Nothing Is Truly Impossible
Sitting in her desk and looking towards two others, Kolt had the expression of seriousness and with little amusement. Maximus and Chiffon occupied the seats in front of her in complete awkward silence. They too looked both emotionless and waited for Kolt to open her mouth, "So, how's Ingrid?" Kolt asked breaking the silence and with relief.
"Ingrid's fine, she woke up this morning." Chiffon answered, "She doesn't know anything about the night she disappeared. She claims to have gone to bed early..." She stated with a monotone voice letting the thought sink in to the others, "...and she says that she got out of bed in the morning for a jog but somehow collapsed on one of the lesser used trails."
Seeing sincerity, Kolt understood what she was feeling, "False memories is a common symptom when taken by shadows. Where's Tony? I still need a debrief." She asked wondering where Tony is.
"He's been with Ingrid since early morning." Chiffon replied, "Another thing I want to point out is when Tony came back he had several bruises on his face and..." ; "We don't get bruises easily." She explained but was interrupted by Kolt before she could finish her sentence.
"It'll take a pretty hard impact to leave a bruise against our faces." Maximus added making it clear he was involved too.
"Unless his face was hit by a train then I don't see how he got those bruises."
Chiffon said with a convincing tone then Maximus and Kolt look to each other with serious expressions. If she was right then Tony would have to answer their question as to what went on when he saved Ingrid.
Infirmary
Tony leaned against the windowsill almost sitting on it listening to music with wireless earbuds and visited Ingrid who was recovering from her injuries or so that's what the doctors think. To everyone else the experiment was weaselling in and her excuse made everything easier on everybody. Ingrid sat upright in her bed with a desk stand made for hospitals eating breakfast as a couple nurses just finished up working with her and headed out the door
Tony the pulled out a little device from his pocket which was a holoscreen iPod and kept pressing the 'next' button to find a certain song. Ingrid rose a spoon full of oats to her mouth and blew on it but when the door closed she lowered it, "Thank you." She muttered softly.
Hearing a muffled tone Tony quickly pulled out on earbud "I'm sorry what was that?" He asked looking over to Ingrid a relaxed expression.
Ingrid looked over to Tony with a serious expression. It looked like she didn't want to repeat herself, "I said thank you." She said softly still holding her expression.
"For what?" Tony asked tilting his head in question.
She looked away and slightly dropped her head allowing her bangs to shadow her eyes, "For saving me yesterday." She stated with a downhearted tone
"So you do know." Tony commented, "Everybody says you went for a jog yesterday." He stated. Although he didn't looked surprised, he actually was to some extent. It's common for people to have some recollection after an incident like Ingrid's so he was more or less intrigued.
"I remember everything. It's just too painful to think about." She said tears running down her face and hiding it from Tony but the tone of her voice was all he needed.
"You're probably the third third-year that knows what I am by this point. A normal Pandora wouldn't have saved you from that dark sanctum. Tell me, what's too painful to think about." He explained and kindly asked Ingrid about her experience in the basin. Being what he is, Tony knew what she was talking about.
"I-It's about my late friend Marin." She stated.
"The Pandora that saved dozens of others. Such a selfless act could have made her a hero." Tony commented.
"That's what bothers me, When I was in that tub I relived those moments!" She cried and began sobbing, "She kept asking me if the little ones made it out, but when I check to see they were all dead!". It became clear that what she experienced in the basin broke her by reliving those moments of the past. Ingrid was both pissed and sad at the same time, "I couldn't...I couldn't bring myself to tell her...that...that...they all died." She said completely breaking down and slumped over.
"The Impurification Basin has many ways of breaking one's will. It's turns one's own thoughts against themselves, in your case: it had you relive that particular moment in your life where you truly felt lost and broken." Tony explained with sincerity and the properties of the basin, "It's how those monsters breed, it's how they multiply. Those monsters are Impure in every way."
"Impure, Monsters of the dark." Ingrid said after she finished crying, "They're the reason why most people fear the dark." Tony's thoughts stopped upon saying that. Tony knew that but never told anyone and Ingrid couldn't hear that from someone else.
"Relax, your safe as long as I'm here Ingrid." Tony assured her with determination. Ingrid looked over to Tony and immediately picture a knight in shining armor.
By now Ingrid completely stopped crying and rubbed her tears, "That's why I said thank you." She said with a smile. A pause was erupted from the small talk as the two looked to each other, "Can I tell you something?" She asked patting the spot next to her.
Acknowledging her request Tony walked over and sat next to Ingrid, "What's u-oomph?!" Tony was then interrupted by a spontaneous kiss imposed by Ingrid. Tony decided to savour the moment and paused enjoying the feeling of soft luscious lips of Ingrid Bernstein.
She slowly leaned off and looked into Tony's eyes, "It's the least I could do since you saved me from him." She said to him with a quiet soft innocent tone.
"Don't mention it." Tony told her, "Try to understand if the Academy found out what really happened to you then the only thing to expect is chaos." He explained.
"I understand." Ingrid nodded acknowledging his explanation, "I'm the guardian and preserver of order after all." She said with a smirk.
"Good, please continue your story and..." Tony was about to say but Elizabeth walked into the room beforehand, "Have yourself a nice day Ingrid." He said getting up and headed towards the door.
Elizabeth allowed him to pass and walk out the door, "What were you two talking about?" She asked standing at the foot of Ingrid's bed with a serious expression.
Tony closed the door behind him and stood in the hall of the infirmary ward. About to walk down the hall Maximus and Kolt stood before him without a sound, "She wasn't lying when she said you have bruises." Maximus commented looking at Tony's bruises around his face.
"Who?" Tony asked im question the it hit him good, "Chiffon!"
"What happened in there?" Kolt asked sternly. Her tone of voice demanded him to answer.
Tony paused like he forgot something important, "Shit! Ahhh!" He sounded pinching the bridge of his nose, "I shoulda told you guys yesterday, God be damned!" He stated face palming.
"What should you have told us?" Maximus asked.
"It's Richard, He's Shadowman." Tony quickly replied looking serious.
"Richard? Shouldn't he be dead?" Kolt stated with a questionable motive. She had known Richard to have been killed but to hear it Tony from Tony that was he still alive was confusing.
"Let's talk about this later in your office Colonel." Tony said walking passed the two and down the hall. Kolt and Maximus nodded amongst themselves and headed the other way.
Still standing at the end of Ingrid's bed Elizabeth looked retained her serious expression, "You didn't answer my question." She said.
"He's was asking where I was." Ingrid replied taking a sip of her tea sitting on the tray of her table.
Elizabeth processed that reply for less than a second and answered back, "Why is he concerned about your well being?" She questioned. Already suspecting Tony's behaviour she began suspecting his actions and motives.
Not even a second less Ingrid responded, "Isn't everybody? After what happened I suspect everyone would including yourself Elizabeth." She explained denouncing any conspiracies.
"You and I both know that you didn't go for a jog yesterday." Elizabeth stated folding her arms.
Looking at Elizabeth's posture Ingrid knew she wasn't going to give in to false claims since she had a reputation to find out the truth for anything really, "Are you done saying what you think? I need my rest." Ingrid quickly responded laying down and rolling over to her side.
Elizabeth wasn't going to get anything out of Ingrid despite her respect for Elizabeth, "You can run from the world but eventually the world will come to you." Elizabeth commented quietly enough and stormed out the room. Unbeknownst to Elizabeth Ingrid heard that tactful comment and began questioning her own motives
Chiffon
She and Ticy were both hanging out in her room relaxing without a planned schedule. She wore a pink noodle strap top and short blue hot pants with white leggings. The day off came by so fast everyone wasn't expecting it by far and hadn't planned anything significant for the sudden event, "Another day off." Chiffon commented aloud looking out her dorm window sitting lazily on her bed as the wind blew gracefully through the trees outside.
Ticy on the other hand had things quickly planned out offered Chiffon to com along by she denied her request and instead wanted to relax. Understanding Chiffon's position as Student Council President she felt she would only get in the way of her time, "Well I'm off Chiffon. See you." Ticy said finishing gathering her things and headed out the door.
"See you soon Ticy" Chiffon waved in which Ticy smiled in returned and walked out the door. Chiffon sighed and looked back outside, "What now?" She asked herself.
"Oh hey Ticy." A muffled voice sounded on the other side of the door. Judging by the tone it was none other than the 'supposed' idiot of the academy.
"You?! What are you doing here?" Ticy's voice could also be heard through the door.
"I'm here to see Chiffon." The other voice responded cheerfully
"Well she isn't here." Ticy said trying the keep that person as far away from Chiffon as posible.
"I just saw her not head this way not even a while ago." The person said in his defense.
"Well..." Ticy trailed off seeing how she couldn't counter that remark, "...She's busy and doesn't want anyone bothering her." She said trying her very best to the person away.
"She can tell me herself thank very much." The person responded. Clearly she wasn't doing a very good job at holding the person back.
"H-hey!" Ticy sounded as the person barged through Ticy. The door opened and in came a certain dark skinned male.
"Chiffon!" The male greeted, "Are you busy?" He asked.
"Whatever." Ticy commented before finally leaving.
Chiffon couldn't help but giggle at Ticy's distress, "Not anymore Tony." She told him with a smile.
"Excellent! Listen I wanted to take you out for a coffee or something. Just to get out of campus for a bit" Tony offered with no hesitation. Seeing good intentions after several hectic days she couldn't refuse even if she wanted too.
"Well sure, I don't mind leaving for a bit." She said getting up and taking a sky blue crop jacket. She tapped his shoulder as she passed him and headed out the door.
Understanding the simple gesture he followed behind her and closed the door behind him. Moments later they walked down the hall with Tony taking the lead towards the parking lot, "How's that new girl Rana?" Tony asked.
"She's adapting, something wrong?" Chiffon replied.
"No not really, just I curious." Tony admitted walking outside. He then approached a little yellow beetle Volkswagen and pulled out a set of keys.
Pushing a button the beetle honked, "This your car?" Chiffon asked looking a little dumbfounded.
"Borrowed actually." Tony replied opening the driver side of beetle and hopped in.
"I see." Chiffon commented before hoping in the vehicle, "Why were you asking about Rana?" She asked. Tony fell silent as he started to vehicle and starting moving. It became clear to Chiffon that he was more than curious.
Flashback
Three of Elizabeth's entourage stood looking at a window in the middle of a hall overlooking the second year's P.E. class taught by Yu-Mi. The trio Arnet, Creo, and Attia watched like vultures waiting patiently for good meat, "Our little transfer student is quite is intriguing isn't she?" Arnet stated, "Just like Attia said."
"No kiddin' could you feel that power coming from her?" Creo added to the conversation with a grin written on her face
"Well, that settles it. If you all agree I'd say let's proceed with the plan" Attia said cryptically and sadistically.
"Still planning on disciplining Satelizer I see." Tony commented appearing seemingly out of nowhere. The three girls flinched and turned around only to find Tony leaning against the wall tapping away on his touch tablet.
"How'd you..." Creo sounded trying to contemplate how he got there without a sound.
Arnet reacted by deploying her volt weapon: Scythe Machina. Tony remained glued to his iPod despite of being threatened, "I don't mean any harm." He said, "I just want to say that; One often meets their destiny, on their journey to avoid it."
"You're ranting is starting to irritate me." Attia stated walking down the hall, "Beside our plan doesn't concern you." Arnet dematerialized her volt weapon and followed Attia with Creo at her side.
Tony lowered his iPod and pocketed it with a sly look, "So then it's true then. All warfare IS based on deception..." He commented
Attia stopped and processed that comment, "What?" She asked turning around along with Arnet and Creo only to him gone.
"...For years the Nova has made the world a battlefield...your leaders talk, while your sisters and daughters spill their own blood..." Tony said appearing behind the trio, "...but the deceit cuts both ways."
Understanding the concept Arnet and Attia looked a little surprised, "Where are you going with this?" Attia asked.
"The bigger the lie, the more likely people will believe it, and when the 'world' cries for vengeance, the lies spreads like a wildfire..." Tony continued, "...the fire builds, devouring everything in it's path..."
Now seeing where he was going with this the trio fell silent. Attia had a plan but that plan could turn on itself if someone had the right tactics to do so.
"...You third year Pandora think; you ALONE dictate this academy" Tony finished walearing a smug look.
"What are you going to do?" Attia asked jumping to the conclusion that he'd do something that'll interfere with Attia's scheme.
"Same thing I've always have; Nothing." Tony admitted, "Like I just said you wouldn't want your plan to collapse on itself now would you. I have nothing against you third years but lemme tell you something; Power always has it's Price." He said turning around and left leaving the trio the contemplate his ranting.
Downtown
Stopping off in front of a strip mall they hopped out of the vehicle, "We're here." Tony said unbuckling his seatbelt and opening his door.
Chiffon's expression dropped in irritation, "Seems out of proportion to drive all the way here for a coffee." She commented getting out and looking at the building of the café.
Tony then stepped over to the door opening it wide enough for the door to enter, "Come now, I like this place and their exquisite taste for Coffee." He said walking in as Chiffon followed closely behind so the door wouldn't close behind her.
Tony and Chiffon stepped to the counter where a young sage haired girl knelt down below the counter fiddling with something behind it, "Hi I'd like a Dark Roast." Tony said startling the girl who flinched and bumped her head on the edge of the counter.
"Owww..." She sounded rubbing her head and stood up, "You again!" She cried upon seeing Tony again.
Tony grinned in response, "Himiko Kasukezaki, what a pleasant surprise." He greeted.
She became perplexed and confused with a puzzled expression after his response, "Uh, you said my name right." She said softly but loud enough for him to hear.
"Did I?" Tony questioned in a joking tone. Himiko rolled her eye's in response and tapped the console making the order, "Must've been a mistake, Your next." He told Chiffon as he stepped aside.
"OMG!" Himiko stopped what she was doing and slapped her cheeks in pure delight as soon as she laid eyes on the Unparalleled Smiling Monster herself.
"Yes?"
"Your Chiffon Fairchild!" Himiko cried.
"You too know each other?" Tony asked rotating his attention between Himiko and Chiffon.
"Chiffon's number one ranked Pandora of the World, it's hard not to know her." Explained Himiko with glee.
"I take it you're familiar with Pandora and Genetics." Tony said. To him Himiko showed some aspect of knowledge in Genetics.
Himiko's face became flushed and slightly looked away "I always wanted to be a Pandora but...I'm not compatible with stigmata." She said softly.
"I'm sorry to hear that but can I order?" Chiffon told Himiko.
Hearing Chiffon's tone she knew she was only stalling; "Oh right sure, anything for you Ms. Fairchild." She said letting out a embarrassed smile.
"Please call me Chiffon." Chiffon kindly told the would-be Pandora.
"Aw, she told me to call her Chiffon. Sorry, what'll it be?" She commented with excitement but quickly recuperated.
Looking at the top menus she could've ordered a specialty drink but instead she ordering something else, "I'll have the same thing he's having." She said with a calm smile.
"Sure." Himiko nodded and tapped the order into the console, "Just pick it up over on the side." She pointed over to the right side
Tony scrunched his face in confusion, "How much?" He asked
"Nothing." Himiko replied remaining professional.
Tony smile in response and turned to Chiffon who held both drinks in both her hands, "Maybe I should take you along more often." He told her jokingly
"Shut up." Chiffon responded.
Just as the two were about to sit themselves down Himiko called out, "Ahem."
Tony turned around, "What?" He asked
Himiko reached out held her hand towards Tony, "Where's my car jerk off?." She asked not harshly but assertively. She flicked her fingers a couple times implying to hand them over.
With hesitation Tony walked over and handed over the keys. Much to her surprise she didn't honestly think that'd work, "There, you may have noticed I took the time to clean out the interior." Tony told her and turned around. Not noticing Chiffon inside he looked around and with a quick glance he noticed her standing outside, "Hey Chiffon wait up!" He called quickly making it over to the door
"Uh Hey!" Himiko sounded but he was already at the door. She shook her head in response, "Asshole, next in line please." She commented aloud and took the next order.
Same Time, Unknown Location
A lone individual with shaggy hair reaching his neck and a fairly large bang covering his half his face sat at a desk with piles of paper work. He sighed due to the amount of work and also boredom. He was alone in an office filled with things; half were trinkets and junk, the other half were achievements and treasures.
The door to office and walked in a man with a silver slicked back hair style walked in, "Lieutenant-Commander Jesse." He greeted and stepped in front of the desk. In his hand held a flip folder.
Retaining the bored expression he looked towards the man, "What's up Keller." Jesse greeted back blandly and lifeless. It became clear that he didn't want or even like being there.
Keller rolled his eyes in response, "There have been sightings of White Robe Guardians in the Northern, West-end, and Transcona districts." He explained placing a folder down on the desk and flipped it open. Several papers with photos that were clearly taken from position cameras showed regular newspaper photos but off in the background were white cloaked individuals.
Looking closely Jesse's interest in the chair slightly increased, "White Robes are usually never in the city. They're looking for something." He inputted. Sure he wasn't an officer nor strategist but from experience it was clear.
Keller became confused and tried to process the thought, "Like what?" He asked curiously.
"I don't know." Jesse said slumping back in the chair, "If Tony were here he'd know what to do." He stated zoning out.
"He'd find them personally and kill them without a second thought. If it weren't for him we'd either be dead or Black Robes Assassins." Keller explained with respect. He was one of the first people Tony met and since then Keller became fond of him for his determination and willpower.
"True that, thanks to him we opened eyes." Jesse agreed nodding then twirled in the chair, "Where is he anyway?" He asked spinning slowly around.
"He supposedly went on a trip with Maximus. Never bothered to say when he'd be back." Keller told Jesse. Right away Jesse stopped spinning after hearing that statement from Keller
"Shit." He cursed standing up and walked over towards Keller.
Raising an eyebrow Keller became confused, "What?" He asked wanting to know Jesse's thought on the subject.
"I think I know what happened." Jesse said, "Let's go investigate." He stated tapping Keller's shoulder and walked passed him towards the door. Keller nodded and followed closely behind Jesse as he left to find the source of the duo's sudden absence.
Night, West Genetics Campus
Walking passed the front gates and into the courtyard, Tony and Chiffon were back at West Genetics, "See I told you it wasn't THAT long." Tony said jokingly.
Because Tony had to give the car back she wasn't to happy to walk back,"What are you talking about? It's night." She replied flustered with irritation.
"It's not THAT bad." Tony responded jokingly.
"Whatever." She said.
"Well we're back now. I'm gonna go out a nightly stroll, you comin' or goin'?" Tony offered another walk around the courtyard before finishing the day.
Seeing good intention she felt reluctant to go, "I'm good, I'll see you tomorrow." She replied stopping at a split in the path.
"Alright then." Tony responded happily. Chiffon let out a smile and headed off the other way. Her hot pants pressed nicely against her bottom definately caught Tony's eye, 'Dat ass.' He mentally commented as she walked off.
For about five minutes he walked about the campus and found himself outside the training center until her heard a loud crash from inside. His instincts kicked in and immediately ran inside to search for the source also expecting the worst by pulling out his little Pico Beretta.
Running inside didn't expect to see Satellizer and Rana standing face to face looking roughed up . Tony sighed in relieve but also in irritation and holstered his Beretta into his sleeve again. Deciding to step in he notice three more figures at the other end nor noticed Kazuya standing in the mist of it.
Upon noticing the figure trio he immediately ran over, "The hell's goin' on here?" He shouted quickly shortening the distance between himself and the group. The trio Arnet, Attia, and Creo recognized the situation and acted before Tony could intervene. Arnet and Creo activated their volts weapons while the other three were distracted by Tony letting down their guards, Arnet's Scythe's blade dug into Satellizer's back deep enough to make her drop and Creo's sent an impacting fist to Rana's head knocking her out. Realizing his mistake Tony slowed down and was about to counter attack but felt a massive impact to his abdomen and sharp pains.
The force knocked Tony's to his back groaning in pain, "Guess I should have never underestimated Volt Weapon's." He commented in one out of breath tone. Kazuya turned around but before he could speak he too felt short of Creo's knockout punch.
"Big hero coming to the recuse. Pathetic." Attia said sadistically with a smirk. Looking up he was now looking up to three Third-Year Pandora all ranked within the top tens. Clearly he was outnumbered and wouldn't stand a chance if they planned a strategy which they probably have.
Tony crunched up but felt a jolt to his face and fell back. Creo retracted her leg and returned to her stance, "That's felt kinda good." She said smiling. The three girls started laughing amongst themselves because they now were about to have fun with the most cryptic and idiotic person on campus.
Arnet pressed her foot between Tony's legs who started gritting his teeth, "Listen, Girls only want to have fun. So don't take it the wron-HUAH!" she was interrupted in mid-sentence by a large whip to her stomach as fell was the others. The trio hit against the back wall and fell to the floor. Attia looked up to see what hit them and found herself staring at a pale monster straight from hell.
Creo and Armet looked up also and found Tony being tail wrapped and brought onto his feet, "I had this Skar." He joked brushing himself off.
"Of course you did." Skar replied looking directly at the trio. Attia looked the most shocked but Creo and Arnet didn't look phased one bit.
"Nice, that holographic thing works!" Creo said happily with a cheerful look. She and Armet stood to their feet and brushed up se rubble.
"Hologa-wahtta?" Skar sounded looking to Tony confused.
"I'll explain later." Tony whispered to Skar, "Yes, it does. This particular hologram was created by me and is one of a kind. It's processor adapts making it think on it's own and makes calculations similar to an average mind or better. It's so life like it's hard to mistaken it for a hologram." He explained in which Skar slightly shrugged whatever. Creo and Arnet completely bought the Holographic scheme and Attia was in too much shock to accept the fact that Skar was a supposed hologram.
"Lies." Skar snorted.
"I also gave it a personality." Tony said in his defense.
Creo grinmed, "I'd like to see if this hologram actually works as well as you say." She stated popping her knuckles. Arnet didn't say anything but grinned and pointed her Scythe towards Tony
"Let's make this quick." Tony whispered to Skar who nodded and darted towards Creo as she returned the courtesy.
Arnet too darted towards Tony but found herself in front of him before she made the cross line dividing the training arena. Before she could react Tony send a closed fist to her face letting the force let her stumble back twisting her head with it and seen Creo duck and pivot out of the massive swings of Skar's Claws and Tail whips.
Arnet regain her composure as Tony waited patiently standing casually with arms down but also fiercely. This didn't detest Arnet the slightly but instead gave her a sleek smirk sadistic enough to send chills one's spine. Gripping her scythe's handle, shifting it into an offensive position, the darted towards Tony. Tony gave the courtesy of letting her swing towards her face but simply leaned out of it's reach and spun his body around her also sending a fist to her face. She ducked out of it's way grinning and ducked with a swiping kick to Tony's back legs tripping him. She then was about to swing downward preparing to dig her scythe Tony's chest but felt a cold twirl around her leg.
Turning to look she found the massive supposed hologram staring down at her with a fierce and scary look. She felt a sudden surge of fear as she now had a closer look at the creature and as she was about to react with a punch by was quickly flung towards the back wall. Before crashing against the concrete wall she noticed a familiar mocha skinned silver haired individual laying against the wall but quickly slammed into the wall before blacking out.
Skar wrapped his tail around Tony's body and brought up to his feet once more, "I had that." He commented brushing his shoulders.
"Course you did." Skar scoffed holding his arms looking over to Attia laying about the arena in horror. Now realizing he was visible to everyone around him including the Pandora he left but before he could he seen two individuals running in from the main door, 'Divine's mercy' he scowled to himself.
The two person were Chiffon and Ticy, "What happened in here?" Chiffon called out.
"Chiffon?" Tony said hearing the voice of the Student Council President.
The clapping of soles and concrete stopped as the two stopped with one in disbelief and the other in surprise, "Ugh, What is that!?" Ticy sounded cowering behind Chiffon for comfort.
Chiffon stood her ground surprise with curiosity, "So that's Skar huh." She said with a low tone of confirmation.
"Dammit Skar!" Another voice of a strict female rose from the other end.
Hearing the voice Skar turned around only to find Maximus and Kolt walking over casually, "Commandant!" Skar answered back mimicking a smile
"Skar." Maximus nodded greeting the familiar face.
"Kolt, Maximus! What are you doing here?" Chiffon asked still retaining her firm stance.
"Same reason as everyone else." Kolt replied stopping in front of Tony and Skar.
"Chiffon, What's going on here?" Ticy asked looking to her mentor with a scared and curious looking.
Looking back to look into her eyes, "Long story." Chiffon assured her.
"Tony! Just because you have secrets doesn't escape you from your fate!" Attia snarled completely recuperated from the slight of Skar and getting up storming towards Tony's group.
"Attia! I will not have such hostilities towards foreign emissaries do I make myself clear!" Chiffon snapped stomping towards Attia.
"Y-yes ma'am." Attia stopped and tripped back falling submissive to Chiffon's defensive roar.
"The situation regarding Shadowman." Kolt stated reminding everyone that they had a situation to deal with. Everyone including Skar turned to her with expressions of realization.
"Sha-shadowman?" Ticy stuttered at the name and urban legend. She had believed the urban legend to be true but the way the others said it put her off ease to think Shadowman was even a problem much less a situation.
Looking back again Chiffon assured her friend, "Ticy it's better for you to stay out of this." She told her softly and concernedly.
"But Chiffon..." She trailed off but upon looking at the massive pale demon-like creature in front of her how could she protest, "Okay. I'll stay out of it, but if anything happens I'm holding Tony responisble!" She pointed to the only dark-skinned person in the room.
Rooftops
Standing on the roof the group consisting of Chiffon, Kolt, Maximus, Tony, and Skar stood in a formation similar to a circle. Maximus leaned against an A/C machine with folded arms, Tony stood at the ledge overing looking the campus, Chiffon stood normally along with Kolt but opposite from each other, Skar knelt on his knees scratching the roof with scribbles and little drawings.
"So what's our action plan?" Kolt asked Tony looking in his direction.
Tony turned around and facing the group, "Richard...Shadowman is building an army." He said walking over.
"An army of monsters." Chiffon whispered aloud for everyone to hear her comment. The thought enough was unbelievable but she felt relaxed due to the three willing to stop it. She also felt dishearten because of the lack of people able to take on such a task.
"Great, now what are we supposed to do?" Maximus sounded throwing his arms slightly away from his body with discontent.
"Look, if Richard has his army then we ours. No point in taking on an entire legion with just the three of us." Tony explained raising a pointed hand noting everyone for him to consider the option.
"How though?" Chiffon asked looking amongst the group.
"Maximus make good gun for death of Impure, kill with few shots of gun." Skar said looking up from his work scratch on the roof then grinned at Maximus.
He rolled his eyes with a smile, "Only you would know but he's right. I can...craft firearms for attacking Impure." Maximus comfirmed.
"What about manpower?" Kolt asked folding her arms. Knowing Tony for a while she knew he would have something to respond with but judging by his expression she knew it wasn't going to be good.
"I'm thinking lowest ranking Pandora with little reputation..." ; "Wait slow down, you aren't actually thinking of using Pandora for this are you?" Tony explained but was interrupted by Chiffon before he could finish.
"What other choice do we have? We can't just waltz into a military office and demand troops now can we." Understanding the circumstances Kolt backed Tony's explanation and plan. Same goes with her idea of going back home and requesting a detachment of troops.
"Good point." Chiffon replied realizing their circumstances. Having mixed feelings of it she stood silent looking to the ground.
"Kolt's team will consist of Pandora trained of taking on Impure. Not a lot of Pandora but enough to sustain a fireteam." Explained Tony seeing how Kolt had a mix of Stigmata herself which fit more than a Tetris piece.
"I'll make the weapons but I also want a team of my own." Maximus spoke up, "I have no doubts that they'll have Hydros so I'm creating something with heavy armour." He said with a big smile and self-pride.
Tony smiled at his referrence, "Tanks, Maximus and his rolling thunders. It could work." He nodded then looking to Skar who went back to scribbling.
"What about you?" Chiffon asked Tony with concern.
"Listen, I want the recruits only to be discharged military personal and volunteers. As for me, my team will consist of Infantry." He explained the boundaries of recruits and his plan for his own team.
"Impure no stupid, I'll...persuade some to fight for us." Skar said getting up and towered over the group. Chiffon frowned looking at the scribbles left in the roof by the massive creature.
"Then it's settled, when we believe we have enough then we strike before they have a chance." Tony then finished the meeting.
Skar walked over to the building ledge and leaped off without causing damage to the building. Kolt and Maximus phased into nothing but as Tony was about to leave Chiffon grabbed his wrist.
Stopping he turned to Chiffon who held a concerned looked "Tony..." She called softly into what sounded like a whisper.
"What's up?" He asked blinking once implying curiousity.
"What's going to happen next?" She asked with distaste. Her tone hid a scare feeling but also wanting Tony not to answer it with something she had in mind once he said army.
He paused and processed the question. Thinking about her tone he wanted to caress her and assure her it was going to be fine but that wasn't the truth which she would protest and demand a proper answer, "War." He replied softly hiding the distaste in his tone. At his response she left and left him leave.
Standing there for a good minute or two she finally broke her silence, "That's what I was afraid you were going to say." She said with a whisper.
Flashnotes
I just want to say that this chapter could've gone better but I like how it turned out.
It this story applies to your interest or someone you might know who'd like it drop a review on how I'm doing so far. Chao