(Police tape now circles around the vicinity of Mekaku Studios as police officers search the area for any signs of a missing idol. The young girl with vibrant orange was last seen on her special broadcast before disappearing into the night without a trace.) (The idol's agent, a middle aged man with pacing issues frantically checks his phone as he stands right next to the lead investigator in black. After having searched for hours the investigation appears to be in a dire state with the idol's next broadcast due soon. ) (Could the idol possibly make it back in time and is she even safe?)

Quintus would be walling aling the streets as he usual is at this hour. He was tired for the most part with the Nexus seeming booming activity lately. He wondered if this was just a thing with New Years or perhaps if he had just been trying more lately to be apart of things. As he walks by he’d notice the police activity in the area. With a sigh he’d walk up to the lead investigator to ask what the situation was. “Uh, hi. What happened here? I don’t usually see police out at this hour.”

Ordinarily the young, lavender-haired gentlemen would walk past the studios, occasionally glancing in a window simply to see how they were doing. Wonderful how life always seems to go on, regardless of the circumstances. However, as he passes by today, he can't help but notice the investigation surrounding the place..... The man mutters something under his breath before approaching the investigators in question Hello, sorry if I'm interrupting anything important, care to tell me what's going on? I frequently pass by this place, and this is the first time I've seen such an entourage. The Lavender-haired man grins and bows curteously to the investigator before continuing You can call me Gamma for the duration of our acquaintance. No need to worry about me, I've become quite the expert at keeping my mouth shut if the situation demands it. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to help out. Gamma looks over to Quintus, brushing a few stray strands of hair out of his own face while he glances at the slightly older guy Apologies I haven't shown up at the cafe in a while, been doing my own sort of thing. I'm not that much of a business owner, just remember you can open it any time without me, just, well, try to close it whenever you need to leave. I know it seems to be not much of a way to run a business, but hey, what can you do?

Izumi was walking back from an event when she came upon the police madness that was Mekaku Studios. Oh my, some great tragedy has happened here I believe.

(The lead investigator wipes a bit of sweat from his brow and turns to face Quintus with a closed off look.) That is none of your business young man now if you could please move along. (The agent beside the investigator suddenly steps forward and grabs Quintus' arm with a pleading gaze. His hands are shaking and in a quick rush of words he tells it all.) My client Kisaragi went missing! You know cute girl with the brightest hair your probably ever seen. The sunshine girl just vanished and now we have no idea where she is! Please young man if you know anything tell us .... I'm worried about her. (The agent then hastily gives Quintus a crumpled note. Printed in big black words the numbers "2017" and an address for some white house that seems to not exist in the area. The agent then looks up at the now apparent group and says in a solemn tone.) Please find her before it's too late.

Quintus would look over the note. He was a little shaking by the agent's sudden request but if someone's well being was at stake he knew it would only be right to help. He wound show the note to the rest of the group. "Does anyone know where this address is? I'm not the best with directions." He would also take the time to reply to Gamma with a slight smile. "Uh, I'll keep that in mind. I really appreciate the job so I'll be sure to open even if your not there. Now...about this missing girl..."

Did I hear that right? A missing girl? And the name... the same as the person running this New Year's event? This cannot possibly mean good things. Without festivities, can the year even truly end? Oh, oh, or perhaps she literally is the passing year. Or the new one. Many possibly bad outcomes...

Kisaragi you say? The lavender-haired man would cast a quick glare at the investigator, sure he's only trying to do his job, but any resistance makes theirs all the harder. The young man looks back to Kisaragi's agent and sighs You mentioned she simply vanished? If that's really the case, you just might be in luck. You can call me Gamma, and... Unusual events happen to be a specialty of mine. I'll see to it that we find her, I just hope we're in time for the broadcast. That over, Gamma would look over to Quintus, as he is the one holding the only clue so far Would you care to take the lead or should I? I know you're competent enough at the very least, and besides, I'll be here to support either way. Though, with how sudden the disappearance was, there don't seem to be many clues at the moment. Unless you think you can get some sort of cooperation from inspector cranky over there. With a faint grin Gamma points his thumb at the Head Inspector, though hopefully the man is busy, Gamma doesn't mind him overhearing that little jab. With that out of the way, he would look at Quintus's note and nod I know the street at the very least, I should be able to take us there, from that point we'll just have to use numbers. System's there for a reason With one final remark, Gamma would gesture for the others to follow him as he walks off towards the street in question, seems like that's the best place to begin for now

Homura sighs and steps out of the shadows... She was gonna just move along, didn't feel like dealing with Gamma tonight really. But, no way she's letting some girl go missing. if they're lucky she just got lost, if they're really unlucky... Who even knows in this madhouse? Despite her issues, Homura steps out and tries to smile reassuringly at the agent. "Um, I couldn't but overhear and... I may not look it, but I'm actually pretty good at finding things! I can't make promises, beyond that I'll do whatever I can to help!" She sighs upon hearing Gamma's jabs at the inspector, geez that's no good way to get somebody's help... Not like he's liable to help some middle school girl anyway, but still. "And hello everyone seems like I've met you all at least once so I'll not bother with my name. Gamma, bit shocking to see you out and about again, Quin-kun, always a pleasure though it'd be better if not for... This. And um, Izumi-san, only saw you earlier today, so a bit odd meeting you again here, but oh well!" Homura then begins following after Gamma... Feels weird as hell to be dealing with him again after that morning, but there's nothing to do about that really.

Apollo watches the scene from after, taking note of what the investigator said, before noticing a familiar face, Gamma, walking off. Apollo jogs up to him, giving him a small wave. Gamma, hello. I heard about the situation. Is there anything I could do to help?

(The inspector just grumbles at the jab having been hardened to any hostility after years of being on the squad. What he is not used to is a fuming idol agent approaching him and erratically swinging him back and forth. The inspector is suddenly reminded of the idol training he laughed at back in the academy as the agent closes the distance and begins to screech.) Just let them know the details you fool! We need all the help we can get since your men are doing nothing! Nothing I dare say!!! (The agent jabs a finger beneath the investigator's job and gives a look of pure rage that would even send a lesser demon screaming.) If so much as a hair on Kisaragi's head is damaged you will be hearing from my lawyers! (The investigator is then let go to fall back on the floor and with a face full of horrors reveals the final details.)

Kisaragi was last seen in front of her dressing room. A cracked phone was retrieved and is currently being held as evidence. A faded red hat saying "make 2017 great again" was also found on the scene and is held as evidence. There are no signs of an active struggle but tire marks can be scene around the vicinity Many police officers were injured beneath a pile of fidget spinners lying in wait Finally an eyewitness reported hearing a foreign language around the time and scene of crime.

Quintusbwoukd follow after Gamma while thinking on the situation. He could guess a few reasons why an idol might be kidnapped but something about this still seemed odd to him. Why were the numbers 2017 on the note as well? It was a clue that he knew would lead anywhere right away besides the obvious fact that they represented the current year. Could the year be relevant to this incident or was it simply a date. "I think we should stay on guard regardless on anything. This seems weird even for a kidnapping. Anyway, I guess whoever wants to be in charge should just lead. I don't exactly care about who's in charge, I'm still going to act towards my best judgement regardless."

Make 2017 great again...? That settles it, someone is trying to ensure the year doesn't end! It has to be! She pauses, and then waves to Homura. Ah, the girl of time again. I understand you've been doing a good job at delaying your inevitable fate.

Of course, Gamma stops walking to listen to the few details they know.... He sighs and remarks Alright, so first thing we understand, if it was a kidnapping, then they likely targetted her for hosting the New Years event. I don't understand why anyone would care to do such a thing, but that's what We've got. Whoever they are has a sense of humor and access to more money than they know what to do with. I mean, seriously. Fidget Spinners? Those were out of style a year before they came out. And there are a lot more efficient traps than that. I assume you would have followed the tire marks if they led anywhere, so no need to check that out, and the foreign language doesn't mean much, but maybe they're a foreigner. That is the information we have so far. Gamma waves to Apollo after finishing speaking, going to need to deal with people after all Well, since we are searching for someone another pair of eyes is always helpful. So yes, you could most certainly aid in a search. With all the details in hand, Gamma.... Would pause for a moment as Homura approached. He sighs, every time he sees her it becomes a bit more difficult... For the moment he decides to ignore the girl and continue on his way to the same street as the address in question, perhaps they could find more clues there?

On the road riding her motorcycle, the head of the Kirijo group was getting information from one of her field agents. Making a sharp turn, she responds to what's been told to her. So what makes this any different than an ordinary kidnapping? ... What do you mean you don't have a good lead? ... I don't have time to be doing the work of the police, there's much more important matters such as- ... Well why didn't you say that before? I'll offer my assistance then. Where did you say they were headed? ... Understood. I'll rendezvous with them at the location. With that conversation finished, Mitsuru would make her way towards the area Gamma and the others should be heading towards.

All these facts would just make the whole situation seem weirder especially with Gamma's additional commentary on the matter. "So, the best method of finding the culprits seems to be figuring out the motive first. Once we have a motive it seems like things should start falling into place more and with the conditions of this event I'd think we'd definitely need some clarification."

Apollo stops to take note of the information given, before turning to Gamma with a slight smile. Well, I'm glad to be of assistance. Anyways, seeing the note and hat... it seems to me that the kidnapper doesn't want to let go of the past as it is. Would that be a reasonable assumption, Gamma? If that's the case... that would explain the terribly out of date Fidget Spinners. They were decently popular well into 2017, as unfortunate as that is.

Wouldn't the best place to start be the address that came with that note? It's a long shot, but maybe that's where they originated from?

Homura sighs at Izumi, is she talking about "that" fate? Tch, thanks for reminding her of it. She attempts to sound neutral, but despite that, there's a hint of venom in her voice. "If you're referring to the fact I likely won't live for even another five years? I'd rather not be reminded of that for I should think obvious reasons, and if it's something other than what happens to all Magical Girls, I'm really not sure what you mean." She'd then shake her head and attempt to focus on the case at hand... This is no Witch to be sure, thankfully. On the other hand, freaking fidget spinners? Gah, Quin's right it seems... For now, looks as if there's nothing to do but check out this building. With that, she simply continues on their way. "I'd say Quin-kun has the right idea here, I'm no master of these things, but those clues aren't leading us to any breakthroughs I'm pretty sure. Let's just look around for now and see what we can find."

Gamma nods to Quintus and Apollo, looks like they are able to get what he's hinting at after all For now, it seems like Apollo here got your answer Quintus. The weirdo in question doesn't want to let 2017 go, and while I refuse to believe Fidget Spinners were ever popular, the fact is I hadn't heard about them until this year and the bizarre choice tells you something about them. If we're lucky the address will be a meeting spot for them and we'll be able to handle this matter swiftly and discreetly. But I don't believe in luck, so I'm expecting a long, boring night.

(Taking the ground lead Gamma and Mitsuru follow the address clue and arrive in front of a gated golf course. Behind the gate lie yards and yards of golf field in what appears to be a time wasting trap of epic proportions. The gold plated sign to the right of the gate says "El Jefe" and white light is being reflected off of something unseen in the distance. Behind the two in the larger then life parking lot are a batch of gold carts that are double parked.) (Meanwhile, Homura takes the building lead and finds the previously described tire tracks. They appear to be heading directly off a cliff and a few grave stones lie around the scene.)

ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, WHATS GOING ON HERE (the 7'3 man..is.well here now...yay)

Hurry detectives for the closer it gets to 2018 the stronger "it" becomes ....

Quintus with a sign would know that Gamma might be right. In the end he already agreed to help though and wasn't going to turn his back on a missing girl because looking for her would be boring. "Well, if we assume the culprit might have a few screws loose then they probably were at least disorganized while committing this crime. At least that is if we assume their insanity. For now I think it's a safe guess but we won't know until we see with our own eyes." Quintus would continue following towards the adress. He was hoping this would be easy as Gamma said it might but again, his hope weren't high either.

HOLD UP, DID YA SAY "IT?"

THAT COULD MEAN TWO THINGS: IT COULD MEAN PENNYWISE, OR A CREEPY ASS MONSTER

El Jefe... that's Spanish, isn't it? That fills in one hole... Apollo takes note of this and the rest of the area, before trying to take a closer look at whatever's reflecting the white light in the distance.

Hm....I have fuckin' clue what's going on, but imma help, screw it

Izumi follows the group to the address, looking out at the.... golf course...? Well.... this is not something I'd have expected. Some rich people wanted to kidnap an idol.... for a private show? No, that wouldn't explain the hat.

Quintus would manuever over the fence as well except he would create a ladder of roots on both end of the fence to make the climb relatively easy. The ladder would remain in place as allowing for anyone else to use it. Seeing Gamma gesture to stay quiet he would only whisper and speak in short sentences. "What are we looking for exactly?"

(Zane would also follow the group) golf club ay?, well, it ain't that weird, ncis dd it, soooo

(Through careful examination Homura finds that each of the gravestones are marked with the name of a long dead meme such as pepe, allstar, and the legendary doggo dodge. It appears she has stumbled through a meme graveyard of sorts and as the young meguca walks forward her leg is grabbed by a yellow wing. Two purple eyes come out of the dirt and a long beak juts out as big bird attempts to use Homura as leverage for climbing out of his tomb.) (Making it over the initial fence Gamma and Quintus are suddenly met with a big, hastily made wall that appears to stretch for miles to the left and to the right. The bricks used to make the wall appear relatively new and through it the sound of footsteps can be heard.)

With Gamma deciding to take the lead, Mitsuru would follow his example and make a staircase of ice for her any that needed it to ascend to the top of the fence before being stopping to take in the sudden appearance of this wall. Well this isn't what I expected to see today.

Seeing the others make ice staircases to get up, Izumi would grab her elaborate tome out of her bag. Opening it up, and gesturing over it until a pillar of ice shoots up at her feet, allowing her to jump over the fence. She'd then put the book away as the ice just kinda stays for a while. They can make a nice sculpture out of it. Shh, listen. Someone's over there, and we're probably going to be attacked.

Gamma nods to quintus and Mitsuru, the two who accompanied him, and gestures beyond the wall before whispering That's what we're here to find out miss. It seems like it might be a meeting place, if we're lucky, there'll be clues. You two stay back for the moment, it seems like there are people on the other side. I'll go ahead and see what's up. For the wall, rather than expend a large amount of energy creating another pillar, a single tendril of darkness slips out of Gamma's sleeve before attaching to the top of the wall. The young man would use this tendril as a rope to climb the wall, before jumping down and looking at anyone who might be around him. Pleasure to meet you gentlemen, sorry for the drop-in. I seem to have forgotten my keys. Had to get in somehow you know? Anyways, dare I ask what brings you here so late at night?

Homura sighs as a puppet attacks her, clothing bursting into Magical Girl form as a black katana with scorch marks on the blade forms in her hands. "I'm very sorry about this, but undead... Memes, are not exactly something which comforts me!" She swings the blade with inhuman speed, aiming to slash this foe right off herself with a quick stroke of the blade. If it worked, she'd then back away from all the graves and drop into her fighting stance, watching the "Memes" warily for more signs of attack.

Apollo sighs before climbing the root ladder made by Quintus, hoping down from the fence with ease. He brushes himself off before quietly following behind the rest of the group. He tenses up hearing the footsteps, quickly trying to keep his breathing low as to not alarm them. He watches as Gamma and Quintus head atop the wall without wasting any time, shaking his head. These people really don't know fear, do they... Not that they have a reason to, with their weird powers and all. Er, not that my power isn't weird... Apollo climbs up Quintus' second ladder, keeping his head low to simply observe how the situation plays out.

Seeing the others hurry on ahead, Izumi takes the climb just after Apollo. I wonder how many more walls are in here. Hopefully no more.

(At the sound of Gamma's voice both him and Quintus are met with the make upped faces of a bunch of clowns. A long line of identical clowns gaze upward at them focusing their beady eyes at the two and curving their lips into a disturbing grin. They begin to bang against the shoddy wall consecutively in an attempt to force both males down from their position. Apollo is shaken from his position in the process even if he was not seen.) (A green hand bursts forth from the ground sending up a shower of dirt toward Homura.) Somebody once told me (A large green head follows it with blanked out eyes.) The world was gonna roll me (A large shadow appears in front of Homura.} I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed .. (Within seconds a green hand is tightly gripping Homura on the shoulder.)

Almost to the top of the wall, Apollo suddenly loses his grip as it begins to shake, causing him to fall backwards, luckily managing to orient himself to land on his feet, bracing his fall for the most part. Ah, that one's gonna sting in the morning... I suppose I'll just have to wait things out. I'm not sure that there's much I can do here. In the meantime, Apollo looks up and down the wall for anything of interest.

Gamma eagerly jumps down among the clowns, they're pests to be sure and.... Come to think of it, hadn't he heard something about evil clowns last year? Regardless, with the stealth segment over, Gamma shouts. Shiranui, take care of these nuisances. Ice Age. In seconds Gamma's persona Roars to life around him, coating the ground in a layer of ice that would work its way up the clowns in an attempt to freeze them solid Before anyone says anything, I gave them a chance to talk. But I'm not fond of giving clowns a second. Not since the accident. Anything's better than a clown

Quintus slightly shaken by the appearance of strange looking clowns would have the roots tighten around his ankles to try to steady him. He would prepare to go on the offensive as a golden aura surround him. "Guess it's already time for me to start stepping forward! Yggdrasil Prime!" From behind the wall the tree would begin to grow in full. Being outside in open space for once Yggdrasil could take it's full form as it rises well above the wall with golden leaves and a multitude of golden fruits hang from the ash colored branches. From the hole at the base of the tree a golden serpent would slither out and wrap around the largest of the branches as it focuses in on everything going on. As usual four roots would emerge from the ground to restrict an opponent. This time, however, Quintus would split the branches up to assign two each to the strange clowns. He was attempting to bind their legs specifically. Quintus would prepare to summon his parasite weapon when suddenly he couldn't help but begin laughing. Something about the clowns. The way they tried to be threatening but clearly weren't amused him. This laughing would keep him from acting himself it seemed.

Izumi suffers a similar fate to Apollo, landing back in the section she was just in. Ugh.... are you serious? Well... it would seem we're walking, huh fancy boy?

Artemisia! With a shout, Mitsuru summons her Persona and together they leap over the wall and land on the ground next to Gamma. Allow me to be of assistance. Mabufudyne! To complement Gamma's usage of Ice Age, Artemisia creates a volley of large ice spike that shoot forwards towards the clowns' feet in an attempt to pin them down.

(Another giant, green hand captures Homura's blade in a vice-like grip releasing thin trails of blood down the palm of it. Darting about her gaze to study the entity she finds that it is some sort of odorous, green monster with milky eyes. An ogre if Homura ever bothered to brush up on fantasy not that doing so is he primary concern right about now. The girl should be more concerned with the fact that the creature is currently attempting to push her back towards the cliff with his firm grip on the blade. His unusual strength makes its almost child's play to force Homura's feet to drag backwards in the dirt.) (Apollo finds a reddish, molten path along the wall as he looks down. The line of molten material appears to be slowly trickling from the ground as the wall shakes and it burns into the grass.) (While a volley of ice based attacks and binding vines would normally strike down many opponents. These clowns appear the least bit phased and melt into a shadowy form as they are slowly pinned by the onslaught. Once the initial strikes are slowed the shadowy puddles on the ground rise up and assume the forms of large female spiders. Now the group is surrounded by a ring of spiders that shoot extremely sticky webbing from their predatory maws. The webbing aims for their feet and arms in a clear attempt to demobilize everyone in the vicinity.)

I knew these clowns were evil. Rather than bother spending more energy on the giant spiders, Gamma takes a stand and goes on the defensive. Spider silk is stronger than steel, at least, in terms of effect per density, but even steel isn't that hard to shatter under the right conditions. Shiranui, Ice Age. Gamma seems rather nonchalant as his persona begins to freeze the air around him. He takes advantage of teh spooders' streams of sticky webbing and as soon as one strand touches him, he rapidly begins to freeze it, freezing the spider webbing in midair and traveling up the web at whichever creatures are unfortunate enough to try sticking him I'd ask you to get out of my way, but well, spiders really are dumb beasts after all. Not much of a point in continuing this. Worst part is I don't even know if this is vaguely related to the case or a random spider-clown attack. That's where I am right now. This is the sort of thing I could believe happens at random.... Man I'm starting to miss normal

Well, this seems problematic.... Um.... I might have a way out of this. But earth magic isn't something I'm really that learned in. I'd use ice but it seems like it'll just melt.

F-fancy boy? That's... a new one. Er, moving on. Apollo examines the molten material, keeping his distance, assuming he wouldn't want to be touching it. It's almost... lava? Here? I suppose I've seen stranger things, but why here of all places? It could just be a method of keeping intruders restrained in tighter corridors.

Quintus would stop laughing as his laughter is replaced with disgust. He never was a fan of bugs with many legs and would be less so as his arms and legs were bound in webbing. The roots would continue holding him up but he could no longer move his limbs. "Guh. Gross. Why'd it have to be spiders? Yggdrasil...do something!" Yggdrasil in response would drop fruit on Quintus. "How does fruit help in this situation?!?"

The girl sighs as her blade fails, tch. Time to get serious about ending this thing then. "Come, and show your might! Homulilly!" A black card forms in front of the girl's left foot, she'd quickly extend a small kick to crush it causing a humanoid figure wearing her own clothes to appear beside the girl. In place of a head flowing darkness with a pair of jewel-like eyes that glow purple can be seen. A broken clock that still ticks rests in the center of her chest and a rod with a guillotine blade on the end is held in her hands. "Come my other self, let's put an end to these hostilities!' Homulilly cackles and darts behind the ogre, Homura herself pushing against their foe with her blade and aiming to keep it in place. The Persona, on the other hand, would raise her blade above her head, and slam it down in a blur, glee dancing her eyes as she aims to slash straight into the ogre's head with her guillotine.

It would seem I got a bit too hasty. Stay on your guard and look for an escape route! Mitsuru would draw her rapier and attempt to keep herself free from webbing with the help of Artemisia's whip to conserve her mental energy. If you're up for it I could possibly throw the two of you over the spiders. There might be something worse waiting past them though.

If I had to guess, they planned for us to get over the first wall. This is just how they intended to deal with us from there. So.... should we try outrunning it, or getting back over this second wall here?

(Gamma's cunning ice moves manage to freeze a few of the unlucky spiders that attempted to target him. But already upon being frozen the spiders melt into a puddle of shadowy essence again and slowly begin to take form in the ice. Their process it slowed due to the condition but it won't stop them for long.) (The rest of the spiders that targeted the others carefully focus in on Quintus and Mitsuru having identified them as the most viable targets. Sticky webbing rapidly begins to wrap around Quintus in an closing circle while Mitsuru manages to slow the wrapping a bit with her whip. The more they get covered with webbing the slower their movements become.) (Apollo find through close examination that the material is indeed a sort of lava that appears to be springing naturally from beneath the wall. The constant shaking of the wall managed to loosen it's foundation and release this lava residue. At this point the lava has formed a small puddle around the vicinity of the wall and is carefully eating away at the ladder. Patches of already burned grass reveal a metallic shell beneath the natural golf ground.) (Homulilly successfully manages to stun the ogre in time to slice apart it's already corroded head. Having lost the head the rest of the body follows soon after turning into cheetos dust upon the hallowed earth. Now the only noise in the vicinity is that of crashing waves beneath the ocean cliff.)

Homura sighs in relief and nods at her Persona, the Witch like being vanishes into the air what passes for a grin regarding her. "Geez, can't believe I had to resort to that trick for something like this... And why the heck does it look like yellow dust now!? Whatever I have to keep moving." She walks off from her slain foe, clothing returning to her usual jeans and t-shirt with jacket as she walks off for the cliff. She'd look down at it for a moment, trying to figure out if there's anything odd below her. Assuming there's nothing, she'd begin rushing off to meet up with the others again. If there were something worth looking at, she'd stick around of course.

Quintus would look around and start growing more terrified. Suddenly one of the golden fruits from Yggdrasil would fall into the lava. The fruit would begin glowing red hot rather than immediately burning up before exploding in a small burst of flames. "Wait?!? They explode when set on fire? Actually, how is that helpful? I don't even have a Persona with fire. Anyway, anyone got any ideas. I sorta can't do anything about this webbing..." Not knowing if it'd even help Quintus would have Yggdrasils roots fully focus on one of the spiders as he desperately tries to keep himself on the wall. All four roots would try to close in on one of them in an attempt to try to crush it from four different sides.

Seeing how well his freezing idea works out, Gamma looks over at his compatriots Quintus and Mitsuru, no doubt she was able to see the effectiveness, so hopefully she can do something similar, instead he focuses on Quintus. I have an idea. Don't panic. Eigaon. A single tendril of shadow would slip out of Gamma's sleeve once more, this time aimed at the point where Quintus meets the webbing. Of course, there are a few points like that... Shiranui, Ice Age. At Gamma's command a sheet of ice, much like the one he struck his own spiders with would begin to spread up some of the webbing around Quintus.... Assuming he can't get to all the spiders on webbing alone, some of the ice would attempt to spread across Quintus in order to reach the webbing holding him. While frozen webbing would restrict his movement further, it would also be easier to break once the spiders were dealt with

Without much to loose, Mitsuru follows Gamma's lead and begins freezing the webbing around her with the intention of freezing the spiders attached. Artemisia would launch her whip at any remaining spiders in an attempt to freeze them on contact. I'll put my faith into this plan of yours Gamma. Don't disappoint. Returning her concentration to freezing the spiders, she'd wait for the results of their efforts and the start of this plan Gamma had.

(Homura spots a wide open door once she finally manages to look down the cliff. The inside of the door is perfectly dark allowing for nothing to be seen and the constant influx of seawater into it hints that the door may not be a safe option.) (Through amazing tactical planning, cunning, and even luck the trio of Gamma, Mitsuru, and Quintus effectively take out the spiders for the moment. One lies crushed on the ground after being assaulted Quintus' roots and the rest remain frozen through Mitsuru's icey whip. Gamma provides the final sweep of ice needed to slow down the movements of the enemy. All of the spiders are attempting to revert back into a puddle of essence but the ice is slowing down their capability to do so.)

W-what is this...? Izumi would note the metalic orb they are standing on, and begin to voraciously dig away at the grass a ways away to see if it continues or not. Some kind of space shuttle? Or a trap? Maybe a bunker?

Alright, now that they're all frozen and having a hard time moving my cunning and well-thought plan can be initiated. It is a secret technique I only make use of in the most dire of situations. I hope your head is ready for this incredible display of tactical cunning against incredible odds.... Gamma pauses for a moment, looking at the area around them before nodding to his allies Run. With that single word Gamma would make off, away from the wall and in the direction of the flash of light they saw at the entrance. Hopefully the others are willing to follow through with his incredible scheme, regardless, away he goes.

(Digging at the grass Izumi uncovers an entire floor of metal that appears to be the top of some large corridor like design.)

Finally Quintus would have the roots at his ankles dif their way into the ice to break it off. This requires a considerable amount of focus on his part but it seems at this time they would need to move forward. "Okay, so what's the plan? Where should we head next? I have a feeling this battle will go on forever if we don't act now." Upon hearing Gamma's plan Quintus would sigh. "But where do we run to?" With the ice breaking away Quintus would try to follow Gamma despite not knowing what his plan exactly was.

My thoughts exactly Gamma, but first... Artemisia would jump atop the wall once again and look for Apollo and Izumi. Upon spotting them the Persona would attempt to grab them both with her whip and pull them to her. If successful the Persona would grab them both and jump after Gamma, depositing the two on the ground when it landed. Mitsuru would follow after confirming the safety of the others.

(Mitsuru, Gamma, and Quintus all head to the far off light at the end of the golf course.) (Izumi discovers a secret corridor right beneath the surface.) (Homura finds a secret passage at the base of the ocean.) (Which one of these people will save the idol first? What cost will they possibly have to pay to do so? and who exactly is behind all this anyway?) (Find out next time on this thread right here~)

Previously on CSI: Miami ..... Mitsuru, Gamma, and Quintus head to the epicenter of light upon an otherwise expansive golf field. Homura should now consider the beginner's guide for cliff diving. And Izumi found a metallic floor ... yay? With three possible paths found will the idol saving squad actually you know save the idol? What is the greater plan behind this mysterious kidnapping? Who exactly is El Jefe and why does he even own a golf field? Can golf even count as a sport? I mean they just hit a ball with a stick??? Does golf has sport? and will the narrator ever quit her day job? Find out this week on Dragon Ball Kai, Z, Super, etc.

After what felt like two days of walking, Gamma would turn to his companions, QUintus especially, and sigh That was it. That was the plan. Running towards the light. Well, actually, the plan was to freeze the spiders attacking you, but then I was expected to have another step so I made it up. Welcome to my life. Without further comment, Gamma would continue towards the bright light, hopeful to find something of interest

(After yet another metaphorical two days of walking the party led by Gamma arrives in front of a very white house. The white house of a mythical land known as Murica to be precise yet for some reason it looks different. It could be the pure white light turning it into the world's biggest target for alien invasion. The fact that it is somehow in Japan or whatever other nation in the world that the writer failed to mention. But it certainly can't be the huge red banners hung above it displaying the numbers "2017". Nope certainly not that and as if to highlight the normalcy of those banners some seasonal anime music plays in the background. Since nothing says the beginnings of a heist without some good anime openings that really highlighted the year.) (The two pure white doors to the building lie open with no signs of security. It's almost as if people are being invited in and all they have to do is walk past two fidget spinner shaped bushes.)

Hmm.... looks like we need to open this can up. *She'd look at the lava, trying to gauge how far it's come and if it's damaging the metal at all....*

(Izumi is able to see the edges of the metallic floor begin to melt as the lava from the wall slowly falls upon it. The fully melted spaces reveal a dark interior that appears to be a hallway. Weird techno music plays in this empty space creating a eerie feeling.)

Gamma stares at the bushes, remembering the horrible year past and what happened to those guards... He plays it safe. SHiranui, Diamond Dust, Diamond Dust. Diamond Dust. Gamma's persona would roar into life around him in order to launch barrage after barrage of ice at the fidget spinners. Never again could they be allowed to terrify and injure innocent people. Even if he has to spend all his energy to make sure of it

(The fidget spinner bushes devolve into a flurry of leaves as shiranui destroys them with a vengeance. The front walkway is now devoid of any other objects of interest and only the open door remains in front. Two security cameras do focus in on Gamma with bright yellow lights, but they don't appear to be doing much.)

Hmm.... just gotta wait for a bit.... And wait she does, waiting for the lava to chew enough of a hole before pulling out her book, making some hand movements, and trying to lift the ground up where the lava is leaking through. Hoping to stem the flow long enough to get in the hole.

(A hole forms through the metallic dome and Izumi successfully tapers off the flow by lifting the ground in a manner that prevents lava movement. At least for now since this is lave and the ground is just the usual stuff you find in any golf course. Managing to get in the hole Izumi faces a long hallway down that emanates techno music. A rumbling behind her hints that something is coming and there are white marks along the dirt surface of the ground.)

Quintus would finally become aware of his surrounding after having snapped out of a daze at the confusion of what was happening. Having been walking behind Gamma the whole time he would have witnessed the previous event as well. "This place is...just getting more and more confusing by the minute..."

Gamma shrugs as he looks back towards the white house, satisfied with the bushes' destruction, he sighs and walks towards the open doors, glancing back at Quintus as he goes Who cares honestly, its just some rich brat. Now, lets head in there and see what this idiot's doing. There's no real need for stealth, but feel free to sneak if you want to.

Apollo watches as Izumi affects the lava's flow, creating a hole into the odd metal underground of the golf course. He follows her down into the hole, looking around the area before tapping her shoulder. How exactly did you do that? I-I mean I understand the regular part of it, but how did you manage to get the ground to cut off the lava flow?

Heh heh heh. Magic is how. And not the dangerous kind Puella Magi use. She looks up and down the hallway, hearing the rumbling behind her.... I don't think we should go that way.... that might be the sound of lava. Or gophers.

(As Gamma and Quintus arrive at the front doors of the white house two security cameras focus in on them. These cameras have a small red light beneath the lens and with a short clicking noise the small red lights turn off. What happens next is something coming straight from the pages of a classical mystery book. The ground opens up beneath the duo allowing them to fall into a pit of darkness. Their fall appears to go on for an eternity until they both crash upon a pile of pure white salt. This crash sends up mixed sprays of salt which fall on top of the sea of red carpet making it match the pure white, Romanesque pillars of the area. In front of the pile lies a throne decorated in gold and set way above the heads of both Gamma and Quintus. Behind the throne is a massive drawing of a solar eclipse and hung up above it is a gilded cage with an orange haired girl inside. The girl appears to be sleeping as her cage begins to rotate around the coliseum type room and a door reveals itself on the far end of the space.) (Izumi's warning comes a bit late as the rumbling falsely advertises the coming flow of salt that suddenly hits both her and Apollo. The two are rapidly pushed forward by the salt until they are flung into a room covered with red carpet and hit the pile of salt at the center of it. The door from whence they came is now closed and they are able to see Quintus and Gamma.)

Pulling himself out of the salt pile, Apollo dusts the salt off his coat, before extending a hand to Izumi. Well, at least it wasn't lava. I still would've prefered gophers, though. You all right?

Gamma breathes a sigh of relief and immediately runs towards the cage, no matter the situation it should be fairly easy to open.... He's probably supposed to go through the door, but.... Shiranui, Eigaon. Gamma would jump into the air as three tendrils of darkness emerge from his sleeve. He whips the tendrils at the throne, and if they connect, they would latch on and allow him to climb it, muhc as a rope, to skip a decent portion of this plotline

Quintus would get up after the fall and try to get any salt off him that might have stuck to him.He would look around unsure of how they ended up here or why a place like this would be this far underground. "Any idea what this place could be? Wait? Is that the girl we're looking for up there?" Seeing Gamma go ahead Quintus would investigate the area beneath the throne instead.

A head pops out of the salt pile. Well, that's one way to travel. Oh hey, it's those other two guys again!

(Investigating the area beneath the throne, Quintus finds a circular engraving around it that appears capable of simple movement. Above the engraving is the throne itself which sits on top of a messy pile of papers, newspapers, and old devices. There are even a few horrifying pictures thrown in there showcasing the tragedies that occurred throughout the year.) (Gamma's tendrils easily latch onto the throne creating the rope bridge he desired. But since this would be obviously too easy and usually deus ex machinas come at this moment an orange hand grabs the rope and melts it with drippings of a red substance.) (It is at this moment a normal sized man appears, but with the outward appearance of a cheeto? The man lacks all facial features yet there if he had some he would certainly be grinning from ear to ear. Decked in a nice suit he then takes a seat upon his golden throne. Around her neck hangs a brilliant golden necklace with the numbers 2017.)

As my first order of business I would like to make you all kneel. (Chief announces and suddenly the very earth shakes forcing everyone standing upon the ground. He then lays his hands against his chest and begins exuding a powerful aura.) Why have you plebians come to my palace of gold?

Gamma shouts at the... Cheeto thing? Honestly at this point he's not even that surprised. Our resident Edgelord would sigh before saying from his spot crouching OK, DUDE, I DON'T GET YOUR OBSESSION WITH FIDGET SPINNERS, AND I DON'T CARE. JUST LET MISS KISARAGI GO, AND NO ONE HAS TO GET HURT. I'm not afraid to get violent if I have to As though to prove his point, Shiranui weaves through the air around Gamma, casting its own cold glare at the cheeto man, whoever he is he must have way too much time on his hands

Quintus would almost drop to his knees but as if directly trying to defy the man/cheetoh roots of black coloration would wrap around his legs to keep him upright. "Sorry, but I won't kneel just because you asked me to and also because you called me a plebian. As for my reason being here, did you really expect to kidnap a girl and have nobody show up to save her? Kinda bad logic there isn't it?"

Apollo struggles to keep himself from being forced face-first into the ground. He looks up towards the Cheeto thing, squinting his eyes. You... look familiar. I feel like I've seen you in a history book or something. A-anyways, yeah, let Miss Kisaragi go!

(The Chief just laughs at the foolishness of the people in front of him.) Only those with a high IQ would understand why I bothered to kidnap this cheap idol. (He leans forward on both his hands as if talking to a group of small children.) You think fidget spinners and 2017 were bad? Well you all have seen nothing yet and this thing. (He jabs a finger towards Kisaragi's gilded cage with distaste.) Is the bringer of even worse. I am only trying to save you all from what is to come. So sit back and appreciate fidget spinners cause that is all you people will be getting from now on.

Quintus for once seems to be making perfect sense out of this situation. He looks at the cheeto man with a glare. "Ha! I knew it! This guy was just insane! That means I don't have to feel bad what's to come. Look, uh, cheeto guy? I personally am not looking for a fight here but if you don't release the idol I can't promise that my friends and I won't be fighting back. I can tell you're powerful but if you think that the power of 2018 can't push back your dead 2017 memes then you're wrong. We'll all push forward into tomorrow! We'll reach 2018! Yggdrasil Prime!" The massive tree like Persona with ashen bark would sprout out of the ground in full form. Four roots would form around Quintus swerving in the air.

Speaking of what he said, why did you kidnap an innocent idol anyway? She chooses... to STAND! But also not attack just yet.

For once, Gamma is amazed. So this guy has some kinda grudge against 2018, regardless, he slowly gets to his feet and begins putting up fingers, starting with his right hand pointer finger First, there is nothing worse than fidget spinners Next, the middle finger Second, kidnapping someone doesn't stop time from moving forward. Unless you kidnapped Chronos or something. Last time I saw him he erased a guy from existence, so good luck with that Now for his ring finger Third, as it turns out, kidnapping is a crime. Crime is illegal, regardless of your reasons. Next, his pinky Fourth, the person you kidnapped is an idol who happens to provide MUCH MORE than just hosting this New Years Event, so even if they DID cause the year to change, the good they bring is more than worth it. Finally, Gamma brings out his thumb, for a fully open right hand pointed at the man Finally, I'm getting really sick of you talking down to me. Shiranui, Diamond Dust Without further ado, a six-inch long spear of ice forms in Gamma's palm, before launching towards the man. Knowing this place he'll probably be fine, but it sure does make Gamma feel better

I, uh... W-what they said. Apollo sighs, simply letting himself fall to the ground at this point, having nothing to contribute to the fight.

(The Chief lets out a gasp of pain as a six-inch long spear of ice stabs him directly in his orange, crunchy chest. He claws at his really expensive suit in a weak attempt to pull the ice out, but it remains stuck in him and melting his snack insides. Realizing the futility of his actions he falls back against his throne and croaks out.) You fools you have no idea what you've done ... 2018 will end all of you ... (He coughs up a hefty pile of cheeto dust and the lower half of his body falls completely off.) I-I tried to make 2017 great again ... (With those final words he breaths his last and dissolves into a mushy pile of snack food. The solar eclipse behind him now darkened as if carrying away his spirit.)

Huh.....? Are all your enemies this... weird and mortal?

(With the cheeto in office gone Kisaragi's red hued eyes suddenly open in bewilderment. She wildly looks about and grips the cage as it continues to swing her around in a constant loop.) Woah! What exactly is going on here!? (She tries to stand up and almost immediately gets flung against the bars opposite of her.) Owww ... Help! Anyone! Please I really want out!

Quintus almost looks shocked at the end result. Yggdrasil disappear again as he just look at the cheesy pile of dust. "W-what? I...don't know if I should be relieved or upset. Probably relieved, right? But, he was definitely insane if he was that weak and yet came out anyway. Right?"

Gamma looks at the pile for a moment, about to comment on it when he notices Kisaragi's situation Don't worry, I'll be there in a moment. Shiranui, Eigaon with the Cheeto out of the way, Gamma would swing his tendrils in order to connect to the cage, then reel him in close to it, once there, Gamma would focus, attempting to freeze some of the bars in order to shatter them easily and allow Kisaragi to escape the cage I deal with this kinda ridiculous crap all the time, so don't worry about it. You can call me Gamma, and for now I'm here to help

Apollo looks up to see the giant cheeto being melt away into oblivion. He picks himself up, and gives a raised eyebrow to Gamma. Well, that was... quick. Nice work, I guess? That... wasn't a real person, right? You didn't just kill an orange man thing, right? He shakes his head before looking up towards the captive woman. Don't worry Miss Kisaragi, we'll have you out soon! Er, well, Gamma will, anyways.

(Kisaragi carefully walks of the cage clinging to the bars as she does so. Her fingers tremble at the idea of falling, but she maintains her idol smile as a form of reassurance.) Thanks so much for the help Gamma. I don't know how I got here but i'm happy that I don't have to spend much time here~ (She then notices Apollo and offers up a gigawatt smile that could light up any room.) Thanks to you too for saving me~ Now I get to see the end of the world with the rest of you guys~

The.... end of the world....? You mean like metaphorically? That every year is a chance to start again?

Apollo offers a big smile back, putting his right hand on the back of his neck. Heh, no problem. I didn't really do much... Wait, did you say, "the end of the world?" Apollo steps back a bit from Kisaragi, glancing to the rest of the group.

(Kisaragi wraps her hands together behind her back and grins. Her eyes glow a bright red as she does so automatically pulling all attention towards her.) Haha nope I meant literally~ and yep I did say end of the world! Like bang! Bye world~

Quintus would suddenly freeze up at the mention of the end of the world. "W-what? End of the world...dammit, not this again. I can't handle another end of the world...."

Gamma sighs and tries to shake his head, only to realize he's unable to do so. Some magic ability I take it? Regardless, the young man sighs and looks at Kisaragi that's very nice, but, uh.... You want out or not? This.... I can help you down you know. Apparently either heedless or uncaring of the whole "world ending" part, Gamma offers Kisaragi a hand in getting out of the cage like a true gentleman

[A clapping comes from the darkness.] "so sad. to see missa greatest pawn die likein dis. so sad, but now missa getin play with all of yousa. mesa da harbinger of 2018, okeeday?" [A cloaked figure steps out of the shadows with a red gleam coming from under his hood.] "letsa start playin!" [The figure raises a an odd, almost alien hand and the group soon finds themselves being hoisted into the air and... juggled? Yes. The hooded figure juggles the group through the air with an unknown force. The figure giggles with glee!]

(Kisaragi happily takes Gamma's hand and waits for him to take the lead.) You certainly don't seemed fazed about this whole world end deal~ It's kind of amazing in like a scary way~ (She then finds herself in the air and laughs at the odd circumstance.)

You can't be serious! End of the world? B-but Miss Kisaragi, you don't mean that, right? Isn't it just a joke? Apollo reaches down to his bracelet, touching it with the fingers his right hand. She's... not lying, not from what I can tell... Apollo then begins to float into the air, before being juggled by this strange being. What in the world is this plaaaace?! Apollo struggles in the air, tossing and turning, but to no avail.

Izumi gets lifted with everyone else, looking frantically between Kisaragi and the mystery man. I think we've been fooled! We need to do something!

Gamma flies into the air with Kisaragi and sighs, of course this would happen, ruining the wonderful mo...... Gamma shakes his head and casually glances back to Kisaragi Well, this is like, the fifth or sixth "Apocalypse" scenario I've seen, what with Nyx, that weird cult leader, this one time with the Dream.... Most of these get solved without my help, so I'm not really that worried. Gamma yells at the figure, clearly this situation isn't getting saner any time soon I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT IF YOU'RE THE HARBINGER OF 2018. THEN CHEETO MAN WASN'T YOUR FRIEND.

Quintus would just stare up at the girl. This was no time for him to gripe and he was already knee deep in this incident. "Alright, after this I'm taking a long break from helping people. I don't care what anyone says. This work is really exhausting." He would rise back to his feet waiting to see what happens next.

[The figure laughs at Gamma's words. Big talk for a floating nerd.] "Missa nev said he was missa friend, retard. Just a pawn. Use toda end. Missa knew what he was doin. He was terrifi of missa powers. And missa don t blame him. Yousa all be scar too!" [The figure flicks his hand downwards as the group goes flying back into the mountain of salt. The figure then pulls out a pair of black devices from his cloak. With the flick of a switch, they flash to life as a laser beam comes from around the devices in order to form two fidget sabers.] "Comein on then. Face missa and die, okeeday?"

(Kisaragi ends up covered head to toe with salt yet even that does not seem to faze her bright mood. She easily shakes off the salt on her idol outfit and nonchalantly sits on the floor.) Good luck my saviors~ I'll be sitting and watching as a show of support! I'll like totally cheer you on to the best of my ability!

Gamma extracts himself from the pile of salt.... Of course its a magic fidget-spinner shaped thing. WHy wouldn't it be. Regardless, the man is tiring by now, so, he doesn't even bother responding to the Figure Maeigaon. Almost as an experiment, Two tendrils of darkness emerge from the ground behind JarJar, aiming to latch onto his legs. They emerge silently, almost undetectably, and would barely make contact in order to latch onto the figure's robes

[The figure shifts slightly at Gamma's word, almost as if he knew something was coming for him. The cloaked being tosses up his fidget sabers and quickly takes off his cloak, tossing it back at the tendrils. Now revealing himself as a rather amphibious looking fellow, the being turns his hand and flicks his fingers behind him. The leftmost fidget saber would begin to move through the air and slice the tendrils that attempt to bind the man, and unfortunately hitting the cloak in the process before returning to the being's left hand.] "Clever boy. If ony missa can turn yousa toda dark side. Imagine unlimit power, yousa for da takin!" [With a flick of his right hand, the other fidget saber begins spinning at... what's a memey number? 9001 RPM? Yeah. The other fidget saber begins spinning at over 9000 RPM and begins to dive at Gamma from above. The figure would begin his assault on foot as he bounds towards Gamma with superhuman agility, the other saber at the ready to strike at his midsection whenever he is in range.] "Yousa die now, okeeday?"

Now for the one thing you'd never expect As the figure dashes towards Gamma, the young man pulls a small, jeweled knife out of his pocket. The young man grins at the figure, before slashing the air behind him Good luck countering this. A rift of light appears behind Gamma, through the light one can see a certain familiar park scene. In an instant, the young man steps into the light, and is gone.

[Jar Jar looks to Kisaragi with a blank stare.] "He just ditch yousa. Yousa savior isa doo-doo loser!" [Jar Jar just shakes his head as he calls his fidget saber back with a flick of his wrist.] "So what now? Likein, dis is bombad unprecedent. Doin missa win or what?"

(Kisaragi stares at Jar Jar in confusion.) I'm sorry but I can barely understand you ... I'm just going to guess that your asking about phase two of this whole plan. (She thinks for a moment then smiles with her eyes once again a bright red.) We can just cause some chaos tomorrow of the next day~ It'll be equally as fun~

"Yousa maka good points!" [The figure grabs his tattered cloak and sits atop the throne.] "Meesa da cap'n now!"