Welcome back everyone! Last time we saw everyone, Es and everyone with her made began to make the necessary preparations to deal with the Metal Man in addition to setting up a new home for Kiri and planning for their eventually trip to Ishana. Meanwhile, Kuon, Elise and Zwei are in the process of making the trip to Shin Yokosaki and will arrive in the morning.
However, the Metal Man has began his own dark agenda, one of which involves freeing the thief Es and Kiri detained at the Mall. How will this play out? We shall see.
Shin Yokosaki Rooftops
It was 10:05 PM when the Metal Man eyed the police station, looking to recruit a specific individual for his plans. After surveying the building, the Metal Man lept across the rooftop over to the top of the Police station and entered through the roof door.
Shin Yokosaki Police Station
As soon as the Metal Man got inside, he slowly snuck his way down the stairs and through the hallway corridors, being surprisingly quiet despite having metallic feet that would normally be very loud if he didn't think ahead.
'Good thing I put soft pads on this body's feet before I came here. Sneaking around has never been so easy.' The Metal Man thought as he came to a corner and after a quick peek, saw a guard patrolling the area on his night shift. With that, the Metal Man knocked the wall for a moment.
"Huh? W-who's there?" The police guard said as he went around to check the source of the noise and then...
*SMACK*
The guard was knocked out and dragged off to where no one will see him. He then took the guards keys and made his way to the cell holding his first recruit.
After sneaking around a bit more while avoiding every security camera he saw, he eventually found the place his new "recruit" is waiting for him.
Police Station Cell Bay
The thief that was detained at the mall sat alone in his cell wondering how everything went wrong. He just wanted some extra money without hurting anyone. Live a comfortable life until his next theft. It's true that he carried a gun, but he never once shot or killed anyone. Despite having clean hands, the fact he robbed twenty people over the past few years was more than enough to land him 10 years in prison, but kept him from getting a worse sentence thanks to his reluctance to kill. He was told that if he behaved himself, he could receive an early parole.
However, he was brimming with frustration at what Es and Kiri did to him. If it weren't for those kids, he wouldn't be here. As he looked at the mirror, he saw his own unmasked face which had shaggy black hair, yellow colored eyes and a stubble on his chin. He was currently wearing an orange prisoner uniform instead of the all black outfit he wore yesterday.
'How could a random guy and a little girl send me up the river! There's just no way! Furthermore, no one EVER stopped me the moment I pull my gun out! That usually scares them down! This just ain't fair!' The thief thought to himself, never once considering that it was his own fault he wound up in this situation. The fact he was unmasked didn't help as now his friends or family wouldn't help him at this point, now that his face is all over the news.
'I thought people didn't give a rat's ass about a mere purse thief like myself!' The thief thought more as he tried to think about what he's gonna do now that he's now locked in the slammer. Should he try to escape or should he serve out his sentence and try to reform? As he calmed down to consider his options...
*SLAM!*
"What the hell is that!?" Yelled a random inmate upon hearing the door slam right open, alerting the thief in question.
"It's a robot! A freaking robot!" Yelled another inmate as the thief is wondering what his fellow inmates are panicking about until the "robot" stepped in front of his cell. A metallic man with cyan eyes and a light blue scarf around it's neck.
"Oh my god!" The thief shouted as the Metal Man used the keys to unlock the thief's cell and let him out.
"What?" The thief said in confusion as the Metal Man grabbed the thief, threw him over his shoulders and ran out the way he came in as the inmates shouted at him to be let out too, but their 'pleas' fell on deaf ears.
Shin Yokosaki Sewers
It was 10:30 PM as the Metal Man got to a safe spot in the sewers with his recently freed 'captive', hoping to take a passage way back to the Wharf until the heat died down as the police are sure to have noticed the breakout by now, but for now, the Metal Man gently placed the thief down onto the ground.
"Please! Please don't hurt me!" The thief pleaded to the Metal Man as he thought this thing came to waste him for some reason. Not that the Metal man blamed him for thinking that way. If any metallic creature came to kidnap you, it's only natural to freak out.
"No need to be alarmed my friend. I have not come here to harm you." The Metal Man replied in a friendly tone that he hadn't used in a long time. If he had a mouth, he'd be giving a wide smile right now.
"Y-you can talk?" The thief replied in shock as he stared at the robot before him. This was something out of a Si-Fi movie for him.
"Of course I can talk. So you don't need to fear the one who freed you from prison." The Metal Man said as he offered a hand to the thief.
"Why did you free me, man?" The thief asked as he cautiously accepted the Metal Man's hand who got him up to his feet.
"Simple. A chance to get payback on the individual who got you unceremoniously locked up to begin with, Mr...?" The Metal Man replied before tailing off, as he never got the name of the thief in question, even on the news. He made sure to leave a mental note to research names before hand.
"Haruki. Haruki Kiyama." The thief known as Haruki replied as he stared at his rescuer, still wondering about the mysterious individual before him
"And by payback, you mean get revenge on the girl and the boy who got me thrown into prison?" Haruki continued, wondering what the Metal Man had in mind.
"Well, to be honest, that girl isn't REALLY a girl. It is actually a Prime Field Interference Manifestation, an artificial life form. As for that boy, he's an... unknown... variable." The Metal Man replied to Haruki, as the thief look on in confusion.
"W-what do you mean by that?" Haruki asked as he wondered what his metallic ally said. The girl isn't a girl? What was this robot on? Why did he say that the boy is an unknown variable?
"I will explain as soon as we get back to my laboratory and when the police call it quits for the night. But rest assured Mr. Kiyama, you'll be fighting for a noble cause, I assure you. Come, we must be back as soon as we can." The Metal Man replied as he and Haruki disappeared into the darkness of the sewer system. His first mission and recruitment was a success!
The Wharf [Monday Morning, March 1st]
It was around 7:30 AM as the boat carrying Kuon, Elise and Zwei has arrived by the Wharf. As Zwei gave her thanks to the Captain as well as giving him the date and time to pick them up again. Kuon and Elise took the time to stretch as soon as they got off the ship with their suitcases after saying their farewells and thanks to the Captain.
"Hmmmm! It feels good to be back in Shin Yokosaki! Right Kuon?" Elise said as she got a good stretch after a good night's sleep and finally setting foot on the Wharf.
"Yes. It always feels great to return here for this is the place our friends live." Kuon said as she stretched more quietly. Shortly after, Zwei walked up to the girls as the Captain set sail back to Ishana.
"Alright then, shall we find a hotel to check into?" Zwei said as Kuon and Elise turned to her in agreement.
"Yes Lady Zwei." Kuon said as Zwei facepalmed herself, making Kuon wonder what this was about.
"What is it?" Kuon questioned her mentor, but before the former Ten Sage could reply...
"Kuon, Lady Zwei goes by 'Ringo Akagi' here in Shin Yokosaki." Elise answered for Zwei, reminding Kuon that's the name her mentor uses while visiting.
"Oh right! I'm sorry La- I mean Ringo. It's just strange to call you that is all." Kuon apologized while admitting the strangeness of addressing her mentor under a different name.
"It's alright, I understand it's a force of habit. You just need to know which name is appropriate." Ringo mentioned as she picked up her suitcase and they began to head out. While walking, Ringo saw a strange sight as she saw a silver figure walk through the gaps of the shipping containers.
'What in the world was that?' Ringo thought to herself in wonder of what she saw. Could that have been?
"Ringo! What's the hold up!?" Elise called out to the former Ten Sage in response to her falling behind.
"I apologize you two!" Ringo replied as she picked up the pace to catch up with Kuon and Elise.
'If that's who I think it is, Touya will definitely want to hear this! It looked like he didn't notice me, so this could work to our advantage.' Ringo thought to herself as she may have a good lead for the others.
The Wharf [Secret Laboratory]
It was 7:35 AM as the Metal Man and Haruki got inside the container containing the former's secret lab. The Metal Man made sure that no one saw him and his cohort as they made their way to the one place the police won't bother to look. Of course, it shouldn't have taken so long to return here. What made the return trip so long was getting a change of clothes for Haruki and robbing an electronic store while making sure to avoid the police on the way back. They had to dodge and serve through them until they had arrived at their destination.
"Help yourself to what I have in here for the time being." The Metal Man said as he pointed to a bowl of apples, oranges and bananas. Haruki happily grabbed an apple as he began to eat it.
"Thanks man. So, what were you going on about the two who got me arrested?" Haruki said as he took another bit into his apple.
"As I said, Es is a 'Prime Field Interference Manifestation', a tool that went off it's intended purpose and rebelled against my organization." The Metal Man said as he made sure not to lose his composure.
"You said she's an artificial life form right? She didn't seem artificial to me... she seemed to look and behave like a normal girl..." Haruki said in understandable confusion and slight wariness as he still found it hard to believe at what the Metal Man is saying.
The Metal Man had to admit that his new recurit's confusion was not unfounded. In fact, the Metal Man himself was also confused. Why is Es STILL alive after a whole year passed? Her artificial body should have broken down and decayed into nothing by now. He knew Mei couldn't have given Es her microbiotic treatment as only he knew how to do so. Not to mention that Es SHOULD have been able to easily subdue Haruki without any assistance thanks to her superhuman strength and agility.
"Your confusion is understandable. After all, it's not supposed to still be functioning, but there must be something that happened while I was hiding." The Metal Man said as he still tried to think about what cause this unforeseen outcome.
"By the way, what's this organization you mentioned? I appreciate the help getting out of prison, but I need to know what I'm getting into here." Haruki replied, at least wanting to known what he's gotten himself into first.
"Right... you may want to take a seat. I don't recall every detail as my memories are... not all there... but I will tell you the important parts and who the real enemy is." The Metal Man said as Haruki sat down on a chair as the Metal Man began to tell the thief what the secret world of science, magic and the supernatural is all about.
Shin Yokosaki Downtown
After checking into a motel and settling in by 7:55 AM, Kuon, Elise and Ringo began to head to the Himezuru Residence to meet up with their friends, hoping to see them before they head to school. Of course, as they were heading to their destination, they received some looks by the people around them and overheard some of their talk.
"Wow, it's those foreigners again." Whispered an adult man.
"That girl with the pigtails is so pretty." Whispered a young man around Kuon's age. The Fire Empress ignored the compliment.
"Wonder if that blue haired girl's single?" Whispered the friend of the man who complimented Kuon. Elise did NOT like the idea of the man dating her though, but like Kuon she ignored it.
"Do you think the woman with the pink hair is their mother?" Whispered an adult woman in amazement. While Ringo felt flattered, she too ignored the gossip. After all, she wasn't ready to be a mother herself.
"Geez, they're talking about us a lot, aren't they?" Elise whispered to Kuon in regards to the questions and compliments the people around them are saying.
"To be fair, we're not from around here and we do visit this place a lot, so we're probably bound to have some gossip about us sooner or later. Although I wish that it weren't the case..." Kuon replied in a whisper to Elise, hoping her explanation would put her friend at ease.
"No need to worry, gossip will eventually fade in due time, especially with us visiting here for the month, so they'll get used to our presence here." Ringo chimed in, hoping that it will put Kuon and Elise at ease.
"By the way Ringo, you told us you saw a 'silver figure' at the wharf earlier?" Elise asked Ringo in regards to what she told them when they settled in at the hotel.
"I believe so. If it's their "Metal Man" they mentioned, it'll be worth letting the others know I got a brief look." Ringo replied, at least hoping this information will be useful.
"I know I should've said something earlier, but why didn't you let us know? We could have look into this." Kuon questioned Ringo in not explaining this back at the Wharf.
"For one, I don't think he saw us. If he doesn't know we're here, we have the element of surprise. Plus, we don't know what he's capable of. It would be risky to fight him if we don't know what we are dealing with." Ringo explained to Kuon about the pros and cons about not facing the Metal Man too early.
"I see. I apologize. I just don't like the idea of this jerk hunting down Touya and Es." Kuon apologized while admitting her anger of her friends being chased down for who knows what.
"I understand your frustrations, but getting needlessly angry won't get us anywhere. Besides, this Metal Man might be at a disadvantage in regards to magic. We must keep the cards close to our chest." Ringo continued, hoping the values of patience may help Kuon grow and mature further.
"Right. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you Ringo." Kuon gave her thanks for the wise teachings her mentor gave her. With that, the three mages made their way over to the home of their friends.
Himezuru Residence [Living Room]
It was another quiet morning at the Himezuru Residence. With Yuki heading back to the Hospital after saying her goodbyes and with Kiri staying at the Himezuru Residence in Yuki's room until they can get a home set up for him. Es, dressed in her Hakuo North Academy Uniform, is waiting for Touya and Hinata to arrive so they can head to school. Currently, it was 8:00 AM, so they had time to head over to the Academy to meet up with Akira and Mei.
Es made sure to not clue anyone in about her relationship with Touya. While she no longer suffered emotional longing and zoning out, she still desired to be close with Touya, making the few moments of being alone together something that they savored. However, with Kuon, Elise and Ringo coming here today, they had to make sure they don't know about there relationship now. Needless to say, keeping a secret like this is hard.
"We're ready Es-Chan!" Hinata called out as she and Touya came out with their school bags.
"Shall we head out?" Touya followed up, wanting to make sure Es was ready herself.
"Yes. Let us depart." Es replied with a small smile. Touya and Hinata always note that Es always looked cute when she smiles. Despite it's small size, they're always full of happiness and sincerity, something that touches Touya and Hinata from the bottom of their hearts.
Himezuru Residence [Outside]
After locking up the door, knowing that Kiri will be safe at the house, the three began to head out the gate and walk to school, however as soon as they started to walk in the direction of their school...
"Hey Es!"
"Hinata, hello!"
"Long time no see, Part-Timer."
Called out three familiar voices. Es heard Elise, Hinata heard Kuon and Touya heard Ringo. In front of them were the three mages in the flesh.
"Kuon! Elise! Ringo! You came!" Hinata replied in joy as she ran over to greet the three mages, bringing them into a hug which Kuon and Elise reciprocated while Ringo was a bit nervous, but compiled regardless.
Es and Touya were all happy to see the mages again themselves as they walked over to greet them. The only thing Touya wasn't looking forward to was the curry talk from Ringo, but for now, he's happy to see his old co-worker again...
Riverside Walkway
On their way to the Academy, the three students and the three mages conversed with each other, catching up with one another in regards to everything on both ends. Needless to say, they all had pleasant conversations, with Ringo even joining in.
Eventually, they met up with Akira and Mei, who were waiting for Es, Touya and Hinata.
"Kuon? Elise? Ringo?" Akira said in surprise as the three mages arrived early in the morning as Es and Mei, who remained calm as she knew that they be here by morning.
"Hi Akira, hi Mei." Kuon said to her friends.
Nice to see the two of you again." Elise said with a polite bow.
"Good to see the two of you are doing well." Ringo said in response to the two.
"Um, likewise." Akira nervously replied.
"Good to see you guys again." Mei replied, happy to see the three mages again in person.
As everyone continued to head to school, Ringo thought to herself that she should tell everyone what she saw at the Wharf later. The last thing everyone needed was to be stressed out while they are studying.
"By the way, Touya?" Ringo said, prompting the young man to look at the older mage in concern. Mostly because whenever Ringo addresses him by name instead of 'Part-Timer', it's usually serious and not related to Curry talk.
"After school is done, I would like to see you, Es, Mei and your other "friends" from the Agency." Ringo said as everyone, Akira and Hinata included listened.
"Where at exactly?" Touya replied, wanting to know where to have this discussion.
"At the old building where Maha Raja used to be open. It's a nice secluded location where we'll have privacy." Ringo explained while also having some fondness at the old restaurant she used to work at. She still wondered how the manager is doing now these days and is wondering if he's up for opening a new curry restaurant in the future in spite of his laziness.
"Why not discuss at our place, Miss Ringo?" Hinata suggested, at least wanting to know why she needs to speak at the old restaurant building. Before Ringo can reply...
"It's alright Z- Ringo. Hinata and Kamewari already know what is happening." Mei added in, reassuring the elder mage that Hinata and Akira are already in the know how about this Metel Man business.
"Well... what about your friend from the Agency?" Ringo added in to Mei, which caused the Shrine Maiden to be deep in thought. This earned some curious responses from Hinata and Akira, wondering who Ringo was referring too. It didn't sound like she was talking about Avenge though.
'Hmmm, Hinata, Yuki, Kamewari and Kiri don't know about Nu yet. Maybe... it's time introduced her.' Mei thought for a moment as for the longest time, she never showed anyone outside of the Agency Nu out of concern for her. However, sooner or later, she will have to reveal her if Nu is going to interact with them further.
"I think it'll be fine. We'll come to where Maja Raha used to be, but it'll be all of us. No one needs to be locked out of the loop. Understood?" Mei said to Ringo, hoping that she'll understand in regards to wanting everyone to know about the Metal Man and to show them Nu all at once. Ringo took this seriously, not wishing to endanger everyone, but after a while.
"Okay Mei. Meet us once school is out and we'll talk then." Ringo responded with a smile to Mei's relief. Touya and Es understand that part of the conversation was in regards to Nu and they hoped that Hinata, Yuki, Akira and Kiri will like her as much as they do.
The Wharf [Secret Laboratory]
It was around 9:00 AM when the Metal Man finished explaining his whole story about Es, Touya, The Mitsurugi Agency and the Unions. Everything, including the scientist responsible for his own existence. The only things he left out was Code Embryo as he didn't need the thief to bail on him. Needless to say, Haruki was in complete surprise, trying to take all this new information he heard and process it.
"Man... all of that sounds like something out of a science fiction movie." Haruki mentioned as he tried to take everything in.
"But... even if this Es girl was artificially made, same for this Touya guy, wouldn't killing them make us murderers?" Haruki questioned the Metal Man as he still wasn't on board with killing people. Yes, Es got him arrested, but he didn't want her dead or anything.
"You're saying you would allow machines who ruined a chance of World peace to run free?" The Metal Man replied, hoping to get on the man's good side.
"N-no, but the police would..." Haruki nervously mentioned, noting that if they did out in public, he would be guaranteed the death penalty while the Metal Man would be turned into scrap metal.
"They wouldn't know the truth, hence we'll do it out of sight. However, YOU won't need to get your hands dirty if you don't wish to destroy them." The Metal Man added, at least understanding Haruki's moral compass, even if he believed it to be misplaced.
"Then why did you free me?" Haruki questioned his metallic companion.
"I need your expertise in thievery. You see, there are certain things that i can't really break into realistically, hence why I turned to you. If you help me with my goal, you'll be living the life of luxury and that you won't have to steal again. I'll even wipe your criminal record for a clean slate." The Metal Man explained while offering Haruki to live it big so that he'll no longer be a meager purse thief that is no longer pursued by the police.
"Well... okay... if these guys are really the villains and as long as I don't kill them myself... but won't you get destroyed if they're as strong as you say?" Haruki reluctantly accepted to help while also noting that the Metal Man will be severely outmatched.
"That's where out next two allies will come into play. I sent a message to specific mage from Ishana for her assistance. She'll be helping us while making sure that no one else from Ishana will arrive to interfere. As for our fourth member..." The Metal Man explained while using a recorded video feed to show a unique man locked up somewhere.
"I'll be seeing him soon. A special "Strange Red"..." The Metal Man stated as his "eyes" glowed as his new objective is now in sight. Soon he will obtain the key to the future!
Mitsurugi Agency HQ [Outside]
After school ended and after taking care of some things around the school, Hinata and Akira went on ahead to the meeting spot while Mei, Es and Touya went over to the Mitsurugi Agency HQ around 3:45 PM to pick up Nu in order to introduce her to everyone meeting up at the Maja Raha building. However, because the people around would panic at seeing the robotic Nu wandering around the city, they needed something to get Nu to the building and back. Fortunately, after taking some time to figure things out, they found the perfect thing.
"Will this... 'disguise'... work?" Nu responded in curiosity at her outfit, which is an oversized brown cloak. This works as since Nu floats and the cloak touches the ground, it works to hide her legs and her body while her visor could easily be passed off as a pair of goggles.
"It will Nu. Now, we're going to head over to a building where you'll meet some new people." Mei reassured Nu while also letting her know why she's leaving her HQ.
"New... people...?" Nu repeated in wonder.
"Yes. They're good friends of ours and I'm certain that they'll like you." Es followed up, having full confidence that everyone will accept and welcome Nu just like they did with her and Touya."
"We'll be there with you, so you have nothing to fear, okay?" Touya added, hoping to reassure what he assumed to be nervousness on Nu's end. With that, Nu gave an appreciative nod before pulling the hoodie over her head.
"By the way, will Yuki and Avenge be coming Mei?" Es asked Mei in response as to weather Yuki can come or not.
"Avenge will be meeting us at the place. As for Yuk, she's busy unfortunately, however I will bring Nu over to visit Yuki at a later point. Maybe she can help us in getting the visor off her face safely." Mei replied as she did acknowledge that Yuki can help out with Nu in the future.
"Alright Nu, hold my hand and we'll guide you to the Maja Raha building." Touya said as he held his hand out with Nu taking it. With that, the four of them began to head over to the former restaurant, with excitement and anxiety filling all of their hearts.
Restricted Ward [Secret Bunker]
Around the same time Es, Touya and Mei left with Nu, the Metal Man and Haruki went into the Restricted Ward to find their next recruit before the Mage from Ishana arrived. Using what information is stored in his digital mind, he surveyed the area to find what he's looking for.
"So what are we doing here?" Haruki asked his robotic ally as the Metal Man scanned the barren spot.
"To check up on our next ally..." The Metal Man explained as he trailed off to push in a hidden button on the wall, opening a secret door.
"Come on, quickly!" The robotic marauder noted to the thief as they walked inside a long tunnel as the hidden door behind them closed. After what appeared to be 20 minutes of walking, they reached what appeared to be a cryo stasis tube with what appear to be a man frozen inside. What stood put with the shadow form of the man is that his right arm appeared to look like a giant blade.
"Who is that guy? Is he one of those Unions you mentioned?" Haruki nervously asked the Metal Man as he stared on in awe.
"Indeed. He is one of three... scratch that... two Strange Red Unions currently alive!" The Metal Man stated with pride while also recalling that Ripper is no longer among the living.
"His Drive, Giga Sword! The ability to transform his right arm into a mighty sword, far exceeding Ripper's Scissor Hands! Unlike Ripper, he was never a serial killer, instead he's just a thug looking for a strong enemy to fight. Unfortunately for him, The Mitsurugi Agency caught him and froze him in here to study him. His codename..." The Metal Man said with such dramatic flare as his 'eyes' glowed in extreme delight.
"... Diablo!" The Metal Man shouted as his moment of triumph is fast approaching!
To be continued...
While the heroes forces are now gathered, The Metal Man is building up his own group, including the thief from the mall, Haruki Kiyama, an unnamed mage from Ishana and the mysterious Strange Red Union, Diablo, who's supposedly stronger then Ripper!
Will our heroes be prepared to face this deadly alliance and unify their bond further through Nu? Let's hope so as the first face off will be coming soon!
