[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/2HWveeE.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/ZQU7gNA.png[/img]
[i]Location:[/i] Lingayen Beach, Municipality of Lingayen, Lingayen Gulf
[i]Interactions:[/i] None[/center]

[quote=@Letter Bee]
Even while reeling from Nico’s kick, the Dragon of the Zodiac switched all the way from a pained grimace into a hideous grin as he caught that sound. He dismissed his Noble Arm once again, and reached up to his ear with his remaining arm, brushing his hair aside with a slight flourish, scanning across all those in front of him - Princess Fuyuko, the brave white-haired flanker, the King, and the Witch closing rapidly…

His smile died a little, with regret that he was in no position to destroy them all himself.
“Zǒu ba, Cáo Bǎo,” he said.

And then Lotus Squadron’s cannon fire plummeted down from the clouds and plunged into the sands, a storm of dust and shrapnel, blinding and slicing and blasting into the melee, ignorant of friend and foe.
[/quote]
[i]With the Lotus Squadron blasting away at Huo Ren without differentiating friend from foe, anyone in the vicinity would be caught. The King was caught unguarded and blown away to the ground, taking one of three hits. As for the Witch, when the hand actually entered Huo Ren's vicinity, the blast actually hurt it, and both vessel and entity backed off.[/i]

[color=ed1c24][i]"OWWWW!! That hurt!! Who was the dumbass who shot me?!"[/i][/color] [i]The Witch questioned.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf][i]"Be grateful that I wasn't caught in the blast, only you."[/i][/color] [i]Regina answered.[/i]

[color=ed1c24][i]"... If you weren't the one in control, I would have SO killed you, bitch."[/i][/color] [i]The Witch argued.[/i]

[i]The amount of sand smokescreen created by the blast made it impossible to see if Huo Ren was actually alive or not. It didn't seem to actually be dissipating anytime soon.[/i]

[color=8493ca](Did we get him? Is he dead?!)[/color] [i]Regil thought.[/i]

[quote=@Letter Bee]
As the sun approached the horizon, one huge shadow lengthened over the beach faster than the rest. An amorphous roaring crashing monster, shedding stones and clods of earth in a perpetual malicious avalanche, pulled itself from the hills and began to rush for the Philippine army at a terrible speed, blocking the river’s mouth which had been in its way and thus putting Alain, who was still by the riverbank, in harm’s way.
[/quote]
[b][i]BGM:[/i][/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGyNWHfkD4A]KAIJU (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim)[/url]

[i]Their attention quickly shifted from the cloud of sand that remained from Huo Ren and went to the shadow's direction, only to reveal a giant titan-like creature coming towards their direction. The immense figure, which went toward them surprisingly quickly, was now directly at their door, inviting the Philippine Army and its allies to an event: their possible massacre. The shock on the faces of the Meitners was notable, as both were left speechless at what they were witnessing.[/i]

[color=8493ca](W-What... is this thing?! It's huge! Who... what sort of person could create such a thing?! And how are we going to defeat this thing?!)[/color] [i]Regil questioned himself in thought.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf](Y-You're kidding me... that guy... was he just a decoy?! No, they wouldn't have sent one of their elite officers to buy time when he could have killed us. Then... is this their backup plan?! Are we going to die no matter what we do?!)[/color] [i]Regina questioned herself in thought.[/i]

[i]This wasn't just a tank or a jet that the lasers coming from Regil's pieces could destroy. This wasn't a human that the Witch could kill and decapitate. This was a giant, perhaps one of those fabled kaiju people see in movies like Godzilla or shows like Power Rangers. But keep in mind, this is no film set: it's reality. And their reality right now wasn't favorable, as this thing can just smash them like flies swarming around a net filled with pesticide.[/i]

[color=ed1c24][i]"Is that our next target? Should we rush there and kill it?"[/i][/color] [i]The Witch asked.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf][i]"Are you out of your FREAKING MIND?! Or better yet, DO YOU EVEN HAS ONE?!"[/i][/color] [i]Regina nagged at her.[/i]

[color=ed1c24][i]"Hey, I wouldn't be speaking with you if I didn't have a consciousness. Don't call me dumb, that's so rude."[/i][/color] [i]The Witch complained.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf][i]"Then why don't you use it to see that we're screwed?! We don't have a chance against that thing!"[/i][/color] [i]She responded.[/i]

[color=ed1c24][i]"We COULD have a chance if you just let me take over your body completely."[/i][/color] [i]The Witch offered.[/i]

[i]But this time, Regina didn't clap back at her. For the first time, the Witch started to make sense. She could only use a fraction of its power, but if she just conceded the entire control of her body to this entity, they could have a chance of winning. She may not know about the full power the Witch possesses but she also doesn't know if this power had any limit. After all, all things considered, Regina was the only thing holding the entity back.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf](Should I just give up my body to her...? If I do that, can I survive this thing and live another day?)[/color] [i]Regina questioned herself.[/i]

[color=8493ca]"Regina!!"[/color] [i]Regil called her.[/i]

[i]Her line of thought was interrupted as her little brother ran towards her.[/i]

[color=8493ca]"You're not thinking about facing that thing alone, are you?!"[/color] [i]He asked her.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf]"What?! Are you stupid too?! Do you really think that I'm going to jump on the front without a plan?!"[/color] [i]Regina 
answered.[/i]

[color=8493ca]"For now that's all I need to hear."[/color] [i]Regil said, a little relieved.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf]"Why don't you start worrying about yourself, for once? Do you plan on fighting this thing?"[/color] [i]Regina asked.[/i]

[color=8493ca]"N-No, I certainly don't! I can't even think of a way for us to fight something this big!"[/color] [i]He answered.[/i]

[color=bc8dbf]"Then start thinking! I'm not going to die here, and certainly, you aren't going to die either!"[/color] [i]She ordered.[/i]

[i]Regina was right. They needed a plan to face this thing and survive. But Regil was too discombobulated to actually think about something right now. He still was shocked to see what was in front of him.[/i]
[hr]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SDjWXna.png[/img]
[i]Location:[/i] Skies above Manado, Indonesia
[i]Interactions:[/i] None[/center]

[b][i]BGM:[/i][/b] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwdOfuyJ7qw]Voyage to Tomorrow (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim)[/url]

[i]A jet flew alone to the north, towards Lingayen in the Philippines. It was his destination, where his mission would take place, and where his targets were awaiting him, unbeknownst to the fact that someone would be there, tailing their every move up close. He was alone, with no one.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"I kind of wish that I had someone to throw pointless banter to pass the time instead of flying all alone. Oh well, MI6's rules."[/color] [i]He spoke.[/i]

[i][b]Willard Sterrennacht[/b]. An agent of the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as Military Intelligence, Section 6. Currently flying to his destination, he's on a mission to get information for the MI6 and the government about illegal actions being taken without orders. He looked at the suitcase right at his side, remembering the briefing he had to speak about the mission's details and what exactly he was sent to do.[/i]

[b][i]*BGM fades*[/i][/b]

[hider=Mission Briefing: The British Army's Illegal Black Ops]
[center][b][i]One Week Before Departure[/i][/b]
[i]Location:[/i] British Consulate General, Sydney, Australia[/center]

[i]Willard was sent to Australia as perhaps the safest route to be taken considering the circumstances of the world, especially including travel. Taking a path that cut through the Americas, he reached Sydney and went directly to the British Consulate General, where he was being awaited for a briefing in a separate room.[/i]

[i]As he booted up the computer, it immediately opened a call. As the camera turned on for both sides, [url=https://i.imgur.com/9EbVaVm.jpg]a young-looking woman[/url] stood at a table, talking with him.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Hello, Agent Sterrennacht. It's a pleasure to talk with you again."[/i][/color] [i]The woman said through the camera.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Hello there, [b]Edelweiss[/b]. Or is it more appropriate to say Ms. Edelweiss?"[/color] [i]Willard said.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Please keep your manners and don't try to flirt with me, I'm not interested into-"[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss talked, but Willard interrupted her.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Men, right? I know, don't worry."[/color] [i]Willard completed her sentence.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"... How do you know? Who told you?"[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss questioned him, seriously.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"We've been partners for quite a long time for now, so obviously I know that. And even if I didn't, an agent must know whoever he's dealing with, in case some traitorous trait pops up."[/color] [i]Willard answered.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"... I'll admit it, I love and hate your people observational skill, Will. Ever since the training camp when we first joined..."[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss reminisced.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"It'd be lovely to reminisce our old days, but time is of the essence, no?"[/color] [i]Willard asked her.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Yes, you're right. Perhaps another time. So, let's start with the briefing."[/i][/color]

[i][b]BGM:[/b][/i] [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXAdXwbuJ_Q]Bad Omen (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim)[/url]

[color=f49ac2][i]"As we have informed you back here, the British Army has been doing... illegal and unauthorized operations regarding the current war China has declared upon the world. Our intel from inside the army has pointed us to a series of crimes done by some of the higher-ups in the military: document forgery, inhuman methods of training, which include physical and psychological torture, bribes to obtain personal information on our national Noble Arm database... and so the list goes on."[/i][/color] [i]She said.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"And our latest big rule breaker was a black ops sent to aid the Philippine Army with the invasion coming from China."[/color] [i]Willard spoke.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Correct. This operation was created and sent over to the Philippine Army under the guise of "helping with the invasion" but their true motive behind this is unknown. For now, we are assuming that they wish to gain money and information from the Philippines but the true answer will only come to light once the MI5 progresses on their end. After all, internal affairs are to be resolved by them, not us."[/i][/color] [i]She continued.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Alright, that part is rather simple to understand. Nothing we can do about it. But let's brief the other part that actually falls under my jurisdiction this time, Edelweiss."[/color] [i]Willard said.[/i]

[i]She nodded and then opened two pictures. One was a photo of [url=https://i.imgur.com/5pPT4Yu.jpg]a white-haired gentleman[/url] and another one was of a [url=https://i.imgur.com/Jmw88og.png]distinguished lady[/url]. One could easily recognize them, as they were quite famous.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"[b]Ashnard Meitner[/b] and [b]Yuria Meitner[/b]?"[/color] [i]Willard asked.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Yes, the famous strategist and tactician of the British Army and one of the Arms Masters who helped us in other wars. We have leads that assume their involvement in this corrupt scheme."[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss answered.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"For a retired tactician, he's very active in the business. Mainly by doing the wrong stuff."[/color] [i]He commented.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"His word is still influential because of his expertise, that's why he's able to interfere with the British Army's MO because they consult him for a lot of issues with planning and stratagem."[/i][/color] [i]She said.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"I bet that his contacts also have some hands to just allow this. It wouldn't be surprising if the general himself has been caught in Ashnard's sweet trap. Especially because he can use him and the other involved personnel as a scapegoat if everything goes wrong, and just become a "hero" by saying that he was acting undercover to reveal the scheme that he created."[/color] [i]He theorized.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Your theory is very plausible and is already under our consideration. The lack of clues makes it difficult to make it an actual fact but it's a promising theory nonetheless."[/i][/color] [i]She spoke.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Considering that it being "promising" means that we're in deep trouble if he actually goes through with it since this means that he can just repeat the process without any consequences."[/color] [i]He said.[/i]

[i]Then, Edelweiss showed two more photos to Willard. One of a rather young woman but with a composed poise and stern face, and one of a young teenage boy with an innocent and determined smile.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"And who are these other two?"[/color] [i]Willard asked.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Their children and your targets, Regina and Regil Meitner."[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss answered.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"So even the kids are in the scheme? I'm a little shocked, to be honest."[/color] [i]He commented.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Quite the contrary, Agent Sterrennacht. Both are also victims of Ashnard's schemes."[/i][/color] [i]She corrected him.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Are they now?"[/color] [i]He questioned.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Regina, the eldest, was a simple military soldier sent to some of the most dangerous and risky missions that a girl at her age should have been on. But because of her name, her father and the higher-ups simply felt as if she had no say in this. As such, she was constantly under pressure and, as of her last mission, awakened to a Noble Arm herself, though that awakening left a trail of blood, spilled both from her enemies and her allies. She is now leading the black ops herself and under deployment."[/i][/color] [i]She explained about Regina.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"She doesn't look like a victim to me. If she knew about the black ops, then she has the same share of fault as her father."[/color] [i]He kept questioning her.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"The thing is that she actually doesn't. Outside of the fact that she was placed in a black ops unit, that's it. Any other information and even the irregularities of the procedures were kept away from her. Also, as someone who suffered through the regimen I told you about earlier, she may be even "programmed" to not refuse the orders, or else something could eventually happen to her. After all, the incident with her Noble Arm was not subtle in any way, despite the British Army's various attempts to sweep it under the rug."[/i][/color] [i]She explained once more.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Basically, she's just a puppet they created to say "yes" all the time if she doesn't want to suffer any consequences by disobeying them. I can understand this coming from corrupt people in the army but from her own father..."[/color] [i]He commented.[/i]

[i]Edelweiss nodded but had a rather deep expression.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"And what about him? Regil, right?"[/color] [i]Willard asked.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Perhaps the biggest victim in this whole scheme. There was never any intention for him to actually join the military because his proficiency and skills are toward Noble Arms and not militarism. What happened, according to sources, is that Regina herself summoned him to the battlefield. And because the documents she has are perfect, even if forged, no one will suspect a thing and he'll just become another private, yet a Noble Arm Master himself.[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss answered.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Are you telling me that she just invited her own brother to the battlefield? Without any regard for his own life? And what for?"[/color] [i]He questioned, this time showing anger.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"That we don't know. We weren't able to get an insider on her squad so we're out of luck. What we know is that this sheltered young man is being sent to war without any experience."[/i][/color] [i]She answered.[/i]

[i]Willard fell silent for a second and looked directly at Regil's picture. Spies naturally aren't supposed to question information based on sympathy and feelings but he couldn't help himself. As the entitled "Overly Charismatic Spy" (by Edelweiss), he couldn't feel anything but disgust toward the Meitners. Even Regina wasn't spared because was leading her own brother to his death.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"... In my years working as an agent and spy, never in my life have I crossed such a mission. It's baffling that I'm not resolving a problem that just affects the UK but was CAUSED by it. And to be even involved in family drama, no less."[/color] [i]Willard said, sighing.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Believe me, we are just as baffled as you. That's why we have to act, Willard. The Meitners are using the British Army to win something for themselves, the corrupts within the army are taking advantage of the opportunity, and both Regina and Regil are being used as pieces in their sick game while their lives are at stake. Not to mention, if this becomes a global scandal, the risk of the UK becoming another "enemy of the world" and being considered an ally to China is huge. We need to prevent such a future. Otherwise, we're done for."[/i] [/color][i]Edelweiss said, sad but firm.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"... Alright then Edelweiss. I'm on it."[/color] [i]He answered her.[/i]

[i]"Excellent. Now then. Your mission is to join the army and track the Meitners. Gather whatever information you can of them and report it to us. We need proof of Ashnard being the perpetrator, and only the brothers will give that to us. You shall depart in one week, so take that time to train and rest."[/i] [i]She briefed him on his task.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Very well. I'll keep you informed of whatever I can get."[/color] [i]He said.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"When you go to your room, you will find a suitcase. That suitcase contains some extra equipment to take alongside your Noble Arm, such as a reserve gun, ammunition, and a bulletproof vest. You'll also find a first aid kit and a letter endorsed by the Royal Family."[/i][/color] [i]She instructed him.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"By the Royal Family? Why?"[/color] [i]He asked her.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"The original intent was to only have the Minister of Defence and the Prime Minister sign it. However, one of the parliament's members who are close to the Royal Family, especially to the princes, spouted everything about the investigation, so even the crown knows about this scandal. So now, there are three signatures on the document, alongside the Royal Family's seal."[/i][/color] [i]She explained.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"As if this couldn't get worse, now the royalty knows about the scheme. The pressure just keeps rising in my shoulders."[/color] [i]Willard complained.[/i]

[color=f49ac2]"Well, this is a huge chance for you to rise above the ranks since the crown is also counting on you. If you do a good job, you could get a recommendation letter to even join the Ministry of Defence yourself."[/color] [i]She said.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"I'm already working my dream job for years now, thank you very much. I'm not one for politics."[/color] [i]He answered her.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Whatever you say. We are counting on your results, Agent Sterrennacht."[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss spoke.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Results will be given. Over and out."[/color] [i]Willard said.[/i]

[b][i]*BGM ends*[/i][/b]

[i]The conversation ended and Willard turned off the computer. With the mission given, he now has to prepare for the departure.[/i]
[/hider]
[b][i]*BGM returns to play*[/i][/b]

[i]His train of remembrance, however, was interrupted by a call. He grabbed the ear communicator and picked it up.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Agent Sterrennacht, reporting in."[/color] [i]He spoke.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Good that you picked it up. Are you on your way to the target location?"[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss said.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"A [i]"Hello, Agent Sterrennacht"[/i] wouldn't hurt right now, Edelweiss."[/color] [i]Willard answered.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Save your casual banter for now. This is serious. I have information about the current situation in Lingayen from the British Embassy in Manila."[/i][/color] [i]She reprimanded him.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Alright, hit me with it."[/color] [i]Willard asked.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"The Chinese Army is in bad shape after the counterattack they suffered, but the Philippine Army is now facing some sort of gigantic monster."[/i][/color] [i]She told him.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Gigantic monster? Like, a kaiju or a mecha?"[/color] [i]Willard asked.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"The former one. However, they were unable to get more information about it because the drone they sent to watch the situation was destroyed."[/i][/color] [i]She answered.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Oh great, now I have a kaiju to deal with. As if the situation couldn't get any worse..."[/color] [i]He complained.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"This battle took an unimaginable proportion and, apparently, the international news network is talking about this recent kaiju appearance. However, because of how dangerous it is, every single image obtained gets completely shut down for some reason."[/i][/color] [i]Edelweiss spoke.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Then I suppose I should do something about it. Or at least help them. Though I have to do it so without making them see me somehow."[/color] [i]Willard said.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Why's that?"[/i][/color] [i]She asked.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"That's for me to know, Edelweiss. For now, try to get any sort of info about this thing that can help me."[/color] [i]Willard said.[/i]

[color=f49ac2][i]"Alright, I'm already mobilizing a team here and trying to see what our people at the Embassy can do to help us. Once I get something, I'll call you again. Over and out."[/i][/color] [i]She said.[/i]

[color=6ecff6]"Over and out."[/color] [i]He responded, turning off the call.[/i]

[i]With the new "kaiju" danger rising, Willard's mission already became more dangerous. While the details of his plan are currently unknown, he now rushes to Lingayen to help his new comrades and his targets with this monster.[/i]