Log:Death of Laura Garrity III

From Champions MUSH

Participants: Random Factor,Shoro, Valencia, Silver Spider, Amber and Azure.

Valencia stretches an arm over to the door in order to open it. "Come in."

Yutaka sees the hand first..then the long arm..he grins and steps in.."I'll close it Val."

"Thanks." Valencia replies, retracting her arm and looking over at Yutaka. "How're you doing?"

Yutaka closes the door behind him and walks over near Val, "I'm doing ok..I guess. By the way, Thanks."

Valencia nods slowly. "Don't mention it...It was a pretty messed up situation. Glad you're doing alright. Just...Try not to talk to Kai that much."

Yutaka nods.."I could feel it building..I probably would have done something I would have regretted if you hadn't held me back."

Valencia shrugs. "I didn't even hold you back. You held yourself back. All you needed was a little reminder."

Yutaka sighs..and sits on the floor his back to the bed, "I'm worried..worried at what we'll find when we get to the Soma household."

Valencia nods. "Probably isn't going to be anything you want to see."

Yutaka nods.."But she's alive..and I can save her.." he seems frustrated.

Valencia nods. "That's what we're hoping." She replies. "You know it's not gonna be that easy."

Yutaka nods.."I..I just feel like we need to go..go now."

Valencia hmms. "What are the Somas saying? I know you don't want to trust them but they have kind of laid out the rug for us."

Yutaka nods.."You want to go..now?"

Yutaka ohs..and actually thinks about the question.."The Soma's..I don't like it. They said come tomorrow. Why..why not today?" Valencia shrugs. "They'll want to prep Kai Soma, probablly. They're stupid if they think they can pull something over on us a second time."

Yutaka nods, "I think Kai..I think they've turned him in. The Japanese Supercrimes department." he says.."Mind if I turn the channel?"

Valencia shakes her head. "No, go ahead." She tosses Yutaka the remote.

Yutaka turns it to channel 12, CNN Japan. "Its the biggest story on TV right now.." he cuts into a report he turns on the english dubbing and the report talks about how Kai Soma, the COO of the Soma Corporation has been arrested by Metacrimes of Nara for genetic crimes.

Valencia blinks. "Do they have our picture?"

Yutaka shakes his head, "No..I haven't seen anything yet. Only something on Silver Spider."

Valencia ahs. "Well, she can handle the publicity. We'll see how Kai handles prison."

Yutaka nods. "We'll see." he says, "I think I should go to the Soma Home.."

Valencia nods. "I'll come with you if you need some backup."

Yutaka nods, "Do you think we endanger her by interrupting whatever it is they are doing?"

Valencia shrugs. "We might. I can't say for sure...I don't know what they're doing"

Yutaka nods..he stands up..and starts to pace, as you've seen him do before,..as he paces thinking, a story about a white dragon flying over Nara is heard. She seems to be a common heroine found all over Japan.

Valencia glances at TV. "Y'know I don't get to see many of the foreign super heroes. Do they have a big summit or something or does Starguard just steal everyone's thunder?"

Yutaka chuckles, the question interrupts his furiously moving mind.."There are a few, but like the Soma's they sort of live in the underworld. The Soma Clan is about the only open group of Metas in Japan."

Valencia ahs. "Not enough toxic waste, I get."

Yutaka shrugs.."I think a lot of what you will see in this country will either be spiritual, or high tech..." he pauses. "And if you count chi and ninjas and things like that, then I guess there are tons?"

Valencia shrugs. "Chi and ninjas fall under spiritual or supernatural. It's just magic as far as I'm concerned."

Yutaka shakes his head.."No..Chi is different..and ninjas?..they're just like you and me.." he grins, "Wait bad example, they're just well trained people."

Valencia waves a hand dismissively. "You teleport."

Yutaka grins.."That's not ninjutsu, its technology."

Valencia ohs. "Well...Then it falls into the high tech spectrum. Japan is too clean."

Yutaka grins.."Why do you say that?"

Valencia shrugs. "They just don't have the level of toxic waste that the USA has been able to muster in order to wreck it's genome."

Yutaka nods, "Yes..they allow allow the US to deal in the industries that end our world, They deal in the clean industries."

Valencia frowns. "C'mon. If it wasn't for toxic waste I wouldn't be here today."

Yutaka looks at Valencia for a long moment..then says, "Well..then yay for industrial toxic waste." he seems simply, genuinely happy that you are here.

Valencia nods "Darn right." She pauses, then starts to laugh. "That was stupid..."

Yutaka shrugs and grins.."well..yeah.."

Valencia hees and flops back on the bed. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll get her back, Yutaka."

Yutaka nods..and leans against the wall.."You're in a strange mood today aren't you?..not bad, just strange?"

Valencia nods. "I do my share of thinking too, y'know. It puts me in strange moods when I don't know what to speak."

Yutaka blinks.."um..I know you think..I mean, I know. But you always seem together..like, you know un..um..unfluffed?..er unruffled..I kind of like this mood you're in."

Valencia shrugs. "I dunno. I can get flustered it's just that with this...I dunno. I get flustered when it's just me that's in trouble but if it's other people...I think I can look beyond the personal stuff.'

Yutaka nods, "I think its just the opposite for me.."

Valencia nods. "I'm not saying it's perfect...It's just easier to help people."

Yutaka seems a bit confused almost, "How did I get into all of this?"

Valencia shrugs. "You fell in love with a fox girl connected to one of the largest underworld families in the world who happened to have a vampire for a friend."

Yutaka smirks.."Thanks..I meant all of this. How did I get into heroing?..I'm no hero."

Valencia shrugs. "Neither am I. It's all the company you keep."

Yutaka grins.."So..If I'm not a hero, and you're not a hero, and we hang out together.."

"We're just friends." Valencia replies.

Yutaka nods, "Ok." the conversation goes somewhere unexpected with that answer.

Valencia blinks. "No, wait, I didn't mean it like that. Friends do for each other what heroes do for strangers."

Yutaka ohs..literally.."Oh. I get it." he sighs.."Sorry I'm a bit thick today.."

Valencia shrugs. "You've got a lot on your mind."

Yutaka nods slowly.."I..I don't know whats going to happen with Laura."

Valencia shakes her head. "No one does. That's what we're here for."

Yutaka shakes his head and he falls to silence for a long time..finally he says, "Val..I'm not afraid about her dying..I'm afraid of her living."

That answer seems to have torn something inside of him to say.

Valencia nods slowly. "I know. It's not gonna be easy."

Yutaka nods.."Does that make me a coward?"

Valencia shrugs. "In the nineteenth century, yes. Today, nah. You're just a coward if you can't face your fears, not because you have them."

Yutaka nods "I guess you're right. So..once we've got this finished, what are you up to?..You have something unfinished as well."

Valencia nods. "I'm gonna finish it when this is done. As soon as possible."

Yutaka says softly to Val.."You mean you're going to find closure right Val?"

Valencia nods. "It's been too long and it's probably not going to be pretty."

Yutaka nods with a sigh.."I would never wish this on you Val, but if you need me just say so."

Valencia shrugs, folding her arms. "I brought it on my self. There's no excuse."

Random Factor stands outside the door for a minute, then raps softly.

Yutaka looks surprised, "What do you mean?"

Valencia doesn't answer, glancing at the door instead. "Who is it?"

Yutaka looks over and walks for the door, "I'll get it Val.."

Random Factor says, "It's Random." His voice is soft and low. Loud enough to be heard, but not well."

Yutaka looks over to Val..its her room. "Open it?" he mouthes.

Valencia nods.

Yutaka opens the door, "Hey Random..come on in."

Random Factor hesitates for a moment, "retracting" his boots which seem to just dissapate from his feet, then enters. "Hi. I just thought I'd check and see if you were... well, ok seems a pretty ridiculous word given the situation, but, there it is.

Yutaka nods, and moves away from the door, he looks at Val. Seeing as how its Val's room so he guesses he was looking for Val.

Valencia looks at Yutaka, assuming RF is talking about him. Awkward silence ensues.

Yutaka looks between the two saying what at least two of them are thinking.."Um..Random, who are you talking to?"

Random Factor looks back and forth between the two. "I'd actually wanted to speak with both of you. I know this is far more your "turf" than mine, but I know how difficult this must be, especially for you, Yu."

Valencia nods. "Thanks for coming by. We're doing alright, all things considered. Anxious, though."

Yutaka nods in agreement with Val, "Yeah..what Val said, but..what do you mean by 'turf'?"

Random Factor says, "I've only visited this country a few times, and rarely stepped outside of SG facilities. I imagine you know the dangers here far more than I could ever hope to."

Valencia nods in agreement with RF. "Hopefully we're past the danger stage now tht Kai Soma is behind bars...'

Yutaka nods with a look of understanding.."Yeah..again what she said, but You mean literally." he pauses, "As long as no Neo-sung crap comes up, we should be fine."..he points to the tv that is showing CNN Japan, "Have you seen the news report?" the setting is on english dubbing.

Random Factor says, "Hrm?" He turns to see the screen. "What now?"

"I think it just says they got Kai..." Valencia watches.

The top story is the story of Kai Soma, COO of Soma Corp being turned into the Meta Police of Nara for his involvement in activities violating international genetics laws. Yutaka nods, "Seems the Family is doing some spin work, making sure he takes the fall for the corporation, the family and the corp lives, the individual takes the fall."

Random Factor says, "Well, thats certainly a step in the right direction."

Valencia nods. "Can't expect 'em to do anything elses."

Once again the story of the white dragon is shown. She seems to have stopped something..a fire or something.

Yutaka nods, "It divests the family of any responsibility. I don't know if the family is clean or not. Soma Keicho was the one that transferred Laura's essence, according to Kai at least."

Random Factor nods. "Not that I think his word's worth that much, but on this, I think I believe him."

Valencia nods to Yu. "Yeah. I think the whole Soma clan is in on it. It's a Japanese family, it's not like you can hide much."

You say, "I agree." he says with a nod, "I think Soma Keicho was trying to save her.."

Random Factor says, "Yes, but we told him we had the cure. So if that's true, why would he keep us waiting?"

Yutaka nods.."That was my question."

Valencia shrugs. "That's THE question."

Yutaka sighs.."Its an answer we wont get unless we go to the family household."

Random Factor says, "Yu, what exactly is the relationship between the Soma Corp and Neo Sung?"

Yutaka looks at Random.."From what I understand, there is no relationship. If there is one, its antagonistic. They have aligned themselves with Shin-sony."

Random Factor says, "And Shin-Sony and Neo-Sung are direct competitors?"

Yutaka nods, "Direct."

Yutaka looks at RF, "are you trying to get at who made the clones?"

Random Factor says, "I have a rather personal question to ask you then." He looks to you a rather long time before continuing, glancing in Val's direction then back. "It bears some relevence.""

Valencia nods to RF, waiting for the question.

Yutaka gives RF a slow nod.."Whatever you can ask me, you can say infront of Val.."

Random Factor nods and clears his throat softly, obviously a tad uncomfortable. "What do you know of your father?"

Yutaka frowns.."Um..he's dead. He was killed in a car accident when I was 18...Why?"

Random Factor says, "I found something when I was searching the office of the president (?) of Shin-Sony's office. I didn't say anything before, because it couldn't be verified, but now... I still can't guarentee it's authenticity, but..." He reaches into his utility belt and prouduces a piece of paper, unfolding it. He gazes at it for a moment, then hands it to Yu. "Well, here."

Valencia blinks at the paper, watching Yu as he reads it.

Random Factor says, "If it's true, it may be why he's so hesitant to hand her over."

Yutaka looks at the Paper..unfolding it and reads it. His eyes follow the lines, and he reads it again and again..tension in the room starts to build.."What are you trying to pull Random?" his words are clipped off.

[NOTE READS]

RE: Personal note(took hours and hours to decrypt) Yutaka is my son. My wife died at childbirth and Yutaka was given up for adoption, I was only 19, he was a mistake, and I could not have cared for him. I found him again at the age of 24, he was only 5, I was then a new teacher at the Morita School of Gifted Students, and had him entered into the school, as with all parents of the School, they were invited to move to Tokyo to make the move easier and more appealing. I had watched him closely, and he developed nicely, I am very proud of him. When he reached the age of 18 I took a personal hand into his developement, Shin-sony had promoted me to a place of prominence in the company and guided him mentored him. When he was to graduate, I needed to cut his ties with this world and make him dependent on me, so I had his parents killed. It was a simple thing for those simpletons. He is my best creation.

[END NOTE]

Valencia blinks again, sitting up on the bed.

Random Factor says, "I'm not trying to "pull" anything. I'm not saying it's true. But, especially under the circumstances, you needed to know."

Yutaka throws the paper down on the bed.."Why?..Why is it pertinent?..Why Now?.." the uncontrolled anger begins to build.

"Yutaka..." Valencia says quietly.

Random Factor speaks easily, softly. "Yu, I consider you a friend, and I know how much Laura means to you. If this is what's keeping you apart now, some riduclous thing about family honor...

Yutaka's words go cold, "I don't know what the hell you're talking about...Keeping me apart?..What the hell are you talking about??"

Random Factor says, "If Soma Corp is united with Shin-Sony, and Neo-Sung is their is their nemesis... You know how much we were running back and forth between the two. What if Neo-Sung has her body and/or essence?"

Yutaka blinks..he seems confused, as if he is about to be overloaded.."Random..What the hell?..Speak clearly!" he yells.

Valencia looks confused as well.

Valencia picks up the paper and glances at it discreetly.

Random Factor says, "Do the names Romeo and Juliet mean anything to you? If they are sworn enemies, they wouldn't help each other. But for you to understand that, you would have to be told. Apparently, that's not something they are willing to do."

"Christ..." Valencia breathes.

Yutaka shakes his head..holding it, as if hes trying to physically hold his mind together.."..Y..You are saying all of this that they all know this??..You think this personal information would incite all of this??" his voice is on edge..

Random Factor says, "You're the one who reminded us... appearance over fact. Honor above all. I can't imagine much get's past Keicho Soma."

Valencia just sits silently for a moment, looking at the paper with a sad expression.

Yutaka begins to pace, his thoughts racing..shaking his head.."what does this have to do with anything..I don't understand.", perhaps he is too close to the situation.

Jennifer just wonders what the heck is going on. Unlike the rest of the people in the room she can neither speak nor read Japanese so the note is meaningless to her.

"He's saying they did it to get to you." Valencia replies. "You're like, the son of Shin-Sony."

Random Factor says, "I'm sorry, my friend. I truly am. I was hoping I could find the truth of it before telling you, but not only do you deserve to know, but now, if that is what's keeping us from our mission..."

Random Factor says, "If that's what is keeping you from Laura..."

Yutaka seems to finally realize that Val is right..that is what RF is saying.."Because of me..all of this?..Why..Laura?..The Soma's??" his thoughts collide with each other in his mind and he is unable to formulate coherent thoughts.

Random Factor sighs softly, debating the wisdom of this after all...

Valencia shrugs. "It's probably a lot of things." She says somewhat hopefully, glancing at RF for support. "I mean, like a perfect storm..."

Random Factor nods towards Val. "I'm sure it's not so simplae as this one thing, but if it is a factor...

Yutaka's features harden..he stops pacing and takes the note..he refolds it, and his nanites begin to swim around him.

Shoro's eyes..still hard and angry..he glows red..but it is like an undercurrent of tension and anger. "I will find out now." he says.

Random Factor says, "Don't go alone." There's no way it can be interpreted as a question. "Understood?"

This, on the other hand, is a situation she's been in before. "Going somewhere, Mr Y? Are we getting left in the dark or sent home again this time?"

Valencia is about to say something before one of the twins burst in. She stays silent.

Shoro whips his head at Jennifer..he hadn't seen her come in..of course he isn't at his sharpest right now..his aura goes a deep red..flaring. He is unable to iterate his feelings. The anger is now mixed with shame. His fists close tight...

"Yutaka." Valencia says softly. "Sit down. Please."

Jennifer nods at Val's words, "You're not alone anymore, Mr Y. We're a team. Teams work together. All for one, and one for all."

Random Factor says, "Just look before yoou leap, my friend. And don't even think about trying to leave us behind."

Shoro looks around the room..his aura flaring more, it erupts from him for a moment..as an angry yell escapes his mouth, his body grows taut, the shout is gutteral, and rises to a crecendo, as does the violent red nature of his aura before he sinks to his knees the aura goes away..and he sits there weeping.

Random Factor reaches out to put a hand on Yu's shoulder.

The room phone begins to ring.

Shoro pushes RF's hand off his shoulder...

Random Factor doesn't fight it, but doean't mmove, either.

Ring Ring Ring

Valencia sees Yu reject RF so she stays on the bed, watching Shoro.

Jennifer glances at Val and motions with her eyes for Val to go to Mr Y, while reaching for the phone. "Hi, Jenny's bike repairs, how can I help you?" she says into the handset.

Jennifer thinks . o O (If it's a serious call they'll know we're here.)

On the phone with a very japanese accent "Excuse me..we have a noise complaint, do you need any assistance?"

Jennifer answers, "Oh. No, sorry, I had my new Sony tri-vid player's sound turned up too high. I'm very sorry. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Please pass my apologies on the the person who complained."

On the phone.."Very Good. Please let us know if there is any assistance we can render."

Jennifer tells the caller, "I will. Thank you."

"You're welcome." *CLICK*

Jennifer hangs up the phone. "No problem, just the front desk complaining at the volume on my mobile film-chip viewer."

Shoro continues to sit on the floor..he places his forehead on the floor and he continues to weep, his body wracked with almost convulsive inhalations, but otherwise going silent.

Valencia slides down from the bed and sits next to Yu, tentatively putting her arms around him.

Shoro flinches at first but doesn't push her away.

Random Factor moves over to te window, and looks out on the city, giving Yu as much privacy as he dares lest he try to leave on his own.

"It's ok." Valencia whispers to Shoro. She doesn't say anything elese.

The Armor melts off running over and under Val's arm...

Valencia doesn't seem to mind. She can make her arms melt, afterall.

Yutaka eventually gains control of his body's reaction to all of this..he seems spent..weakened physcially by this event.

"You should get some sleep." Valencia tells Yu. "I mean it. If you think too much you'll explode."

Yutaka nods slowly..but says through gritted teeth.."We go tomorrow. We find the answers. We end this."

Jennifer gets bottes of chilled fruit juice from the hotel room's mini-bar fridge and serves them in glasses to everyone who wants one.

Valencia nods to Yutaka. "Yeah. That's the plan. We'll get 'em."

Random Factor says, "Yes. Tomorrow."

Jennifer nods as well, "You can count on me, Mr Y."

Yutaka slowly gets to his feet, Val, if she's still holding him can feel his legs tremble. "I'll go back to my room..if you need me I'll be there..trying to rest."

Valencia helps Yutaka to his room if he needs it.

Jennifer turns to Random when Yutaka has left the room, "So what was that all about?" she asks in confusion.

Random Factor explains briefly, as best he can.

Yutaka tells Val he will be ok and thanks her..turns to the rest and thanks everyone before leaving the room, shaky. He calls moments later from his room, just to let you all know he didn't go running off on his own.

Valencia sits down on her bed as Yutaka leaves. "God he's such a mess."

Jennifer says, "Oh! In that case... he took the news rather well then. Not only is the building still here but this room is still distinguishable as a hotel bedroom."

Valencia nods to Jenn. "Yeah. I guess that's a good thing...I have a feeling this is just gonna get worse, though."