Bloody Good Time (Mission Thread)

[Tristan Carter]

Tristan wasn't really sure what he was doing. He had no idea why he was doing it, either. After all, he was entirely sure that he was helping out the single-most famous demon in the world. Either that, or the doc had no qualms about being known as such. 

To be honest, the only reason Tristan was going to have anything to do with this is because other people had already said they would be a part of it. At least, that was what he was told. He was also told to go find somebody named Vermont. Nothing was sounding good about this. Why was this a thing?

He sighed before adjusting his gauntlets. It was too late to turn back now, he understood that. Now his only hope was to find this thing and beat the ever-loving daylights out of it. Normally, that would be fine. Every passing moment made him doubt that anything would go well, though. He simply hoped that the other people he was told to expect would show up soon. "What the hell is taking so long?" he asked aloud in an almost whiny voice. "I can almost believe the demon lady lied just to try and poke some fun at the miserable little human. I swear, if I find out that she did that, I'll..." Tristan sighed, knowing full well what he would do. Nothing.

The chick scared him.

[Ariane Ivers]

Hands tucked away in the pockets of her leather jacket, the redhead surveyed the area for any sign of... something.  She wasn't entirely sure what she was supposed to be looking for, exactly.  The strange demon-looking lady didn't give them a whole lot to go off of, exactly.  And a request from some 'Doctor Acula'?  Really?  It had almost made her laugh, if she hadn't been afraid of her smiting Anne on the spot, or whatever it was a "force of nature" would do.  

It wasn't any stranger than a weird woman handing out persona─summoning guns on a train though, so who was she to judge.  As she walked, she noticed one of the other people she was supposed to meet up with for the job.  At the very least it was a familiar face.  Waving, she approached him.  "Hey, looks like you're on this bizarro mission too.  I know there were supposed to be a couple others at least too, so as much as I'd like to push on ahead and get this over with we should probably wait up for them to get here too.  Hopefully they don't end up no-shows."  

As much as she was a bit concerned about what exactly they were expected to do, it had just become par for the course at this point.  They had put down a literal three headed dog from hell.  What could this area throw at them that could be any worse?

[Lucretia Odovacar]

There was a demon that was actually willing to talk to humans, Lucretia could hardly believe it.  This confirmed many of her beliefs about them, and gave her a name to call them as well.  This was absolutely wonderful, she would be able to learn so much if she could find a few that were just willing to sit down and talk to her.  The one at the place known as the Immaterial Den seemed too busy to talk for the most part, but perhaps that would change if she helped the demon out a bit.  So, she picked what appeared to be one of the more difficult tasks that needed to be done.  With any luck, this Doctor Acula person would also be a demon and fixing this issue would make him more interested in being interrogated.

Lucretia arrived at the scene at around the designated time.  She was pretty sure she was a little early, but it was certainly better than being late.  She waved to everyone there and found a comfortable place to stand around.  That was important, because she'd probably be awkwardly standing around for a bit while she tried to locate the target.  If the demon was sufficiently strong it shouldn't take too long.

[Kate Minola]

Kate couldn't believe she was really doing this. Yes, she was a starving artist and writer but this was insane. Doing jobs for what was very clearly a demon? Requested by a 'Doctor Acula'? REALLY?

Oh how the great have fallen... she thought sarcastically, walking to the rendezvous point.

Honestly, if she didn't know that there would be others heading out on this little escapade she would've laughed it off. And if she hadn't needed the money... she wouldn't have done it.

They might need help, she reasoned. I mean, given how that fucking dog almost killed all of us, it's better to go out in force for these kinda things.

On approaching the meeting point in Chiyoda, she was happy to see Tristan, Lucretia and Anne were already there. It was as well she'd work with familiar faces. She waved at them as she approached, feeling a little silly carrying both a bow and a warhammer.

"Hi guys," she said with a small smile. "I see we're all off to do the good doctor's bidding. Do we know what to expect at all? I wasn't told much."

[Luka Kurokawa]

So not only was there a strange woman who ran a train service, but an oni that ran a mission service in one of the more dangerous parts of the city? It was an admittedly cute oni at that. Nonetheless, this cute demon had handed out missions. One such mission seemed right up her alley, in fact. It was the hardest one on that list, but the oni said she could sign up for it. She didn't actually know who else would be showing up, but she was making her way over to where she needed to go. She had gotten a bit sidetracked with other nuisances before she got there, making her a little later than she would have preferred.

When she arrived, she could see a group of familiar faces. Immediately, she simply classified them by their abilities. Three of their best offensive people along with that scanner girl who was probably one of their best supports. Along with her, that made four people who could dish out hits non-stop. She had a good feeling about this fight. Hey. I guess we're all here? She joined up with everyone with a few words. She didn't have much of anything to say to everyone. It wasn't that she didn't want to speak, but she didn't really know what else to say. She came here to get paid and knock something's head off. Even if it wasn't required to kill, Luka figured it would be a lot better that way. It's not like they were getting paid extra to keep it alive anyway. Though, maybe she should learn another combat style aside from 'kill.' It could honestly come in handy some day. She cracked her knuckles with an eerily happy expression. Was she some sort of mass-murdering slasher in the making? Probably not. Not for humans at least.

[Alice]

Once you lot managed to gather together, a figure appeared in the distance. It was a convenient coincidence that it only occurred after your meeting, but that was how this sort of thing always worked. Either way, the figure, though growing closer, was clearly not actually walking toward you all specifically. No, this was a man- er, demon?- with a goal. With the Library of the Ancients behind him, he proceeded at an angle, not even sparing your group a glance as he grew close enough for observation.

He certainly looked like a sort of hero. Hell, he looked almost completely human. Just exceedingly well-built. On his person was a plethora of tools, including a whip, throwing knives and axes, various vials, and all sorts of contraptions that were very likely intended for combat. While it could have simply been a coincidence, nothing more than a mistake, it was very clear that this individual was capable of some destruction, if he so desired it. It was probably safe to assume that he was the target.

That said, you could be fair and get his attention before challenging him. Or, while he was minding his own business, you could get the jump on him. Who knows? Maybe it would even change the course of the battle!

Option A: Engage in witty rapport with the man.

Option B: Call for his attention and verify that he is, in fact, your enemy.

Option C: Throw discretion to the wind and attack!

[Luka Kurokawa]

As if almost by coincidence, there was someone coming coming their direction. Well, almost. This guy seemed to be a battle-hardened warrior with a powerful aura about him. At least, that was what Luka could tell. He was physically very strong looking, in an almost menacing way. Luka had a good idea how to deal with these types. She had seen how they interact with each other in that one book series she liked. With a hand in her pocket, Luka walked up towards the guy almost like how a delinquent would. As she approached, she felt the air become even more tense.

ド ド ド ド ド . . .

Hey, you. You wouldn't happen to be the one terrorizing a certain doctor and his research, would you? If so, I suggest you leave. Else, I may need to kick your ass. Even her words sounded something like a delinquent would say. Not a moment after, Luka pointed up at the guy that must have been at least a foot taller than her as her persona materialized around her to create a menacing pose.

ゴ ゴ ゴ ゴ ゴ . . .

I expect an answer. I'll be accepting silence as a guilty sentence. Even if she seemed a bit foolish in getting close to this guy, she had already figured he probably specialized in physical damage, much like her. She could resist most of that type of damage with her being weak to a small portion of it. Essentially, she decided to take a gamble that if he did decide to attack, he would go for one of those attack types. And if not? She had four others behind he;, one of which being able to heal her. Luka herself wasn't exactly a pushover either. She could stand an attack or two. . . Or maybe she just didn't learn after that Cerberus incident? No, it was probably just her inability to distinguish reality with fantasy. So far it hadn't brought about lasting consequences, thus she saw no reason to change her outlook. Someone living life like that was bound to get a wake-up call sometime soon; not that she would understand that. This was a game.

Option A

[Tristan Carter]

Tristan felt unsure about what he was doing when he saw the man walking in their general direction. Working for Count Doc? Sure, why not. So long as he wasn't dinner. But this guy seemed like a do-gooder. Or someone who would be really pissed if their work was interrupted. Of course, that didn't stop Blue from trying to act all macho.

With a sigh, Tristan regarded his options. Either he could wait for Blue to get what she deserved for acting like that and have a chat with the others, or he could try and make the man even more upset so that the girl wouldn't be his main target. I'm not made for this, he thought to himself as he approached. " 'scuze me, sir?" he said with a mocking tone. He didn't know how he could hold it with all the fear that he felt, but hold it he did. The man was huge. One of those body-building towers who sold home gyms back home. Tristan could feel his knees literally shaking with fear. But he had made up his mind, and he was going through with it.

Nothing else, they had a healer.

"Sir, comic-con's in the other direction. Just follow the wails of your fellow weebs and dumbass cosplayers until the scent of B.O. and disappointment assail your nostrils. I'm sure you'll feel right at home." Tristan wasn't even sure what he was saying. It didn't really sound all macho or anything, either. He was just trying to piss the man off more. I swear, I'm going to get myself killed.

"Now then, why don't you march your otaku ass out of here and let the cool kids do as they please? Oh, and sir? We're all glad that you are comfortable being you, but you have no need to advertise your fetishes. Keep the whip in the bedroom, big boy."

Nothing else, Blue won't be the main target. Hopefully. Just, God? Let it be a quick death.

[Kate Minola]

Kate felt like looking at a video game character, studying the man that approached. Seriously, he was that absurd-looking.

Wait, that's fine of me to say, with my bow and arrows and war-hammer on fire and my freakin' power of Persona, she thought and cringed. When did my life turn into a goddamn video game?

Despite the far-fetched getup and the fact he was armed to the teeth, though, Kate felt this dude meant business. Serious business. He could even be their damn target. He was huge and oozed professionalism. And what were they? A rag-tag bunch of kids (sorta) with powers they didn't quite understand.

But, shit, we fought a fucking Cerberus monster, she thought. Can't be worse than that. Assuming he even is our target.

And then she felt her heart stop and drop right to her ankles when one of the girls (Luka, she thought?) took charge... and just about insulted the guy. And then Tristan went and made it worse!

She blanched and looked skywards as if expecting an answer to whether this was actually happening.

Although she was now seriously worried, she facepalmed and almost reached out and grabbed the kids by the ears. No use trying to mitigate the damage now, she just had to play along and somehow make sure nobody got killed.

"Jeez, Tristan," she said, but her tone was rather mirthful (it was a damn funny line), "you think we're ones to talk, armed to the teeth and with our totally-normal 'partners'. But did you have to go and insult him? It's bad enough that we'd probably have to fight him anyway, you want to make him angry, to boot?"

[Ariane Ivers]

When the figure came into view, what semblance of humor she had on her face dissipated instantly.  Anne pulled her other hand free from it's pocket as her eyes narrowed, judging the person as they walked past.  She wasn't dumb, it was readily apparent this was who 'Dr. Acula' had sent them to find.  Flexing her knuckles, she began to try and think through their options quickly;  he certainly looked very powerful, so they'd have to tread carefully if they planned on confronting him.  Then there was the fact that he didn't really follow the general 'bad guy' appearance, even though of course appearances could be deciev─... what in Sam hill was the girl doing.

Before the redhead could even say something one way or the other, their teammate walked right up and threatened the guy.  As Anne held a hand up to try and say something in response, time seemed to slow when Tristan then proceeded to do much the same as Luka.  Anne's eye twitched, and all she could do was put her face in both hands and shake her head.  Well.  So much for thinking this all through.  "Gods give me the patience for this," she murmured into her hands, sighing before walking up to the rest of them.  She forced an awkward grin, trying to hide the fact that her fists were now balled at her sides in preparation for a speedy attack.  Still, while their methods were... unorthodox, it did give them a little bit of an opening.  Not necessarily the opening she wanted, but eh.  

She didn't really have anything exceptional to add to the three stooges already exemplary introductions, so Anne just made a point to stick close to them to bolster their standings as much as she could. 

[Lucretia Odovacar]

Well, she didn't really have to use her sixth sense to tell that the guy approaching them was likely strong.  Her persona was out already to search the area, so she figured she might as well scan the guy to see if this might be their target.  Those that could fight demons left a pretty distinctive signature compared to normal humans, and if he matched it she could ask for more information after.  This was likely the best way to avoid getting into a random fight and making unnecessary enemies.

Sadly, as Lucretia's scan was going, Luka decided to move.  She was pretty sure nothing would convince that moron to stop given she was the one that said that she was fighting the creatures everywhere because she could and just intuitively thought they should be killed.  Lucretia felt like she should be less surprised at this development.  For a moment, all she could do was stare.  Then Tristan, someone that seemed more level headed than that, decided to join in.  Well, there wasn't much she could do about it now, she might as well join in as well.

Lucretia stepped forward and tried to match the posture of everyone else.  Given how skinny she was she wasn't sure if she could pull off intimidating, but it was worth a shot.  She adjusted her head in such a way that the light would reflect off the lenses in an attempt to make her look more ominous.

"You wouldn't happen to know a Doctor Acula would you?"

This would at least let them know if it was the right guy.  If he was harassing his subordinates that should get some reaction out of him, and if he wasn't, well they could hopefully apologize and move on.

[Alice]

The man had shifted his gaze around the time Luka approached him. Though he had stopped his progression, he did not seem bothered by the words at first. Indeed, the referencing of “doctor” seemed to have no effect on him at all. When Tristan appeared, his expression was every bit as dull as before. He had felt something, but dismissed it. He hadn't realized he was being scanned. Though there was an apparent ease with the scanning itself, at least compared to the stronger demons and Shadows, it still seemed that the scan would be unable to reveal all the information necessary.

Scanning Results Revealed!

Simone Vermont

Absorbs: Light
Repels: ? ? ?
Nulls: ? ? ?
Resists: Darkness
Weak: ? ? ?

Skills

Hunter's Skill – Through much experience in combat, eyesight, reflexes, and insight are honed to the maximum. Accuracy will not drop with Sukunda, and each successful attack presents a chance at revealing the enemy's weaknesses.

Rosario – Severe Almighty damage, instant death to the Undead, restores a small amount of health. Currently recharging.

Holy Water – Major Light damage to all targets. 500% effectiveness on demons and the undead. Limited uses; currently two remain.

Firebomb Bottle – Major Fire damage to all targets. 300% effectiveness on the undead. Limited uses; currently four remain.

Throwing Knives - ? ? ?

Throwing Ax - ? ? ?

Vampire Killer - ? ? ?

Flurry - ? ? ?

Morning Star - ? ? ?

Large Pork Chop - ? ? ?

Other abilities cannot be scanned.


”Mm?” The man's expression flickered, finally, at Lucretia's comment. Suddenly, it seemed as though all the pieces had fallen together for him. The doctor comments, the rudeness, the hostility and comments regarding fighting. It seemed that that person had once again enlisted the aid of others. ”I see. You're on that man's side. That makes you all my enemies. Though unfortunate, I'll have to kill you here.” He would have been perfectly fine with them being violent youths, but if they were aligned with him, then there was no helping it.

To test the waters, he lobbed a bottle into the air before swinging his whip at it and causing the contents to ignite and explode! Fire rained down on the group for Major Fire damage!

He needed to accurately gauge how strong this group was before he could get serious. He had limited resources, after all.

[Kate Minola]

Kate groaned. "Well that's just great, guys," she muttered and drew her bow.

She entertained the idea of using her hammer, but given how fit the enemy was, she doubted whether she'd be able to get close enough to hit him.

She was much better with her bow and arrow, anyway.

His initial attack was a kind of fire bomb - Kate knew what that bottle was before his whip even touched it. She'd seen enough Molotov cocktails flying around when she stayed in Athens for a time. Greeks love turning their protests into straight-up melee riots. The explosion of fire was impressive, but Kate didn't even blink as the flaming liquid rained down. She summoned Antiope and the regal amazon appeared behind her, bringing with her a bright light that danced around Kate and seemed to form tall shields all around her before fading.

She stood straight and by the time the biggest flames had died down, she was standing with her bow drawn and a somewhat defiant expression on her face.

"Is that so?" Kate challenged the man with a deadpan expression. "Well, excuse us if we don't feel like obliging."

She fired her arrow straight at his chest.

---

Auto-Rakukaja is active! (Round 1)
Action: Lvl 2 weapon attack - Pierce

High Counter Roll
Minor Strike - 1-5 - Reflect if 1
w1pr4Raa1-5

Minor Strike - 1-5 - Reflect if 1
1-5

Minor Strike - 1-5 - Reflect if 1
1-5

Minor Strike - 1-5 - Reflect if 1
1-5
1-5·1-5·1-5·1-5

[Tristan Carter]

Tristan sighed when everyone else seemed to join in with challenging the man. Nobody else thought of it the same way he had. None of them realized that he was just trying to make sure Blue didn't get needlessly hurt. Nope, they decided to piss the Jolly Giant off further.

The man seemed to recognize the name of Count Doc, and it didn't seem like the two were friends. Of course. The man attacked with a bottle of fire, and then- Oh, fuck no. Kate decided to retaliate. Well, so much for going with a diplomatic apology. Still, Tristan had no qualms with trying.

"Sir," he said calmly as Odysseus appeared behind him. "Sir, we don't work for the doc. Hell, I'm pretty sure all of us are convinced that he's evil. We were hired to stop you from killing his men. I, personally, am busy trying to think of a way to ask you to nicely say "stop killing his guys until we kill him." Instead, Moron over there decided to act tough." he gestured towards Luka before continuing. "However, if you attack us, be warned that we will fight back. And I'm pretty sure we could handle a single person."

With that said, Odysseus cast his spell to nullify the enemy's dark resistance. Tristan wasn't sure if he actually resisted dark, but he lucked out last time he tried it. Why not try again?



((Auto-Suku is active! Dark Break on the State of Vermont!))

Dodge the knife, success on 1:

obYN7eCl1-41-4

[Lucretia Odovacar]

It was a good thing she asked what she did or there would be no clear way to know if this was their target or not.  The scan results confirmed that he was likely a demon hunter of some kind.  Odd that he was only harassing this particular demon, but when she thought about it for a moment, it seemed likely that he might be attacking others.  What was really odd was how Doctor Acula described the damage this man seemed to be capable of as 'harassing.'   She relayed all this information to her allies mentally to avoid having him hear.  After all, he was clearly intelligent.

He started off with an attack that wouldn't hurt her very much, though she still shielded her eyes out of habit.  Much to her surprise, it didn't hurt her at all.  Even her clothes weren't damaged.  Very nice, it looked like her persona had grown yet again.  Unfortunately, she knew some of her allies wouldn't be so lucky, so she had to take care of that.  Coeus wiggled a little more and healed everyone in the group right now.  Lucretia may not have been able to handle healing a group as large as the one against the cerberus, but a group this small was manageable.  

"What do you know of Dr. Acula's work?"

Lucretia attempted to ask as though she already knew quite a bit herself, but Tristan's outburst made him less likely to think that much to her displeasure.  She wasn't pleased that he was trying to speak for all of them because, at least for the moment, she wasn't particularly interested in turning against the doctor.  This guy didn't exactly seem like good news either.

---

Action: Mediarama on party