John Talbain ---Werewolf Nobleman, best friend of Frank
Background[]
Jon was born to a human mother and werewolf father. His mother died shortly after giving birth to him, and Jon had no contact with his father. Although he was alone, he had lived a peaceful life as a human. Then, one full-moon night, the beast within him awoke and he turned into a werewolf. The transformation caused him to be shunned from human society. Though shocked by discovering he was a Darkstalker, Talbain harbored no animosity towards his parents, whom had never been a part of his life. Talbain cursed his fate, but was determined not to let his primal instincts consume him. Following his inner voice, he devoted himself to fighting and pushing himself past his limits, believing that if he retained his inner humanity, he might regain his physical humanity as well.
After Pyron was defeated, Talbain's curse was lifted and regained his human form. Despite this, the adults of society still rejected him, and he found acceptance only amongst children. Although he sustained his human form for many years, he often felt that the beast still dwelled within him. One day, he heard a voice in the back of his mind and he turned into a werewolf once again. It was then that Talbain discovered it would be impossible for him to be rid of his curse.
During the battles in Majigen, Talbain came face to face with his internal darkness in the form of an evil version of himself, Dark Talbain. After defeating his malevolent doppelganger, Jon was finally able to accept his "curse" and resolved to live his life as a wolf. Regardless of this, he retained his humanity, and showed great compassion for children, even caring for two orphans. Jon meets Felicia during his travels, and the two debate as to whether or not humans will ever be able to accept the existence of Darkstalkers, with Jon arguing that it was an impossibility. Felicia rebutted that humans not liking them was just a "bumps in the road," and that one day humans and Darkstalkers would live in harmony. Felicia then convinced Talbain to join her so that she could prove to him that humans were not all bad, and together they traveled to the orphanage where she grew up.
Talbain's bloodline[]
Talbain is a member of a very ancient tribe to which the Amazons owe a very ancient pact. He comes from a long line of Lycanthropic individuals who have passed down their curse through so many generations that the ability to shift from animal to human form is as natural as breathing. The Kreutz family is one of the seven noble families of Makai. Though its title is a noble, it would be more suitable to call it an army of warriors and fighters. The current master Xell stands at a height of 5 meters and is a war dragon. He has the most unique appearance out of all the noble classes. And those who are of his family also have appearances that are far from a human form. But there is no vulgarity and roughness within the family. Unlike their savage forms, they are all first class fighters who are highly trained. They are an organized group who follow orders under strict discipline. They are very loyal to their master. Failing to complete an order or betrayal is paid off with death. Though their numbers are few, they possess powerful one hit attacks and are feared as the "Bullet of Makai".
Baraba Kreutz. Titled as the "Wolf Lord", is the leader of the royal guardsmen of the Kreutz family. His eye's were the eye's of those who survived countless life-or-death situations. Twenty years ago, he had wandered into the human world. But he had forgotten most his memories of his time in the human world. Though he vaguely remembers about the woman who cared for him when he was injured in the human world.
When he came back to Makai, he played an active role as a fighter of the Kreutz family. Demitri had even said, "He is my best rival in my life". Demitri felt a certain kind of beauty in Baraba's fighting. A kind not found in the lower darkstalkers. But roughly ten years after he returned to Makai, he suddenly disappeared. Master Xell had searched for him for many years, but he could not be found. Some say that he had returned to the human world to reunite with the woman again. But no one knows the truth of the events.
History[]
When Dimitri was spotted in Nerima Frank had Talbain sniff out his trail and he eventually picked up Zombie spoor leading to the area confirming Frank’s suspicions. On Frank’s behalf John was going to the Tendo Dojo to warn them about Demitri Maximoff when he was ambushed by him only for the two of them to get attacked by a group of vampire hunters who mistook him for Dimitri’s ally. Luckily they weren’t using silver allowing John to make his way to the Tendo Dojo before passing out. After Cologne had Perfume pull the arrows out of his body John informed them that Dimitri had set his sights on Nabiki. When Dimitri kidnapped Kasumi to use as leverage against Nabiki in their fight John led the Tendo Posse to his location.
With a combination of Talbain and Perfume’s tracking skills they quickly found Dimitri’s location. While John tried to prepare them for the worse Cologne was optimistic that Kasumi’s charms had kept her safe at least up to now. Unfortunately they found out that he turned Kasumi into a ghoul. After Dimitri threw an enraged Tofu forcing Ranma to save him Talbain watched as the vampire was then attacked by Perfume before seizing the moment where Dimitri was distracted to launch his own attack upon the Vampire. As the two fought John was attacked by Aiko who mistook him for an enemy while a recovered Perfume attacked Dimitri. Talbain was saved by a recovered Ranma who informed Aiko that he was their ally and Dimitri was the enemy. When Dimitri bit Aiko excreting his will over her to attack her friends.
Having trouble keeping out of the reach of the possessed Aiko Talbain was saved by Beiko who surprised her with a full Nelson and with her help he was able to break Dimitri’s will. After Dimitri was defeated by an enraged Nabiki when he hurt the displaced Kasumi Raptor reminded everyone that he was still there. Talbain responded by pointed out what Nabiki just did. This combined with the other Darkstalkers arriving prompted Raptor to leave.
Seeing the Tendo Posse interact John felt that his life was tame and rational by comparison. When it started to rain activating everyone’s jusenkyo curse Anita was quick to use her power for a barrier preventing the rain from falling on them. John quickly asked about the weather pattern of Nerima. After Donovan cured Kasumi of her vampirism John and Felicity decided to take their leave.
While in Nerima John caught the scent of Dimitri’s Dark Pack sticking to the shadows he waited until they left to check out the fight between Nabiki and Natsume before emerging from and taking off in a slightly different direction, drawn by another scent entirely than the sweat and blood of battle. This scent had a newness about it that was altogether different from what he was used to, and that intrigued him to no end as it contrasted with the foulness of Dimitri and his Dark Pack and promised a hint of a brighter and far more glorious future...
Finding Kasumi staring up at the moon from the top of the Furinkan High School clock tower. John took that opportunity to tell her about the Moon Kingdom as a way to explain the difference and connection of light and dark. From there the two just talked mostly about what being a Darkstalker was. John was surprised by just how innocent Kasumi was. When Kasumi finally asked him if being a vampire made her evil he honestly answered no. It was exactly her purity that Dimitri wanted to kill her as since the connection between them was reversed he was getting a spill-ff effect from her that was driving him crazy. they were interrupted from their conversation by a loud explosion. Knowing that it was Dimitri attacking her family Kasumi and John left to aid them.
Upon arriving at the battle John interrupted the fight betweeb Frank and Darkwulf as he wanted to settle the score with his cousin. However by this time Dimitri had seen Ranma’s Kamasenken and decided to decided to kidnap him and leave. This caused Kasumi to finally reveal that she was there and begged Dimitri not to take her brother even offering herself in his stead. Unfortunately Dimitri was too interested in gaining Ranma’s abilities so he just promised that he would come for Kasumi another time. Nabiki and Kasumi were brought out of their despair when Talbain and Frank noticed that all the all of the rest of the Dark Pact was gone as well. Except for Morgan causing Nabiki to theorize that it was because she was the only one who was still conscious.
Against Frank and Mousse’s cautions Keiko went to interrogate Morgan when she suddenly jumped up and grabbed her. Holding Keiko hostage Morgan demanded that everyone back off. As she sucked out Keiko’s energy Donovan tried to talk her down stating that killing Keiko would make her no better than Dimitri. This just seemed to anger Morgan as she just wanted her kingdom back and could never be as bad as Dimitri. Everyone was surprised as the longer Morgan held Keiko she seemed to be getting drunk.
Kasumi quickly rushed to Keiko’s aid when Morgan finally let her go. Seeing this she drunkenly ranted at Kasumi for taking Dimitri away from her. Nabiki was about to blast her when Morgan charged at Kasumi only for her to stop upon realizing that Kasumi was actually a Blood Queen. Donovan once again tried to use this to get her to calm down and see reason but Morgan just teleported away. This surprised Frank as it didn’t feel like a spell which met that Dimitri had another ally they didn’t know about.
As this was going on Nabiki along with Natsume and Tatewaki checked on Keiko only to find her dying. Nabiki began crying as the wan and wrinkled Keiko’s breathing halted altogether. When Kasumi tried to come to her aid Natsume refused to allow her anywhere near them. Kurumi attempted to calm Natsume down as they had more important things to worry about. When Natsume asked what could possibly be more important then saving Kasumi from damnation Kurumi pointed to the dying Keiko and the grief stricken Nabiki. Against Frank and Mousse’s cautions Keiko went to interrogate Morgan when she suddenly jumped up and grabbed her. Holding Keiko hostage Morgan demanded that everyone back off. As she sucked out Keiko’s energy Donovan tried to talk her down stating that killing Keiko would make her no better than Dimitri. This just seemed to anger Morgan as she just wanted her kingdom back and could never be as bad as Dimitri. Everyone was surprised as the longer Morgan held Keiko she seemed to be getting drunk.
Kasumi quickly rushed to Keiko’s aid when Morgan finally let her go. Seeing this she drunkenly ranted at Kasumi for taking Dimitri away from her. Nabiki was about to blast her when Morgan charged at Kasumi only for her to stop upon realizing that Kasumi was actually a Blood Queen. Donovan once again tried to use this to get her to calm down and see reason but Morgan just teleported away. This surprised Frank as it didn’t feel like a spell which met that Dimitri had another ally they didn’t know about.
As this was going on Nabiki along with Natsume and Tatewaki checked on Keiko only to find her dying. Nabiki began crying as the wan and wrinkled Keiko’s breathing halted altogether. As Frank and Talbain consoled Nabiki Donovan began offering benediction only to be stopped by Anita who refused to allow Keiko to die. Since Morgan didn’t take all of Keiko’s energies and used her powers to infuse Keiko with new energies to replace what had been lost restoring her. However the effort quickly taxed her causing Keiko to sit up and steady her. Anita nearly smiled when Keiko thanked her before going back to the same emotionless stare that she usually manifested.
Nabiki happily embraced the revived Keiko while the other’s just watched in shock that such a small child was able to do such a thing. After congratulating Anita Frank asked Keiko how she was able to hold out so long against Morgan’s touch. Keiko explained that she was absorbing energy from the ground using a technique Lao taught her which is why Morgan got so drunk. Seeing how happy Nabiki was that she had survived she asked her why she couldn’t she have acted like this when they were both still single before stealing a kiss.
Nabiki quickly remembered that that Ranma was kidnapped by Dimitri. they quickly began to panic upon realizing that Dimitri had took Ranma to gain the secrets of the Kamasenken. As Talbain began to wonder where all the cops were Kasumi continued to try and convince Natsume that she wasn’t a monster. Kuno and Mousse also tried to calm her down pointing out that despite her abilities Kasumi hadn’t done anything. Keiko reluctantly agreed with Mousse willing to put it on faith that Kasumi was the same. However given that Keiko had already survived near death Kurumi was wary.
Nabiki finally put a stop to this argument allowed Kasumi to demonstrated what she had learned from Tofu by sharing his blood. First by fixing Kuno’s arm, then Frank’s back and Nabiki’s neck. Natsume wasn’t convinced by this however quickly pointed out that it was stolen knowledge gained by unnatural means without having to work to earn it. Agreeing with her Kasumi gave herself to Natsume’s mercy.
Time itself seemed to stand still as the sisters faced one another in the silence of the moment, which was stopped by Donovan who assured everyone that though she had the mark of vampirism it was unsullied by hatred and other such negative emotions, leaving her in a pure state of grace that no hand of mortal man can tarnish. Taking his word to heart Natsume asked for Kasumi’s forgiveness who replied that there was nothing to forgive.
With that done John brought everyones attention back to Dimitri reminding Nabiki that he took Ranma. Donovan was certain that Dimitri wouldn’t kill Ranma as he would find him too much of a resource to do away with prematurely. He and Frank also weren’t worried that Dimitri wouldn’t try to turn Ranma given what happened to Kasumi and seeing that Ranma was Reality Nexus trying to turn him would be a horrible idea. John wondering what Ranma could do if he became a Master Donovan revealed that Kasumi was actually a Blood Queen. With this revelation Frank felt that it was time to retun to the dojo.
This caused Happosai to reveal himself. as well as the fact that there was an armed party of mercenaries about to strike at the house. Frank was able to determine that it was BB-Hood from Happosai’s description. Before they could leave Raptor was able to reform himself only to find himself surrounded by Nabiki and the others. Keiko saw this as the perfect opportunity to find out where Dimitri took Ranma. Nabiki and her Posse arrived, accompanied by Talbain and the others just as Pyron and Rikuo arrived. However Pyron did.t wish to continue fighting so just teleported away with Ling-Ko. Nabiki rushed to see if everyone was okay. Soun climbed out from under the concealment of the house reassured his daughters that it wasn’t as bad as it looked. The Saotome Matriarch, looked as if she were only standing through sheer force of will. Hearing that Ranma had been kidnapped her knees gave out on her and she begged Nabiki to save him before fainting. However afterwards Keiko called her out for being so over dramatic before quickly changing the subject when Mousse asked her what she was talking about.
As Donovan and Frank worried over the fact that Dimtiri and Pyron were working together Miyu revealed that they were working for Jeddah. Not at all carrying about this revelation but furious at the attack on her family and promised that Dimitri would pay.
M'shulla took the worst of the initial battle and was being attended to by Donovan and Frank. The bullets that struck him fragmented and spread throughout his body working like a poison affecting his system and preventing him from healing himself back. Frank attempted to operate on him to pull the fragments out but M’shula who new death was immanent refused as he was prepared to meet his end. Especially since he lived long enough to witness the birth of a new Queen. His final words before his death was to tell his tribe that it was his time, save Ling-Ko, and for Yasmina to take care of herself. With those words he slumped and became immobile...and before their very eyes
he began to dissolve into mist, and then he faded away altogether.
As Yasmina threw back her head and screamed out M'shulla’s name even Leguire bowed his head as Donovan made a formal gesture for the departed. He, Frank and Jeddah contemplated the fact that was both alive and pulling the strings. Kurumi suggested that they just go after the attackers, but Mousse quickly calmed her down noting that they couldn’t be sure that the info given to them by Raptor was reliable. Kuno quickly agreed.
Though as Frank pointed out even if the info Raptor gave they didn’t have enough to rush into things without getting the full score. John agreed worried about what would cause so many enemies to work together. Leguire surprised everyone by agreeing as well pointing out that the last thing any vampire would want is the death of the human race his primary food source. Keiko took it in stride as she was more worried about Nabiki who Frank was eventually able to convince to meditate so she didn’t rush off by herself to save Ranma. By this time Yasmina’s grief turned to anger forcing Frank to sooth her so she didn’t do something stupid. Seeing Leguire smirk Yasmina turned her wrath his way and demanded to know what he found so amusing. He just commented on her youth stressing that only by careful planning can you overmaster your enemies. Nagi was discussed as it sounded like Leguire admired Dimitri. While he didn’t admire him he did appreciate the intricacies of his schemes. Miyu and Larva promptly told him to be quite as there are few here who appreciated such schemes the way he did.
At that moment Yui and Himiko sensed just how horrible Jeddah’s plan actually was. This prompted Raptor to taunt them stating that they would all be dead soon. Seeing as he just revealed that he did have more knowledge of what was going on Frank, John, and Donovan threatened get that info out of him. However Raptor wouldn’t budge. It wasn’t until Lenore tortured him by breaking his hit tapes in front of him that he talked. Revealing that Jeddah and Dimitri were attempting to resurrect someone that’s Dimitri absolute dominion over all the vampires.
With the clue that it was someone he hates most in all the demon worlds John was able to figure out that Dimitri and Donovan’s father Mor'ghul Devilspawn. While everyone tried to figure out why Dimitri would do such a thingAnita suggested that it was because he wanted revenge which he could only achieve by bringing his father to Earth. Donovan realized that Anita was right but Dimitri didn’t want to kill his father but steal his powers.
This confused Keiko who thought that Vampires already had the powers of a Rakshasa. Leguire explained that while their powers resemble that of the Rakshasa their nature is as far removed from them as apes are from humans...and the power is attenuated by being spread out across the entire breadth of the Vampire Nation. Lenore and Yasmina went on to explain that by absorbing a God-level Rakshasa Lord Dimitri would gain the power to command even Blood Queens and Masters.
Kasumi surprised everyone by asking what they could do to prevent it from happening. She explained that it was as much her problem, so it stands to reason that she should use her new abilities to help prevent Dimitri and his allies from doing great evil. However Natsume was quick to point out that Kasumi wasn’t a warrior. Kasumi wouldn’t relent as she felt responsible. When Miyu asked how it possibly could be her fault. Kasumi answered that it concerns her family so obviously it concerns her as well.
Donovan agreed as since Kasumi was a queen her abilities could be used to counter or even cancel out Dimitri's own dark power. This reminded Lenore, Kiima and Chloe about the connection between the two. Larva was also reminded how Maximoff was becoming agitated and uneasy during their brief conversation and realized that it was because of this. By this point Nabiki had calmed down and asked how she could kill Dimitri. Julian began to explain the various ways to kill a Jezril vampire. Frank went into further detail when Kuno asked why wood was so effective. Kurumi was the first to ask about holy symbols but was shot down by Donovan who explained that the it was only the belief in the symbols that held power not the symbols themselves. Hearing this Mousse asked him to look over the various religious items he had. Yasmina asked where he was pulling all those items from but Keiko just told her not to ask. When Nabiki asked if regular martial arts was sufficient Frank replied negatively as a vampire could regenerate fast enough to negate the damage. However Happosai quickly disagreed.
As Yasmina reflexively hugged herself to protect her breasts from exploitation he also called Nabiki out on the fact that she was so focused on saving Ranma that she forgot about the fact that Dimitri most likely will have absorbed the Kamasenken from him. Miyu quickly asked what the Kamasenken was and upon Kuno’s explanation Larva blurted out his wonderment that such a method existed earning him weird looks from Miyu, Nagi, Himiko and Yui. Keiko wasn’t worried however and much to Nabiki’s embarrassment she revealed that Nabiki had developed a variation of the Kamasenken as she was the primary beneficiary of the attack.
Unfortunately she couldn’t bestow upon the rest a fighting chance when they go up against the legions of Dimitri. So Donovan revealed his plan to have Kasumi, Nabiki and Natsume share blood allowing Kasumi to gain Nabiki’s knowledge of martial arts and Natsume to awaken her potential as a Slayer. Before she agreed Nabiki asked Donovan if he was suggesting this from his professional view as a priest and exorcist...or as a man who wants revenge upon the demon who gave him birth. When Donovan's mouth quirked in what might almost have been a smile on another man's freaking both Frank and Talbain out and replied was there really that much of a difference Nabiki agreed.
However before they could the Enforcer’s arrived. Frank asked who called them and was surprised that D was there as well and revealed that they were called by Ling-Ko. Julian informed them about the attack, Ling-Ko’s kidnapping, as well as the fact that it was Jeddah who was running things. Upon hearing that he was trying to resurrect Mor'ghul the Enforcers attempted to take charge of things. When Nabiki and the others started to protest they threatened to put them into protective custody.
Natsume and Kuno were about to attempt to fight them only to be stopped by Lenore. They finally revealed themselves as Arkadians when Miyu asked how they expected to take on Dimitri by themselves. Another fight almost ensued when they addressed their wish to take Kasumi the new queen. At this point D finally put a stop to everything. Telling them to ease up and hear what Kasumi had to say and much to everyone’s surprise they did just that. This allowed Donovan to explain the details of his plan and the effects that he was hoping to create. Even the brawny Enforcers registered alarm when they heard this, but D only stared from beneath the lip of his broad-brimmed hat. Intrigued that Donovan himself would make such a suggestion D allowed them to go through with it.
After Nabiki and Kasumi shared blood while everyone was getting over watching such an intimate moment Nabiki called her sister out for biting her bosom. This caused Himiko to chime in saying that the breast is the place where she liked it best herself, especially when Miyu-chan is the one doing the biting. Natsume finally removed her hand from Kuno’s eye in order drink Kasumi’s blood only to be stopped by D as Kasumi still needed time to let the borrowed memories settle in before she could shares her blood with her. When Kasumi was ready D gave her his knife so that she could cut her palm and allow Natsume to drink her blood. Natsume was still reluctant until Happosai reminded her that Anything goes wasn't just a slogan he cooked up. Drinking the blood caused Natsume to enter into a trance-like state this infuriated Kurumi and before anyone could stop her licked Kasumi’s palm as well. D and Donovan explained to a distraught Mouuse that Kurumi had elected to become Natsume’s protector and entered into the dreamstate with her.
Soun suddenly appeared at their gathering, along with Genma and Nodoka asking what happened to his daughters. Leguire was about to tell them to mind their own business only to be shut up by Yasmina driving her elbow into his stomach. When they noticed that Nodoka bore Ling-Ko’s mark making her and her family a part of the Tsiel tribe the Enforcers left to inform the council. Moments after they left Morgan appeared wishing to form an alliance as she realized that the Kamasenken had made him to powerful which would only become worse if he absorbs his father’s power. Everyone agreed that they couldn’t allow that to happen but before they could leave Donovan revealed the final step of his plan giving Kasumi a Bloodstone.
Morgan tried to warn them about how dangerous that was but before she could Kasumi grabbed the stone and all at once light exploded in the palms of Kasumi's hands, and as she and the others gasped and looked on in amazement the thing came to life and expanded, and all at once its radiance burst forth and bathed the entire Tendo yard in the pink-hued glow of an exploding star as Kasumi rose up into the air, suddenly transfixed in the light of a holy radiance that transported her beyond all time and spatial conception...
When Kasumi returned to to the mortal plane of existence the awed expressions of both her family and the Darkstalkers greeted her. Kasumi gently touched bare feet upon the ground once again and felt the folding of wings behind her back as her dress altered abruptly and strange markings briefly appeared upon her face, to fade away moments later, leaving her much the same in appearance as before...yet somehow radiating an inner light that was breathtaking.
Nabiki was the first to break the silence bringing everyone out of their stupor. Though Larva was the first to remember Morgan’s warning and asked her why she thought it was a bad idea to give it to a Queen. Morgan explained that according to legends...if you do so, then a Queen can be transformed into a goddess.
Only Donovan seemed unaffected by the transformation, and when he asked if Kasumi was ready to rescue Ranma and stop Dimitri Kasumi’s affirmative reply had a musical quality to it as the slight movement of her head caused the unusual set of earrings that she was wearing to reflect the light...revealing the fact that one of them was quite obviously a miniaturized Bloodstone.
The rest of the Posse and the Nightbreed floated in the air above Nabiki, Frank, Keiko and Morgan leading the pack was Kasumi glanced back down her sister feeling a certain thrill about going to the rescue of her little brother at Nabiki's side, no longer a burden or a useless appendage to a fight but an actual player in the Posse. The rest of her family and friends were still getting used to the idea that they were floating in air without any visible means of support, held aloft by the power of Kasumi as she telekinetically transported these fighters from her home to the place of battle. Natsume, Kurumi, Tatewaki, Mousse, Nodoka, Happosai, Soun and Genma were all doing their level best to cope with being several hundred meters in the air and drifting as leisurely as sakura blossoms on a warm summer breeze. Natsumi and Miyuki were doing their best not to lose their lunch while Himiko, Nagi, Miyu and Yui seemed to be taking it all in stride, while Julian cling to the arms of Yamina and Leguire flew on his own vampiric power, and the mysterious D kept pace with Talbain by leaping from roof to roof much nearer to ground level.
Julian and Larva who was also floating under his own auspices were the first to notice Pyron. Kasumi guided her group to a relatively clear area and was about to set everyone down when they were attacked by Jeddah’s mercenaries She cried out upon seeing the shoulder-fired rocket heading unerringly towards the speeding motorcycle commanded by Frank and at such a speed that it made avoidance all but impossible. Luckily Frank saw the puff of smoke long before the rocket sped towards his position allowing his cycle to intercept them. Talbain and D saw this and paused in their own forward momentum. As John warned everyone that they were being ambushed D's hand moved faster than the eye could perceive and snagged a crossbow bolt that had been aimed for his head.
When BB-Hood got the drop on Kurumi and Mousse John hit her from behind and knocked her to the ground out cold before she could pull the trigger. He was just starting to explain who she was when Gunther stalked through the field and opened fire. Kurumi grabbed Mousse and the both of them dove for cover while John who was dismayed to see what had been done to Frank’s nephew ended up being shot in the stomach. When Kasumi came over to check up on him he assured her that he would be find. Only to be knocked out by Lilith.
He recovered by the time Keiko defeated Anakaris and went to confront his cousin. Grabbing Darkwulf by the scruff of his neck he forced him down into the dirt, driving his muzzle into the compacted earth while holding him there with one arm twisted behind the renegade's back. As they tied up the rest of the survivors they realized that Donovan wasn’t there when they tried to figure out a way to follow Dimitri. Tsien-Ko and Mei-Ling also noticed that he had been unusually subdued. As they where discussing why this might be Ranma and Kasumi noticed the gap Dimitri used to enter the Interim realm and she used her new abilities to open it
Everyone was ready to rush in but were stopped by Frank who felt it was best to take the strongest among them who were still able to fight, and the rest wait there for them to return. So that if they didn’t manage to stop the spell from being cast, they’ll have a backup plan to prevent a Rakshasa invasion. It was decided that Ranma and Nabiki would lead the way along with Frank, Keiko, Natsume, Kurumi, Talbain, Kasumi and Happosai, while Yasmina and the others remained behind. Tsien-Ko tried to demand that she Mei-Ling and Ling-Ko go as well but Ling-Ko quickly declined as she was in no condition to fight and they would be needed incase the others fail. She then led them away so that they could help her overcome the effects of the Kamasenken.
The landscape had changed for them with their passage through of the portal and the oddly mismatched group found themselves in an area consisting of rolling fields and hills that were otherwise barren of life yet somehow stood out much brighter than expected. Into this weirdly transitional setting Frank and the Tendo Posse looked around in search of any landmarks that would enable them to track their prey down. Frank and Talbain explained what exactly the realm was Ranma mentioned that it reminded him of the place his elementals took him to. When Keiko and Nabiki asked him what he was talking about he quickly changed the subject noting how much easier it was to tap into ones ki then in the real world.
Frank and John warned that while you are more powerful in the realm it is also extremely dangerous. However they were distracted upon seeing Kasumi whose aura was creating a positive field of life energy that was reflected in everything she touched. When Kurumi asked why he was there when he was told to stay behind. He replied that she was his airen and it was his duty to accompany her into danger. Kuno said pretty much the same thing when he revealed that he had followed them as well. Natsume was furious at this as she had almost lost Tatewaki once and didn’t want it to happen again. Nabiki also called them out not following the orders of their clan-chief. By this point Ranma feeling tha they got the point came to the two’s aid. And the conversation moved back to Kasumi.
Keiko and Nabiki suggested that she hang back and let them do most of the work because while she wasn’t really a combat type. Frank agreed while Kasumi wanted to help it wasn’t the same as being in the middle of the action. However Kasumi was fully aware of this and wouldn’t stand back while others were getting hurt especially when her family was in the thick of things.
They were interrupted the arrival of Donovan who led them to Dimitri and the others as they were close to breaching the gap and summoning the Rakshasa. Ranma was worried about Anita was there but was assured that she would be fine as in many ways her powers made stronger than the rest of them combined. However this proved to be a trap Donovan and Anita had been captured by Pyron, trapped in amber, and separated from their dark halves. Upon arriving the two instantly attacked the group.
Ranma told her he would explain later and asked someone to take out Donovan as he quickly being taxed. Luckily Kurumi and Natsume were quick on the uptake and much to their surprise due to the strength gained from being a Slayer being magnified they by the subspace field itself were able to encase him in a block of ice. By this point Morgan had grabbed Jeddah by the neck preventing him from completing the spell.
When Dimitri demanded to know why she would be betrayed him at his time of triumph. Morgan answered that she cared about him to much to let him be blasphemed by Jeddah. Everyone quickly realized that that didn’t really make any sense. Morgan was also aware that Jeddah was going to betray them, to use the spell to entrap and bind Dimitri and Lord Pyron while he offered Morgan up to Mor'ghul as an offering to seal the pact and open the way for universal slaughter. Dimitri revealed that he was fully aware that Jeddah planed on betraying them and had already planed for it. Everyone’s confusion was only multiplied when Dimitri and Pyron started discussed their contingencies in case the other betrayed them leading everyone to wonder who was betraying who. Frank tried to put a stop to the argument by reminding them of the hoard of Rakshasa. At first Dimitri thought only a few would get through but Ranma and Nabiki sensed an entire swarm. Dimitri wasn’t worried until Darkwulf and Bee informed him that all of his minions were dead. Unfortunately by this time Jeddah had recovered his bearings and sacrificed himself to complete the spell.
Everyone quickly got over their shock by the realization that his death set in motion Mor'ghul’s release. Despite this once his father made his presence known Dimitri remained defiant causing his Dark Pact to immediately tried to stop him as they no longer had the advantage. However Dimitri ignored them as he had waited to long to back out now. Unfortunately Mor’ghul had no interest in Dimitri so after taking him out he unleashed his hoard of Rakshasa for the others to deal with allowing him to focus his attention on Kasumi.
BB Hood and Lilith fell immediate prey to the enveloping creatures while Queen-Bee took more evasive action. Talbain seeing the plight of the blonde mercenary, began to slash and hack at the creature holding BB Hood captive like a savage beast showing animalistic fury as he ripped the thing to pieces then pulled the naked blonde to relative safety. She was coughing and sputtering out dissolving fluids while she whimpered like a little girl huddled in the werewolf's arms even as he drew her away from yet more of the slavering creatures.
As he carried BB Hood into the protective sphere being maintained by Kasumi, however, the Rakshasa holding Lilith captive suddenly learned of its grave error as the Succubus managed to turn the tables from within and absorbed enough energy from the creature to shrivel it up from inside, causing its body to dissolve into a puddle of bubbling acids while she stretched lithely and displayed her magnificently nude body. After slaughtering the Rakshasa tying to get to her John tried to get Hood to pull herself together the moment he had the chance as he knew they would need her to fight the hoard. But BB just ignored him telling him to leave her alone hugging her knees tightly as she huddled there, naked, in a fetal position, toes curling as the memories threatened to drive her past the point of madness.
Desperate Talbain decided to try a different track for dealing with his long-time nemesis, berating her from cowering like that after everything she’d been through. While this did manage to get through to her enough to acknowledge him but still refused to fight stating that without her weapons she was useless. She finally recovered when John reminded her that she was in Limbo where you can create anything if you concentrate on it hard enough. With renewed vigore Hood conjured up guns and started spraying a seemingly endless stream of nine-millimeter shells at the nearest of the Rakshasa, taking out the one that had just managed to slash Talbain with its forward claws, almost disemboweling the werewolf before it found its own body being torn and mangled by the hail of deadly fire that filled the air as Hood transformed her fear and hate into righteous retribution.
Talbain himself dove for cover, his regenerative abilities already repairing the rift to his stomach while BB Hood reined down death on yet another dozen Rakshasa. Unfortunately in her haste for revenge she forgot about her allies forcing them to take cover. Nabiki after her braid was chopped off unleashed unleash an unending wave of ki in horrified panic. Nabiki hardly seemed aware of what she was doing until Kasumi stopped her and informed her that she convinced Mor'ghul to withdraw. Dimitri did not believe this for a second and demanded to know why his father would do such a thing. Frank who was being partially supported by Talbain, who hardly seemed to be in all that much better a condition asked the same thing. Kasumi embarrassingly revealed how she turned the tables n him when he tried to force himself on her.
With that taken care off Lilith brought up the fact that most of the women were still naked. However Hood wasn’t the least bit ashamed flashing herself with arms spread widely. Though she did remind Lilith that she could just conjure herself up some food. Darkwulf tied to mention that they would only last as long as they were in Limbo but Raptor stopped him. Morgan was about to agree that a change of wardrobe was necessary when Happosai plastered himself against her chest and rub his face between her breasts before she could stop him. Dimitri snatched the old man away from Morgan's bosom but Happosai just broke free from the vampire lord's grip and grabbed him by the wrist, giving Dimitri a sharp twist that sent the vampire sprawling on his considerable backside. By this point totally embarrassed Dimitri just wished to be buried. Which John jokingly complied. Morgan tired of this childishness conjured up some clothing.
By this point Kasumi demanding that the violence stop turning her gaze to those who tried to argue. BB Hood much to the shock of John agreed that it was time to go back home to their own dimension. After they exited the dimensional gate and greeted their friends and family Morgan suddenly grabbed Lilith and began draining her. D demanded to know what she was doing as he started to reach for his own long blade. Only to be told to back off as this was between her and her clone. John explained to the others how Beliol created Lilith to bleed away a portion of Morgan’s power only for her to gain independent life and intelligence after a number of years away from Morgan.
Realizing that Morgan was attempting absorb Lilith to combine both aspects of her power D called her out for being such an idiot. Kasumi was able to feel it as well Lilith was different enough from Morgan for them to be two forms of the same person. Lilith was in fact Morgan’s daughter and telling Morgan that she was a clone Beliol way of controlling his daughter by setting her against her own child to insure her compliance. This revelation caused Morgan to suddenly let go of Lilith, who collapsed to the ground and remained as still as a stringless puppet. Fortunately while her life force was weak Lilith was still alive.
Dimitri then took that opportunity to grab Genma figuring that as the master of both Ranma and Nabiki absorbing his knowledge would make him even stronger. Unfortunately for Dimitri he also ended up absorbing Genma’s curse making him relatively easy to deal with. By this point the Enforcer’s returned to take Dimitri into custody. Upon finding him in panda form beat up they began laughing freaking everyone out. Having allowed this to go on for most of a minute D finally asked the two what they wanted. Abruptly the two Enforcers ceased their awful laughter, but still dark amusement crinkled about their eyes and lips as Mathais apologized it was just difficult to imagine a more deserving fiend to have such a fate befall him.
Since Morgan was Queen of Makai and thus technically, outside of their jurisdiction the two brawny Enforcers lifted up into the air hauling their captive with them in passing and were soon beyond view. Kasumi quickly comment about how sad Mathaius looked. Julian remarked that it was the curse that comes with immortality. Natsume was just glad to see them go something Tatewaki and Natsumi agreed as she found them scary like Internal Affairs goons. Miyuki agreed with Kasumi however Frank did as well saying that Mathais may be a trained killer, but he's really a kind of teddy bear himself underneath all that stony, macho tough guy image.
John quickly took the opportunity to tease Frank saying he was calling the kettle black. In response Frank bragged about not being afraid of man or beast. By this point Eve made her presence known. Frank jumped a literal five feet back and almost landed on top of Kasumi, who did not even budge when the big man wound up bumping into her, his eyes wide with dread as he stared at the six-and-a-half foot image of the woman known simply as Eve, who was smiling back at him with the kind of lazy look one might find on the face of a black widow spider.
Keiko couldn’t resist taking advantage of Frank's disconcertment and to which he replied that Eve was neither man nor beast she was is wife. Kasumi sounding more than mildly startled at this revelation. Eve was quick to reply that she was his ex-wife before calling him out for dating someone so young. Frank suddenly became aware of the fact that he was standing right next to Kasumi, and abruptly moved a step away, though the other girl seemed only mildly confused by the gesture. Never taking her eyes off Frank Eve exchanged pleasantries with Gunther and John. Vlad made his presence known as well when Eve revealed that that she married to him.
Vlad gave a token bow towards Ling-Ko, who regarded him with a full bow of her own, even as Tsien-Ko and Mei-Ling fell to one knee and bowed their heads, as did Leguire, Yasmina, Lenore, Chloe and Talbain. The bearded man gave each of them in turn a sober scrutiny before his eyes fell upon one of those who did not bow to him, who merely looked his way with a curious expression.
After exchanging greetings with everyone Vlad quickly and severely dealt with the rest of the Dark Pack. Since Morgan was Queen of Makai and thus technically, outside of his domain he focused on those more fit for his judgment beginning with the, Lord of the Zombies and former Minion to Lord Ozumo. Before the astonished eyes of Darkwulf Drakul banished his Immortal essence to another plane more suited to his nature. Allowing him to work off the bad karma of his many sins and find the path of redemption by his own means. Unfortunately as a renegade who betrayed his own pack, a kinslayer and oath breaker Vlad was not so lenient with Darkwulf. all at once the ground beneath his clawed feet dissolved, and all at once tentacled arms rose up to wrap themselves around his limbs and torso, drawing him down into the pit as it swallowed him whole mere seconds later, the plaintive wine of his howl lingering on seconds beyond his physical passing.
He had no interest in Hood and her B-Girls and merely entrusted her to Talbain’s custody. After Vlad and Eve left John noticed BB’s sour and downcast expression and asked her what was wrong. Hood was mad that Vlad was rumored to be a real rake of a hunkster didn’t try to bite her. Gunther suggested that it was because of how young she looked and was promptly elbowed in his pelvis. Frank calmed her down by suggesting that it was because she was an Immortal. However it was John who cheered her up by telling her that Vlad didn’t bite her because Eve was there.
John ended up back in Japan so decided to visit Frank and see if the rumors that Frank and Kasumi were getting married were true and congratulate him. Frank confirmed that they were, told him that Kasumi was pregnant as well as about Thelendra. They were interrupted by Shelly informing John about the Blazing Cross of Glory Cathedral being destroyed. Frank instantly suspected that Anri had something to do with it. They were trying to figure out what was going on when Kei and Jei arrived. Frank naturally didn’t what their help until informed the DNA was Lilith’s. SEELE believes that one of their operatives went rogue and gave a sample of DNA away a decade and a half ago and now even the combined resources of Delphi, Darkstalkers and MIB may not be enough to handle what is happening. Frank was happy to hear that Gendo Ikari was replaced only to be informed that his replacement was even worse. Frank canceled all his opponents so that he could go check things out. John was forced to transform back into his human form before K let him go with them. He took offense at J looked like Shaggy.
John and Frank followed the two MIB agents into the heavily guarded and secured citadel known as the NERV Complex. Agent K cautioned the three that they were there to confront the new leader of NERV so while they needed to keep their cool in enemy territory, when things hit the fan they needed to be ready. Despite himself Talbain was impressed by the size of Nerv HQ Kay explained that it was actually most likely built by the Angels. At the base of the elevator they were admitted by yet more armed guards to the complex that waited at the bottom, and then a figure in military uniform escorted them to the nerve central of the NERV complex, a spacious chamber built around a complex computer array known as the MAGI, which as yet were being upgraded by technicians as the unusual quartet were shown into a side-office with a door panel that read, "Commander."
They were greeted by Heinrick Ibrahim along with Ikari Gendo, Kozo Fuyutsuki, Ryoko Akagi and several other technicians of relative importance greeted them. Heinrick revealed that Seele had rediscovered how to alchemically create Orachalcum. Frank called them out for repeatedly ignoring his warning even reminding Gendo about what happened to his wife causing the almost legendary stoical man to growl tersely and tell him to go to hell. As Akagi played mediator Fuyutsuki finally spoke out that they were just trying to protect humanity a possible threat by the Neflim, who are recorded in the Dead Sea Scrolls as posing a threat to humanity. Frank replied that they were meant to be a warning, not an advisement that we head off our fate by directly challenging the Neflim.
This is where Kay revealed that Heinrick was a minion of the Old Ones. Both Frank and Talbain reacted with looks of astonishment, while the NERV command staff registered a heightened level of astonishment, and Agent Jay himself did a double-take. With the jig up Ibrahim had his men turned their weapons on them. Before Frank could stop him, John transformed into his true Werewolf form only to be shot in the arm yielding a howl of shock and pain as he was forced to abort his transformation. Fuyutsuki attempted to put a stop to this only to find the barrel of a rifle aimed at him, as was also the case for both Ikari and Doctor Akagi. Heinrick reminded them that they were no longer in charge. Gendo was furious at him for using their research for something sinister, but he quickly called him out on his hypocrisy pointing out that at least his way was simpler even if he had to step over a few thousand mass graves in order to achieve it.
Kay again revealed that he planned on arming Otono with both the prototype weapons and allow him to unleash him bioweapons in the Nerima Ward prefecture. Doctor Akage began to panic as that was where her daughter attended classes. Frank was about to attack, but Kay was able to calm him down as the cavalry had arrived. As if on cue alarm rang out within the complex, and lights flared near to the doors, causing both NERV commanders and SEELE special forces agents to glance up in surprise, while everyone else---besides Agent Kay---glanced about in confusion. Gendo Ikari snapped to the alert and barking out orders only to be reminded again that he was not in charge by Heinrick who winced uncomfortably as he repeated Gendo's orders. He was horrified to see Ulsa and Amalthea on the screen especially since Udan was nowhere to be seen. As Gendo, Fuyutsuki and Akagi were distraught that the attack was happening almost a decade too soon Heinrick all forces mobilized, and soldiers with Mark XIIIs sent to the front lines. Bragging that the Silver Seagull would not succeed.
While John and Frank watched in dismay as the access tunnel became flooded by a trillion gallons of salt water, which effectively brought a halt to the defensive fire of numerous hidden security devices. Heinrick scowled and stared at the advancing Ulsa wondering what her reasons for attacking were. Kozo, Naoko and Gendo just tried to theorize what was going on until Heinrick told them to stop reminding them once again that he was in charge. He also ignored Frank, John and the MIB Agent’s warning as he was confident that his men would be able to deal with her. That is until Ulsa manipulated gravity to that the bullets would be to heavy to reach her. Kay was quick to rub that fact in.
It was at this point that Frank recognized Amalthea as David’s sister. This caused Naoko to inadvertently reveal that they had David held captive. Before they could start arguing about this a technician noticed that someone had broken into Laboratory C. Naoko and a recently arrived Captain Katsurugi were furious to see that it was their daughters Ritsuko and Misato before they could discuss punishment Ibrahim ordered the chamber to be flooded with nerve agent.
Amalthea and Ulsa’s steady progress was noted with no little trepidation and alarm, and the technicians monitoring affairs at their console stations kept reporting new data that affirmed the ineffectualness of all efforts being mounted against her. Kozo watched as things continued to deteriorate from the sidelines while beside him Gendo looked grim, and Naoko Akagi kept tapping away on her palm-pilot as she made her own rapid calculations and arrived at an inevitable conclusion. All the while Heinrich reminded them once again that they were no longer in authority. He then ordered the Type XIV prototype to be deployed.
Kei finally revealed that Ibrahim was a servant of the Old Ones. John tried to get the guards on their side when he threatened to forcibly sterilize NERV in response, but they were conditioned to total obedience. Luckily Ibrahim wanted them alive to see Ulsa’s demise. As they watched Heinrich Ibrahim personally coordinate his remaining units to make a brave "last stand" before the onslaught of the Silver Seagull and her allies. Despite his injuries John was ready to attack again only to be stopped by Kei. At this point Ibrahim noticed them and told the guards to shoot them dead if they open their mouths again. The trio of former NERV command staff similarly were chastened to keep to their own counsel.
Ulsa softly padding her way to two solid rows of heavily armed gunners, not in the least afraid as she braved the lines of lethally armed men aiming to take her life with their specially made Orachalcum-tipped weapons. She walked with no particular haste to her steps, almost seeming to glide over the floor of the cavern as she moved with grace and dignity in her bearing, arms folded beneath her shawl, blue eyes cool and aloof yet somehow intimate and knowing. She bore the dignity of a queen before her court and clearly feared not the specter of death, to which she had been impervious for the better part of twelve thousand years ongoing.
Ibrahim began taunting her for her hubris only for his men to be ambushed by Luna while Amalthea dealt with his sniper. This provided the prisoners the opportunity to break their bonds and wreck further havoc to the rear guard of his rapidly diminishing forces. Frank exploded like a seven-plus foot titan, lashing out with his huge fists to take down several of the men guarding both him, Talbain and the rest of those no longer held involuntarily captive at gunpoint. Talbain proved that he had sufficiently recovered from his earlier wounding and reverted to full-Were shape, cutting loose with lupine fury to slash and rend the uniforms of the very men who had shot at him before, and who would not live long enough to regret the error of leaving the job unfinished.
Gendo and Kozo proved that they were not completely useless here as they lashed out at those guards standing next to them while Naoko hastily went back to dealing with Lilith escaping. Agent Kei in turn stopped Ibrahim from fleeing. Amalthea was ready ground him into powder only to be stopped by Frank as making him pay was Ulsa’s job. She grabbed his face and angered by his feeble efforts to resist her full unfettered justice told him that he would yield to her. Before the others were forced to glance away they glimpsed Ibrahim true form as he was banished back to his realm. When they turned back to see her standing over Ibrahim who was as motionless as a doll and barely showing the least signs of continued breathing only Agent Kei seemed calm and unaffected.
Ulsa greeted everyone before turning her hardened gaze to Gendo who tried to look away, only to find his body refused to obey him. He tried to justify his actions by saying he was just doing what the Scrolls said only for her to reveal that it was Ahriman who was behind those prophesies. The revelation that he had been manipulated into cloning Lilith caused Gendo to reveal to Kozo and Naoko.
It is revealed that Kei was the one who informed Ulsa what was going on. While she knew pretty much near everything she was unaware of the Mark XIV. Since Orachalcum absorbs Magic she had to put a stop to SEELE’s research before it progressed any further. She went herself because she didn’t want to risk Udan. Ibrahim as a minion of Ahriman was also privy to things denied to her. After hearing how Atlantis and Lemuria fell Kozo agreed that they’d made a mistake. The next corse of action was to deal with Lilith. with an expression of resolve mixed with resignation she had Amalthea give Frank the gun as she prepared to face the First Woman, the Uber-Neflim before whom all others save only for Adam are but pale shadows and imperfect copies.
Kozo felt it was best that they get back to the control room so they could retake control over NERV. However Gendo was resigned to the end of the world. Kei and Jay were quick to tell him not to give up on Ulsa to soon. They agreed with Fuyutsuki that it would be best to head back to the control booth while Frank stayed incase she needed him. John Amalthea and Luna opted to stay as well. Before they left Frank turned a disgusted look towards the still trembling Gendo and told him to pull himself together. This prompted Kozo to turn to his friend and nominal superior remind him that the men would expect him to take charge while Naoko told him to at least affect the appearance of leadership. Torn between resolve and an uncharacteristic sense of guilt, Gendo managed to swallow down pride and humiliation as everyone moved out.
The resultant effect of the Orachalcum shell hitting Lilith caused a force like unto a megaton of raw human potential. When the smoke and vibration had finally echoed down once again Frank lifted his head from the floor and gazed disbelievingly at the damage and destruction. Only for Amalthea to rush passed him just as John was about to give his appraisal to the devastation. Amalthea cradled the now far-too-mortal seeming Ulsa in her arms, checking her body for signs of injury and distressed at how weak her lady appeared at that moment. When Ulsa came to she admitted she wasn’t sure if that would work. Sitting upright she told Amalthea to forget about her and focus on her brother. David quickly passed out from the stress of his ordeal and Amalthea hearing that he believes that she is dead blames non-Christian believers was ready to make General Han pay, but Ulsa was able to calm her down.
With that dealt with Agent Jay and Kei brought the conversation back to Lilith and what exactly happened to her. Ulsa confirmed Frank’s theory that the Orachalcum bullet essentially let the hot air out of her ballons pointing out Rei to everyone. Despite being quite helpless looking and as naked as a newborn the sight of her caused Reiko and Excel to reach for a non-existent side-arm. Ulsa assured everyone that the bullet severed the link between Rei and Lilith. She soothed everyone’s fears stating that she would see to it that Lilith does not reassert control as well as revealing that the other half of her biology came from Ikari Yui.
Jay was shocked by this revelation as well as the fact that Ulsa knew his real name but Kei took it in stride realizing that she altered Rei’s DNA just enough to give her a natural resistance to the influence of Lilith. Also to ensure that she doesn’t remain under the influence of Gendo she resurrected Yui. Though she also made sure to allow her to retain some abilities and memories of her sojourn. It turns out that through her connection with Rei she had been semi-aware of what was going on in the world. This allowed her to readily accept Rei as her daughter. When she remembered her son Shinji the thought of how Gendo must have been mistreating him sent her on a warpath. Ulsa told Yui to nurse those feelings.
Excel left to go free her partner Hyatt prompting John to bring up the fact that she and Reiko were still naked. Ulsa straightened out and favored the Werewolf with a smile of inner knowing. She revealed that she had been deliberately suppressing everyone’s body-consciousness, but realizing there was no practical reason to justify having everyone move about without regard to their dignity she restored everyone’s clothes. Reiko gave a start and found herself to be once again clothed in her tight-fitting security uniform, while Yui wore a different sort of outfit reminiscent of an Astronaut’s flight suit, and the girl-child named Rei was herself clad in a powder blue dress that fit her tiny person.
All things progressed exactly as Ulsa had hoped that they would though in all truth it was close. Lilith came dangerously close to overwhelming her, and life upon this earth would have suffered greatly if she had fallen. The next step was to deal with Gendo. as the instigator of this perfidy he bore the greatest responsibility for setting in motion a chain that might well have resulted in total disaster. Frank was all to happy to lend his support as she rendered her judgment on Project EVA and the entire NERV project.
The group stood off in one corner, guarding what was left of the SEELE paramilitary force while watching Yui read Gendo the riot act with mingled looks of pity and satisfaction. When Excel returned with Hyatt before another argument could start between her and Reiko about the existence of ACROSS. Ulsa removed the mental block that was keeping her from processing data in a regular manner. Causing her to believe she was Reiko’s twin sister. She also changed the polarity of Hyatt so that she is not quite so Necrotic, allowing her to process Oxygen normally so that she would not pass out every few seconds and would have considerably more vitality. Which she would need as Ulsa also directed Excel’s former one-sided infatuation away from Lord Ilpalatzo and towards a more appropriate partner. Finally she directed them to find a nearby motel so that they can work off their long-repressed ardor.
John was amazed that Ulsa was able to do all that with just a glance causing her to turn her amused gaze towards the werewolf and project a faint air of uncharacteristic smugness. This caused Frank to shudder slightly at the casual display of whimsical humor in someone whose reputation to date had depicted her as anything but the type to show off her prowess in so off-handed a manner. By this point Yui had finally spent her rage and was turning her back upon her husband, who was standing there stricken with a look of forlorn yearning. Gendo stammered, half to himself that he only wanted to help. When she turned back to favor him with one arched eyebrow. He declared that he wanted to give humanity a chance of evolving at last to a nigher level.
Agent Kei spoke up curtly telling Gendo that didn’t justify anything as Humanity wasn’t at a dead end, he just saw the next level of human growth as anything but a threat to the status quo. Calling him by his original name Rogunbugi Ulsa told him that his actions have forfeited any right that he might have for claiming the Ancient technology that he has been abusing so badly. It was time for NERV to be disbanded and for he and his people to pack up and leave this complex altogether. Naoko, Ichiro, Kozo and even Yui tried to protest only to be told that it wasn’t a request she made her point known with a solid wall of roiling water that stood more than a hundred meters high, threatening to crash down upon the chamber and flood it utterly with everyone present being caught within its deadly tide. She gave everyone an hour to evacuate before she released the tide.
She gave Gendo one final warning there would be a reckoning for his actions, but for now escape and tell SEELE what he would regarding the circumstances. When he asked what he could do to redeem himself she told him to be a father to Shinji and Rei, one they can respect and look up towards. Ulsa next turned her gaze upon the SEELE men, and with a glance caused their bindings to fall away completely. Then glanced in wonder and confusion at their sudden liberty, and then turned equally wary looks upon their benefactor, sensing in her a power that could as easily smite them down as give them back their mobility. Frank asked if it was wise to let the mercenaries go, but there was no pretext to hold them.
The SEELE men, not being the types to look a gift horse in the mouth, picked themselves up off of the floor and started filing out of the room, along with the NERV personnel whom they had been menacing not more than an hour ago. Ichiro and Kenoe joined Naoko in urging their daughters to make haste towards the exit while Yui picked up her own newly acquired daughter and did likewise with Rei clinging dutifully to her shoulder. Kozo waited until he got the all-clear from his people then nodded to Gendo telling him that while it may be the end of one dream, at least they could always dream another.
Frank had waited until the room was mostly empty before he and John left. The group surveyed the opening to the now flooded NERV complex. It was decided that Darkstalkers would handle the mop-up and relocation of the survivors while the MIB would keep an eye on SEELE. Hearing Misato and Ritsuko complaining about losing all their personal belongings caused Jei to wonder what would happen if he and El ever decided to get serious. While Kay congratulated Frank on his coming nuptials. Frank called John for telling people, but the werewolf defended himself saying that when a notorious Outlaw like Frank decides to settle down it’s big news on the Darkstalker circuit. Frank got even angrier when Kei told them he would see them at the Bachelor’s party. The anger turned to suspicion when John offered to buy everyone drinks. However he decided to ignore the little warning voice in his head since he found he really was feeling a powerful thirst for something with a high level of alcoholic content.
John took an annoyed Frank to a darkened alley in the middle of Shinjuku. His Borris Karloff features creasing to a frightful mask of dark suspicions after Talbain transformed and he followed him into the depths of stygian darkness. Frank’s was stunned when they ended up in a dungeon converted into a bar. But then his worst fears were realized as people sprang out from concealment at every nook and darkened fixture and cried out in unison, "SURPRISE!!!" and a banner descended from high above with the words spelled boldly, "FRANKS BACHELOR PARTY!" in horrifyingly gothic lettering. Frank shook himself as he stared at over a hundred familiar faces, many whom he had not seen in decades, a few in centuries, and some he'd hoped never to see unless it was to dance upon their (occupied) grave sites. John stepped back to avoid the reach of the long-armed giant, as he explained that once news of Frank getting married entered the Darkstalkers grape vine you they just had to turn out and show him their appreciation.
Frank’s only reply was to softly whisper that he was going to get John back if it took him a hundred years. It turned out that BB Hood had hired herself as one of the stripers when he recognized her he tried to hide, but it was too late as she’s noticed him. John explained to the confused guest that he and Hood started dating after Dimitri was defeated much to everyone’s surprise. Eventually her aggressive nature became too much for John. Bonny demanded closure. Luckily for him Stan came forward and reminded her that there were no weapons allowed and told her to get back to work. Her free hand slapped Talbain in a very sensitive spot right between the legs, and the werewolf's eyes gogged as she squeezed him very gently, not enough to hurt but definitely firm enough to get his full, undivided attention. She then began drawing Talbain along with her hand still firmly holding him by the crotch so that she could give him a private lap dance.