[Story] Unmasked Shadows

[Andrea]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Hidden Retreat Makeshift Precinct
Agent Lang's Office}

*Agent Lang prowls around, continuing to give orders in Chinese*

{…already lost twenty so far, we can't keep up the losses like this. Thankfully Taelia has helped reduce the number of standing casualties, but we—}

*The door slams open, sending papers flying with a blast of pure power in an aura*

Gyah! *Looks over in surprise, taking a stance* {What in the name of dragons!?}

*There's a white robed Gelert standing there, radiating Darkness around him. A voice like a legion thunders.*

YOU MUST MAKE HASTE. THERE IS LITTLE TIME.

…Lee? What happened to y—

THIS TIMELINE FLIRTS WITH THE EDGE OF DISASTER. MANY WERE PULLED INTO THE FUTURE, WHERE DESTRUCTION WAITS. THE CITY WILL BE OVERRUN UNLESS YOU ACT NOW. ALREADY IT BEGINS TO DIE!

*Still unnerved by Lee's appearance and behavior* Do you think I like standing here?! We are only 81 against a standing army! And we know Himi is among them somewhere! We cannot just go running in—

DO NOT DEFY ME, MORTAL! YOU ARE AN OFFICER, AND YOUR CITY NEEDS YOU! TREACHERY IS UNFOLDING AT THEIR BASE—

*Interrupts* You found their base?!

*Lee is taken off-guard by this, his attention almost shattered at the shift in behavior*

…Well, yes, it's near the first building damaged at the start of this, but—

"So we know their base. It's time for this to end! WE'RE MOVING OUT!"

"Agent Lang, wait!"

-*-*-*-

{The NPC Army HQ}

*There is some sound of struggle upstairs, but soon Agent Lang bursts onto the scene in wolf form, followed by at least a dozen other wolves and Lee (who is still trying to tell him something)*

!

*A large group of Soldiers are present to greet them, aiming their weapons. As they're about to fire, however...*

"...are complete. My will is no longer strong enough to hold you to this same hatred."

[/color]

*The Soldiers stop, some dropping their weapons. They all remove their goggles, seeming very confused to what's going on.*

*Lang and co. come to a halt, most of them growling*

(…Well, thank goodness that part is over.)

*After a few moments, Lang shifts back and walks forward, aura flickering warily*

… *Warning tone* This could go two ways. We could start tearing up legs, or we can have a nice peaceful chat. I don't know about you, but I'm willing to give the latter a nice chance, now. (I've seen enough of fighting to last me weeks.)

... ... What?

*Sounds worn out* There's been a war going on for a while now, not sure how much you guys know about that, what with the goggles.

…Is there something you haven't told me, Vendetta?

You weren't listening.

*Most of the NPCs start to wander off.*

*Shakes his head and pinches his nose, looking very frustrated* …Lee, where's Geier? Looks like most of these people were being influenced.

Actually, he was in the future, but he's not the one you need to be worried about…

Chalk didn't seem to be involved in it much, though… what's going on here?

*The door slams*

*They all turn to face it, many auras spiking and Lang instinctively drawing a weapon*

*stumbles in*

*He looks as if he's been hit by lightning.*

… *Confused* Sergeant Guy? What happened to you? (You look like you got fried.) Where are the others?

*Lee appears to have disappeared suddenly, no longer standing right next to Lang. He is, in fact, fading in behind Sgt. Guy*

... *shakes his head* ...

YOU LIE.

*Two glowing red eyes appear behind him, accompanied by a loud growl*

!?

*lunges forward to try and grab Lang*

*Given that there are a crowd of wolves between the two of them, it doesn't go over well. Lang doesn't fire since it would be right into his men, but he does stagger back in surprise. A few of his subordinates yelp at getting stepped on so suddenly, but before anyone else can act, a shadowed figure comes down on Sgt. Guy's back and neck with the force of a large running police dog.*

!

*Growling down at him, hackles raised* YOU ARE IN BIG TROUBLE, SERGEANT.

*The wolves circle to surround them. Lang does as well, now looking distinctly angry amidst his confusion*

*Before anything else can happen, Sgt. Guy's wrists are ensnared by Dark vines. They glow dark red before solidifying into cuffs that function much like the collar Kristoph wore, cutting off use of magic and abilities.*

! *struggles against them*

*The cuffs are not chained together. Rather, they are like too-tight bracelets that refuse to come off.*

*Strides over and puts police handcuffs on Sgt. Guy to make him more manageable* Lee, if this is something you aren't telling me again—quit squirming, idiot, you aren't going anywhere and if you do try you'll end up as wolf meat…

*Steps off Sgt. Guy, hauling him up by the collar of his robe and keeping a grip on his hands* You see before you a mastermind of cunning and a great traitor. The rage against him is great, and we must hurry to confine him before others find him helpless and cut his life short. Heaven knows there are now quite a number that wish to do so. What was the last count, soldier? At least three strong warriors after your hide?

*tries kicking Lee*

*Phases out for that, phasing back in and snapping his teeth near Sgt. Guy's ear, just short of chomping it off*

*Coldly* Adding resistance to your list of charges? Not smart. What are we looking at here?

Sergeant Guy, soldier of the Shy Guy Army, you are under arrest for the murder of Captain Piers of Lemuria and aggravated assault and battery.

… … … WHAT?! *Aura flaming up like a dragon* PIERS IS DEAD?!

*Flatly* Be grateful the casualty list was not much, much higher.

*Grabs Sgt. Guy by the collar, jerking him forward* You have the right to remain silent, but I better be getting answers by the time this is done.

... ... *stops fighting*

We can do this one of two ways. Either you can march, or we can chain up your legs and carry you like a sack. Your choice.

... *doesn't reply* ...

*Sighs internally* *Puts a hand on Sgt. Guy's shoulder and his other hand to the cuffs again*

*Lets go harshly*

It might actually be better to carry him. He was recently toasted by lightning. Dragging him halfway would benefit no one.

*Growling* Fine. (This is why it's inconvenient not to have cars, even in so small a town.) Men… we're moving out.

*Lang starts directing his subordinates to various areas; some to check the rest of the building and make sure the children are safe, others to go help the local hospital and search for Himi there, still others to go find out what happened to the others that went through the portal*

*After Sgt. Guy's ankles get chained together* Off we go. *Mutters* You'll be better off getting some distance from the boss anyway. *Grows much larger in size and hoists Sgt. Guy over a shoulder*

*His partially-broken glasses fall off and shatter on the floor.*

*falls unconscious*

*Looks back at them* (Must remember to get Ky to make him new ones.) Agent… if you need me, I'll be with the healing wing of the detention center.

*Lang doesn't answer. He seems conflicted and hurt. Lee goes off, silent like the shadows.*

-*-*-*-

{Taco Town Detention Center
Some Time Later}

*When Sgt. Guy wakes up again, he is in a cell in the Detention Center.

It is one of the highest-level security cells; multi-barriered, with the cell leading to an interrogation room with more barriers and another door before getting to the hallway. A two-way mirror and speaker system are the only features allowing the inhabitant to communicate with the outside, though this cell also has a very small, barred window up out of reach.

There is a ledge beneath the two way mirror and a chair facing it. In addition to the cot-like bed, there is also a lap-desk that can be used to write letters, draw, or eat on.

He is fully healed and dressed in orange robes; though the handcuffs and chains around his ankles are gone, the magic-restraining cuffs remain.*

...

*He attempts to change forms in order to grow small enough to lose the cuffs and escape. He fails to do so, however.*

*stands, looking up at the window*

"Lang Zi says: 'The cornered prey looks often to the wind.'"

*The voice seems to be coming from over some sort of speaker system, rather than directly heard*

"Others before you have looked out a similar window at the same sky."

?

*He is unable to see out into the other room; it just looks like a large mirror to him*

"The room is roughly split in half. You won't be able to see out at all times."

... *remains silent*

"Meals are twice a day; once at eleven-thirty hours and once at nineteen-thirty hours. You may contact someone to defend you if you like, but questioning will start in a few days regardless."

*sits back down, turning away from the mirror*

"…If that's how you want to play it, fine. You won't be going anywhere. We're still investigating what happened, too. And until we get answers one way or another, here you shall stay. You're only making things harder on yourself by not talking."

...

"…Think that over for a while. You're on your own for tonight."

*The lights dim inside his cell, and there's the sound of another door slamming and locking shut*

*smirks briefly, but it fades*

*He lies down, just staring up at the ceiling.*
[/spoiler]

[Andrea]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Detention Center
Sgt. Guy's Cell}

*There is the sound of the external door opening, though it's not near mealtime*

*doesn't look up*

*The lights turn on on the other side, making it visible*

"Hey there, Sergeant."

*looks*

*He seems to be in much better shape, if anything. His expression is unreadable.*

*Sitting in the chair on the other side, hands in his hoodie, looking relaxed* You seem to be doing better.

... *stays silent*

*Puts a hand to his hat, pulling it up a little* Not even a hi, huh. Well, I guess it could be worse. You've been in there for a while now. Are you sure you don't want to contact a lawyer?

... ...

*Looks to the side, an empty smile twitching at the corners of his mouth* Knowing the truth makes all the difference, you know. Motive tends to be pretty important. Could save you from something pretty nasty. It would really help you if you told us about what happened.

*frowns slightly, not looking directly at Wright* ...

*Wright is silent for quite a while, waiting patiently*

…Not feeling very talkative today, are we.

*just turns around in his chair*

*Looks off into the distance, absentminded* Okay. I can take a hint. *Stands, dusting himself off* Think it over, though. It could really save your neck if you told us what went on last month.

*shakes head very slightly, still turned away* ...

*Walks out, turning off the lights and locking the door behind him*


*After a few moments*

Literally, of course.

!

*A feminine voice chimes in also*

\Though you knew that, didn't you? They're making it blatantly obvious.\

*tenses* ...

*A lower voice than the other two*

/It won't be easy to get out of this one./

\Though not necessarily impossible.\

They are in conflict. You may be able to use that to your advantage when the time is right.

*clenches fists* ...

But be careful.

*They speak in unison*

There are several in power who seek nothing more than to make you a bit taller.

They cannot be trusted.

*The presences fade*

... ... ... *thinks for a while without moving*

[Andrea]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Detention Center
Sgt. Guy's Cell}

*There is the sound of the door opening and closing on the other side of the one-way mirror*

...

*The lights flicker on, and someone sits down in the chair on the other side*

Hello, Sergeant. I must apologize for not coming sooner; there have been numerous complications recently, and my awareness was too pluralized to manifest for long enough to visit.

*Samuel appears to be alone; there is no one else visible there with him, nor are there any other presences around.*

... *raises eyebrow*

*Slightly amused expression* I am a Personification, and even for us it can be a bit much to be physically present in many places. I do not wish to bore you with details, though I shall explain further if you are interested. Would you like that?

... *looks slightly interested, but doesn't nod or reply*

*Picks up on this, so decides to move forward* To start with… Agent Shi-Long Lang has not only stepped down from his position, but has left town and has not given notice as to when he may return. He is no longer in charge of this case.

!!

He asked three people he trusted for advice as well as a group of Writers before deciding, but when he did so, it was in the middle of the night with seemingly no warning. He handed over the case to one of his most trusted subordinates, who was brought out of retirement for that purpose. The two of them also chose another—a military officer with experience in keeping law and order—to help her. Kyrogue Nighthawk and her brother, Lt. Shriek Nighthawk. They are overseeing this case and directing the rest of the members of law enforcement around here.

*smiles slightly*

I do imagine you see it as an improvement, but I hope you understand that they are quite capable of their assigned positions. Lady Ky is not just an gleeful ball of energy… though admittedly it is nice to work with less aggressive individuals. Lt. Nighthawk may visit at a later point, but I would not… not necessarily expect it. You may, however—depending on how long this process shall take—end up being visited at some point by Felix and an individual who goes by the name "Frog".

... ?

It is a long story to tell in full, but… Frog is a friend of Captain Piers. He is a knight. He is a close friend of Crono's as well… but the both of them have, for the most part, distanced themselves from this case, perhaps to remain unbiased in case they are needed later… for they are among a very few who are not significantly affected in some way by what happened. However… upon Piers's request following an argument with Felix over you, Frog went to go "see to" Felix's aggression.

... *looks thoughtful*

What happened there is not a short story to tell, though I can say Felix will no longer be aggressive toward you. He is now in the Middle Ages in Guardia, and by the time he comes back he will have recovered significantly, back to how he used to be. You need not fear him any longer. While he may not be the most pleased with you, he will not lash out and certainly will not actively be hunting you down. I would not suggest contact, though… he has paid heavy losses, and Piers's death rattled him.

... ...

Sergeant. They finished making a list of charges, finally. I am going to read these off to you, because it is very important you understand what's going on.

*He takes a scroll out of his cloak, unfurling it and reading off of it*

First Degree Murder: two accounts. Chassis destruction: one account. Aggravated assault and battery: Numerous accounts. Domestic terrorism. Misprison (that is, willing and knowing concealment of illegality) of treason. Treason. The aggravated assault and battery charges may also be accompanied by charges of attempted homicide, but they're still investigating to see if that is a valid charge to make. They do not want any gaping weaknesses in their argument. *Lowers the scroll, looking down his muzzle at Sgt. Guy* Murder alone is a serious charge. This is a much heavier score than just that.

*looks away, looking troubled but trying to show nothing beyond that* ...

Sergeant. You must understand. The outlook becomes brighter as time goes on and the hurt from what happened fades—it has been several months, in fact. It is now in the last third of August. Your chances of leniency with a jury is much better than it was in early July. However, there is more to it; you have aggravating factors. Even if what happened is not seen as reason to hand down the harsher punishment… …reasonable cause to believe you may attempt to do similar /again/ will definitely overturn that. And your record, Sergeant, does not help you at all. You have displayed not only clear wishes to obtain and remain in power of your own people, but beyond that as well. You may remember an incident with the train, quite some time ago…?

*nods*

…While most found it more amusing than anything… *Ahem*

*He's having a hard time keeping a straight face as he thinks back on the records of it, but he manages just to smile slightly*

…Sorry, it was rather amusing to watch, but.

*His expression returns to neutral*

Previous power grabs greatly back the idea you may try again.

*turns around in his chair*

*He lowers his head, hiding his face further.*

I am not Empathy, I am Sympathy. So I can help you and wish the best for you, but I cannot read your heart as clearly as my son would. I, like most of the town, do not understand why you would seek to do such things. For the rest of the town, since they do not know what brought it on, they are not sure if it's something that can be remedied as opposed to something that just makes you too dangerous to allow around. They are still afraid, and that is where the danger is. We only have part of the story, though. You have not told your part. If you would tell it, in your own words, it would help immensely. Agent Lang is gone and who knows if he shall return. My son is assisting the replacements, which is why your guard for meals has been different. There is no one else here but the two of us; you may speak freely as much as you wish.

Aw, and here I was thinking that I had locked his voice away so... perfectly.

[/color][/b]

*Does not seem fazed* I am not pleased with interference. I doubt that would matter to you, but it may be worth your time in the long run not to focus my attention on you.

Actually, I believe the whole town is focused on me.[/b][/color]

*Sgt. Guy is holding his head in his hands, facing away from Sympathy. Being projected and speaking, however, is a Shy Guy dressed completely in black robes and a dark mask, standing small as the other Shy Guys. He is floating a bit below eye level.*

*Raises an eyebrow* … (That looks very much like an Anti-Guy.) Would it do any good to ask for an explanation, or will I have to dispel you instead?

*The Shy Guy flickers between being of that form and of looking very much like Sgt. Guy, but as he did back in the Tower in the future.*

You could call me a sort of inner darkness. There is more to me, but that is not relevant for this time. As things are now, the Sergeant can not and will not speak.[/b][/color]

I see. *Gives a toothy grin* Then he shall have to confront you directly.

*He shakes his head.*

Sergeant, I apologize… but that is something that would work better if you did so yourself. Outside interference on internal matters is a bit dangerous.

... ... ...

As for you, nameless. I have seen many others like you. Some of them I know well. You are the stronger now, perhaps, but that is not a definite. *Tugs on one of his gloves, standing* If he cannot speak, then there is naught I can do here for now. I have done as asked by several parties, but to move forward requires more. I will, however, be back. That is all for now. I take my leave.

*The projected inner darkness vanishes. Sgt. Guy does not move, however.*

*Turns away, his cloak obscuring most of him. He smiles slightly.* Give him the best verbal thrashing you've got. *Turns off the lights in the other room, cutting off the ability to see in there*

*The outer door opens once more and closes, returning all to silence*[/spoiler]

SPOILER: Click to show

{? ? ?}

*In a gray area- not one light or dark, but seemingly neutral- a voice echoes. It, however, lacks the subtle second voice of Tion this time.*

What's the matter, Sergeant...

[/color][/b]

*Sgt. Guy awakes, rising to his feet.*

Cat got your tongue?[/color][/b]

! *looks behind him*

*Behind Sgt. Guy is another version of himself, as he appeared in the Tower those months ago- or if you want to be technical, 100 years in the future. He's leaning back in a type of chair, an arm behind his head, observing with a sly smile.*

I've been waiting for you, Sergeant. Watching you struggle without your voice has been so very... boring.[/color][/b]

What the- Are you... me...?

*The dark clone vanishes and reappears behind Sgt. Guy again, immediately sinking a bite into his shoulder with its fangs. Sgt. Guy lets out a shout of pain, swerving to throw the beast off of him. He clutches the wound where it begins to bleed.*

That's for being so weak. You could say I'm you, but... you are nothing without me. Some would say I'm your "Inner Darkness". But for the past while, I've been nothing more than Sergeant Guy. And you, my friend, were just the mask.

... ... !

You were the weak little one I pretended to be while I grew in power. And that dirty old cell was draining my power. "You deserve better than that."[/color]

*winces* ... ... What do you want?

Simple. I'll get you out of there. We can do better than stealing away a part of reality, those filthy Personifications. We can use my power alone to steal all parts of reality and crush them like they deserve. Just come here and stand by my side!

*The Inner Darkness extends a hand. Sgt. Guy stares for a moment in consideration, then turns away.*

No. We failed already. Piers put trust in me, after you- -we killed him. Someone believed in me.

He pities you, Sergeant! He will not even defend you; he's barred from doing so. That hound that wishes to help you is the very essence of Sympathy! Do you think he wants to help more than he's supposed to?

... ...

Take my hand.

*A drop of blood from Sgt. Guy's shoulder drips to the ground.*

I don't think I can trust anything you say. You'll have us both in this situation, but with nobody trying to prevent our trip to the gallows.

...

You forget that my power grew over yours, at times. Helping the Shy Guys attain food wasn't an evil deed.

Your desperation was your downfall. Did you think your "power in numbers" garbage would work with those small-time villains? You distinguished yourself from them! You almost destroyed the world!

I did nothing of the sort. You did. I'm just your "mask", remember? One you cannot function without!

*cringes*

*draws an old spellbook* I'll have my voice and then I can get my wayward life back on track. I just need you out of the way.

So it comes down to violence, does it? Then fine. *vanishes*

Do you want to know what would happen if I cut you to shreds within your mind, Sergeant?[/color][/b]

If you destroy me, you'll destroy yourself!

*Long claws tear through Sgt. Guy's cloak from behind.*

What does it matter? Apparently I've already failed, and you spit on my offer to restore us to the glory we deserve!

Not "us"! You!

*Sgt. Guy fires a blast of energy at the demon from his palm. It hits the Inner Darkness squarely in the chest, sending it reeling back in pain.

It tries to teleport behind him once again, but the trick fails as Sgt. Guy swivels around and grabs it by the collar. He winces at the pain it sends through his shoulder, then slams the Inner Darkness back into the chair it was lounging in.*

You used all of them... all of the Tacoers.

And what is your point? If you didn't want this fate, you would've fought me off earlier. But no. When you came to this world, you lacked the power and authority you once had. You were a little adorable runt that nobody respected. And being with the other Shy Guys- with one in your position of leadership- you let me rise in power.

Shut up! *drags the Inner Darkness forward, then slams it back into the seat, adding a charge of energy to increase the impact.*

Ha...

*It transforms into a black-robed Shy Guy, differing from any other known type. Swiftly, it escapes from the Sergeant's grasp.*

You know you never had a proper hold on me.

*Sgt. Guy is turned back into his Shy Guy form unwillingly. He stands face-to-face- well, mask-to-mask- with the other one.*

Do you think you can keep this up?

I managed to give them all a run for their money once.

*The scene fades from the gray area into the burning tower. It's an illusion, with nobody else present. Sgt. Guy stands immobilized at how real it seems, though- the smell of the burning interior of the tower, the rush of strong wind as the storm brewed outside, the collapse of the City Hall on top.*

Admit it! Your human form only slightly gives you the satisfaction you want, not being looked down upon. But when- no, if you escape that prison- you'll be treated like the monster that caused all THIS! *motions around him*

And trusting you to break me out of prison will make them think I'm a wonderful being.

No. There will be none of them to look down on you!

*More of the illusion City Hall collapses around them.*

Aw, this place is so melancholy for you, Mr. Shy Guy. How about we go somewhere fun?

What are you trying to... to...

*Before Sgt. Guy finishes speaking, the scene around them changes to Shy Guy's toybox. Upbeat, chipper music plays around them. Shy Guys are skittering around, but don't notice the duo.*

... ...

Welcome home!

What... why are you...?

*laughs* Aw, isn't it simple? Here, you're taking a good look at all the Shy Guys you helped by getting them that food.

*watches, having lost his words again*

*Some of the illusion/dream Shy Guys stop near one another to chat.*

Hey, wasn't dinner awesome, dude?

Huh... oh, yeah. Too bad I had to credit that green loser, though.

I know, right! He's the worst~

... That doesn't mean anything. They don't even respect the order they... they have, with the General.

Do they?

*As if on cue, General Guy rolls in on his toy tank. There are a bunch of ice cream sandwiches on the back, which slip off and spill into the room as he drives.

The Shy Guys all run for them and start eating, clearly pleased.*

Aah! Thank you, General dude sir! You're the best!

Yeah! You're the greatest Shy Guy!

*melts his* ...

... ... I didn't really matter, did I.

Haha. Of course not. And if this was your home, you don't have a reason to return.

...

You know what would make a great new home, though? The City Hall! I'm sure we could build some nice additions... maybe a tower...

You... I think you're right, on part of this. I don't have anywhere to go...

We can make somewhere to go. By rejecting me, you accept defeat. You'll accept that you'll be kicked, spit on, hated by all the townspeople! But we can make them pay for how they treated you!

... *reaches out*

*The Shy Guys are about to shake hands, when two other distinguished ones run in for the ice cream. Sgt. Guy turns to look, recognizing the duo.*

You know, I hope Sgt. Guy's alright. He was always a good kid.

And he made us not... starve!

!

*The scene around them returns to the gray area. Simultaneously, Sgt. Guy regains his human form. The Inner Darkness, however, remains a Shy Guy.*

*picks up the Inner Darkness by the hood* There are some that believe I can change. As long as they're around... I don't need to kill all of them to change their minds.

You'll crave power, Sergeant. You'll wish you accepted my-

"I am not as pathetic as I once was. I have changed.[/color]"

*With that, he hurls the little Inner Darkness as far as he can into the distance. Then everything seems to happen at once- pain shoots through him from his heart itself, like part of his internal organs were destroying themselves; the scene changes and he's falling through the air down the tower, the heat of the flames on his torn cloak, on his wounded shoulder. He screams.*

---

*Sgt. Guy woke up with a jolt. He'd fallen asleep in the chair from exhaustion.*

... Was that...?

*He stares at his reflection in the mirror. It doesn't reflect the darker side of the mirror. It shows his relieved smile.*

*quietly* My voice... !! *winces*

*Pain jolted through his shoulder. No wound seemed to be present anymore, though, and his clothes- his prison outfit- remained undamaged.

Sgt. Guy went to sleep.*

[/spoiler]