Operation Ragnarok: A Synlet Story

Written by: GhostPhoenix84

Dedicated to: Inc234, Pink-Pencil-Girl, I am a firetruck, and 2048276

Disclaimer: You can all calm down, I am back. I apologize for the hiatus, but I am back. Congrats to Inc234 for finishing another amazing story. You're awesome. Also, to answer your question, Guest- I have never been to North Adams before, I just randomly chose it. I have, however, visited Cape Cod. I only on Izanami Eboshi in this chapter. Look out for references to Kill Bill Volume 1 and to Princess Mononoke. All other characters belong to their creators.

Suggested Soundtrack: Lady Eboshi/Evening at the Iron Works- Princess Mononoke Soundtrack, Hedwig's Theme- John Williams, Tatari-Gami (Demon God) - Princess Mononoke soundtrack

Chapter 3: Izanami Eboshi

Early the next morning, the sun was a brilliant shade of red as Vi prepared herself for her first day of undercover work. She had to mentally remind herself that she was to call herself Sarah Vowel or Vowel-san as per her undercover story. Not to mention that she would be working alongside Buddy Pine.

The apartment she was renting was near a train station and as she crowded in amongst the other commuters, she thought about what Syndrome had revealed last night. Something about a military exercise called Operation: Ragnarok. She knew that Ragnarok, according to Norse mythology, was the fated clash between Odin and the Aesir against Loki and the forces of darkness. From what she had seen, a supposed operative had obliterated part of the graveyard. No super that she was aware of had those kinds of powers, so had the US government been screwing around with a genetic modification. If that was the case, and with the Cold War heating up at the moment, how desperate were the Americans to win? Even if meant compromising morals and ethical standards that most humans would never consider breaching, even on pain of death.

As she exited the underground station, she mused, "Something's off about Ragnarok. I know we're desperate to end the Cold War, but genetic tampering? Wonder what else they covered up." By now, she crossed a leafy suburban street and came up to a large skyscraper. On the front door were the hiragana in neon lighting read "Crazy 88 Media, Eboshi Izanami- CEO". The door opened and there stood Buddy Pine. He nodded to her and they fell into step together as they crossed the granite and mother of pearl inlay lobby.

"I think we should call a truce while you're here, Persephone."

"Will you stop calling me that, Syndrome? I did some thinking about what you said about Ragnarok, and I think your right about that."

"You think I'm right? I know for a fact that I'm right!"

"Really, how so?"

"Because my step-father was in charge of the operations in Romania and my older brother, Martin Travis was a foot soldier."

This last bit took Violet by surprise. She had no idea that Buddy had a family, much less a life outside stalking her family. She looked up at him, deep violet meeting his impossibly blue ones. Buddy blushed brightly, someone final gave a damn about his search. Maybe the truce could work after all.

Leaning over, he whispered, "When the door opens, lean on me and I'll wrap my arm around your waist. Japanese business culture is really conservative, so it's easier if Eboshi-san's renters think we're dating." Vi was about to protest, when ding! The door opened, and at least 8 or 9 men her father's age waddled in, discussing business trends on the Nikei. They gave the couple a quick glace and turned around.

Buddy had been right, it was strange being stared at like you didn't belong there without as escort. There were at least 30 something more floors to go before reaching the HQ of the mysterious Izanami Eboshi. As they waited, Vi relaxed and rested her head on Buddy's shoulder while sighing contently, a small smile tugging on her lips. Buddy glanced down at her and gave a soft look. He could get used to this, but it couldn't last. They both knew this.

All too soon, the elevator came to a stop, and both heroine and ex-villain pulled apart. Exiting at the same time, he gave her a friendly wave before stepping into a conference room. Left alone, Violet's heart started pounding, unnerved by what was about to happen. Nervously, she licked her lips and knocked on the door labeled "Eboshi."

"Come in," came a soft, clipped accent. Violet swallowed her fears and bravely opened the door and came face to face with Izanami Eboshi. Sitting behind a mahogany desk, her black hair was pulled up in an elaborate bun. Her large eyes were the color of her silky hair and her kimono was a bright yellow, with black stripes on the sleeves. To the right along the far wall was a large family shrine, and the portrait caught her eyes.

The portrait was of a woman, in her early 40's or late 30's. Her hair was plaited into a stylized bun known as a hime or princess cut. She was wearing some kind of stylized orange helmet, and her patterned kimono was a burgundy color with a silver and gold fan overlay pattern. Over this she wore a dark-blue jacket.

From behind her, Violet heard a surprisingly gentle laugh. Izanami nodded to the shrine, "That is my honored fore-mother, Eboshi Sakura. You must be Sarah Vowel, the radio personality. I must say, you remind me someone I once knew. No matter, I am still pleased to meet you."

Sarah bowed, "Likewise, I am honored to meet you, Eboshi-san. I read that your honored ancestor was the founder of Tataraba Foundry in Honshu." This was historical fact, at some point in the 1550's, the former concubine of a pirate king began rescuing women and girls from brothels, along with the women's husbands (if they had one) and lepers. They founded a town in the forests of Honshu, and that place became known as Tataraba, or Iron Town.

After getting her assignment, Vi was shown to the same room where Syndrome and few others were working, hacking security codes and taking inventory of anything worth selling on the black market. As she watched them, Izanami noticed a faint red string tying together Sarah and Buddy. She smiled, it would be fun playing matchmaker for them. Izanami Eboshi was a Mononoke in that way, nobody knew her heart, but she could read the hearts of others. What she had read about her American employees was this: they had broken hearts from past experiences and the only way to heal was to heal together as a couple. She smiled, she looked forward to the results.