[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9zU3FKR.png[/img][/center] [sub][@Ponn][@Crusader Lord][@FamishedPants][@Izurich][@SilverPaw][@OwO][@mantou][@ERode][@Majoras End][/sub] The sudden appearance of Gunther was enough to get everyone working together again. While Finn shouted at the espers around him (they mostly ignored him) he also managed to focus his spite into a melody. The electricity coursed through the empty suits of armor, then an explosion of kinetic energy blew them apart. But the souls only blinked out of existence for a moment before reforming and animating the gauntlets. Far less dangerous, but they still packed a punch. Silmeria attempted to run and gun. The flying furniture made aiming a shot difficult, but at least she only had to worry about aiming at Gunther regardless of what impeded her shot. Her bullets tore right through the couch he was defending him with, but had no effect on the ghost himself. The poltergeist winked at the sniper as chaos ensued. Silmeria was soon joined by Lilliah, who had narrowly avoided a clubbing from some haunted armors. She conjured a distraction and remained near her allies for the time being. Whatever her next move was, only Lillia knew. Ashley scored a hit one one of the armors before rushing to Breacher’s side. A gargoyle collided with her shield, a table passed overhead, but Ashley did make it to her patient. She administered her magic before asking Su how they were doing. She responded by hopping to her feet and putting her shield between Ashley and another gargoyle. In the center of the room, an attack could come from anywhere. Su and Ashley kept their shields up as they moved towards the wall. Klava weaved through the flying furniture, even going as far as tripping up the armored knights with it. She understood that there was no point in attacking, so she aimed to get Gunther’s spirits stuck instead. It seemed to be working, but this alone wouldn’t defeat Gunther. Animated robes and dress pants flew out of the open armoire to attack the esper. She called for someone to end Gunther’s life. Jacqueline would have obliged if she could, but didn’t have the magic to do so, and wasn’t ready to test Havoc against Gunther himself. So instead, she started smashing everything else. She was pretty good at it, and there were lots of targets. Suits of armor, flying tables, but the real goal was to confirm what happened when she swung Havoc at one of those spirits. A suit of armor crumpled under her swing, and gave Jacqueline the chance she was looking for. Much like Finn experienced with his melody, the spirit seemed to fade out of reality when it was attacked before returning. Though with only bits of timber to possess, it flew off to inhabit something else. And Apollo, frustrated by the situation, knew that he had to keep the lights on if this fight was going to continue. He wove a melody for that very purpose. The remains of the statue glowed for the time being, allowing the fight to continue. And Apollo was right. That [i]was[/i] an expensive spell just for light. Reveal was only necessary for keeping track of elusive targets, while light melodies of any kind tended to throw light as they persisted. But using it in conjunction with an AoE note did mean that Gunther would be powerless to obstruct it, short of moving every fragment out of the room. Apollo then ran about as Luna contended with the three armored suits chasing her. Protector and Jezebel sliced and diced everything that came their way, but no amount of property damage was going to get rid of Gunther. The objects he could animate were getting smaller and smaller. It seemed that once something had been broken apart, it took more souls to animate it. But it wasn’t long before someone came tearing down the dark hallway. Billy emerged from the shadows, battered and bleeding, but still able to fight. A single swing of his sword reduced some flying furniture into sawdust and pebbles. Gunther’s number was up, and he knew it. [b]”That’s my que!”[/b] Gunther sighed. [b]”We’ll have to pick up some other time.”[/b] It did not take him long to depart. Thirty-six souls followed him into the ceiling, and the room became still once more. But even with Gunther out of the room, the tension in the air was thick. Everyone was aggravated, backup for Maverick had arrived, and Billy was present without Binky. Lots of unknowns filled everyone’s head, but no shots were fired. Billy looked towards the hallway he just left and joined the freelancers. The second person out of the hallway was Binky. She wasn’t in her esper form, and had been roughed up a bit. There was blood streaming down the left side of her face, and her eye was swollen shut. She stumbled out of the doorway and towards the other GEMINI agents. But there was a third person who left the hallway as well. One wearing a labcoat with lavender-colored hair. Her uniform was as pristine as wind driven snow, and her flesh was unblemished. Fritzi flashed a grin at all present. [color=#bd71e8]”Hey everyone! I was going to jump on coms and announce my arrival, but I didn’t think that was necessary. I mean, I said I’d be here a week ago when the freelancers made a scene on Shimr.”[/color] She looked at the agents. [color=#bd71e8]”In case you’re wondering, yes, Justin escaped. He had Sofron make a portal in advance and fled with Betty.”[/color] She swung her gaze over towards the freelancers. [color=#bd71e8]”When you find proof that Justin is abducting girls, spread it all over Shimr, and make hundreds of posts about kicking his ass, he takes notice. Weird, right?”[/color] As Fritzi walked towards the center of the room, the Maverick espers took a step back. Despite their number advantage and most of the GEMINI agents looking worse for wear, Fritzi’s arrival had them biting their lip [color=#bd71e8]”If only you guys could have come to the authorities. But by golly, you were determined to take on Justin yourselves, weren’t you? I tried to course correct. I made a public announcement hoping to quell everyone’s chest pounding. In a few more weeks he would have let his guard down. We could have ensured his elimination.”[/color] Fritzi stomped on Klava’s mark, and worked her heel in until it vanished. [color=#bd71e8]”But noooooooooo, you had to get in touch with a terrorist organization. And faceless here thinks he has the right to call anyone a moron.”[/color] Fritzi folded her arms and looked directly at Apollo. [color=#bd71e8]”Is it [i]that[/i] unreasonable for G.E.M.I.N.I. agents to fire on freelancers working under Maverick’s banner?”[/color] Fritzi raised an eyebrow. [color=#bd71e8]”There’s no reason to assume you’re any less ruthless than Maverick is. If you were just freelancers I can understand the fuss. That wasn’t the case however.”[/color] [color=lightgray]”They’re [i]are[/i] just freelancers.”[/color] Despite the cuts all over his body, Billy was still able to stand straight. His wounds didn’t even seem to bother him. [color=lightgray]”I reckon they wouldn’t fight to the death. Don’t even think yer agents would. There just ain’t that much reason to kill one another.”[/color] Fritzi scoffed. [color=#bd71e8]”Oh, I think there’s plenty of reason to keep fighting. You want this little slice of Pax all cleared up, don’t you?”[/color] The giant hesitated. [color=lightgray]”It is a good location, ain’t it?”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”It also happens to be located over one of Bastion’s entryways, so securing the mansion would be a huge win for either of us. I want it so that we can cut a head from the hydra, and you want to continue using Bastion at its full effectiveness.”[/color] She locked eyes with Finn. [color=#bd71e8]”I’m sorry if you thought this was all about saving Betty or killing Justin, but I assure you Billy isn’t [i]that[/i] altruistic.”[/color] [color=lightgray]”Now wait- I say wait just a cotton-pickin’ minute!”[/color] Billy raised his voice and thrust his finger towards Fritzi. [color=lightgray]”If I didn’t care about Betty, I woulda joined forces with Justin! That ain’t right, and you know it!”[/color] [color=#bd71e8]”We both know you’re a greedy son of a bitch, you’d never work under anyone. But you know what?”[/color] Fritzi grinned at the freelancers. [color=#bd71e8]”I understand. Even though you were working alongside terrorists, that’s not the same as doing terroristy things. You just wanted to slay the vampire, save the girl, get paid. So I’m going to give you another shot. A chance to put your money where your mouth is.”[/color] She flexed her fingers. [color=#bd71e8]”Since Justin and Betty have fled, I’m going to take Billy’s life as a consolation prize. He’s desperately going to need your help to survive. But here’s the catch, I don’t have a reason to fight any of you. So you have some options. The first is that you understand how badly you fucked up, and exit stage right. We’ll let you go this time, but if we catch you on the wrong side of the law again, we will not hesitate to attack. But we also have a catering truck with ice cream, so who really cares? Just hurry on past us! Or! You can help Billy, in which case you will be participating in terrorist activities and will be dealt with accordingly. We will not be sharing our ice cream with you should that come to pass.”[/color] [color=lightgray]”So that’s how it’s gonna be, huh?”[/color] Billy looked at the freelancers and Maverick espers. [color=lightgray]”If ya still standin’ with me, we’re gunna fall back to the wine cellar.”[/color] Kristina scratched the back of her head. [color=CCBFFF]”Uh, Klava?”[/color] She forced a grin. [color=CCBFFF]”We could get some ice cream once we get out of here. Would you be cool with that?”[/color] [color=#db79ee]“Hmph.”[/color] Jez only folded her arms. Fritzi rolled her shoulders. [color=#bd71e8]”Well? The Justin bullshit is all over with. Time to show your true colors.”[/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/rGLuY96.png[/img] [color=PeachPuff]“Maybe I shoot Protector now?."[/color] [color=888888]— Su Fang[/color][/center] Firing on the freelancers was not the best way to approach the situation, but hindsight was 20/20. She might have held them at gunpoint, but Su had been through an arduous battle, and Maverick was not known for pulling their punches. Had the freelancers attacked first, she would have wished she had. Su wanted to drive the freelancers behind cover and occupy them. There was no burning desire to shoot a child or any of the other freelancer’s in Su’s heart. Maybe Klava, but that was just because she considered attacking wounded agents. Regardless, things seemed to have turned out okay, even if it was just because Apollo was willing to talk. His sarcasm was grading, but it was hard to refute the guy’s logic. Maybe they were even now that they had both fired on each other. She couldn’t help but smile at the thought. With Justin and Betty gone, there wasn’t much to do but laugh about it. What didn’t make Su laugh was Protector’s attendance with the Maverick unit. Unlike the other freelancers, this was someone she had spoken to, if briefly. Protector had fought alongside Silmeria, and Su had arrived to help clean up. She remembered posing for a picture with them afterwards. Su showed the picture to Mika, and she was amused when Mika pointed out that Protector had given her bunny ears. Su had thought it was nothing more than a friendly prank, but now it seemed like Protector might have thought she was a fool for real. Well, all she had to do to put Su’s mind at ease was leave them now. Surely this was just to save Betty or slay Justin, there was no way she would continue to help Billy now. [hider=Su] [center]32 | Female | Gemini | Steel Gaze Bipartisan | Handgun, Greatshield | Physical | Bullet Window Dragon Breacher | Kevlar Vest Debris | Wind | Locally Sourced [Storm, Flight], Push, Pull, Construct, Purify, Restrain, Damage DAMAGE: D | SPEED: E | SENTINEL: C | 500 [Bronze nothin’] = 0 PHYSICAL: D | ARCANE: D | CHAOS: C | 144[/center] [/hider] [hr] [center] [img]https://i.imgur.com/UIqPsWe.png[/img] [color=75c159]*Internal Screaming*[/color] [color=888888]— Luna Gallo[/color][/center] So GEMINI had an ace up their sleeve too? There was too much shit going on to really care at this point. Luna just wanted to bust Justin’s fangs in, unite lover boy with his love, and call it a day. The political intrigue that surrounded the situation didn’t really matter to her. It was a sweet mansion and everything, but like hell was Luna going to die over it. Who knew what Justin did in these rooms. But Fritzi was going to put the kibosh on that. Luna took a moment to heal her stomach. A golden light swirled around her torso as the wound mostly mended. She was thankful that Billy just wanted to get out of here. Welp, it was all on the freelancers now. Were they going to take the cowards way out, or be stupendous badasses until the end? There was one thing Luna could attest to now, at least. Marrie made the right choice not coming on this operation. May she be well wherever she is. [hider=Luna] [center] 21 | Female | Maverick | Fortune Pit Boss | Staff | Arcane | High Roller Croupier | Graceful Gambit | Gravity | Draw 4 [Weightless, Suspend], Stabilize, Damage, Push, Transplace, Extend, Heal, Zone, If: Friend, Else DAMAGE: E | SPEED: C | SENTINEL: D | 750 [Bronze Self][Heal] = 48 Rolled 17 = FIGHTING GOLD!!!! PHYSICAL: E | ARCANE: C | CHAOS: D | 56 [/center] [/hider] [hr] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Pzx1NDTtI][img]https://i.imgur.com/OYSa6cT.png[/img][/url] [sub][@The World][/sub] The vampire remained on its knee as Marrie made her offer. [color=662d91]”Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”[/color] Justin stood up. [color=662d91]”That does not sound like a very good trade for me. Pac-A-Fist has reputation, power, influence, I doubt you could barter for her with your employment.”[/color] He adjusted his vest before picking up the dresser with one hand. [color=662d91]”Besides, if mere kidnapping bothers you, I doubt we would be a good fit. Am I correct?”[/color] [color=00aeef]"Sorry, but no-can-do. I don't help kidnappers, but I'm not stupid enough to try to fight three people who have a hostage. But if you hurt her, I'll hunt you down."[/color] Justin chuckled. [color=662d91]”Such aggression is not necessary. If she behaves herself, I have no reason to harm her.”[/color] The vampire reached into his vestments and flung a small bag of coins at Marrie [s]which she could use to bump up her STR and MAG to 20[/s] [color=662d91]”I bid you adieu, esper.”[/color] Justin turned away to follow after his company. [color=662d91]”Bah, the [b]hand[/b] will never let me hear the end of this.”[/color] It only took the group a moment to disappear into the shadows. It would be some time before Regina and Elroy showed up. But Regina would lead the way, flames licking at her surroundings. [color=magenta]”Hell yes!”[/color] Regina ran a hand through her hair. [color=magenta]”The snake was tough, I almost died, but Elroy took the shot like a champ! But it means his sister was able to pave Highway to Hell!”[/color] She extended her arm, and in her outstretched hand was a charred lump of flesh that might have been a head at one time. It was impossible to distinguish any facial features, as the whole thing was covered in a layer of embers. [color=magenta]”You might wanna quench it before attaching it to her body. Anyway, hand over the coin! I’ll break that bastard in two myself!”[/color] Elroy looked less enthusiastic about Regina’s victory. He had been burned by acid and fire, but he was walking so he was probably fine. [color=c9272c]”Hey!”[/color] Elroy locked eyes with Marrie. [color=c9272c]”Fog girl! Where is Trisha?”[/color]