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The Masked Arsonist: Clashing Flames
Lately a report has been going around the news. A series of incidents where abandoned buildings have seemingly randomly gone up in flames has been reported as being caused by a arsonist of sorts. Their method of igniting the buildings is unknown as even solid concrete warehouses have somehow been burned down. There's no sign of gasoline being used or any other flammable substance to help support the flames. As far as specialists can tell the fire always starts in a large clump as well rather than a small flicker to start.
Lately there was a suspicious figure being reported as being seen near the local abandoned hospital on the news. Authorities aren't sure if this could be the arsonist as no solid descriptions could be confirmed but all in the area are being told to stay on alert.
For those that wish to investigate this incident further, you'd find yourself in front of the abandoned hospital in question. Nothing seems particularly off but it seems the door was left open as if someone had entered recently.
The building was around four floors in height and the parking lot would be completely empty. There was no one around besides a few police monitoring the streets from time to time.
(A 7'3 snake centipede hybrid comes from the ground, right at the opening door of the once used hospital)
....thank god I'm a immune to fire...
an outbreak of fires, fire which starts suddenly and manages to touch the inflammable. Likely a source of magic, either an elemental or rogue elementalist. Either way, something interesting to be sure. And so, Luard approaches the hospital, paying no heed to the officers, as though they were of no consequence to him. Sparing Rep no more than a passing glance, the young, cloaked man enters the building
Zeke and pandoria arrive to the scene at the hospital and both take a second of thought and prepare to go inside without second thought.
"Alright Pandy, Ready when you are!"
P:Ready as well my prince!
Both Zeke and pandoria traverse into the hospital as quick as possible
(edited by -Zeke-)
Cole Phelps dressed in a brown trench coat with a matching brown fedora walk into the hospital at a fast pace, drawing his revolver and putting it at his side. "Cole Phelps, LAPD."
(edited by Cole_Phelps)
Well, time to go.
(With that, he slithers inside, accidentally bumping into luacrd)
A car pulls up to the scene. The door opens, revealing Maya Amano, the charismatic journalist herself. She heard the scoop involving the mysterious figure and couldn't resist coming to see it for herself.
Well... Time to get involved in something dangerous again! The things I do for my passion.
Despite her words, Maya seemed enthusiastic as she examined the building from the outside. She wrote something on the notepad app on her phone...
"Arriving at the scene. No sign of flames; looks like it's been abandoned for some time."
She putputs her phone away and enters through the door that was left open. She kept a hand on one of her hoisted pistols in case this could be a trap.
She is... surprised to see that people were already here. She waved at the group. She remained cautious, but wore a professional smile.
Hello there! I'm Maya Amano, I'm a journalist for the Tokyo Times. Do you guys know anything about the mysterious fires that have wracked this building...? I would assume none of you were involved and came here for the same reasons as me.
The inside of the building would be mostly decrepit. There was a counter assumedly where people would schedule appointments or check themselves in. There were a few cushioned chairs around but most had seemed to be broken. The air itself would smell musty. It was clear this place was abandoned yet in the dust of the floor, footprints could clearly be seen and the individual who made them didn't seem to be wearing normal shoes. They almost looked like they were wearing a sort of armor on their feet.
Suddenly, the air would be growing hotter but only by a little. A light humming could be heard echoing throughout the quiet building as if someone was leisurely walking through the place. Near the back of the waiting room, the entrance to a hall could be seen next to what seemed to be a broken down elevator.
Cole Phelps turns to Maya quickly. "Do you really think you should be In here?"
Cole also notices the heat that's growing little by little, he also notes that someone else is here, Cole immediately takes cover on the wall, suspecting that a hostile may be close.
(edited by Cole_Phelps)
(He'd looked around, and just shivers in creepyness)
....ew, disturbing
(Then, he feels the warmth, and just gets more creeped out)
....this...is not good
Pandoria walks to the counter to examine and Zeke would check the footprints to take a closer examination.
P:I'm betting this was not an accident......
"....Hmmm...."
Pandoria walks over to zeke telling him almost like comparing notes.
Luard graciously steps out of Rep's way, paying him no more attention than one might a fly. Though, once Maya pipes up... Journalists, a way of getting news out to the world at large. More importantly they could easily become an annoyance if so inclined. With that in mind, Luard would turn around and bow to Maya
Hello miss, you may call me Luard, a researcher of sorts. I came for much the same reason as you, to identify and learn about the source of these incidents, so, if you don't mind.
Luard tugs on the collar of his cloak, all black's a pain in warm environments, and it only seemed to get warmer. His mind made up, Luard straightens out of his bow to approach the broken elevator
I believe I will get back to my studies
Maya giggled at Cole's remark.
Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself pretty well.
Maya been in worse situations than this. She wasn't scared of a ghost story. She returned a bow to Luard.
Pleased to meet you, Luard-san! Don't worry. We're here for the same reason after all. I'll try not to get in your way.
When Maya noticed the noises, she unhoisted her two pistols and her expression changed.
That noise...
Maya walked slowly into the hall, pointing both pistols towards the noise source as she walks. She felt fine going ahead with her experience, but caution is key.
(He'd casually slither all around the place)
...I know this place is gonna burn
Zeke gets his big bang edge out and pandoria gets to zekes side ready for battle in response to maya's action
"Anyone got a guess someone else is in here with us?"
Cole does a hand signal that everyone should be silent, and cautious, Cole then turns, does a very quick spin, peeking around the corner, slowly, and carefully sneaking over, aiming down sights on his revolver, making sure that he wasn't exposed to attacks from the sides. Cole turns towards Zeke, nodding no, then continuing to push forward.
(edited by Cole_Phelps)
Pandoria Gives Cole a hand signal saying "See anything?" to him while powering the big bang edge for zeke
P:Well?
Pandoria would find nothing of real note on the counter. There would be some old medical documents but they seemed to have no relevance to anything. As for Zeke all he would see is what was mentioned before though it may be worth noting that there appears to be a burnt out match near the footprints.
The broken elevator appears to have been out of order for a while now but it doesn't seem to badly damaged. Only the button of the elevator seems to be the thing truly broken as the door doesn't properly open.
The air would grow hotter and the humming closer. Suddenly the roof of the room would begin shaking as cracks seemed to appear on it. A piece of debris would fall directly where Zeke, Pandoria Rep are standing. It would be on fire and burning as it fell. The hole in the roof would reveal that the floor above is already in flames.
Maya would see a figure examining the walls as they walked. They would be wearing what appeared to be a full body set of armor that was both red with parts that almost looked wooden strewn about all over.
In their hand was a match that they rubbed against the wooden parts of the suit to light up. They'd laugh a little before seeming to blow on the flame of the match through the mask. The flame of the match would immediately fly off and expand into a massive clump of fire before almost seeming to stick to the wall instantly causing it to ignite.
???: "Maybe this time? Who knows, I'll just try again if this doesn't work."
(Immideintly when the debris fall, he drills underground)
NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.NOPE.
Bolts of electricity hit the collapsing roof making parts of it disintigrate being one of zeke's arts
"STRATOSPHERIC THUNDER!"
Hm?
This place isn't on my map....
Yumina walks into the Hospital, looking for signs of other people
This place is creepy.....
Cole groans, seeing that the group obviously isn't being quiet, Cole crouches up to the elevator, and attempts to pry the doors open, seeing that the hospital was left alone for quite some time. Cole then silently whispers; "...Those idiots best stay quiet... They're gonna blow their fucking heads off!"
(edited by Cole_Phelps)
(he stays underground)
NOT GONNA DIE
Maya was the first to spot the figure. She stood still for a moment, before the figure produced a flame from seemingly out of nowhere to light up the hall. She retreated, fleeing behind the wall where Zeke and Cole were. She signaled the two to stop and observe.
She hoisted her pistols and brought out her phone.
"Suspected arsonist found. A mysterious armored figure. From the voice, he appears to be male. He looks like one of those heroes you see on TV."
Upon the debris falling, Maya instantly put away her phone and tried to warn Zeke and Rep.
Look out--!
...But, it looks like she didn't have to do anything. These people seem like they have powers too...
...It was then that Maya covered her mouth. Oh crap. All this noise and yelling means he probably knows that they're there now...!
Luard investigates the elevator for a moment, not particularly fancy, though it still seems to be in ok shape. Luard was going to attempt to open it when he hears the crumbling debris and crackling flame. Seems like going up may be a poor decision. Following the advice of silence, Luard avoids speaking as he moves around the elevator, hiding around the corner opposite of Maya. The young man makes no motions to the others, preferring to remain out of sight until the target approaches them
"Is everyone okay?"
Zeke turns around to check if anyone was harmed knowing it should be wise to do that now before doing something rash or idiotic.
(He drills back up, with a big hole right behind him, and yells)
ALRIGHT EVERYONE, IN THE HOLE BEFORE WE GET TURNED INTO FRIED HUMAN!
(edited by Reperzel)
The bits of debris from the roof would be completely destroyed by the lightning but that combined with Maya letting out her voice would catch the figure's attention.
Cole would manage to get the elevator door open. It seemed to be completely working within.
The figure begins walking towards the waiting room before stopping a few feet away.
"It's already too late to hide. You should all get out of here because..."
The figure would point one hand forward in a single fluid motion.
"The building is on fire..."
He then takes his hand and points his thumb towards himself.
"...and it's entirely my fault.
Now come out now or I'm going to have to turn that room you're into ash too. I don't like people who hide, it makes them seem suspicious!"
Zeke and pandoria keep up there guard hearing the voice ready for anything, And whoever the nutjob who burned this building is
"How about we talk this out before we resort to violence shall we? best for all of us"
Cole does crouches into the elevator, not bothering to help the group of people, Cole grumbles, going to the floor directly above where the scene is, spinning his revolver. As the elevator approaches the floor, Cole leans against an elevator railing, making sure that he stays stealthy as possible.
JUST GET IN THE FUCKIN' HOLE!
The building is on fire...
Maya became a little weak at the knees. She had flashbacks to... back then... The burning building. The fire from before, at the shrine, almost dying... The flames that the man released and his words sent her mind back to an image of back then. Her knees shook a little and she held her head...
...No. That's the past... She told herself she all that behind. It's all over now...
She slapped her cheeks, and despite shaking, decided to step in front of the mans sight. She didn't want anyone here to die, not like that... And there's no point in hiding if he already knows.
I-I... I came here to investigate the mysterious fires...
...Is it you? are you the arsonist?
Luard pauses for a moment, he had hoped it was an elemental honestly, they can't help themselves and are entirely predictable, much easier to deal with. Instead, we get another person. No doubt they would be willing to follow up on their threat, so Luard steps around the corner, hands raised over his head
Pardon my overly noisy associates, you may call me Luard, a researcher of sorts. I had assumed it was an elemental rather than an individual, one that might have been useful for me. Terribly sorry for the inconvenience.
Luard grins and tilts his head, closing his eyes so as to provide no true window into what he's thinking. His voice is high and cheerful, one of a man asking his neighbor about the weather rather than someone in a burning building
Oh my fuckin' god....MATES, YA WANNA DIE, OR BE ALIVE?!?, JUST CLIMB IN THE HOLE, I'LL BE THE WHOLE LOT EASYER!
The figure would seem to relax upon seeing the others within the building. He seemed to speak with little urgency despite the nature of the conversation.
Smoke began filling the halls as the fire began spreading from upstairs. The area behind the figure was completely up in flames.
The figure first addresses Maya.
"You seem uneasy. It's fine, flames used to make me uneasy as well but I've grown to embrace them! As for whether I am the arsonist, that would be a yes. This fire is certainly my doing."
Next he would face towards Luard.
"I see, a researcher. I'm not sure what you mean by an elemental but I am not one. I have come here for a much different reason than an elemental might."
Finally he would address everyone in a slightly louder tone.
"Now, I will introduce my self. I am the Arsonist Match. Please be sure to tell everyone about me. The less that people get in my way the better. You should all leave now anyway. I have to finish burning this place to the ground before I move onto the next building."
The fire would rage on behind Match as the flames from the second floor soon began spreading to the waiting room everyone was in. The walls would be ablaze as smoke began to fill the air.
Cole would cough twice, crawling up to where the floor crumbled, then standing up, coughing loudly once, aiming down his revolver sights on the arsonist. "Cole Phelps, LAPD! You're under arrest!"
(edited by Cole_Phelps)
ALRIGHT,I GET IT. NEW ENEMY, LETS G-GAH, THAT SMOKE, LETS GO!
(he drills into the hole as fast as he can)
(edited by Reperzel)
Zeke runs into the hole and pandoria as well intending to avoid the smoke and follow's rep
Luard raises his collar over his mouth, to block out some of the smoke, he's not inclined to leave just yet. Apparently elementals aren't much of a thing, not surprising since Luard has only seen one so far
An elemental is a being made of pure energy, in this case it would be fire, though there have been several instances of things like lightning elementals, water, air, all sorts of things.
Luard sighs, backing from the heat momentari..... Did that idiot seriously try to arrest him? Well, point for effort if nothing else
Regardless, please do not associate me with the rest of these idiots, we just happened to meet on our way in. As I was saying, I would appreciate it if you would refrain from destroying further buildings without a purpose. Its an awful large waste of the space and energy used to erect them. Not counting the fire of yours.
Luard briefly glances around, considering a scan, before long the fire would likely be close enough that he wouldn't be able to get anything out of his efforts, but it doesn't seem too likely to help even if he does it now, so for the time being Luard keeps his distance
Maya was shaking. Seeing the flames behind the man, and the flames pouring into the room... It was triggering something in her. All those memories, the fire, Nyarlathotep... She wanted to collapse. But if she fell here, she may die for good this time... Without Tatsuya, without finding the rest of her friends... She clinched her fist. It was clear she was unstable at the moment.
I... I won't let you do this... Do you realize what you're doing!? these buildings house people! what if someone gets hurt? what if someone dies!? I came here thinking this was a ghost story... But someone who just sets fire things without a care, without thinking about what could happen... I'll make you stop!
Personaaaa!
Maya broke through her fear, and in an emotional frenzy, summoned her Persona, Artemis. A diamond coated, elegant woman rose from Maya and stood in midair.
Artemis... Diamond Dust! Eliminate these flames!
Artemis raised her hand, and a chill filled throughout the room. Ice emerged in the walls and in the floor, not aiming for any living target, but attempting to put out the flames that were flowing into the room.
(He drills as fast as he could, making some of the dirt hit the two in the face),
C'MON!, WE ALMOST THERE!,
(with that, he drills way up, and appears on a cement walkway, close to the burning building)
ALRIGHT!, COME ON!
Match would turn to Cole almost seeming to sigh as the gun is pointed at him.
"Put that toy away, unless you want to get burned. I'm not afraid to ignite people as well even if I'd prefer not to."
Match would turn to Luard and give him a thumbs up.
"Got it, if you think you can take the heat feel free to stay but don't say I didn't warn you about the flames."
That was when the flames in the room would be put out by the ice. With the flames out the smoke would begin to clear up as well. Match would cover his face with the force of the ice before looking around in anger.
"Just what do you think you're doing?!? Do you want to be burned to nothing?!? Eh,interfering with my work!"
Match would press a gray button on the side of a strange belt he was wearing. It would be black with a small gray box in the center. The box seemed to have a hatch on the center, a dial on the side, and a red button on the top. All over the black part of the belt were small gray buttons. Only three of the buttons were lit up and Match had just pressed one.
A small transparent ball with what looked to be wood inside formed out from under the button and fell into Match's hand. He would take the strange capsule and hold it up to the gray box before clicking the red button on top with his other hand.
"Heat up!"
The hatch would open revealing what appeared to be another space completely filled with flames. It was like the inside of a massive furnace within the small belt. He threw the orb in before pressing the button once again to close the hatch.
Match's body began smoking before bursting completely into flames. From within the flames, black spikes would seem to extend over his armor and helmet. A spiky black sword seemed to form in his hand as well as he pointed the blade forward.
[Charcoal]
"Leave now. This suit may be completely fire-proof but I assure you that you are not, no matter how much you might think you are."
Cole grunts, coughing again. "It's either you're in a body bag or in cuffs! Your choice!" Cole then tightens his right hand holding the gun, in case if 'Match' somehow magically lights his hand on fire. "..Choose the right fucking choice, or the wrong choice will blow your FUCKING HEAD OFF!"
With the surrounding flames gone, Maya's head began to become clearer. She looked across the room at Match with firmer eyes. She could focus again.
Match's body may have been covered in flames, but she used to the illusions of Nyarlathotep to become fearful of someone that resembled a flame demon. She stood firm, unhoisting her pistols. She was ready for anything.
I've been in a fire before... I was playing with my friends, and then the shrine caught fire... I almost died that day... I was a kid then, but I've spent so long getting over that trauma... And you...
If you keep doing this, you're going to hurt or kill someone! I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did... You're going to stop this, or I'm gonna kick your ass!
Luard blinks momentarily, wow, didn't expect asking to work like that.... And there they go with the threatening. Luard sighs and shakes his head, briefly missing his time working alone back home. No matter. Luard steps as far off to the side as he can while still remaining in a position of observation
I would like to mention to the officer that you are incredibly brave for using such a primitive weapon with such confidence. That said.
Luard begins to draw a medium-sized pair of magic circles, ones about as large as his chest area, maintaining contact with them as he watches the participants
I do hope you do not mind me remaining neutral in this. I shall simply play my part as a researcher and observe.
Finally, Luard nods to the arsonist, he's never been really fireproof anyways, and besides, he would rather not have to fight in such an enclosed space
Just remember not to burn down buildings at random or anything. Oh, and there's an old warehouse in the business district that's usually empty when I'm out. You'd find a collection of soulstones there. I happen to have made it my workshop, so please don't burn it to the ground
(He'd casually just watch the whole thing burn)
....now all we need is some 200 gallons of water...
A man in a red coat wanders down the streets, his usual weapons absent and at least to the eye he'd appear unarmed. Upon noting a burning building he can't help sighing to himself and rushing into it, a large orb of water casually forming in his hands and blasting toward some fire nearby just as a test. That done, he'd run for a while before finding... Some cop, trenchcoat, a damn Rider, and Maya... Maya, god damnit. The man simply stares blankly for a moment before stating in an entirely deadpan voice.
"What the fuck is going on. And Maya please put those things away, I'm sure we can resolve this without violence seeing as how I don't smell any charred corpses yet... Well, no need to go and change a good thing like that right?"
He'd smile slightly and pull a lighter from his coat, flames blazing to life on it as the man looks around and mentally curses at how things appear to be going.
Match would look at the cop with a bit of disappointment and begin ignoring him. If the detective though shooting him was a good idea then it was his funeral.
Match would shake his head at Maya. He would take the sword and spin it in a wide circle marking the floor and ceiling with a dark black mark before returning the blade to a neutral position.
"I can't stop now and I can't afford to worry about casualties either. If someone happens to be in an abandoned building it that wrong time, well, it's their own fault for not making themselves known.
If you want a fight then I'll provide you with that but it'll be a waste of time for both of us."
Match once again addresses Luard but doesn't take his eyes away from Maya as he watches her and her personas movements.
"Old warehouse in the business district? If I see gems in some abandoned building I won't go near it. Doesn't matter which buildings I use so I can afford to pass some up."
(edited by Fire)
In that case...! Artemi--
Just then, Maya's stance was thrown off and she looked towards Tatsuya... Her eyes became glassy, almost tearing up. Seeing him reminded her that her emotions were getting the best of her, and her Persona disappeared. She slowly lowered her pistols and backed towards Tatsuya, watching out for any potential sneak attacks.
...You're right... I got in over my head... I'm sorry, Tatsuya...
She shook her head and looked back towards Match, looking more clear headed.
Okay... I only came here for information. I got what I needed... Can you just promise not to target any civilian buildings? if you do... I won't forgive you.
(edited by -Maya_Amano-)
Match would sigh almost in frustration.
"Of course not! What kind of psychopath do you think I am? That would just draw unwanted attention to myself. Since I'm only burning down abandoned buildings the police hardly care. It's not like I'm out to hurt people! I still have some pride wearing the suit of a Kamen Rider even if I am not one myself.
Oh, I said a bit too much. This building has become a bit too much of a hassle so I think I'll take my leave."
Match would pull out another capsule, this time from the third button. This time the capsule seemed to be filled with water. His hand would ignite in flames as the capsule turned a vibrant red. Soon it exploded into a mass of steam that would spread through the building. In the cover of the steam, Match would make his escape by jumping out a window at the end of the hall.
Maya eased up as Match disappeared, holstering her pistols as she looked to Tatsuya. She smiled in embarrassment.
Heheh... Sorry about that... I got carried away. Usually I'm the one telling you not to be so rash, and look at me.
...When the flames were all around, I remembered back then... For the first time in a long time, I was scared... All I could think of was, what if he does that to someone like he did to us? I lost my cool... Literally, heheh!
I think I know how you feel now, when you get mad sometimes. I just don't want anyone to get hurt like we did.
Luard watches on silently, truth be told he had hoped for a bit more, so as to better analyze their abilities, but at least it ended peacefully. For now, Luard decides to act lke he isn't here, so as to watch Maya and Tatsuya more carefully
Cole quickly leaps down from a level, rolling on his feet, quickly rising, aiming at point blank range at his head. "...I don't want this getting messy, but..." Cole then places his finger on the trigger.
Gah... Part of him thinks they should deal with it, but this "Match" clearly isn't out to actually hurt anyone. He'd nod at the woman and shrug.
"I do, but well he hasn't hurt anybody... If he does we can deal with it, but I'd rather not stir up trouble we don't really need."
He'd then raise a hand to his chin... Kamen Rider huh, but he doesn't consider himself one? Seems nothing like Brave.
"And a Rider huh? Or at least he has the armor... Doesn't have any of the morals the other one I met did though, too bad I don't know how to get in touch with the guy but ah well... He said he ain't a Kamen Rider though, and given what little I know of them I'd agree with that."
Tatsu would fairly easily spot the man standing quietly, he's been at this long enough to figure such things out.
"Anyway, we should get going don't ya think? I'd like to get home before it's too late for once, though I can't speak for you."
With that, Tatsuya begins walking off from the building, hands in his coat pockets as he keeps an eye out for Luard. For some reason, he feels like giving that one too much info would be foolish but that's just his gut talking. Regardless, the man would look back now and then to make sure no one is following them.
Yeah, I know you're right... I probably shouldn't investigate anymore stories about fire.
Maya giggled and stood by Tatsuya's side, taking his hand.
I don't really know what a "Kamen Rider" is, but... Didn't he look like he was from those hero shoes? atleast, that's what I thought. Like Featherman! we watched that all the time.
I can write my story back home, so yeah, there's no need to stay here anymore. We can take my car! there is such a thing as walking too much, you know.
She playfully bumped Tatsuya with her elbow as she followed him out.
That was certainly... Interesting. Luard had never taken to watching people before, never seemed relevant. Even now the idea of it feels strange. This is likely some symptom of the “closeness†that girl described earlier. That strange mixture of behaviors with a positive connotation. With no one else left, Luard finds it prudent to leave the burning building. Something to learn more of to be sure.