The Euphoric Eulogy of Adam M. Glazier
[His suit remained pristine, shedding water as readily as rubber, leaving little cascades to run from his broad shoulders. The humidity did nothing to stray his hair from its gelled-back slick, nor did the steady stream of rain obscure his vision through the sable shades pressed against the bridge of his nose. He was the spitting image of Adam in nearly every way, though, if he had Adam’s eyes, the decidedly opaque lenses did not allow any observer a chance to find out. He waited impatiently for what felt like hours, until the spattering of the rain in the puddles of the dark alley was purposefully overshadowed by the splashing of feet moving swiftly through the water. He was unsure if he should be surprised by Setheroth’s success, but he would be damned before he showed that he was impressed by it.]
Setheroth: What a day!
Agent Fifth: Why would you keep me waiting? It’s dangerous for me this exposed.
Setheroth: Wouldn’t want you to feel... exposed. [Agent Fifth wheeled to face him. The gaping wound in Setheroth’s leg instantly stole his focus-perhaps he was unsuccessful after all. Agent Fifth let himself crack a smirk, and, in kind, Setheroth smiled broadly. He gently clasped Agent Fifth’s nape, with a cheerful greeting fit for an old friend. Agent Fifth found it unsettling at best, wiping his mocking expression from his face.]
Agent Fifth: Why did we- [A sphere of black energy poured out from Agent Fifth's mouth, interrupting his query, before his body collapsed awkwardly to the ground with the strange blood-substitute pouring from the large open wound that had once been the Agent’s head. The calm smile on Setheroth’s face remained unstirred, as he washed what little blood-substitute had managed to seep around the blast and back to his hand out in the rain.]
Setheroth: I distinctly remember sending instructions to meet with the Alpha-Agent. Instead you try to front one of your lackeys. What. A. Waste.
Alpha-Agent: That could have been me! [Standing on top of the building which the previous Agent Fifth had loomed in the shadow of- the Alpha-Agent leapt down onto a dumpster and with a second jump was on the ground beside the headless corpse and next to Setheroth. Hidden behind the same sunglasses, slick hair and suspiciously dry suit, the Alpha-Agent looked identical to the creature who had greeted Setheroth seconds before in every way- though he still had his head about him.] You could have just decapitated me and then where would you be?
Setheroth: Slightly ahead of you.
Alpha-Agent: I don’t find this situation particularly humorous.
Setheroth: Oh? I can’t help but appreciate the irony. You’re the fifth generation of a series of experiments designed solely to be indestructible weapons. The second through fourth generations were total failures as independent entities- died horrible, painful deaths- and the first generation was nothing more than a muscle-thug. Just a body with above-average physical ability: fast, strong, lethal. But you! You’re the summary of all these experiments! Blessed with uncanny physical ability, heightened senses and awareness, and tactical intellect to rival a computer’s with the living ingenuity that machines just can’t duplicate-not to mention your unique regenerative properties-and all of that has equated to making you paranoid. You're on the brink of invincibility, and all it does is make you aware of just how squishy you really are, like you're still just one of those muscle-headed thugs that Adam pulled apart a year ago. I mean, that's hilarious, am I right? [Setheroth flitted a little dark energy between his fingers, waiting for the Alpha-Agent to get the punchline before shrugging it off and snapping the energy away.]
Setheroth: You'll get it later. Trust me.
Alpha-Agent: [The Alpha-Agent grunted, then shifted the subject away from Setheroth's unnerving diatribe] This should have happened tomorrow. Why today?
Setheroth: I have my reasons. Don't forget: despite your super-brain, you're a blunt instrument in this game- a great many blunt instruments to be more accurate- but not the mastermind.
Alpha-Agent: -And I suppose you have a reason for my specifically being at this specific spot at this specific time?
Setheroth: [Setheroth’s smile broadened] I have a gift for you. I wanted to deliver it personally. [The Alpha-Agent did little to hide his disgust with Setheroth’s games, barely extending his hand to receive the gift. Setheroth pulled something on a chain out of his pocket, spinning it rapidly until it wrapped itself around the Alpha-Agent's wrist. He jerked his hand back to inspect the simple stainless steel chain with two stamped metal tags]
Alpha-Agent: Are they-
Setheroth: Empowered with great energy from the hall of heroes? Blessed by the Fae goddess herself? Infused with Adam’s own magical talent making it an artifact of unspeakable power? Hardly. Just a trophy I’d like you to hold on to. May it serve you better than it served him. [The Alpha-Agent cautiously placed Adam's dog tags around his neck and let it rest on his chest- only adding to the illusion that it was in fact Adam standing next to Setheroth. He stood agape.]
Setheroth: You can go now, provided you report in to our mutual friend in charge of observing your progress. He’d like to run a few quick diagnostics before this evening.
Alpha-Agent: [he shifted his weigh uncomfrotably] Damn you, I-… How do I know they won’t find the place while I’m there?
Setheroth: Maybe they will, maybe they won't. Just do what you’ve become best at with all your training in open engagement of multiple enemies in direct melee and ranged combat: run away. [Setheroth laughed heartily, daring the Agent to challenge the truth. The Alpha-Agent gave one more sneer as he left Setheroth alone with his sinister grin, cold stare, and gaping leg wound.]
Seth: Everyone on your feet! [Seth yelled to the front of the horseshoe as he approached. The Beginner walked in front of him, keeping his hands at his side and walking at a calm pace. Both shared a detached, business-like demeanor as they approached, and everyone who hadn’t been on their feet before quickly heeded Seth’s instruction. Miyuki put her hand to her sword, knocking it from its sheath, while Olivia began donning one Matou- her eyes fixed on their old enemy.]
Mora: It’s the Beginner. [-Mora whispered as she rose to her feet in front of Brandon, leaving him to scramble to his feet using the wall as a guide. Brandon gently grabbed her shoulder, but she grabbed his wrist to keep him in place behind her. Myrna struggled to get to her feet as best she could- the best she could muster was to take a knee behind him and support herself against the wall. Smitty positioned himself between Myrna and the Beginner, ready to brawl, while Sam, Derek, Nathaniel and Renee stood in front of the rest of the theatrites, forming a defensive line, but Andrea made it clear she had neither patience nor need for such protection.]
[With a flick of her wrist, a twig she had scooped up from the cement took the size and shape of a small, wooden dagger, wasting no time in her all-out assault against the Beginner. She expected her first swipe at his undefended torso would be dodged, but it wasn't: her makeshift blade found purchase in the flesh of his chest, splitting him open and splattering blood in an arc away from the wound along the path of her strike. Had her anger made her fast enough to catch the Beginner before he could teleport away?]
[Seizing the opportunity, Andrea sunk her blade into the Beginner's abdomen, skewering the wretched creature up to the hilt. As she expanded the wood within him to an even greater length, Andrea felt warm blood began to trickle onto her hand. The Beginner was now doubled over around the wound, but still did nothing to attack Andrea. With her dagger lodged within her enemy, she struck him with her dainty, but capable hands. His sunglasses fell to the ground and cracked, revealing the vacant, light-filled pits of his eyes before he disintegrated into a puff of ash that promptly reformed a few feet from her. She squared off and prepared to attack again.]
Andrea: Fight me you sonova-
Seth: Andrea!
[Seth wrapped Andrea in his arms, positioning himself between them all: theatre-ites, Andrea, Seth, and the Beginner, who slowly stood upright and pulled the dagger from his gut, dropping it to the floor mindlessly as he did. Blood pumped effortlessly from the gaping wounds as he winced and recoiled around the injury. He looked to be in terrible pain as opposed to the normally cool, nearly expressionless air he normally carried. Andrea struggled to overpower Seth to no avail, even attempting to predictably knee him in the groin before Seth managed to block it with his knee. She clawed and kicked, but Seth refused to release her. Ash poured from the wound starting at one side and moved slowly to the other as the slash sealed itself up. Once it was gone, more ashes began to fall to the ground and scatter to the wind from the cut in his stomach as it began to heal itself as well. When the ashes stopped, the Beginner gave an exasperated gasp as he released his focus. He still looked to be in great pain, but his torso and even his clothes had no sign of the wounds. Seth reached down, picked up the sunglasses, and handed them behind him. The Beginner stood upright, acquired the sunglasses, and made one final grimace as he overcame the pain and repaired the cracked lenses. As the light from his eyes disappeared behind the shades, he regained his composure and took on his normal, apathetic demeanor.]
Beginner: I’m not here to hurt you. [There were mixed reactions as everyone stood tense. Seth released Andrea, who pushed away from him as she traded focus between her supposed friend and her supposed enemy, and assumed a prominent, if ostentatious, space in the defensive line. Seth rubbed the scratches on his arms, and cracked his neck, assuming an impatient slouching position against the brick wall and keeping his narrowed eyes fixed on the Beginner. He shifted his shoulders and cocked his head as he addressed the group.]
Seth: The Beginner wants to speak his piece. [His face flinched as if he had more to say, but instead fell silent. He'd have liked to have made a joke about how he'd like to regenerate after the scratches, but he suppressed the impulse. The Beginner took his cue and began looking from face to face of the theatrites- all staring intently back in varying nonplussed states of fear, anger, and confusion.]
Beginner: I will not try to conceal or ignore our history-we have always been at odds with one other. I’m sure given the space and time, I could reveal a laundry list of great and terrible things I have subjected you to. Things I can incriminate myself with further beyond the forgiveness offered by even the most gracious among you. I… am also somewhat responsible for the events of today, albeit indirectly. It may be of little consolation to you, but hear me when I tell you this: I am sorry for your loss. And for what little those words mean, I am hear to offer my assistance. [The Beginner remained silent a moment as he let this information sink in. Many shot each other looks- some seemed to lower their defenses in earnest surprise. Others seemed more suspicious or threatened than before.] I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge and honor your skepticism. It is your right to doubt me-it may even be seen in some of your eyes that I have broken my vow. I swore to- to your friend- that I would not harm another member of theatre, and while I’ve stood by my word, it is through me that harm has befallen you all. The creature which killed Adam Glazier was created by me, and manipulated me to its own ends. It took this act for me to see this. If the scars I incurred did not heal themselves- I could show you the result of the last encounter I had with Setheroth and shortly after- this fight... I could prove to you the monstrosities I created no longer serve me. The creatures, weapons, and machines I had amassed over a year ago are now under his command, and he has marked me as a target with you all. He will show me just as little compassion or pity… as he will the rest of you. [The Beginner gave Seth a meaningful look as he continued, which Seth responded to by narrowing his glare.] Know that this creature carries a terrifyingly intimate understanding of each of you- and will use it in sadistic ways: Ways that no one you would trust such personal information with could ever do. He’s obtained it through unnatural circumstance and can destroy all of you. He understands you and I intimately and specifically. What motivates, frightens, and breaks us. He has more knowledge that any one of us could possibly know. I believe very strongly that neither the theatre as a group or I alone can stop him. [The Beginner dipped his head gravely.]
But: He could never predict an alliance between us. If you have someone who knows about him and his armies-my armies-we stand a chance. So, as humbling though it may be, I am at your mercy. Whether you kill me now or he kills me later: know that I am dead, and you will not be far behind unless you accept my help. [There was a silence for a moment where none knew who should speak, or if anyone should speak for the group except perhaps Miyuki. Brandon, however, did not seem to be thinking about whom should speak for whom.]
Brandon: Adam M. Glazier.
Beginner: What?
Brandon: His name is Adam M. Glazier, Aquarius Extraordinaire. Say the whole thing, or don't say it at all.
[The Beginner grunted at such a meaningless distinction]
Smitty: Let me get this straight, dick-head. You try jump a bunch of innocent teenagers to compensate for something; disappear after getting your ass handed to you four times; don’t realize your new boyfriend is using you, kills our friend because of it, sends your own goons to kill you; and now you drag your sorry ass here crying because you can’t take another pounding from behind and need our help to stop him. [Members of the theatre couldn’t help but chuckle as the Beginner simply stood- unmoving and just as expressionless as before.]
Mora: How can we trust him?
Nathaniel: We can’t; after what he’s done to us before today? Let alone what’s happened since this morning. There’s no way!
Sam: Can’t you detect his lies or read him or something Renee?
Renee: Yes I can- but he’s a creature of many magical properties. I have no way of knowing if he’s deceiving my supernatural senses.
Derek: Does it seem like he’s lying?
Renee: Not at all.
Joanna: I don’t-… ummm… it seems like he’s telling the truth? That’s just… that’s my opinion… I don’t know… [Miyuki and Olivia took one another aside and whispered that the theatre could see they were debating something- but none could hear the two.]
Miyuki: Adam told us a lot about Setheroth- I mean, the story seems to match up with Setheroth being smarter and all that-
Olivia: But being deceptive- well or not- fits the Beginner’s M.O. pretty clearly.
Miyuki: The Beginner hated Adam when we fought him the last time- he tried to kill Adam’s family- and Adam still showed him mercy. If he wanted to get back at him, why would the Beginner let some crony experiment kill Adam instead of doing it himself?
Olivia: If that would get him to us minus one of our stronger combatants and gave him a way inside in one fell swoop? I think so…
Miyuki: I don’t buy that. He had all but nine of us at his mercy for hours last time- he didn’t kill one of us. Maybe if he thought Setheroth would fail? But if he sent Setheroth to weaken Adam up for him then he came back saying he killed Adam, I don’t think he’d come up with this deception that fast… that involved- could he?
Olivia: It doesn’t sound as solid as it could be…
Miyuki: There’s no complete picture either way. I wish there were a way to accept his help without risk- if we did decide not to trust him what would we do with him? Just kill him?
Olivia: The thought crossed my mind- Got a better idea?
Miyuki: [Miyuki shook her head] No… Adam wouldn’t want that and neither do I. I hate to say it- but if Setheroth could beat Adam?… we may need his help after all-
Olivia: We don’t need anything. If we work together we can do anything- you know Adam believed that.
Miyuki: Of course I do. I believe it, too, but- this could be a means of doing that anything. This might be how we do that anything. I’m not saying I like it- I’m saying that I think we need to find a way to handle the Beginner at minimal risk to ourselves.
Olivia: If he’s playing us- there is no way to minimize the damage he could do. I don’t like this Muki.
Miyuki: You don’t have to like it. I never said I did. [Miyuki turned back to the group. Most everyone was waiting for them to finish debating; the Beginner hid well the anxiousness Miyuki sensed- or so she thought she sensed- as he stood with his same unchanged expression waiting for them to respond.]
So talk, Beginner. What information can you provide?
Beginner: I have detailed knowledge of each of my allies and resources during my command. He has been utilizing both of these, however, without my knowledge for an unknown period of time, which may put some of my information out of date, but I can tell you where to find the people he’s most likely to be working with, as well as information necessary to neutralize each of them. Any gaps in information I can obtain by interrogation or extraction, though I may require some minor assistance in that regard. Together, it should be simply be a process of collating the data and pooling our resources to find and defeat project Anti-Seth.
Andrea: What the hell? Just like that? He comes and says sorry and we’re willing to cooperate for outdated info? What the hell kind of plan is that?
Renee: Andrea, make your self calm. Everyone here understands the desire for action-
Andrea: Don’t tell me to “make myself calm,” dammit. [She turned to the Beginner.] You’re the reason- [Andrea voice left her mid-sentence as she was holding something down. Her face flinched as if something was choking her a moment- followed by a release of held air. Her face turned to a look of exasperation when the grimace cleared as she found the words.] He’s why Adam’s dead- the Theatre has been blown the hell up- you’re the reason the forest is… He’s destroyed both my second homes and took-… god da-
Johnny: Andrea. [There was an authority in John’s voice- even Andrea was startled by its suddenness and swallowed her last words instead of finishing or reiterating them. Instead she continued through gritted teeth.]
Andrea: He has a lot to answer for-
Johnny: Yes: but not to us.
Smitty: Then who? To Adam?
Johnny: Maybe, but either way it isn't our place to cast judgment or decide who deserves forgiveness.
Andrea: So what about Adam, then?
Johnny: Adam has already shown his stance. I needn’t remind the Beginner of Adam’s compassion- I’d hope I don’t need to remind the rest of you. Adam chose to trust the Beginner- Adam chose forgiveness.
[Seth went to interrupt Johnny, but thought better of it. There was no debating what Adam would have chosen- it was Adam he wasn't sure he agreed with.]
Johnny: Miyuki- Adam would have accepted the help of the Beginner- not sought revenge or left him for dead. [There was silence for a moment before Miyuki responded.]
Miyuki: I agree. I don’t think Adam wanted us to trust so blindly, though. So we need to find a way to keep him where he can’t hurt us.
Seth: Talk fast, Beginner. Now. Then you're coming with me. [The theatrites responded to this with a series of puzzled questions and exclamations.] Any information we obtain, I can relay to everyone while the Beginner remains a safe distance from everyone else. That’s what Adam would have wanted.
Miyuki: Seth, you can't- [Seth quickly approached to address Miyuki in a hushed tone so that only the two of them could hear it- though Olivia joined as well when neither protested.]
Seth: Look, Miyuki, this is the best way- he can only take out one of us and we can still milk him for information, plus if he is lying, I can hold my own better than most.
Miyuki: While probably true, that doesn’t mean we’re willing to lose you.
Seth: You know I’m right.
Olivia: Seth- he’s almost definitely going to betray us-
Seth: I know what I’m risking for the info we're getting.
Miyuki: I can't let you be a martyr.
Seth: Got something better?
Miyuki: Well, yeah, I do, but this isn’t about my plan…-
Olivia: Any plan you have can’t be as psychotic as leaving someone with the Beginner alone.
Miyuki: Not necessarily… I-
Seth: You’re not arguing whether I’m right or wrong though. You think it should be you that goes…
Miyuki: …If I’m making the choice to trust him, then I should be the one who risks my life.
Seth: Look: People here relied on Adam more than they’ve realized, and they really need their president right now. They need a leader- we need a leader- that’s you. That's it.
Miyuki: If I’m the leader, then the last thing I want to do is be putting other lives at risk.
Seth: You aren't. I'm taking the decision out of your hands. I'm doing what Adam would have done, so you can do what he should have done. There is no way to take all the risk on yourself and prevent us from being out the person Adam trusted the most to lead these people in a time of crisis. [Seth excused himself from the conversation, but Olivia and Miyuki continued their discussion:]
Olivia: I don’t like any of this. It sounds dangerous to Seth and everyone else.
Miyuki: Anything we do at this point is dangerous- don’t think I don’t understand that.
Olivia: -Do you? Anything we do is dangerous without trusting the enemy. This isn't dangerous- it’s stupid.
Miyuki: I know it looks bad, but-
Olivia: -but what? We're expendable?
Miyuki: Olivia, stop talking to me like I don’t know what I’m doing. No one is expendable. I know it's not ideal, but if I put a sword through the Beginner’s face right now we lose access to valuable information that could help us end this.
Olivia: We could end this right now without throwing away another life!
Miyuki: …If I don’t risk some of us- we will all die. I’m NOT willing to throw anyone away. You know-
Olivia: I trust your judgment, Miyuki- normally- but you have got to be out of your mind if you’re going through with this!
Miyuki: Keep your voice down. What do you want? You want to make the call?
Olivia: That’s not what I said, but it would be better-
Miyuki: Then what? What I think we should do?
Olivia: I don’t want a power struggle- but you-
Miyuki: There is no power struggle. Adam asked me to be the leader if something happened.
Olivia: That’s not what this is about!
Miyuki: Really? Then what is this about?
Olivia: Your decision!
Miyuki: -Which is a pretty big part of leadership; Making decisions.
Olivia: You have a responsibility to Seth to-
Miyuki: I’m responsible for all of them!
Olivia: You’re going to get us all killed!
Seth: Guys!
[The theatre watched on in silence. The tension between them seemed a more daunting adversary than the humbled Beginner still standing in their midst. Their spat left them as divided as Miyuki could have feared. Miyuki assumed the role as best she could, walking away from Olivia's attempt to continue the discussion through gritted teeth outside of earshot of the theatreites]
Olivia: wait-Miyuki! …dammit.
Miyuki: Ok everyone- I have a plan. [She readdressed the group and people regained focus on the situation at hand outside of Olivia and Miyuki’s argument.] First- Olivia is going to go get help; find allies to the theatre we’ve overlooked or not yet contacted. Pardon us for not bestowing complete confidence in you, Beginner. [The Beginner bowed his head shortly to acknowledge this.] She's going to be leaving immediately so please excuse her as-
Olivia: Fine. [Olivia left in a huff walking towards Miyuki’s car. Miyuki reached into her pocket and threw the car keys over her shoulder in the direction of Olivia’s voice without changing her stern expression. Olivia caught it somewhat disdainfully without saying another word. Miyuki waited until Olivia had gotten into her car and started the engine before continuing.]
Miyuki: Beginner- our first priority is bringing the theatre back together- bringing our lost home.
Beginner: I’m aware you have many members of the theatre- but in my files I have-had detailed information about all those I found to be potential threats- those are the ones who will be in danger. I can recount the lis-
Seth: We have it; three high threat levels and one priority?
Beginner: Correct. Then we’ll know who we need to account for. There are twenty-six names on the list.
Nathaniel: Ok, well if Olivia just left, Tex is safe according to Renee, and… Adam was on the list…plus the… sixteen we have present. That leaves us with nineteen accounted for, and seven missing… Whoa! Sixteen? Shouldn’t there be-
Renee: Oh dear.
Beginner: Where’s Cramer?
Nathaniel: Desi?
Seth: She was with us when we came back…
Renee: She was acting very strangely when she left- and now I can’t find her.
Derek: Use your senses-
Renee: That’s what I mean- I reach out and I… I can’t find her.
Sam: Is something blocking her?
Renee: That’s what it felt like before- but I don’t detect anything interfering…
Seth: Whatever the Beginner says, he can repeat it to me- I’ll go look for her.
Renee: I’ll be able to hear him- don’t worry. [Seth and Renee took off in opposite directions to search the area, looking for any signs of where she could have gone.]
Miyuki: Lacie, Brittany, Logan, and Emily we know have all been captured. Now Desi is missing. Lynae isn’t here, so that’s six.
Nathaniel: Rick. Rick is on the list, and he’s not here. I’ll call him right now.
Andrea: Why don’t we ask our new friend? [There was a dark undertone to Andrea’s voice. She wasn’t crying anymore.]
Beginner: I know the whereabouts of Brittany, Logan, and Emily… roughly. As part of the original plan to capture the members of theatre, they are being held in a lab on campus. Carr’s capture, I have no prior knowledge of, nor do I know where Banks or Martin have gone.
Andrea: Let alone what’s happened to them.
Beginner: …No. I’m afraid I don’t know the fate of your friends. The original plan had nothing to do with them.
Andrea: -and what the hell is this original plan? Everyone seems so keen on buddy-ing up with the Beginner- and all he keeps talking about is his plan to capture us all.
Beginner: I have a great deal of information to pass along- however I wish to respect the dead. Bierlein, what would you have me refer to your fallen friend as? I do not wish to offend anymore than I already have.
[Miyuki noted Seth and Renee returning; their expressions clearly showing they had not found Desiree. Miyuki glanced over at Brandon, and, despite his earlier insistence, offered:]
Miyuki: …Just Adam, and speak fast.
Beginner: There are four active threats I can think of you’ll have to- we’ll have to worry about; you neutralized one a year ago.
Mora: That you can think of?
Marci: How many that you can’t think of? Just… curious…
Beginner: Four will be sufficient… trust me…
Setheroth: What a day!
Agent Fifth: Why would you keep me waiting? It’s dangerous for me this exposed.
Setheroth: Wouldn’t want you to feel... exposed. [Agent Fifth wheeled to face him. The gaping wound in Setheroth’s leg instantly stole his focus-perhaps he was unsuccessful after all. Agent Fifth let himself crack a smirk, and, in kind, Setheroth smiled broadly. He gently clasped Agent Fifth’s nape, with a cheerful greeting fit for an old friend. Agent Fifth found it unsettling at best, wiping his mocking expression from his face.]
Agent Fifth: Why did we- [A sphere of black energy poured out from Agent Fifth's mouth, interrupting his query, before his body collapsed awkwardly to the ground with the strange blood-substitute pouring from the large open wound that had once been the Agent’s head. The calm smile on Setheroth’s face remained unstirred, as he washed what little blood-substitute had managed to seep around the blast and back to his hand out in the rain.]
Setheroth: I distinctly remember sending instructions to meet with the Alpha-Agent. Instead you try to front one of your lackeys. What. A. Waste.
Alpha-Agent: That could have been me! [Standing on top of the building which the previous Agent Fifth had loomed in the shadow of- the Alpha-Agent leapt down onto a dumpster and with a second jump was on the ground beside the headless corpse and next to Setheroth. Hidden behind the same sunglasses, slick hair and suspiciously dry suit, the Alpha-Agent looked identical to the creature who had greeted Setheroth seconds before in every way- though he still had his head about him.] You could have just decapitated me and then where would you be?
Setheroth: Slightly ahead of you.
Alpha-Agent: I don’t find this situation particularly humorous.
Setheroth: Oh? I can’t help but appreciate the irony. You’re the fifth generation of a series of experiments designed solely to be indestructible weapons. The second through fourth generations were total failures as independent entities- died horrible, painful deaths- and the first generation was nothing more than a muscle-thug. Just a body with above-average physical ability: fast, strong, lethal. But you! You’re the summary of all these experiments! Blessed with uncanny physical ability, heightened senses and awareness, and tactical intellect to rival a computer’s with the living ingenuity that machines just can’t duplicate-not to mention your unique regenerative properties-and all of that has equated to making you paranoid. You're on the brink of invincibility, and all it does is make you aware of just how squishy you really are, like you're still just one of those muscle-headed thugs that Adam pulled apart a year ago. I mean, that's hilarious, am I right? [Setheroth flitted a little dark energy between his fingers, waiting for the Alpha-Agent to get the punchline before shrugging it off and snapping the energy away.]
Setheroth: You'll get it later. Trust me.
Alpha-Agent: [The Alpha-Agent grunted, then shifted the subject away from Setheroth's unnerving diatribe] This should have happened tomorrow. Why today?
Setheroth: I have my reasons. Don't forget: despite your super-brain, you're a blunt instrument in this game- a great many blunt instruments to be more accurate- but not the mastermind.
Alpha-Agent: -And I suppose you have a reason for my specifically being at this specific spot at this specific time?
Setheroth: [Setheroth’s smile broadened] I have a gift for you. I wanted to deliver it personally. [The Alpha-Agent did little to hide his disgust with Setheroth’s games, barely extending his hand to receive the gift. Setheroth pulled something on a chain out of his pocket, spinning it rapidly until it wrapped itself around the Alpha-Agent's wrist. He jerked his hand back to inspect the simple stainless steel chain with two stamped metal tags]
Alpha-Agent: Are they-
Setheroth: Empowered with great energy from the hall of heroes? Blessed by the Fae goddess herself? Infused with Adam’s own magical talent making it an artifact of unspeakable power? Hardly. Just a trophy I’d like you to hold on to. May it serve you better than it served him. [The Alpha-Agent cautiously placed Adam's dog tags around his neck and let it rest on his chest- only adding to the illusion that it was in fact Adam standing next to Setheroth. He stood agape.]
Setheroth: You can go now, provided you report in to our mutual friend in charge of observing your progress. He’d like to run a few quick diagnostics before this evening.
Alpha-Agent: [he shifted his weigh uncomfrotably] Damn you, I-… How do I know they won’t find the place while I’m there?
Setheroth: Maybe they will, maybe they won't. Just do what you’ve become best at with all your training in open engagement of multiple enemies in direct melee and ranged combat: run away. [Setheroth laughed heartily, daring the Agent to challenge the truth. The Alpha-Agent gave one more sneer as he left Setheroth alone with his sinister grin, cold stare, and gaping leg wound.]
Seth: Everyone on your feet! [Seth yelled to the front of the horseshoe as he approached. The Beginner walked in front of him, keeping his hands at his side and walking at a calm pace. Both shared a detached, business-like demeanor as they approached, and everyone who hadn’t been on their feet before quickly heeded Seth’s instruction. Miyuki put her hand to her sword, knocking it from its sheath, while Olivia began donning one Matou- her eyes fixed on their old enemy.]
Mora: It’s the Beginner. [-Mora whispered as she rose to her feet in front of Brandon, leaving him to scramble to his feet using the wall as a guide. Brandon gently grabbed her shoulder, but she grabbed his wrist to keep him in place behind her. Myrna struggled to get to her feet as best she could- the best she could muster was to take a knee behind him and support herself against the wall. Smitty positioned himself between Myrna and the Beginner, ready to brawl, while Sam, Derek, Nathaniel and Renee stood in front of the rest of the theatrites, forming a defensive line, but Andrea made it clear she had neither patience nor need for such protection.]
[With a flick of her wrist, a twig she had scooped up from the cement took the size and shape of a small, wooden dagger, wasting no time in her all-out assault against the Beginner. She expected her first swipe at his undefended torso would be dodged, but it wasn't: her makeshift blade found purchase in the flesh of his chest, splitting him open and splattering blood in an arc away from the wound along the path of her strike. Had her anger made her fast enough to catch the Beginner before he could teleport away?]
[Seizing the opportunity, Andrea sunk her blade into the Beginner's abdomen, skewering the wretched creature up to the hilt. As she expanded the wood within him to an even greater length, Andrea felt warm blood began to trickle onto her hand. The Beginner was now doubled over around the wound, but still did nothing to attack Andrea. With her dagger lodged within her enemy, she struck him with her dainty, but capable hands. His sunglasses fell to the ground and cracked, revealing the vacant, light-filled pits of his eyes before he disintegrated into a puff of ash that promptly reformed a few feet from her. She squared off and prepared to attack again.]
Andrea: Fight me you sonova-
Seth: Andrea!
[Seth wrapped Andrea in his arms, positioning himself between them all: theatre-ites, Andrea, Seth, and the Beginner, who slowly stood upright and pulled the dagger from his gut, dropping it to the floor mindlessly as he did. Blood pumped effortlessly from the gaping wounds as he winced and recoiled around the injury. He looked to be in terrible pain as opposed to the normally cool, nearly expressionless air he normally carried. Andrea struggled to overpower Seth to no avail, even attempting to predictably knee him in the groin before Seth managed to block it with his knee. She clawed and kicked, but Seth refused to release her. Ash poured from the wound starting at one side and moved slowly to the other as the slash sealed itself up. Once it was gone, more ashes began to fall to the ground and scatter to the wind from the cut in his stomach as it began to heal itself as well. When the ashes stopped, the Beginner gave an exasperated gasp as he released his focus. He still looked to be in great pain, but his torso and even his clothes had no sign of the wounds. Seth reached down, picked up the sunglasses, and handed them behind him. The Beginner stood upright, acquired the sunglasses, and made one final grimace as he overcame the pain and repaired the cracked lenses. As the light from his eyes disappeared behind the shades, he regained his composure and took on his normal, apathetic demeanor.]
Beginner: I’m not here to hurt you. [There were mixed reactions as everyone stood tense. Seth released Andrea, who pushed away from him as she traded focus between her supposed friend and her supposed enemy, and assumed a prominent, if ostentatious, space in the defensive line. Seth rubbed the scratches on his arms, and cracked his neck, assuming an impatient slouching position against the brick wall and keeping his narrowed eyes fixed on the Beginner. He shifted his shoulders and cocked his head as he addressed the group.]
Seth: The Beginner wants to speak his piece. [His face flinched as if he had more to say, but instead fell silent. He'd have liked to have made a joke about how he'd like to regenerate after the scratches, but he suppressed the impulse. The Beginner took his cue and began looking from face to face of the theatrites- all staring intently back in varying nonplussed states of fear, anger, and confusion.]
Beginner: I will not try to conceal or ignore our history-we have always been at odds with one other. I’m sure given the space and time, I could reveal a laundry list of great and terrible things I have subjected you to. Things I can incriminate myself with further beyond the forgiveness offered by even the most gracious among you. I… am also somewhat responsible for the events of today, albeit indirectly. It may be of little consolation to you, but hear me when I tell you this: I am sorry for your loss. And for what little those words mean, I am hear to offer my assistance. [The Beginner remained silent a moment as he let this information sink in. Many shot each other looks- some seemed to lower their defenses in earnest surprise. Others seemed more suspicious or threatened than before.] I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge and honor your skepticism. It is your right to doubt me-it may even be seen in some of your eyes that I have broken my vow. I swore to- to your friend- that I would not harm another member of theatre, and while I’ve stood by my word, it is through me that harm has befallen you all. The creature which killed Adam Glazier was created by me, and manipulated me to its own ends. It took this act for me to see this. If the scars I incurred did not heal themselves- I could show you the result of the last encounter I had with Setheroth and shortly after- this fight... I could prove to you the monstrosities I created no longer serve me. The creatures, weapons, and machines I had amassed over a year ago are now under his command, and he has marked me as a target with you all. He will show me just as little compassion or pity… as he will the rest of you. [The Beginner gave Seth a meaningful look as he continued, which Seth responded to by narrowing his glare.] Know that this creature carries a terrifyingly intimate understanding of each of you- and will use it in sadistic ways: Ways that no one you would trust such personal information with could ever do. He’s obtained it through unnatural circumstance and can destroy all of you. He understands you and I intimately and specifically. What motivates, frightens, and breaks us. He has more knowledge that any one of us could possibly know. I believe very strongly that neither the theatre as a group or I alone can stop him. [The Beginner dipped his head gravely.]
But: He could never predict an alliance between us. If you have someone who knows about him and his armies-my armies-we stand a chance. So, as humbling though it may be, I am at your mercy. Whether you kill me now or he kills me later: know that I am dead, and you will not be far behind unless you accept my help. [There was a silence for a moment where none knew who should speak, or if anyone should speak for the group except perhaps Miyuki. Brandon, however, did not seem to be thinking about whom should speak for whom.]
Brandon: Adam M. Glazier.
Beginner: What?
Brandon: His name is Adam M. Glazier, Aquarius Extraordinaire. Say the whole thing, or don't say it at all.
[The Beginner grunted at such a meaningless distinction]
Smitty: Let me get this straight, dick-head. You try jump a bunch of innocent teenagers to compensate for something; disappear after getting your ass handed to you four times; don’t realize your new boyfriend is using you, kills our friend because of it, sends your own goons to kill you; and now you drag your sorry ass here crying because you can’t take another pounding from behind and need our help to stop him. [Members of the theatre couldn’t help but chuckle as the Beginner simply stood- unmoving and just as expressionless as before.]
Mora: How can we trust him?
Nathaniel: We can’t; after what he’s done to us before today? Let alone what’s happened since this morning. There’s no way!
Sam: Can’t you detect his lies or read him or something Renee?
Renee: Yes I can- but he’s a creature of many magical properties. I have no way of knowing if he’s deceiving my supernatural senses.
Derek: Does it seem like he’s lying?
Renee: Not at all.
Joanna: I don’t-… ummm… it seems like he’s telling the truth? That’s just… that’s my opinion… I don’t know… [Miyuki and Olivia took one another aside and whispered that the theatre could see they were debating something- but none could hear the two.]
Miyuki: Adam told us a lot about Setheroth- I mean, the story seems to match up with Setheroth being smarter and all that-
Olivia: But being deceptive- well or not- fits the Beginner’s M.O. pretty clearly.
Miyuki: The Beginner hated Adam when we fought him the last time- he tried to kill Adam’s family- and Adam still showed him mercy. If he wanted to get back at him, why would the Beginner let some crony experiment kill Adam instead of doing it himself?
Olivia: If that would get him to us minus one of our stronger combatants and gave him a way inside in one fell swoop? I think so…
Miyuki: I don’t buy that. He had all but nine of us at his mercy for hours last time- he didn’t kill one of us. Maybe if he thought Setheroth would fail? But if he sent Setheroth to weaken Adam up for him then he came back saying he killed Adam, I don’t think he’d come up with this deception that fast… that involved- could he?
Olivia: It doesn’t sound as solid as it could be…
Miyuki: There’s no complete picture either way. I wish there were a way to accept his help without risk- if we did decide not to trust him what would we do with him? Just kill him?
Olivia: The thought crossed my mind- Got a better idea?
Miyuki: [Miyuki shook her head] No… Adam wouldn’t want that and neither do I. I hate to say it- but if Setheroth could beat Adam?… we may need his help after all-
Olivia: We don’t need anything. If we work together we can do anything- you know Adam believed that.
Miyuki: Of course I do. I believe it, too, but- this could be a means of doing that anything. This might be how we do that anything. I’m not saying I like it- I’m saying that I think we need to find a way to handle the Beginner at minimal risk to ourselves.
Olivia: If he’s playing us- there is no way to minimize the damage he could do. I don’t like this Muki.
Miyuki: You don’t have to like it. I never said I did. [Miyuki turned back to the group. Most everyone was waiting for them to finish debating; the Beginner hid well the anxiousness Miyuki sensed- or so she thought she sensed- as he stood with his same unchanged expression waiting for them to respond.]
So talk, Beginner. What information can you provide?
Beginner: I have detailed knowledge of each of my allies and resources during my command. He has been utilizing both of these, however, without my knowledge for an unknown period of time, which may put some of my information out of date, but I can tell you where to find the people he’s most likely to be working with, as well as information necessary to neutralize each of them. Any gaps in information I can obtain by interrogation or extraction, though I may require some minor assistance in that regard. Together, it should be simply be a process of collating the data and pooling our resources to find and defeat project Anti-Seth.
Andrea: What the hell? Just like that? He comes and says sorry and we’re willing to cooperate for outdated info? What the hell kind of plan is that?
Renee: Andrea, make your self calm. Everyone here understands the desire for action-
Andrea: Don’t tell me to “make myself calm,” dammit. [She turned to the Beginner.] You’re the reason- [Andrea voice left her mid-sentence as she was holding something down. Her face flinched as if something was choking her a moment- followed by a release of held air. Her face turned to a look of exasperation when the grimace cleared as she found the words.] He’s why Adam’s dead- the Theatre has been blown the hell up- you’re the reason the forest is… He’s destroyed both my second homes and took-… god da-
Johnny: Andrea. [There was an authority in John’s voice- even Andrea was startled by its suddenness and swallowed her last words instead of finishing or reiterating them. Instead she continued through gritted teeth.]
Andrea: He has a lot to answer for-
Johnny: Yes: but not to us.
Smitty: Then who? To Adam?
Johnny: Maybe, but either way it isn't our place to cast judgment or decide who deserves forgiveness.
Andrea: So what about Adam, then?
Johnny: Adam has already shown his stance. I needn’t remind the Beginner of Adam’s compassion- I’d hope I don’t need to remind the rest of you. Adam chose to trust the Beginner- Adam chose forgiveness.
[Seth went to interrupt Johnny, but thought better of it. There was no debating what Adam would have chosen- it was Adam he wasn't sure he agreed with.]
Johnny: Miyuki- Adam would have accepted the help of the Beginner- not sought revenge or left him for dead. [There was silence for a moment before Miyuki responded.]
Miyuki: I agree. I don’t think Adam wanted us to trust so blindly, though. So we need to find a way to keep him where he can’t hurt us.
Seth: Talk fast, Beginner. Now. Then you're coming with me. [The theatrites responded to this with a series of puzzled questions and exclamations.] Any information we obtain, I can relay to everyone while the Beginner remains a safe distance from everyone else. That’s what Adam would have wanted.
Miyuki: Seth, you can't- [Seth quickly approached to address Miyuki in a hushed tone so that only the two of them could hear it- though Olivia joined as well when neither protested.]
Seth: Look, Miyuki, this is the best way- he can only take out one of us and we can still milk him for information, plus if he is lying, I can hold my own better than most.
Miyuki: While probably true, that doesn’t mean we’re willing to lose you.
Seth: You know I’m right.
Olivia: Seth- he’s almost definitely going to betray us-
Seth: I know what I’m risking for the info we're getting.
Miyuki: I can't let you be a martyr.
Seth: Got something better?
Miyuki: Well, yeah, I do, but this isn’t about my plan…-
Olivia: Any plan you have can’t be as psychotic as leaving someone with the Beginner alone.
Miyuki: Not necessarily… I-
Seth: You’re not arguing whether I’m right or wrong though. You think it should be you that goes…
Miyuki: …If I’m making the choice to trust him, then I should be the one who risks my life.
Seth: Look: People here relied on Adam more than they’ve realized, and they really need their president right now. They need a leader- we need a leader- that’s you. That's it.
Miyuki: If I’m the leader, then the last thing I want to do is be putting other lives at risk.
Seth: You aren't. I'm taking the decision out of your hands. I'm doing what Adam would have done, so you can do what he should have done. There is no way to take all the risk on yourself and prevent us from being out the person Adam trusted the most to lead these people in a time of crisis. [Seth excused himself from the conversation, but Olivia and Miyuki continued their discussion:]
Olivia: I don’t like any of this. It sounds dangerous to Seth and everyone else.
Miyuki: Anything we do at this point is dangerous- don’t think I don’t understand that.
Olivia: -Do you? Anything we do is dangerous without trusting the enemy. This isn't dangerous- it’s stupid.
Miyuki: I know it looks bad, but-
Olivia: -but what? We're expendable?
Miyuki: Olivia, stop talking to me like I don’t know what I’m doing. No one is expendable. I know it's not ideal, but if I put a sword through the Beginner’s face right now we lose access to valuable information that could help us end this.
Olivia: We could end this right now without throwing away another life!
Miyuki: …If I don’t risk some of us- we will all die. I’m NOT willing to throw anyone away. You know-
Olivia: I trust your judgment, Miyuki- normally- but you have got to be out of your mind if you’re going through with this!
Miyuki: Keep your voice down. What do you want? You want to make the call?
Olivia: That’s not what I said, but it would be better-
Miyuki: Then what? What I think we should do?
Olivia: I don’t want a power struggle- but you-
Miyuki: There is no power struggle. Adam asked me to be the leader if something happened.
Olivia: That’s not what this is about!
Miyuki: Really? Then what is this about?
Olivia: Your decision!
Miyuki: -Which is a pretty big part of leadership; Making decisions.
Olivia: You have a responsibility to Seth to-
Miyuki: I’m responsible for all of them!
Olivia: You’re going to get us all killed!
Seth: Guys!
[The theatre watched on in silence. The tension between them seemed a more daunting adversary than the humbled Beginner still standing in their midst. Their spat left them as divided as Miyuki could have feared. Miyuki assumed the role as best she could, walking away from Olivia's attempt to continue the discussion through gritted teeth outside of earshot of the theatreites]
Olivia: wait-Miyuki! …dammit.
Miyuki: Ok everyone- I have a plan. [She readdressed the group and people regained focus on the situation at hand outside of Olivia and Miyuki’s argument.] First- Olivia is going to go get help; find allies to the theatre we’ve overlooked or not yet contacted. Pardon us for not bestowing complete confidence in you, Beginner. [The Beginner bowed his head shortly to acknowledge this.] She's going to be leaving immediately so please excuse her as-
Olivia: Fine. [Olivia left in a huff walking towards Miyuki’s car. Miyuki reached into her pocket and threw the car keys over her shoulder in the direction of Olivia’s voice without changing her stern expression. Olivia caught it somewhat disdainfully without saying another word. Miyuki waited until Olivia had gotten into her car and started the engine before continuing.]
Miyuki: Beginner- our first priority is bringing the theatre back together- bringing our lost home.
Beginner: I’m aware you have many members of the theatre- but in my files I have-had detailed information about all those I found to be potential threats- those are the ones who will be in danger. I can recount the lis-
Seth: We have it; three high threat levels and one priority?
Beginner: Correct. Then we’ll know who we need to account for. There are twenty-six names on the list.
Nathaniel: Ok, well if Olivia just left, Tex is safe according to Renee, and… Adam was on the list…plus the… sixteen we have present. That leaves us with nineteen accounted for, and seven missing… Whoa! Sixteen? Shouldn’t there be-
Renee: Oh dear.
Beginner: Where’s Cramer?
Nathaniel: Desi?
Seth: She was with us when we came back…
Renee: She was acting very strangely when she left- and now I can’t find her.
Derek: Use your senses-
Renee: That’s what I mean- I reach out and I… I can’t find her.
Sam: Is something blocking her?
Renee: That’s what it felt like before- but I don’t detect anything interfering…
Seth: Whatever the Beginner says, he can repeat it to me- I’ll go look for her.
Renee: I’ll be able to hear him- don’t worry. [Seth and Renee took off in opposite directions to search the area, looking for any signs of where she could have gone.]
Miyuki: Lacie, Brittany, Logan, and Emily we know have all been captured. Now Desi is missing. Lynae isn’t here, so that’s six.
Nathaniel: Rick. Rick is on the list, and he’s not here. I’ll call him right now.
Andrea: Why don’t we ask our new friend? [There was a dark undertone to Andrea’s voice. She wasn’t crying anymore.]
Beginner: I know the whereabouts of Brittany, Logan, and Emily… roughly. As part of the original plan to capture the members of theatre, they are being held in a lab on campus. Carr’s capture, I have no prior knowledge of, nor do I know where Banks or Martin have gone.
Andrea: Let alone what’s happened to them.
Beginner: …No. I’m afraid I don’t know the fate of your friends. The original plan had nothing to do with them.
Andrea: -and what the hell is this original plan? Everyone seems so keen on buddy-ing up with the Beginner- and all he keeps talking about is his plan to capture us all.
Beginner: I have a great deal of information to pass along- however I wish to respect the dead. Bierlein, what would you have me refer to your fallen friend as? I do not wish to offend anymore than I already have.
[Miyuki noted Seth and Renee returning; their expressions clearly showing they had not found Desiree. Miyuki glanced over at Brandon, and, despite his earlier insistence, offered:]
Miyuki: …Just Adam, and speak fast.
Beginner: There are four active threats I can think of you’ll have to- we’ll have to worry about; you neutralized one a year ago.
Mora: That you can think of?
Marci: How many that you can’t think of? Just… curious…
Beginner: Four will be sufficient… trust me…