Turn 3: Pieces of Wreckage

"Mabufu!" Ice homed in on all of the Doctor's enemies; while one of them was dazed he quickly smacked the foe with the blunt side of his weapon. The other two brought down by a handgun's bullets.

The fallen thugs only gave the Doctor various Blank Persona Fragments; not even an item, he could only sigh since he's already full of Personas. A maximum of six, with five free spots since his initial Persona cannot be fused; not like the man would do that in the first place.

"Anything good Doctor?" Amiya asked, as she is one of the few who knows about his Soul Forage ability. Regular people cannot see the energy that seeps throughout those who are targets of that power after all. The Doctor shook his head in disappointment and fiddled with his phone to contact the Velvet Room, he was sick of using Mandrake and Apsaras since their skills are already things that his other Personas already have.

That was the only upside to this mission Wei gave, a manhunt for a little girl named Misha. Even after using his Personas to scout for the girl they came up with squat, using Ophiuchus was out of the question since this mission was supposed to be discrete. Not like the big guy's eyes would help in finding a small child.

The Doctor could only scoff at that, like Wei actually cared about the slums of Infected here. He just assumed that was Ch'en filtering what their current partner in business said.
"She isn't here, let's search elsewhere."

-SCENE BREAK-

Panic was on the children's faces, and why wouldn't they? After all they are the prey. No matter what direction the children run towards, left then a right to a straight, it was pointless. The darkness of the great city encroaches towards them.

Why are they hunted?

Simply put, they are Infected.

No Lungmenite bats an eye to your suffering if you're one of them, even if you are being killed on broad daylight no sane person there would save them.

Oh how bright the lights of Lungmen are when the oil that lit it up is crimson red.

They managed to hide in an alleyway, away from the mob that detests their existence for simply being ill. However one of them, a silver-haired girl knew that it wasn't permanent refuge.

"Hurry, hide yourselves!" She commanded to her little comrades in this adult battlefield. Before that however she gave one of them a memento, like a soldier giving their dog tag to their friends knowing that they'll go on a suicide mission.
"This an amulet our mother taught me how to make" A ghost of a smile on her face as she reminisced, " I made this one for you, as long as it's made with your own hands it will surely protect those you care about."

The child smiled at her before following her orders, "Thank you Misha, we'll take good care of this."
They hide but one of the children poked their head out and asked, "What about you Misha? "
And with a forlorn expression she just replied, "I must go, also remember to not make a sound ok?"
"Got it!"

Misha exited the alleyway and with one last smile she wondered if they're going to be alright.
"No, they're good girls." She shook her head removing her doubts, "I'm sure it will protect them."

-SCENE BREAK-

The mob was indeed close to their target, they gripped their weapons with pleasurable malice. One has to wonder what was going through their minds when they want to manhunt children.

Back to the Doctor's party, they searched high and low for the person of interest. He split off Amiya to search from the roofs using his hook sword as makeshift zip-line with the various steel cords in the area.
"I still haven't seen her Amiya."

"That's odd, according to Exusiai's info; the mission target should be in this area." Amiya then turned around to see a mobster holding an Infected child.
"You bastard! Let me GO!" They shouted struggling from the mobster's grip, but then mobster gripped his hand louder making them wrench in pain.

"Where is she!?" He demanded while his friends watched the child's suffering with perverse glee, "If you don't tell me where is she is…" It did not take a genius to see what would happen if the child didn't tell them.

"Misha, Misha…help me…" They begged for someone to come as the mob encroached, the spikes on their bats shining a malicious sliver.

Suddenly, the mobster heard rustling sounds; they proceeded to follow it in fervor hoping that it was there target. However they were greeted with a Cautus disarming them and forcing the mobster to let go on his grip on the child.

"Why you!" The mobster shouted in anger, confused on the identity of their attacker. Amiya gestured to the child to hide and they complied.

"Don't ever bully the weak ever again!" Amiya's stare was more than enough to unnerve the hostile group and so they slowly backed away not willing to fight a little girl that is more than capable to fight back.

"ARTS!? Yo-you monster!"

Amiya broke her determined face after they left the vicinity, their tails between their legs; nevertheless the offhand comment had gotten to the girl's heart.

Monster huh, how appropriate…

She surveyed her surroundings to find that voice but she found none her only company was her shadow on a hot afternoon. Downtrodden she could only repeat the mobster and that voice's words.

"Monster huh…"

The Doctor was done surveying the roofs of the slums, coincidentally he saw all that have transpired and descended with the assistance of his new grappling hook, courtesy of Closure.
"Are you alright Amiya?" He asked to her concerned on the effects those words might have on her, to which she nodded and said,

"It's alright you can come out now." The kid did just that and was still shivering from that incident, "Be careful and hide somewhere safe; it's dangerous here."

"Ok! Thank you Miss Rabbit."

"Be careful!" Amiya smiled as the child left the area then the vicinity went quiet, "I told you I'm not a donkey Doctor." She beamed at him.

"You're never gonna let that go huh." He chuckled then suddenly Amiya was contacted by Franka, a BlackSteel operator that Rhodes had hired for this mission.

The two then opened their comms and communicated with the other squad but while they were discussing Misha's location the Doctor and Amiya saw Misha herself run past them.

"Nevermind, we saw her just go deeper into the slums." Amiya informed then with the Doctor quickly sending a Pixie to follow Misha, "Franka, gather the search Operators we need to catch up. The Doctor already used his ARTS, or rather his Persona, to follow the target."

They started to follow Misha while talking to Liskarm, another BlackSteel Operator, and by follow it means that Amiya was piggyback riding on the Doctor while said Doctor was grappling to each roof of the slums to catch up.

Apparently, being a Persona-user enhances your physical capabilities overall.

"Amiya, the search Operators got into contact with hostiles, and it's not normal people, they are Infected." Amiya sighed and instructed the squads to do one of the Doctor's protocols, one of the things he lectured all squad leaders at Rhodes about. She then put her comm in the Doctor's ear and focused on aiming her ARTS at the hostile drones that scattered their way as they tracked down Misha.

The Doctor then gave Franka a choice, "Your call, should you ambush them?" He casually asked while grappling around the slums, slightly regretting that he should cast Sukukaja first before making Pixie follow Misha.

"Yo, that's nice. Hmmm the kid's clever Liskarm." He could only hear the banter between the two BlackSteel Operators, slightly jabbed by the fact that he still looks like a young adult. Kal'tsit is as well but why does he still have a bit of a baby-face?
Liskarm could only sigh as she scolds Franka for disrespecting the Doctor, "While the Doctor looks too young for his age, he is a lot older than us."

Noticing that Misha went to the same place that their other troops are fighting; Amiya grimaced,
"So the Infected are fighting Rhodes again…"
Amiya was silent for a few seconds to gather her resolve, "Doctor, let's go."

"Alright." The Doctor smiled at Amiya, removing any remaining anxiety within her, "Liskarm, secure point at A12."

-SCENE BREAK-

On a floor below the ruined building the regrouped squad found their target, and like a cornered animal Misha was both afraid and hostile towards them; Her diminutive body shaking from all the running and adrenalin coming back to tire her out.

"Miss Misha?" Amiya called out to her and she made herself more alert, "I'm sorry if I startled you, we from Rhodes do not wish to harm you just to give you protection."
The girl just stubbornly held her ground, scared at the prospect of the Lungmen government's "protection"

"Go away! My claws are sharp!" She tried her best to flash said claws, "I-If y-you don't want to get hurt you-you'll…"

"Pfft." Everyone stared at Franka laughing at what Misha is attempting to do, "If we really wanted to harm you we would have already done that." Liskarm and the Doctor stared at her callousness, "Not like I'm willing to hurt a kid in the first place."

Amiya sensing that Misha is more open to talking out the situation approached her and said, "Miss Misha, we really want to help you…that is why…"

Misha shook her head, "No! I don't believe you; Lungmen treats Infected harsher than criminals." This outburst just reinforces the Doctor and Amiya's suspicions of this place and the former can't help but wrench at the possibility never mind that the Doctor saw more of Lungmen than Amiya due to his bonding time with his Associates.

Amiya was silent so the Doctor intervened, he summoned a rather cute Persona; Jack Frost.
"I can see why you would distrust us Miss Misha. However please believe her intentions and mine." He gestured for Jack Frost to stay by her side.

"Wha-"The snowman smiled at her and she can't help but to smile back, "Hee ho, Hee ho, Hee ho!"
"What is this?"
The Doctor shrugged, "It's nice to see you have calmed down Miss Misha, oh and that's Jack Frost you're friendly neighborhood snowman, say hi Jack."

"Hi ho!"

-SCENE BREAK-

"Why do you want to help me in the first place…?" Misha sat down on one of the cardboard boxes in this abandoned building, "You all know that I'm an Infected right?"

Amiya revealed something concealed in her body, nobody protested, as it is something that both girls can empathize and while Jack Frost comforts Misha she can understand why from that simple act.

"Don't be scared, at least with this you would understand." Amiya's hand, adorned with rings on every finger had something else, the symptoms of an Infected.

The Doctor slightly cringed, remembering what Amiya's is going through after reading her Archive File. That is the law in Terra for the Infected it seems, suffering is power; if so then Amiya must be the strongest person here.

"Your hand…so you're also an Infected too?"

"Yes…I am the same as you." Amiya voice slightly wavered as if denying her similarity to the girl, "The slum of Lungmen hides many infected people…" Thinking back to the child she saved form the mobsters and how they were calling for Misha, "The children here, they really trust you."
However Amiya knew, that trust also lead to them being persecuted by the mob in the first place, uneasiness seeped through her heart, "Miss Misha, you are already putting them in danger."

With a resigned sigh Misha stared darkly at Amiya for the mere mention of the kids being in danger.
"So you'll threaten me with the children?" The tone on her voice made Jack Frost shiver even if he's made of snow.

Looking back this was not the case, for some reason Misha's presence aggravated the mob to target Infected children specifically; no matter how messed up hunting children may be.

"No, I won't." Amiya wondered if that kid she saved was ok, "But people are already doing that already…" From those words Misha stared at the ground seemingly understanding that her presence also endangers them. To reassure the downtrodden cub Amiya said,

"Rhodes Island just drove away a gang threatening children." This alarmed Misha.

That act of kindness however was not a permanent fix; it was Misha that was fueling those men and Lungmen's skewed idea of morality this was ok. Misha's importance is the first thing the Doctor and Amiya will inquire on after securing her.

"The best way to protect them is to come with us." The suspicion on the intent of those manhunts was just conjecture however, as long as it is, Rhodes cannot just let the children go on unprotected and to reassure Misha, Amiya laid out all the objective benefits on letting them protect her.

Misha approached Amiya with Jack following suit, the snowman getting his cheer back sensing the girl's trust in Amiya.
"Do you know why they after me? Why do you want to protect me in the first place?"

"Compared to the reason, we care more about the safety of the innocent Infected here." If Amiya would be more open about it, they weren't really briefed on the girl's importance. This bugged the Doctor and Amiya, the former moaning in irritation since this briefing was after him doing something tiring.

"Including yours."

Jack Frost cheered and smiled at Misha, easing her worries.

"Will you allow us to take you out of here?"

Misha with her stony look said, "Let's go." Jack Frost cheered and hugged Misha's leg with affection.

The Doctor could only chuckle at his Persona's actions, Sherry told him that the Frost line of Personas were more expressive and sentient than the usual Persona. The attendant also told him that old guests weren't able to use their Personas for things like scouting and the like, so some Personas like Jack having this level of autonomy was eye-opening.

Misha was already thinking of making a doll in Jack's likeness since the snowman is just that cute, while observing his, the Doctor then noticed that Misha's hands were sore and with some loose colorful threads hidden with her pockets he asked.
"Say Misha do you sew?" She nodded and Jack looked at her in curiosity, since the snowman did not understand the concept of sewing.

Even though the snowman has clothes on him.

"Jack already likes you huh?" The Doctor mused, "Think he's cute enough to be a doll?"

Misha was suddenly flustered since she was just contemplating about that, and the Doctor laughed.

"It's ok Amiya really likes Jack too."

"Jack is very popular, ho!" Amiya mimicked, earning a smile from said popular snowman.

"Pfft~" "Oi Franka"

-SCENE BREAK-

While waiting for Ch'en's further instructions from Amiya, Jack was playing with Misha. The Doctor on the other hand was examining music sheets sent to him by Sherry, the Velvet Attendant once said that those songs were generated from their world's Sea of Souls, which meant more music to practice with Amiya on their downtime.

The Cautus leader gestured to Franka and Liskarm on what to do with Exusiai, a Penguin Logistics Operator listening in. The Doctor then went to Misha, who was still having fun with Jack and said,
"Sorry Jack, Misha and the crew have to go for now." With a depressed "ho" Jack complied with his master's command fading into light.

"What happened to Jack?" Misha asked as she was understandably confused.

The Doctor explained things about Personas under the guise of Spirit ARTS, or at least the necessary terms to make sense of Jack's dismissal.
"Jack's more sentient than the usual Spirit ARTS, I'm sure he'll want to spend more time with you."
Misha did not question it because she did want to do that with Amiya too.

"Doctor, It's Reunion…" Amiya said and the Doctor stood up as they prepare for another skirmish.

Hence, with the Doctor's commanding, they were able to leave realizing that Reunion was there and they know they are also after Misha, thus during battle the Doctor and Jack stood guard. The snowman laughing with glee as he occasionally blasted a Bufu at a Reunion soldier.

After the little skirmish, the Doctor could hear Misha and Amiya arguing with each other; it must be because the Cautus said that Misha would be given to the LGD. A faction that the Infected of Lungmen fear, and if a child is scared of the police here, then there must be something wrong with them.

Something that Ch'en does not, or refuses to see.

The Doctor and Amiya were able to calm Misha down; re-summoning Jack certainly did help the girl realize that these people do not really wish to hurt her. Regardless they were surrounded by Reunion reinforcements and more battles were to be fought.

The best course of action was to advance while fighting off any stragglers they had on them, with the Doctor carrying Misha on his back like he did with Amiya before they grappled through buildings with the Doctor directing orders whenever they landed on a good vantage point. If he managed to have time he would use Soul Forage with Misha giving him strange looks as to her was stretching out his palm for no reason.

The operators from Penguin Logistics proved to be powerful as they are unruly, the Doctor however can sense a hidden darkness within one of them.

The skirmish ended with more time to breath but Rhodes did not expect that a leader of Reunion would come for Misha.

"Skullshatterer! They're right here!"

The Doctor stood guard, his hooksword conveniently hidden by rubble, but the area he was in when guarding her was not the best; there was a ceiling so grappling out of there is out of the question.

The best move he could make was to step back while his Operators took care of the rest. He did have to reserve SP in case of emergencies.

They escaped Skullshatterer's party but the Doctor noticed that it was more of them being let out than blasting away to freedom. Skullshatterer must have wanted to confirm Misha's existence rather than defeating Rhodes, but why?

With Penguin Logistics' unconventional navigation they managed to hide their location…for now. Seeing that they had to climb a staircase, The Doctor carried Misha and grappled to the top.

"So Doctor, you don't really like stairs huh?" Texas said, "What's with that grappling hook anyway?"
"Yeah, that should have torn off your arm. Are you by chance a cyborg?" Exusiai piped in at awe of the Doctor's mobility.

"Closure gave me this; apparently I'm the only one who can use it like she envisions it would be." The Doctor could only smile at the memory of the Sarkaz girl lamenting on her project's uselessness, the Sarkaz girl quite literally forced the thing on his arm when she got a look on the Doctor's parameters after that Training Exercise.

"Please use it Doctor, I spent my salary and some savings on making that!"

Re-evaluating their plan of action, they had to go to a specific area they selected however they were blocked by the biggest hurdle in the way.

A locked door.

"Just kick it." Texas deadpanned arguing with Liskarm on opening a slum door, they bantered on either opening it by breaking the lock with ARTS or just kicking the slab of wood. With no time to waste, the Doctor called Jack, broke the lock with ice and kicked the damn door down.

"There, ARTS and kicking it, problem solved." He said as he, Amiya, and Misha went on ahead.

"Ara, you two annoyed the Doctor." The apple pie angel and burning swordswoman said at the same time, with the latter glaring at the Sankta woman when she noticed.

"The rooftop huh?" The Doctor exasperatedly said, "If you told me this earlier then I could save myself the trouble."

"Sorry, not all of us can use a grappling hook." Texas blandly said.

"Either way, nobody could go here other than us." Exusiai stretched her arms relaxing a little, "Now nothing can go wrong now right?"

Almost like tempting fate they could see that Reunion soldiers could be seen nearby on the roofs no less.
The rest of the group could only stare at the Sankta that was whistling innocently.

The Doctor assisted Franka and Liskarm on the front with his hooksword, since he also is really sick of being chased all afternoon, while Amiya covered their back along with Exusiai, who was shooting them down while being embarrassed for jinxing their situation.

With more Persona Crystals and Materials obtained he went to treat some wounded Operators with Dia spells. Sensing that his SP is lower than he would like it to be, he drank two cans of a weird softdrink.

"I didn't know the Doctor was a fan of Algae Fizz." Exusiai piped up; slightly horrified at the rate the Doctor was drinking it.

"No, I don't." The Doctor disposed of the cans on a nearby trash can, "They taste like an Originium Slug's piss but I need the energy."

After battle however Misha had fallen showing the effects of Oripathy, the Infected girl said she was only an Infected for a few weeks but to the Doctor seeing the effects of Oripathy firsthand rather than at medical reports was heartbreaking.

He desperately used Patra on Misha, an action that seemed to stabilize Misha's condition at least to a small amount. The Doctor then proceeded to drink another Algae Fizz because that Patra cast undid his recovery a while ago.

While carrying Misha on his back, Amiya decided to talk to Misha at least to keep Misha's mind conscious the last thing they want is for Misha to sleep before they could see the bigger picture of this mission.

"How long were you in Lungmen Misha?"

"A week or at least that's what it felt like…" It's surprising that Misha can still speak normally, but to Amiya and the Doctor that just shows how strong the girl is.

Franka and Texas could pick up what the two were talking about and flinched at the prospect of being an Infected in Lungmen's slums for a week. Franka especially felt bad for Misha since they both have the same condition.

The Doctor on the other hand was slightly enraged at what Misha had to go through; after all on those free days before this he saw enough of how Lungmen treats the Infected. The air in the vicinity was noticeably colder as a result; the group did not mind however as like in Chernobog the chill cures his allies. If weren't for Amiya pointing out that the air has gotten colder, frost would have appeared on the metallic objects that the squad possessed.

"A week huh?" Amiya looked at Misha with concern, silently admiring the other girl's fortitude.

"Those men, they seem familiar." Misha looked back at her life leading up to seeking refuge in Lungmen, "I didn't understand what happened, everyone started to run…so I also ran." Looking back even if Lungmen was the nearest place to go if she can endure a week in the slums, she's sure that she can survive a weeklong trip to Kazimierz or Victoria.

Amiya looked saddened if they had noticed they could have spared Misha the wrath of "Great" Lungmen.

"They were the Reunion Movement; they're the group that attacked Chernobog."

Misha was silent for a bit before silently saying, "I see…"

-SCENE BREAK-

The party decided to continue to their rendezvous point slowly with The Doctor monitoring Misha's condition while carrying the girl. Liskarm and the Penguin Logistics crew asked Amiya on what's happening to Misha and the fellow infected lowered her head.

"It's her Oripathy…it's already showing signs of pathogenesis." It was at least a week since the girl was one of the Infected; the timetables don't match with normal Oripathy so they concluded that Misha's case was a complication.

"For now the only we can do is giving her emergency treatment…" Amiya then looked to the Doctor using his SP in minute intervals to stabilize Misha's condition and lessen her suffering. "However, thanks to the Doctor's abilities we could spare time but we need to bring her to Rhodes after all this is done…"

…

"Is she going to explode?" Exusiai said to break the tension, only to be hit on the head by her partner.
"Mind your tongue."

Franka then glared creepily at the Sankta girl, "Hmmm, If I'm ever about to explode I'll try my best to crawl up to you."

Terrified at the prospect Exusiai profusely apologized.

The Doctor suddenly ordered them to be silent as they listened in on an argument between two people. From what they are saying they can conclude that it was an Infected Slum-dweller and a Reunion soldier.

"We're all infected; don't make this harder than it needs to be!"
But the infected relented and pushed them out with fury that matches their desperation.
"You've already destroyed our homes, you've lead the Guard Department here, all you've done for the Infected is ruin are already ruined lives! You're never gonna get past here!"

"You…" The sounds of a struggle were prevalent, no party budging an inch.

"Urghhhh!"
"Don't make us do this."

"Amiya please take care of Misha." The Doctor suddenly said and the Cautus complied and supported the cub on her shoulders. He unsheathed the hooksword he carries with a glint in his eyes.

"So are we gonna attack?" Franka asked but she already drew her thermite sword.
"Even if it would risk the mission?" Liskarm added as she was considering that if they attacked Reunion now it would give away their position.

However…

Amiya answered their questions for the Doctor, "Rhodes will always help the Infected if circumstances allow it, although I will leave combat to the Doctor for now."

Franka and Liskarm nodded and they followed the Doctor's command and went into their positions. The Vulpo operator was smiling as she readied her thermite sword's power.

"It was right to follow you guys…"

"All operators are at point." Liskarm said to her comm, cocking her gun and doing last minute checks on her equipment.

Amiya with Misha in tow decided to look over the Doctor on a high vantage point, the Cautus ready to support the Doctor if the need arises.

"Ok, time to teach those evil bastards a lesson." Franka said, giddy to fillet Reunion with her blazing sword.

-SCENE BREAK-

Stealth and the element of surprise, these were the blessings that the squad received in this particular battle. They wasted no time in incapacitating their various foes, the Doctor hitting Reunion soldiers hard with the blunt end of his weapon. However one enemy had suddenly turned around and blocked his attack by instinct, defense was sloppy so the Reunion soldier had his stance off; an opening that Franka gladly took. Their biggest priority is to defeat the outer formation without alarming the inside; if they fail it would give away their location and possibly kill the people they were trying to rescue.

"Gavial and Ansel, setup a Medic retreat point in case of injury. Beagle and Melantha I'm counting on you two to protect them."

They wasted no time in following the Doctor's orders and the frontline proceeded to advance, with him leading the charge. They took down the encirclement discreetly, an advantage to them because of Reunion's choice of formation.

"Hellhound!" The Doctor called out, commanding the Persona to take down an enemy's ankles with Double Fangs; the unfortunate target was caught off-guard as a flaming dog from hell bit him savagely. All he can do was shriek in pain as but before he can do that the Doctor broke his mask with a punch silencing him as to not alert his comrades outside, incapacitating him.

"A bit brutal Doc." Franka playfully said, after slicing a Caster's conduit for ARTS and then kicking them in the solar plexus.

The Doctor contacted everyone inquiring them about the points they have secured.
"Squad A, confirmed." Yato announced, the sound of drinking can be heard through the comm.
"Squad B, cleaning up and healing the injured." Adnachiel announced, the Sankta was eager for deployment after his defeat at the hands of W, when he found out about that the Doctor was not happy his mercenary teacher.
"Cardigan was careless for a second but Steward managed to pick up the slack."

"I see, assign Cardigan with some training with Dobermann after this then." Amiya through the comms, giggled at the sternness of the Doctor's voice.

"Please Doctor anything but that, I'm sorry!"

Ignoring Cardigan's pleas, the Doctor moved on to Squad C.
"Squad C is having difficulties; luckily we managed to remove their communications, so our cover isn't blown." Angelina, the Vulpo Supporter said through her comm, "I don't know how much stress Mr. Matterhorn can take."

"I see, I'm heading over there now; Hibiscus please focus your healing on the Defenders, Kroos had already rid of the drones there I assume." The Doctor spoke but on her end she can hear wind whooshing.

"Yes, how did you know?" Angelina asked.

"That's because I'm already here." The Doctor suddenly said behind her, this naturally shocked Angelina.
"Save your questions for later, Kroos cover me."

"Hai Hai."

With the Doctor's assistance Squad C was able to secure the area, honestly they could just go in with brute force but he wanted to be methodical so that it's less risky, he really didn't want to come to a point where their enemies are threatening them with hostages.
After finishing up and a trip to the medics later, it was time for the coup de grace.

3…
The rest of Reunion was not aware that the surrounding buildings were infiltrated.
2…
All Operators were preparing to descend.
1…
The Doctor was livid when he saw a Reunion soldier beat an Infected for not complying with them.

Crashing sounds surround the area, the enemies confused as to what is going on but before they could process what is happening…
A hooksword's blunt edge struck their throat.
The Operators that weren't fighting were busy escorting the innocent Infected out of the battlefield.
Even though the battlefield was chaotic, in truth this was all methodical; Amiya chuckled slightly having a front row seat to the Doctor's new combat prowess and his ability to conduct his strategies on the fly.

"Look alive Amiya." The Doctor suddenly spoke through the comms as three Reunion Loggers were flung vertically towards her.

She readied her ARTS while taking glances at Misha and fire three bolts at her targets, sending them down. It was an improvised combo, but the thud below that echoed signaled its effectiveness.

Now that the squad was in the open, the Doctor had no reason to be conservative in his fighting. The squad fulfilled the strategy he employed, the rest was just ripping Reunion a new one. However he was alarmed by a Reunion soldier trying to call for backup, even with Sukukaja he wouldn't make it.

Luckily he won't have to as gunfire hailed down on the poor soldier, he looked back and it was Exusiai smiling at him, seemingly watching the Doctor as he fights and supports the other Operators with his high mobility.

"Nice moves Leader, I wonder if Texas could use that grappling hook ya got."

The rest of the battle was a spectacle of ARTS and weaponry clashing. Reunion's blot on the map was removed for now.

The Doctor could only drink another Algae Fizz as he prepares to use Media for all his Operators, a new skill he got from one of his Personas.

-SCENE BREAK-

"Thank you, thank you all." The Infected were grateful for the protection, however they can only lament at the destruction the battle wrought. Anything worth keeping after that was reduced to scrap; such is the heat of battle.

"This place isn't safe anymore, please leave." Amiya pleaded, the Doctor was carrying Misha on his back again, and the Cautus couldn't even look at the Infected person's eyes for five seconds, wracked with guilt even though she didn't participate in the battle.

Ah, but you gave the go on that operation…

"Where could we even go?" The Infected man lamented, his weary bones creaked with every movement, "This was our home and now…"

"Everything's gone? " The Doctor then spoke, and fished out a wad of LMD from his jacket.
"Seems that way, but if you can you could always start over." He then gave it to the man, that wad was enough to pay three Operators for a month but it was handed to the Infected they had saved.

"Is that Liskarm's pay for three months?" Franka quipped earning a shoulder jab from the person in question.

"Nah, it's from my savings." The Doctor said sheepishly, in truth it was from the mercenary missions he took in secret. Weird thing about Soul Forage is that it also gives rare gems to sell sometimes, giving him money that is equal or higher than W's cut. As for how he just produced a wad of cash with him, let's just say that one of the benefits of being a contractor of the Velvet Room is a wallet that can carry absurd amounts of money.

"It's enough to secure you a home and transportation in Columbia; I guarantee that you'll have better lives there." The Doctor smiled at them and used his Persona to heal their wounded as well, again out of battle healing doesn't make Personas appear he doesn't want them to pale in fright of Ophiuchus "Just follow this specific route and you'll be safe." He also gave them a paper with directions form one of the routes he learned exploring Lungmen.

The Infected could only cry in joy and thanked the man in addendum, calling him a Samaritan; embarrassing the Doctor. Misha on the other hand was baffled by the exchange, Rhodes Island was that willing to protect the innocent Infected even though they have no reason to and this man, this man handed out a large sum of money and guided those Infected like it was not a big deal to him.

Where was he, when we…?

Misha sluggishly turned around to find the voice who said that, only to find none.

Exusiai hummed as they went through the rendezvous point without a cinch but that skirmish bothered her thoughts.
"Reunion huh, the self-proclaimed savior of the Infected, in reality is attacking them." The Sankta voiced out, "What a collapse of an image…" While the Sankta jokingly said that, she was clenching her fists after all in Laterano, hypocrisy was a minor sin to all believers and she was as devout a follower of the faith.

Texas clicked her tongue as she realized something off, even though the Doctor's plan was organized the enemy was as well, they weren't just infiltrating spontaneously… this was planned, but why?
Must have been because many Infected from Lungmen have also been assimilated to Reunion, the news of Chernobog collapse must have been their rallying cry and any Infected unwilling to stand up to Lungmen will be seen as traitorous. The others nodded at conjecture making the solemn walk to the point even heavier.

Exusiai sighed, "Honestly believing Reunion over Rhodes…" It can't be helped however Rhodes isn't a very popular organization and according to Kal'tsit it'd better that way. With the newfound power of the Doctor, Amiya can't help but be worried for Rhodes not having a choice in the matter.

"Most people will reach for that small bit of hope." Franka solemnly said, "Even if it's an illusion."
What else are the Infected supposed to cling on to? In a world that treats their sick with the severity of hardened criminals. Reunion showed that they can make change, albeit not positive but it was enough for lives that felt like they had nothing else to live for.

"Rhodes Island doesn't make empty promises though."

Franka chuckled, "Who would choose to believe the bunny girl who can never bear to lie?"
A brief pause was amongst the group, the needless waste of those who joined Reunion, the violence amongst other Infected, and the black and white morality…

"I do…" Misha breathed out, regaining a bit of strength with the Doctor's treatment, smiling at Amiya.
Misha went down from the Doctor's back, struggling to stand up, naturally the Doctor tried to catch her if she falls on herself.

"Watch out! You can't walk freely yet." Amiya insisted.

"I'm just a little dizzy, thanks to his power I feel a bit better actually."

The Doctor smiled knowing that his power had some effect on the girl however, "Be it as it may I suggest you grab hold onto Jack's stubby arms for support." Jack was happy to see Misha again and the girl complied, grateful even.

"Hee ho."

"Reunion is still after us right? Then-"

Amiya nodded, "I understand we'll move at once."

"Out of the slums and you'll be protected by the Guard Department." While Ch'en is someone he can trust, the Doctor was still skeptical with the other recruits there.

"Let's see if Ch'en taught her subordinates discipline." The Doctor thought darkly, remembering the more brutal members of the Lungmen Guard during their time defending the borders.

-SCENE BREAK-

They were earlier than expected according to Ch'en; and while Franka and Liskarm stood guard of the rendezvous point the Doctor grappled through the roofs of the area getting a bird's eye view of the surrounding area.

"Never knew the Doctor can handle those devices." Ch'en quipped while discussing matters with Amiya with Misha in tow while she knew it was probably made by Rhodes but the stress that device must exert on him.

Amiya giggled, "He's really amazing huh?"

"Amazing? No." Ch'en then looked at the Doctor swinging through vantage point to vantage point ensuring no hidden hostiles were in the area, "However I respect his proactivity and stratagem."

"Never mind that, so you have been fighting Reunion squad after Reunion squad and still came here earlier than expected."

The Cautus nodded, "Yes, however since Reunion is persistent in getting her this place isn't safe for her." She looked towards her friend, Jack returned to the Doctor shortly after they came to the ordered point so she might fear that Misha's uncertainty would resurface. Ah, but she forgot that this girl has the resolve to go through this simple operation; this was a girl who had her own knowledge of strategy she was commanding her friends to flee in order to insure their safety. Amiya scolded herself for underestimating the girl's determination just because the majority of their time together was Misha being vulnerable.

"You're Misha?"

"Yes."

"From now on you must abide by the Guard Department's arrangements." Ch'en then called one of her subordinates, "Keep an eye on her, alright." She stressed the last word out, becoming invested for Misha's safety perhaps for her own reasons.

"Amiya…" The cub called out, her voice looking for reassurance from her friend as the other was busy ensuring their safety.

Amiya reassured her that everything will be fine and as soon as the route was immediately confirmed to be secured, the Cautus then said;
"This child, I don't know why Lungmen needs her; but I hope Lungmen can keep her safe Officer Ch'en."

"Lungmen is quite generous to the Infected in the first place." That is true in a way, the slums where the Infected gather and struggle to survive, most areas have their authority figures hunt them down. Even so, they people hunting down the Infected for sport, she wanted to deny what Ch'en said to her but for Misha's sake…

"I know, but her condition isn't good at all." Amiya then explained Misha's medical condition, "I hope that after this, Misha can come live at Rhodes Island."

Ch'en went silent at the young leader's request, "Very well, I'll apply this to Executive Wei." The dragon girl said the last bit with a heavy undertone Amiya noticed, "If there are no problems then she will be transported to your care." The bunny girl was still skeptical however.

"It won't take long."

"Understood." Amiya then looked at Misha, "I guess this is where we part ways for now, Misha." She shyly said to her with understandable unease, "Rhodes Island welcomes you."

"…Yes!"

With that the cub was escorted out and the Ch'en squad proceeded to return to their base, the Doctor was still on the rooftops unaware of Amiya and Ch'en's exchange. The others however can't help but be unfulfilled with what transpired. They felt that something was missing in this operation. Some would dare say that Ch'en was deliberate in hiding Misha's importance but Amiya noticed that she has her own questions to answer.

"So that's the end of the mission huh." Franka was understandably unsatisfied however Texas provided her own two cents.

"The more we're involved, the more passive Rhodes will be." One of the benefits of having liaison for Rhodes, an organization that isn't allowed to take sides or poke in national affairs, is that camouflage of agenda.

"But Lungmen is keeping us in the dark." Franka whined but was suddenly in her battle stance as the Doctor went to nearer vantage point, perfect for seeing the area without a drone or Persona for his eyes.
This could only mean that more hostiles are approaching.

Liskarm sighed as she took out her gun, "Lungmen is really cold to us, however…"
"Reunion is as persistent as ever." The Doctor finished through the comms, scanning the area if there were any who made it to the buildings with the surveillance cameras he deployed after his scouting was done. He sighed in relief as there were no foes whatsoever, only the ones outside.

"Sorry, but I can't support you guys in combat for now." Amiya insisted that they were going to be fine even without it, "Luckily the enemy is straightforward this time, hold your ground and Medics, heal the one with the most injuries."

Amiya sighed as she charged her ARTS, "Reunion…why do they want Misha so badly?"

-SCENE BREAK-

While all the fighting was happening Ch'en is particularly vigilant in protecting Misha, her sword drawn at all times as she knows the risks of escorting a VIP of Reunion's

"Officer…"Misha shyly started, still rattled by the presence of so many people from the Guard even so, "In the slums, there are Infected children there, if possible-"That didn't stop her from trying to bargain with their leader.

"The Guard Department's duty is to protect Lungmen." Ch'en's strict voice made Misha stand up straight by instinct, "The Lungmen Infected are not its citizens." The cub was downtrodden at the dragon lady's words but she knew it was what she was going to reply with. Compassion for the Infected, if you aren't from Rhodes surely who don't have a single ember of that in you.

To her surprise however Ch'en followed, "However Lungmen's Infected still belong to Lungmen." Misha froze at the officer said, "I have no reason to promise this but I will fulfill my duties."

"After all that is what we've doing all along." Ch'en remembered the time she punished two of her subordinates when they were very violent towards the riots on the border, Lungmen may not like the existence of the Infected but authority is not supposed to be an excuse for savagery, those two were forced to start all over again as petty officers.

"Thank you… "

A brief period of silence surfaced afterwards, one is a shy girl who just went through hell, then into a deeper level of hell when she came to Lungmen; the other a strict officer of the law who actually sucks at being social, she's one of those introverts that were "adopted" by an extroverted friend after all.

Regardless of that Ch'en decided to pop the million-LMD question, "Do you know the reason why we want you for?"

Misha shook her head, "I don't know but I think what you'd really want from me is…"
The dragon lady nodded, "Yes, your father's inheritance." As to why Lungmen or to be specific, Executive Wei, wants it she has no clue…yet.

"An object or instructions, maybe even a message that only you can understand." Ch'en was unsure to be fair, this child carrying something that holds so much weight but the Executive isn't one to be mistaken unless it was a set-up, "Whatever it may be, it's on your hands."

Misha was understandably confused, it was almost like a puzzle and she is a key, but what is the puzzle that she is meant to be the key to solving?
"I understand that but, what is the thing even?"

Even the dragon lady doesn't fully understand, and so she can only say the cryptic answer that Executive Wei gave her.

"The key of Chernobog."

However while they were talking a looming shadow was tailing them, with a mischievous glint the shadow's eyes were focused on the cub's shaking figure.

"I. found. you…" They smiled mischievously, all part of the job but who says they can't have a little fun?
"Let us begin."

-SCENE BREAK-

Everyone was a bit tired after that battle, but somehow they pulled through and with a Media spell they can feel all their wounds feel like nothing. Healing skills can be used without a seven-foot tall guardian angel appearing outside of battle was a blessing.
"While I appreciate the thought…" Franka drawled, "Isn't your ARTS running on limited energy? We have Medics here."

"Using my ARTS is faster besides I can see Hibiscus and Ansel struggling." The Doctor replied looking over the said medics that graciously thanked him for his concern.

"At the very least the Guard Department is gone for now." Franka observed, still on guard since reinforcements are a definite possibility.

"They think we have Misha, and that's a good thing." The Doctor also was on his battle stance; with no escort to protect he can focus on fighting and commanding.

Amiya nodded, "Agreed, they would pursue the Guard Department otherwise, Misha is safe as long as they think that."

Why is Reunion even pursuing the kid in the first place, it's been a long day but no questions from the team have been answered. There could be many possibilities as to why both parties would want her; a rescue mission is out of the question for Reunion because no sane commander would do so much for just a little, which would mean that Misha holds something important.

But it goes back to the initial question, why is Misha so important?

"Either way, Misha is the only one who understands the connection between her and whatever it is she is supposed to know." Amiya concluded, this mystery should not dissuade them from their initial mission after all, "That is must be why Reunion and Lungmen want her so badly."

"What a dangerous contest…" Liskarm deadpanned, miffed at the actions of these two groups.

The Cautus however had a foreboding feeling, this fight for Misha is something Rhodes cannot avoid; however, why does it feel that things are going to be more difficult for them.

Exusiai then approached her, "Say Amiya, any other missions for us?"
To that question Amiya nodded and told her to investigate, not about Misha, but the extent of Reunion's infiltration. This had been a weird occurrence as Lungmen is supposed to be an iron-clad gate against such groups.

"Could Talulah's knowledge about Lungmen be a factor?" Possibly, the Doctor thought, especially if her other self, possesses her knowledge of her homeland; However if that where the case they wouldn't have any difficulty with securing Misha.

Exusiai and Texas departed for their mission and the rest of them are to remain vigilant of Reunion's forces, which came as expected.

"Reinforcements…great." Liskarm muttered loading another clip of ammunition.

They find themselves surrounded by Reunion forces, Casters on the alleys and Soldiers and the like on the buildings; they must have been there the entire time as they looked regular hobos. These are the Junkmen and they looked as powerful as they look barbaric, the rest however must have appeared after the Doctor was done with scouting.

"Reunion is going all-out against us?" Amiya said in surprise as the Doctor ordered the squad to reform their formation.

However, unlike the dregs they have fought before, the Reunion forces were commanded by the leader from before, their grenade launcher raring to go ham on Rhodes.

"Rhodes Island…" They were a man of few words it seems, "You gave her to Lungmen…"

"What does that have to do with you?" Amiya had might as well said yes in defiance, the Reunion leader did not take it well however. As both sides prepared to fight, the Doctor senses something off from the enemy commander. Whatever it is, it elected him to use his Personas on the opposing force.

"Finish them…"

-SCENE BREAK-

"Jack Frost! Mabufu!" It was the only Persona that is the most mobile and useful for this situation, summoning Ophiuchus would be too cramped in this area. Mabufu was also the most effective way in dealing with hordes of foes on every wave.

Managing his SP was a greater annoyance than the enemies trying to hit him as he grapples around the area, casting Mabufu to every weak point in their defenses. Luckily the cord of his grappling hook was made by the finest steel alloy according to Closure.

With Jack resting on his shoulders as he slashes through Reunion soldier after Reunion soldier, occasionally cutting bolts from enemy snipers that would hit Amiya or Franka, which he would cast Bufu at in retaliation.

"Area secured all clear." Liskarm reported as the others were still fighting back.

"Where's the enemy commander?" Franka asked as she blocked an axe with her sword in another area, intent on regrouping with her colleague.

The enemy commander is nowhere to be found however, it would seem that they were lurking about to find the perfect time to strike. Hence, they decided to retreat towards the opening that Liskarm provided; Reunion is noticeably good at ambush strategies after all.

However Liskarm warned them, that the way is not a one-hundred percent fool-proof at any time Reunion could destroy the surrounding buildings and locked them out. The Doctor grappled to get a better view of the area, firing Bufu spells at any remaining stragglers. Seeing that the forward path is safer the Doctor elected himself, Amiya, and Franka to watch the rear.

Reunion was not giving them any time to breath however; the Doctor had to cover for Franka who was recuperating as she was hit critically, a mistake on her part. There was no time to cast Dia on her, his SP already low enough for only three casts and there was no time to recover. He fully utilized his grappling hook and his hooksword, taking down strings of foes then using the city cords as a zip line.

The Doctor forced a particularly speedy armored enemy to stay in its location while Amiya pelted it with ARTS attacks and when the enemy fell he use its high stature as a platform to perform an aerial attack, the resounding shockwave stunning the ground enemies. He wasted to no time to recover and used the last of his SP-recovering items, which he immediately used to heal Franka, who insisted that she wanted to be treated by the Doctor as they allocate the Medics to back up the rear Defenders and Vanguard instead.

Now, not even the front is safe from Reunion.

"Liskarm!" Franka called out as she then decided to assist Liskarm who was on the front, "Can your defenses still hold on?"

The Vouivre girl proceeded to lift enemies airborne with her shield, shooting them down while they were on air time, "No problems here."

"Franka!" She then called out as she heard her co-worker's thermite sword clash with steel, "Watch for the enemy flanks." Franka gritted her teeth as she broke through said flank with a determined push.

"This has no end…" The Vulpo then called out the Medics, "Medic team, we have wounded here." They complied and healed the front's wounded one of which was Beagle, whose glasses miraculously survived every skirmish they've been through.

They searched for another possible route and came to realization that they were trapped.

"So…where do you want to hide? "It was the leader from before appeared before them and fired their grenade launcher intent on ending it.

To their shock however the shell was hit with ice and remained ineffective. They didn't realize that the ice came from the Doctor's Persona. Like it mattered to them, they were more interested in squeezing Misha's whereabouts from their corpses.

"You can't escape." They said, "I will crush you, completely crush you." They lived up to their name of Skullshatterer. Their rage can be felt throughout the area, their comrades felt intoxicated by it adding it to their own personal cesspools of hatred.

"Oh, he finally shows himself." Franka mockingly said, "Still he looks pretty shabby."
There was truth in that statement as even though they use a menacingly awful amount of destructive equipment his stance appears to be unrefined and the force that his launcher makes appears to throw him off balance.

Liskarm sighed and prepared for the assault with the other Defenders, there is no way to escape.
This was a dead end.

The Doctor wanted to use his Persona to blow them all away but as he releases Ophiucus to tear Reunion a new one he was stopped by Amiya.

"Don't." Amiya said with concern in her voice, "You told us about Ophiuchus' unique trait."
Resourceful Transmutation, the ability to convert HP into SP. On paper it sounds like a stellar skill that even Persona-users from that other world would love to have. However the conversion rate was inefficient and should be used as a last resort, even then the Doctor would be in grave danger. Besides we already used Jack to save on SP, using Ophiuchus now is pointless as his only Physical skill with him requires SP as well.
"Even if we win, I can't bear the thought of you doing that again…"

During their escape from Chernobog, he collapsed after his subsequent awakening. When the Doctor explained the mechanics of Personas and the Trait, his initial one possessed. He was smacked by Dr. Kal'tsit and was scolded.

"You fool! It was a miracle you managed to recover as you are now."

The Doctor heeded Amiya's warning and called out Wyvern instead, not for its skills but for the resistances it provided. Physical Resistance, for some reason explosions count as physical attacks instead of gun damage. Regardless, he prepared his hooksword; and while he is moderately inexperienced in fighting, luckily so are their enemies, stragglers who use brute force instead of finesse.

For some reason just seeing Rhodes Island makes Skullshatterer's hatred grow stronger, as if they had a few choice words to say to people they had never fought before.
"Being the Infected, yet helping Lungmen slaughter other Infected…"
Do they mean themselves? Was on Rhodes' minds, as they never killed an innocent, let alone an Infected innocent in their careers.
Franka, Amiya, and Liskarm in particular looked at Skullshatterer with a look of outrage as they just saw the Doctor give his own personal money to a group of Infected whose home Reunion had trashed.

"So many of our kind's lives…" They growled out as if they were talking to wholly different entity, "You have to pay with our blood!"

If Skullshatterer's goal was to intimidate Rhodes Island when they said that or if it was just a tirade on their peak of hatred, it only made Rhodes Island's resolve stronger. All of them after all saw what Rhodes truly is; they knew how benevolent their superiors are compared to the rest of Terra. What right does this child have in accusing them of crimes that they did not commit? Is it by association; are they suddenly guilty of Lungmen's crimes just because they worked in it?

"No!" Amiya shouted with the fervor of a hundred soldiers, the sheer audacity of this child to project their hypocrisy onto them…The ruins of Azazel, the innocents that were forced out of their homes, some even caught the very same disease that Reunion has during the aftermath. The blatant disregard for the atrocities they've committed just to fulfill a need for revenge.

This shall not stand!

"Reunion!" The Cautus was gone only the Chimera spoke with utter disdain, "The ones, who used violence first, harmed others first, and the ones who caused hatred first…"

"Was you at Chernobog!"

-SCENE BREAK-

Never approached a cornered animal, surely every child was warned about that; and hatred begets hatred is a tale as old as time. Reunion forgot that however, Rhodes was cutting down their forces more efficiently and they had not eliminated a single Operator.

The Doctor couldn't describe how he came up with this strategy, all he knew was that everyone is angry and so is he after what Skullshatterer said. As a witness to Reunion's terror, who is that child to talk about righteousness and the "blood" they had spilled?

Whatever the strategy was, it was distressingly efficient, after all it is impossible in Chess for a no-casualty checkmate unless it was a Fool's mate or otherwise. However this wasn't Chess, this is a battle; even so casualties on both sides are the norm and zero losses from any side require a miracle of tactics from the commander and skill of the soldiers. The other fights were small and easy or the goal was to flee but this is the first he commanded them through a battle of this magnitude against a force that is intent on killing them; there weren't any other conditions for victory. Only two words…

Defeat them.

With the orders from his voice, he brought them total victory. He need not worry about his associates who work for Reunion for revenge, one was a hidden traitor and the other was his patient who wishes to not hold back if they ever she or those in her command would do battle. As far as he is concerned he's just helping Reunion to their ideals by snipping its sector of hatred and hypocrisy. He couldn't feel guilty for all those that he or his Operators killed; they refused the cure as Ophiuchus once said.

This is the only outcome.

-SCENE BREAK-

An outcome that proved to be effective, as evidenced with Skullshatterer's bated breath.
"These people are a tough nut to crack…"

"Skullshatterer!" A Reunion Soldier called out appearing to relay critical information, "W is already finished on her end."

The Doctor heard that, W did what? It did not matter as he cleaves through Junkmen and disarmed another leaving the enemy for Adnachiel to shoot in the limbs.

The rest of the conversation was lost on the Doctor however as signal flares erupted to the sky and suddenly all Reunion forces retreated, some even carrying their dead and unconscious with them.
That did not stop Rhodes from attacking, they still are very angry in response to what Skullshatterer said earlier.

The last assault did not matter however, as Skullshatterer made distance with their grenade launcher and any projectile that would survive the blast, missed instead.

Except for the Doctor's last Bufu.

It directly hit Skullshatterer's hand; cauterizing the rounds the shards had made with the cold and making him drop his weapon; an object a Reunion soldier quickly retrieved. They hissed in pain and the cold was making them delirious, seeing the visage of an angel behind the person who shot the ARTS.

"Cowards…" Skullshatterer hissed, seemingly having the strength to at least throw hostilities at Rhodes, "Next time we meet…it will be your deaths."

After a confirmation from their drones, it was declared that Reunion is gone.

"They retreated?" Amiya said in between breaths. The retreat however was odd as if the whole thing was planned in advance. Something was definitely odd.

Unless…

"They stalled us out." The Doctor clicked his tongue, realizing what must have been their plan. If they truly need Misha that badly and their numbers were more plentiful than usual then a couple of search parties wouldn't be out of the question.

"Seems that way…" Liskarm clicked her tongue as well, clearly miffed on being out-maneuvered like that.

"The Guard Department!" Amiya then realized that Ch'en's group must have been under attack.
The Doctor then commanded everyone to quickly regroup with the Guard Department, trying to use his grapple but finds himself to be unable to.

"Doctor!" Amiya called out as the Doctor fell to his knees, Franka quickly supporting him.

"It's fine Amiya, he just over-exerted himself."

Amiya remembered the spell that hit Skullshatterer, "You used Ophiuchus didn't you!?" She shouted in concern.

"Well…" He breathed out, "It was only once, and I didn't know my HP was in the red…" The Doctor sheepishly laughed trying to cheer the concerned bunny up.

"That's it after this I'm going to tell 'tsit." The Doctor then convulsed in fear, he can already hear the scolding session those two are going to put him through.

-SCENE BREAK-

Meanwhile in another area in Lungmen, we can see an Officer running towards the dragon lady.
She went on ahead securing the area, leaving the main force behind; at the time it seemed like a good decision by the number of Reunion soldiers thrown about. If she had no trouble going there, then the path must have been cleared right?

Well…not exactly.

"Where is the main force of Special Inspection Division?" Clearly things are not going well, "Why are they not here yet!"

"Communication says." An officer pulled out the comms to read the message sent to him, "Th-they were pinned down by Reunion!?" He then brought out voice communication and all he can hear is flickering embers seemingly the aftermath of an explosion.

"How could it be? That ragtag bunch from Reunion…" Ch'en said in understandable disbelief her men were among the best Lungmen has, to be defeat by ruffians and savages who had nowhere to go…

"Madame…it seems like the enemy is only one person…"

That would sound impossible to anyone, but to Ch'en it might have been…

-SCENE BREAK-

The place was perfect, a lot of terrain for defense and perimeter watching. While the area was sandy there were still lush bushes perfect for camouflage, the best part was it was near the city that she hated so much.

If she could only burn that "great" city into smoldering flames and mold a throne from its metals, she would partake in the finest wine using a specific person's skull as a goblet, laugh at their foolishness as she burns the newest set of prisoners with ease.

Alas, it was all just fantasy to her…for now. Pressing matters await her, the key of Chernobog will soon be at her grasp and with it she can take strides in her plan.

"Talulah…" Crownslayer called to her, her number two in her quest for conquest appeared with her trademark speed, to a lesser eye she might have been teleporting.

"Everything is ready now."

She faintly smiled at the confirmation; W truly proves her worth as a valuable piece in her board. Although rooks like her are more than enough for a few pawns in the way.

"Good, then it is time to go." The way Talulah spoke and how she carried herself was as if she was queen addressing her subjects. It was so overpowering that Crownslayer refused to voice her thoughts.

How foolish, meticulously planned strategies are made through discussion. Even if Crownslayer is her most trusted subordinate, she really despises the way the treat her as a killer queen, not that she mind being feared and revered of course. After all if what you wish to say is not treasonous then why fear speaking your mind?

"Speak." Talulah grew tired of waiting for Crownslayer to grow a backbone; she is her second for Terra's sake.

"Attacking Lungmen while very beneficial to our goal would also make us suffer heavy losses." Crownslayer does as she was commanded, "However the risks it entails, so why now?"

Talulah pointed towards the tallest building in Lungmen, its tall stature shining brightly on the sun's merciless heat. Oh how she detested it, the building not the heat.

"Do you see that building?" Crownslayer nodded.
"That vile building is the symbol of Lungmen." She did not even look at her subordinate, but instead stared at that tower as if she was trying to burn it with her hateful gaze.

"I've returned not only to take back what the Infected rightfully deserved but also…" The image of that man made her clench her fist in anger, "To make him pay…"

"I see…" Crownslayer understood where she was coming from after she has her own personal vendetta, the monster that contributed to her suffering, the traitor…

Silence reigned after Crownslayer left, and Talulah chuckled.

"Hmmm very well, I will allow you to be with him for a while." She said to no one, "However while I give you the decency of privacy I expect you to do the same."

Are you threatening me with him?

"Take a guess…" Talulah coyly smiled, "If he is still alive after all this, then I will give him to you as a gift."

The voice was silent but to Talulah it was if the voice was glaring at her.

"Besides, don't you think this all very interesting as well?" The voice refused to answer her even if she is willing to lend control, "Right, Talulah?"

…

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Just Wild Card Things 2: Max Kindness and Charm

Very urgent information. That is why Ch'en was pacing through the Ark.
The Doctor is nowhere to be found, in his office, the cafeteria, or even the rec room, his presence is nowhere to be found, it didn't help that she got lost on multiple occasions but like hell will she admit that.

The only place she hadn't checked yet was the Training Room; she knows that the Doctor frequently trains his swordsmanship with that peculiar weapon but so early in work hours? She'll have to scold him on prioritizing that over work.

On the way however she bumped into Hoshiguma, the only reliable person in this damn mobile base, barring Amiya and begrudgingly 'tsit.

"Say Hoshi, do you know where the Doctor is?"

The large Oni titled her head, "Oh the Doctor yeah he's in the training room ahead why?"
"No time, urgent." She heard her Lung friend said as she bolted after hearing the words "Training" and "room" Ch'en always did pride herself on being punctual, why was she tired however didn't she know that the doc always goes to the training room after work.

It is common knowledge that the Doctor is a paperwork wizard; Hoshiguma herself was shocked at how fast and efficient the amnesiac is when she dreads the filing part of being an Inspector.

Little do they know about the Third Eye, a benefit from the Velvet Room that even Kal'tsit and Amiya are oblivious to.

"Did she get lost?" Hoshiguma asked to no one as the Lung woman was far gone.

Ch'en then waited patiently for The Doctor; while she was in a hurry for the idiot she knows that beyond that point is the stench of sweat and hard work. She'd rather talk to him while he is decent, she is not in the very least curious on how ripped the Doctor actually is.

Her patience was rewarded however as the Doctor went outside, but her face reddened like a tomato.
Why? Well he's not wearing a shirt, that's why. Only a towel covering his nipples and fresh glistening water were on his upper body, she can smell the scent of soap and shampoo clearly he had recently showered.

"What the! Why are you topless!?" Ch'en fought the urge to draw her Chi Xiao.

"Wait wait I can explain."

"Speak." Her threatening tone was in contrast to her reddish face, refusing to look at the Doctor's physique because holy hell is he ripped.

…

"I see Gravel or possibly Rope must have stolen you change of clothes." The Doctor sighed as he carried his dirty laundry with him while they were walking Ch'en clicked her tongue as the Female Operators stared at the Doctor's body as they walked towards his room. He wanted to at least look decent before Ch'en divulges important information after all.

"How can you possibly not notice those stares at you?" Ch'en deadpanned, "Are you this dense?" She didn't understand why she was chewing out the Doctor; she then justified it by thinking that if you don't know understand your subordinates how can you lead?

"Oh, I know." He replied, "But I'd rather not assume anything about them."

"I see…" He has an idea but doesn't act upon them, "You only see them as nothing more than subordinates huh?"

He waved his hands defensively, "No, not at all…if that were the case I wouldn't to be stronger for them."

"There is a lot of beauty here in Rhodes, Angelina's bright attitude, Texas' aloofness, Perfumer's gentle kindness even for a medic…they all are beautiful even their flaws like Hibiscus, while not being helpful, I can't help but admire her desire to look after others so much." What he didn't know is that he said that all within earshot of all the girls mentioned but the two didn't even noticed the growing girl crowd, what's more is that they accidentally went into the communal office with Amiya and Kal'tsit inside.

They both took a seat while Ch'en was absorbed by the Doctor's passion for Rhodes in its entirety.
"Lastly is Amiya's well everything actually, her resolve even though I was gone for god knows how long I can't really imagine the pain I brought her with absence."

Amiya's squeaked in embarrassment but was touched on what the Doctor thinks about her.
No, Doctor you didn't do anything wrong…If anything I…

"Oh yeah you and Kal'tsit are quite similar Ch'en." Ch'en titled her head in question, still oblivious to the gathered group of girls and surprisingly boys, he mentioned SilverAsh a while ago and the snow leopard shed a slight tear on how highly the Doctor respects him.

"How so?"

"Even though you two don't show it, you two really care for others huh? I'm really glad that you guys are by my side." After saying that, the Doctor then noticed a cool breeze and leather on his butt.

…Wait why are they sitting on chairs and why is everyone here?

The Doctor paled, realizing what he had done; he was distracted by the moment and everyone heard all that didn't they?

"Oh…hi guys how long have you been standing there."

A downpour of questions came soon after.

Personas Used

Jack Frost LV11
Trait: Ice Lineage
"Halves Ice Skills Cost"
Bufu
Patra –Obtained from Mandrake
Mabufu

Weak: Fire
Null: Ice

Ophiuchus LV 11
Arcana: The Fool
Trait: Resourceful Transmutation
"Replaces SP cost to HP if user's SP is not enough for a spell."
Bufu Media
Dia
Mabufu
Frost Edge

Weak: Electricity
Resists: Bless
Null: Fire

Next Skill at LV 15

Wyvern LV6 (Received from Saria)
Arcana: The Chariot
Trait: Dragon Scaling
"Slightly increases defense, however Ice deals more damage."
Magna
Rakukaja
Stone Breaker (Physical + Earth Attack)
Weak: Ice
Resists: Physical, Earth

Hellhound LV8 (Obtained from Dobermann)
Arcana: The Chariot
Trait: Loyalty
"Increases critical it rate of Physical Attacks."
Gurentou
Double Fangs
Lunge
Weak: Ice
Resists: Fire, Bless
"A supernatural dog in folklore. They are prominent in many depictions of hell."

Pixie LV5
Arcana: The Lovers
Trait: Shocking Follow-up
Dia
Zio
Patra
Weak:Curse, Gun, Ice
Resists: Electricity, Bless

New Abilities

Persona Scouting
An extension of the Third eye ability, however the catch is the bigger the Persona the harder it is to focus this power. As such the Doctor always keeps a Pixie with him. If the Doctor wishes to use a Persona for combat the Persona will automatically return to him, he isn't able to attack enemies with a Persona remotely.

Grappling Hook

A prototype grappling hook mounted on the wrist, created by Closure when she was inspired by a movie she saw. While it works perfectly in theory it was discovered that most Operators couldn't use it, the ones who would benefit from its mobility can't handle the stress and the ones that can are not able to use to its fullest. Closure practically shoved the item to the Doctor when she saw his parameters; apparently his Persona can help him carry the burden,

The Velvet Room did mention that Persona-users obtained physical boons while they are in their respective other worlds, seeing that it is not the case here this also applies to reality.

Equipment

Hooksword: C Swinger
"A hooksword that has C-shaped hook, has decent reach."
Protector: Hardened T-Shirt
"A t-shirt that is made of hard fibers, not sacrificing the aesthetic appeal of casual wear.
Accessory Ring: Silver Ring
"A common ring made of silver, shines bright."
Accessory Pendant: Silver Cross
"The cross is a religious symbol of Laterano, its religion is starting to spread even overseas."
Outfit: Modified Tactician's Jacket
"A modified version of the Doctor's apparel, symbolizing the birth of the Doctor's new identity."

Author Notes

Sorry for the wait, but god is this chapter long. Although I had a pretty fun time writing this we can now move to the good stuff. Let's be clear that I have no plans on skipping any of the Episodes in canon or make heavy alterations to the plot like letting a dead character live. If Talulah dies in the end of the canon, well it isn't' the first time a Justice Social Link died. (?) Although if she defects to Rhodes…it'll be fun.

To all my readers, thank for being patient with me and I hope you all have good luck with getting Blaze.
The timeline of the next chapters would be Episode 3, Siesta Event, The First Respite (Associate Chapter), Episode 4; I'll put the Siesta Event before Episode 4 for that brief period of levity as no Persona game…er fanfic is complete without a beach episode.

I'm also thinking of adding Dungeons as the only change chronologically in this story is that the Doctor gets some time off to do stuff with his associates and for the "Character Development" Dungeons to spring forth. As let's say the Darknights Memoir event would be the stage for something interesting.

Interesting thing about Talulah's Arcana is that in some versions of the tarot Justice is next to the Hermit card.

In terms of Persona's presence in this story I'm taking all of Persona's skills and adding my own, not much that would be OP just elemental counterparts, any new skills would have a description when first introduced anyways. To clarify everyone in the story just assumes that's Personas are ARTS because they don't know any better or are deliberately hiding it, let's just say when we reach Episode 6 you'll understand. I had some comments asking about things I would address on a later time, no hate on that I understand why you would ask those things. I just want to clarify that they will be addressed and that I also appreciate your keen eyes.

Once again, I, WordBound thank you for reading.

{Furthermore it seems that my documents have been with a bug that makes some words Boldfaced, thank you King of Plot Bunnies for pointing that out.}

Next Turn: Turn 4: Wiping All Out