The birds chirped calmly as a group of young adventurers trekked through the forest. A young magician by the name of Maria was admiring the view as her partner in their current journey, a determined warrior named Morris, simply kept his gaze set forward, towards their destination.
“Is it really that important to show me this now?” Maria asked, a bit bothered. The markets were open, meaning now was the best time to make deals with the other adventurers on the simplest of items. “There's a pair of earrings being sold later and I don't want to miss it.”
“Your jewelry can wait.” Morris said sternly. He was looking forward to the same deal, but he wanted to show her something that was a bit more important. “You know of the recent problems throughout the realm right now, right?”
“Who doesn't? Even those just starting out become aware of the situation rather fast. Why?”
“Do you think this is another problem?” Morris pushed aside a bush, showing a strange rip in the scene. A large gash started a few inches from the ground and rose to their height, widening around the middle and showing a dark background with stars shining through. “I was on my way to Soul Society, and found this by taking a wrong turn.”
Maria stepped closer to investigate, but Morris held onto her right shoulder. “I'll be fine. This is neat, though.” She stepped even closer to it, looking at it from all sides. Morris felt a bit uneasy with her being so close, but figured she'd be the first person who would know of such things.
“Well, what is it?” he fidgeted as he watched around for any unnatural creatures to appear. Maria had taken out a pad of paper and a pencil from her pockets, sliding her glasses down from the top of her head to the tip of her nose. Groaning, he stood watch around the area as she continued to look it over.
She picked up a small clump of dirt and tossed it towards the rip, expecting a reaction. The dirt passed through the rip and fell to the ground on the other side of the clearing, undisturbed by what it should've passed through. “Morris… do you have a spare weapon?” She hadn't expected such a find, but was a bit confused by it. Morris removed a decorated dagger from his waist and handed it to her. “Thanks.”
“Try not to lose it, please.” Of course, he had said it a bit too late, as she tossed the dagger quickly towards the rip. Once again, the item passed through it with no delay, digging into a tree found behind it. Morris turned his head to see the dagger shaking in its spot, his jaw dropping. “What was that for?!”
“Hmm? Oh, just trying to see if this thing is even real.” Maria rummaged through her pockets, taking a wand out. She threw it at the rip, only to have it pass through as well. Taking a chance, she decided to try and walk through it, planning on collecting the items. There seemed to be no connection to what it was, making it seem more like an illusion. As her forehead came in contact with the illusion, however, she was blinded by a flash of white, followed by losing conscious. The last thing she remembered hearing was Morris shouting to see if she could hear him.
—-
Within Kabuki Town, known for its dreary atmosphere and rainy weather, a shadow skulks about. The Persona Century Corporation's main building can be seen in the distance, the neon lights coming off the sign poorly shining down upon the town just outside of its boundaries. Following the darkness and avoiding the guards, the shadow successfully breaks into the building through a window in a storage closet.
“I'm in.” The shadow says, a wisp of feminine air about it. “Executing next part of the plan.”
“Agent, watch your back,” responded a voice from the ear piece. The shadow searched around and pulled the cord on a light overhead, illuminating the small closet. Quickly, the shadow lifted up its hood, revealing a female with long, brown hair. She unlatched the raincoat she was wearing, revealing a dark blue body suit that slimmed down and adhered to her body's every curve. She removed her gun from its holster along the right side of her waist and placed her back against the wall near the door. Taking in a deep breath, she opened the door and quickly poised herself just outside, getting a glance of the building's interior.
She saw two guards protecting a door to her left, while cameras cycled back and forth near it. Leaning out, she held down a button on her gun before pulling the trigger, firing an electro-magnetic pulse at the cameras without causing any noise. With the cameras taken care of, she aimed at the furthest guard's leg and shot, the bullet merely clipping the back of his calf. Distracting both of the guards with the pain, she rushed forth and quickly knocked them both out. She took out a small medical pad and covered the area she pierced before bracing herself against the door.
“I know you're there. Come in.” A voice from within the room spoke to her. Deciding to take the invitation, the female agent opened the door slowly and held her gun up, ready to take action. Within the office, an older gentleman sat at a desk, the entire office properly kept up with business folders lining the bookcases. The gentleman didn't seem phased by her presence, or the weapon she had readied. “May I help you, young lady?”
“President, you're no longer needed. We've successfully taken control of all your assets. All that's left is to dispose of the evidence.” She moved closer, aiming the gun at his head. “I'm not a lady, either.” She pulled the trigger, sending the bullet digging deep into his skull. As the bullet followed through, it pierced the other side of his skull and quickly flew into a nearby bookcase. Breaking the lock on his desk, she pulled out some folders and jumped out of the window, leaving the scene as it was.
—-
“This is a Realm News bulletin. The president of Persona Century Corp., known for its extensive attempts at trying to control most of the realm, was found dead in his office last night. No other deaths were reported, but the heirs to the company, Tamika and Guren, the president's children, assure us that this will not change what they stand for. In other news…”
“Odd things are happening around here lately,” Karona said, sitting at the Space Chaser Bar to watch the news. He took a sip from his glass of orange juice as he continued to talk to himself, “Ever since that bug appeared on the news feed, it's been one occurrence after another.”
“Is this seat taken?” A young woman asked, taking the seat in front of him at the table. He shrugged, taking another sip. “Did you know Maria was taken to the infirmary of Section 9 earlier?” She seemed concerned about the girl's health. “Do you think it's serious?”
“With everything that's been going on, I wouldn't doubt it. So, what brings you here, Fairanko?”
“Well, I've been a bit uneasy. They still haven't deciphered what was shown a few days back, and no one's been able to get in contact with the Immortals since. Don't you think that's suspicious?”
“What isn't suspicious nowadays? Rips opening up all over, strange locations being added like they were always there… It's enough to incite panic in normal people around here.”
“I guess… I just want to be assured that nothing bad is fixing to happen.” She sighed, leaning on the table with her elbows. “I remember when we didn't have this sort of stuff to worry about.”
“Whatever's happening, we'll probably be thrown into it in the end. Mark my words.” Karona got up, leaving his glass of orange juice. “I'm off to go check on Maria. You want to come?”
“I would, but there's a meeting I have to attend to.”
“Suit yourself, then.” Karona shrugged, walking out of the bar. There was still people whispering about the weird things going on as he walked the streets, heading out of the city to the security facility known as Section 9. It wasn't meant to be a secret area, but the actions that were carried on within it were. Staged as a medical facility, only those trusted by the officials up top were let in to the further recesses.
Coming to the entrance, Karona quickly felt the presence of something. He wasn't quite sure, so he took his mace, the Crushing Star, in both of his hands. Looking around, he couldn't see anyone other than the woodland creatures that scurried among the canopy of the forest. Not letting his guard down, he walked up to the door and pressed the button, signaling his desire to enter.
A short while past with no response. The door remained closed, and he was starting to get curious. He pressed the button again, holding it longer. There was still no response from within.
“I don't like to looks of this,” he muttered. With someone still watching him closely, and the fact that the guards weren't responding to the door signal, there was something more going on within the walls of Section 9 than there should be.