the news narrating the fall of Chernobog.

"I've study at Victoria and seen what the world can be, your disease is something that is a fact of life outside of Siesta. Preserving my innocence is impossible and you know that deep down Schwarz."

"I know but you're in a better place now Ceylon." Schwarz won't dare look at Ceylon's eyes, "You shouldn't associate with people like-"

Ceylon slapped her in the cheek, her eyes tearing up, "Don't lower yourself like that, I don't care that you killed people before or even that you wiped out that clan like father ordered you to."

"You're not suppose to-"

"Suppose to what? Not know that detail? Not supposed to take matters into my own hands because Cronin for some reason is keen in censoring the volcano's eruption?"

"Yes, wait what!?" Schwarz was taken a back by what Ceylon's rant contained, "You were really not planning on revealing your father's secrets?"

Ceylon blinked, was she not informed of the real intentions of Cronin's orders? "Like I told you, I don't care if my father has done some questionable things, his sacrifices would be in vain if the island and it's people were covered in ash and lava."

"Cronin forgot to tell you that little detail huh?" Schwarz dumbly nodded, both of them losing the tenseness from before, "Look, I understand why you want to protect me but I've learned a lot during my travels I'm not some princess that is supposed to be protected. That blood on your hands from the past doesn't change the fact that you're dear to me Schwarz."

"Ceylon...I..." Schwarz at a loss for words, she said she has done all of this because of her duty why she was more distant to Ceylon than before. However, she just afraid that Ceylon would reject her once she knew and yet now she clasped her bloodied hands reassuring her of their bond.

Ceylon looked over her Persona, the embodiment of her resolve to find the truth and protect her home. Schwarz was the trigger of her new power, and that can be seen in her design.

"Sure, I was taken aback at what I learned but if you ever need help you can always call my name." Ceylon took in her all-in-but blood sister for a hug, "We'll protect each other Schwarz, No more bearing all of this on your own Sis."

Sis. Schwarz could feel tears drop from her eyes, even after all this time she really called her sister. Tears streamed not of sorrow but of joy, she truly had a new family.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry for this misunderstanding Ceylon."

Ceylon chuckled as Schwarz buried her head in neck, she could feel the wetness of her face no doubt her grey eyes are red as well, "I always wanted to say that, and apology accepted Sis."

It took awhile till Schwarz composed herself, while she usually doesn't express a whole lot of emotion it felt liberating when it was with her. They almost forgot that they surrounded by unconscious goons.

"What's our next move Ceylon? Schwarz asked smiling at her charge, she managed to put two and two together seeing that Cronin duped into almost raising her hand at her dear friend.

"Next move... does that mean you're going to help me?"

Schwarz looked at one of the goon who electrocuted her, resisting the urge to put a bolt between his eyes, "Now that I see our goals are essentially the same, I have no reason to impede you or Rhodes Island at City Hall."

Ceylon pouted, even after all these years she managed to read through her tactics, "It was that obvious huh? Well all I wanted was to inform the people of the impeding Catastrophe and understand why Cronin would cover this up."

"I see, one of Master Doykos's orders was to collect evidence of Cronin's wrongdoings such as the manipulating of V3 Industries and his unauthorized mining of obsidian." That last one struck something at Ceylon's mind is that the reason as to why the slugs in that area before were so agitated?

"So my father had an idea of what's going on and did not inform me of it." Ceylon grumbled, "That's to be expected, alright let's go regroup with the Doctor." The woman had a lot of questions to ask him, as someone who probably had a similar power as her she couldn't help but feel giddy learning what Amphitrite can do if so, "I better dismiss Amphitrite, since her stature would cause a lot of unwanted attention."

Her companion agreed and recommended a faster way to get to City Hall, she quickly carried Ceylon in her arms and leaped.

"Woah, this is fun." Ceylon exclaimed as Schwarz was leaping through each building, she smiled reminiscing a time where she was scared of the Ferris wheel.

"You've grown Ceylon..."

0o0

"Yup, there it is." Rummaging through files his unique vision highlighted what he needed to see, he skimmed the file and didn't bother understanding what the contents are. All he knows that there was a sigil of an organization, the word "obsidian" and an approved stamp was on it.

Luckily, arresting the bastard was also an easy task as the man was at the next room. The Doctor could already see him laughing to himself at how easy she pitted Schwarz against Rhodes Island, the only group that can destroy him without consequences if they played their cards right.

Perks of a not well-known organization he guessed.

It's quite a shame that they saw through that, Cronin wants to clear things easy since he's scarce on time so his only move would be to both neutralize them and Ceylon.

Ceylon was more her father's daughter after all.

Guards keep pouring out of the doors adamant in subduing them but to no avail, Frost Ace who was Jack fused with a Power was freezing them while he was raiding Cronin's papers. The bliss of ruining the paperwork of a bastard is such a thrill.

In the mood for shaved ice, Vigna kept on cracking the mini-icebergs as well as the bones inside.

"Fools, they're just against a little girl." Cronin gritted his teeth, it didn't take much to know what was going on from the screams and sudden chill emanating at the other room.

"I'm sorry boss but you didn't mentioned that the "Doctor" has Ice arts of all things and that the girl is a Sarkaz!" His voice was cut off by the other thing as worse as intense cold. Intense heat.

Cronin was internally panicking, sweating off in the AC filled room, "There is only a handful of them!" He clicked his tongue in frustration, "Damn it, why is Rhodes Island here!?"

He struggled to find a solution, by now they have discovered things he would rather bury deep in Siesta's soil. Force is not going to work nor is diplomacy, he be turned into a popsicle if he so much as look at the Doctor in a funny way. What could wor-

The window looked like a golden gate to paradise right about now.

CRASH!

"Ah, he jumped out of the window." Vigna deadpanned, his form could use some work. Not like he would have time to improve it after this.

Unlike the time the Doctor and Ceylon jumped from the window, Cronin didn't leave unscathed. A broken leg and glass on his foot, he was a bird with rustled feathers.

"Damn...damn it all!" He motioned for the phone that was unscathed from the jump, "I have to call the others...back."

He pathetically crawled, the loud sounds of Siesta made his reeling head even worse. He was stopped by a pair of boots with a katana on its hips.

"Last time, it was Miss Ceylon and the Doctor who jumped from there. Granted they weren't hurt but this time you are reeling on the ground with bits of it in you." The voice from that pair said to him, looking at Cronin like he's a pathetic wretch.

"So...you're that fool who disregarded science and Oripathy research huh?" Another pair of feet appeared next to the first, this time it was slender, "That's a nice watch you have there."

A brief silence came from the new pair as it approached him trying to get a better look, "On second thought that's an ugly watch you got there, pray that your face won't be as ugly as it."

"For medical reasons, can you describe what it felt when you learned the meaning of the word "defenestration?" "

"You...what did you do them!?" Cronin croaked out, while he was afraid of the man with the boots there was a certain feeling of terror with the woman.

"Karma is poetic no? In life you reap what you sow." The man with boots explained, as if it answered what happened to his men, "Being an eyesore to the beautiful view here makes you go to places...sometimes in a literal sense." He can tell that the man was clearly amused with his own quip.

Two new footsteps emerged and those feet looked all to familiar.

"Be a gentleman and don't keep these two waiting." the woman advised.

Cronin stood up, adrenaline coursing through his veins his escape was not yet done and in a bid of survival he ran, up until he was stopped by a phantom hand.

It looked absurd but the Doctor was carrying him by the neck of his shirt, a strange being that was sure to be in his command. If he had a man like that by his side, oh the power and money he could easily secure.

"Don't be shy to girls dude, say hi to them they are waiting for you after all." The Doctor carried him back to his original spot, seeing all the people that contributed to his cornered state.

A Liberi warrior, a white-haired Feline, that hooded Doctor and worst of all Schwarz and Ceylon both looking at him like a plague that needed to eradicated.

"Your plot is exposed Cronin." He cursed them all to hell and back, seething at his own downfall.

0o0

"I still have guards to protect me!" Cronin breathed out, his voice distracting them from his hidden SOS on his phone.

Silence came, his enemies waiting for him expectantly. He called for help but no one came.

"Damn it where are they!?" Cronin thought, his panic all the more obvious as his face was positively blue much to the satisfaction of those involved.

"You're not the only one with a secret service Cronin." The Doctor stared at him after setting aside his own communication device, Phantom and Red did a good job with discreetly removing them out of the picture. No killing of course but to Red's delight she can still crack some ribs, "Ladies you want a crack at him?"

"Oh, Doctor we have only been friends for a while and you already have given me a gift..." Ceylon playfully went along, both their words echoed condemnation however.

Their captive looked at Schwarz with disdain, "So you knew all along?"

"How long did you expect this lie to last?" Schwarz was annoyed and livid, more so because she was duped by the guy she was supposed to keep tabs on, "Ceylon briefed me on the volcano, to think that you would tamper the station's data and accuse Ceylon of spreading rumors she had no idea about..."

She let her silence speak for herself, staring at the man who dared to break whatever is left of her bond with her surrogate sister.

"Say, Ceylon you feel different?" The Doctor approached the girl letting Ophiuchus suspend the pitiful Liberi on its hand, he didn't know why but her aura had a resonating feeling to it.

The girl remembered why she was so adamant on coming back as soon as possible, "Oh yes I forgot to ask you about this Persona stuff."

Well, that was news to everyone who knew. It was like two people and a half since Hellagur hasn't really comprehended the power that originally was the Doctor's.

"So, that was the feeling I sense back at City Hall, how are you feeling Ceylon?"

"Hmm, why I feel..." As soon as she said that she felt faint, however as she fell she was caught by a newcomer.

He supported Ceylon by his back and sighed, "Siesta really does have relaxing waves that lull you into sleep."

"Hmm...Father?" There was no doubt about it, this is the father of Ceylon. Same hair and Ancient species as well as the proof of his authority on his chest. While his eyes were caring towards his child, he looked at Cronin with disappointment and fury.

"Herman..."

The look of rage Cronin had did not dissuade Herman, if anything it made his own burn brighter.
"Accuse my own daughter of selling me out, then by all means spread all my secrets into the wind. Share what my "business trip" was like to them, tell them everything." His unruly subordinate did not comply, he was perfectly satisfied with glaring daggers at him.

"That look on your face says you're surprised that I am here Cronin." Herman spoke with an authority that carried his position unlike his number two, "Honestly I was surprised to see a lot of things even after I see through to those problems personally."

The Doctor shoved a medicinal pill on Ceylon who was on Herman's back resting, it was a project that he and Kal'tsit worked on in case another Persona-user awakens within Rhodes's Operators. It will take a while but the pill was designed to alleviate the spiritual exhaustion that came with an Awakening.

"I'm curious to that as well why is it that for a city that banned mining obsidian their limited products are sold like they were mass-produced knick knacks?" Kal'tsit added her two cents in, not amused by this belligerent man seething at his defeat.

"Yes, that is quite the question Miss..." Herman always appreciated a tourist who had concerns over his city's state.

"Doctor Kal'tsit."

"Miss Kal'tsit, I recall banning mining obsidian but I still see teams mining at the volcano and delivering them at a warehouse that I recall that was abandoned, both without any reports to the mayor." The mayor was not amused by the blatant deception his trusted vice had put for him, "That would explain the steady influx?"

Hellagur then asked as the man, "I did my research here before coming to this place so I was surprised to see an Infected person being discriminated when I heard that Siesta is one of the cities that treats the Infected fairly." He recalled the man he saw getting harassed and some of the others he noticed while walking around, mistreatment of the Infected was always such a sore spot for the Ursus veteran.

"Yes, I did allocated funds precisely for the support and welfare of the Infected and the one of the first things I see when I returned was the same patient I had treated being discriminated and physically harassed. It pains me to send a citizen to the Siesta jails but they did broke the law." That last part was hovering over Cronin like a small devil.

Yet all Cronin had to show for now was a click on his tongue and hate-filled eyes.

"And to think that not only are you responsible for these oversights, you dare lay a hand on my daughter and Schwarz. To turn on someone who was working with you, sounds familiar doesn't it?" It appears that Cronin assumed that he was the only one with access to surveillance but he had Schwarz personally set up those cameras linked to his tablet at the most inconspicuous places.

He was enraged when they shocked Schwarz in a dirty play while she was distracted by Ceylon and his blood was boiling when they bound the two up.

Pride welled up when Ceylon managed to free them both and take out the force with a bigger force, as much he disliked the idea of Ceylon fighting.

"You may have done these things because you think my decision are foolish but this ploy of pretend absence proved to be fruitful." Herman was not pleased even though his words are of gloating, it was like berating an unruly son.

A son that thought he deserved everything his father worked for, it was a shame as well Cronin was probably the best second he could ever ask for. If not for his darkness Cronin and he would see to it that Siesta would be the closest to a paradise in Terra.

The way Herman looked at Cronin made bile and hate erupt from the man's spiteful mouth.

"You're damn right it is foolish!" He growled, trying to shake off Ophiuchus's hand in his tirade, "We bled and give all we are to this rotten hole, we mine all that we can so we can prosper and you stop all that and subsidized what we made to the Infected!?"

It was all riches in his eyes, Siesta was the paradise he sought and it was not given to him. It gave him a special kind of pride rising from the dregs of society and being an important worker in Terra, a Catastrophe Messenger. What's wrong with reaping the fruits of their labor and keeping it all to themselves when those Infected have not lifted a finger to rise above their station.

Schwarz was one of them but it was fine since she proved her worth to them up until she was actually monitor his movements seeking evidence to bring him down.

His words only brought shame to the man that employed him, his gaze solemn after the initial outburst of rage.

"What a pity Cronin, I did not mind sharing things with you but it appears that you have been too impatient."

That broke Cronin, he dare call him impatient of all things when he is just claiming the wealth and power that was promised to him. He was with Herman even before Siesta's boom and like he said he bled for Siesta as well, he did not just let others bleed for it.

"Me!? Impatient!?" It was absurd to call him that, "You dare call me that, after everything I've done for this city all of this was all what I've learned from you. How you have dealt with the Barus or the TV station eight years ago or even the way you "persuaded" or rather annexed the Turak Tribe."

"Exploit and abandon, the tricks and trades of consequential philosophy if you call these sins then I only learned from the best."

Consequentialism, how Kal'tsit hated that philosophy she now understood why she hated Cronin just from his voice at the start. It was like looking at a tinted photograph, a memory distorted and wore down over time the paper rotted on the sides giving it a decaying scent.

"The ends justify the means?" Kal'tsit sighed, "You and the mayor over here aren't the first that took up this frame of mind, however the difference between you and them is that you reveled in it."

It really was making her remember things that she hated.

"Satisfying your own gluttony, you didn't learn why they were doing such acts in the first place. Consuming and obtaining things that are well beyond your station you craved more." Ah there was another reason as to why she hated this man.

Compared to the terror and madness of that commander, this man was a pathetic child throwing a tirade using things that he stole from his father's gun cabinet.

"You didn't even realize that you were consumed by your own desires."

To be condemned by a tourist and to be cornered within an island that is about to be covered in lava and ash. All the people who cornered him seeing him as nothing but an infection to Siesta, he snapped. How he wished that these fools would be buried beneath this hole full of Infected already, these hypocrites claiming to have the moral high ground when they would do something that would benefit them.

Yes, he wasn't wrong in responding to his desires everyone would do the same if given the choice.

Thus, a seed of true darkness manifested within his heart unable to confront the sins he made he created a new perspective that puts his choices into one of righteousness.

"True, I have done many things in the past but gambling Siesta's fate is where I draw the line." Herman took a breath truly disappointed with how things went, "It appears that the only thing you have learned was unsavory tactics that I had no choice but to use at the time."

Before they could do anything further, sudden earthquakes rumbled around. The venue's audience was not stirred as they were distracted by the show in front of them.

"What the-" Herman said while astonished, it was not supposed to be this early. The eruption shouldn't be occurring right now even without Ceylon's data they couldn't...

"Hahahaha, you really thought that I wouldn't still have one trump card." Cronin boasted while the others are figuring out what is going on with Siesta.

Kal'tsit didn't wait and seized the man from Ophiuchus's hand, "What did you do!?"

"You hypocrites are too late, you all can't save anyone this volcano will turn you all into ashes." The madman blurted out, mania in his eyes devolving into an animal he gleefully partook in anxiety and confusion of his enemies.

She let the pitiful man go, not before pinning him with crossbow bolts borrowed from Provence.

The Doctor's communication device was blaring its ringtone like crazy, knowing who it probably is he accepted the video call. Who or why someone is calling him was deemed inconsequential given that a volcano is about to reach dangerous levels of activity.

"Thank Terra, Doctor we still have a way to stop this." That was news, Eyjafyalla was on the other end presumably working on the clock ever since Ceylon brought this conspiracy to Rhodes Island's attention. "We need to act quickly, please listen to my instructions if this works the eruption will be delayed."

While the others were discussing what needs to be done, the corrupt Liberi was deftly ignored. All that was left in him to do was to stew in his twisted desires. He knew that he had lost, the Siesta that he loved was taken away by him and those who stole it from him did not care.

Like when he started, he was just trash discarded into the ocean breeze.

He didn't know how but it felt so damn right, he let out the last of his malicious and cunning thoughts if he might be as well better off dead then there was no way he would let them succeed.

"AAAAAAAAH!" The shrill scream of a man who wanted it all echoed throughout the concert hall, yet it felt in deaf ears through all who aren't concerned with the fate of the land. Those who can see the danger turned over the man convulsing even though he was pinned down.

Ceylon was deeply disturbed at the sight, she knew Cronin even as a kid and he was a helpful person before. It did not excuse his crimes and the attempts to ruin Siesta but this man seemed to be in a whole new level of pain.

"What is happening to him!?" Ceylon directed her gaze at the Doctor who seemingly was experienced with this supernatural affair.

Kal'tsit and the Doctor tensed up, one with uncertainty and one of resolve. The lynx woman knew more of this phenomenon but to see the conception of what they think is happening is a different experience.

"Is this what you and Amiya had to deal with before!?" The Doctor grimly nodded, he had a feeling that this fool had the potential to create one but the timing is just...

The shrill scream ended and all it left them was a crystal blooming with shadow, the color black crystallized. The Doctor prepared his strongest Persona, a sight that was still something to behold to those who don't have this power.

"Ophiuchus!" He readied himself for another battle, at least this time he is in better shape. Provence and Skyfire readied their weapons and Hellagur moved his hand to the sheath of his blade.

The crystal stood there menacingly, pulsing curses which no doubt came from Cronin's rotten heart.

Readying their weapons, the crystal flew into the air.

"What!?" The Doctor exclaimed, "Wait don't attack it!" He did not know the consequences of an Id Crystal being destroyed prematurely and frankly he did not wish to learn at the moment. Eyjafyalla on the video call quickly took control of a nearby drone, keen on monitoring the black stone.

"I can't see what this clump of energy is but I can still track it hang on!" Eyjafyalla focus on the two screens, "Hold on, it's resonating with the volcano? It's making a beeline towards it."

That was all the Doctor needed to know, without asking for clearance from Kal'tsit he grappled towards the nearby poles. He was swinging through each place his grappling hook can attach itself to, for speed he even cast a Sukukaja on himself making him feel as light as the wind.

The others followed suit, Schwarz taking Ceylon off her father's back she knew that Ceylon would want to fight alongside Rhodes Island so without a word from her, she carried her request.

"I know what you're going to say Ceylon, leave it to me you need to conserve your strength." Ceylon nodded happy that Schwarz was taking the initiative.

Herman stayed by his former number two's side and looked at her daughter and Schwarz fading silhouettes and sighed, "I truly wished that you could grow like she did, I hope that you could reflect on it even in prison."

The termination order on his tablet shined through his face, without hesitation he signed it. All that's left to do is to leave it to Rhodes Island, he popped some headphones onto his ears and hovered his fingers on a MASK playlist.

He observed the people partying along the performance of Alive Until Sunset, those smiles and cheers were what he wanted Siesta to contain.

0o0

The Doctor followed the crystal towards the entrance of the volcano, the old mining site that was the opening of the whole place. His arms slightly sore from all that swinging from place to place with only one grappling hook.

It exuded a familiar and sinister energy, if this place is now full of Shadows made from the surrounding negativity of Siesta...

"I really need to call Amiya this time..." Kal'tsit would understand if she was notified of what is going on, in all honesty the perceptive young leader would know sooner or later. Besides Amiya would be overjoyed to see another Persona-user like themselves.

It did not took a while to have the others regroup, this time Kal'tsit was wise enough to call Lancet-2 and Castle-3 this time.

"That was quick, is everyone ok?" With no more guards to interfere, they doubt that they would be met with opposition, "Hey Kal'tsit I think we should call..."

"No need." Kal'tsit interjected, there was a familiar figure beside her wearing on-field clothes.

Amiya was not pleased based on her looks, she approached the Doctor ready to speak her mind. Based on the other doctor's expression she too was not spared from Amiya's chastising.

"Doctor...I can't believe..." Oh here it comes... "You didn't even bother pointing me to the concert venue... I had to look for directions you know."

"Wha...you're not mad that we..."

"I was lucky to stumble upon Miss Ch'en...I mean Female Tourist C." Amiya skipped over the fact that they risked an international incident on Rhodes Island's record for unraveling a conspiracy. It was a hidden message to them that she approves of the two's decisions.

Ceylon stretched her arms out, fully recovering from the earlier fatigue she experienced.

"She's the new Persona-user?" Amiya innocently asked, there were more pressing matters than what might went wrong, "Hi-ya I'm Amiya."

"Hello Miss Amiya, I am Ceylon Doykos although please just call me Ceylon." The Liberi girl responded in kind, she sensed a familiar energy emanating from this Cautus.

"Alright but just call me Amiya...so you're that new Persona-user the Doctor encountered?" Amiya might as well learn who her new teammate will be while Kal'tsit and the three Operators are setting up some sort of temporary Navigation Zone.

Ceylon nodded, her face lit with joy to learn that the other Persona-user was this young rabbit girl.

"Yes." She called out her Persona by crushing a card, a tarot card to be precise by doing so a mask was laden in her face, "Her name is Amphitrite, although I'm familiar with medical water ARTS using it for offense is a strange feeling."

Amiya noticed that her summoning method was different compared to them, she called upon Miseria since she was so kind to show hers.

"This is Miseria, me and the Doctor destroy a mask when summoning ours." Amiya mused, "So, you took that medicine they made too? The Doctor carries a least one pill after my awakening during the heat of battle."

"So that's what it was, so you didn't took those when you got yours?"

Amiya grimaced remembering the circumstances of her awakening, "I'm afraid so, I don't really have the luxury to make a full recovery from the fatigue the first summon brings." They had to fight another Persona-user who was at full power because the fatigue has yet to kick in.

Ceylon saw the pain in her eyes as Amiya recalled, "I apologize I did not mean to..."

"It's fine, besides us Persona-users only got ours due to a desperate situation right?" Ceylon nodded, she awaken to hers because she did not factor in that impatience of Cronin's men, "Amphitrite looks beautiful, way more graceful than Miseria, Ophiuchus, and the other Personas the Doctor has."

Ok, that was news to Ceylon, "Wait he has multiple Persona?"

"The Doctor's a special case, the way he gets them is pretty strange at first since non-Persona user can't see why he's outstretching his arm to a defeated enemy."

Said man sighed as he was finished setting up some of things Kal'tsit asked for, "An Aegir drone huh?"

"Yes, normal drones won't work well monitoring and collecting data." Kal'tsit replied not looking back as she has busy setting the OS up and linking PRTS with it, "Right now, I'm analyzing the inside of the volcano because that crystal lodged itself deep within it."

She was no stranger in picking up energy readings since her past optimistic days as a young scholar.

"Strange, the internal region of the volcano has been drastically distorted not even temporal flow is working correctly."

"Is that bad?" The Doctor pondered, not being well-versed with this Shadow business.

"No, I feel like it could work in our favor actually." Kal'tsit said as she looked over another proponent of data, "This crystal seems to have created a boundary that separate itself from Terra."

"Another dimension? Malignant desires have that much potency?" Perhaps this was the full extent of a Id Crystal, his first experience with one of them was with a hasty one that was released within the last breathes of the fallen.

Kal'tsit on the other hand was busy compiling all this data, running it by PRTS and requesting a measuring application to be made to assist in monitoring. In seconds, PRTS was able to deliver on a rudimentary application that translates the energy exuding from areas affected by these crystals of shadow. It was not perfect but you could say it was the basic glasses for seeing these types of anomalies.

"We'll classify this phenomenon as "Bordered Overlapping Area-Restricted Dimension" or BOARDs for short." The area affected did exhibit a foreign energy unlike what is perceived as normal and the parameters that even time itself was bending made it seem like it was a gateway to a new dimension. While strange, the phenomenon itself seem to have grounded rules on things like how much of the volcano is overlapping with this dimensional rift, "I have a feeling that this is not the first time we are going to encounter these kinds of things."

"Alright, you are in charge of deployment as always Doctor." Kal'tsit stated, "Although I would like to ask Hellagur and Provence to stay with the former acting mostly as a bodyguard."

Ceylon and Amiya are definite choices, if that place was teeming with Shadows then every Persona-user they have needs to be there. So that leaves Schwarz or Skyfire, both ranged fighters one accustomed to heat and the other has the will to protect Ceylon at all costs.

"Schwarz, are you alright with coming with us inside the volcano?" The Doctor approached her, sure their first meeting was one of conflict with him defending but that didn't stop him. It wasn't the first that he made friends with scary women who turned out to be big ol' softies and dorks.

"Yes, Since Ceylon has to go because of that power you three share she would be an invaluable team member right?" The Doctor nodded, "I will be there as her shield and support."

"Glad to hear that, oh and one more thing before you get ready." Schwarz raised her eyebrow, "Diarama." As soon as those words were said, she immediately felt better even after all the pain she endured.

Schwarz was astonished, healing ARTS so potent and quick? Is this what Personas can do?

"Sorry for reflecting back your attacks, I understand why you think we were a threat so no hard feelings ok?"

While the Doctor went towards Ceylon and Amiya, Kal'tsit chuckled.

"Don't worry, he can be such a mother hen towards his allies and friends sometimes." He would always personally heal their injured Operators if he still the energy to spare after every mission, he would even heal the Medics much to Gavial or Ansel's chagrin, "Oh and you haven't introduced yourself properly hmm?"

"It's Schwarz."

"I suppose I could buy you a drink after all this is over." Kal'tsit teased, calling back to their first meeting. She typed vigorously, trying to improve on what PRTS made with all that she knew about programming courtesy of Closure.

0o0

The four stared down at the entrance, anxious on what is beyond the entrance. It didn't need a Persona-user to sense the malice emanating from the volcano, it was as if the landmass itself is condemning Siesta and its citizens. This was Cronin's desires made manifest.

Without a word, they went inside the crevice of the dungeon and now the pieces are set in place.

...It was such a sight to behold.

Lava that looks like molten gold, rocks made of obsidian and while they are inside a volcano the temperature was ideal for the local Siestan. It reeked of desire, there was no doubt that the Id crystal overlapped Cronin's internal wishes into reality.

There was no time to marvel at the sight however, suddenly guards sprouted from the molten gold armed with batons and oozing with malice. They did not speak, they just proceeded to attack.

"Shiki-Ouji!" The Doctor summoned the paper-giant as he willingly jumped in front to receive their attacks, the shikigami was to deterred by the assault however. Shiki-Ouji reflected their attacks and countered with its own, a flick from its fingers a Snap was dealt to one of the guards.

Not letting up, Amiya slashed through the other with a melee attack from her claw. Staggering, it was followed up by critical hit to the side.

"Aques!" Amphitrite then doused the last with some water, this proved to be quite effective as the guard was reeling from the shower.

Seeing that all of their foes are down for the count, they instinctively ganged up on the fallen foes. An all-out-attack with Schwarz giving her own fists some padding in the form of the enemy.

As they fade into oblivion, Ceylon couldn't help but strike a pose after that brawl.

+0+

"That was certainly strange, they looked like Cronin's men but they just faded away like ghosts." Ceylon remarked, feeling a little stronger after that scuffle, "That guard was dazed when I hit it with water so that might be a weakness?"

"Noted, Shadows are like that...they seem to be able to take the form of things Cronin is familiar with." The Doctor observed their surroundings, if the Id crystal manifest the aesthetics and the beings that reside here then this must be Cronin's distorted perspective given form.

That would explained why the source of Cronin's income and greed has pools of molten gold.

"This is how Cronin sees this volcano isn't it." Ceylon was hesitant to ask, seeing this depraved sight she looked at Schwarz instead who was gritting her teeth in anger. "Schwarz? Are you alright?"

"No, I'm fine it's just being exposed to Cronin's thoughts it's making me hate the man more than before."

It was an understandable feeling, this was unlike the first Shadow the Doctor and Amiya encountered. This was not the manifestation of a child's desire for revenge but the being of a corrupted adult.

A sudden ring came from the Doctor's phone, it was strange that this place ha no signal with outside world. Amiya was trying to use the functions of hers so it was a surprise to see it working.

Looking at the text sent it made sense as to why, it was Sherry.

It appears that you have entered one of these anomalies, luckily due to that place being near the subconscious and while the Sea of Souls is indiscernible here we can manifest a gateway here.

This way, you may visit the Velvet Room physically. Although do note that only you can enter this place and since time does not pass normally here, be wise in requesting our services.

- Sherry

"What was it Doctor?"

That reminds him, he wondered if Sherry did something like what happened to Amiya. He urged Ceylon to check her phone and lo and behold it did have the same application as him and Amiya.

"So this allows me to see numerical data of my Persona, splendid." She exclaimed clearly pleased with learning more about this new aspect of her life.

"Nah, my benefactor deserve that praise." The Doctor sheepishly said, he then decided to take up Sherry on her offer as there was indeed a blue door near the entrance. Not before asking for permission the Doctor entered the Velvet Room this time as a willing participant.

0o0

Over Igor's long service towards humanity's struggles he has seen a lot. The lengths people would go through to satisfy one's desires.

Never has he seen a world that treats survival and desire as the same thing, to lose is to die in Terra. A certain crawling chaos would agree with that sentiment while his boss would lament at this world's humanity.

Yet, he cannot hear the tears or the jeers.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room." It was strange to feel this sense of uneasiness, they were supposed to be the guide of the guest and yet even they have bated breath over this world. Even still, service towards guests is of upmost importance. They have faith that he will seize the answers to their own questions.

Crystals and cards shine in the office of blue, with gestures and a few words fate coalescence into something more than the sum of its parts.

Their guest needs better pieces for the board so they shall comply.

0o0

Even though it took a while it was like the Doctor never left, to them it was like he spaced out for a moment. If not for Amiya being informed of what allies he had made, they would probably be confused and while she did not spill everything at least she explained that the Doctor was getting new Personas.

He and the drone Kal'tsit was using for navigation emerged at the same time apparently.

"Sorry for that, by the way did you already relay how our Personas work Amiya?" Amiya nodded, just as he taught her about this power before.

Ceylon's Persona was magic-oriented as expected but the weapon she carries is strange, a trident made out of water like Amiya's claw its ARTS energy manipulated into a solid construct by the Persona. Perhaps their choice of weapons manifest from their subconscious as well, the wishes and vows they made when they awaken.

Amiya longed to protect what was to dear no matter the cost, while Ceylon wanted to take the reigns of protecting Siesta. The two ladies were aspiring leaders in a way, even if the Liberi was more focus on finding a cure for Schwarz.

"Spirit ARTS or more informally known as Persona." Ceylon jotted down on her notes, "Say Schwarz can you read what's on it."

There was still a bit of childishness within her, starry-eyed she was just happy that she really was strong enough to protect her loved one.

"I'm afraid not Ceylon." Schwarz even with her honed vision couldn't make out what it says she can see Amphitrite's form however.

"I forgot to mention that non-Persona users can't perceive what's on our phones properly." The explanation as to why is not that complicated, when Personas are awaken it changes your perspective on things. A change in cognition, if there were going about it in a way neuro-psychological manner.

Being a neurologist in the past did pay off after all.

"Ehem, if you are done with the preamble of being a Persona-user can you hear me." Kal'tsit's voice echoed from the drone, "Good, it also appears that the temporal flow really is screwed over."

"What do you mean?"

"According to the drone's internal clock you've been here for five minutes but here only five seconds passed." That was alarming to hear, however this actually worked in their favor. If time is really slowed down outside then...

Closure had really earned her raise, Kal'tsit never thought she would think that of all thing right now. The usage of Aegir technology combined with Closure's own ingenuity in communication made this navigating this anomaly a more streamline mission.

Instead of relaying the video feed via camera and receptor waves to a communication team nearby, the drone essentially streams what is going on inside directly to the compute she's viewing things on. Even with the time disparity it is just like communicating with someone who is a different timezone. She even had the foresight to plaster in some defenses on the drone in case it got caught, the technology in that thing did cost a fortune.

"At the very least Closure pulled through for us, so I'll be acting as your Navigator here if you need change party members or heal with Lancet-2 you may do so." It was breath of fresh air to the lynx, no human enemies or political maneuvering in this task. It's just a simple romp of killing abstract concepts of depravity from a moron's dark desires. Though the stakes were high at least her moral compass is not going off the rails for once.

With all the pieces in place, the players stepped into the deeper sanctums of the corrupted volcano. A danger zone of molten riches and a fiery desire that would scorch its own home. Three Persona-users and a woman who is determined to set things right.

A cry from below was not heard, it was of an entity being corrupted by an unwanted presence.

-CHAPTER END-


Extra Turn: Fourteenth Omen

February 14.

A day of giving and joy to those who are lucky enough to have someone special in their lives, and a day of despair to those who are not. While there are people who are single that have boatloads of admirers, a certain black-haired Guard from the Reserve Team A6 would attest even though his claims are unfounded.

Like most things in life having too much of a good thing is bad.

It was a peaceful day in Rhodes Island Pharmaceutical Incorporated, no noise, explosions or any drunk roaming the around the Ark. While he would join the valentine affair, he did not really have a lot admirers that he knew of.

He was with the Karlan Commercial Crew featuring SilverAsh and a bunch of the other dudes in his room chatting about today that was tomorrow when he admitted that to them.

"Bullshit, if anything I wouldn't be surprised if Senomy or Gloria's other self haven't filled your office with chocolate already." Came Midnight's eloquent response. It was night so his office was unattended for now.

They weren't wrong when they said that the female Operators would pile his desk with chocolates. But surely they are the friend type of chocolate, still the Doctor has never heard of a sweetener called "Love Nectar" before.

Maybe he would bring that up when he's examining Specter's condition, he did cook in his spare time after all.

Well, it would be a shame to not eat their gifts of goodwill so he ate chocolate as a snack as he go by his day doing paperwork. Cherishing the heartfelt feelings of friendship they had for him as he did his part.

Overtime, he couldn't count on how many pieces of chocolate he consumed. It's a shame he didn't got around to eating Specter's but it was probably for the best as his vision started to dull.

"I guess one nap wouldn't hurt." He was almost done with his work, it just the filing for a new shipment of RMA70-12 and a directive from the team located at Leithanien.

He dozed off, in some sort of sugary sweet coma.

...

Moments later, he woke up at his desk only to see a lot of angry women in front of him.
What the hell did he do to make them so pissed at him.

"Good morning Doctor." Kal'tsit said that last bit with so much poison, he thought it was laced with cyanide, "Did you sleep well?" The green box she had might as well be filled with the poison as well.

"Yes, I would like to know that." Ch'en butted in uncaring of the other girl's presence, "As well as other instances of you sleeping." She asked as if she was interrogating somebody for information, even with the blue-red box in her hand, tied by a dragonscale ribbon.

That was creepy, why would she be interested in his sleep schedule?

"Did you get amnesia again?" W asked rhetorically, do they not see the Reunion-paid mercenary and the detonator-like box of chocolates? Why are they more focused on him, "I've given you leeway for forgetting a lot but this...I'm not laughing."

Yeah, didn't help that the Doctor noticed her trigger finger looking pretty active.

"It's strange I'm not in the mood for drinking this time." Hoshiguma sighed looking at him with disappointment and a slight bit of disdain, "...I'll cut to chase...I'm hurt." She looked at the transparent black box filled with her Hannya and heart cookies.

Ok, what the hell did he do? He took a nap and it was a working day is it his temptation to break work ethic?

"Please just tell me what's going on." He whispered desperate to know why are they mad at him at this time? It somehow made things worse however, he can literally feel the heat of their inner rage.

Wait...heat?

"I assume you know why but I'll tell you..." Talulah muttered, her demure expression masking the expression of her ARTS, "Why are your lights on last night?" She stopped doing that upon realizing that it's beginning to melt the contents of her frilly box.

Last night? He was with the boys right?

"Your office was open all night..." Jessica shyly explained her was face was more heart-broken than angry that did not make things any better though, "You said you were free but...I'm sorry for assuming that..."

Free? He didn't touch his phone all night and he made sure he closed the lights in his office.

"Ifrit would be devastated if she could see this..." Silence trailed off, even though her hands are grasping the gift she held in her hand, "Saria, I'm sorry you're better suited for this." Saria didn't speak however, she looked at the Doctor like he was dirt and her eyes were filled with both pain and anger.

"So! Did you sleep with someone else or what!" Closure was blunt with her question.

Sleep with what? Thoughts race through the innocent man's mind but based on the looks of the girls he was anything but.

"Dear, please tell me the truth." Came a gentle voice, a light-pink haired Sarkaz whom he did not recognized still she was someone to gawk at. "Have I fallen below what is expected in our relationship?"

A miasma of confusion swirled in his head and a storm of rage enveloped within the others.

"I was really hoping to go out with you after this..." Mostima usually kept her cool even when she was angry, but seeing her more like a wreck is harder to bear. She almost clenched the box of chocolate donuts that was for him.

"Uhm...girls..." He saw the situation as hopeless, whatever he might say he would hurt them all. Even with the Kindness and Charm he cultivated he can't convince ten dangerous women when they are angry or sad of something he has no idea of.

Jessica almost teared up clutching the expensive-looking box of chocolates she had on her.

"This is all a misunderstanding...I promise."

Bad move, master tactician.

"Are you serious here!" A certain Lung almost throttled the Doctor from his desk.
"I see..." Jessica was pouring tears filled with so much sorrow, that did not stop her from drawing her gun.
"Doctor...I expected more from you." The oni summoned Hannya from nowhere, her shield was calling for blood.
"You better count to three Doc-tor." The mercenary said in a sing-song voice, something he knew was reserved for those she would eliminate.

"Saria, hand me your shield." The Vouivre complied, showcasing Silence's hidden strength she carried the armament that is three-fourths her size.
"Don't move an inch." Suddenly the Doctor couldn't move, was it because of ARTS or the unnerving glare she's giving.
"I'm disappointed." That was a really chilly statement from a fire ARTS master.
"You have to take responsibility Doctor!" The strange Sarkaz girl just chided him for his apparent immaturity.

"You heard T_-_-_- take responsibility for this Doctor."

The Doctor could only watch as the ten women slowly engulf him, promising pain and retribution. At the very least Amiya isn't here to see this. Wait a minute Amiya is there beside the door...

She's observing the situation...wait why did she gave him a salute!?

Ah, she ran away with only her hollow wish of his survival.

He might as well pray to any deity above if he is to go out like this and soon...

Darkness.

...The Doctor woke up in the middle of the night in his bed, spacious enough to fit two people with only a night-lamp to accompany it.

"Wait a minute, this isn't my room." There was something off about this place, he never had a queen-sized bed nor does he have those kinds of night lamps.

He heard a rustle in the sheets in the middle of the night, was he sleeping with someone? The Doctor begged it to not be SilverAsh or one of the barely legal Operators.

"Hmm, oh did you have a nightmare?" A strangely familiar brunette woman asked him.

TURN END


Closure Report 2

I decided to take another crack at that data the Doctor accidentally made, if I only knew that it would be what is essentially an AI construct I wouldn't have even touched it.

But, I made this bed and I'd rather lie in this one than one made by Kal'tsit.

Let me elaborate.

Running the executable made a copy of him appear in my screen and like some weird form of malware it seeped into the deep-dive simulation system. The one we used for both internal battle preparations and for one-on-one trauma confrontation. One day Istina, one of the Ursus girls we rescued said that she saw the Doctor in one of her sessions. With the help of some brilliant people, we managed to corner the thing to its original executable file.

The problem is we cannot let this thing stay in the system, however to access it we have to run it on a device that can interact with the data. External methods of removal are an exercise in futility so we have no choice but to interact with it on the inside.

It's a miracle that neither the Doctor nor Kal'tsit and Amiya caught wind of this otherwise I would be, forgive my unprofessional conduct, in deep shit.

Before I go off on a tangent and thank the stars that I decided to make these reports so I can say I did keep track of all this, I have to clarify what is inside the Doctor's data.

Simply put, it was a strange scenery. The gigantic tower that did not reflect the file-size was present there and at the entrance was the Doctor standing before us.

He was not mocking us beyond the screen, he was there stationary like a pawn or a soldier on watch duty. It was unnerving to say the least.

With no better options I employed the help of Meteor and Plume, they work pretty well together so far and I can only procure two of these things. The two then proceeded to approach the data construct, it did not bat an eye at their sudden presence but they shrugged and continued on to the tower.

Only to find an invisible wall blocking their path.

The two grimaced as we all knew how to progress now, it's like one of those video games that won't allow to move on ahead without defeating the enemy.

Wisely enough I ordered them to attack the Doctor doppelganger before them. As expected it retaliate with a knife of all things, at the point of this report's writing the Doctor prefers the unorthodox weapon called a "hooksword" so to see his data counterpart be quite proficient with one is something of concern. Was the Doctor a master not only tactical warfare but practical as well in the past?

It's skill may rival our Specialists Operators, as it easily deleted both Operators by both having Plume be behind Meteor at all times by trying to attack the Sniper, so Meteor would seldom shoot and instead make her shots arch vertically if she wishes to support Plume. They can't keep the strategy they devise up for so long against a combat construct so eventually they slipped. The Doctor buried his knife within Plume's spear and used as a vault to quickly eliminate Meteor and Plume soon after as the latter was astonished at how quick it all was.

Suffice to say the two were disappointed with that failure.

One of things we manage to discover however was the Data as it's current state is a reactive entity. In order to decode its mysteries we have to defeat the Doctor inside it.

It would be safe to assume that there are more copies of him inside the file, Kal'tsit did say that she wanted to learn more about his past.

Report End

Party Information

The Doctor Lv21

Personas/Arcana

Ophiuchus Lv 21 /Fool
Frost Ace Lv 23 /Chariot*

-Skills
Mabufu, Bufula, Sukukaja, Lucky Punch, Hama, Diarama, Tentarafoo, Frost Edge
-Trait

Chilly Ace: Boosts Ice damage slightly, if you take ice damage Evasion/Accuracy is increased.
-Affinities
Resist Fire, Repel Ice, Weak to Curse

"After a certain incident Jack Frost took up the resolve to wear the Ice Vest like other Aces before him, he stands vigilant as a watchful eye in the realm between."

Shiki-Ouji Lv 22/Chariot*

* Level Boosted via Arcana Burst

Personal Skills

Temper Blade
"The user focuses their energy to their blade, the residual aura makes the weapon act like it was just tempered."
Honed Accuracy
"
Increases critical hit chance and hit rate slightly. If the user is a Ranged attacker then the critical hit chance is significantly increased instead."
Magical Chant
"Reciting an Aria enhances ARTS effectiveness apparently, however the Doctor cannot do that but by the power of self-suggestion it boosts magical attacks."

Equipment

Anchor Sword [ATK 82, Increases Drop Rate]
"A blade merged with the essence of the sea, it anchors the soul to the body when you deliver the hurt."
Lungmen Fatigues [DEF 70, LU + 3]
"The classic Lungmen citizen apparel, strangely sturdy."
Wyvern Signet
[EN + 5 Earth Resistance Up!]
"A mythical look from a mythical creature, it imparts a feeling of structure to the bones."
Shell Necklace
[MA + 2 LU + 1]
"Even though it was made from things picked up on the shore, there is a certain charm and mystique when you wear one."
Outfit: Summer Threads
"It is ill-advised to go on a hot climate while being covered all the way down. Bibeak had a hand in this design."

Amiya Lv20
Persona
Miseria Lv 20/ Magician
Skill Updates
Eiga, Rampage, Tarukaja, Rakunda, Malice Cutter, Tentarafoo

Personal Skills

Tactical Chant
"An aria can help when focusing energy on ARTS, sadly like all things it takes time however the boost is well worth it up against strong foes."
Spirit Burst
"Deals severe ARTS damage to one target, afterwards Amiya's debuffed in all stats for a turn/time limit."
Cheer
"Words of encouragement go a long way, making the team more likely to hit critical areas."

Equipment
Feral [ATK 85 ARTS Damage + 10% Critical Rate + 10%]

"The design of this ring just screams ferocity, appropriately named."
Bomber Jacket [DEF 81]
"Was used for war once, now it is a modernly styled apparel. The fame did not detract its use for combat however."
Wave Ring [ST + 3 MA + 4]
"A souvenir from Siesta's gift shop. The metalwork is masterful depicting the waves of the ocean with concave grooves of steel."

Hell Fang Pendant [AG + 1 ST + 3]
"It was as if an incisor of a literal dog from hell was ripped off and put into a chain. Luckily that is not the case as this is merely metal made in its likeness. No Hellhounds harmed."

Outfit: Summer's Breeze
"A girl can't just stroll outside with her work clothes, vacation is here and she's walking to meet the sun."

Ceylon Lv 19
Persona
Amphitrite Lv 19/Empress

Skills
Aques, Malaques, Hydrowave* Patra Diarama
Trait
Guardian Tides: Grants a defense increase to a random party member(s) depending on how many enemies are hit this Persona's water skill. Maximum of four.
Affinities
Resist Ice & Water, Weak to Electricity

*Is a Water Physical Attack.

Origin

"The wife of Poseidon and the embodiment of the sea. She stood vigilant as a watchful guardian of her kingdom. At one point she grew jealous of Scylla, and threw herbs into the ocean cursing her rival to become a monster."

Personal Skills

Hydrotherapy
"Cures the party slightly, if a Water skill was used last turn the healing effectiveness is boosted."

Equipment

Weapon: Umbrella
Plastic Parasol [ATK 75 MA+1]
"Even though the thing is made of plastic, it is quite durable just goes to show the quality of product."
Victorian Dress [DEF 55 MA+1]
"A dress made for any occasion not sacrificing grace and elegance."
White Gloves [MA + 2]
"Graceful white latex gloves that are easy to clean and don't stick to any kind of dirt and grime."
Black Ribbon [LU + 1]
"A fancy and sleek ribbon."
Outfit: Researcher's Grace
"Whether on the field or indoors, she prefers this outfit when she sets out to do something."

Schwarz LV 25

Personal Skills

Charge
"Charges the next shot, increasing both damage and guarantees it is a critical hit."
Turns to Sharp Eye at LV 27
Sharp Arrow
"A finely sharpened arrowhead is fired, who knew sharp things hurt more."
AP Arrow
"An arrowhead that pierces armor, ignoring physical defenses."
Crossfire [Passive]
"Increases the damage of ranged attacks witj [Pierce] "

Equipment
Professional Crossbow [ATK 95 Crit Rate + 10%]
"A RIM Billiton crossbow made for professional use, what use? Well that's a professional's secret."
Body Bracers [DEF 85 EN + 4 AG + 4]
"Any trader of violence wouldn't be caught with this lightweight yet effective armor."
Sea Ring [ST + 5]
"One must be as strong as the sea if they wish to endure the life of Terran."
Shell Necklace [MA + 2 LU + 1]
"Even though it was made from things picked up on the shore, there is a certain charm and mystique when you wear one."

Outfit: Heat Bodyguard
"Schwarz's regular attire made for more hot climates and never sacrifices her agility."

Voice Lines 2

Navigator: Kal'tsit

During Battle 1
"You know the drill by now."
During Battle 2
"Don't lose to them they are weaker."
During Battle 3
"Interesting composition...is it possible to bring one alive?"
Only Four Left
"Four hostiles left, now that number disadvantage is waning."
Only Three Left
"Three remaining, don't let up."
Only Two Left
"Two enemies remain still, don't get cocky."
One Left
"Only one enemy, pile on them."
All-Out Attack 1
"Incredible! This should end this!"
All Out Attack 2
"Hmm, even I am getting pumped up."
After Victory 1
"Too easy huh? I can see it on your face."
After Victory 2
"That was interesting, the other Operators could learn a thing or two."
After Victory 3
"Combat Manual Synthesized, no need to thank me."

If The Doctor is "Burnt"
"The Doctor's on fire, put it out now!"
If The Doctor is "Frozen"
"Not the first time he's on ice but thaw him out!"
If The Doctor is "Paralyzed"
"This is bad he's in shock!"
If The Doctor is "Afraid"
"His will is wavering, snap out of it you fool!"
If The Doctor is "Rage"
"Never thought I would see him like this, hey this isn't you!"
If The Doctor is "Despaired"
"Do something about him please, he might do something drastic!"
If the Doctor is "Brainwashed"
"Oh dear, he can't tell who his allies are!"

If The Doctor is "Defeated: Before Succumbing"
"He's down, help him please!"
If The Doctor Succumbs
"No, it can't be...I'm sorry I couldn't fulfill your promise."

Ceylon: Tactics Menu

Act Freely

Doctor: "Do what you will."
Ceylon: "As you wish."

Conserve SP

Doctor: "Conserve your strength."
Ceylon: "Got it. Conserve energy."

Gang Up
Doctor: "Outnumber them."
Ceylon: "Overwhelm them one by one!"

Survival

Doctor: "Focus on your survival."
Ceylon: "Leave the healing to me."

Direct Command
Doctor
: "Follow my lead."
Ceylon: "Give me the signal."

Schwarz: Tactics Menu

Act Freely

Doctor: "Do what you will."
Schwarz: "You may want to cover your eyes."

Conserve SP

Doctor: "Conserve your strength."
Schwarz:"For the battles ahead? Very well."

Gang Up
Doctor: "Outnumber them."
Schwarz: "Going by the numbers? Alright."

Survival

Doctor: "Focus on your survival."
Schwarz: "Evasive maneuvers."

Direct Command
Doctor
: "Follow my lead."
Schwarz: "Orders awaiting."

BOARD Data

Pyroclastic Chasm

A ravine of gluttony made manifest by the ID of Cronin, his endless gluttony for both power and money to the point that he would consume the island withing Siesta's magma seeped its way into the island's beating heart.

Bestiary

Shadow Slug
Weak to Bless, Resists Curse
"A Shadow who took the form of a basic Originium Slug, like their real counterpart they prefer to congregate in numbers."
Loot: Blank Crystal, Vigor Gem

Capricious Agent
Weak to Water, Resists Fire and Ice
"A Shadow that took on the form of a Siestan Agent, their attacks may have the ability to paralyze."

Loot: Vigor Gem, Igneous Rock

Greedy Agent
Weak to Water, Resists Ice
"A variant of a Capricious Agent who acts as a leader, they may force you to drop money when hit. If worse comes to worse they would use one of their teammates as a human shield if they are heavily injured."
Loot: Vigor Gem, Discount Coupon

Molten Idol

Weak to Water, Resists Fire
"Having the body of melted gold, it's a symbolical idol of self-consuming nature of desiring wealth alone."
Loot: Gold Vial

Author Notes

Hey, I'm back sorry I took a while. I kinda was on vacation for January so I can barely work but I'm back this February.

So I made Ceylon a Persona-user, though she's not a romance-able option since she's an optional party member in the story after the Siesta chapter. To clarify her parasol turns into a water trident when she's attacking, thought it'd be fun to see the Operators use their ARTS in unique ways after awakening or develop new ways of fighting.

Speaking of Personas, I might as well say that Ophiuchus will awaken into a new Persona before Chapter 8 in the timeline. Who it may be, well it's a form before someone had obtained forbidden knowledge, forcing the gods to strike him down. Th how is something I've been planning ever since Turn 0 of this story so I'm pumped when I reach that point.

Schwarz being in a Palace-like environment without a Persona...hmm curious.

BOARDs are like the inverse of what a Palace is in effect, because usually physical desires manifest as someone's other world but ID crystals and in turn the BOARDs they make affect reality in a physical way. A mental object affecting the physical world, harknening to how a screwed perspective can physically affect reality. The Persona-users besides the Doctor awaken to themselves by understanding one's perspective on things like how Reunion's goal is a contradiction to Amiya or Ceylon understanding her father's actions whereas people like Cronin or Skullshatterer are sold by a single point of view.

Since every Persona game has a theme that also compliments the color, I wonder how "perspectives" as a theme would look like. I like to expand on this theme now that I found what I want my central thesis of this story to be.

I've read "The Rebel Doctor" and I have to say it's pretty great so far, I have to admit it's a bit lonely here in this niche so more writers for Arknights is always welcome. I love Genshin Impact and all but sometimes I feel like it caught our fellow writers interest more, not that I blame them GI too has great lore and story...not to mention the characters. Forgive me for my melancholic pondering.

I might make a side-fic in the same universe as this but with Ch'en, Hoshiguma and The Doctor. Oh and good luck on the Eunectes banner.
The working title is "Lungmen Case Files"

Well, that's a wrap. The next update will be accompanied by an EX chapter once more so I hope you'll enjoy that too.

Once again I Wordbound, thank you for reading.

"Keep an open mind."

Next Turn 8: Singed Land
Next EX-Turn 2:
Heartbeat