Back in Business XVIII || Promo Thread.

{Spoiler}

{Just The Text}A female voice echoes in your ears as you lie down, eyes closed.



“Hey, I think they’re waking up.”



Slowly you open your tired eyes as the world around you is out of focus. You find yourself lying on a worn out bed with two women standing in front of you. The first of which has a black and white trench coat on with a light above her eyebrow. Her silver hair goes down to her shoulders with her bangs covering one of her eyes. She is of Japanese heritage. Next to her is a unique looking woman who is slightly familiar to you. She has a fox shaped mask, inspired by traditional japanese design with LED lights that change colour and a hood which covers her hair. She has some armour on, ready for combat, and a mechanical tail behind her. The rest of the room is out of focus, your head feeling as if a railroad spike is being jabbed into it. A sharp and constant pain.



“Good. Glad to see you didn’t get seriously hurt. Shame we couldn’t remove that muzzle on your face.”



The silver haired woman puts her hand on her hips. You feel the restrictiveness of the apparent ‘muzzle’ around your jaw. Your mouth opens slightly, but talking would be an unlikely thing to do. Not with this on. You want to feel it with your hands, but the girl says-



“We kept getting shocked each time we touched it.”



-and you immediately put your hands down, feeling uncomfortable.



“You could have used rubber gloves.” Her friend says with her voice slightly modified by the mask, but there is a strong Japanese accent with her, but her grasp of the English language is great.



“I did, Katsu.” She rolls her eyes. “They melted from the heat.”



You look at them, confused as you look to the side. You are in a building in what looks to be a theme park, or what is left of it. A big ferris wheel stands, covered in moss from years of inactivity, ruined vehicles, and dust. A sign on a Hot Dog stand reads “Coney Island’s Famous Hot D-” with the last two letters knocked down. Sensing your confusion, the two ladies speak to you with the ‘fox girl’ speaking.



“I was the one who helped you, if you do not remember. You were being chased down by Buddy Cops in Times Square and I rushed in. You may have hit the ground hard… I apologize, but my friend helped give you some rest.”



“I’m Cali, this is Katsu. We’re leaders of the YOKAI Resistance, a group of gals not afraid to stick it to the Buddy System and their bullshit, but I’m sure you know all about their tyranny.”



Buddy System? Resistance? You blink and try to open your mouth, but once again the muzzle restricts you and you can only mumble incoherently.



“Something tells me we will not be able to communicate as easily. You speak English as your primary language, right?” Katsu asks and you nod your head.



“Mind getting something for our guest to message us?”



Going over to a nearby drawer, Cali shuffles and pulls out an old page and a marker.



“Well, the tablet is charging, so time to go old school.” Cali hands you the items. Your head still throbs from the fall, but you have the strength to grab it and sit upwards. The bed creeks slightly as you sit. “We’ll just ask you a few questions, no biggie. Write on the paper, if you know how, not everyone has that skill anymore, I get it.”



Strange thing to say from Cali as you give a puzzled look. Sure typing is more common, but why do they not think you can write? Katsu asks a question.



“First, what is your name?”



You look down on the paper and are about to write but you’re drawing a blank. Tapping your temple, you try to think. A name. What kind of person forgets their own name? Or at least come up with a fake one. But you can’t recall it. After a few moments, the ladies exchange concerned glances.



“Must be the fall. I knew you had some of the signs of a concussion, but it knocked the name out of your head.” She looks in your direction and decides to ask something else. “Well, if you can’t remember who you are, do you at least remember where you are from? Or the reason those Buddy Cops were after you.”



Tapping the marker on the page, you think through and this time, you get a mental picture. You are sitting down in front of a computer screen reading a wall of text. Something you routinely did, though the reason why escapes you. Carefully you look through the words in front of you and judge its quality. Finally, you look out your window and see… Home. Finally, a name enters your head and you write it down. Turning the page, you show the girls who-



Look visibly concerned. The two friends exchange glances and Cali asks.



“Are you joking!?”



Shaking your head, you are serious. But what Katsu says sends a shock to your entire body.



“That place has not existed in almost a century!”



The marker drops from your hand and you freeze in place. “A Century!? 100 years!?” You think to yourself. Where are you? What happened? Sitting on the bed, the kitsune girl pats your leg, trying to console you with this shocking revelation.



“Well, Kats’, I think we found someone from a different time.”



“Or world, for that matter.” Katsu adds. “Their clothes look out of place even one century ago.”



“Okay. I got an idea.” Cali tries to explain. “I’ll go look for my identification scanner and use it. While it may not have enough information to tell us who they are, it can maybe place where they are from. Katsu, mind giving them a rundown of what the fuck they woke up in? You’re a good story-teller.”



Cali leaves to go look for her scanner as Katsu turns to you. She sits up cross-legged on the end of the bed, her cybernetic fox tail wagging slightly. She gives a robotic sigh and starts from the top.



“You my friend are in Neo York, the capital of the NA System, or ‘Northern America.’” Neo York? Like New York? That explains the hot dogs and the cityscape. “This area used to be a theme park, uh, ‘Coney Island’ it was called, but the Buddy System avoids it because, and this is a rumour, one man is ‘Too short’ for the rides and the other is' too fat.’ So we at the YOKAI Resistance have housed ourselves here, though we are from J Island in the EA System. The Island of Japan, it was once known.”



For a reason unknown to Katsu, you snicker at the story of the theme park, and especially with the ‘EA’ system name. She tilts her head.



“EA, East Asian. What ELSE could EA mean?” She gives a sign and gets back on track. “But I suppose you are more interested in how it got to this…” Folding her hands, she explains.



“Beginning in the year 2024, a World War broke out. This was after several elections in major countries where tyrannical individuals rose to power. Many cities like the one you find yourself in had been wrecked from the chaos and after several nations wore themselves down, a group came out of nowhere to capitalize. They called themselves ‘The Regime,’ and were radicals from multiple countries. The Regime began to organise the world into larger areas called ‘Systems.’ Each System has a Champion who has total authority, only answering to a central World government headed by the ‘World Champion.’ Am I making sense to you?”



She asks you. The story seems far-fetched to you. It feels more like a rejected movie plot or a weird fan-fiction written by someone with too much time on their hands, but with everything else going on, it is the part that makes the most sense. You nod your head.



“Good. English is my second language but I have gotten really good at it.”



The pixels on her mask turn a happy yellow. Her tail wags somewhat cutely as she continues.



“That is the system we are unfortunately forced to deal with. And as you can imagine, we do not like being under the thumb of ‘champions’ with no check to their power. The only check to their power is uh, if someone takes their power for themselves. No elections. No screening, it is a realist’s world. Power being the primary end of any political action.”



Looking outside, you see some explosions in the main city. A skirmish has broken out, but this doesn’t phase your new friend one bit as the bombs burst in the air.



“Currently the Champion of NA and the World Champion are two longtime ‘friends’ each with their own twisted sense of the word. Baxter is this system’s champion. Best is the world, and Best has had his hands on this system more than normal. Those ‘Buddy Cops’ have been around for sometime, forcing people into their ‘Buddy System’ and either find themselves mentally broken, or indoctrinated…”



She shudders at the thought. You can tell through her body language, this fight has already taken some out of her. You pull yourself up and try to give a weak smile under your muzzle.



“But I’m thankful I have my friends in the YOKAI Resistance. I have made many trips here before, but they have come with me here. We want to bring a change to the world and we know that NA is the best way to take down the World Government itself. The biggest economic sector. The one where they have the most power. Also I have seen enough of Baxter to know he is a monster of a man. Twisted in his views, believing that hurting people is the way to protect people.”



Balling her hand into a fist, she says with determination. “We need to take him down! We-”



“I found it!” Cali comes back with a device which looks like a barcode scanner but made out of scrap metals. She checks with Katsu. “You gave our guest here a rundown?”



The kitsune woman gives a thumbs up and Cali steps back.



“Don’t worry, this is painless.” Pointing the scanner towards you, a light glows from it and runs along your entire body. It beeps as it gets information and does a little jingle.



“See? That was easy. Now let’s see…” She taps her foot and squints her eyes, looking at the LED screen. “I got good news, and bad news. Bad news, we don’t get your name and you’re CLEARLY not even from this DIMENSION, let alone time period. But good news, we at least found your home. It is dimension… 683 in the year 2024… 2024, yikes. All I’m going to say is be careful who you vote for. We don’t want what happened here to happen to you.”



The warning doesn’t sit well with you. She mutters under her breath.



“Don’t say I didn’t warn you…” Placing the scanner into her pocket, she turns to her fox friend. “Well, what do you think we should do with our new straggler? We can’t just send them out to get captured by those ‘Buddy Cops,’ or keep you here long-term…”



The Kitsune Warrior taps the bottom of her mask, thinking through the solution.



“Well, I have an idea. But it may be a bit dangerous.” You gulp at the suggestion from Katsu. Already, it does not inspire you with confidence. “Baxter has a Teleporter Gun. It is known to teleport people to different times and dimensions even. He used it to send The Peacock back to the year 1974 after he defeated him. It may be the only way to get you home.”



“If that’s the case, then congrats, you’re going to help us overthrow a tyrant today!” Cali smirks. A sense of unease is over you, but Katsu senses it and puts her hand on your knee. Her gloved touch is gentle.



“I will make sure you are protected. I can do that.” She nods her head. “I am meant to meet with two individuals from different groups who are after the same thing. Cyrus of the Truth-Seekers and Parr of the Prodigal Sons. Baxter may be in control of this entire system, but he has created many enemies. There we will discuss a plan.”



Sitting on the bed, she explains further. “I will bring you as my second and our weapons expert, Miyu, will hook you up with some weapons and armour for protection before we leave.”



The LED lights on her mask turn yellow again, happy.



“I have a feeling you came here for a reason. Until we get you home, you are a member of our team and we will treat you as such. Now rest up as we head to our meeting spot this evening.”



Feeling that the woman is genuine, you give her a meek grin. She gets up. Her and Cali leave you to regain your strength.





After resting, you were sent to grab yourself weapons for protection. The armour was less bulky than it appeared and despite not being a shining example of an athlete, you could move well enough in it. The girl in charge of it, Miyu, was quite the character. Cali and Katsu had to play translator, but she gave you a belt of impact explosives. One press of the button, then upon making an impact with something, it creates a small but powerful explosive. You were given a pistol that shoots bolts of electricity rather than bullets. Though it was made of scrap metal, it packed a punch, feeling like something out of a sci-fi movie. Then, a handy knife for close combat and a grappling hook to get out of danger with a phone to keep touch. Then, you headed off.



As the sun begins to head over the horizon, Katsu takes you on a boat towards the meeting. The location: Friendship Island, or as it was once known, Liberty Island. The ride across the harbour is largely uneventful. The wind flows past your head as you sit in the back of the boat, weapon on your lap. How did you get here? Your mind runs through. Is there a reason you were brought here as the fox woman said?



Soon, you see a familiar sight. The Statue of Liberty Friendship. Lady Liberty Friendship with her copper frame, crown, and signature torch. A symbol of freedom friendship and justice companionship around the world. The famous statue has seen better days. With some of the outside sheets destroyed, the metal frame underneath is visible. The torch above is replaced with one with actual fire, hot enough to cremate someone. The boat slows down at the dock where two boats are already there. Katsu helps you off and you head towards the statue where two individuals wait.



The first man has a beard and slicked back hair. His body is covered in tattoos which he proudly displays on his arms, opting for less protection for better mobility. There is a logo with an eye and two swords painted on his chest. The symbol of the Truth-Seekers. This man is Cyrus.



Next to him, already ‘debating’ strategy is a man with movie-star good looks with neat hair and a thin beard. He’s in good physical shape and has a crown on his head. His armour displays a star logo and the letter “P.” Parr, the leader of the Prodigal Sons. The two are some of the more recognisable former champions of the NA Region. Both strong and talented, but different in their approach, it is clear as you approach them, with their voices raised already.



“You’re bone-headed if you think that is going to work!” Parr shouts at Cyrus. “That will just lead us to the slaughter! Baxter would put our heads in Central Pal Park just for an example!.”



“And you will leave us like sitting ducks if we go with what you are thinking!” Cyrus drops his own personal ‘truth’ on his rival former champion. “Have you not learned from last year when he nearly wiped out your Prodigal Sons in Azteca City! He had you beat before you could even strike-”



“Gentlemen, please stop or else he will eat all of us for dinner…” Katsu interrupts the two men, trying to play peacemaker. “If we fail to learn from our past mistakes it will end in disaster, so we need a plan!”



“Look who finally showed up…” Folding his arms, Parr shows some impatience with the kitsune woman’s tardiness.



“I had to get my guest here geared up for their own protection.” Katsu motions to you as you remain silent, uncomfortable with the situation.



“It was meant to be just us three. I didn’t expect you to bring ‘guests.’” Parr ‘shoos’ you away. “For all we know, you two will gang up on us, or they’re just a spy for The Buddy System!’”



Cyrus, on the other hand, has a small amount of trust in Katsu, but still remains cautious. He simply asks her. “Who is this person, and why are they here?”



Taking a step back, Katsu stands at your side and explains. “I found this person being hunted down by Buddy Cops. They are not from here, and the best way to get them home is through taking Baxter down. So, in a way, they are after the same thing we are.”



Bzzz



Bzzz



Bzzz



Bzzz



The sound of four phones buzzing is heard.



“Great, it must be more propaganda from our ‘friends’ Baxter and Best.”



All four of you take out your phones and press on a notification.



A video opens up and sure enough, it is the large and in charge, Baxter. He’s got a golden crown on his head with an emblem in the middle of the continent with two hands shaking, his black robe barely fits his large frame.



“Hello subjects of my region. This is your Bastard King, the Champion, Baxter, and it is time for your daily update of news from the only man strong enough to lead. And we-”



Bumping into him is the only man to outrank him, the World Champion, Best. He’s much smaller than his lug of a friend and he jumps into view of the camera.



“We are proud to announce new upgrades to your favourite thing in the world, our Friendship Bracelets!”



Seeing Best, Cyrus growls. “The biggest fake I know… Best.”



“Tell me about it. Seeing him one time was enough…” Your Fox friend agrees as you look at the two men with a strange dynamic.



“Tell them all about it, Baxter!” Best looks at his large friend with puppy dog eyes. He holds up the device. The ‘bracelet’ looks more like a metallic collar with various lights on it.



“For the past several years, we have used our bracelets as ways to ‘condition’ people who act unfriendly with a shock to remind them… Being against our Buddy System-”



“-IS NOT VERY NICE!”



Best once again interrupts his friend. He shouts, clearly upset. This dynamic seems peculiar to you. The much stronger Baxter is seemingly at the beck and call of the smaller Best. Even Best’s naive performance is just that, an act. Looking even just under the surface would be greatly disturbing.



“E-exactly, buddy.” Baxter stutters out. “But as I was saying, we have realized that with the growing presence of ‘rebels’ our methods need to be stronger. So installed in the newest update is-”



“Mind control chips!” Excited about their latest update to their invention, Best just carries on. “To protect the Buddy System we so dearly love, we need to take drastic measures! Not everyone is willing to learn…” Head twitching, there is something unnerving about Best. His voice has a crack in it. “So we’ll make them…”



A chill is sent down your spine as the World Champion makes his proclamation.



“And in 48 hours, in Buddy Square Garden, we will celebrate it by sacrificing a friend who broke my heart…”



The camera pans to the side where, chained up against a wall, is a man with a large mustache and wolf ears. He struggles to escape as he looks pale and weak.



“Krash!?” Parr mutters. “Poor man is a glutton for punishment… Hasn’t he been through enough? They’re committed to see him die in so many ways-”



“We will be Cremating him live in front of an audience! Doesn’t that sound FUN!?”



“No!” Katsu shouts. “You’re insane!”



“They can’t hear you, girl.” Parr rolls his eyes.



“Remember…” The camera zooms in on Baxter’s face. Looking into his eyes there is a feeling of discomfort and fear over you. “We are here to make the world… a friendlier place. Champion Baxter, signing off.’



Turning off his phone screen, Cyrus says rather firmly.



“We know where they’ll be, so that makes our jobs easier.” Turning to the rest of you, Cyrus motions towards the statue. “We do not have time to waste. Let us go inside and come up with a gameplan.”



The two other “faction leaders” follow the Exile inside, leaving you outside. You look at the shoreline where tall buildings stand. Billboards begin to advertise ‘The Live Cremation of Krash! Only on the WC Network!” with both Baxter and Best giving thumbs up next to a photoshopped image of Krash burning. There is a sick feeling in your stomach as you follow the rest of the crew inside.







Much of the next hour to you feels like a blur, struggling to grasp an overwhelming supply of information. Inside the podium room is the original version of the torch the statue held, it being moved back inside by the Regime after the old Museum suffered damage in battle. Thanks to some clever technology, the lights are back on to leave the main room illuminated. You and the three faction leaders stand around it, discussing a plan of attack in private. You quickly realise where they will be housing the cremation, what to you is known as Madison Square Garden, in the heart of Manhattan, or whatever ridiculous ‘friend related name’ Baxter and Best renamed it to. When it comes to creating an actual plan of attack, it is a struggle. From body language alone, you can tell there are unresolved issues between Cyrus and Parr. Katsu is often forced to be the tie-breaker and mediator between the two of them. But finally, there’s a general idea of what to do.



“Okay, let me get this as clear as possible so we know what to do.” Katsu has a hologram of the area surrounding ‘BSG’ with key buildings staked out. “Parr will be staked out in the building here to the East. You have a high vantage point and will be able to tell where the ‘Buddy Cops’ are located… My friend and I will be in the abandoned warehouse west of the building. We will be closer to the ground, and disrupt any major threats. Cyrus you will be in the old Subway system. Nobody goes down there these days. They should lead you under the building. When the time is right, us three will approach as you create an opening to get in…”



“Then we will meet up and find where they are keeping Krash.” Cyrus finishes off while Katsu nods her head, giving a small wag of her metallic tail.



“Where is the part where we take Baxter down for good?” Parr asks. “This is our golden chance to get him out of the picture, maybe even Best too while we’re at it.”



“We all want him gone.” Cyrus tries to be realistic with his rival. “But it also would be great to prevent Best and him burning a man alive as this big propaganda moment.”



“In the end, if we can accomplish at least one of those things and make it out alive, it would be ideal.” Katsu, once again, tries to present the middle ground between the two of them. “The two objectives go hand and hand.”



A light buzzing is heard from the outside, followed by beeping sounds. It raises alarm for the three others at the table. You look at them, somewhat concerned.



“Is that a drone?” Parr asks. “Shit, he must have found us here.”



“We’ll check. I will go outside, Katsu, you go to the observation deck above. We'll circle around to see if we find anything.”



Nodding her head, Katsu goes towards the stairs and Cyrus heads to the door, leaving you with Parr. Looking at you, he moves closer, trying to examine you and your intentions. He’s careful, deliberate.



“You’re not from here, aren’t you?” He asks. You shake your head. No, you are not.



“Not much of a talker then, eh? Why on Earth would the fox girl help you then?”



You give no answer, not even a physical clue. You have no idea. She seems nice, though.



“I guess she’s just a bleeding heart then. Though if Cyrus found you, I’m sure he would have left you for dead.” Parr scoffs. “I wouldn’t trust him if I were you. The man has an ego on him and is too hard-headed. He thinks he’s right about everything…”



The man mutters under his breath, clearly holding a grudge against him. “He always held me down. You see this entire system?” Pointing to his chest, he says. “I’m the man who built it. I was born not too far from here in Toronto. So in a way, it’s been my home. After the entire world was thrown into turmoil, I have been the one to keep it from completely collapsing on itself. In terms of every man who has ever called himself ‘Champion’ here, I have been in the position the longest and the most times.”



Looking across at you, there is a determined glare in his eyes. Anger under the surface.



“It was until Baxter came along that the title of greatest was undisputed for me. He poisoned the NA System. Him and his ‘Buddy System’ pals. I tried to stop him, and I got knocked down. I got beaten down worse than anyone else has done to me…”



Leaning on the railing, he looks at the torch. A fire which was once a symbol of hope and prosperity. “But I didn’t quit. I did not fucking quit! I knocked him off once and for all.” Parr holds back potential tears of anger. He hates this feeling. “And some dancing freak picked my bones and he gave it right back to the bastard. All this hard work for nothing… I love this place… And it is ruined.”



Turning to you, Parr looks possessed, he has a feeling of anger and unease.



“I need it back.” Parr breathes heavily through his nose. Each time he got knocked down when he was seemingly on top of the world, or at least North America, eats away at him. He mutters again. “I… I need it back. I need to show I am still the one to lead.”



“Do you know what it is like to work for something your entire life and have it ripped from you time and time again?” He pleads to you. “It’s bullcrap! It makes you feel like everything you’ve done is for nothing, and now this entire continent is in the fat sausage fingers of Baxter! It’s bad enough that I’ve had Cyrus pull the rug out from under me time and time again and now Baxter is doing it again. I’m not even sure what the fox girl’s intentions are. I don’t know what shenanigans she’s pulled with you, but I wouldn’t trust a fox. She’s not even from here.”



Looking over his shoulder, there is no sign of Katsu coming back yet.



“She’s a foreign invader and she’s butting her head in something that isn’t her business.



“Coast is clear from down here.” You hear Cyrus’ voice from outside.



“And from above it is good. Any drone must have been scared off. So we have more time.” Katsu clarifies from above. Parr grabs your shoulder and pulls you in. He whispers.



“Listen, if you’re here for a reason, it is to help me get back to my rightful place. Make things right again. Have my back, and I’ll be sure to set you up with what you need. That much I can give with my seal of executive excellence.”



As both Cyrus and Katsu return to the room, Parr sets to the side, giving a knowing smirk in your direction. The two others take seats on the steps and continue the conversation.



“Before there are any false alarms again, are we all good with the three pronged attack?”



“I have no objections.” Cyrus approves. “Careful, but one which will hit them multiple ways.”



“We have back-up options. If they notice one of us, then we can divert attention away, and open the way for the others.” Parr agrees. Katsu gives some caution to the group.



“Though, knowing how many guards will be in Buddy Square Gardens, having all four of us there is ideal. That means we need clear communication. Remember, we have a common enemy here.”



Looking your way, Parr winks before asking one other question. “And once Baxter is down, I’ll be back as Champion and you two will be my right and left hands-”



“Parr-”



Katsu tries to stop him, knowing the divisiveness of his stance. It is too late as Cyrus shouts.



“Like you will take the throne as champion again!”



Standing up, Cyrus gets in the face of Parr whilst Katsu stands, trying to get between them. The lights of her mask show a red glow as they glance in your direction. Cyrus raises his voice further.



“The whole reason why we are in this scenario is because you were unable to defend the crown in the first place! I thought this was about revenge for you?”



“And revenge is taking my place back! He left me for dead one year ago! I am lucky to be here and worked tirelessly to get back here! I will not rest until I have his head on a pike!”



Cyrus attempts to drop his own ‘Truth’ on his longtime rival. You slowly back up, feeling uncomfortable. There’s clear history between these two.



“You had your time, Parr. We need to rebuild the NA System and gain the strength to take down Best. We both know you are not strong enough to do that-”



“Oh, you’re bringing that up again-”



“SHUT IT!” Katsu shouts. A surprising bit of anger from the usually kind Kitsune. You blink, surprised. You hear her breathing before she finally tries to play peacemaker as best as she can.



“We all would love to take the throne. There will be time to resolve that. But if we are at each other’s throats now, then we will not even have the opportunity to overthrow Baxter.”



“You, take the throne of Champion?” Parr sneers. “You are the least proven of all of us.”



Cyrus raises his hand and looks at Katsu. He looks at the young woman. Unlike Parr, he senses potential in her but he is unsure if she’ll realise it now. “For the sake of entertaining the idea, what would you do if you were champion?”



“I would focus on stabilizing things first, removing the poison of the ‘Buddy System’ and their fake idea of friendship…” Glancing at the large torch which is on display, Katsu continues. “At one point, this statue was meant to be a symbol of freedom. When I thought of coming to North America, this statue was often the first image that would pop into my head. I hope to have that return.”



“Are you suggesting a return to a democracy?” Truth raises his eyebrow at what the young Japanese woman is implying. “Genuine Democracy and not a facade of one?” She gives a nod.



“I know it will not be easy and many democracies may fall to dictatorship, but I am tired of people living in fear. I want this to be a land of opportunity again. It will just take time-”



“Don’t make me laugh!” Parr covers his face. “‘Democracy’ is how the Great War a century ago came to be! People are irrational! They can’t possibly pick the right person! You will just lead to more destruction.”



“What you are proposing Miss is bold, I will give that, but do not confuse your ideal with the truth of the situation.” Cyrus is blunt, but is more respectful compared to the Prodigal Sons leader. Katsu is about to say something, but Parr makes a comment.



“Can’t believe we have a Chinese girl lecturing us about Democracy-”



“I’m Japanese, bitch!” Katsu shouts at Parr, even dropping a rare swear, her patience is wearing thin and now Cyrus has to break Katsu up from Parr and you even find yourself trying to get between them.



“Who the hell do you get that idea from? Sh-”



CRASH!



The building shakes as there is a loud explosion to the outside. You fall to the ground as the others quickly draw their guns.



“Shit, they’re back.” Parr mutters. “Guess you two didn’t pay attention!?”



“They weren’t around when we checked…”



Cyrus grits his teeth, but this conversation is not ready to be had. He and Parr put their differences aside temporarily and head to the door, leaning against the wall, weapons ready. Katsu pulls you up and hands you a blaster. It is time for action. The Kitsune woman reminds you to keep your head down as you hand near the door. You open it and take a peek outside to see several dozen drones. Large metallic spheres about the size of a Basketball. Each has small pistols attached with several launching bombs. Cyrus takes the first shot with precision, taking one out. Parr, wanting to outdo him, takes out two.



“We will head for the docks.” Katsu suggests. “Get in our boats, split them off. Once we lose them, we’ll go to Upper Neo York Bay. When we meet, we will gather ourselves and then head to our positions for the plan.”



The idea is agreed upon by all parties as Katsu rolls out and begins shooting, keeping motion. This young woman is fast. Cyrus and Parr follow, more cautious with their experience. You are timid as you step out from the safety of the podium building. You fire your blaster towards several drones and rush towards the docks. You feel bullets whiz by your head as the three in front of you have a level of calm, they are used to this world. The boats are in view as you head towards the shoreline. You see a bomb shot out from one of the drones towards the bay. Taking your shot, you hit the drone but see the bomb land on one of the boats, creating a large ball of fire!



“For fuck’s sake! That’s the third boat they destroyed!” Parr barks. “How many times can these fuckers do it?”



“Looks like you have to roll with me then…” Katsu hides behind a barrel and takes a few more shots at the drones. She looks to Cyrus and you.



“Cyrus, take my friend on your boat. I will ride with Parr. I can’t trust you two not to rip each other’s heads off… We’ll head to the meeting point.”



Cyrus gives a small salute. Katsu stresses. “Please take care of them.”



“I will. Let’s lose these pests and we will meet soon.”



Throwing explosives in the direction of the drones, the smoke and fire gives the cover needed to get to the boats, you follow Cyrus onto his boat, leaping onto the deck, while Katsu and Parr get on her’s. The engines roar as you both head off in opposite directions, the drones splitting to follow each of you.







As the Neo York shoreline is in the distance, you and Truth speed along in his boat. As night comes, the skyline is lit up with all remaining buildings. The Empire State Building, unless they gave it ANOTHER friendship related name, stands out to you as it remains intact. The drones were a bit of a problem for you. Shooting them in a moving boat was difficult, but you swapped positions with Cyrus long enough for him to take them down. Next stop: The Harbour, and with it, silence.



Glorious awkward silence.



Given the direction the others went, you should be there first. Moving forward, you place yourself in a seat closer to your driver, getting a better view of where you are heading. Sensing your presence, without looking, Cyrus says coldly.



“I thought I told you to keep an eye behind us in case we are being followed?”



You feel tense as Cyrus slightly tilts his head towards you. Pivoting to the side, you follow what he says, looking back to ensure there are no threats on the horizon. Cyrus keeps his eyes forward. Against his best wishes, the silence is driving him mad, so he asks you a question.



“Just so I get this straight, you’re not from here? The Fox found you and is trying to help you get back, right?”



You nod your head as he takes a brief glance at your answer.



“Seems crazy, but you’re lucky it was her who found you and not Parr. I wouldn’t believe shit from him. Parr is opportunistic as they come. Thinks carefully about what he does, not afraid to team up with someone to get ahead, or even create a tall tale. The poor bastard has been knocked down time and time again, I’m wondering if he’s gotten desperate? Teaming with me? As for your Fox friend…”



He gently motions towards you as you poke your head up.



“Katsu only lies about her identity, always hiding in that fox mask. She doesn’t seem like the one to stab someone in the back. Just doesn’t have it in her.” Keeping his eyes on the water, Cyrus continues. “Her YOKAI Team or whatever it is called, and my Truth Seekers had to fight side-by-side not too long ago. I got a good sense of who she is. Skilled as a fighter, potential in her. She’s a dreamer though, soft hearted. I pity her for coming here. People like her are often hunted by the savage hounds who live here.”



Changing gears, Cyrus speeds ahead. The way he talks, monologuing with proficiency. He has a way with words. Drawing you in.



“I suppose when you have been around as long as me, you’ve seen all the types of characters. Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll have what it takes. We’re on a do or die mission. Take Baxter down, save Krash, and we can eventually take down Best. But we need a strong leader. We don’t need an egomaniac like Parr. Katsu’s dream of ‘freedom’ is nice, but it’s going to fail. I’m the only one who can save us at this point.”



Sliding closer, there is a sense of curiosity in you, the wind cutting past your head, engine of the boat roaring.



“I’m telling you this because if you’re stuck here, I don’t want you to make the same mistakes as them. They’re going to get you killed. You’re on this team, but it isn’t going to last. So when that happens…”



Cyrus gives a smirk. “Make smart choices. Pick wisely. Most importantly… Try not to die.”



There’s a cold laugh from Cyrus. He focuses on driving as the harbour is slightly visible in the distance. Not many lights on. After a previous fight there, much of it was destroyed, leaving it unlikely to be occupied. You let the ‘Truth’ of Cyrus weigh on your heart as you head to the docks, waiting for Katsu and Parr.









The wait for the others took a couple of hours, with them being forced off course due to the drone attack. Eventually Katsu and a reluctant Parr made their way on the kitsune women's boat to the remains of the harbour. After touching base, you split once again, this time heading with Katsu towards an abandoned building not far from the site of what is expected to be the final battle. But just as you two made it, the sun began to rise. All three parties agreed to hold off on their mission until night falls to remain hidden.



Resulting in a long waiting game.



The building is long abandoned with several sections having unstable floors and are filled with mice. Other than that, it does not appear to be a popular place. Apart from an occasional homeless person, there is nothing here but trash and vermin. The young lady has done her best to keep you occupied, and even attempted to remove your muzzle to no success with each attempted pull resulting in a painful shock for the both of you. Eventually, the day passes as the moon looms over the city. You and Katsu get in position, but there is a hold-up. Cyrus detects from the underground an increased presence of Buddy Cops around in anticipation for the ‘Cremation’ tomorrow night. Frustratedly, this puts the plan on hold while the three work through any alternative routes.



With Katsu sitting in the open window, on her phone in an attempt to create a plan, you find a chance to take a moment for yourself. Going into the stairwell of the building, each step creeks on the old stairs. The light bulb flickers, barely capable of staying on. You take a seat on the stairwell and look at the phone given to you by Katsu. Its features seem complex, way more than one of modern times, but you are capable of opening a map of the area around the arena. Red dots flash all around. Buddy Cops. They seem to just be increasing. It is as if the Buddy System knows all about the plan. It is a dangerous game this girl has brought you in. But she seems dedicated to protecting you. Can she really get you home? What if you are stuck here?



The feed on your phone shuts off. You tap on the screen, trying to get an image. Eventually it turns back on with a familiar face-



Baxter. He has a smirk on his face, looking directly at you through the phone.



“Ah, there is our dimension hopping friend.” He is talking directly to you. “I thought when you got away you would have ended up with one of those rebels.”



You look up the stairs and feel tempted to go up to show Katsu. But, Baxter stops you. “Don’t think about it. I know your location. If I wanted you dead, I would have done it by now. I may not have the details about your plan, but I know where you’ve been, and I know who you’ve been with. But I like the idea of a show. I don’t want to be complacent. If anything, I might be a bit misunderstood.”



Realising the severity of Baxter’s threat, you remain in the stairwell for now. “Do you want to know how you got here?” He gives a cold chuckle as you feel the hair on the back of your neck stand.



“I sent you here. You have a connection to a version of me from another dimension. One where we are far different. Warriors who engage in combat for entertainment.”



Blinking, you feel weirded out. What? Warriors?



“And… I know you have power in that dimension. The power to change our fates.” He chuckles. “I think in that regard, you and I will get along just fine. I was making my pitch to you earlier, but you got mouthy after I implied you have, well, certain tendencies with what you choose… So I had to muzzle you. Sorry ‘bout that. That’s what I get for listening to the wrong sources.”



HE is the one who muzzled you? You give him a dirty look through the screen. Catching your expression, Baxter can’t help but to find it amusing. He gives a hardy laugh.



“Hahaha, easy now. If anything I know what it is like to be misunderstood. Best and I both. My friend Best is a little different is what I’ll say. He cares a lot about making friends and being a good friend. There are some people who can’t see it. They break his heart, make fun of him, and I help pick him up. Granted there are some times where we don’t always get along…” Looking down, the tyrant shows a bit of humanity in him. His voice catches a bit.



“But I’m all he’s got… and Best is one of the few things I have. And we just want to be there for people in this world. To be the friend they can lean on to protect them. Just sometimes to be a friend, you have to be a bit of a bastard now.”



Looking in his hand, he has a photograph. He keeps it to himself.



“You have to be a Bastard to protect something close to you. That’s what I do. I do that every day for the people I care about and to keep this position because I’m the only one for the job. I know I’m hated for it, but people just don’t get the whole picture. I think if you got to know me you would really understand me better. I’m not a bad guy. I’m just trying to be a friend.”



Putting his picture down out of view, Baxter strokes his beard. “Now, what can I do to be a friend to you? Well, removing your muzzle is one thing. But I think I know what you’re really after.”



Reaching down, Baxter pulls out a weapon. It looks like an assault rifle with a red light along the barrel.



“This is your ticket home. A teleportation gun. I sent the Peacock so far back with this, he’d be long dead before I’d be born, and I can send you back home. But I just need… One thing from you.”



Placing the weapon down, Baxter looks through the screen and in your eyes. “When the time is right, Parr, Cyrus, Katsu, take them all out. Make sure I win this fight. Make sure I keep my place as champion of North America. I’ll get you home.”



Looking back, you think about his ultimatum. Help him get home. But, Katsu has helped you. Cyrus seems to really believe he can save everyone here. Parr? He’s always had a strong tie to here.



“Come on. Do you think they give a rat’s ass about you?” Baxter asks. “They’re using you. Cyrus only cares about himself. Parr has let this System down time and time again. As for Katsu, she’s too young and weak. She only cares about her and her friends, not you. I’m the only one who can help you.”



With a smug look on his face, he says to you.



“I look forward to seeing you soon. Remember, you have a friend in me.”



The screen cuts, going back to the map. You look up the staircase feeling conflicted. Baxter is a tyrant. But can you really trust these strangers? Can you trust anyone? Carefully, you head up the stairs, back to the floor Katsu is on.



Still in her window seat, she is no longer on her phone and instead has something small in her hands. She keeps it somewhat hidden and flicks her mechanical tail, looking at the night sky, dreaming. Quietly, you head back and sit near her. The fox woman is somewhat lost in thought. Gently, you tug on her boot to get her attention.



“Oh, sorry. I didn’t hear you. Just been a long night.” Her mask shows a pink glow, feeling embarrassed.



“But we have a plan. Cyrus overheard that the Buddy Cops will be spreading out soon. So once things are more clear, then we will message each other and get going. Does that sound good?”



You give a slight nod before looking to the side. Baxter’s talk with you is still on your mind. In fact, everyone is. Parr wants you to help him reclaim the throne. Cyrus says you can’t trust anyone else but him. Baxter said the same. Then, Katsu says something which catches you off guard.



“I know you are having a difficult time trusting everyone.” You slide back against the wall. Did she hear you talk with Baxter? Parr? “You only just met all of us. You’re in an unfamiliar world and you’re expected to help us…” Sighing, Katsu leans back.



“And truthfully, I know I can’t trust Parr and Cyrus. Parr would do anything to reach his throne again. This System is forever tied to him, his vision. He doesn’t just want to take the present, but dictate its future. Cyrus is blunt, sees the world one way, and even if we came to a mutual understanding, he has a lot of pride. He wants to do things his way, on his own. If I am no longer of use to him, he will throw me aside.”



Looking at you, Katsu speaks softly, gentle. “And sadly, in the end, all of us want the throne for different reasons. Baxter, Parr, Cyrus, myself. I do not see myself as perfect, I…” She covers where her mouth is on her mask. “I’ll admit, I’d love the glory of being Champion of North America, the one to steer its future. But my vision is a bit different. Do you want to hear my story?”



Signalling yes, with time to kill, let her share her story.



“As you know, I am from the EA System, Japan. I first came to the NA System almost two years ago to get riches and to see what Cali’s world was like. She was born in the North-Western part of this continent. There was so much to get used to, but I’ve been amazed by this place. I grew to love it here, even uh…”



She gives a nervous laugh. “If there are times it does not love me back. I am the small fox here. There are people who judge me for being from a different culture. Or they may take advantage of that fact. It was not easy. I have had people insult my place as a woman, question my background. I tried to teach someone and they tried to kill me in return. Then a friendship fell apart. Several times I had to head back home to recharge physically and mentally. But that love, hope for something more, and to show people that I ‘can’ has always brought me back.”



Peering over, you get a look at what is in her hand. It is a small doll with a round bottom. It has two small fox ears and red markings on its white body. One of its eyes is painted black and the other is black. A daruma. Seeing that you noticed it, she raises it up.



“This. Do you want to know what my dream is?”



You say nothing, but gesture with your hand for her to go on. The LED lights on her mask show her nerves, once again turning pink.



“I want to bring the crown home. Now, now, it is not to brag… Although I would LOVE to see what my friends would think, hehe. But things back home are not easy. Not everything has gone well and much like here, but I want to change that. I want us to be able to overthrow what oppresses us literally and figuratively. Bring people together… I show people what I am doing over here, and I show them it is possible-”



Handing you the doll, you take a look at its eye and you feel yourself getting lost in it. Your head feels hazy as Katsu’s story becomes a haze… You just hear her going on…



“My dream is to inspire-”



You are completely stuck in a fog as you find the doll take you for a brief moment-



Back to your world.



In an alley in Japan filled with cat-themed shops. You look on, unseen, as you see a group of friends. One of them looks like Cali with the rest being eerily familiar to you. They are speaking Japanese, but you… somehow understand it. You hear them all shout “TO YDS!” as the girl in the middle, a young woman with a facemask on, long dark hair with grey dyed tips, colour in the eye of a doll.



“So what’s your wish?” One of them asks who has several piercings. The woman in the middle looks towards the silver haired girl.



“Okay, I told Cali, so I should come clean. Thursday I will be flying to Las Vegas… I’m returning to FWA.”



“Everything is good now!?” The tallest one with colourful hair shouts before giving her friend a HUGE hug.



“It is. And my wish is related to that. Hehe…” She nervously laughs as her friend lets her down.



“Why don’t you tell the others?” Cali, as her name is, smirks.



“All of us shared, so now it is your turn.” The one on the end asks. She seems younger than the rest.



The woman looks and clears her throat before finally sharing.



“I am going to do what I could not do with the Television Championship. I want to bring a championship home with me. I want to share it with you… CJW, the fans all of which brought me out of my mental rut. I’d owe it to you, and maybe, just maybe…”



The young woman covers her mouth, she is feeling emotional.



“Maybe there will be a kid in the crowd who needs someone to look up to. To tell her she can. I remember one of the things that made me want to be a wrestler was watching Grand Tiger walk down the Tokyo Dome aisle with two championships, one in Japan, the other from America. There I thought ‘This man is strong, he’s a real hero, I want to be one like him.’ He inspired me. I am going to inspire someone too.”



“Go get them!” Cali pats her friend on the back before the group of friends share a group hug…



As you snap back to Neo York.



Katsu has her hand on the doll, touching your hand. You feel a warm touch. Her mask shines yellow, a happy colour. Sharing her dream was a weight off her chest. She takes her doll back.



“Just.. I want to do something special. To feel special. To matter in the lives of the people I care about and give them a brighter future. I just need to seize that opportunity.”



There is a sincerity in her voice, passion and heart. The young lady gives you a bow, showing respect.



“Thank you for listening. I wish I could learn more about you, but we need to take Baxter down and get you home. Your friends must miss you. I am sure when you see them, you will give them a big hug.”



Katsu’s phone beeps.



“That must be the signal…”



She holds out her phone and the lights on her mask instantly turn red… Her fist shakes.



“Parr is already almost at the arena!?”



She holds up her phone and sure enough, a teal dot meant to signal where Parr was, is heading right for Buddy Square Garden. Even the red dot for Cyrus is beginning to move.



“That… ass! He was meant to give a signal!”



Furiously, she calls Cyrus, trying to notify him. The phone picks up audio, but it is clear he’s running, you hear him breathing, the echoes of the abandoned subway.



“Cyrus! Parr is on the move! He jumped the gun!”



Through the little audio you get, you hear static, as if Cyrus is fidgeting to answer the phone. He finally holds it up.



“Team is off…Idiot jumped the gun.” He is breathing as he runs. “Everyone for themselves now.”



And you hear a smack and the audio cuts. He broke his phone. Looking up, Katsu grabs her weapon and motions to the door.



“You heard him… Let’s do this.”



Katsu bolts towards the door and you follow, trying to grab your own gun. The chase is on.



All eyes towards the world’s most famous arena. Tonight, there is no cremation, but someone is going to burn.



And deep down, you know:



It will all depend on what you do.





The trek to Buddy Square Garden had its fair share of Buddy Cops, the robotic machines which police Neo York along with individuals rioting and protesting. Katsu kept in front of you, trying to make good on her promise of keeping you safe. She commented that ‘She expected more.’ And low and behold, as you got to ‘BSG’ the amount of machines increased with the presence of Cyrus and Parr. You keep your head low and Katsu leads you to the back entrance, into the building. After looking at the map, a noise disturbed you, from above. Television screens show news footage from the Buddy News Network (BNN) that there is a fight ON top of Buddy Square Garden, featuring Parr, Baxter, and Cyrus. Katsu and you rush up. But you lag behind, feeling uneasy.



You know this is life or death, and the decision you make will affect the lives of these four, and you.





Gunshots and explosives are heard above as you reach the final stairwell, heading towards an entry on the roof. The fighting has already been going on. Katsu told you to stay behind, but no. You have a place in this fight. Shouting is heard as you peak your head over to see the battle.



Scattered across the roof top are the remains of dozens of ‘Buddy cops.’ Their armour turned to scraps and their plastered on smiles creating an unnerving scene. You hide behind the torso of one to get a closer look. Katsu kicks the firearm out of the hand of Cyrus and tries to take him down, but her larger foe tosses her to the side and pulls out a sword. The agile Katsu has to dodge and she tries to hold up with him. Holes are punched in the roof. It is becoming like swiss cheese, as Baxter’s foot slips on the edge, making him lose balance. Parr shouts and tries to push his enemy down to his doom, but a heavy right from Baxter saves him from the deadly fall.



Pushing Katsu down on the ground, Cyrus swings his sword but Katsu dodges it, rolling to the side. Her mask gives a red glow, she’s furious now.



“You had to abandon this team? You’re no better than Parr and Baxter!”



“You’re too young to understand!” Cyrus proclaims. “You never will!”



Baxter grabs Parr by the throat and holds him up. “Why is it always you? Why can’t you give up! The NA System is no longer yours!”



“It is mine…” Parr grunts, kicking his leg against the much larger Baxter. “-and it always will be!”



Parr kicks off his chest and escapes, flying back, he crashes into Katsu and the two tumble. Baxter sees his chance to charge at Cyrus. The crafty warrior trips up Baxter and exchanges strikes with him. The Truth-Seeker is fast and quick while Baxter is slow, but each strike is capable of knocking him down. Katsu kicks Parr in the chin and Parr responds with a kick to the gut. The two lock up and try to exchange elbows and knees.



“I expected more from you!” Cyrus throws a roundhouse, catching Baxter on the jaw. “You can’t let Best do this to you! Can you see you’re his pawn?”



“He’s a friend… Something you’ll NEVER have!” Baxter throws a left uppercut, catching Cyrus under the chin.



Parr has knocked Katsu to the ground. The woman’s mask has a slight crack forming. He shouts towards her.



“Why are you sticking your nose in this?” He tries to stomp her head but she catches her foot. He pushes down, trying to crush her head. “You’re not from here. You don’t belong with us!”



“I…” Katsu begins to push up against Parr’s boot. “I belong… I have more to offer than you do!” She pushes Parr into Baxter who simply throws him over to Cyrus.



The Champion of the NA System steps towards Katsu and has a clear size advantage over her. Katsu’s mask has begun to break off, showing her eye. Her breathing is heavy, but she’s got a fight in her.



“Is this your best?” She goads Baxter towards her. “I showed you… I have the spine to face you.”



There’s a rare smirk from Baxter. “You’ve grown one… Now how about I break it?”



He roars and runs full steam ahead towards Katsu who rolls out of the way. She kicks him in the back, but this only angers the big man who scoops her up and slams her onto the roof! Parr and Cyrus gather themselves and turn to see each other. Parr gives a dirty glare…



“You had to get involved with this and take my spotlight. You don’t need this… I’m done being behind you.”



“You’ll be done for good after this… The Truth is, you never were good enough-”



Cyrus with a deep cut sparks Parr to double leg him and he runs directly into Baxter! All four are in a pile, scrapping with each other.



Katsu, unfortunately, is under the mass of Baxter. She looks and finally notices you. You see her exposed eye and the pain she is in.



Baxter falls back and nearly crushes her as she narrowly avoids his elbow. The Champion looks and sees you. You can see it in his eyes, he wants you to help.



Cyrus throws a punch and catches Baxter in the jaw, pulling him up. He sees you. You can hear him mouth ‘Run!’ towards you, wanting you to get out and fend for yourself.



Parr jumps on Cyrus’ back and tries to lock him in a choke hold. His desperation and hunger is apparent. His rival attempts to buck him off and he looks, finally seeing you’ve arrived. “Do something…” you see him mutter.



Looking at your weapons, the world around you slows down. You are frozen in time. Grabbing an explosive from your belt, it is about the size of a baseball or cricket ball. Leaping up, Katsu scraps with her rivals and glances towards you.



It is now or never. Pulling your arm back, you throw the explosive in the direction of the people vying to be champion. The explosive is lighter than you expected and it sails just over Baxter’s head and lands behind them, creating a loud crash that sends all four of them to the ground! Then…



Crack…



Crumble…



The roof begins to break! You back away as entire sections of the roof begin to crumble and give weigh, holes becoming craters, showing the arena below and the opening goes under the champions-



And they all fall!



If you could shout, you would as you reach out, stopping yourself to prevent yourself from meeting the same fate. A pit is in your stomach. Your ticket home is gone. Four people aiming to be royal, meeting an untimely fate. You turn around as you hear-



“Help!”



Jolting back, you look to see the four are hanging on for their lives.



Katsu cries out as she holds onto a steel beam. Baxter is hanging upside down, his leg caught between two beams as he tries not to fall. Cyrus is hanging onto a cable, trying to pull himself up, but it is beginning to tear. Parr is hugging onto a pillar, trying not to slip his grip.



Looking towards your tools, you see the grappling hook given to you by Miyu. You can save someone… But who? Each has their own reasons to be saved. Whether their personal ambitions or promises to you. In the end:















YOU DECIDE

>BAXTER

>CYRUS

>PARR

>KATSU































BAXTER

Looking at Baxter with his foot caught you remember, he has the weapon to bring you home. Without him, you’ll never get to leave. Grabbing your hook, you swing it and throw it in his direction. It takes him a second to notice, but he grabs the rope as you tie it to an AC unit. There’s no way you can pull his weight up. Slowly, Baxter pulls himself up. He struggles, but finally gets his leg uncaught, The rope of it is strong as he pulls himself back on the roof-



And you hear the screams of the three others.



They were not so lucky.



Surprised, Baxter catches his breath.



“I’ll be damned. It worked… It actually worked. You did well…”



Putting his hand on your shoulder, he gives you a hardy pat before he pulls himself up, limping on his leg.



“A deal is a deal. Now I had it in the fight… But it was dropped. Where is your ticket home…”





Baxter hobbles around, looking towards one of the vents. He reaches down and motions for you to come over.



“I think I found it.” He turns around and-



You feel something tightly grip your throat! You pull and feel something metallic with bumps on it, several lights-



The “Friendship Bracelet!” You struggle to get it off as Baxter laughs.



“What’s wrong? Oh, it isn’t what you expected?” Grabbing you, he holds you up and you feel his tight grip.



“I said we were going to be friends. I meant it. I have been meaning to test this out. So this is your reward. THIS is your new home and I… am your new best friend… This is going to hurt… a lot. But it will be all worth it.”



Pressing a button on the collar you feel a painful shock throughout your body as you drop to the ground. Your body convulses with each pulse of electricity. A voice keeps ringing in your ear.



“YOU ARE A FRIEND! FRIENDS OBEY! FRIENDS LISTEN! FRIENDS ARE FOREVER!”



You look up as your vision begins to fade… Reaching out, you make one last plea for help. Baxter looks over you with a smirk, similar to that of Best.



“Welcome home, friend. Welcome home.”



And you finally lose consciousness.





CYRUS

Looking down at Cyrus, you feel for his plight. His long journey. A man who tried not to risk your life. He was right about many things. Maybe he deserves to fight another day? Grabbing your hook, you swing it and throw it in his direction. Cyrus grips it with his free hand. Before he begins to pull himself up, you tie it to the AC unit for more stability. This rope is strong as Cyrus pulls himself up, finally getting to safety-



As three screams are heard below.



The others could not be saved.



Wiping blood from his nose, Cyrus is beaten, but not defeated. Pulling himself up he looks impressed.



“Well, you surprised me…” He says. “I didn’t think you’d have it in you. Thank you. I owe you.”



Standing up. “I have a lot of work to do. We still have to find Krash. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s locked in the basement. Then we will rebuild and get Best. I think there will be a golden opportunity ahead to do that.”



Looking out at the city, the Buddy System billboards disgust Cyrus. He points to the signs.



“We’re going to rid this place of their influence. And you’re going to help me. Welcome to the Truth-Seekers. We’re few, but proud. Now go down, and check if the coast is clear for us.”



He pats you on the back and you head down at his request. As you get to the stairs, you feel something is missing. Looking back you see Cyrus picking up from the ground-



The weapon which is meant to take you home. You try to shout out, but your jaw is locked still from the muzzle. Cyrus looks at the weapon and sees ‘The Buddy System” written on it. He takes the gun and-



He throws it down the building to the ground.



You’re stuck here.



With a heavy weight on your chest, you head down to check.



If you are going to be staying here.



At least now you have a truth to seek.













PARR

You look at the man who has built the NA system up and is the most passionate about it. Someone who wants the best for it. He wants to help you. Throwing the hook, the rope is grabbed as Parr jumps, just managing to get hold. You struggle to keep his weight, but a handy AC unit is nearby and you tie your hook to it. All Parr needs to do is pull himself up the rope. Eventually the Prodigal Son pulls himself, collapsing on the roof-



As three screams are heard as the others fall below.



Covering his face, he wheezes before showing a big grin.



“I- I did it! I’m back! I-I’m the champion of the NA System again! Haha!” He looks at you, showing a wide grin. Looking down at the pit, he sees the bodies of those who tried to take his place.



“I’m done with you! I’m done with all of you! This is mine!”



You back up, feeling slightly concerned, weirded out. This man is obsessed. You’re almost tempted to push HIM down too, but he turns around and recognises you and your efforts.



“You… You fucking hero. I’m so happy you chose right. I need someone like you.” Getting up, Parr is showing some of the effects of the fight, but he has high spirits.



“Consider yourself a Prodigal Son. I’m going to secure my legacy and train you as one of my potential successors.”



Looking at the ground, he picks up a weapon-



The weapon. The one that Baxter showed you, your ticket home.



“Because I have high ambitions. When I move on to bigger things, we’ll need to keep the champions within a certain circle… if you catch my drift.”



You tap his shoulder, he turns around. “Oh? Do you need something else? Wait, I got it.”



You smile under your muzzle, expecting to be sent home.



“You want that damn muzzle off. Listen, I don’t know how without potentially killing you, so we’ll figure that out later. For now, go and clear out the building. I’ll see you after. I need to look at my land…”



Disappointed, you head towards the stairwell.



Hoping that once you get your muzzle off, you can finally head home.



Unfortunately for you, Baxter will be brought back from the dead and take the crown from him again, next month. Typical.





KATSU

Seeing the woman who helped you now struggling, you know it is time to return the favour. Swinging your hook, you throw it and it just flies over her head and she grabs it. Katsu is light so you begin to pull her up, with her doing her best to climb up. Finally, you see her hand pull herself up on the roof. She leaps forwards and embraces you, giving you a big hug.



With the three others in the background screaming as they fall down.



You hear her sobbing. Sobbing tears of joy. She lets go of her hug and you see her exposed eye shedding a tear. “T-Thank you.” Katsu sniffles. “Thank you so much. I promised to protect you and you saved my life. T-Thank you…”



A warm feeling is in your heart. This woman’s kindness is infectious. She gives a small bow of respect. You look and notice the large crater in the roof, and it finally dawns on her.



“Wait, i-if the others are gone that means… I. I am the champion now? I can’t believe it!” She covers her face. Her mask lights up yellow. She is over the moon. “I never thought it would happen. I have dreamed of it. I have all these goals but… This feeling is so strange. You never predict how you really… feel in a moment like this.”



As she attempts to calm herself down, you are surprised at the amount of anxiety she has, though it is relatable.



“I am going to have so much work to do. But the first thing I need to do is fulfill my promise. You deserve it. I-I know your friends must miss you.”



Standing up, Katsu has a slight stiffness in her walk. The battle was hard on her.



“Now where was it? I know it was knocked out of his hand, a-hah.” She leans down with a grunt and picks up-



The teleportation gun that can send you home.



She flips up a screen and presses buttons on it. “So it was 2024… in Dimension number… 683. This should take you home.”



Katsu’s mask lights up a blue colour. She’s got mixed feelings now. Nodding her head.



“If I ever need you, I know where to find you. But maybe we can meet again after I fix this place? Believe me, even though I never got your name, I will not forget what you have done for me.”



Standing in place, you close your eyes, ready to be sent home.



“Goodbye, friend.”



You feel a warm pulse through your body. When you open your eyes, you find yourself in front of a computer screen. You are in your house, and you see the date. The 29th of July, the year 2024. You are home. You are really home now.



In front of you is a story by a friend of yours. She’s a bit strange, truth be told. This story has a weird post-apocalyptic vibe with time travel, some meta humour and probably some crazy ideas which will fly over your head. “This girl must be nuts.” You mutter to yourself, feeling no restriction around your jaw. Glancing to the side of your desk, there is something there that is not yours.



It’s a doll. It has a round bottom with red and white markings on it. There are two fox ears on it and two white blank eyes. Is that the doll Katsu had? Under it is a note. It is typed up and has a small drawing in the corner. Unfolding it, you give it a read.