Chapter Eight - Trouble In The Laplace Demon's Basement
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[[Timeline 3 / February 5, 2021 - Secret Society X's hideout]]
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I grip the doorknob to their hideout and twist it lightly, pushing the door open slowly.
Before I went on this mission, Kronii said, "Be careful Amelia, you're entering the domain of the Laplace demon."
So I had my guard up when entering their hideout, expecting danger and trickery. But instead of the animosity I expected, I was met with... this.
*Thud* *Thud*
Something is banging on the steel door in the far side of the room, and Koyori runs around the room frantically. "Hold it down Lui! Hold the door down!"
[ Hakui Koyori - Hololive's "genius" scientist ]
Lui is pushing against the large door, struggling to contain whatever's inside. "Just what is this thing!? It's gonna break the door down!"
[ Takane Lui - Hawk-eyed executive ]
Iroha stands behind Lui, holding her katana tight. "Get ready Chloe, when this thing breaks out, we're gonna protect the founder and the professor."
[ Kazama Iroha - Modest Samurai ]
"Why me!? I'm just the intern!" Chloe says, clumsily grabbing her three sectioned mop.
[ Sakamata Chloe - Poor, unfortunate, intern ]
Laplus puffs up her chest in a show of dominance and assures her team. "Don't worry everyone! I'll defeat that beast easily!"
[ Laplus Dia Highest Death Thirteen Daina Art of Impact Sign Emperor Road of the Darknesss (Laplus Darkness) - The Laplace demon ]
Me and my team walk inside the room slowly, unsure of what to do. "Hey everyone, is everything ok?" Without turning around, Iroha answers, "Get ready, the chimera is about to break free."
Hearing Iroha's warning, we all grab our weapons and wait. We Watch Lui struggle to hold down the door, the enemy pounding ferociously on it.
*Thud*
*Thud*
*Thud*
...
The banging on the door had stopped. After a couple of seconds, Lui let go of the door and slowly took a step back.
"What was that?" Gura asks the room. "It's a failed experiment. The creature In there went rouge, and it's extremely dangerous, so we're keeping it in the basement." Koyori says, periodically taking glances at the door.
Recalling what Iroha said earlier, I ask, "I heard Iroha say it was a chimera? Is it really that kind of chimera?" Koyori turns to me and focuses. "That's right. It's a human, a fox, and a gremlin combined into one being."
What? Did she just say human?
"It was made with a human!?" Kiara asks, just as shocked as me. But Koyori's expression stays calm. "That's right. Hololive provided me with the body of a criminal who was executed on death row."
Are you serious!? Even if they were dead, it's still messed up.
Kiara continues to question, her face filled with disgust. "The gremlin, was it-." Koyori answers before Kiara can finish her question. "The humanoid species known for their immense speed. That type of gremlin. It was already dead too." Kiara flinches a little and asks again. "And the fox?" Koyori looks Kiara in the eyes and responds coldly, "The same kind as Shirakami Fubuki. Turns out that one was still alive, that's why the chimera is going rogue."
Kiara covers her mouth with her hand to stop herself from throwing up. "How can you do this kind of thing!?" Koyori looks down and pauses before replying. "It wasn't my choice. Hololive needed another death machine."
Hearing what Koyori just said, my whole team falls silent, too shocked to react. Hololive needed a death machine? For what? And why did she say another?
"Speaking of death, were is the reaper?" Laplus asks, talking about Cali. "Oh, she went to visit Hololive Germany with Hoshimachi." Kiara explains, still recovering from the shock. "Hololive Germany huh? They've only been around for a month and they're already getting a visit from Hoshimachi Suisei." Laplus smiles, that simple action filling me with dread.
"So, will you be willing to help us, Amelia Watson?" Lui asks, standing by the steel door. "I... I don't think I could hurt that thing." I respond hesitantly, feeling pity for the chimera. "Don't think of this as hurting the chimera, think of this as putting it out of its misery." Koyori says calmly. "Even so... I couldn't bring myself to." I say, clutching my skirt. "So you're willing to leave us here, allowing us to be killed by the chimera?" Lui asks bluntly. "No. I can't just leave you guys here like that." I say. Of course I won't just leave them here to die. But I don't want to fight the chimera either.
I turn to Kiara and ask, "What should we do Kiara?" Kiara makes a conflicted expression. "I don't know, I'm still shocked about the whole death machine thing."
Gura suddenly grabs my hand. "I think we should help them." Hearing this, I turn to Ina to see what she thinks. She nods her head in agreement.
"Ok, we'll help you guys kill the chimera." I tell Laplus reluctantly. "Great, I appreciate your help, though we may not need it." Laplus smiles.
Laplus walks towards the steel door and holds the handle. "Are you all ready?" After grabbing our weapons, we all nod yes.
Laplus twists the handle and pushes, opening the vault-like door. After opening slightly, the door stops in its place. Laplus is struggling to open the door, pushing with all her body to no avail.
"Hrmmm! Aargh!" Laplus squirms, trying to push the door. "Uhm... do you need any help?" Iroha asks, standing behind Laplus. "Shut up! I got this!" Laplus struggles a little more, the door opening little by little, until she finally manages to get it open.
"Huff, huff, see! I got it, huff* Laplus says triumphantly, after struggling to open the door for a minute. "Congratulations Laplus Sama!" Iroha says, clapping her hands.
After allowing Laplus to catch her breath for a little, we descend the staircase into the basement, leaving the door open in case we need too make a hasty escape.
At the bottom of the stairs lies a dark laboratory, papers, odd liquids and glass scattered all over the floor. There are scratch marks covering the walls, most likely because of the chimera.
"Be careful everyone, the chimera could attack at anytime." Iroha advises, holding her sword out.
Everyone looks around the room, on edge. Slowly scanning the room, I look for any signs of movement, until.
I see it. Red eyes peering at me through the darkness. Before anyone else can speak or notice it, I take the gun in my hand and aim it at the figure in front of me.
*Bang*
As soon as I pull the trigger, the eyes I was aiming for disappear. It avoided my gunshot!
"Ame! What's going on!? Did you find it!?" Gura shouts, her eyes darting around frantically. "It dodged, it dodged my gunshot!" I say, pointing my gun aimlessly in the darkness.
"Humph! You guys are pathetic! Acting like cowards because of a little chimera. Stand back and watch Me take care of it!" Laplus says, her smug demeanour contrasting our utter fear.
Laplus walks slowly into the darkness, a purple aura surrounding her fingertips. "I'll show that chimera a taste of My atom splitter."
Walking into the darkness, Laplus searches for her opponent.
Suddenly, we hear something scuttling around quickly in the darkness. "Oh! There you are! Let me give you a taste of My-"
*Crack*
*Thud*
Laplus flies out of the darkness and slams into the wall. "Blergh!" Laplus coughs up blood, falling hard onto the floor. "Laplus sama!" Iroha shouts as she runs over to her comrade. She's knocked out cold.
"Everyone! It's coming!" Lui shouts, cracking her whip.
*Crack*
Lui's whip cuts quickly through the air, but the chimera is quicker. It slams its fist into Lui's stomach and sends her flying into a vat of liquid.
After hitting Lui, the chimera stands still and stares Ina in the eyes, allowing me to see it in the light.
It's piercing red eyes reside within a head tiled on a crooked neck. Thin, black hair runs down a slumping body. It's three arms drooping down to the floor. It's tail is standing upright, asserting its dominance in battle.
Fearing for my friend, I shout at the top of my lungs, "Ina! Watch out!" Ina dives to the floor as the chimera bursts forward, barely managing to get out of the way in time. "Holy..." Ina lets out after narrowly avoiding death.
Before the chimera can go for Ina again, I aim a shot and pull the trigger.
*Bang*
The chimera swiftly dodges. It shifts its attention towards me and rushes at me.
It's quick! I guard, unable to dodge in time.
*Crack*
My right arm folds in on itself, the bones crushing under the force of the chimera's punch. "AAAAHHH!"
Gura's trident suddenly pops into view, thrusting towards the chimera. But before it can land, the chimera disappears from my sight, avoiding Gura's attack.
I clench my right arm, feeling nauseous from the pain. "Ame! Are you okay!?" Gura holds me and asks. "Don't worry about me, keep your eyes on the chimera." I say as I transfer my gun to my left hand. Gura then nods her head and turns to look behind her.
"What's the plan Amelia?" Iroha asks, looking into the darkness. "I need to think. Stay alive until I make a plan." I respond. It's hard to focus, the pain slowing down my thoughts.
"It's coming from the right!" Chloe shouts. The right? That's where Koyori is.
After hearing Chloe's warning, Koyori grabs a vial from her belt and slams in on the ground. Suddenly, a wall forms out of the floor and protects her from the chimera. "Watch out! My instant wall won't hold for long!" Koyori shouts as she jumps back.
*Crash*
The chimera breaks through the wall and lunges towards the closest person. Kiara blocks with her shield and quickly parries, the chimera swiftly dodging and retreating into the darkness.
"That chimera is too fast, we're never gonna hit it!" Kiara shouts in frustration.
"When's that plan gonna be done!?" Iroha asks desperately. "I think I've almost got it! Just a little more!" I shout.
Okay, so we're never gonna hurt the chimera using regular strikes or shots. We need an attack with a large area of effect, the enclosed room we're in won't give it any space to dodge.
"Someone send it to the back of the room!" I shout, pointing towards the chimera that's now sitting in the middle of the room. Hearing my commands, Ina and Iroha get ready to attack.
"Vocare pampinos!" Ina chants an ancient spell, summoning eight tentacles around the chimera, temporarily holding it in place. As the chimera struggles to break free, Iroha charges towards it, holding her sword like a heavy axe. "Heavy Comet!" Iroha shouts the name of her attack and swings hard.
The chimera breaks free and jumps back, dodging Iroha's blade as it cuts through the mass of tentacles.
"We got it to go back! Now what!?" Ina asks as she retreats back to where we're gathered. "Grab Laplus and run for your lives!" I shout, running towards the staircase leading out of the basement. "What!?" Ina shouts confused, running after me anyways.
Iroha runs to Laplus and picks her up, running towards the staircase.
I run up to Koyori, "Quickly! Which one is the instant wall!" While running, she grabs a gray vial from her belt and hands it to me. "This is it! What are you gonna do!?" I stop at the foot of the staircase and turn around. "Everyone except for Kiara! Get out of here and leave the door open!"
"Everyone except for me!?" Kiara shouts, pointing at herself. "I know it's risky, but I need you here." I respond, holding Koyori's vial tight. "Okay, what's the plan?" Kiara asks as the rest exit the room.
The chimera gets into position to pounce, while I explain quickly. "When the chimera rushes towards us, I'll throw the vial and block the stairway. When the chimera's path is blocked, I'll run up the stairs and exit the basement. Once I close the door, you'll blast the whole room with fire. You are fireproof right?" Kiara readies herself and nods, "Yeah, I can take my own flames."
I climb up halfway through the stairs and cock my hand back. "Get ready, it's gonna pounce anytime soon."
As soon as I say that, the chimera comes barreling towards us at full speed. "Time to go Kiara!" I throw the vial at the foot of the staircase and bolt up the stairs as fast as possible.
Running up and out of the basement, I grab the steel door's handle and shut it tight.
"Amelia? What happened?" Lui asks, readying her weapon cautiously. "Wait for it, that chimera's gonna be toast." I say as I hold the door shut, so it doesn't fly off when the room below explodes.
Shortly after, we hear a loud, resounding,
*BOOM*
The door pushes against me, but otherwise stays in place. I feel the heat from under the door hit my feet, "Ah!" I jump back in pain and surprise.
"Did you just blow up my lab!?" Koyori asks, looking distressed. "Just be happy you're not dead." I reply sarcastically.
The door opens and Kiara steps into the room, looking like one of her KFP chickens.
"Is it dead?" I ask, though it probably is. "Yeah, it's just a pile of ash now." Kiara says, looking remorseful. "Don't look that way Kiara, it's in a better place now." Ina says as she places her hand on Kiara's shoulder. "I guess you're right." Kiara smiles.
After recovering physically and emotionally from the battle we just had, we sat around secret society's hideout and talked about what just happened.
"A-Chan really asked you to make a death machine? I just can't believe it." I tell Koyori, leaning on the wall. "Hololive does a lot of things you don't know about Amelia." Koyori says casually as she takes a sip of water.
"And how do you know about that stuff Koyori?" Gura asks. "They tell you lots of sensitive information when you're the one developing their science projects. People like me and Kaela know tons of background information." Koyori says, her words carrying a tinge of arrogance. "And it helps to have the demon of knowledge on your side." Lui jokes.
Why wouldn't Kronii tell me anything? Is she hiding something from me? I'll have to ask her next time I give an investigation report.
"Even if they are doing shady things, why would Hololive need you to create a death machine. Why not have one of the members do it?" Ina asks. "They do have some members do illicit things, but Hololive has been looking into bolstering its forces due to a certain prophecy." Laplus says, staring directly at me.
Iroha looks at the girl beside her. "Laplus sama! You're awake."
I walk towards Laplus and ask her, "How did you know about the prophecy?" She peers at me and smiles. "Let's talk outside."
The two of us head out. As I open the door, Gura asks, "Where are you two going?" I walk outside but hold the door open to speak. "We're going to discuss something important, don't follow us."
I walk outside and shut the door. Laplus waiting for me a little ways away from the hideout's entrance. I walk over to her and repeat my question. "How did you know about the prophecy?" Laplus gives me a smug smile. "I'm the Laplace demon, I know everything."
"Didn't the council seal your powers?" I ask, confused. "Sure, they sealed my [shed] form and some memories. But my normal form still knows lots, just not everything." Laplus responds with a confident look.
So she knows about the prophecy. I should probe her on her intentions, even if she doesn't give me any information directly, I can still infer some things from the way she responds.
"I'll just be blunt and ask, do you have any intentions of awakening Cthullu?" I ask Laplus straightforwardly. Laplus chuckles, "Ha! You're bold. But no, I have no intentions of awakening Cthullu. I don't have the means and I don't have a motive." Laplus says, talking like she's above the question.
"I don't know about the motive, but wouldn't you say that the almighty Laplace demon definitely has the means?" I ask, preying on her arrogance. "Haha! You flatter me, but even I know my own limits. Without my [shed] form, I'm powerless against the council." Laplus says, not ashamed or humiliated in the slightest, totally uncharacteristic of her.
"And what if you could get your [shed] form back?" I say as I point to the giant shackle on Laplus's neck. "Tch! No one can crack that shackle, it was made with the council's power after all." Laplus says in a way that makes me think even she's not buying it. "What about Kaela Kovalskia?" I let out my suggestion and Laplus just stares at me, not giving a response.
"Do you know who ordered the creation of the chimera?" Laplus says suddenly, trying to change the subject.
And she succeeds, I'm curious. "Who was it?" I ask. Laplus points at the pocket watch hanging by my waist. "The god of time." No way. "Kronii wouldn't do something like that." I say in disbelief. Laplus then smiles and taps her head. "Trust me, I know everything."
Even with her true knowledge sealed, it's hard not to believe what the former god of knowledge is saying. "I'll have to ask Kronii about it next investigation report. Is that right?" Laplus reads my thoughts perfectly. "Yeah, you're right. Kronii's gonna have a lot of explaining to do." I say, clutching my watch tightly.
"Okay, Im done here, let's go back." Laplus says as she turns around and walks to the base. "What? Did you say what you wanted to already?" I say as I jog over to her.
Instead of answering me, she just opens the door and enters the hideout.
Seeing us enter the room, Gura perks up. "Ame! What did you talk about!?" I give her a cheeky smile and place my finger on my lips. "It's a secret." Gura gives me a disappointed look. "What!? C'mon tell me!" Laplus gives Gura a pat on the head. "Know your place short stuff." Gura waves her arms in frustration and shouts, "I'm two inches taller than you!"
Still holding the raging Gura's head, Laplus turns to me and says, "You should get going Amelia, that arm isn't going to fix itself you know?" After being reminded of my damaged limb, the pain suddenly returns. "Ah! The painkillers ran out!" The concoction I injected into my arm's effect worn off.
"C'mon everyone! We're going back to base! I need Kanata to heal my arm!" I shout, waving my left hand high towards the door.
"Guess we're going home." Ina says, getting up from her seat. "Thanks for helping us." Lui says, grabbing Ina's things for her. "Don't worry about it, it's our duty to help each other." Ina smiles. "It is, isn't it?" Lui says, but I can't see her face from outside.
"C'mon Ina! My arm's gonna fall off!" I shout, already having gone out the door. "Be patient! I'm still grabbing my things!" Ina shouts from inside. "Don't use that tone with me! I'm a cripple!" I shout at her as she exits the door. "Okay, okay, let's just get home already." Ina gives up on shouting and walks to the car we arrived here in.
I walk over to the car and Gura opens the door for me from inside. "Thank you, kind Gura. At least someone knows how to respect an injured lady." I say, hoping my spire would reach Ina. "You're most welcome, m'lady." Gura bows.
Kiara, sitting in the drivers seat, looks at us the rear view mirror and asks, "Alright, everyone ready to go?" I raise my left arm high. "Let's go and get me fixed!" Ina looks at me confused. "I don't know if you're excited or angry. I really wish I could hear your tone of voice right now."
Kiara puts her hands on the wheel and steps on the gas. "Okay, we're off!"
We're driving quietly on route to the hospital when Kiara suddenly whispers to herself. "Chimera, huh? I should make a song about that."
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Author's notes:
Hey, Yur3i here! This is the last of the initial eight chapters that I wrote before the release of this fanfic. So, I guess starting from chapter nine the author's notes will be live responses to feedback and whatever else.
This chapter was the darkest one so far, with the conversation about the chimera and Hololive's want for a death machine. Though, there is still a lot of comedy. But I don't think it messed up the tone of the chapter. (Right?)
I think the fight scene against the chimera was like twenty times better than the fight against Kibara. I attribute this to the fact that I had a clear vision of the fight scene this time, instead of making it up as I go.
This chapter is one that's filled with foreshadowing for later chapters. I want this chapter to be one you readers to come back to later on and say, "Hey! This parallels this other thing from a way later chapter!"
I'm excited to start work on chapter nine. There will be a lot of lore and some new characters as well.
Once again, Thank you for reading these first eight chapters and the accompanying author's notes. I really appreciate it.
Well, see you all next chapter. Goodbye for now.