Saga 3 Episode 30: Propaganda Ex Machina

## Chapter 7: Unforgiven

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HCacYzL0yk&index=151&list=PLYNBny7IRlVm1xHhYq5qHlNSsKkocXSF2&shuffle=1212 ) \_*There was no turning back after this point. It was do or die and Cho knew for a fact one thing he didn’t plan on doing was dying. He charged in at the Wryms in the hallway after his might roar had knocked them down previously! He barges in swinging his clawed fingers from left to right, slashing as many of their throats as he could muster!  His claws and hands laced in salt as he permantly rids the creatures of their very lively hood! Cho felt himself getting clawed and impaled multiple times but with a gritt of his teeth he kept fighting! He had a job to do and he was going to do it!*

https://i.gyazo.com/b744564af5276eea5f4d591b0810b236.gif

\*As I made my way through them, it felt like I was out of body…does that make sense? Like you’re there, but you’re not really there? I could feel my claws rip through…god maybe…pounds of flesh. That is to say I took a fair damage myself but I dunno. I think Kin was right. Maybe I did like the killing. Maybe I liked the feeling of being an apex predator. The feeling of knowing that I pitted my life, my very existence against someone…or some\*thing\*else. As nice as all of this was, I still feel like I’m missing the point of this whole wolfblood thing. Does me liking the carnage make me a bad person? Would that effect how anyone looked at me? How Mike would look at me. How \*she\* would look at me…So many questions. This wasn’t the way to get those answers…couldn’t be.\*

\_*Cho finally makes his way to another door! His upper body covered in open wounds as he slams a hand onto the foor, leaning over and taking a few breathes. His breathing was suttered and filled with growls as he looked back to see the wyrms not getting up this time. Good thing because when he looked at his hands, he didn’t have a grain of salt left on them. He was going to need to re-up. As exhausted as he was he turned around to the steel doors and tried to push the button to open the door. They didn’t budge and out of frustration and desperation Cho bit the bullet. His shoulders risng and falling as he caught his breath long enough to dig his fingers between the crease of the doors and begin pulling them apart. After moving them just enough he slide through and fell to the floor as they shut tight behind him. Cho felt his eyes resting…kin wasn’t there this time to pep talk him up out of this one. He’d lost about 3 pints of blood and he was way past the point of unconscious. He’d heard footsteps. Soft ones but they were there. “Was someone coming to finish the job? Was it that mysterious blonde fellow from before?” he thought, until he felt a sting in the back of his neck. Suddenly Cho’s eyes shot open and he pushed himself up off of the ground looking around and seeing a small room with cabinets, desk, and another door. There was also a random man in here. Wait…\_*

Cho: Wait you’re…-sniff sniff- you’re human???

???:-elderly Russian accent- I am indeed. Annnnd apparently you’re not. BUT you are not one of them I see.

*\_The man stood there with little to any hair on his head and grey tuffs of it left behind his ears. He wore round glasses and a lab coat, with causal dress wear beneath it. He was hunched over a bit form improper posture over the years and he’d had his hands placed in his pockets\_*

Cho: What’s your name old timer? You shouldn’t be here, there were a slew of safe rooms.

???: There WERE a slew of them. Sadly these doors, they don’t hold to much. If you could get through them being on your last leg, then the Wyrms have more than likely slaughtered all of my commands by now.

Cho:..So…what makes your hiding place so special?

???-he points to the door’s base- I’ve lined the doors with salt. They can smell it so they turn the other way. You look much better now, you should be happy I got to you when I did. Wolfbloods heal but they can pass out form blood loss.

Cho: -clenched his fist a few times while looking at his own hand- I guess. You know I’ve got a bunch more questions to ask but there is one I’ve been putting off. –Cho looked up at the man and nodded while asking the question.- What’s your name.

Professor Cotton: I’m  professor cotton. Lead Bio-Chemist.

Cho:…Professor-----Donald Regan Cotton?

Professor Cotton: Yes, I just said that.

Cho: -He narrowed his eyes- The same Professor Donald Regan Cotton, who created a new, and deadly weapon? Small killing machines that could burrow their way through any establishment and suddenly transform into a massive fire breathing beast? Designed to cause an international threat that would scare even the most powerful of politicians?

Professor Cotton: -holds his hands up defensively- I’m sensing some hostility here…why don’t you let me expl-

\_*Cho now back at full shape lunged at the Doctor! His right hand reaching out to grip his throat, only to dash to the other side of the room and slam his back against the wall, holding him in place while using his strength to begin squeezing the life and air out of his very man’s lungs! Cho growled before speaking in a vengeful tone*\_

Cho: YOU SON OF A BITCH THIS IS YOUR FUALT!!!!

Professor: -frantically and with little breathe left- P-PLEASE WAIT! HEAR ME OUT! I-I HAD NO CHOICE!

Kin: Cho put him down.

Cho: Where the hell were you a few minutes huh cop?!?

Kin: I was trying to check on you but you go on these fits and you only hear your own thoughts. Let him go cho he’s our only lead on this case. If he dies, we lose any lead we have on these things.

\_*Cho kept his hand around his neck not wanting to let go. The professor’s face was growing pale and Cho could feel the life slipping from his body\_*

Kin: Cho! Think before you act dammit!

*\_Cho released him and let him fall to the floor. The professor scrambled away into the corner, holding his neck and trying to regain his breathe through a coughing fit. Cho paced around the room with his hands on his hips and breathing angrily through his nostrils\_*

Kin: Wise move. I might make a good cop out of you yet.

Cho: Shut up. –takes the Walkie talkie and tosses it at the professor- You talk to him then. I might slip and slit his throat while I’m over there. –Cho begins rummaging through the cabinets to find anything useful-

Professor Cotton: -rubs his throat and speaks- Hello?

Kin: Evening Professor, this is Officer Kin Tasanagi of the District 2 Kasaihana Police Department.  We need your help in this investigation but we need you to be 100% honest with us. Can you do that?

Professor Cotton: As long as you stay on the line and control your friend here….

*\_Cho turned his head to look at the doctor. His golden eyes flourishing to a crimson red when he narrowed them\_*

Kin: Deal. Now then…start from the beginning.

[5/18/2016 2:40:47 PM] D2God: Chapter 7: Deadbeat Allies.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l\_2BSHbv3SY&index=28&list=PLYNBny7IRlVnrGC-RuQIVVorxDUTCk6dV  )  *A seemingly grim silence befell the room as Professor Cotton stood against the door. Cho stood in front of him with his arms spread a little bit. He wanted to speak but the fear of being shot was to much to bare. On the other side of the spectrum Cho stood there hunched over slightly having bullet wound on his stomach that bleed rather profusely. His face was pale and his eyes were wide as if frozen in shock by the surprise discharge of the bullet itself. However as grim as the situation seemed, Cho would’ve stood straight up with a look that had more annoyance than fear or shock.*

Cho: That’s it? I mean this hurts but I got shot by an AK like 2 weeks ago. A stupid pistol isn’t gonna put me down. –stands a bit more ready- Now who are you?

Cotton: Cho he looks like he’s from special forces or something…I’m not familiar with the attire.

???: -muffled voice through the mask began to speak- That was a warning shot. Lay on the floor with your hands up and surrender the professor over to me. No one has to die here today.

Cho: Fat chance buster, you just put one in my stomach.

???: I’m not going to repeat myself. On the ground now.

Cotton: M-maybe we oughta listen to him? He’s the one with the gun here.

Cho: -leaned forward slightly narrowing his eyes, speaking quietly- Fuck that.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkn1cWi03FA&list=PLYNBny7IRlVm1xHhYq5qHlNSsKkocXSF2&index=74  ) *Cho rushed forward across the room! Taking off in a sprint with his base speed he ran towards the mysterious agent! The agent began firing off shot after shot, but with quick head movements Cho avoiding the bullets only to arrive within striking range, and back handing the gun out of his grip! It hit the floor! Sliding across towards the corner of the room. Cho immediately took this chance and began throwing punch after punch at the agent! The agent, weaved the first few before grabbing Cho’s right hand with his left! His gloved fingers clenching around the young man’s fist as he threw a punch with his left straight into Cho’s gut! The fist made Cho temporarily black out, but the punishment was far from over. The agent kept the hand in grip, drawing back his punching arm and spinning around to twist Cho’s arm and support it above his head. The agent withdrew a knife stabbing Cho twice: once in the gut and again in the chest, before he sent his knee pad covered leg into Cho’s gut, sending him hurtling across the room into the wall!*

https://i.gyazo.com/af53a479a078e1f5ee23353d37550521.gif

*Cho grunted in a distraught pain. He shook his head, ignoring the pain and letting his healing factor do the trick.  Cho took a moment to get up but his legs were numb and his chest was on fire! Those attacks…they were lethal. This guy was trying to kill him! No different than everything else in here but this man was trying to precisely and effectively kill him! Each blow to a vital organ. Who was this guy? He cared not as he stood himself up through sheer will! The agent  however reached behind him pulling out an assault rifle and pointing right at Cho! Cho reacted grabbing the metallic table next to him and holding it infront of his body! The bullets flew one after another, bouncing and denting the table as Cho ran forward to try and blind side him. However Cho was blind to the agents next move as the agent leaped into the air spinning to the left and driving his left boot straight through the center of the table and into Cho’s chest caving it in and sending him ragdolling to the floor!*

-c-

[5/18/2016 2:41:05 PM] D2God: https://67.media.tumblr.com/6a3c56a29986aadba6a03c399258f688/tumblr\_nz0p41czKZ1udi9g8o1\_r1\_500.gif

*DOWN FOR THE COUNT AGAIN!  Cho’s back hitting the ground as he was experiencing a new world of pain! The split table pieces falling to the floor and Cho’s head bobbing to the left and the right. He was conscious yet unconscious. He couldn’t hear or see and his chest had a literal boot print. His healing factor helped the damage but not the overwhelming pain.*

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4agDHw4NuLk )Kin: Cho are you okay?! Cho?! CHO?!? CHOOOOOOOOOOOO?!?!?

*The agent landed with a sway of the arms and the sheathing of his rifle. Turning it and placing it at his back once more as he slowly started to make his way over to Cho. This time with drawing his knife again, twirling it in one hand he moved to eliminate the nuseance in his directive but stopped. He turned his head to the side only for Cotton to be standing there with the pistol in hand! He started shooting off round after round, making sure every bullet in the 9 round pistol was aimed directly at this murder!*

Cotton: Don’t you harm the boy!

*However during the series if nine shots, the agent’s hand moved arguably at the speed of sound. His hand blurred as it traveled from left to right to left again, with a subtle lean of his head to the right side, as to let another one of the bullets pass by him. The agent then slowly opened his clenched fist, starting from the pinky to the index finger as the now smooshed bullets fell to the floor in tiny metallic pitter patters.*

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y7K5\_SDuX-8/VYxazKMkgMI/AAAAAAAAx-U/SSM3DtqI5uA/w500-h281/tumblr\_ml9zyxYyu81s20ivko1\_500.gif

*Cotton’s glasses slid down to the bridge of his nose as he held the gun tighter and continued squeezing the trigger hoping that more bullets would magically pop out of it. He broke into a cold sweat, his pupils much smaller as the look of fear began to take over not just his face but his posture. He fell to his knees and the gun fell with him. The “clack” noise echoing through the walls. Cotton’s hands fell by his sides as the lights of hope left his eyes.*

???: Come with me professor.

*He extends his hand out towards him ready to take him wherever it was he was going to.* (https://youtu.be/Rn2fhEgJZYI?t=16s ) *the agent stops and turns his head, a sense of danger convincing him to shift his body to his blindside which brought about a certain young and now angry wolfblood with his right fist drawn back only to launch it forward towards the agents helmet! His elbow rose to block the blow, but the force still caused him to lean to the side defensively!*

https://67.media.tumblr.com/5fa2747b0dfee031b9a9d57c649233ef/tumblr\_nz0p41czKZ1udi9g8o7\_r1\_500.gif

*Cho grunted, applying everything he possibly knew to the situation at hand to bring this guy down! This guy’s punches reduced him to mush meat a few seconds ago so easily. His predetorial instincts kicked in and with the fight or flight chemical running through his brain his first instinct was to hit it til it bled! Cho’s hands laced in fortification Chi as he threw punch after punch! While heymakers that shifted into jabs and horizontal  hammer strikes! His footwork strifing from the right and left positions of the agents to keep him confined to one spot! Each strike with a loud THWAP sound. The Agent continued blocking with bent elbows but that didn’t stop the fact he was falling victim to Cho’s offensive onslaught.*

https://66.media.tumblr.com/7f466f2ab727f77e14edbea69e8b7ba7/tumblr\_nrjufp5FWS1rpmn2wo1\_400.gif

Cho: You wanna block like a lil BITCH!

*Cho shouted as something was happening to him mentally. It’s almost as if he arguably adapted to the combat style being presented to him! He threw a few more punches before stepping back, bobbing his upper half to the left and right with his hands up before coming back in, spinning to the left side, and throwing the back of his left foot at the agent! The agent blocked with his arm again but the impact was so strong the side of his helmet let out an audible crack!*

-c-

https://67.media.tumblr.com/653e80d4fc36cb5d34f68a43fb99e4ac/tumblr\_nzr4966Ibs1v2yaxro2\_540.gif

*Cho didn’t stop as he came down from the air he landed on the tip toes of his right foot, pushing up into the air again, and spinning to the right this time, his right leg lashed out at a speeding pace! Everything between he AND the agent seemed to slow down! As the back of Cho’s right leg impacted the agents blocking left arm, the helmet could take no more! It flew off, cracking in half as tuffs of brown hair started to emerge from it’s opening!*

https://67.media.tumblr.com/16f2776eac86f929c2f42ca2c29acbbd/tumblr\_o2npv9TgVp1v6w3juo4\_500.gif

*(cut music if it hasn’t ended already.) As Cho landed from his kick he looked at the agent waiting for the pieces to fall off of his face completely! He wanted to look this man in the eyes as he fought to destroy him. However as he did he saw one green eye glaring at him from a crouched position! Their eyes locked, they both moved to attack the other! The brown haired green eyed male would’ve however been the faster combatant. He closed in on Cho, but his body would’ve preformed this odd leaning motion. Cho took notice but he’d thought it was a lean back style dodge…he was wrong. Not only did the brown haired male lean back to dodge his punch, but his right hand clenched in a fist was traveling in an upwards arch, while his body twisted towards the same direction. A shovel hook punch more specifically speaking.*

https://i.gyazo.com/daba283c881102dd1377b6c89920d8df.gif

*The punch itself is between a hook and an uppercut. It is also known in boxing as a three-quarter uppercut, or as a shovel hook. It strikes from an unexpected angle and can catch a fighter unaware. The Smash is best suited for in-fighters, that relies heavily on sheer power to destroy opponents who come in contention with it. In this case the agents body would bend itself towards the back angle, simultaneously taking a step inwards, pushing off of his right foot. With that he then thrust not only his attacking arm, but his upper body into the smash like punch, aiming at not the chin, but the curve where the neck and the very base of the jaw meet; other words the beginning of the throat. Cho didn’t even see the move coming but he’d seen it over hundreds of times which is why seeing it here of all places caught him off guard at the familiarity of it all.*

https://i.gyazo.com/83c4701248ffb0a2cc4ea3ebf787a5a1.gif

*The punch connected to Cho’s neck and his body shot upwards like a rocket! He was airborne heading right for the ceiling, but the brunette agent was far from done. He wouldn’t let Cho’s body even reach the air space above his head as he drew that same right hand back for another punch. Cho’s head lowered and his eyes winded for a moment. Time seemed to come to a standstill as he paused to really study the form of the agent’s punch.*

Cho: That posture. I know that posture…I know this punch. That’s…

*As the agent threw his left fist out, Cho would’ve ended up seeing a silhouette of Connor shadowing the agent as his fist connected! Cho’s body being rocked and twisted to the right before gravity lost it’s hold on his body and he went soaring head first through the closet door and into the back wall of it! The nick nacks and objects all began to fall and drop upon his body piling up over him as his legs hung out from the rubble. The loud pop noise from the impact would’ve been Cho’s jaw cracking beneath the sheer force of the punch which was added on damage by the uppercut.*

https://i.gyazo.com/659867b510b60887a041e1416ed71c02.gif

https://i.gyazo.com/09713a40470681ca8f2bcc49f7dc03fc.gif

*The brunette agents body leaning forward with his left leg rising up showing just how much bodily kinetic and momentum energy was put in the forward motion of his attack. The punch itself in Cho’s mind was brilliant. Savage but precise in damage. Cotton had curled up in the corner and began shouting as the brunette fixed his posture, standing straight up now.*

Cotton: COME ON CHO! GET UP! GET UP WE’VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING!

Cho: Dagh worah! Ah geshing uha!

*Cho not only had a broken jaw, but if not for his healing factor he’d have a completely crushed windpipe. He would’ve been dead by the time the fist even touched him, long before his body went flying. He pulled himself up and from the closet, now leaning forward holding himself up with a hand and an elbow to the ground. He had a bloody chin still dripping the crimson fluid as he huffed and puffed. Waiting for his jaw to heal before he looked up and shouted at the agent.*

-c-

[5/18/2016 2:41:21 PM] D2God: Cho: Tell me…

*Cho paused swallowing some blood and calming his breathing before he tried to speak again. The room grew tense as they wondered what he could possibly want to know at a time like this.*

Cho: Tell me where you learned that punch!!!

???: Odd question, but it won’t spare you.

*The brunette reached into his pocket, pulling out a hair band. His facial features now in full view, he’d had brown hair that stopped at the base of his neck, spiked out slightly, with a few bangs in his face. Helmet hair taking it’s toll on him as he pulled his hair back and converted it from the new age mullet to a pony tail. Lifeless emerald eyes giving a very signature stare, one that showed no fear in the face of utter intimidation.*

*Cho stood up, wobbling from side to side, and pressing his knees too his hands, hunched over. Cho had bags under his eyes from the sheer exhaustion he’d felt in just these short moments. He managed to stand up and point at the brunette with a glare of his own.*

Cho: Tell me how you know Connor Ryoji’s fighting style!

*The brunette male’s eyes winded as his head straightened up in shock. His brows raised before he looked to the side almost baffled but keeping a serious expression as best as he could.*

???: Don’t know who you’re talking about.

Kin: That’s a big accusation Cho. A wild one at best.

Cho: Nah no way! I’ve spared with Connor hundreds of times! I never forget a single punch he’s thrown! That’s a punch straight out of the formless fist handbook! And if my memory serves me correct Connor has always said and I quote: “The only thing that deadbeat taught me was how to fight. He was never around to help me or my mother but he was a great fighter ill give him that.” You’re his dad aren’t you!

???: It wasn’t like that I-….-He fell silent, closing his eyes as if mentally preparing himself for something. He sighed, holding his face with his hand for a moment before lifting his head up to speak again.- Who are you to even play with that ideal? How do you know Connor?

Cho: I’m a Yakuza. Red Fighter of the Shinpaku Federation and I guess technical Connor’s pupil. But is it true? Are you Densuke?

Kin: Don’t bother Cho.

Kin sat at his computer screen zooming in on Densuke’s face and running a facial recognition scan. The photo I.D was a complete match, kept on a private server of Kin’s own design.

Kin: I’ve called your charade Mr.Ryoji. The jig is up.

Densuke: -he exhales through his nostrils- Look okay fine. Everyone stay calm. Yes it’s me Densuke Ryoji BUT you have to keep the fact that you ever saw me an isolated event. If anyone even KNEW I wasn’t in prison you’d jeopardize a year’s worth of undercover work. Do this and I’ll tell you anything you want to know. Deal?

Cotton: -stood up and looked at both Cho and Densuke.- Whatever you’re going to tell us you’d best make it fast! We’ve only got a few more hours until the incubation period for the mother wyrm is complete.

Cho: -folds his arms- You shot me. Shot AT me. Then proceeded to kick my ass! I didn’t land not one clean hit on you! Which by all accounts considering who you are makes sense but still! How do I know I can trust you! You didn’t even apologize!

 Densuke: Apologize? I’m on a top secret investigation that makes this little incident here no different for me than a Friday night! I- Gah. Look I’m sorry alright? You happy kid? You get some kind of satisfaction out of that?

Cho: I mean I’m as happy as I can get for the moment. Anyway tell us what you know and we’ll keep your secret.

Densuke: Fine. I’ll be quick. I’m only going to give this story once so ears open, eyes on me. Both of you.

-e-

## Chapter 8: Every Dog Has it’s Day

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8\_9-YNXST1U&index=18&list=RD9NpxtRmJNxw )\_*Cho and Cotton sat around inside of the little safe room they’d acquired. Cho sitting against the wall, and Cotton sitting in a stool as they focused their attention on Densuke. Kin in the background as the eyes and ears on Cho’s walkie talkie. Densuke paced back and forth for a while, tapping his chin as if trying to figure out some kind of secure way to tell them the story. He finally stopped before looking up with a corner frown on his face.*\_

Densuke: For starters. –looks at the both of them- I’m sorry I tried to kill you. Both of you. But you have to understand the mission I’m on is something I can’t afford to leave traces on. Or witnesses for that matter…-waves it off- Now that, that parts out of the way let me start from the beginning. I was the CEO at Heroes Inc. Shoot, I started the company from scratch myself. Soon though that Omega Gene Registration Act came into effect. I wasn’t happy, not in the slightest. I publicly denounced the law for two reason. The first reason being the one everyone knows, which is that I believe that Heroes Inc should govern itself. I became the head of the company so liabilities fall on my head. I refuse to have myself or anyone in the Inc have to become government lap dogs. That goes for all Omega Gene Users.

Cho: Ooooooooooh I’ve heard about that. They told me I didn’t have to register until I was 18. Still it’s not like the populous knows I’m a wolfblood.

Densuke: -points at Cho- It’s that kind of attitude that got us put in this predicament in the first place. People thinking it’s okay or they won’t get caught with their powers. Ever heard the saying “Big Brother is always watching?” It’s not a myth. There are people out there. Groups with power that comes from the shadows. –puts his arms behind his back and turns away from them taking a deep breathe.- These groups have power beyond imagination. And I’m not talking about physical power, or energy. I mean money, resources, materials, research, millions of followers. Sure it’d be easy to go busting down doors and taking names while kicking ass, but the way the system is set up we can’t win that way. Which is what brings me to the second reason I denounced the law. –he turned back around to both of them.- I needed to set an example. I myself knew something was going on the moment the law went into consideration. Didn’t you find it odd how they arrested me before the law was passed? They violated my right to freedom of speech on something that hadn’t even become official. I knew right then and there my suspicions were confirmed. Someone was pulling strings, strings so small no one in their right minds besides myself, you two, and Kin, could see them. I escaped from prison and swapped myself for a life model droid. As far as the government knows I’m serving time until I agree to register.

Cho: Well who’s running the show now? Ever since you left the city..

Densuke: My gi….well. My ex at this point. Jade Fierce. She knows about the plan and is sworn to secrecy. She’s playing a double agent role for the time being. She helped me escape, I geared up, and began my search for the cause of this “cause and effect scenario.” The things I’ve found I won’t lie…I wish I hadn’t.

Cotton: Is it that bad?

Densuke: -shakes his head- No. it’s much worse than bad. That’s why I came here for you. Originally I’d come here for the man in charge of this facility, but when I’d found out he’d been “sick” –densuke air quoted- for a month and a half I settled for you. I needed someone who’s been in ESPER for a while and knows the guy I’m really looking for, one of them anyway.

Cho: -sits up and  points- Tapion!

Cotton/Kin/Densuke: TANABAN.

Cho: Well damn my bad…

Densuke: -pinches the bridge of his nose- Anyway yes I came here looking for Tanaban.

Kin: Give me the straight up truth Mr.Ryoji. Is it true? Is he really alive?

Densuke:…yes and no. Bear with me because this is where the story gets convoluted. I’m telling you what I’ve heard and what I’ve deduced to be true. For the past year I was enlisted in the security force for a company called Shining Knights Conglomerate. Anyone besides Kin ever heard of it?

Cotton: I was an intern there for a year, and became chief of medicine shortly after. However it…wasn’t the same.

Densuke: I know. You left because of “principal differences.” You must’ve seen what I did.

Cho: -looks back and forth between Densuke and Cotton- What? What did you guys see? Don’t leave me out of the exposition! –Stands up- I’m learning here.

\_Cho looks over and walks to a drawer beside the kitchen sink on the counter. He scrambles inside finding a pen and pad, and turns around taking notes.\_

Cho: Okay. What’s Shining Knights Conglomerate?

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mln5P5dKYfk&index=26&list=RD9NpxtRmJNxw )Densuke: Taking notes? I like that, inquisitive. Need more people on the force like you. Shining Knights is a giant conglomerate which operates ruthlessly as a major international player in a number of markets; including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, as well as top-secret operations utilizing genetic engineering and biological/technological weaponry. The company also had a more benevolent public face for the ignorant masses, producing cosmetics, consumer products, and foods. A subsidiary of SK’s operated as a malevolent paramilitary organization. This division of the corporation maintained a highly trained security force capable of rescue, reconnaissance, and paramilitary operations. When it was made they clarified it was “To protect the medical and scientific breakthrough research.” –he scoffed.- Sure, guarding important search requires high grade military equipment. We’re not talking vans, trucks, or you average helicopters. –he counted on his fingers as he spoke-I’m talking AV-8B Harrier jump jets, UH-60 Blackhawks, C-130 Hercules water-landing capable cargo planes, CH-53 Sea Stallion cargo helicopters for transporting prisoners/supplies and Hughes MH-6 'Little Bird' attack helicopters.

Cho: Sounds more like an army than a security force. That kind of stuff is all offensive isn’t it? Call me crazy but none of those sounded like friendly transport vehicles.

Cotton: -stood himself up- Believe me they weren’t. Coming and going to work as an employee you’re only allowed access to the sector of the field you were assigned to work in. you weren’t allowed to be anywhere that isn’t in your job tittle. The name tags we had were recorders. We weren’t allowed to utter a single word about anything we were working on inside of there. –he gestured with his hands shaking- I-it was just awful! So much pressure to complete these timed tasks with vague research and instructions.

Densuke: You didn’t get fired Professor. You were killed.

Cotton:…..

Cho: K-killed? Can they do that?

Kin: No they can’t. Like the Pentagon & Area 51, you either work there for life, or you’re terminated permanently. They don’t want to run the risk of any information leaking. It’s understandable but inhuman to do.

Densuke: Professor the sole reason I came here to take you away was not to kidnap you. It was a rescue. You didn’t find it the least bit strange instead of firing you when you wanted to leave they transferred you to Project ESPER? The discoveries you’ve made, the knowledge you hold. They want that. They NEED that. If they wanted you dead, you wouldn’t be here right now.

Cotton: I…all this time I’ve been just another puppet. All the work I thought I was doing for the good of…science and medicine…

Densuke: All for nothing. I’m sorry professor but we don’t have time to grieve over lost dreams.

Cho: Ouch dude.

Densuke: I’m not sugar coating the situation. There’s more you need to know. Keep in mind I’m only revealing this because I’m going to NEED the two of you to work with me.

Cho: Okay, okay. –Puts the pen to the paper.- Tell me what Tanaban has to do with Project Esper. I’ve heard about him already but since he was the head here, and you came looking for him that must hold some kind of substance.

Densuke: -nods- well it’s more than Project ESPER. When I heard he was heading this, one of my earlier suspicions which I had dismissed but can now see it’s a reality was that ESPER and SKC are connected. Here’s why; Shining Knights first began during World War III. Tanaban organized a group of brilliant scientists whose sole dedication was to acquire and develop power through technological means that would overthrow the government. Tanaban used SK to develop advanced technological weaponry for The Armada, which was headed by Timothy Fredrick. Although The Armada suffered a major defeat, it continued to exist secretly over the following decades, continually growing and building in strength. The group of scientists grew in number over the years, and made great advances in various fields: robotics, bio-engineering, bionics, bio-organics and physics. Eventually the scientists publicly incorporated their organization under the name of Shining Knights, which was believed by both the public and by intelligence organizations to be an international cartel dealing with the development and marketing of new technological products. They gained great influence with the U.S. government in its role as a supplier of hardware and weaponry to governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, even knowing it was a double edged sword the entire time.

Cho: It’s always the government…

Densuke: SK has created a wide variety of advanced technological weaponry, and - during the period when it was an arm of The Armada- made great strides in creating androids, which the organization employed as assassins.  They even played a part in the creation of Crator, the super adaption droid that originally killed the god killers and destroyed the vacation islands some years back during the GMAFs.

Kin: That was fun…

Densuke: Because of their ties with The Armada, this is where a lot of their weapon technologies came into play, but their biggest cover up was the other work they did, and still continue to do, for the world at large. SK is very good at one thing: Keeping their secrets, secret, and keeping their loose ends controlled so well. –he folded his arms and furrowed his brow- We even know legitimately where the main base is located. We could literally knock on the front door if we wanted to.

Cho: They’ve got some kind of  protection right? Whatcha call it uh….

Cotton: Diplomatic immunity.

Densuke: Bingo. Shining Knights conglomerate operates from a private island, located in the Indian Ocean. Gaining diplomatic immunity to keep any outside nation’s form interfering on their soil and stopping or investigating any of their operations. The CIA, KPD, and even Heroes Inc have all tried to investigate the operations of the company but their alibies, and ledgers are to legitimate to make any moves towards.

Cho: -closes his pad- Wait the CIA? Why would the government investigate something it funded?

Densuke: Because America kid. Because America. To sum up what I’m saying is; Tanaban IS the head of the Shining Knights Conglomerate. However….it’s either one of two things. Either A someone is impersonating Tanaban and using his name as a propaganda case to strike fear in other competitors and parties…or Tanaban really is alive, and is manipulating two companies at once through mysterious means. What’s funny is that ESPER is funded by SKC but is considered its own separate company.

Kin: Making it look like they’ve nothing to do with each other because they’re in competition. This is bad…really bad.

Densuke: It is, but that’s why I’m on the case. If Tanaban’s alive he’s looking for something. He’s got a goal and it starts with these two companies and whatever you have in that noggin of yours professor. The chit chat is over though…I really need you to come with me.

Cho: Wait, wait, wait what about the Wyrms?

Densuke: That’s…not really on my list kid.

Cho: What? The hell do you mean it’s not on your list?! You know if these things get out of here they’ll cause a ruckus! They KILL people, they’re monsters! You gonna let that go?!? Didn’t you start heroes inc?!

Densuke: I did but you’re thinking too small. I could put effort into stopping the Wyrms sure but then what? I’ve stopped a small speck in a grand plan that’s been spanning YEARS longer than the recent invention of a biological weapon. I’m not trying to cut branches off of their corrupt tree; I’m trying to cut it from the root.

Cho: Branches matter! You gonna let every branch you see go south?!? This is your home! You’re from here to right? You’re kids live here! YOUR KIDS! Don’t you wanna fight for them too? I know about the thing’s you’ve done, so why the switch up?!?

Densuke: You wouldn’t understand. I need the professor to fight the real fight. All of this –waved his hand around the room- is a distraction. It’s not the real fight, and I don’t expect someone as young as you to understand.

Cho:…..wow. –Shakes his head and turns around.- You know I never thought in a million years I’d ever say this. And I’ll never tell a soul I did. But Mr.Connor was right. You’re a great fighter, but a shitty person.

Densuke: -shakes his head and puts his helmet back on.-

Kin: Well Cho after hearing all of what’s your next move? If you want to abandon ship you should probably follow Mr.-

Cho: I’m going back to the mother Wyrm. You can both leave if that’s how you feel. I couldn’t live with myself if I just let everyone suffer because of a fight they don’t even know about. That’s selfish.

\_Cho walked over to the door and grabbed the handle.\_

Cho: Professor Cotton can you tell me what’s beyond this door?

Cotton: No. But I can show you. I’m coming with you.

Densuke: Professor I can’t let you do that.

Cotton: Go to hell. I’ve made up my mind…and after everything I’ve experienced in my life and tonight I’m changing it. I’m not going to let something I made be responsible for any more lives lost tonight. If I have to shut down and revoke everything I’ve ever created then so be it. It’s better than being a murderer. Come on Cho, there’s some dead guards past this door and we’ll come to a hallway. It’ll split to the left and the right. We can take a short cut back to the incubation room if we go past the giant trash disposal gymnasium’s bridge and we’ll be there in thirty minutes if we leave now. –looks at his watch- which is good because in about two hours that Wyrm’s going to be finished and the queen will live. I know the codes to reverse engineer the room’s functions. If you can keep me alive till we get there we can stop this together.

Cho: -smiles and nods frantically.- That’s the spirit! We’re moving out Kin!

\_*Densuke stood there and watched Cho open the door and proceed through it into a hallway with a few dead guards. Cho began taking their bullet resistant clothes; a black pair of Teflon cargo pants with a bullet proof fest over his healed but blood coated body. The professor putting on a vest as well, using the only form of protection they had. The professor grabbed a rifle from the floor and he wobbled it in his hand a bit*.\_

Cho: you sure you can use that thing?

Cotton: Well I used to do pretty well on Duck Hunt when I played my granddaughter so I think I’ll be an alright shot.

Cho: -licked his lips before smacking them- Just…run side by side for now. Come on!

\_*They took off down the hallway heading towards the directions the professor gave. Densuke tightened his mask up without a word, strapping his gun back onto his back and hopping up. His hands latching onto the ventilation shaft’s edge before he climbed inside of it making his way back outside of the facility the way he came.*\_

\_*The two of them ventured in the proper directions, turning the corner until they saw a giant grey door. The professor pointed at it and exclaimed loudly*\_

Cotton: That’s it! That’s the way to the bridge across the Garbage Gym!

Cho: Why do they call it a garbage gym anyway?

Cotton: -huffing while running, talking between breathes- because it’s really one big incinerator. Burns at triple the melting point of steel. It’s where we dispose the old biohazard material. Turn it into dust and ash, and harden the ashes into diamonds to market.

Cho: Wow. For an evil organization you guys sure know how to market.

((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEf\_xrgmuRI&index=19&list=PLYNBny7IRlVnrGC-RuQIVVorxDUTCk6dV ))\_*The came to the door but Cho stuck his arm out, stopping the professor in his tracks. He sniffed the air and looked around rapidly. He could smell them. He could smell the blood tinted breathe of the Wyrms nearing in… and getting closer.*\_

Cho: They’re coming. Fast. I can smell them like B.O in my high schools locker room. Let’s make this quick!

\_*Cho dug his fingers into the cracks of the door and with a grunt and the strain of pushing still healing joints to their limits he opened the doors and separated them! The opening revealing along grey bridge that seemed to go on as far as the eye could see. Spot lights lit the bridges surface, but everything below looked dark. Pitch black. Not even enough light to make a shadow or a figure out. Cho looked over at Cotton smelling the Wryms coming in hot!*\_

Cho: They’re coming from behind! Go across first I’ll hold them off!

\_*Cotton didn’t dare argue as he took off! Running as fast as his aging body would let him as Cho popped his claws from his fingertips, and hunched down slightly. His eyes fixated on the door. His heart began to pound over and over as he could smell the odor getting closer! By the second, the presence was coming his way and just as he began to bare his fangs and roar to assert his predatory instincts, a group of them appeared!...they fell from the right side of the door, onto the floor. Dead. Their bodies mangled and cut up. Cho rushed over to the severed body parts looking at them. He looked at the markings and scratches…lifting one of the parts up he’d see the same number of claw marks that match with how many claws..the wryms had. He looked to the left and the right but he didn’t see or smell anything but these dead Wyrms!*\_

Cho: They…they were cut up by their own….why would they do that I’d smell-

\_*That’s when it hit him like a bat out of hell! It was a trap! Somehow some way the Wyrms fooled Cho’s sense of smell! They observed his reliance on it and literally faked his sense of smell out, having him pay attention to something else entirely! Cho turned around quickly with a wide eyed expression! Cotton made it across waiting for him by a console in the door but just then, the celling would’ve collapsed! The Wryms developed wings in their lizardey scaley form and began rushing into the gym landing on the bridge in a crowd! Cotton ducked down covering his head and hoping he wasn’t going to get abducted. But Cho…he knew. They were all coming at him. Call it the instinct of being another creatures prey  but he knew they were going for the kill that was worth it. They killed some of their own like dogs, to get this opportunity to take him out solely. Cho was honored but at the same time more pissed he fell for something so rudimentary…but they were showing signs of intelligence and that was the part that intimidated him. Seeing them coming and throwing away his fear of death he huffed one time before running down the bridge himself!*\_

Cho: Draw the bridge in! I know it’s retractable!

Cotton: How are you going to make it across?!?

Cho: Hope, prayer, and a little bit of time to get me there! BRING IT ON YOU SCALEY BASTAAAAAAAAARDS!!!!!!!

\_*Cotton hesitated at first. Looking at Cho and the console wondering if he should really separate the bridge or just wait on him! The blasted things were pouring in from the celling and running right for the boy! Cho held no fear in his eyes and he seemed confident this would either be the coolest thing he’d ever done for the dumbest death ever witnessed. Cotton swallowed hard and pushed the button and the bridge in the center began to separate! It started retracting quickly! Creating a 50ft gap between Cho and the Wyrms, but he wasn’t going to let that stop him! Not when he’d come so far! Not when he’d put his life on the line to keep these things forms leaving this facility! Cho ran full speed ahead before briefly mounting the edge of the bridge and leaping! Cho lunged through the air, his body soaring with claws and arms drawn back! The Wryms all coming at him with lunges of their own as they were bound to meet in the air! Cho by the grace of god or his own innate luck managed to sink his claws into the shoulders of one!!! His momentum letting him carry out the rest of his arch, before he landed on the other half of the bridge, mounted on top of the Wyrms body with a loud THUD! Cho wasn’t finished though, as there was still a bridge full waiting for him…and not a lot of bridge left! With a grunt he flipped his body forward, claws still sunk into the Wryms flesh and darting forward at the speed of a race car, he used the Wyrm’s body as a shield and began barreling through the crowd of adversaries! His fortification Chi covered arms piercing one, after the other, after the other like a giant shiska bob! His feet pounding the metal with loud clank noises…but those clank noises weren’t his feet. They were the support railings of the bridge beginning to fall and crumble! The weight capacity capped, as the bridge half began to slant down, falling towards the dark abyss! Like a bat out of hell Cho pushed off of what ground he had beneath his feet with those same claw baring arms spread wide, roaring towards the Wyrm above him! He sunk his claws inside of it, flipping forward and sending himself and the Wyrm in a summersault before he leapt off of its body and repeated this process with another Wyrm! Only to summersault again and leap off of IT’S body to reach his arms out and dig his claws into the metal potion of the hanging bridge!*

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\_*The sound of metal grinding against Cho’s claws could be heard as his body came to a stop! He let his shoes come off so his clawed toes could assist in his wall crawling. He heard the howls of the Wryms that were falling down and suddenly began to see a bright ember red coloration coming from the once dark depths! It began glowing red, then fading to orange! Then orange to yellow before the dark depths became coated in a violent flame! Cho turned his head away from the bright light could he could hear the sound of sizzling flesh, crackling melting muscle tissue and breakage of bones. Cho instantly started to sweat from the blistering heat that was pouring from the incinerator! Climbing up the broken bridge, only to have Cotton reach down and assist in pulling him up to safety! The two of them sat there on the cold ground huffing and panting. Cotton looked over to Cho and spoke.*\_

Cotton: I don’t know what kind of motivation you give yourself, but whatever it is keep doing it!

Cho: To be honest! –Stands up with a grunt and helps Cotton up- It’s just instinct. I wouldn’t do the things I do if I didn’t think I could do them…anyway thank me when this is over and we get you and me outta here!

Cotton: -nods and adjust his glasses- Let’s go.

\_*They ran through the door, both of them darting down the long grey, tall and looming hallway! Blood splattered on the walls and scientist bodies littering the path, but it hindered them not. They continued onwards, heading to what could be their final obstacle.*\_