jigokulogs | [OPEN] harrowing hell zone act 1

Drifter Grifter

[Metal wasn't the type of person to fall for the drifter's particular brand of scam; it's not because he was able to see through it or anything, but rather he was too cynical to even respond in the first place. He had a vague recollection of being approached by someone of his description seeking some charity and a small bit of kindness in the form of a meal and some money, but he totally ignored him. In hindsight, he finds it kind of droll that this was the man the Enma had mentioned wanting to apprehend all things considered.

But that's about where the amusement ends. Now that it's his assignment, he's on the hunt. Robocop's out there and he's determined.

Though he isn't particularly used to this method of finding someone. In the past he'd simply fly to the general area and search for something by his own hand, but now that he's powerless he's forced to gather intel and investigate like a normal person would. HE DOESN'T LIKE IT.

But there's no choice. You, random citizen, are about to be stopped in the street by a robotic hedgehog.]

Halt.

[Yeah that's it.]

Edited 2022-09-15 21:26 (UTC)

[Soundwave is one of those people who got duped by the drifter. He had given the drifter hospitality in his apartment and even bought him a meal- not because out of the kindness of his spark, but at the promise of information. Information about Iron Bear. That actually ended up too good to be true, and the drifter disappeared on him.

Wanting retribution, he's out on the street as his holoavatar. The swindler hasn't seen his holoavatar yet, so he's slightly hoping that he'd try to scam the avatar, not knowing it was Soundwave.

So far he hasn't had any luck being approached by him or locating him. Still looking and asking around here and there, until a voice clearly not of organic nature tells him to halt. The avatar tilts his head slightly at a.... blue robot animal thing. He doesn't know what a hedgehog is.]

What is it.

A lone male in black garb recently entered the city. He has been taking advantage of the naive with the promise of information regarding Iron Bear in exchange for food, drink and monetary compensation, only to abandon them without fulfilling his end of the exchange. It is likely he possesses no information at all to begin with.

Have you, or somebody you know, been a victim of this individual or perhaps been targeted by him?

[Yeah that's pretty good, he thinks to himself. He's been working on trying to sound official since he's supposed to be a cop or something, so he figures people will respond to that better than his default approach of impatient threats.]

[Oh, this little robot sounds like it could be with the Enma. Have they created a robot without him noticing? Hmm. Regardless, he isn't exactly pleased talking with a robocop - just low opinion on cops in general.]

Yes. I am one of the victims. [The avatar sighs. Even with the mask, there's a hint that he's embarrassed to have fallen for the drifter's con. He misses his lie detecting magic powers....]

I see. Where did you see him last?

[Not that he's an ace detective or anything, but tracking isn't beyond him. Clues will help.]

My apartment. He excused himself to use the bathroom, and then he was gone when I checked the room five minutes later.

[Again, he's a bit infuriated at that. Would've noticed the escape earlier if he had his powers still.]

He might still be hiding in this street, somewhere. He can't have been far.

[He falls quiet briefly.

Considering this guy's behaviour, he might have an idea of where he could go next...but it all depends on one thing:]

Did you this man receive any money from you before he escaped?

Edited 2022-09-23 19:25 (UTC)

He asked for a few thousand, but I only gave up 200 yen with the promise of giving the requested amount if he delivered his information first.

[Needless to say, he failed on that, but he didn't escape with a hefty pocket on him. Never give up your side of the bargain before getting your information, after all.]

Any more questions? I was in the middle of tracking him down...

As am I.

[...is that a little impatience in his tone? It might be impatience.

But he moves on from it quickly like it wasn't even there.]

Had you turned over a substantial amount of money, it would have made more sense to investigate places where it could be spent, in particular for dining. But given the actual amount was insignificant I believe you are on the right track.

[Good job, Soundy.]

Let's go.

[METAL SONIC] has FORCED HIS WAY INTO YOUR PARTY]

Dogged the bounty hunters

[The truth is, he hasn't settled in enough just yet to know exactly how much force he's allowed to use in his goal of dissuading any of the local bounty hunters from continuing the search for iron bear. Perhaps if he'd landed himself in Shuten he would've taken more liberties with it, but for now he's holding back from his usual level of force.

Understand though that it's his usual level of force. As you're passing by an alleyway, it's just in time to see a bounty hunter get thrown to the floor right at your feet. He looks up a little desperately, almost as if he's about to ask for help, before something unseen within the shadows grasps his ankle and pulls him back in. All you'll be able to make out are two glowing red eyes in the darkness, only briefly landing on you before retreating into the shadows enough to vanish along with its prey.

Investigate? You'll probably be fine.]

[Azula has had a lot on her mind when she's been patrolling- between bounty hunters, ordinary crime, and her continuing hunt for Leshy, she's got a lot to focus on.

She's in the habit of patrolling the rooftops more than the streets, so when she sees the commotion in the alleyway down below- somebody is getting assaulted, hurled around with force by something powerful, being dragged away into the darkness-

It's him. Adrenaline surges through her. It's him. She sees glowing eyes in the darkness, and her jaw sets. A single acrobatic leap carries her through the air, and she rolls across the street into the darkness of the alley in a fighting stance, ready to challenge...

A... blue metal thing. Ah. That's decidedly not him.

Actually, she's pretty sure she's seen it around the Enma offices recently- probably a new colleague, then. Her fighting posture immediately relaxes into a more casual stance as the adrenaline rush wears off, glancing from the metal creature to its unfortunate, near-unconscious victim.]

Mind if I ask what's going on here?

[She's already here, so she may as well do her job.]

[And as she enters the alleyway, she'll get a clearer picture of the situation: it isn't just the guy she saw. There are several bounty hunters - alive at least, judging by their moans and groans, as well as the way they clutch their injuries - scattered around the alleyway.

And while it's likely they retaliated against this weird little metal hedgehog, it's hard to tell if they were at all successful in trying to fight him off. He doesn't look worse for wear, but...he also isn't flesh and blood either, so maybe it's just hard to tell.]

In the interest of public safety, independent factions working towards the bounty offered for Iron Bear are to be dissuaded from participation.

[He glances down at the guy he's holding by his shirt before just dropping them abruptly, looking back up at Azula then.]

I dissuaded them.

Edited 2022-09-16 17:10 (UTC)

So I see.

['Dissuaded' was certainly a word for it. It had neutralized them with... well, she wouldn't call it efficiency, but it was certainly effective. And left them all alive, no less.

It was impressive for something done with brute force rather than finesse or unique abilities. Particularly if it was still impaired from arrival.

It was, at least, willing to have a conversation.]

I don't believe we've been introduced, you may call me Azula.

[She flashes her own Enma badge to identify her allegiance. It shows the rank of Sergeant, something she apparently didn't think was worth mentioning when she introduced herself.]

Good work, by the way.

Understood. My name is Sonic.

[Her title is apparently something he doesn't put stock into either, judging from the fact he doesn't really react to the badge or her commendation.

That doesn't mean he can't make use of her being an authority figure here though, given he did question whether the amount of force he was using when dealing with the bounty hunters strewn across the alleyway was appropriate or not for their faction.

(Not that it actually stopped him from beating them up, though.)]

Then, Azula, is this considered an appropriate response when eliminating targets? I exercised restraint and kept them alive for that reason, but your input would be appreciated in setting parameters for future endeavours.

[Unless the big guy himself says otherwise, but rules of thumb are a nice thing to have.]

Edited 2022-09-16 23:10 (UTC)

[There's something gratifying about being consulted as an authority, even on something as trivial as this. It's been far too long.]

In general, the use of such excessive force should only be used in cases that present a danger to public safety.

[She gives a slightly wider smirk.]

However, these bounty hunters certainly are dangerous to the public- after all, participating in this absurd farce is going to get people killed if we don't dissuade it. In this case, I would say you used a perfectly justifiable level of force.

~~[Welcome to the Department of the Enma. We are the best cops.]~~

Understood.

[ALSO VERY ACCEPTABLE.

He was actually concerned he'd have to be, y'know, good? Nice? Treat people with a level of decency that doesn't dehumanize them? But if he can go around beating the shit out of people to "maintain order" this suits him just fine. This cop stuff is easy.

He turns then to address the bounty hunters.]

You have been adequately warned. Failure to comply will result in escalated levels of force in order to ensure your safety.

[Yeah that's an appropriate sounding level of bs, he's happy with that.]

Edited 2022-09-17 07:56 (UTC)

[... oh, she likes him already.]

Will you require any further assistance detaining and processing them, or are you just letting them off with a warning this time?

[Yes, 'letting them off with a warning,' that's definitely what he just did to them.]

They have been adequately cautioned. Should they continue to pursue danger, then clearly they desire the consequences of their recklessness.

[So yes, letting them off with a warning. Processing and detaining sounds so very official and he isn't really about that...at least as long as he can put it off. Maybe it's unavoidable.]

I will continue my patrol in search of others like them. Do you wish to assist?

[That's a relief. She wasn't looking to spend the day helping with the paperwork, though it might have been amusing watching the more sanctimonious Department members grill him about how aggressive he was with the bounty hunters.

Mostly because he didn't seem to emote much, so she can't imagine how he would even respond.]

Oh, very well, I suppose it's my duty as an officer to provide aid and guidance the newer members of the Department.

[...And honestly, it's what she was probably going to do anyway, she may as well do it with metal backup.]

[Metal Sonic has joined your party!]

[With that, our extremely well adjusted duo make their way out of the alleyway and into the city, all in search of people to dissuade. He's quiet for a while, perhaps something she might have expected even from how brief their interactions have been so far, but eventually he does speak up as they're on their way.]

Your position. [He looks up at her.] Was it afforded to you as a result of merit?

[The question amuses her, though she avoids laughing at it. This place had different ideas of merit than she did.]

I was a dedicated worker, I got results, and I was subtle enough to avoid creating conflict with the other factions. Evidently that was adequate.

[Of course, to her mind, there were far more productive causes for Enma to have his followers pursue, but, well, it wasn't the Department of Azula, now was it?]

Why, are you angling for eventual promotion yourself? You don't strike me as much of a social climber.

I have no strong feelings either way on the prospect of gaining authority within the department. Your assessment is correct.

[He did try to take over the world not long before arriving here, but it wasn't exactly similar to getting authority the way he would in the Enma. On top of that, the plan was a little out of character for him and he can admit that - might have just been the power rush he got from newfound sentience.

But hey, cards aren't ever truly off the table. Maybe he will try to rise in the ranks one day.]

But my arrival was not long ago - I wanted to understand the workings of the department. That those who display themselves as capable are rewarded is...promising.

[More than he was ever afforded from Eggman.]

There are always rewards for the capable, whether they're granted by a nation or group or taken for yourself.

[...Ah, good, the best guidance for a new recruit, how to be a conniving sociopath.]

Your first priority was to understand your environment beyond a superficial level. That tells me that you're at least reasonably intelligent.

My AI chip contains three output links capable of working in tandem with my internal CPU, in order to execute mathematically logical enactment alongside a simultaneous analog neuro-connection between all of my internal components. To say I am "reasonably intelligent" is an understatement.

[Technobabble with a side of arrogance.

Still, he doesn't need too much guidance in the domain of conniving sociopath thankfully. He's got experience...although trying to keep that side of himself under wraps for obvious reasons.]

What I truly wish to regain here are my own strengths. I have found my functionality is highly limited in this place.

[... She studied technology when she got to the city. She got pretty familiar with it. That was barely comprehensible, which meant it was extremely advanced or he was making it up. She could think of no motivation for him to make it up.

Hm. That was troubling. 'Reasonably intelligent' indeed.]

Yes, we all experience that when we first arrive. If it's any comfort, the Department can restore your 'functionality' to you as well, but you'll have to earn it.

[She's still not sure how they can control that, and her attempts to find out have been... less than productive.]

So be it. I am no stranger to hard work.

[And this time he's actually choosing to do it, too. Everything's coming up Metal.]

Besides which, I remain proficient in combat even now.

[Speaking of, just up ahead...he spots some more of those bounty hunters.]

Targets acquired.

[POWER STANCE TAKEN LET'S DO THIS SHIT.]

[She spots more bounty hunters ahead, but- apparently he saw them as well, because he's already announcing his intent and moving into a fighting stance.

...Is that a fighting stance? It's difficult to say, considering his... construction.

Hmmm. She'd initially considered a stealthier approach, but she could work with this. And this way, she could possibly observe him in action, at least. Perhaps stealth just wasn't his strong suit.

So she springs into movement herself- not engaging with the bounty hunters, but leaping up to the rooftops again, a couple acrobatic jumps from the fire escape to the windowsill to the top of the building, where she vanishes from sight.

Don't worry, buddy, you've got this. She's got every confidence in you.]

[Fortunately, leaving doesn't necessarily bother him; against a bunch of mooks he isn't really fussed about having someone along, but Metal's a loner...no, really, to the extent it's actually kind of a problem, so when he finds himself suddenly thrust into a 1vgroup scenario he doesn't even figuratively blink. He pauses at her sudden exit, then approaches the group regardless and announces his intentions, which obviously escalates into conflict given that was his intent and she'll get to see what he's made of in the ensuing conflict.

Because while he does seem to possess a proficient amount of martial skill when it comes to actually throwing a punch or kick, it's his astounding level of athleticism that's really worth watching. Ironically Metal is light on his feet despite his name, engaging in feints, weaving between attacks and even using surrounding objects like street signs and walls to launch unexpected attacks or impressive evasive manoeuvres.

Of course, it's not like he's waging some flawless one sided battle either. He is operating with the bare minimum here, so it's not like he isn't taking any hits back, but he seems like he's able to handle it for the most part.]

[Well.

If this is him diminished, she's certainly interested in knowing what he's capable of at full strength. It seems that he clearly has more than just brute strength and a metal body going for him- though the latter seems to be helping him as well. Still, she's impressed.

She keeps her elevation, not getting involved in the fight, just waiting for the inevitable- yes, there it is. Two of the bounty hunters break off from the rest, abandoning their allies to their fates and trying to duck down the alley to escape, and that's when Azula leaps down into a crouch in front of them, one leg extended to trip the first fleeing man.]

Leaving so soon?

[She's the taunting type, it turns out.

She rises to her feet, dodges the wild swing from the second bounty hunter, and grasps his wrist, twisting his arm around his body to turn him back toward Metal Sonic and shove him back into the fight.]

[It just so happens that as the pair who broke away attempted to flee, his head snapped around a full 180 degrees independent of his torso to keep track of them. However, he was so busy dealing with some of the others still that he only managed to look in time...to see Azula return, as well as shove one of the men towards him.

His torso rights itself - once again rotating independent of his head - and he ignites his jet. It is a far cry from its original power, but it has enough juice in hell to propel him forward with a split second of ignition. Azula shoves the man towards him and he launches himself forward to meet him, fist raised to clock him right in the face with a heavy metal fist.

Teamwork!...unintentional on his part, but there you go.]

[Oh, the rotating joints are unsettling. And the jet propulsion is... well, actually, she knows a similar trick, though she can't help but feel that her own technique is a bit more refined.

This metal creature was apparently quite a bag of tricks, even impaired, and she isn't certain if it was improvisation or simple luck that he manages to take out the bounty hunter so efficiently using her throw.

The first bounty hunter she tripped begins slowly trying to crawl away, and without looking she levels a kick backward, striking his head and dazing him. He stops crawling. Azula surveys the defeated bounty hunters and raises her eyebrows.]

Well, you work quite efficiently. I approve. Do you need, uh...

[... a doctor? A mechanic? She was going to go with mechanic.]

... repairs?

A quick diagnostic reveals no internal damage. External damage...

[A few scratches on his paint job, that's definitely a nick in his forearm, isn't it? It's fine, whatever.

The little dent on his head's chassis...well, it's just that, little. He can leave it for the moment.]

I have yet to encounter someone working within the Enma who can perform repairs. Both individuals who offered are now within separate factions.

[Yeah he's this kind of guy. They were nothing but friendly and hospitable to him and now he's suspicious of both of them, even though they had nothing to do with their assignment into their respective factions.]

Do you know anyone?

[In truth, she did not. She wasn't exactly technology reliant, so it hadn't been a priority for her, and she wasn't... great at networking.]

It could be useful for you to cultivate working relationships with those contacts in other factions. We do have to work with them from time to time, after all.

[Which was true, though it also rather conveniently avoided answering his question.]

As long as you're mostly functional, I expect they won't be able to fleece you just for minor fixes.

I see. Cross-faction cooperation is also "part of the job".

[He's fairly rigid on not cooperating with potental enemies unless absolutely necessary, but the fact it's expected has given him some wriggle room.

Metal nods.]

You have been very informative, Sergeant. I have much to think about.

It can be, but don't forget where your full allegiance lies, of course.

[Not that she was that invested in loyalty to the Department, but she may as well play along for the newcomer's sake.]

I'm always happy to offer assistance, it's the least I can do as an officer.

[Much to think about indeed. He'll probably be a lot less "teamwork makes the dreamwork" about it and more "carefully uses people to his advantage" instead...

But for now they can just keep beating people up. Or one of them wanders off at some point.

Either way.]

[OPEN] harrowing hell zone act 1

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Ah, yes, the best person to ask for ethical guidance.

tbf if she said "no dont do this again" he'd be like "how bout i do anyway" so she's the best senpai

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1/2

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good place to wrap up the thread if you're cool with it?