An Audience (Zack/Simon)

"We're here."

They finally arrived at the place. Joshua was starting to feel a little bit jittery. They were deeper inside of the Island and ever more vulnerable. He made sure to stay close to Simon, for his and the guy's sake. They had to stay close. Upon arriving, Joshua looked around to see if there are any one of the thugs who patrolled around the area.

The place itself was of a hedonistic flair. Joshua didn't pay too much heed to this ongoing party. There was more at stake than anything else. But yes, he wasn't too comfortable here. Too much noise and too many people. So much could go wrong in this environment. He looked back at Simon and nodded.

"Stay close and let's get this shit over with."

The sooner they got this done, the better. To stay any longer only increased the risks. He found a thug that was just hanging around and waved at him for his attention as he came over to him.

"Sup. We wanna meet with your boss, Zack. Our friend the wolf has seen the storm."

"Christ. I'm sorry."

Joshua clicked his tongue in displeasure at this little, but potentially big, screw up. Right. Passwords were there for a reason. It was meant to hide the leader and if someone heard of it, it wouldn't bode too well. Though somewhere in the back of his head, he wondered if that asshole of a thug earlier was lying or not. Joshua's hands were out of his pockets, ready to go at any moment.

He quietly spoke aside to Simon before the two finally arrived before them while the music was still blaring, "If anything goes South, run. Leave me behind."

Then as soon as the two thugs arrived, Joshua would keep his distance. At least and hopefully enough for him to react and to make his reactions mean anything.

"Hi, uh, sorry to bother you guys."

Ah fucking Christ damn it.

Shit's gotten real. Somewhere in the depths of Joshua's mind, he had wondered why he was being really stupid right now. Simon didn't deserve any of this. This whole thing really pained him. But it looked like the Ex-Angel could probably handle himself for a while. If he was smart, he'd use the overbearing music in the background to further hide himself.

"Goddammit."

He sprinted off in the opposite direction and fled the scene. To help his escape, he melded in with another crowd which would make it hard for his pursuers to find him and even catch up to him. Especially when considering how much of a head start he now has thanks to Simon's maneuvers.

Joshua would continue to flee until he finally decided he was far enough. He remembered what his pursuers looked like and looked around to check if they were still following him. And to also check around for any other patrolling thugs to talk to.

If no one was chasing him, Joshua would sigh to himself and bite his lip. This was utterly stupid of him. Leaving Simon on his own. But, he could at least hold his own and then try to escape when needed... right? Every second felt excruciating. It would be his fault if something happened to him. But, he knew that coming this far, he needed to get the job done. If not for Rinna, at least for Simon. And Joshua owed it to him. This time he can't screw this up. Joshua slapped his cheeks together as if to psyche himself up to actually concentrate this time.

Upon any available patrol around, he went towards another one to start over again. A solitary one, at least should be different from the last time.

"Hey sorry to bother ya, but you mind helping me find my friend? He's been through some shit and I'm worried for him. My friend the wolf has seen the storm. I can't find him. I want to see him."

He winked at him. And hopefully this time, it was subtle enough. But also that this guy would understand what he wanted.

At the very least, something was working. Joshua did what the thug said. He heard buttons being pressed with his back turned. It sounded all secretive. Something from some super spy movie, but it can't be that idealized. Though he didn't exactly expect this kind of security. Then again, lucrative trade of drugs probably filled Zack's pockets enough. That was all that mattered.

Upon hearing unlock, Joshua turned and saw the entrance was open to him. Taking note of the further instructions, he nodded and entered while muttering a thanks to him. Soon, he would find himself in the darkness.

It was hard to see. So, he took out his phone and let the LCD lighting to help show him the way as he continued down the steps at least until he could go no further. Just as the gang member had said, there was a lid. Soon that would be open with some decrepit pipe, with some difficulty. His spear would've been used, but Joshua knew it wouldn't be wise to damage it. As soon as it was open, he put the phone away and started to make his final descent down after pulling the lid over him to close the real entrance...

Jack's investigation into Zack Dunbar had only just begun, yet it seemed it was doomed to be sidetracked. Upon reaching the outskirts of Standasen under the cover of darkness, the young officer abandoned his daytime facade to adopt, no pun intended, his alternate persona. Some had asked him on the tram about the large duffle bag and what an officer needed it for in Standasen, to which he replied saying it was a costume that he was intending to use to join in the festivities... Not exactly a lie now that he looked upon the red and black armor.

Unlike his old spandex his new suit was... sensible. The arms and legs made from several modified  Kevlar safety jackets he had found online. After going through the cheepo brands he found one that would stop a knife dead in it's tracks. One custom order later and here he has his sleek new arm and leg protection. Wouldn't do much for bullets though, but then again being shot in the arm or leg isn't something he's not used to at this point. Though a shot to the chest would be problematic, which is why he opted to make the chest piece of his new armor to fit around his standard issue bullet proof vest. Still not one to shy away from the dramatic, he spiced it up with several plates of red Plexiglas to both protect against knife blows, and give it a bit of Red to spice it up. Lastly the helmet... It was a farcry from his old one that still sat next to Nilo's Grave, now bleached white from the sun. This one boasted a full Plexiglas face plate and built in radio, air filter, and flashlight. The red helm was sturdy enough to reliably block a 9 millimeter round at nearly any distance... would still scare the crap out of you though... Attached to his belt was his trusty Morpher... just... in case something weird happened

Jack took a deep cleansing breath as he looked down at the streets below, at first he had thought it was just more merriment and partying, more obstructions to his investigation tonight, but uppon closer inspection...looked like an all out brawl. Knives were drawn and people were getting hurt... Damn... Jack didn't have time for Distractions, he needed to hurry up and track down Zack... But... Bah Curse this heroic spirit.

Jack cursed under his breath and pressed a hand to his ear, activating his radio"Dispatch... This is Officer Jack Rannells of the Azores P.D. Requesting backup at the ninth mile of Walton Boulevard in the Lumiere district. There is a large scale brawl in progress, suspects are armed and dangerous. I will move in to attempt and break it up. Repeat, Brawl at the ninth mile of Walton in Lumiere, requesting backup..." Jack would wait for a response and answer any questions he could before closing the com and readying himself for battle.

"Red Legacy... Lend me your strength..." Jack focused on the burning red power deep in his soul as two crimson flames ignited in his palms "Mmmm Haaaaa... Dekaranger, Goranger," Two small figures appeared in his hands, each an extension of his soul, each with his true power trapped within. He slid them into his gloves to be used in case things got messy....

Quietly Jack would begin to whisper to himself."Protecting the world from the shadows that plague it at every turn," With a grunt, Jack summoned forth his TechSlicer and brandished it. "We brave hero's fight for the souls within..." No one could hear him now, alone on the rooftops, "The wheal of fate ever turns, yet I stand in its path," No longer did he shout to the heavens his intent, now he focused on the matter at hand... the lives at stake. "True Self Sentai, Personanger...."


Without another word Jack leaped form the roof onto the fire escape and onto the street below. With a strong and imposing stride he made his way onto the street standing a short distance away from the pack.... It was only fair to at least try and hold to what he told dispatch he was going to do."..." In one fluid motion Jack would approach a thug who's back was turned to him, hook his foot under the thugs and pull back with most of his super human strength knocking the man off balance and hurtling face first into the ground. Though he wouldn't let the poor man smash his nose into the pavement, that might kill him, instead jack would catch the mans face with a swift kick to his teeth, the steel of Jack's boot probably knocking out a good few of the man's teeth. It wouldn't kill him, but if the pain didn't knock him out, he'd be far to dazed to continue fighting. "Disperse now!... Or face my Judgement..."

Skill Used:

It was an unpleasant journey alright. He can already imagine the odors being a massive danger sign at this point. But it was something he decided to ignore and continue on. It was then he seemed to finally be led in to his final destination with his new masked chaperone. Joshua looked around his surroundings, there were just some lights. Nothing of interest for now. But looking ahead, it looks he is finally face to face with the man he wished to speak to.

But there was something unsettling about him. Maybe because of his neutral expression. There was no emotion to be read. Meaning, he just can't fuck this one up at all. Joshua also put up a neutral expression of his own as well.


"Sorry I wasn't someone you were expecting, but I'll make it quick," the Persona User apologized and promised, "I'm Joshua Bae. Two years ago I participated in the elimination of Ananke in Zela Academy and the rest of the Primordials from the Stadium."

He let this criminal mastermind know who he was. Hopefully, this will make Zack to take him seriously. Joshua had hoped there were other members who could possibly be from the Ananke Incident that could recognize him, but that's something he'd have to worry about later.

"I was hoping if you could help me get a lead to find Rinna Lauderdale. I assume you already know she is Simon Alba's aide. She's been gone since the end of the Event. I'm wondering if you have any idea where she is or at least could provide some kind of tip. I figured someone of your capabilities would be of great assistance. Of course, I'm willing to do anything in return for your help."

The Leader looked at the young man. While his name doesn't ring a bell, he did recall someone of his description reported to him at the scene where Ananke attacked the school. To be fair, it's not like he had any real reason to doubt him, using the emergency code given out. Someone either had too loose lips or whatever Joshua wanted was deadly serious. And it turned out, he wanted to know about someone in particular. The name pulled the smallest of smirks from his face, but it soon returned to its neutral expression. "Hm.....I may or may not have information about her. But the question is, why should I give it to you? You are merely stepping in for something; and I hardly need your help, at least right now. Something that sensitive is something I simply cannot tell you. Is that all you need Joshua Bae?" he asked. It seemed like his walls were well protecting the secrets he knew, and it would need more than a question to get them out of him....did Joshua have what it took to get past the silver tongue of Zackary?



((Whenever you're ready, we can start.))

Theme:

"Can't say I didn't try..." They always took the hard way didn't they? But... Why only two? The other three seemed like they were preoccupied with something... Invisible? Could that be what started the fight? Bah, no matter, whatever it was could wait untill after these two where dealt with. Though they looked like normal punks they were obviously ready for this fight, the straight forward approach wouldn't work here, time to get crafty.

Thinking quickly Jack swing his Tech Slicer from it's idol resting place by his side towards the man on his rights blade, aiming carefully not to hit him, while at the same time kicking off with his left foot and pivoting on his right to quickly spin out of the way of the second man's attack. The Tech slicer would glide though the thugs knife like butter and leaving it in two pieces splitting it at the guard leaving him with no actual blade. This would most likely confuse the poor man who would feel no resistance as the mystic blade passed through his own. Though he would get little time to think on this as Jack used the momentum from his pivot to bring a strong backhand into the crook of the thugs neck with most of his considerable strength, rocketing the man off his feet and into this friend who just moments ago was ready to stab the costumed vigilantly.

Should this maneuver work it would take less then five seconds to fully preform, as it was one fluid motion. If at any point during this a one of the thugs gain an upper hand and get a chance to swing, Jack would press off the ground with his still planted right leg and leap back towards the alley from which he came and prompt the two men to fallow. If he was successful in this he would end his move by leaping back several feet from the two prone men and ready his blade for a counter attack should they stand back up.

If he was successful he would react to the chatter on his radio, otherwise he would utterly tune it out and focus on the fight"What?... The green star? Damn it why now?"

Action:

Joshua: On the contrary, sir. In fact, if you're cool with this, please answer me this. Two years ago, your men were doing something in Zela Academy. Weren't they? I can't imagine you doing nothing when you have threats like the Primordials running around, especially on your own territory. That said, they were interrupted by Ananke, I take it? Then allow me to finish where your men left off, assuming you still have plans for the academy.

Zackary: You're quick to change subjects. I guess this woman didn't matter much to you at all, or was she not your actual reason for meeting me? It's no secret since my men hardly shut up, but like before, why should I tell you? Who are you to me?

Joshua: Oh she matters much to me. Because I'm giving you an offer to do you a favor. A favor that your men aren't capable of doing. I heard not many of your forces dare to do anything outside the protection of your realm. And here I am, willing to do that for you. But you're right, I may be nothing to you. And it can stay that way as a disposable tool that you can use. If I manage to fail, it benefits you, no? And if I fail, no way to track you down if I manage to succeed. Rinna's information is all I want in return for my service to you.

Zackary: What I want is something I know for sure you could not readily give. After all, that woman did not, so I do not expect any more from you.

Joshua: So she was here then... You want Simon, don't you?

Zackary: Tsk..yes, she was at one point. But she has been gone for some time now. She did not give me what I needed. And Simon? Haha..I definitely would not have minded him if you offered.

Joshua: Unfortunately, Simon's not for sale. Though, however, don't you have a certain grudge against someone? Someone that probably screwed things for you before? I can do that much at least. Though, what did Rinna not give you?

Zackary: Not your concern, whelp. Who I act against beyond the law enforcement is far bigger than you or I. You and I however are kindred spirits, but I do not need someone like you. Prove that you can be of use to me, and I may tell you. Currently I am not in the mood for much more talking, so before you say something useless, know that I am at my limit of patience.

Joshua: So helping out in taking down the Primordials isn't enough to prove to you that I can be useful? Alright. Fine. Then I have nothing else to say. We're ending things here. Nice talking with you.

Zackary: I need more than foot soldiers; I have plenty of those. If I needed people who could fight, I would have tried talking to the woman. A shame though, I figured you'd come up with something useful after what we talked about. I would not mind help, but if you are not aware of the help I need, then as you say, this is over.

Negotiation Over