The Mythological Phenomena Department

The Mythological Phenomena Department (M.P.D) is a scientific venture Agency dedicated to the understanding of any abnormal phenomena in the relation to Mythos and Hyper/Superhumans. They practice a more humanitarian and unbiased method of Containment, and are known to be the most 'clean' Agency to register with. They specialize in scientific research regarding weapons, defense, and containment methods, as well as being an Agency known for promoting understanding and logical approaches to the 'Mythos Problem'.

The Department
Whatever Ayakashi was expecting, he did not expect what found when he arrived at the M.P.D. Headquarters. A large university like building sprawls out in front of him, no flat out obvious measures of security seem to be in place. Upon arriving on the grounds, a group of thirty security personal arrive to greet him. One of them, a captain, looks Ayakashi over for a moment.

"You're the visitor from M.C.C.P?" He asks in a strict, but non hostile tone.

Ayakasi: I am, sir.

The captain nods. "I see then, Mr. Issac doesn't like to be kept waiting. Come with me." The captain leads him inside, and the interior only seems to reinforce the university or college feel, rather than a containment facility or a Mythic test lab. Everything seems surprisingly open and not hidden.

Ayakashi: Clean place you got here.

"This place ain't all roses and smiles either. Under the facility there is a large labortory and below even that, there's a containment facility for the... ...uncooperative ones. If the bill is passed, this Agency will probably be the most fair of the lot to sign up for. At least the most clean. They're more interested in subjects they don't have good information on, so if you're a Myth with some special power, they'd probably take a shining to ya. I don't know specifics, but from what I understand, you could drop a nuclear warhead on this facility and it wouldn't dent the defenses of the facilities below. What this Agency lacks in numbers, it has a surplus of brilliant minds."

The captain leads Ayakashi to an elevator, after they reach the top, they appear to be in an office sector. At the end of the hall, there is a sign that says, 'Director and Head Scientist, Issac Kurk'.

"He's waiting inside. Don't worry, he doesn't bite. But he is a bit off." Ayakashi: So is The Admin. but then again, that's an understatement. *enters the office*

Upon entering, he sees a complicatedly messy large office, with a blonde haired brown eyed man working diligently. Without even looking up, he takes a yardstick and taps a rather comfortable chair.

"Sit down, it's softer, and I'm not deaf in that ear." He says shortly.

Ayakashi: Something a great man named Willy Wonka once said. *sits in the chair* I was told you had questions for me, sir?

"Correcto. Also, it's Issac, not 'Sir'. The only people who say 'Sir' are the people begging for their job after I catch them eating ice cream when they're supposed to be giving lectures. I don't pay those old geezers to sit there and eat ice cream. I pay them to be professors and teach, racism be damned.

Now, tell me in exquisite detail your encounter with Inga. Mannerisims, behavior, how she moved, habits, anything. She's a top class interest at this facility and I'm personally interested in her case. Namely how a mere human can be born with what is estentially a logical form of omnipotence, minus being omnipotent." He says in an impatient voice, snapping his fingers immediately after finishing speaking, as though to say, 'hurry up'.

Ayakashi: As far as I know half her moves were improvised and the other half planned, so she was abit hesitant to act with messing herself up, so she was rather thorough. Another I find personally, is that she feels that she is abit clingy to family. Overall she looked calm but I felt her unease, as if trying to fly under the radar before and even after she had made herself known, but I can also see she relies to much on her own abilities, cause even after she had escaped us twice, she did not return from where she came, but she still continued to look over her shoulder. She holds a grudge a against us for the hunt. She is temperamental aswell as to be so rash to throw meteors at things when I told her no harm would come to her. So that also leaves room for her being somewhat mentally insecure.

Issac tsks. "The thing about someone like Inga, if I've read my research well enough, is that what may seem like plain old random moves, is actually always a coordinated plan. With the ability to see far in advance what anyone is going to do, not only is Inga not rash, but is actually according to theory, a master tactician. How exactly did she use her powers, offensive or defensive?

As for the grudge, that would make sense, considering the incidents have been repeatedly M.C.C.P. and other Agencies being attacked or involved. But like I said, what may seem rash to you is probably a calculated move. Causality users have to know the cause and effect of any action. As far as I'm aware. If that is the case, don't you think that the whole time, it was you who were being rash, considering your target? If someone can tell what you're going to do and what effects it will have, they could completely decimate your offensive.

But... I don't think it's perfect. Her defenses I mean. Don't you think it's strange how she didn't just didn't stop the events from happening? Like simply undoing the soldiers coming before they even came? Or you for that matter. If she had a perfect system, she could effectively counter any offensive before it began. Don't you think so?"

Ayakashi: I believe she knew what would become of any action, then why did she come here despite the trouble her presence would cause? For me, she can be the smartest tactician in the universe, but that doesn't mean she thinks things threw they you she does. That's something called 'carelessness', but like I said before, she relies too much on her powers. Also I feel like you know more than I do about your target, and you weren't even out there, nor were you recording it, cuase if you were, you would've known what to do and I wouldn't be here.

"The investigation of Inga Kankei and the power of Causality has been ongoing since the War started, kid. She's kinda big game. You know about Exima? She's probably more dangerous than him. I'm not the only one who's been studying this. I'm lucky to have gotten my hands on the information that I know. However the knowledge we have on Inga is limited at best. We don't know how she thinks, plans, or her weaknesses. I'm largely projecting you see. We know what Causality is, it's just we don't know how it works. If we did, I would have gotten the girl by now.

With something as lethal as her power, she only needs to react, to think. ...That's a thought... ...anyway. You didn't answer the question about what specific moves she did. She had to have been doing some manner of attack."

Ayakashi: She was defensive more than she was offensive.

"Interesting. Out of curiosity, was she always looking at you?"

Ayakashi: For all I know, she could've been doing that then, now, and later.

Issac flashes him an irritated look. "I mean, physically, was she constantly looking in your direction?"

Ayakashi: Yes. Probably to see if I would sniff her out and bring her in.

"...I see. And yes, you can smack him now, Clare." The hard end of a heavy book smashes him in the head, his assailant a woman in a black business suit with white gloves, white hair, and turquoise eyes. She looks at him with contempt, then walks to Issac's side.

"Oh, sorry. This is Clare Kurk, my secretary. She's my cousin. And she hates Myths. She's brilliant, but was going to waste her talents on cooking school. I could not stand that for a moment, so I arranged for her to be enrolled as an Agent. Now not only is she becoming a genius, she's also incredibly strong too, one of my best Enforcers. Oh, and sorry about the book. I was afraid she was going to pull a switchblade on you or something. She's got... ...temper problems."

Ayakashi: It will take more than a book. If I weren't a weapon for an agency, especially as strict as the one I work, I would've torn her to bits the moment that book touches the surface of my skin. So that must be some raw contempt, almost like Exima contempt, only less controlled.

"Well, you're just lucky she's not allowed to be armed while off duty. It's more like stress relief. Also, if you did kill her, you would be joining her in the after life very soon, might I just say. Don't blame her though, her upbringing was... tragic, and we'll leave it at that.

Though honestly, Clare can hold her own with some of the best of em'. She may be human, but I can promise you, this Agency's humans have perks. Some pretty big ones. I'll leave it at that."

Issac thinks for a moment. "*sigh* In any case, you are free to go. If you would LIKE to look around, you may, though Clare must escort you."

Clare glares at him. "Why should I have to walk the animals?"

Issac gives her a cool look. "Clare, I swear I'll modify you again."

She narrows her eyes. "You wouldn't dare..."

Issac has a smirk. "I wouldn't huh? Well, watch yourself for the next week."

She reluctantly looks at Ayakashi. "...I am told to give you a tour of the facility, if you so wish to linger." She says in an irritated flat tone.

Ayakashi: Sure thing. If it postpones me from having to scolded before The Admin. before I get back.

"This is revenge for the book, isn't it?" She grumbles.

Issac has a mischievous smile. "Have fun, kiddies." He says as they walk out.

Ayakashi: You can start showing me from this floor, up.

"Up is the Board of Director's area. No admittance," She says dully. "I doubt you would want to be on this floor either, it's full of just offices. The floor below us is the General Public Education Center, it is aimed at enlightenment regarding Myths and to create more understanding of what the Myths actually are. It has some interest value." She says as she walks. Were it not for her strict and open dislike tightening her expression, Clare would actually be more lovely in appearance.

Ayakashi: It's obvious what we are. Just monsters from children stories.

Clare rolls her eyes. "No you're not. Dragons have been cited in the Bible, not to mention I very much doubt children would come up with the idea of Dryads. I'm pretty sure that was the fault of some desperate men wanting a lovely lady. Though who knows? One thing is for sure though, don't even start with the degrading self crap, it's my job to do that, not you. You go on and just be your good natural self, you know, the kind that eats children and kills innocent civilians for sport.

We also have the Mythos Education Wing. Like we need beasts to know how to count to ten..." She mutters. "Oi, Clare. Quit the bad talk. He's our guest. Do I need to report you to Issac about bad behavior? You know what he's going to do if you disobey him again, right?"

Clare rolls her eyes. "Oh, you. Simon, mind your own business." She addresses a man with white hair and grey eyes. He wears a white vest with a long black jacket with orange designs on the ends. He wields a large spear or javelin type weapon. He appears to be human, but rather strong, as the javelin is heavy looking. He eyes Ayakashi with a neutral gaze.

"I'm Officer Simon Lee Johnson. Simon for short. Another of the Enforcers here. However, I follow regulations. All officers are to be impartial..."

"...In all manner of on duty operations. Which, does not count when I'm working my main job, Simon."

Simon just shakes his head. "She's really a good person, once you can get past her prickly attitude."

Ayakashi: Sounds like you'll need a jack-hammer to get through that wall. Maybe even something stronger than that.

Simon begins to walk off. "Behave, Clare. You know, considering the modification Issac did to you as punishment for your past behavior, you should really tone it down. Take care." He walks out of sight.

Clare watches him go, then rubs her temples. "Anything I've described of interest, or are you going to keep wasting my time?"

Ayakashi: Do you have like a training room of sorts?

Clare looks at him. "Well yes, in the Facility. You're not one of our agents, so no. Definitely not allowed."

Ayakashi: I know. Just wanted to see if you had one.

"Well, we do. We have a gymnasium, but it's not for combat training." She adds.

Ayakashi: Then just for regular exercise then?

"Yes, that's right. Why, do you want to go there? As long as you don't break any of the equipment with super strength or something, I don't see why that wouldn't be allowed."

Ayakashi: Please, I wouldn't break if I couldn't pay for it.

"Well, if you want to, it's down this hall." She points to the far end of the hallway. "I am sure you're at least somewhat capable of finding the way out on your own, or are you going to need me to take you out? If not, I need to catch up to work."

Ayakashi: You go ahead, I'll find my way around. *begins to makes his way down the hallway, then stops and turns and walks the other way* On second thought, I need to get back to the facility. There are more things that need to be done and the talk is over. I'll be on my way. Thanks for the tour *walks out of the building*

After he leaves...

"Secretary Clare, please report to my office, now. I have some things I want to discuss with you."

Clare rolls her eyes, then makes her way back to Issac's office, and sees the rest of the Enforcers.

"What's the occasion?"

Issac looks at her calmly. "We're going on a hunt for the witch of causality, Inga Kankei."

Phone rings

His face looks exasperated. "One second..." He picks the phone up and makes his trademark double tap.

"Can I help you sir? Was about to debrief for a mission. Is this important?"

The President: Yes it is. I have called to inquire that all agencies are to cease any form mythic containing activity as of now. Due to recent events, Neo Pangea and its defenses are allying itself with the Admonition to fight back against the organization responsible for the near destruction of our dear nation. I repeat: You are to cease any mythic containing activity as of now. That is all. *hangs up*

Issac remains silent, holding the phone in a tight grip. "Oh you did not just do that you little... ....ffffffff....."

"He hung up on you again?"

Issac's eye twitches. "Oh, yes he did... *cough* well, only one thing to dooooooo...." He casually starts typing on a computer.

The President's Office...

An email pops up on his computer screen with a: ":D" in the message box. As he watches, hundreds of the emails begin popping up in seconds, until his computer crashes. When it reboots, the following message says:

"Next time, don't hang up."

The computer has no further issues.

An email pops up on his computer saying: ''I'll stop hanging up when you become President of The Nation. P.S. I have a laptop too.''

"Ok Captain Rude" Is his response.

He turns to his gathered agents. "Well, good news and bad news. Bad news is, we're not to go hunting Myths. The good news is: he said nothing about criminals or hyperhumans. So, in other news, we're still a go on the operation."

"You do know he's going to get mad at you..." Clare mumbles.

"Yes, but considering I keep out of the red, have not been responsible for questionable morality related experiments, and mostly do what I'm told, he ain't got much to complain about. Besides, it's a matter of public security and research. Now here's my thesis..." He begins to explain the current information as well as strategy to deal with Inga, but shuts off all electronics just in case a tap or wire is in the room, to avoid any prying eyes.

The Hunt
Clare and Simon get off of a boat, somewhere in the northern territories. They stand by the entrance to the docks, waiting for the other members who would be joining them... specifically, the one they refer to as the Weapon Agent. The agent in question had earned the name, due to him being one of the strongest Myth Enforcers in the employ of the M.P.D.

"When's he going to get here?" Clare asks Simon in annoyance.

"Last I heard, he was bringing a new recruit."

"Great, last thing I need is a newbie messing up this operation." Clare says sourly. A paper airplane bonks Clare in the head.

"What the- where did this come from?" Out of curiosity, she opens it to find a message saying, 'We're here.'

She looks off in the direction of the plane's trajectory to find a man with long green hair and ice blue eyes and a tux and light brown tie, wearing a soft smile. He has a notepad in his hands, which have white gloves. He quickly scrawls a message and throws another plane. This one reads:

"I am Lux R. Sigel. Doctor Lux, Director Lux, which ever suits you best. I bring a new recruit who will be joining us today."

A figure wearing a tengu crow mask with ragged and dirty clothes with crow wings coming out from his back appears from the shadows of the plane.

The doctor looks at him, then back at the others a few times, before making a quiet sigh. He takes out a device and starts typing, and a robotic voice soon says, "Would you please mind introducing yourself? Also, didn't I tell you to get some decent clothing?"

Clare looks at the figure cautiously. "...Who, or what is that?"

The doctor tsks. "The new recruit. ....If he would gladly speak, it would be appreciated." He types.

''The figure removes the mask and reveals a handsome man with brown hair. The mans simply smiles and waves.'' 'Go-ni-chi-wa', fellow enforcers! My name is Torikkumasutā. *puts his mask back on* And your names are?

Simon looks him over for a moment. "Officer Simon Lee Johnson of 1st Division. My partner is one of the Elites, Clare Kurk. From what I gather, you're a Myth right?"

Torikkumasutā: Yulp. Sure am. Yokai-Tengu class. A crow tengu to be precise, not those long-nosed looking fools like the rest. Nice to meet you, partners. *puts his hands out for a hand shake*

Simon takes the hand readily. "Please to meet you, but I'll warn you Tor- ....Can I just call you Tori? You have a really long name, no offense. Also, you'll have to forgive Clare. ...She's racist against Myths, she only puts up with them long enough to work with them. Don't expect her to warm up to you."

Doctor Lux types again. "Well it's unfortunate that is the case, as Mr. Torikkumasuta is the replacement partner for Miss Clare. He's being transferred from my Division, he lives closer to the First Division than the Second, so it's easier on us and him for him to be assigned here."

Clare's face seems to fall with his words slightly.

"...."

"A problem?" The Doctor asks, the way he responds somehow conveys aggravation.

"...No sir."

Torikkumasutā: I am not particularly here to make friends, but to do a job. If she does not require me to be around her, I will respect her space and steer clear of it.

"Issac and I expect you to get along. Your job requires you to trust, respect, and cooperate with your partner, regardless of opinion. This mission in particular is of high importance to the M.P.D, so you'd better put aside differences." He sternly replies with his machine.

Clare looks like she wants to protest, but doesn't. "...Understood sir. I will... ...try my best."

"Good. Start by standing next to each other."

She reluctantly stands next to Tori.

"Alright then, so you are aware, we will probably have one or two more agents joining us today, so please wait a little longer." The Doctor nods with approval.

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing, Mr. Lux

Clare stands silently for a while, before eventually looking at the Tengu. "What's your story?" She asks reluctantly.

Torikkumasutā: Not much. My mom tried to eat me before I had hatched, but my father stopped her. They were in a tight space for business. My father owned a fruit stand and everyone loved my father. He was a people person and I would always be proud to be his son, but as I grew, I started gaining new interests, such as what is happening on earth and traveling to new sights, plus my family isn't doing well financially anymore, due to my parents growing old. Father paralyzed and my mother has arthritis in the arms. I do this job for the sake of providing for them. But before I could come here, I needed the proper training and on my travels, I encountered the Scyther, a master of the arcane arts. He trained me for 'round about a year in the Way of the Arcane, that and my twin tanto katanas. Now I'm here to support my family, while at the same time fulfilling my ambitions and while helping M.P.D fulfill theirs.

Clare thinks for a moment. "Sounds like you've got some good training. Glad to know that my partner isn't incompetent."

Torikkumasutā: What of your story then? Assuming you're in the mood to tell me.

"Hmmph."

After a while of waiting though, a slight slip of her attitude seems to occur.

"I'll tell you, but I don't want any pity. If you monsters could have emotions, that is. Got it?"

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing, partner.

"...I am the cousin of the First Division's leader and head of the entire Department, Issac. But before I was a part of the organization, I lived with my parents. Five years ago, a Myth entered our home and killed my parents. He then came after me, I tried to hide in my closet, but he found me anyway. When I ran away, he called out to me with my name. I didn't want to stay in that house. I wanted to run. Get away from my parent's killer. Yet he had this beautiful gentle aura, it intoxicated my mind and bewitched me into a peaceful state of mind, it took away all my strength and will to fight.

When he thoroughly had bewitched my mind, he revealed his true self, a vile being with strange angel like wings. He was black as oil, had a shiny skin like it too. There was... some kind of tail which he stung me with, and afterwards he released me from the aura and allowed me to run, but he followed. He was playing cat and mouse. This continued for several minutes, until to my horror, I began to change. He had infected me, you see, with a power to become a Myth. To my horror, I was becoming a... thing like him. ...If it wasn't for my cousin... ...I don't know what would have happened. But since then I've been with the D.M.P. Issac refuses to let me live my own life, he keeps me at the facility.

....And every year since the incident, it takes less time for a Mythic Transformation to occur. It mainly happens in fights with a Myth, if it weren't for my control collar, I'd probably start morphing on sight with a Myth."

"...The Virus Incident. We've not heard of such a power. To this day, Agent Tori, Clare's case has been a top priority. We haven't told any other Agency this incident happened. If they did, they're probably sieze Clare and try to find out for themselves about the Westlake Virus. From what we can tell, it a Variante." Doctor Lux speaks up with his device.

Torikkumasutā: Variantes, the morphing shadows. Did you know their bodies are far more malleable than any Myth on the planet naturally? Well actually...you might already know that...nevermind.

Simon facepalms as Clare's face tightens. "Well, cue the death threats..." Clare's eyes instead whip toward Simon. "Hey, quiet. I don't need you to give me a reputation."

"That's true, her reputation speaks for herself," A girl's voice speaks out. The group turns to see a girl with bluish black hair and an officer's uniform, with a katana strapped to her back.

"I'm Isa A. Lee, Secondary Officer of First Division. Oh, and this charming fellow is my partner, we named him Leo. He's a Junior Officer, like you, Tori. Behavior problems, not so much ability issues."

The blond haired man with cat ears scowls. Unlike the other officers, he's not taken any effort to go in a uniform. Blazing gold eyes size Tori up.

"Sup, birdy?" He jeers, earning a swift smack from Isa.

"Ow! I told you to stop smacking me like that!"

"I told you to stop being rude, you'll never get anywhere like that." Torikkumasutā: No need. I am basically a birdman if you think my physiology. I mean come on, I'm wearing a katasaru mask for goodness sake. Couldn't be more obivous.

"Spare the rod, spoil the child."

"HEY!" Leo retorts with a snarl.

"You going to deny it? Then stop acting like one."

"Tch..."

"Anyway, we're here, so what's the mission? It's not usual that a full Enforcement Squad is called out. What's the occasion?"

Doctor Lux starts typing.

"Today's mission is the capture of Inga Kankei, authorized by Director Issac Kurk. You will receive a telepathic message concerning your role in this joint operation."

''Clare, Tori. You will be the first pair leading the assault on the Dread Witch. Understand that the Witch has the power of Causality, so beware going in big. Your role is distraction, while our main offensive sets the stage. If we do this right, Inga won't even be aware of what's happening to her until she has already been subdued. We're hoping to do this quietly. Don't disclose any strategy or your role to anyone other than your partner. Do what you feel is nessisary, but do not stay longer than needed. Each team is to pull out once I specifically instruct them to. Understood?''

His voice comes across in their minds as an equally robotic tone as his device.

I understand, Director Lux.

Torikkumasutā: Yes sir, Mr. Lux.

''Alright everyone. You've gotten your orders. We'll be flying overhead to the target, who was sighted recently in this city. Once we've found her, you will be sky diving down to a nearby location. ''

Everyone, proceed to the plane.

Torikkumasutā: *boards the plane first*

Clare and the others join him, and begin preparing. Clare is seen strapping on body armor and selecting what look like experimental weaponry.

Torikkumasutā: *simply meditates as a light outlines his body*

As the others begin their preperations, the plane takes off and after a while, begins to circle the city. A tense few moments go by, with no signs of the target. Finally, the Doctor indicates a person walking through the empty streets, the sun has only just risen, and most people are still sleeping.

"Our target, Inga Kankei, the Witch of Causality. Pink hair and eyes. Like we were informed of. Clare, Tori, make your way to her after sky diving to the adjacent city block. We don't want her to see you. Not until you're on the ground."

Clare sighs. "I hate sky diving... ...wait, why doesn't my uniform have a parachute?"

The doctor smiles. "Ol' Issac gave you wings a few days ago."

"What?" Clare growls sharply.

Torikkumasutā: Parachutes? Hmmm... they sound bland and safe. *opens the hatch and is launched out into the sky above the city*

"Reckless idiot."

"Off you go now," The doctor playfully pushes Clare out, she tumbles and flails about for a few minutes, before glowing blue wings rip out of her back into being, slowing her descent.

It takes her a moment to relax, however. "I hate when people modify me without telling me..." She grumbles, slowly attempting to control her wings.

Torikkumasutā: *lands in an alley and adjust his mask*

Clare ends up landing in a tree, and gets her wings caught in branches, and starts struggling.

"Oh of all the...!" She grunts, then gives up after a minute or so.

Torikkumasutā: Now to lower suspicion. *takes off his mask and clothes until he's only wearing his sumo underwear and pulls out a Chinese sitar* Torikkutime. *puts his mask back on and heads out into the streets*

"Oi! Help me get down from here!" She snaps. "And put your clothes back on!!!"

Torikkumasutā: *looks up into the tree* Oh, hey partner! *waves* Do you like what you see? *does a model pose*

Her face burns scarlet for a moment, and a knife impales itself in his mask, the blade stoping just short of his eye.

"Put your clothes on and help me out of this tree already! What if someone sees you like that?!"

Torikkumasutā: Come now, partner. No need to point knives at each other (unless ordered to). Then they'll be speechless cause they'll be to busy marveling at my body or look at me oddly. They'll see me as some foreign weirdo entertainer. I'll blend right in. Well...more or less, but they won't suspect much of me.

She gives him a pointed look. "And everyone sees wierd people wearing masks and cloaks these days too. You're a public officer, you don't need to blend in, except in recon. This isn't recon. Plus looking at you like that is weird ok, so put the damn clothes on!"

The wings, still snagged on the branches, are starting to get pulled to the point it's starting to hurt her.

"Ow ow ow!"

Torikkumasutā: It's called 'stealth'. The less she knows, the better chance we have. I am to keep and eye on her without her suspecting she is being watched or followed. Cause if we watch her from the shadows or the rooftops, she's gonna get the feeling she's being followed, thus, putting her guard up. We want to surprise her as possible. The more she's off guard, the better chance we can bring her in. My blending in will only keep her guard down even more. One moment longer. Whether it's recon or not, a mission is a mission. You must succeed in any means necessary. *kicks the tree from the base and Clare falls to the ground* You hanging in a tree for one would cause her to be suspicious. *turns and walks away* You watch her the way you do, and I'll be watching her from the crowd like a hawk...or like a crow for that matter.

"...Ow! ...Geez, why did I get landed with the newbie? And a MYTH on top of it... great... You know, it's also called TEAMWORK!"

She catches up and grabs him.

"We aren't the capture force. Obviously, there seems to be an underlying plan the Doctor came up with, and he's sending us in waves. Put your clothes on and get ready to engage, that's an order, junior officer Tori. Plus, no sane person runs around naked like that, not to mention there's no crowd right now, it's just now sunrise. People are still sleeping. We still have to find her, so some caution is nessisary. And if you think you can back talk me, remember who is the Elite, and who is the guy just starting out in this Division. Now come on, we have a witch to fight."

She cocks her guns and loads them, then peeks out at the streets. "Not over here, good. Let's go."

Torikkumasutā: It's ok, my sitar. We'll play another day. *puts his clothes back on and follows behind her*

They carefully look over various alleys, and then eventually after stepping out into another main street, they hear a tap of feet as someone lands on the ground behind them.

"It seems the Agencies really are are trying to try my patience." A soft woman's voice speaks up.

Torikkumasutā: Oh look, she found us. Probably shouldn't have be walking out in the open like we did.

"I knew you were here the moment you landed. You removing your clothing drew my attention immediately."

"We were looking for her anyway, what does it matter?" She turns, to see a girl with pink hair and eyes.

"Wha? Well, I guess appearances aren't everything, aren't they, Dread Witch?" She says as she points her guns at the witch.

Torikkumasutā: Not every witch has to have warts on her face or have a crooked nose. And I doubt gns will do any good, that or their not ordinary guns.

Clare notices the witch is observing their weapons, as though analyzing unseen data.

"Huh... like the boss implied."

Torikkumasutā: Could you blame her? Who wouldn't study their opponent's arsenal?

"She isn't just studying the arsenal... She's observing our future moves..."

Torikkumasutā: Hm. I feel like their should've been a better plan than us confronting her head-on.

"Too late now, eh? Shut up and let's get started." She fires a burst of energy from her gun, and Inga dodges with surprising speed, but makes no counter attack, and Clare continues the attack.

Torikkumasutā: *shrugs and his body glows a darkish blue. He rushes Inga and throws a series of kicks and punches at mach speed, but can't manage to touch her until one of his punches manages slide past her face*

She ducks past the last punch and slides in toward him, then manuvers off to one side, and when he turns to face her, he feels a sharp cut on his cheek, and he realizes she's stolen his katana.

Torikkumasutā: *licks the blood off his cheek* Huh..I imagined my blood to be alot sweeter...eh, whatever...*pulls out his other katana*

Inga leaps back as a grenade lands near her, then rolls away from a series of beam shots from Clare. Inga scales up a building, coming to a rest on top of the roof. She looks at Clare intently.

''More to this one than is let on... there is a seed of corruption, one she violently detests... if I made it grow, her mind would collapse and allow me to dominate her. The other...''

Her eyes rest on him, analyzing him.

Torikkumasutā: Hm. Might need to ask her for my katana back.

A few arcane glyphs begin appearing around Inga, and they begin to fling themselves at Tori, exploding on impact with any physical object.

Torikkumasutā: *raises his hand at the glyphs and they circle around him. The glyphs turns into darts and begin to fling themselves back at Inga*

Inga makes a shield of glass, which deflects the darts before shattering.

Torikkumasutā: Now that I've found you. Would you be so kindly as to return my katana? Assuming you are kind.

"No, I rather think I'll hold on to it, thanks for the present." She says with a coy, mocking smile.

Torikkumasutā: Eh. I know spells. I can just conjure up a new one. Go ahead, keep it. your welcome.

Without warning, a fireball detonates right on him, blowing him into a building.

"So do I. Only I cast more or less in an instant." She ducks from a punch from Clare, then repeatedly dodges a volley of them.

"You have a lot of bitterness in you. You're human, but only just. Something holds your infection back, doesn't it?"

Clare flinches and in that moment of weakness Inga delivers a nasty blow to Clare's stomach, and she crashes into a wall.

''She knows even that? That ability is just wrong...''

Torikkumasutā: *is about to dive bomb Inga*

She jumps up to him and with a wind enhanced kick, smashes him into Clare, who just recovered from the impact.

"OW!" She yelps.

Clare realizes that it's just Torikkumasutā's clothes but not Torikkumasutā.

Torikkumasutā: *comes up from behind Inga and pegs her in the back of the neck with the heel of his foot, making her hit the ground. He lands on top of her with a great crash* Ta-da! *steps off Inga* If you plan on shooting her, now's the time partner.

Just as he lands, she disappears and they suddenly exchange places, him on the ground and her standing unaffected, just as Clare shoots him in the lung.

Inga teleports back up to the rooftop.

"Silly fool."

Torikkumasutā: *is right behind her* No. I'm Torikkumasutā.

Inga claps her hands together, and a hurricane level wind flattens several whole city blocks and blows them away.

As Inga dusts herself off, she is suddenly impaled by a massive spear, Simon standing behind her.

"...More...?" Inga coughs up blood, gasping.

"I slipped in while you were distracted with the two of them."

"I see... no wonder, they were just the distraction." She pulls herself free of his weapon with a gasp, teleporting to the other end of the blast zone.

Simon helps the two to their feet.

"You two alright?" He asks.

Torikkumasutā: *laughs* Terrific! *brushes himself off*

Simon nods, then sprints after Inga, to her amazement, he closes the distance in mere moments and suddenly smashes her into a building before she can react to his speed, leaving her stunned for a moment, before pulling out of the wall and dodging just in time as Simon stabs the area she just was.

''He's fast... almost too fast...!''

Torikkumasutā: So we just leave it up to him then?

Clare looks at the shot wound. "You ok? Sorry that I shot at you partner. As for the question, we should try and help however we can. We don't know what she'll do next."

Torikkumasutā: *looks at Clare all confused* What shot? *looks at his bleeding chest* You mean this one?

"Umm, you didn't notice you got shot?"

Torikkumasutā: I was to busy trying to distract the target, if she wasn't already distracted enough. *strokes his hair back, noting to his body*

Clare smacks his mask. "We got more important things to do than worry about your looks. And did you take your clothes off again?! What are you trying to do, be a perv and a monster?"

Torikkumasutā: It's called self-esteem. Besides, positivity is healthy for the heart and mind. Also, monsters go 'Roar!' I go 'Wheeee!' As for a perv...what is that? Does it have something to do with my body?

"...You know, I would say something about that, but I'm not." She says as a massive fireball nearly strikes them.

Inga has stepped up her attacks, launching fireballs and various spells, lighting, wind, fire, earth, the elements are all flying as she battles with Simon, having some difficulty holding him off with his speed.

Torikkumasutā: Heh. Look at 'em go! I can literally see blurs! Ah it hurts my eyes just to watch!...Ow!

Inga scowls as she gets laceriated off and on by Simon's blades, then finally creates a shockwave and repels him. She puts her hands to the ground, and a massive summoning circle forms.

Torikkumasutā: Never liked circles. *land outside the circle and puts his hand on the circle and blue light spreads all across the summoning the circle*

A spark of arcane magic zaps him the moment he touches it, launching him back. A massive sphere of lava, metal, and earth begins to grow at a massive rate, quickly becoming larger than most of the buildings in the area.

Clare looks spooked.

"Is that... what I think it is?!"

Torikkumasutā: *rubs his head* Ow...

The Enforcers regroup, Simon looks up at the sphere as it becomes a massive metalic dragon with molten lava pouring out of its skeletonal body, anything flammable in a mile ignites in flames as it roars to life. Inga floats harmlessly to its head, unaffected by its extreme heat. She gives them an insane glare, her eyes have turned red.

"''Die..." ''She growls.

"Well this just got much more difficult," Simon sighs.

"She summoned that thing? Isn't that the same creature that created several new volcanoes not too long ago?" Clare gapes.

Torikkumasutā: *looks at the beast* Gojira?

"...What's that?" She asks Tori.

Torikkumasutā: The King of Monsters...

Clare seems distracted. "Sir, with all due respect, I do not want to turn ''into that thing!!!" ''She snaps, as though talking to someone.

Torikkumasutā: I would be so honored to turn into him...*gets on his knees and begins to bow at Hitomara* All Hail, Gojira. All Hail, Gojira..

She glares at him. "That isn't a famous legendary beast of Japan or whatever, that's a psychopathic volcanic dragon that blew up several cities!"

Torikkumasutā: That is exactly what Gojira would do! Only know he's being used by the witch. *shakes his fist at Inga* Release Gojira, you vile woman!

The dragon suddenly lets out a massive blast of pure lava at the Enforcers.

"I am Hitomara, and I obey the Dread Witch of my own desire! I will burn everything!"

Torikkumasutā: *shields them in an energy field* By Goodness graciousness! She's possessed him! We must defeat her and free Gojira!

Clare slowly thinks. "Wait, Godzilla? Are you talking about Godzilla? Godzilla doesn't exist, those were just movies!" Hitomara sends a wave of lava at them again.

She looks up at him and twitches. "Gah! Issac, you bastard! You really did turn my collar off, didn't you?!" She moans in pain, as large metallic scales begin to grow out of her skin, blood trickles from her scales as they grow out of her skin, and she gnashes her teeth, which are visibly sharpening and elongating. Besides the pain, there is obvious anger in her eyes, as her body is changing against her will.

Torikkumasutā: Partner! What's happening to you?

"Didn't I tell you?" Her voice has a edge of a dragonic growl to it, and large metal horns are growing out of her skull, her finger nails are ripping out long and large, becoming metal as they grow, her hands and feet become monsterous in form, the metal growing thick, too big for human hands.

"This is what that bastard did to me all those years ago," She growls, her eyes begining to glow red. "He infected me so that when I look at Myths, my body begins to change to become that type of Myth. It gets faster, more painful, and lasts longer each year that passes. The scales should have taken thirty minutes, by last year's standards."

A large metal tail grows out of her pants, and the back of her shirt rips open to reveal massive dragonic wings.

"This is why I hate Myths, because they made me a freak like them!!!" She roars, her voice less human, mostly dragon, with a rumble of fire. She begins coughing up burning blood, as her insides begin to melt into molten rock, most of her skin has become pure white metal scales, under them a red hot glow is begining. The air is hotter around her now. Clare's transformation has made her appear almost a perfect blend of humanoid and dragon, and she's growing larger too.

Torikkumasutā: Not all of us are like that. I mean despite your bitterness towards us, I was still willing to work with you. I'm sorry this had to happen to you, but you probably don't desire any sympathy from a myth. I'm just letting you know, that myths and humans have more in common than you think. There's always a good and there's always a bad.

What's left of her now tattered clothing burns away, as her transformation slows down then stops. The interior of her body glows with a hot molten glow, she rumbles with her pain and rage.

She looks back at Tori angrily. "Monsters are monsters. That's all I am now. A monster meekly trying to retain the humanity she already lost. There is nothing worth loving in a monster." She growls, then launches up at the dragon in a feral roar.

The dragon laughs with amusement. "''I see a powerful spirit within thee... thy is not born of the fire, but thy possesses its spirit... I am delighted!" ''He roars in turn, letting out blasts of fire and lava at the Dragon-Clare, who seems unaffected by the blasts, and furiously begins clawing at its face.

Hitomara manages to swat her away, and attempts to stomp on her, but she manages to hold up his foot, and with a mighty roar of her own, manages to toss him aside into the nearest standing buildings, a colossal strength in her small in comparison form.

Torikkumasutā: Sorry, Gojira! We'll free you, I swear! *runs over to Clare's side* Is the plan to still fight them head-on?

The dragon gets up rather quickly and roars, though there is an impression that it was an amused laugh.

Inga meanwhile has a small smile of amusement, which suddenly changes as she unexpectedly has a tired look and is for some reason looking like she's struggling to stay on her feet.

Clare reflexively swats Tori with her talons, nearly breaking his ribs when he gets too close. She makes no intellegible answer, instead merely launches herself toward the dragon again, in a breserker rage.

Simon runs up to Tori.

"She's probably going to be like that and worse, if she has a stage two change. She has a poor control over herself when she becomes creatures like dragons, the savage side is too strong for her to handle."

"Come on, we'll come from the side."

Torikkumasutā: Alright I'll be right there...just let me crawl there first....*begins to crawl*

Simon pauses and holds Tori still, then takes strange bandages and begins applying them to Tori's chest.

"Sit here for about five minutes and let them heal you. Then we'll go."

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing, 2nd partner...

Inga looks strangely as though she is starting to doze off, her head nodding.

''W...what is...? I'm... so....''

Inga barely manages to dodge from Leo, who kicks Hitomara into the ground with extrodinary force, who suddenly is unsummoned. Isa soon joins him on the ground.

"Well, looks like the beast has been unleashed!" Leo cackles when he sees the transformed Clare, who has grown even bigger and is starting to undergo a second stage of evolution into a full dragon, occasional groans echo from her as she changes.

"It...h-hurts...."

Inga lands on the ground, stumbling a bit. Her body is barely able to stand correctly, so great is the mysterious effect on her. Her eyes look like they are becoming listless.

Torikkumasutā: Die, witch, die....Free Gojira...Ow....

A strange pink energy starts flickering around the witch, but it falls apart and dissipates, as Inga begins to teer and finally collapses, eyes momentarily full of fear, before slowly beginning to close, and Doctor Lux appears from the shadows, smirking when he sees the collapsed witch.

"Good work, everyone. I knew if she paid too much attention to the battle, she wouldn't notice the sleeping gas I was pumping into her. By the time she realized something was wrong, it was too late... I had already caused her mind to sleep... she fought of course, but her mind was too unfocused to reunited its efforts in time. Now we possess the Witch of Causality... let's take this one back to the Division." He picks Inga up, placing a Inhibitor on her neck, then opens her mouth and injects a massive blast of gas into her mouth, as she makes a final desperate cry, before she is fully put to sleep by the Doctor's gas, falling into a very deep sleep.

The plane descends, and opens up to allow them to board. Clare seems to be returning to human form, slowly, though her clothes remain gone. She has reverted to her dragon-human stage 1 form, and that form is slowly breaking up, slowly revealing human skin as the transformation begins its slow and painful reversal.

Torikkumasutā: Be free, Gojira...Be free...*looks over at Clare* Welcome back, partner.

Her scales and teeth revert to normal, but Clare looks at her hands and feet, which remain clawed and taloned. Her large horns remain on her head still, as well as her wings and tail.

"I've not been back since I first transformed... ....and someone please get me clothes before I die of embarassment..."

The doctor throws a uniform at Tori. "Dress her and be quick about it." Clare's face burns deep red. He places Inga into a special capsule and attaches a breathing tube connected to large containers of the gas, which begins to pump more at a steady rate into her. The capsule closes, concealing her from view.

Torikkumasutā: Ummm....isn't she old enough to dress herself?

"That uniform is made for dragonic Myths. It fits differently than for a human. She won't know how to put it on. You'll have to help her. Stop whining, besides, she's not as mentally sound as she appears..."

Clare is staring at her mutated body, particularly her tail, trembling with revulsion.

"Do it before she has a breakdown and starts trying to unprofessionally have surgery done on that tail."

Torikkumasutā: Why do that when I can simply cut it off? Alright...let's finish this...

After Clare is reluctantly assisted into her clothes, she immediately retreats from everyone else and stays at lonest corner of the plane, curled up and silently crying.

The others get in, and the plane prepares to take off.

Torikkumasutā: *gets his mask clothes and katanas and heads aboard the ship. He sees Clare in the corner and goes up to her* It's ok, partner. Remember that your part of a team that's here for you. I guess I'll leave you to hae some 'you time' *goes over to his seat*

First Week
The Enforcers stand in Issac's office, and dismisses them one by one. Issac has Clare stay in the room while he asks Tori his report of his first assignment and his thoughts and opinions on his new partner.

Torikkumasutā: Overall, the mission was awesome! HAHA! I can't believe you guys do this for a living! I'm utterly thrilled! My partner is abit hasty, she has a few problems regarding her transformation, she's all around a fine and decent partner.

This doesn't appear to have been the answer Issac was expecting, as he raises an eyebrow, then looks at Clare. He then looks back at Tori.

"Err... you sure you don't have any, errr... complaints? Comments about behavior? Anything like that? Any concerns, even a question or two? Also, speak in this direction," He taps toward one side of him. "I only hear out of that ear."

Torikkumasutā: What's to complain about? I flippin' saw Gojira! Who would complain about seeing Gojira? But if anything, my partner seems to have abit of a issue with what's she's become and such. But regarding question, I only have 2. 1. What do you plan on doing with the witch? And 2. Do you have a training room?

"We intend to study Inga Kankei's power, if possible. It is our intention to contain her, and prevent her from being a menace to society any further. She has caused too much chaos this past week alone. This week was a great triumph for the organization, and I have no doubt the Admin will seeth with rage this day that it was our lesser funded organization that values and respects its fewer staff that triumphed, while his organization bumbled around like the buffoons they are. I may just have a drink to celebrate. Then mockingly call him and taunt him, rub it in a little. Then get somber and feel the regret later.

As for the second question, yes, Simon should still be close by, he can take you to the training facility."

Torikkumasutā: Ok. Thank you Mr. Isaac. *gets up and leaves the office*

Issac looks toward Clare. "See yourself to the surgery room, I'll be down to help get you back to normal soon, ok?"

She quietly nods.

"Listen, I promise, I'll find a way to fix this, or at least, make it easier to control. Have faith in me, alright?"

She tearfully nods again, then departs, not saying a word to Tori, too emotionally fragile to speak.

Simon watches her go. "A troubled one, she is... take care of her, aye?"

Torikkumasutā: *thumbs up* Sure thing, 2nd partner. Hey partner, wait up! *walks after Clare*

She quietly stops, but does not turn to acknowledge him or speak. Her tail swishes in discomfort.

Torikkumasutā: I know you're going through a very tough moment, but you don't have to go through it alone. I'm not doing this particular to be liked, but because we're partners and partners will always have each others back.

"...Why are you trying to be kind to me, when it will get you nowhere? I hate you, yet you feel compassion for me, at least sympathy. Should you not hate me in kind? You do not know what I'm going through is like, so how could you begin to understand what I'm going through?" He tail swings in agitation, her fists clench when she feels it moving.

"I can't stand it... ...what this curse does to me... cousin says whenever I change, a small part of my DNA is altered. This horns, these claws, this horrid, wretched tail, when I changed back, they stuck... they became a part of me. Do you know how reviling it is to have who you are slowly twisted and altered against your will?"

Torikkumasutā: Almost. I had two human parents, both biological, yet I was cursed myself and turned I was into a birdman. I had to come to terms with who I was, because instead of seeing it as a curse, I saw it as a gift. To use to serve others. Sure it I may not like what I am, but i could use it to benefit others who may really need someone like me.

"Who needs a freak in this world...?" She says, he suspects though that she said that more at herself, than at him.

Torikkumasutā: *smiles* You'll be surprised. We certainly need one to keep Gojira from destroying us and nothing can stop Gojira, but you did. So the imagine the good for others instead of the bad for yourself.

"...I'm not as generous as you. I don't want this power. I want it gone. I don't want to keep living in fear like this. I'm safe inside this agency, but if I were to step outside, and tell someone what I am... what I've become.... they wouldn't show compassion. They'd label me a monster and try to destroy me. I can't live my life like this. I want to be happy, not living in fear that if I ever marry, the man I love will find out my secret and kill me. That my friends around me that I care and love will turn on me and shoot me to death.

I didn't stop that monster, the monster inside me did. And I want it gone."

Issac comes out of his office, and pats her on the shoulder. "Come on, let's go Clare."

As he walks her away, he pauses and looks back at Tori. "I'm going to take her to have her draconian features removed, it'll take a few hours. When I'm done, I'd like to have a private talk, alright? Meet me back at my office in three hours."

Torikkumasutā: Yes sir, Mr.Isaac. I'll see you later, partner...*walks the opposite direction*

Simon offers to take him to the training room. "I could use the practice too."

Torikkumasutā: *smiles* Thanks, 2nd partner.

"It's Simon. And you're welcome. It's my job to lift you up if Clare tears you down. She's a good person once you get to know her. Give it time. She's just stubborn." He says, walking down to the lower levels.

Torikkumasutā: I understand. It hurts to see humans having to suffer because of certain myths.

"Indeed. Clare's case is exceptionally troublesome. 'The Variante Virus' case... there has not been a trace or sign of that monster. We have asked around the other Agencies, but they don't know either. It's just... vanished."

Torikkumasutā: Vanished you say? What does the virus do per se?

"Apparently it goes around and infects humans with its stinger, causing them to undergo transformations like you saw in our battle with the dragon earlier. Clare is the only confirmed victim, we don't know if there are more. Every year, Clare's transformations become longer, more painful, and as of the last two years, have left artifacts in her dna and altered her body. Before, tails would just retract. Now, the tail is literally just well, her tail. She has to have DNA modification and heavy surgery to remove the alterations. In a few years, it may get to the point that Clare will get stuck in a Mythic form, and... ...become a Myth. You see, her hostility is really... ...fear. Fear of what she'll become."

Torikkumasutā: And she doesn't hate myths. She hates the man that turned her into one.

"She hates Myths, but she is also afraid of them. The hatred, is probably actually a byproduct of her fear. She is afraid of Myths. Because she doesn't want to become one. That fear makes her hate them. You can only really and truly kill her hatred when you have killed her fear. And well... ...that isn't so easy."

He arrives at a large metal door. "This is the entrance to the second facility. Pay attention, it's like a maze." He begins guiding Tori through toward the agent's training area.

Torikkumasutā: *is sketching the map as he follows Simon*

Simon eventually opens a series of steel double doors, revealing a huge training room, pure white marble floors, and a light grey concrete for the walls. The room is bright and well lit, many kinds of training equipment can be found, some agents are sparing.

Torikkumasutā: *shields his eyes from the brightness of the training room* Aaaaggghhh!...It's so bright!...It's like I'm starring up at the Sun!...

"It's not that bad... Oh look, Isa is training."

The agent can be seen in the distance, practicing with her katana. Only, it has no blade. However, all of the combat dummies are being sliced to ribbons as she attacks.

Torikkumasutā: My god...her blade's invisible...

"There actually is no blade. The handle is a focus point. You see, she can cut things with her mind."

Torikkumasutā: *gasp in astonishment* She's a telepath...

"That's not all. Watch." Several cannons appear, and launch cannon balls at her, but they stop dead instantly at 60 feet from her, dropping harmlessly to the floor.

Torikkumasutā: Oh My Gosh! She can repel metal by using her miiind! WHAAAAAAAT!?

"You're like a kid being shown an action movie for the first time."

Torikkumasutā: A movie? I don't know what that is, but it sounds like an advance play of sorts.

"...You're one of those guys huh? It's ok, we can go sometime. Don't worry, as a member of this Agency, anyone registered or an agent can largely live a free lifestyle, so I can take you, and arrest anyone who tries anything."

Torikkumasutā: Wheee! Thanks, 2nd partner!

Simon chuckles as Isa walks over. "Oh hey, how's it going? You're Tori, right?"

Torikkumasutā: Yes, yes I am. And you must by my 3rd partner. *holds out his hand for a handshake*

"Isa, it's ok to refer to each other by name." She takes his hand and shakes it firmly.

Torikkumasutā: I know.

"Then why don't you? Don't be afraid to treat us like friends. We're comrades, after all. Oh, duck."

Torikkumasutā: *ducks like she says*

Leo goes flying by and crashes into a wall.

"You're welcome." Isa says, shaking her head at Leo.

Torikkumasutā: I can stand up now, right?

She helps him up. "Is there any training you'd like to do since you're here?"

Torikkumasutā: Anything that will keep me sharp.

"You could try the combat dummies."

Torikkumasutā: Ok then. *takes his tanto katanas and preform fast flight attacks on the dummies, so fast that he nearly becomes a blur*

Isa watches for a bit, then looks at Simon. "What do you think?"

Simon looks down at her. "Hmm?"

"You know, about....?"

It takes him a moment to realize. "Ooooh... right... that. Too early to tell. Issac's making a gamble, but the two might go together well. Only time can tell..."

The two watch Tori for a bit longer.

Torikkumasutā: *after he's done, the dummies fall apart into evenly cut cubes* Done. I think the dummies should be made of stronger material though.

Simon presses a button, and new dummies appear, made of a powerful kind of steel.

Torikkumasutā: Whoa. My wish has been granted.

"Have at it new guy!" Isa cheers him on.

Torikkumasutā: *spread his wings and haves at the dummies*

98hese ones seem to be intellegent and are slowly adapting to his attacks.

Torikkumasutā: Neat. Self-adapting. You guys might aswell have everything

Leo walks over to Simon. "Can? Oh please, let me do it!"

Simon sighs. "...Yes, you can do it."

"HELL YEAH, MISSILE STRIKE, BITCH!" He cackles with glee, as missile launchers start firing at Tori.

Torikkumasutā: *flies around dodging and cutting the missiles down while still getting a few hits on the dummies* Wheeeee!

After a few hours, an announcer speaks up. "Alright everyone, training facility is closing for the evening, good work everyone. It'll be open again at six A.M."

Isa pats him on the back. "Good job mate, you showed those dummies. Although, the missiles were unnecessary."

Torikkumasutā: Thank you, 3rd par-I mean...Isa.

"No problem. Let's head up, Clare should be almost ready to come out."

....

Issac finishes the complex DNA and physical surgery at last, the removed limbs and parts taken to a private sector dedicated to the Virus case. He gives his cousin a quiet hug.

"...Clare." He begins finally. "You know I'm only trying to look out for you, right?"

"....I know that... it's just..."

He hushes her. "You wanted to live a better life than this, I know. I meant to tell you this sooner, but now is probably a better time than any. Clare, from the latest study, we've found that the likelyhood we can cure you at this stage of your infection is basically... ...none. The rate of prevalence over your own DNA is now too big. I'm sorry. We can't cure it now. But we can put the monster who did this to you to justice. ...Just.... ...give me time.

I know it's hard news to swallow... ...but I can say that we can help you control and cope with this power. Make it so you no longer involuntarily transform, and we can finally do away with the collar. We just need more time for research. We'll figure it out. I promise. Now, go rest up for the night. We got a long week ahead of us, yes?"

She silently nods. "Ok..."

She gets up, and puts on her uniform, then walks out slowly of the medical room.

"..." He watches her leave, then glances at the shadow lurking in the room. "I know you're there, Lux. We need to talk."

"Clever as always... what might this be about?"

"..." He turns to face the doctor hidden in the shadows...

....

"Agent Tori, may I see you in the office?" Issac's voice rings out over the intercom, just as Clare walks up into view from the lower corridors, looking tired, and now without her draconian features, though she is heavily bandaged still.

At the office

Torikkumasutā:*comes through the door* Here! You wanted to see me, Mr. Isaac?

"Please remember to sit on the side I'm not deaf at. It helps. Yes, I wanted to talk to you about Clare. Specifically why I assigned you to her. Have a seat."

Torikkumasutā: *sits near his good side* Yes? What about her? Is she going to be alright?

Issac sighs. "Overall, yes. At this rate, however, Clare's condition is basically permanent. Incurable, for her in fact. We can treat it so that she can maintain control over her self, but that's going to be about it. In a few years, the condition will reach full potency. But that's not why I had you come here to talk about. You see, I picked you on purpose. You're very forgiving and kind, you've been very patient with Clare. And that was what I was looking for when I picked her next partner. I also specifically was looking for Myth partners. It is very likely in the next few years, she may become a Myth before we can find a way to stabilize her. I wanted to prepare her mentally to accept that, but I also wanted to save her from her hate of Myths, her fear of them.

I want you to be there for her, because I don't want to see what will happen if she cannot accept her new self, if it ever comes to that. Be a friend for my cousin. She needs someone she can depend on. I'm hoping that someone will be you. This is a personal request, not a official one. Help my cousin. I don't want to see her destroy herself."

Torikkumasutā: Then you can definitely count on me, sir. *holds his hand out for a hand shake*

"...Thank you." He shakes his hand softly. "See yourself to bed, there's a long week ahead."

Torikkumasutā: A long fun week I might add.*joyfully smiles* Goodnight, Mr. Isaac. *leaves the office*

Mystery of the Virus
After he leaves and goes to bed, things are largely quiet, until later in the night he is woken from his comfortable bed by a strange noise outside his door, a strange figure's shadow passes by his door.

Torikkumasutā: *checks outside the door for the shadowy figure*

He sees off in the distance something entering Clare's room, whatever it was was not human.

Torikkumasutā: *whispers* Psst! Clare...*slowly and quietly follows the figure*

When he enters her room, he sees Clare fast asleep, but towering right over her is a horrid black creature, dark and black as night, with a faint sheen to its skin. Light blue wings are folded up against its back, glowing softly. Its hair has a sheen of every color, both features contrasting the black creature. It has a long ropy scorpion like tail, which hangs dangerously low to her chest, as though it is about to impale her.

Torikkumasutā: *takes his tanto katanas out instantly* Leave her be...

It whirls its head toward him, the only hint of eyes on its dark face is two white pinpricks, which start at him, then it flies out of the room's window with a screech. Clare doesn't seem to wake up, in fact she is somehow deep in sleep, despite the danger that had been looming.

Torikkumasutā: *runs up to the window and watches the beast fly away. He turns back towards Clare* What did it want with you, partner?

Clare doesn't respond, and Tori eventually realizes there is a smell of a gas in the air, and feels incredibly sleepy, as though any minute he'd himself fall asleep right on the spot.

Torikkumasutā: *yawns and immediately falls asleep on the side of the bed*

Tori wakes up later that morning, waking to find Clare sleeping peacefully, though he is trapped by her arms, which have wrapped around him as if he were a teddy bear. Her head is resting right next to him, her expression peaceful. She looks much different when she is awake and hostile.

Torikkumasutā: *slightly smiles at the sight. He rolls out of her arms and replaces himself with a pillow, then quietly leaves her room*

She soon wakes up, though doesn't move, her body aching.

''....It's like... ...that one time...''

She narrows her eyes and clenches her teeth as her sapphire blue wings grow out of her body.

She sniffs, and picks up a smell coming off her and the pillow.

"...Tori....." She grumbles. "But more importantly... ....him...."

She gets dressed for the day, and heads out of her room.

In the dining hall, Tori is with Simon, eating, when out of nowhere a gust of wind blows and Clare flaps down near them, holding a tray. Tori is surprised to see her strange, luminous sapphire colored wings. They look angelic, yet not. She gives him an odd look.

Torikkumasutā: Ugghh...Morning, partner...Sleep good?

"I don't know, did I? I sure smelled you in my room, so why don't you tell me?"

Simon sighs. "It's the morning, don't fight."

"I want to know why he was laying on my bed!"

Torikkumasutā: A variante was snooped into your room, but once I slipped in; it flew out your window. The gas that was used to capture the witch was in your room and I fell asleep instantly.

The two look at each other, and then at Tori, and then he soon finds himself back in Issac's office, having to explain to him what happened.

"...So... you're saying... that a variante was... ...in her room? ....What were its features?"

Torikkumasutā: It was symbiote-like no doubt. Had a scorpion-like tail had wings like Clare did this morning. And it had hair like that of the rainbow, yet i complemented its overall cover.

"...That was... ....the Variante Virus. The same creature that infected Clare. ...We've not seen a trace of it in five years... ....so why now...? Tori. At all times, I want you by Clare's side. No exceptions."

Torikkumasutā: I wouldn't be a good partner if I wasn't by her side, sir.

"I mean twenty four seven. Tell her that's a direct order to her to allow it. But use sense about it. Don't go in the bathrooms and... you get it, right?"

Torikkumasutā: Oh I understand. Certain privacies, gotcha.

"Dismissed. Oh, and if her skin starts turning, black, call me. And I mean, coal black."

Torikkumasutā: *nods* Yes sir. *leaves the office*

Clare is found furiously training in the training room.

Torikkumasutā: Sorry for snooping in your room partner. Had to find out what that thing was.

"No... ...thank you. You saved me, more than you'd understand."

Torikkumasutā: So you're not upset at?

"Well, yes. Given what could have happened... ...it seems petty to be angry with you. Even if you were sleeping in my bed."

Torikkumasutā: Either that or I sleep on the floor, right?

"I would prefer the floor oh so much."

Torikkumasutā: Oh then...sorry about that too. It was just that I was near your bed when I fell asleep.

"Like I said... don't worry about it... just make sure it doesn't happen again."

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing. Also, Mr. Isaac said I must stay by your side 24/7 unless in the bathroom.

"....Greeaaaaat..."

Torikkumasutā: I know, right! We get to hangout and stuff even after we do our missions!

Clare ducks into the punch of a dummy, getting knocked out.

Torikkumasutā: Oh snap, Clare! *rushes to her* You alright, partner?

"...." She is still unconscious.

Torikkumasutā: Oh dang..Ummm...*picks Clare up and carries her into her room and lays her on her bed*

Clare wakes up a few minutes later. "Oww. Oh, that was actually on purpose."

Torikkumasutā: Why would you do that? Just to skip out on our next mission?

She smirks. "No, it was deliberate protest against the last thing you said to me."

Torikkumasutā: I assumed you would be more glad about that.

"You know I still hate you, right?"

Torikkumasutā: Does it matter me. not one bit. *smiles*

She sighs. "You are an odd one, you know that?"

Torikkumasutā: I was told that was a good thing.

"...So you're going to follow me no matter where I go, right?"

Torikkumasutā: Basically so. As I was told.

"....Oh look! A worm!"

Torikkumasutā: I may be birdman, doesn't mean I do what other birds would. Besides, I find worms too adorable to eat. Plus, it's this place is too clean for even a roach to be found here, much less a worm in a building. Sorry partner, but that was pretty weak and stereotypical I might add.

Clare looks burned out. "....I really am stuck with you. Damn it."

She gets up off the bed, and begins to walk out. "Well, might as well make our rounds for the day. It's almost time for my or rather, our patrol. Get ready."

Torikkumasutā: Yaaay patrol! What's that?

"We patrol the area under the designation of the First Division. Keep the peace between men and myths. We act as a neutral police force, in the sense that we don't arrest Myths on the spot, rather if they actually cause public disturbance. People who call us without a legitimate crime can be heavily fined."

Torikkumasutā: As far as I've been told, their hasn't been any local authorities in decades.

"We try to fill that role. Both Myths attacking our cities and corruption rotting them within are equal threat. We stepped up to put an end to it."

Torikkumasutā: So have the M.C.C.P. Now everyone has a mechanical beast for a pet.

"I seriously doubt those giant machines have honestly solved anything. In fact, you could argue it just makes shit worse. Grab a uniform and badge from the locker room, I already have mine." She points to an officer's locker room.

Torikkumasutā: Awwwww....*goes into the locker room and after a few minutes comes* Uggghhh...I don't like it's...it's so constricting...

"Oh stop whining. You ready?"

Torikkumasutā: The faster we get this done, the faster I can get out of this uniform.

They walk out of the facility, and begin their rounds around the city.

..........

Issac and Doctor Lux stand before a large containment chamber.

"I think it's time we properly spoke with Miss Inga, don't you?" The Doctor speaks up.

"...Yes, let's just get this over with." The door opens, revealing a heavily restrained Inga Kankei.

"Ah, Inga... I would like to speak with you about an arrangement... if you would be willing to hear me out..." Issac begins.

.......

Exima: *is in the wilderness, simply looking into the distance* What...

The Administrator: *is standing behind him* I just came by to inform you that the witch has been captured by the M.P.D

Exima: Hmmm...Why tell me this...

The Administrator: I know you have more of a deeper connection and on another scale, their just like us, so you'll now what they'll do to her and I also know what you'll do for family.

Exima: And I know you hate competition.

The Administrator: I hate children showing up their elders. One slip up by one of my best and the M.P.D, of all of the other agencies, make the catch everyone has thought had been forgotten. One mistake...that made us look like fools! They'll think we're loosing our touch...We're too far ahead to loose now.

Exima: So are you doing this for me or for yourself?

The Administrator: Hopefully both of us can gain something out of this. *disappears into Exima's shadow*

Exima: *skates off into the vastness of the wilderness towards the city the Enforcer's first mission*

.....

After hours of no progress, except if multiple breakouts and revisions to the security could be counted as progress, Issac slams his hands on his desk.

"I don't think I've met a more tenicious human than her! ONE slip up, and she's loose! We've even tried mind control, and her Causality still causes damage! ...We're never going to get anywhere!" He snaps.

"Sir, with all due respect, perhaps we need to try something else." Doctor Lux speaks up.

"Something else, like what?! We've tried everything! She's no use if she's in her sleep induced state, and if she's not, she tries to destroy anything in sight! What do you suppose we do?" He growls.

"Simple. If we cannot get her to willingly let us experiment, then we must find subjects who will." Lux says calmly.

"...Like who? There are no other recorded users of Causality! We have only her!"

"...Then we'll just have to make some, won't we?" Lux says with a smile.

"...What....? ....What do you mean by that....?" Issac says, bewildered by Lux's statement.

"It's obvious. We take her, and make new subjects. Ones that will not defy us, ones that can be taught to be obedient, even with their great power."

"...Anyone with that degree of power would not hesitate to use it for their own gain. No one could use it reasonably- ...except kids. They can be innocent minded, easier to control... ....but we could only do it with.... .....Lux, we can't do that!"

"Why not?" Lux asks simply.

"It's morally wrong. Do you realize what we would have to do in order to have viable children with Causality? Grafting it is not a concievable option, we hardly know what makes what happen with her anyway. Cloning would only be as useful as making there be double the pain. Not an option, considering the equipment she's blown up. ...Which leaves... ...natural children. ...Sired from Inga herself. She would never consent to it. We only perform experiments with willing participants, this is a moral ground we can't cross, Lux!"

"No one has to know. My division is the Underground Research Division after all. We focus on research the public wouldn't be too ready to accept right away, this wouldn't be much of a stretch, thinking about it... and plus, she's a criminal. Who cares about criminals?"

"....Lux, I forbid it. Don't you dare even try that! If we cannot figure out how to wield Causality, fine by me, we will not cross that line! That's an order!"

"...As you... ...''wish." ''Lux hisses the last word, then disappears.

Issac rubs his head. "...I have to put Causality off the board. We have to focus on a Containment policy for now on. Inga Kankei is too dangerous... ...I can't allow my integrety to be compromised.

The Director checks his calls. "...He didn't send one back. ...I would hope he isn't taking this seriously. After all, it's our job to protect the public. Infighting would be detremential to everyone."

.......

Clare and Tori are making their rounds, when Clare notices a Myth being beaten by several humans, and stops quietly, not moving, just watching for a minute.

Myth: *takes notice of Clare and extends his arm towards her* Help...me...

She looks at him impartially, and after a moment raises her gun and shoots, the shot just missing one of the human's heads. The spot on the wall where the shot hit still glows molten red.

"Attention, you three! If you don't want that to be what your heads look like, stand down now." She yells sternly.

"Jokes on you, lady. I was thinking the exact same look would look great on him. " Points a gun at the Myth.

The Myth simply closes his eyes waiting to die

Torikkumasutā: Hey partner, I heard noises, what's goin'- Oh My God, that's dude gotta gun! *immediately takes out his tanto katana and throws it at the guy cutting his wrist off*

The others run away while the one guy is yelling in agony

"Get the other two." She says to Tori. She approaches the other and handcuffs him.

"Listen up asshole, when an officer tells you to stop, you stop. You're lucky I didn't kill you. You're under arrest for disobeying a direct order from a public officer, assault and battery, and prohibited use of firearms, and disturbing the peace. You can't get away with public violence in this town, punk."

"Don't see why you choose now to stop us."

She promptly knocks him out, ignoring him. She looks at the Myth.

"Are you a registered Myth with an Agency?" She inquires.

The Myth simply shakes his head. "N-no ma'am. I'm just a civilian here, I swear..."

Torikkumasutā: *comes back with one of the humans who happens to be missing a leg* I caught this guy. Threw my katana at 'em and hacked his leg off, so you can guess it was pretty easy.

"Well here's the deal, sir. We won't come after you unless you've committed a crime, but the problem is, other Agencies will. So, the only way we can protect you any further is if you register with us. Your lifestyle doesn't have to actually change, but we have you on a register which is sent to any agency that would otherwise nab you, so they are not permitted to come after you, and only we have authority to deal with you. Plus in the future, if you have problems you can call our emergency number and we will take care of you as soon as possible. You still have to go with us to the Facility for the registration, but after that you can go home."

'Y-yes ma'am...Th-thank you."

Torikkumasutā: We really need to get you cleaned up, dude. You're bleedin' like crazy.

Clare largely doesn't show any interest in the Myth, instead looking around. "Why didn't you grab the others?"

Torikkumasutā: They all ran into traffic and got hit. They won't be goin' nowhere.

"Well are they dead, or unconscious? You should have brought them regardless, unless they're going to the hospital."

Torikkumasutā: I maybe a myth, but Ican only lift so much. I only got two hands and their are like what 7 of those guys? 5 got hit by the traffic. I can say two or 3 might die and the others got away. Well we can't stop every criminal, can we?

She just sighs. "Great. Let's take these folks back to headquarters."

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing! *grabs hold of the injured Myth and head back to the facility*

At the facility, Clare takes the Myth through registration, then enters the interrogation room, where the individuals captured are cuffed to their chairs.

"Let's have a talk, shall we?"

"On why we were beating a Myth up? Isn't it obvious? He's a freak, plus he came walking dow our street without payin' the fee."

Torikkumasutā: *whispers to Clare* Thugs own streets?

"Now listen here, and I hope you pay attention. There is a reason man established Agencies, and it's not so that punks like you can beat up Myths. Allow me to educate you on something. You're lucky. If that was the wrong Myth, you would be dead right now. If that was a dragon? He'd eat you for his breakfast, and move on. Or flambe you. Or both. There are plenty of Myths that could kill you without even trying. It is not your place, nor within your right to go about trying to prove how 'tough' you are by trying to beat up Myths. Do you know how many people I've seen killed because they mess with the wrong one? Too many to tell. While you stay in jail for... I don't know, six months, a year, two years, I want you to understand something. It is my job, and the rest of our agent's jobs to keep the streets safe. From Myths, and scumbags like you. You aren't tough. You aren't clever. And you're going to get killed if you keep being stupid.

Also, don't get me wrong, I don't like Myths either. This isn't me being some activist. It's high time order was put back on our streets, and that's why I'm here. To clean both kinds of trash, you and Myths. Now, I hope you think on that while you rot."

She chains them up and begins escorting them to the prison sector.

Torikkumasutā: Good job, partner! *has his hand up for a high-five*

"I've got two thugs in hand cuffs, busy at the moment."

Torikkumasutā: Oh yea, that's right. But good job anyway! *thumbs up*

After locking away the perps, Clare sighs. "Long day ahead of us, it's time for the city border patrol. You know, to keep an eye out for suspicious activity."

Torikkumasutā: Gotcha. Then let's get to it.

After taking a bus to the edge of the city, the two agents begin patrolling the border of the city, keeping an eye out for suspicious activity.

Meeting-Up
Clare and Torikkumasutā patrol a marketplace.

Torikkumasutā: So how much longer do we continue patrolling?

"Til' the sun goes down, bird face." She replies.

Torikkumasutā: I'm not wearing my mask, you know.

"Whatever, bird face." She says with a smirk.

Above the market, a woman lays on a roof, quietly resting in the light of the sun.

Torikkumasutā: If only I had my father's fruit cart, I'd be a thousandnair in a market like this.

"Please stop reminiscing. I hate reminiscing."

Torikkumasutā: Is it because you don't have anything to reminisce about?

"..." She says nothing, but her expression hardens.

Torikkumasutā: Ah, I see. Well we don't have to reminisce. We can have a generic converstation, like real friends do. Hmmm. Ah, I got it! What is your favorite color?

"..." Clare notices the woman just as she walks off the roof and out of sight.

"...Black. ...The color of mourning." She she mutters.

Torikkumasutā: Wow, that's deeep. I imagined you liked black, because it made everything else look cool, but I still respect your decision. Hmmm. My favorite color would be...green! Cause green is the color of all life on Earth, even the little specks of it that's left and it represents freedom, to spread your wings and soar. *his wings appear from his back*

Everyone takes notice and simply stare at Torikkumasutā

"...*cough* Umm, Tori, please don't do that in public."

Torikkumasutā: Do what?

"You just spread your wings again. They're staring."

Torikkumasutā: I did? *looks behind him and see his wings are fully spread* Oh snap, they are. *look at the people are staring* Ummmmmm. Hiiiii. *smiles and waves*

Some of the shop keeps take out their guns while others arm themselves fruits, rocks, sticks

Torikkumasutā: Uuuuuuhhhmmmmm. I'm not a Myth....Imma cosplayer, don't worry, we were on our way to the park to show off our costumes so wee can role-play there. Don't be alarmed, the wings are apart of the costume.

The crowd sort of lower their weapons and simply ease their stares

Torikkumasutā: Sorry for the misunderstanding, the wings are an invention of mine. I didn't mean to set them off.

The crowd put their weapons and arms away and continue going along with their business

Torikkumasutā: Whew. I was about to be fresh kill right there.

"I would have arrested and or started shooting. You know you could also have used, 'I'm a cop'."

Torikkumasutā: Heh. In this world, they simply don't care. A myth is a myth, no matter what authority they are under. Besides, I doubt you could arrest everyon in the market. *smiles*

"I'd probably kill the majority of them instead."

Torikkumasutā: But that's not our job, is it?

"Well, under the 'self defense' clause, I'd be in the clear. Besides, no way in hell I would let a comrade get killed. ...Not like... ...never mind."

Torikkumasutā: That means alot to me, partner. But we can't stray away from our directive, unless absolutely necessary. Besides, it's not really self-defense if their attacking me and not you.

"Use of deadly force allows retaliation with deadly force," She cites. "Still within my rights. If someone aims to kill you, you kill them first. Got it?"

She looks back at the roof, and for a moment Tori almost sees a bitter expression in her eyes, before she starts walking again.

"Let's go, we've got places to be."

Torikkumasutā: ''Poor Clare. So troubled about the past. It must not have been well. It's a good thing I can be her friend when she truly needs one.''

After a while, the sun begins to set, and Clare sits down on a park bench. "Let me rest a moment, then we'll head back."

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing, partner. Take as much rest as you need.

She looks at him after a moment. "...They told you that you're my partner's replacement, right?"

Torikkumasutā: Huh...They might have probably have hinted that but I can see why that's the reason I'm here.

"...This is something I would not normally talk about, but I'm going to make an exception. This time. ...I'm going to tell you... ...what happened to my partner, and why you're even here now because of it."

Torikkumasutā: Ok. *sits on the bench next to Clare* I'm all ears, partner.

"A month or so ago, the invasion of Phoenix began. The whole world was scrambling to try and overcome the invaders. On patrol one day, my partner, she... ...she was always determined to help those who couldn't help themselves. ...When the invaders arrived, she didn't call for back up, or run. Instead, she stood her ground after she realized they were attacking an elementary school with over five hundred kids. ...She held them off until every last teacher and student was safe and out of that building.

...She was  never seen again. They likely killed her in the most brutal ways imaginable. She, til the very end, never forgot her duty. She even saved a few myths from the invaders, even though she was human like I. She didn't hate them like I did, but she wasn't a fan. She died, performing her duty. ...And so, in memory, I remember my duty before my feelings. ...It's the least I can do for her. I put up with Myths, who I hate, with being assigned a Myth as a partner, because it's my job, because that's what she would have wanted from me. ...I learned a lot from her."

Torikkumasutā: I bet you did. I know I was the last person you would have wanted to work with, but it's alot to know you had such an astounding friend byt your side. I know I'm supposed to be her replacement, but replacing someone like that is hard to do. I know I can't simply can't replace the person that she was, but I will give my condolences and friendship. That's as much as i can give.

Clare shakes her head. "I told you not to pity me."

Torikkumasutā: If you didn't want me to pity you, then you shouldn't have told me the story.

"I told you it so you would understand why I put up with you. I didn't ask for pity. Don't think we're freinds or something like that." Tori can see she's going to be a tough nut to crack.

Torikkumasutā: I already knew why you had to put up with me, well half of it. No matter what you say or think, I'll be whenever you need a friend.

Clare gets up. "Let's go. We shouldn't be out after dark."

Torikkumasutā: Sure thing, partner. *gets up from the bench*

On the way back, Clare seems to watch the shadows of the dark alleys with almost a paranoid level of fear, something he didn't notice before.

Torikkumasutā: You ok there, partner? You look rather uneasy. It'sok if you're scared of the dark, I'm scared of the dark too. You don't know what creepy-crawlies might come out and pop-up in your face or some crazed mad man will come out and start beating you to death or worst. Supernatural forces of the darkness.

He notices her strange blue wings begin to slowly sprout. "...I'm not afraid of the dark... ...I'm afraid of... ...it."

Torikkumasutā: You mean the thing that lurks in the darkness?

"Yes... ...that monster. ...I always feel as though it's watching me, waiting. Waiting for me to lower my guard." She shudders, the wings grow a bit more.

Torikkumasutā: Are we gonna fight it or are we gonna make a run for home?

She looks around nervously. "...It's not here. I don't think...." She out of the blue clings to Tori, the true extent of her fear finally showing.

"Y-you know the rest of the way, r-right? I-I can't lead anymore."

Torikkumasutā: Sure do. *takes out his note pad* I drew a map. *wraps his arm around Clare's waste and takes flight into the night sky*

As Tori flies to the facility, he thinks once or twice he can see a strange figure flying behind them, but when he turns it is gone.

Torikkumasutā: Hmmm..I always was paranoid when it came to the nighttime.

Upon reaching the facility, Clare seems to relax. "...Th-thank you..."

Far above, unseen on a skyscraper, a strange female figure with metalic armor and wings looks down on them, watching silently.

Torikkumasutā: *happily whistles all the way to his quarters*

Clare follows him to her quarters, quietly laying down on her bed.

Torikkumasutā: *slips into his old attire and sits in a chair. He takes a pocket bible out and begins to silently read*

After a while, Clare falls asleep, though she is noticably feverish.

Torikkumasutā: *takes notice* Hey, you alright? You seems rather sickly.

He notices her wingspan has grown double her own length, and her nails are unusually long.

"...He's in the area again... ...my body reacts to his presence." She groans.

Torikkumasutā: Can't we deal with him or is he too out of our league?

"...I can't fight him. ...I can't explain why. Every time I just... become docile. Meek as a lamb. I feel like I couldn't even move a finger if I wanted to in his presence. I don't even have any real emotions, it's just all... ...numb and foggy. As for you, well... ...he's incredibly vicious."

Torikkumasutā: Well it's a good thing opposites cancel each other out, right? *gleefully smiles*

She gives him a weak but telling look. "It's not funny..." She coughs. "...now let me sleep..."

Torikkumasutā: How can you sleep when he's around?

Her eyes flutter as exhaustion grips her. "...that's why you're here, right...?" She murmurs.

Torikkumasutā: Hmmmm...Yea, your right.

One of her wings extend off the bed, exposing the side she isn't occupying. "...You can share the bed... ...just no touching. Or I'll destroy your family jewels."

Torikkumasutā: My family isn't that rich, but I can sleep in the chair. You need the extra space more than I do after all. I want to immediately spring up, whenever he get's too close.

"...You know something..." She says as she falls asleep, "That's so pathetic it's cute."

Torikkumasutā: My mother would say that to, when i would stay by her bedside when she went to sleep. I said "I'll protect you fromt he monster under the bed."

She says nothing, having fallen asleep. Outside her window, the stars are out.

Torikkumasutā: *is looking out the window looking for any constellations* There's the Little Dipper (as always),there's Cancer. Heheh, Cancer. Oh look, Orion's out. Neat.

The night passes with no incident.

Torikkumasutā: *is doing bicycle kicks on the floor*

Clare doesn't appear to be showing any sign of waking. He notices there is a steady light coming from her wings, and as she shifts in her sleep, he notices her hands have become clawed, her claws black. Even her feet have small little claws growing.

Torikkumasutā: Is she...transforming in her sleep?

She winces, then groans as she wakes up. "Uggh... my whole body aches..."

Torikkumasutā: I bet it does. That transformation looked painful as hell. It's a good thing you were asleep.

She looks confused, then sees her hands. "...It's that time of year again... ...I always sense him around this time of year, and every time this season, my body starts to become like him, until a whole week passes where Issac locks me up, as it always makes its intent clear to get to me."

Torikkumasutā: That they wanna make sure you don't go on a bloody rampage?

"No... It's to keep me safe from it. ...In the week that I become like it, it tries everything in its power to find me. It even acts in broad daylight. ...If I'm not keep in one of the high security vaults, it will get to me and..." She pales. "...You don't want to know what it will do." She looks naueous at the thought.

Torikkumasutā: Ok, I'll take your word for it. Soooo what now?

She closes her eyes. "I won't be fit for duty much longer. Please tell the boss that... ...my annual sickness has come back. ...And if you could keep me company... ....it would be nice."

Torikkumasutā: Do I tell him now or later?

"...Now please. ...I need to be alone."

Torikkumasutā:: Ok sure thing. *runs all the way to Isaac's Office* Mr. Issac, I need to tell you something!

He looks up. "Yes, what is it?"

Torikkumasutā: It's Clare...it's that time.

"...I see. Thank you. We'll make preperations." Issac looks out a window, and frowns.

Torikkumasutā: I also want to ask if I could still accompany her during confinement.

"...Yes-" Suddenly an alarm begins blaring. Issac's eyes narrow.

"High Class Divine Being detected."

Torikkumasutā: Oh boy, stuff is happening. Ummmm where do I go?

Issac slowly gets out of his chair. "Come with me." He begins walking much faster than Tori imagined he could out the door.

Torikkumasutā: *begins to jog in order to keep up with Isaac* Man, is the procedure this bad...or even necessary?

"If you refer to the alarm, it's not a drill. We're under attack. Attention all personal, we are under attack." He says as a explosion goes off somewhere in the facility.

Torikkumasutā: Ok, why is all this happening all of a sudden? Everything was quiet and suttle and now alarms, explosion, etc. and everything!

"Don't ask me."

A blast suddenly tears open the nearby wall, and from the opening emerges a strange female figure in armor, with six metallic wings. In her hand are two black longswords.

Torikkumasutā: My God...Angels do come from Hell...

"Focus please." He says as the intruder slices at the Director, but to Tori's surprise, he catches the blade between his fingers, not the least concerned.

Torikkumasutā: What in the name of Arcania is GOING ON!?!?! *puts his hands on his head in panic*

The being turns and slashes at Tori.

Torikkumasutā: *is dodging to the best of his ability while backing away* No No No No No No No No! *blocks one of the slashes and it leave a huge bloody cut in his forearm* Arrrgghh!

"Fight back you idiot, or did you not come armed?" Issac snaps, drawing a gun.

Torikkumasutā: I have my arms! Surprisingly! I don't do well when things just happen so fast!

"Where is your sword fool?!" He says, shooting the attacker away. The shots hit its armor plating in the head region, and damages it, causing it to fly away, but it goes somewhere else in the facility.

"This is going to be a problem... ...that was an agent of Phoenix."

Torikkumasutā: Isn't that the organization that attempted to wipe out humanity?

"Yes. And clearly they had more firepower than they were letting on. ...wait... what direction of the facility did it go?"

Torikkumasutā: I think it went east, from where we're facing

"...It went toward the personal quarters... ...check on Clare."

Torikkumasutā: Yes sir. *flies back down the hallway towards his quarters. He crashes through the door* Partner! *hits the wall*

She is standing at the window, her wings limp. She appears to be looking outside, and doesn't seem to respond. He notices a small black tail forming.

Torikkumasutā: We gotta get out of here, an angel from Hell is coming this way!

"...I don't care... I just want it to end anyway..." Her voice seems messed up.

Torikkumasutā: Ok, that's pretty messed up but looke Clare. You're not yourself. You can get through this. You got people who are trying the best to help you. You can't give up. Certainly not now.

"....Issac knows he can't save me. ...He told you that, didn't he?"

Torikkumasutā: He told me, doesn't mean I believe it. He may not be able to save you, but you can be saved. I know it

"..." Without a word further, Clare jumps out the window into open air...

...and begins falling.

Torikkumasutā: *catches her by her leg* Clare! What in the name of all Hell is the matter with you?! Life isn't that bad, that you have to off yourself like this.! I'm telling you, that you can get through this! You just have to hang in there. A little! Bit! Longeeer!

"Let me die! I can't live as a monster! I can't live like this!!!" She screeches. "Every year it gets worse and worse! It'll keep growing until I'm no longer myself! I can't live knowing that!"

Torikkumasutā: Like us myths...we live everyday where we're not wanted....where we were never supposed to be, but are...we live everyday knowing that when we die...we can never go to Heaven...we don't know where we'lll end up when God returns...maybe nowhere...where everyday we're beaten, killed, exploited, shunned, all of it. All because others think we're something that we're not. Don't just die because of yourself. Atleast do something worth while, while you're still human. So atleast you can't say you didn't do anything useful in your lifetime.

She suddenly slips out of his grasp, and she falls, but right as she is about to hit the ground, someone grabs her and lands her gently to the ground, then looks up at him.

It is the mysterious angel that began attacking the facility earlier.

Torikkumasutā: *is frozen for a moment and forces a smile out of nervousness* Would you be so kind as to returnmy partner...please...

She reaches out her hand toward him, and suddenly an immense wave of energy begins pulling him toward her at a fast rate, and she materializes a purple blade of energy to impale him as he comes flying, but just as she is about to, she instead grabs him by the throat and holds him up in the air, looking up at him.

".....''Part.....ner.....?" ''Her voice is strained and robotic.

Torikkumasutā: *swallows his fear* Ummm...yea..a partner...someone who always has your back when you need them, sort of like a friend, but...not exactly...you know..

"....She is.... ...your part....ner.....?"

Torikkumasutā: Yes, yes I am. She had one before me, but she died epically and heroicly.

"....There are no such things as heroes." Her voice becomes stronger, less robotic, but much colder, and her grip tightens fiercely.

Torikkumasutā: Her former partner certainly sounded like one! Oh gosh!

Clare begins to groan, having been briefly unconscious. "...Hmm... ...that voice...?"

Torikkumasutā: If you are going to kill me...atleast give me a chance to say good-bye to my family...

"...A-A...Aracelis? ...Is...is that... you...?"

The angel's grip freezes, neither releasing him nor strengthening. Out of nowhere, she lets out a fierce howl of pain, and violently throws Tori aside, thrashing about in blind pain.

"''AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!" ''It screams.

Torikkumasutā: *picks himself up* Wh-what's happening to her...