Episode 6: Remember the Reasons

[Victoria Nelson]

"To take you in, as it was already mentioned." Victoria replied. "I believe it is not wise to yell at each other or make such assumptions, but I believe it is an area of expertise you and Mr.Andersen share." Victoria said in a joking manner knowing Tank's attitude from the reports. He rarely misses a chance to be rude to others or have a normal and humane conversation. Some of these Resistors have always been giving off sort of animalistic air... quite heavy and crude. She is not fond of that kind of behavior and heavily looks down on individuals like Tank who appear to solve most of their issues by crude force and little regard for others. His behavior belongs to things Eden's ideology abhors- even Silver Knights dislike having members of his kind... those that cannot be reasoned with using words... one must use brute force to deal with him.

"I am not here to discuss conspiracy theories you have been told about Eden or Silver Knights- wish I had time to play those silly children's games. All I can offer is safe have under Eden's control; not infested with the craze going on right now. We just need some information; that is all. If we wanted to harm you, trust me, there are far more efficient options than this." She explained. Considering how many enemies and rivals both organizations have they are not without theories about them being secretly bad guys or whatever. Truly, there are people within with sickening intentions, but there is no organization without them. Best they can do is prevent them from going any further and squeezing every bit of info out of the lunatics. Victoria is busy woman and all this mess is just an annoyance to her- she would prefer to be buried in paperwork than to help two random people who mean nothing to her or to the organization, but her word in it did not matter to superiors. Their situation is not that dire and information they have can be easily extracted anyways if Victoria is sent to search it. 

[Markus Hederick]

"Completely agree with what you said about Tank," Markus remarked, which will probably warrant a death stare from Tank. "As for everything else you said, I'm not buying it. If you didn't have time to talk about the so-called conspiracies, then you surely didn't have time to tail Noland unless there was either a motive or an order. Or do you expect me to believe that someone who works for both the Knights and Eden has her own time to look at someone who doesn't have a contract or a label on him?"

"Let's just forget about the conspiracies for a moment. Do you even realize how much damage this situation has caused Noland? Why are you all doing this to him? He's minding his own business. He even helped the Knights with Cyber as much as he didn't want to..." With that last line, Markus was fully intent on getting them to realize that this was far bigger than what he's attempting to find out. Their actions are actively affecting the Resistors, and Markus wants to see it stopped right now.

[Victoria Nelson]

Victoria sighed. Sooner or later that question would have been asked and they had the right to have it answered. However, she could not allow them to have all the information. Classified and sensitive information she was in possession in could make bigger chaos if they were to get out there and then so she had to hide it. There were still 'parts' of the bigger reason she could speak of and that were partially truthful.

"He was given an item by Asuka Izumo. That is his label. Item might or might not be of Achron origin which could be a big problem if left unattended... For that reason we have been stubbornly prying into his private life even though it is an act which contradicts our ideology. We, originally, wanted to do it without causing such issues, but it did not work out. Silver Knights are powerful, but having a potential Achron artifact should be beyond their capabilities... this makes not just Eden but others wary of Silver Knights as a whole." Victoria immediately mentioned the item Noland received. Being in her position, learning about Noland's 'test' and the item he received is nothing that requires lots of effort. She only does not know which exact item that is- she knows it is 'something'. Still, that was only part of the truth and most things she chose not to reveal then and there. 

"I hoped to grasp the opportunity and learn anything directly or indirectly from you, but it seems I will not. We would like to, but we cannot just stop with our actions. Simply- we do not trust what is happening and how anything of Achron is involved. For all we know that young man might be carrying a weapon and he does not know it himself. Though if we bring it up or try to seize it then it will just cause more inner complications..." Victoria explained. She did not like the fact that people were 'randomly' given out items which carry alloys akin to Achron ones in them. The question here, even more important, is how Victoria knows about Achron and about items related to it. "If you have anything tell me while there is still time. If not then tell your friend to speak to Asuka Izumo- I am sure she knows better than us why he is being pursued." Victoria finished.

[Markus Hederick]

Markus wasn't aware of any item. He didn't pay any attention to that since Noland never mentioned that he was given something. If that was accurate, that still doesn't explain why they were following him prior to him getting the said item...

"Interesting..." Markus accepted...for now. "Alright. Just to be fair, I'll let you know this. As for what happened at Legion, I'm the one who killed him. He brought Mr. Hardy and the former Legendary Soldiers back and attacked us. Unbelievable, I know, but it's true. He did that as a human too. As for how and why that is...I'll tell you about that once you tell me the entire truth and stop what you're doing. You have my word."

[Tank Stryker]

Tank was surprised Markus was nice enough to even give her that information. He was more surprised at what he was hearing though. It seems like neither the Knights or Eden can be trusted just as Markus had said. He's not surprised by that though. He's really surprised that Markus was actually right.

"I'm not an expert on this or anything, but...Victoria, I want you to think about something before you put eyes on Noland again," Tank spoke up. "You're Noland right now. You're the guy who everyone is calling a hero. You've become so powerful that even the Silver Knights are calling you the strongest. You've never been closer to your best friends as you are now. To top it all off, you're with a girl who you really like."

"But, you have to remember, as much as you're trying to be happy and do things the right way, you can't, because you're responsible for the deadliest massacre in U.S. history after the police shot your little brother. Don't worry about what was done to you. You're a 'niglet chimp' who should be flayed and hung so you can finally pay for what you've done. You're racially profiled every day, the fucking Army General is OPENLY trying to get you killed, and - thanks to your obscene power - the Knights and Eden are going out of their way to make sure you can't live your life in peace."

"You still try to make it through, but you know that it doesn't matter at the end of the day. All you know is that despite the fact that they know you would've blown this planet up in an instant if you really were a monster, you're still watched like you'll always be one."

"You know he said all of that to me once?" Tank finished off. "Right now, I've had plenty of things drilled into my head that I still haven't processed, but if there's one thing I understand, it's someone's heart. This guy is hurting, and you all - both Eden and the Silver Knights - are responsible for it. Now, you can claim that you're just following orders or whatever you're trying to do here, but all anyone's going to see that's not apart of this thing is that you're tearing him down mentally. And with that - unless you do right by our guy - I can't help you."

[Andrew Bullock]

Andrew heard EVERY word, especially Tank's. It really resonated with him, because...he feels the same way that Noland does. It was hard to listen to given who he is and what he's associated with.

"Remember the reasons...I'm guessing I'm starting to fully understand what that meant," Andrew remembered. "Vince said that to me once... It was the best way of understanding how to deal with our targets. The Angels must do that if they ever hope to quell this uneasiness that Markus and Tank have. I suppose they believe the way they handled it was best...or maybe not. I dunno. It's their job though...so how can we move past this?"

The CO from earlier got some paperwork concerning the status of Markus and Tank. He looked it over to see what was going to happen. He had a little bit of a grin on his face, but he corrected himself to make sure he maintained a professional stance on the situation. He started walking towards Alex and Victoria to do what this paperwork tells him to do...

[Alex Andersen]

"Bring Legendary Soldiers back to life... just like that? What has this world come to?" Alex spoke upon hearing that. If one could simply bring back those living weapons of mass destruction and order them around then it would mean nothing but trouble for the planet. Soldiers are not invincible, but dealing with all six of them at their best would be impossible. Unless Knights' allies, Lost Generals, are brought into that mess it would be hell on Earth. 

Alex never had problems trusting Eden, but he was always wary of Victoria. Out of all people he met she is one of those who can exploit anything you do or say in a second and use it against you. He witnessed it with his own eyes. She and her Bakugan, by themselves, annihilated the entire Chrono Elite battalion- manipulated them into revealing their weaknesses. Battalion was gone in under a minute... It was a minute because anything less would be too quick and dissatisfying for her. 

"Quite the reasoning you have there, Angel." Alex said sarcastically knowing how he could not trust what she said there. Multiple people received those 'artifacts' she knows nothing about and those people are not being chased or even bothered by either organization. "Most of us do not feel proud for what we are doing to him. I could disobey, but then they would send someone else. Figured I would rather take this on my shoulders and be his enemy- unlike others I have a reason to hold back..." Alex said. It was not his first time to do it either. It is much easier if the 'monster' is blamed and held responsible and Alex had no shortage of that.

[Markus Hederick]

"...I can accept that..." Markus accepted in regards to Alex's reasoning. "So, that's where we are then." Markus took a long, deep breath before uttering this next sentence. He didn't want to say it, but it was looking like things go down an avenue he doesn't want to go through.

"You know we're gonna fight this decision all day and night," Markus made sure they knew. "But, in the event we're taken...and you're after information...then I'm the one you want, not Tank. He doesn't know about what's at play here. I do." Of course, that was a blatant lie, but they didn't know that.

"Take it easy, Mr. Hederick," the CO advised as he came towards the door. He stood behind Alex and Victoria with some paperwork regarding what will happen to the two Resistors. "As you may have heard, this Complex only deals with the worst of the worst; therefore, the judges don't waste any time with the people in here. Your lawyers jumped on the case immediately. Due to the present situation with rats terrorizing the Complex, and with the court ready to go right now, we're going to put you on with a court hearing right now to determine how we'll proceed."

[Andrew Bullock]

Andrew did not account for the possibility that this would happen. Usually, judges would wait at least 12 hours before attempting a hearing. "I'm guessing their lawyers jumped for joy when they realized what was going on..." Andrew theorized. "This is going too well... I may not have needed to disturb Seiki after all, but...it was safe, and that's all that matters."

The only reason why he had a contingency plan of getting Markus and Tank out was in the event either the Silver Knights or Eden attempted to take them themselves. Fortunately, the Royal Rat Vanguard rats were keeping Alex and Victoria from moving the two Resistors. The lack of evidence should be enough to get them off. With Seiki and Ahio making it appear like the officers lost their evidence by Gladion and Gargulion 'getting lost', the win should be guaranteed...

"Let's see how this plays out..." Andrew thought as he continued to observe.

[Tank Stryker]

Tank and Markus were brought to another room where there was a panel for them to step on. For right now, there was only one, so Tank and Markus would have to go one at a time.

"Mr. Stryker, please step on the panel whenever you're ready," the CO advised him. Tank obeyed. When he did so, a monitor was lowered to the floor from the ceiling. In the courtroom, there was a hologram of Tank standing in the courtroom alongside his lawyer.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Stryker," the judge greeted. "We're going to make this quick since I've already heard more than what I was supposed to before the start of this hearing. Before I say that, I'd like to thank you for yours and Mr. Hederick's cooperation with the law enforcement officials as they dealt with you. As you know, with Mr. Hardy and Mr. Silva's past dealings with the Army, there are a lot of people who think the Resistors have no respect for authority. With this, I hope that their concerns can be put to rest."

"With that aside, I'm here to determine whether or not you're free to go after what happened at Legion's arena. Long story short, crime scene cannot get sufficient evidence to charge you. While it would be normal to assume that all of the water damage was your doing, we also know from past showings that Mr. Hederick is also capable of using the Aquos attribute. We also know that Gargulion was the one who killed Mr. Barker, which could make you an accessory to murder...if it could be proven that a murder took place. Based on witness testimony, there was a man who fit the description of Mr. Hardy that attacked the two of you with the Legendary Soldiers. Any surveillance equipment within that area was destroyed shortly after Clayf attacked you, so we don't have anything to get you with."

"...Does that mean..." Tank was trying to get out before being interrupted by a-

"Yes, it does," she responded. "We've been told that the Silver Knights and Eden have filed requests to take custody of you. This process can only be carried out if the accused could be charged with a crime. At any time they are not, they must be released immediately. It sounds to me that you fit that description, so...you're free to go."

"..." Tank almost wanted to high-five his lawyer, but then he remembered that he wasn't physically in the courtroom. Still, this was HUGE. They have no idea how much they've helped...

[Markus Hederick]

Markus stepped up to appear in court in the same way. He saw his lawyer next to him; however, since he saw how relieved Tank was by the look on his face, he knew what had happened.

"Mr. Hederick..." the judge sighed. "Going off the record here, but...I hope you realize how lucky you are right now. If I was a corrupt or savage judge, I'd throw you away right now. We know that Gargulion killed Mr. Barker. The injuries that man sustained..."

"..." Markus didn't a word. He assumed his lawyer took care of everything, so he shouldn't have to say anything...

"...But, we can at least infer that it may have been necessary to fend off who you were attacked by," she guessed. "Of course, me determining your fate right now has nothing to do with what I can guess. It has to do with the facts of the situation. Based on witness testimony and the bits and pieces of information we could see from video, you and Mr. Stryker were placed in a very dangerous situation. There wasn't any information that we could get to charge you for murder, so...you're free to go. BUT...I want you to know something. The prosecutors...they all refused to pursue a case against you due to these findings. These were the same prosecutors that begged and pleaded with Eden's authority to not let you walk away without filing charges..."

"...Excuse me...?" Markus asked without saying any honorifics.

"Worry not, Mr. Hederick. It's not ME who is trying to threaten you by saying that. I made an oath before I took this job, and I'm not going to stay silent on something that would insinuate that they'd do something to you if you don't stop..." the judge shrugged.

"...Thanks for that...your Honor..." Markus accepted.

[Seiki Maki]

On the outside, this lunatic was still carrying off what Ahio confirmed is a speed mirage of Seiki. They were nearing a truck with tinted windows, so it was difficult to see who was in there. He was getting close to the getaway vehicle when a man noticed the fool kidnapping a Resistor out in the open. The white knight tried, but the criminal brandished a gun. No words had to be exchanged to have the 'hero' back up and return from where he came.

The door was opened. A woman with a knife was in the backseat. A man was in the passenger seat wielding what looked like a militarized anti-Bakugan rifle. Clearly, this was meant to be used against Bakugan. Two stowaways were in the back armed with a sniper rifle and a shotgun respectively.

Seiki was thrown in there. The shotgun wielder had the shotgun pointed at the seat Seiki was sitting in, but made sure to point in the direction of the car door due to bullet penetration. The sniper was looking around to make sure they were in the clear. The guy who brought Seiki in the vehicle got in with her and sandwiched her along with the knife-wielding skank on the other side.

"We're good to go," the Resistor-napper thought.

"To jail," Ahio chimed when she was on the hood of the vehicle. She was laid out like she was relaxing, not having a care in the world. "I have to say. This is a nice ride you got here. It'd be a shame if I ruined it somehow..."

"..." The lady with the knife shook her head in disgust. "...So...let me make sure I understand this correctly... We told you to deal with the stupid bird...and she's here now. Why and how would you like to die?"

"She's useless though..." the kidnapper replied. "I didn't think-"

"She's not useless...but you are," Seiki suddenly replied. The speed mirage of her regained consciousness without showing a hint of discomfort from what she was put through.

"...What...?" he asked. 'What' was right, because the speed mirage disappeared into thin air, and the criminals were left without a hostage. Ahio caused the entire vehicle to shake violently for a few seconds. When it was over, all of the tires were dislodged, which made the vehicle itself collapse on the street. The criminals attempted to open the doors to exit, but they wouldn't work. The vehicle was done...

They broke the windows instead. As they struggled with getting out, Seiki - the actual one - approached them and looked down on them. "You should probably stay in the truck," Seiki recommended.

"Shut up!" the wielder of the shotgun exclaimed. He shot at Seiki immediately, but...buzzing noises came from Seiki's body at the time it happened. She was standing there as if nothing happened to her.

"You missed," Seiki reminded him.

"But...how...? You didn't even move!" he yelled in frustration.

"The one who tried to kidnap me said I was the weakest link... If you can say that, then you should know why or why not. If you're going to take me hostage, you should be aware of what I can do," Seiki shrugged. "I mean, that makes sense to me. You? I dunno."

A rat a little bigger than the size of a human walked up to the truck. This was a different rat than the ones Seiki fed earlier. "I heard the rat population was going up here," Seiki began to relay. "That crazed army general seems to have experimented on a couple and had some released since nothing happened. Now, they've gotten big and are very hungry... I wonder who they might want to taste..."

"...That rat's kinda big..." the kidnapper groaned. That's when he looked around to see if someone was going to shoot or stab the thing, but their weapons were gone and they didn't even know it... "Yo, what the hell are you guys doing!?"

Ahio was hoarding the weapons in her hands as she tried to sneak away. The two guns were making some noise, so she was easily spotted. "Oh...don't mind me. You don't really need these," Ahio laughed off.

"...Oh no..." the kidnapper sighed. The criminals all looked at the ravenous rat who had enough of their games and wanted them gone. "Um...Seiki... Can we...Can we please talk about this?"

"Well...........no," Seiki denied. "Odaiji ni."

"What does that even mean!?" the guy yelled before the rat started coming for them.

(Boss Theme)

Seiki rolled her eyes as the criminals screamed and ran away from the rat in pursuit. If that wasn't bad enough, there were sirens being heard nearby, and the cops were right on their tails. All's well that ends well.

[Noland Hardy]

Unbeknownst to Seiki at the time, Noland and Kendrick were watching this happen from afar. Noland was having himself a good laugh at the criminals getting chased by a rat. It was a combination of the strange circumstance and how pathetic they have to be for a rat to do them in.

"Ah...perfect," Noland said about the act with a satisfied disposition. "There's nothing like seeing someone else make fools out of criminals. It makes all of the moments back then worth it."

Noland walked on over to the scene of the...'unfortunate' vehicular accident. He looked in the direction Seiki was, but her back was turned to him.

"Hey! It's been a while!" Noland called out. "How are you feeling?"

[Seiki Maki]

Seiki quickly turned around at the sound of Noland's voice. She wasn't too surprised that Noland showed up at all. She was shocked that he appeared so fast. 

"You should really call me the next time you want to pop up out of nowhere," Seiki reminded him. She has had to do that a lot. This seems to be Noland's preferred way of meeting with her...

"To be fair, we kinda do that all the time too," Ahio inputted. 

Seiki ran up to Noland and glomped him. While her response earlier could hint at some annoyance of his random appearances, this does show that she was genuinely glad to see him. Ahio chuckled to herself when she saw this for obvious reasons.

"I'm doing fine. I just got back from training in the Ventus dimension," Seiki replied. "But...what about you? You feel...stronger than the last time I saw you... How's Petra doing?" 

[Noland Hardy]

Noland was slightly surprised by the hug, but he had no problems returning it with a smile. Except...when he heard Petra's name...it made his heart sink a little. It was difficult to hide it.

"...We'll talk..." Noland said to prevent himself from talking about the issue in public. "But, aside from that, I'm good. Just trying to continue refining my powers so that I'm always ready to battle. Just like you are, and I can see that you haven't been messing around either. Your increase in power is a lot better than mine. You might even get stronger than me at this rate..."

"Nevermind that though. It's good to see you're okay. I was starting to get worried since you haven't been here in a while. You know you can take it easy sometimes, right?"