Continued from here.
Chapter Two
"Welcome to Silent Earth"
After an additional hour of settling, being patched up, and helping rebuild what was destroyed in the minor cataclysm, the intercom would turn on and be heard all around the base again, Makoto's voice ringing out this time instead of Kyoko's.
"Ah... E-Everyone who is not already here, please report to the Command Center immediately for an emergency meeting. We have... something pressing to discuss."
With that, he would cut out, and await you all to do as requested.
"...?"
Kyoko only silently raised an eyebrow at Makoto when he'd make the sudden announcement, the young woman seemingly caught off-guard a little. She hadn't been aware of any pressing matter they'd all needed to discuss, that is, any that had been personally discussed with her. There certainly
were things that needed to be discussed, but... Kyoko was annoyed.
And she didn't feel annoyed that often.
Regardless of whether Makoto meant to do it or not, Kyoko had been getting the feeling that he was avoiding her ever since their little debate just before the explosion, like he wanted to avoid talking to her. The situation was familiar, that is, the situation of Makoto not wanting to talk to her about something, and she was fixing to be just as irritated as back then too.
She hated it when he kept secrets from her without a good reason.
When everyone would all report to the Command Center, which acted as the temporary makeshift Meeting Room since that was currently out of commission for obvious reasons, Makoto would be seen in the front standing next to Ritsuko, the second-in-command of the United Nations. Ritsuko, keeping a cool, collected expression like she usually did, pocketed her hands in her white coat, beginning to speak when everyone had gathered.
"We've gathered you all here today in order to make an announcement. In light of the unexpected explosion that rocked this entire place, I've discussed matters with Commander Makoto Naegi over what the best move should be, and we've managed to reach a conclusion together," she took a breath, eyeing Ilona for a brief moment, before continuing.
"I can imagine some of you might find problem with what we've decided, but I assure you that this is for the best. Commander Naegi, would you like to do the honors, or shall I?"
Kyoko gave a visibly perplexed look, simply wondering to herself what idea the woman had planted into Makoto's head. Part of her didn't want to know, after the folder she had looked at upon hijacking Makoto's computer that one night a few weeks ago giving her an idea, but there was no helping it.
And so, one way or another, she would find out.
Makoto had been silent ever since the announcement, standing tall, yet with his eye looking off toward something nobody else but him could see. The expression on his face was one of determination, though any who knew him well enough would see that it hid a deep sadness within him. Makoto had yet to abandon hope, but he knew something had to change.
Ruby and the others were right. It was time to move forward.
"The source of the blast has been confirmed," Makoto said after Ritsuko spoke. It seemed he was going forward with making the announcement himself.
"As many of you know, it was Ilona, a member of the Coalition who we have had under watch for some time now. She was here as a friend. A mutual agreement to study her unique abilities. Yet..."
Makoto's head turned to take in all the people around him. All of them
listening to him. His hands balled into fists at his sides, yet he stood tall.
"... Ilona's abilities are born of malevolence. Her mother and father were tainted by despair, and so this has passed on to their daughter. I know she is a good person. I believe in her. However... I also have to agree with Ritsuko and the bulk of the United Nations when they say that such a power can't be left unchecked. That is why... I..."
Makoto closed his eyes. He needed Ritsuko to say the rest.
Ritsuko, far more stone-faced than the boy, would seem to give a lightly exasperated sigh, as though disappointed that Makoto wasn't able to go through with saying that they had intended to do by himself.
"Essentially, the plan is to detain Ilona. If we're to come to understand how the nature of the Malevolence inside her works, considering we've never seen a case like her before, and prevent any more lives from being affected by it, we have to do what is natural to do when we don't know something. We study. We'll do studies, conduct tests, and try to find a way to suppress the Malevolence inside, if not remove it from her being," The woman explained at length without missing a beat.
"It's fortunate that we had a number of powered people like Wanda Maximoff around to shield others from the blast, lest the entire base be easily extinguished of life, but even with these powers that we have, three lives were lost, one sent into a coma, and many others otherwise injured. Just imagine how dangerously powerful this energy could become if we don't quarantine her. The way I see it, we're lucky. Imagine the horrors that would be unleashed if she were put into a public environment without any sort of watch."
"That's why we have to put her under quarantine. With or without the approval of the Secretary-General."
"Quarantine? You're making it sound like she's a walking disease," Akiko only remarked seriously, a light scowl tugging at the edges of her lips.
"But... Surely, there has to be an alternative."
"Akiko, please," Doppo said, raising an arm to calm her down, taking it upon himself to speak now.
With a serious, wary expression, he would pose a question to Ritsuko.
"If this plan were to proceed without a hitch, how long would you expect this... "detaining" to last?"
Ritsuko sighed lightly, simply shrugging her shoulders.
"... I can't say. It isn't like there's a textbook about malevolence, nor would we be able to write one with all the current knowledge we have on it. For all we know, it could take years, maybe even decades, before we can fully cure her of her... condition."
Cosmo then spoke up, wanting to say his piece.
"ThIs is what Cosmo feared most. Cosmo has been doink much thinkink. Ilona is good girl, however the power overwhelms her. Not her fault. Ilona needs people lookink out for her, protectink her from her powers. She needs guidance to control them. As much as it hurts Cosmo to suggest this, it's not safe for her out there, and it is not safe for us if she is out there. Nobody wins. We need to guard her, and help her grow. Only until we're sure we can let go."
"..."
In contrast to Doppo, who seemed wary, and Akiko who was testy with the prospect at best, Kyoko would be more openly in disagreement over the so-called plan, glaring not at Ritsuko, but at Makoto.
"You... would agree to something like this, Makoto?" She asked, a slight tinge of the feeling of betrayal able to be heard in her voice, as though that was what she felt at the moment.
"After everything you fought for, all the conviction in your ideals that you'd demonstrated for as long as we knew each other, your big plan is just to lock up a person, real and breathing, I feel I need to emphasize, and keep her isolated from civilization because of her power?"
Ahem.
Raising a hand to step in, Ocelot would interrupt Kyoko to speak.
"I think that Ms. Akagi makes valid points. We don't, and likely are unable to, know about the true, deeper nature of Ilona's capabilities, and I'd rather not find out, lest it has to be paid for with more lives needlessly," the young soldier stated, before continuing,
"And... With all due respect, Co-Commander Kirigiri, you've been out of action for a long time. I don't... think you're entirely aware of the situation, and why this is a necessary step not only for the sake of the multiverse's protection, but also preserving the relationship between the Coalition and the United Nations."
Essentially, it was as though he had told Kyoko that she didn't know what she was talking about, using the basis that she'd been out of commission for so long. But conversely, Kyoko personally thought that that made her even better equipped than if she had stayed in constant action.
"..."
Still, she ignored the man's words for the time being. If he wanted to make arguments in an attempt to undermine her opinion's credibility, then that was that, but she would have her voice be heard one way or another.
"Makoto... What happened to you?"
Makoto looked flustered at Kyoko's sharp words that bordered on accusations of betrayal. His face grew red hot and he stammered out a few unintelligible syllables, only to then be drowned out by Byakuya.
"Let's not forget the fact that there are those out there who may try to use Ilona for their own benefit. The issue is not exactly that the girl has destructive power, for many standing here have the potential for such destruction in them as well. No amount of platitudes will change the fact that this girl has been used indirectly to kill others. That her power comes from the very force our enemies use is even more pressing."
"But... That's exactly it! Many people, even right in this room, have potentially highly destructive power within them, and while their stability levels fluctuate depending on the person, it wasn't Ilona's fault. She was manipulated into discharging that power, just as anyone else could have been. Or... Did you neglect to recall her testimony that Jill Valentine was found dead before the explosion?" She remarked sharply, seemingly only growing more and more heated, unlike her usual composed self.
"Hey..." Sorey raised a hand, looking more intrigued by all this than anything.
"I don't know if many people here are aware, but I have some ability to sense malevolence. It's not so effective here, but... I've never been able to sense any kind of malevolence from Ilona. The fact that she can generate it despite that is honestly... kind of frightening."
"But that doesn't mean Sorey and I agree with keeping her locked up," Mikleo said, crossing his arms. He glanced toward his friend for a moment, who nodded back to him in turn.
"What Ilona probably needs is our support more than anything."
"Makoto!"
Captain-Commander Kieran had been silently fuming since this meeting began. His mind had been on other things since the blast, but to hear that he had been left out of such an important matter angered him to no end. This was entirely wrong, for more than just Ilona's sake.
"I'm done with the Coalition blindly following the UN's orders! We are supposed to be independent... given the choice to make our own decisions without outside influence! The UN has demanded enough of us, and I will not let them strong-arm us into another decision. You have three leaders of the Coalition here... and two are saying no."
Makoto's nervousness only grew at such a vocal outburst. He had been trying to keep the peace for so long that at this point, it was almost the only thing that mattered. Kyoko didn't understand the dynamics, while Kieran... well, Makoto knew Kieran just felt guilty.
"No," Makoto uttered, his voice surprisingly firm.
"A horrible, awful tragedy has befallen us. I can not ignore it... I will not ignore it. It is at Ilona's own request that she be sheltered from others, isn't it? Why deny her that choice? We are here to listen to others and make compromises if needed. This is to make everyone happy!"
"This is hardly a compromise that everyone can be happy with. You're taking away years, possibly decades as Ms. Akagi herself has stated, from this person's life, just because she has potential to be dangerous, just like most other people around here," she said, practically scolding Makoto for even considering doing something like this,
"The UN may not have had any hold on the Coalition when I was around, and if this is how things would turn out, maybe I really should have stayed."
Unfazed by Kyoko's words, the lavender haired detective giving the older woman a brief scowl, Ritsuko even stifled a dryly amused chuckle, before speaking in response.
"You're ignoring what your friend, who seems to understand the situation better than you, said before. Ilona herself requested to be detained. Who are we to deny someone like that a request that aligns with our own interests?" She inquired, gesturing towards everyone in the room with her arms, as though challenging anyone to speak up against her and the others who agreed with her.
"Did she really ask for it? I'd rather hear it from her own mouth, if you don't mind me not taking your word for it," Akiko said somewhat cantankerously, unfitting of how she usually was, before realizing something,
"Where is Ilona anyway? I was under the impression she'd be here for this meeting that's all about her."
"She's been taken into our custody and is currently being transported to the UN Base of Operations as we speak," Ritsuko answered, crossing her arms,
"You can protest all you want, people, but I have the authority, the power, here," she continued, glancing at Robin in the process,
"Apologies if it seems like I'm overstepping my authority, Secretary-General, but I'd say this is a just cause for emergency powers."
"H-Hold on a minute! You can't just do that under our noses!" Shiki exclaimed in objection, to which Ocelot would interject.
"Our? You aren't even a member of the Coalition officially. Don't talk like you have that great a grasp on the situation. You're even worse off than Co-Commander Kirigiri, I'd wager," the soldier said.
"Oh, nice, I guess some people's opinions just matter less when they disagree with you, huh?" Gwen Stacy remarked snappily, her form stuck to the wall as she looked judgingly at Ocelot for the moment.
"Guys! Really?" Uhura intervened, attempting to get the conversation back on track,
"Making accusations and insulting others isn't going to get us anywhere. Let's not get heated up so quickly."
"Indeed," Ritsuko nodded, before producing what appeared to be a communicator device from her pocket,
"But if you all really want to hear it, then be my guest," she spoke, pressing a button on it and speaking to it,
"Deputy Secretary-General speaking. Can I get a status on Ilona? Everyone wants to hear a word from her before she leaves."
...
Silence ensued, before she would uncomfortably clear her throat.
"Come in. Did you hear me?"
"... gone..." A faint voice would respond weakly, prompting Ritsuko's eyes to widen in shock.
"W-What?!"
"She's... gone... We... attacked by... h-him..." The voice on the other end responded, before the connection would abruptly cut off... as though someone else had ended it deliberately.
"What the hell...! Dammit, what's going on out there?! Come in. I said report!" Ritsuko exclaimed angrily into the device, but alas, it would avail to nothing.
"... Ahem."
"What's going on here? Where's Ilona?"
A collective gasp went out amid the Coaltiion recruits as the reality of the situation came over them. Makoto was among them, his eyes going wide in fear to learn yet another despairing situation had come upon them.
"Ilona...? Who do they mean by... him...?"
"Damn it!" Kieran roared. He started making his way toward the exit of the room.
"Captain-Commander Kieran is getting to the bottom of this!"
However, as Kieran was about to leave, Alvin came rushing into the room.
"We have a situation here...!" he began, but trailed off when he saw the looks on everyone's faces.
He choked back an angry grumble, eyes searching for Makoto.
"Alter Ego got an emergency transmission from our double agent inside Umbrella. It's reported that, only minutes ago, that Ilona was transferred to their facility on Silent Earth. Seems they've made a breakthrough... they plan to use her power."
"S-Silent Earth?! But... Isn't that the site of the tragic Silent Hill Incident from way back then?!" Doppo exclaimed in shock, and it seemed like he wasn't the only one to have a strong reaction to the revelation.
If the room was at a fever pitch before, this new information rocked the group to their core, for all at the very least understood that this was a dire development.
"There's no telling what they could do!" Kieran yelled, turning back to look upon Makoto and Kyoko.
"There's no time to think... we have to stage a rescue mission!"
Makoto stared back at his friend, words failing him. So many voices bounced off him, mixing together into an unintelligible din of noise. All Makoto could so was bury his hands in his hair, closing his eyes as his mind desperately searched for answers.
... But it seemed there was no need to find an answer, for one would be provided anyway. Makoto heard a shrill noise cut through the Command Center, causing his eyes to open. A dark mist seemed to seep into the room, covering everyone in an inky darkness.
Everything was dark, and soon, nothing could be heard.
***
When next the group awoke, they would find themselves unbelievably cold. It was a chill that seemed to seep into their skin and cool their bones.
The sky above was a disquieting dull grey with storm clouds forming above. The ground was the concrete of an empty street. Buildings surrounded the group with trees, foliage, and power lines providing the setting of a typical town.
Last but not least, a fog settled over the group. The mist itself felt heavy in a way, as if it was weighing on everyone's shoulders. The air itself would clog the senses, making one feel almost out of breath. Amidst the fog, powers would not be as effective as usual.
Not everyone within the Coalition's headquarters had been transferred over, but a good many had. Makoto looked around, finding no sign of Commander Shepard or Paladin Danse who had both been present within the Command Center. Either that was a good thing, or a very bad thing.
"..."
Despite the effects of the fog, Shiki did his best to remain calm in the face of adversity. Hard to believe that it had only been roughly a year for him since the last time he had ended up within Silent Earth. The Arch Demon's Downfall showed him a lot about who he was, and what he was afraid of, but it also showed him what he was willing to fight for. Of course, it wasn't until later that he'd discover what he was willing to live for, but here and now, the tense atmosphere of death and despair, it was familiar.
It was so familiar that Shiki remembered vividly how it was just like his life, only a short two years ago. And he remembered why it was imperative that he had to leave this kind of place behind if he knew what was good for him.
"This place... It's... It really is..."
"We're in Silent Hill... or maybe, more accurately, Silent Earth." Makoto paused, seemingly stuck on what to say. The sound of Kyoko clearing her throat brought him out of his reverie.
"... Something has gone horribly wrong. We've been compromised. Everyone! I need you to know this! ... Silent Earth works in strange ways. It plays tricks on the mind... conjures illusions... It wants to trap you and bring you into despair. What matters most is the strength of your will, not how powerful you are. Do you understand? Whatever we say, please listen... and please stay strong."
"If nothing else, you should all also stay strong to make up for our tentative loss of numbers," Kyoko would promptly add on to Makoto's words, pointing out the disappearance of those who had previously been present back in HQ. Sure enough, anyone who would look around would notice that as far as authority figures and representatives went, the only people around were Makoto, Kyoko, and Kieran, the big three of the Coalition.
"It's likely that they were separated from us, whether by chance or deliberately by whoever brought us here, though regardless, we need to regroup and then think up a plan concerning rescuing Ilona and getting out of here," she continued, maintaining her cool within her expression and voice, even despite the fog that haunted everyone around...
... though the more observant ones around would notice her legs shaking quite a bit.
Even the strong, sometimes, were not invincible.
Cast List
@Gummi Bunnies as
Add and Elesis (Elsword)
@DBZ7 as
Anna (Fire Emblem)
@Nater Taters as
Artyom Chyornyj (Metro)
@Jeremi as
Bekka and Red Tornado (DC Comics)
@Wren as
Bradley Martin Holland (OC)
@CrunchyCHEEZIT as
Deoxys (Pokemon)
@Archwar as
Doomguy (Doom)
@Crimson Spartan as
Erron Black (Mortal Kombat)
@Krieg as
Jon Snow (Game of Thrones)
@Ringmaster as
Lucifer Anghelscu and Saber Alter (Murder Series / Type-Moon)
@Crow as
Maki Kido and Madoka Karasuma (Idolmaster OC)
@Atomyk as
Makoto Naegi (Danganronpa)
@Mason Moretti as
Mason Moretti (OC)
@Cirilla as
Mercy (Overwatch)
@darnerdemons as
Miko Wanijima (Air Gear OC)
@Chewy Rabbits as
Nemo and Astaroth (Murder Series)
@Raven as
Piper Wright (Fallout)
@Klutzy Ninja Kitty as
Princess Ilona of Arendelle (Murder Series) and
Train Heatnet (Black Cat)
@C.T. as
Qrow Branwen (RWBY)
@BarrenThin as
Reinhardt Wilhelm and
Genji Shimada(Overwatch)
@Grumpy as
Rick Sanchez (Rick & Morty)
@Minerva as
Robin Aquilus and Corrin (Fire Emblem)
@york as
Ruby Rose and Zwei (RWBY)
@Kaykay as
Sakuya Izayoi and
Remilia Scarlet (Touhou Project)
@LuckycoolHawk9 as
Scott McCall and Stiles Stilinski (Teen Wolf)
@ShiroKiyoshi as
Sean Grant and Bozidar Hephaistos (OC)
@Yun Lee as
Shi-Long Lang (Ace Attorney)
@pubbbb as
Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)
@Verite as
Shiki Tohno and
Len (Type-Moon)
@The Tactician as
Shizuo Heiwajima (Durarara!!)
@Melon as
Takashi "Shiro" Shirogane (Voltron)
@Takumi as
Toboe (Wolf's Rain)
@Yang Lee as
Uncle Iroh (Avatar)
@Hospes as
Weiss Schnee and
Winter Schnee (RWBY)
@Josh M as
Wynne (Dragon Age)
@Sen as
Zen (Mystic Messenger)
@Bomb as
Zidane Tribal and Bibi Ornitier (Final Fantasy IX)
