30 Lights, Camera, Action!

Barret had ushered the remaining forces to Xiao's office. Soon everyone was filling the room.

"Now that everyone is here. We should discuss the next course of action. As you may, or may not know, some of our forces discovered, while out last night, another Zodiac member. This resulted in a bit more information, one in particular showed more connection to Kaos. Witchhazel also gave us an interesting insight, on her theory of these Zodiac forces. She suggested that there may only be a total of thirteen, due to connections to the constellations. If this is in fact true, then we should have less forces to concern our selves with. Medatros has came up with an excellent strategy while we awaited you all." Xiao said to the group of allies, looking to Medatros as she gave him the floor.

Cravic crossed his arms, sneering a bit at Medatros. "..."

"Yes, so we shall investigate these points of interest that we have marked on this map of Terraldyn." Medatros brings their attention to the map on the table. He sets his index finger on the map, pointing to an island set in the ocean region. "This is one area that has peaked our interest, we've had thoughts about possible Zodiac activity due to it. "

Issac glanced, seeing the island on the map. He cringed a bit, "(I hope they aren't seriously considering sending us out there... all that water.... things are bad enough already...)"

Barret looks to the area on the map, Medatros had pointed to, "That's pretty far out there."

Myde made a hand gesture as she looked it over, "It would however make the most sense. Locations that are secluded may have the easiest places to hide prisoners." She glanced a bit at Cravic, who was once again staring at her, she quickly returned her gaze to the map.

"Hm, very true." Barret states, placing a hand to his chin.

"So, what about all those other places marked? How did you so easily come to a conclusion where they might be keeping the missing people?" Cravic asked skeptically, as if accusing Medatros.

"Cravic!" Xiao scolded.

Medatros looked to Xiao. "It's quite alright Xiao, he has every right to know of how we gather the information. We've pin pointed possible locations that could carry ties to the Zodiac forces-"

"In other words, according to Medatros, we're going off a whim. However, we decided that dividing up into teams to investigate, we would be able to cover more ground. As suggested." Luke interrupted.

Medatros crosses his arms giving Luke a distasteful stare. "...Right, as he said." He turns his attention to the others, keeping a serious gaze. "We now need to split up our forces. Due to personal investigations, Denki is absent for the time being. Rune has returned to Vectrom with Eugene, following orders from Queen Ailene."

Barret sighs to himself. "(Thank Joan, that guy had a screw loose. Hopefully that ease Issac up a bit.)"

Issac crossed his arms, quivering a bit. "(...Anyone but Cynder... Anyone but Cynder...)"

Witchhazel glanced over to Issac, she grimaced slightly as she cocked her head.

"Always like sensei to go off on his own. He gets to have all the fun." Katinka grumbled.

Xiao cleared her throat. "We thought this over, and we decided on three teams. If you aren't happy about it, you'll just have to make do for the time being, since we need to get you all out there as soon as possible, while we look further into matters on our end-" Xiao was explaining, but started coughing profusely into her hand.

Cravic got worried, rushing over to her. "Mom, are you alright?!"

She kept her hand to her mouth, as the cough settled. "I'm fine, I think I just need to rest a little. Medatros, would you please handle the rest of the meeting on my behalf?"

"...Yes, please go and rest yourself, Xiao." Medatros states, turning his attention back to the others.

"Thank you." Xiao replied, heading out of her office.

Cravic seemed a bit on edge, but turned his attention to Medatros, as did the others.

"Now, as she stated, you all have been assigned specific task teams for this mission." Medatros explained, looking to the map, with his finger pointing to one of the marked sectors. He glanced up to Barret first. "Barret? I'm placing you with Cynder, Dylan and Katinka. The four of you will be traveling to the southern Savannah of Taino"

Barret gasps, "(Cynder... Dylan?...Urgh, Katinka I can stand, but what am I doing? Baby sitting?)" He thought to himself in aggravation.

Issac seemed relieved. "(...One less thing to worry about... Maybe I'll get lucky, and put on the same team as Witchhazel...)" He grew a bit anxious. "(But wait... There's no way Cynder is going to leave me alone now! I won't be able to get away from her here! I'm so screwed! Why can't life be FAIR?!... Just when...)" He was sweating all over.

Medatros then pointed to another marked spot on the map, his eyes turned to Cravic this time. "Cravic, you're with Bit, Shockz and Myde. Your group will be looking into a labyrinth location in the Vale region." Medatros explained.

"Fine." Cravic huffed.

"Hey Cravy, we're teamed up together. Won't this be fun?" Bit teased, deviously.

"Hmph." Cravic shrugged a bit.

Myde was looking his way this time, but he hadn't noticed.

Finally Medatros looked to Issac, and his finger moved to the location, he was going to give next. "Issac? You are with Kirbon,Asuna and Zihark. You four will be going by ship, to investigate the island, Hope Isle."

Issac grew panicked, "(This is really bad...There is no way I can do this... in the open sea of all things! Someone just Kill me now!)" He was shaking a bit. "......"

"If you've noticed, we've kept these teams set to abilities. With limited resources we have to cover all ends." Medatros states. "Now if any of you are wondering about the choice to who remains here, the decisions were made based on who would be best fit for the mission."

"Now steady Eddie. How did I get volunteered to go on the field? I'm a scientist, and weapon tester, not a soldier. Why isn't 'she' going? I want an explanation." Asuna spoke up, sounding upset, and pointing to Witchhazel.

"Well, I'm but a humble merchant. I may be able to hold my own, but I'm more specialized with defensive spells." Witchhazel looked to the blonde.

Luke turns to Asuna , "My dear, we need you there in case Zihark needs to under go repairs. Besides that, you are good with machines. Not to mention being the creator of the power glove."

Asuna puffed out her cheek, "Oh jeez Louise, why doesn't anyone understand how busy I get? For Pete sake, fine. I'll do it, but don't be expecting to get out Scott free."

Barret was still getting over the fact he was stuck with Cynder and Dylan. Shockz groans a little looking to Myde. "So...What's your main? Like, how do you fight? Has to be better than 'that' guy." Shockz says, starring to Bit, placing on a lazy expression.

Myde glanced over to the boy, "Are you addressing me?" She asked, keeping her serious demeanor.

"Yeah? Dude, who else would I be talking to?" Shockz states, crossing his arms.

Myde's eye twitched, "Listen boy. If you're insinuating that I am male, I'll use my sword-staffs to castrate you." She growled, in a hushed tone.

Shockz shivers, backing away from Myde slowly. "G-Got it! Sorry! Did I already say sorry!? Sorry!"

Myde huffed, crossing her arms, as she turned her attention back to the map. "Hmph."

"Why can't I be paired with MY toy!? He neeeeeeds me!" Cynder whined.

Issac shuttered, trying to keep distance. "No! No-No-No-No -NO!! (Don't even go there!! I'm already heading on a one way trip to Stykx!!)"

"I think we should head out...Sooner the better." Barret states, turning away from Cynder and Dylan.

Dylan had seemed excited this whole time, bouncing a bit. "I get to go on the mission-I get to goooo on the MISSSSSSSION! Hey Cyndy. Guess what? Igettogoonthemission!" Dylan exclaimed in excitement.

Cynder sighed, "Seeing no one's going to listen to me... At least I have one person I can talk to, who isn't a jerk face."

Barret looks back to them. "(Well, I sure hope they're good with fighting, I wonder what weapons they use? I know Cynder already has that Power gauntlet that's similar to the Power glove. The other two have me wondering though.)"

"Alright everyone, with the foundation set. I believe it is time for you all to head out. We will stay in touch. Good luck, and stay safe." Medatros says, as he takes his seat at the desk.

Some time had elapsed, moving to a scene aboard a very tiny cruise liner, sailing across the high seas. There weren't any people traveling across the ocean to Hope Isle, besides Issac and his party. Issac was cowering on the upper decks, trying to keep as far from the water as possible. Kirb seemed to be at the railing, watching the water at the bow. Asuna has gotten into a swimsuit, and was sunbathing on the desk as well. Sailing the vessel was a new AM worker.

"Oh, I shouldn't have acted like such a Debbie downer. For Pete sake, I'm such a workaholic sometimes. I had no idea this could be so relaxing, I really needed a break from work. Ahhh..." Asuna sighed, in relaxation.

Zihark was massaging Asuna's shoulders. "I'm glad you're happy, Ducky. "

"Oh, this is the life." Asuna giggled, taking a drink from her virgin strawberry martini.

Issac grimaced, "(We're supposed to on a mission... and she's treating this like a vacation! Argh... I hate this.... So much water...)"

The sound of a blaring fog horn is heard. From behind, came another cruise liner, much larger in scale. The waves from the other vessel rocked their tiny ship in the water upon impact. A youthful dwarf man with blue hair, and headphones, wearing a red and grey baseball cap appeared at the railing of the other liner. He resembled a Chinese dragon with his ears and tail, wearing a rasta colored hoodie with spikes. He carried what appeared to be a guitar combined with a camera.

"HEY! This is restricted area, you're not even in the script!" The dwarf shouted to Issac, and the others.

Issac grumbled, narrowing his eyes. "(Great... What's this dude's issue...?)"

Asuna stood up, as she set aside her Martini. "You've got to be Joshing me! Listen here, slick Rick! You don't own the ocean, so you can't just act like some prima Donna, waltzing over here all Willy nilly, on your big, fancy cruise liner, and say we can't be here! I don't care who you are, famous Amos, or not!" Asuna snapped.

Kirb rested to his palm, somewhat amused. "Don't get your panties in a twist now."

"Ah?! You peeping Tom!!" Asuna gawked, in embarrassment.

Zihark turns his attention from the dwarf to Kirb. "Watch yourself."

Kirb smirked, "Eh." His eyes glanced back to the dragon boy.

The dwarf starts to snicker in excitement. He forms a megaphone in his hand, and points his index finger to Asuna. "YOU THERE! THAT PERFORMANCE WAS REMARKABLE! The pure rage, the depth in which you pulled out that energy! It shook the very fabrics of my being! I want you in my movie!"

"M-Movie?" Asuna gawked, getting starry-eyed. She fantasized about her being a movie star, and loved by many people.

"Is this too low? YES! A movie, doll face. Not too sure about your friends though. They need to show a little more emotion. Granted the one with the red hair looks like a good male lead." The dwarf dragon says, keeping his sight on them.

Both Issac and Kirb seemed a bit irritated from that remark.

"(This chump making movies? Yeah right...)" Issac grumbled, "(Of all places even.... )" He quivered.

"Whatever, we don't have time for movies anyway." Kirb scoffed. "Not like I'd want in on that junk anyway."

"Then hit the road Jack, you weren't asked to be in it anyway. I'm sure Xiao won't mind if you, and gloomy Gus handle the mission on your own." Asuna was too distracted.

The dragon's ears quirk at the sound of the word 'mission'. "Mission? Oh, so your tale gets even more interesting. You know? Talking this far away isn't helping. Why not board my ship instead?"

The dwarf lifts his hand, snapping his fingers. Instantly Issac, and the others are teleported to the ship, appearing in the air. They all fall to their bottoms, except Asuna, who the boy catches. He sets her down on her feet, and walks back, turning to them.

Issac scrambled to his feet, "Okay, what the heck are you?!" Issac was near panic.

"A DIRECTOR! I place into reality what needs to be, and take out what I don't need. It's quite a treat! In fact, if you need some lessons in acting, why not stick around? I know I was a little harsh, but hey! Everyone can be anything they want. As long as you PRESS for it!" The dragon states, obnoxiously.

Issac shivers at the water, taking a step away from the edge. "Dude, no offense, but I had enough acting classes back in high school drama. Besides, that's not what I meant!" Issac gawked.

The dwarf dragon grabs his cap, shaking out of frustration. "You're hilarious! You're making this casting call really hard! Hmm. I have a proposition, I'll make you the lead male, besides that, the lovely lady, already had the spark from earlier. You two together would be excellent! Oh just imaging that dramatic scene... A charming young man, rushing to the aid of the damsel in distress. If only to nearly make it there in time...OR! At the last moment! Oh, the twists are giving me goosebumps!" The small man exclaimed hugging himself.

Issac's mouth dropped in disgust. He envisioned himself trying to rescue the over dramatic Asuna from a dangerous threat. The cloud of thought was shattered as he shook his head. "(No-no-no-no!)"

Asuna crossed her arms, trying to hide her swimsuit. "First off, disco Dave. Zihark needs to be my hero, not this, Nancy boy. Pretty please?"

"Sadly, I can't change the script doll face, BUT I can change characters. How does this sound? I make Zihark the best friend of the lead male? It will be a case of tragic romance. Our lead, tragically dies from a horrid incident saving you...BUT along comes the friend, whom you held secret feelings, to cure the broken heart of the maiden." The dragon man states, holding a hand over his heart.

Zihark looks to Asuna then back to the strange dwarfish man. "Affirmative."

Issac gawked at Zihark, "(Is he serious!?)"

Asuna got hearts in her eyes, "Now steady Eddie, you're going to get me all excited!" She giggled, uncontrollably.

Kirb rolled his eyes. "Not only does this sound SUPER cheesy, it's like some over done shitty love drama, but need I remind you guys we have things to do?" Kirb grumbled.

"I have to agree with Kirb. Sooner we get out of the water, the better." Issac agreed.

"Ohhh, how the villain would love to leave the movie, before it even begins. That's right Usa, you're the villain here. On another side note. SET IS CLOSED FOR EXITING! The moment you stepped on this ship, you signed a life contract. So, you're my actors now, like it or not..." The dragon states, with a snarky tone.

Kirb scoffed, in irritation. "(Need to keep an eye on this one. I smell trouble written all over him.)"

Issac choked a bit, "Say what?! Dude, you freak'n dropped us here! What gives man?!... Hold up... (This guy warped us here.... Is he?)"

The dwarf snaps his fingers, instantly gathering Issac and Asuna's power gloves. He also forms some clothes around Asuna. "Sorry, no weapons on the set, I also noticed you might have been chilly without your clothes there."

"Oh thank you, I was going to ask to go back, and get my luggage to change. So kind of you." Asuna giggled.

"Okay man, who and what are you!? Are you with Zodiac?!" Issac demanded.

"..." The dwarf got quiet turning from them. "I knew I hid that part of the script better. Are you sure you're not looking ahead? That's a twist that was, to be saved for later...I HATE spoilers." He turns around to them, his head hanging down. "But you got me..." He lifts his head, to Issac and the others. "My name's Yuji Wyvern, the Zodiac under the sign of Taurus. BUT, you can call me 'The Director'."

Issac reached for the glove subconsciously, but it was gone. He quickly turned back to Yuji. "Darn it... (How the heck are we supposed to fight a guy, who can take our weapons like that?!... I don't know what to do..)"

"NO WAY JOSE, NOT my chance at stardom... How dare you trick me, like some prima Donna. I am so going to get even Steven!" Asuna spouted, clearly upset by the matter.

"Calm down Na-na. Now that he's out in the open, we can handle this rat, and get to work." Kirb patted Asuna's shoulder.

"What do you expect to do about this you layabout Larry?! We are unarmed!" Asuna got teary-eyed.

"I'll protect you Ducky." Zihark says, forming his red laser saber, that seemed to be a power glove.

"Wow I have to say, you programmed that machine good Asuna. Makes me wonder about the weapons you designed here." Yuji states, forming a power glove in his hand playfully.

"Asuna, what the heck is he talking about!?" Issac snapped to her.

"I don't know what you're implying, nosy Nancy." Asuna crossed her arms.

"He knows your name!" Issac exclaimed.

"I know all your names, hint, I AM THE DIRECTOR! Information kind of flows in, not giving sources though. That's behind the scenes material." Yuji states, forming away the glove. "So Issac, you like the cold, right?" Yuji snaps his finger, and the location forms into a cold battered wasteland, complete with falling snow.

Issac shivered, crossing his arms. He was panicking slightly, "How the h-h-heck did have any idea about that... not to mention changing the location!?"

"Well, I could of brought it to a hot spring, but that's for later. Sides that, I DID SAY I'M THE DIRECTOR! Scene 1! FREEZE TERROR, ON MT. YUKI!" Some Freeze Terrors appear around them, Yuji places a hand to his chin, floating into the air. He holds out his hand, pulling Asuna over to him. He grips her to him tightly. "Before I place the damsel in. I have to make sure you're fit for the part. SO GET READY TO PROVE IT! AUDITIONS OPEN! ACTION!"

"Jumping Jehoshaphat!" Asuna gasped, uneasily.

Zihark looks to Asuna. "Ducky..." Zihark rushes at Yuji quickly, as some Freeze Terrors make their way after him. Zihark rips right through one of them, with his sharp blade, formed from his power glove. Yuji then teleports to the other side of the location, barely dodging Zihark.

"CUT! CUT! CUT! You're suppose to wait for the cue! You're making my camera loose it's focus!" Yuji shouted, using his tail to hold the guitar shaped camera.

"Ducky..." Zihark states, looking back to Yuji coldly.

"Brr..." Issac shivered, "(I can't do anything without my power glove... I feel so useless... What the heck am I supposed to do?!)"

A Freeze Terror rushes up behind Issac. Issac catches sight of it, and shakily moves out of the way of it's attack. Yuji catches sight of this.

"Heh nice moves....But this isn't A BALLET!" Yuji says, as more Freeze Terrors form around them.

"Sosa can cite Scripture for his purpose." Issac scoffed.

Yuji laughs holding a hand to his head. "Shakespeare!? Wow! We could have really hit things off you and I. Reminds me of the next scene I have in mind for you now...."

A stray bullet came flying from Kirb's chain connected pistols. "Bang."

"Urgh!" Yuji holds to his arm.

Asuna glances frantically where Yuji was shot, and back to Kirb, she was still held from the set. "HEY YOU CRAZY DAISY! FOR PETE SAKE! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE SHOOTING THAT THING!!!!" She shouts at Kirb.

Kirb looks lazily to Asuna, "The bullet wasn't even close, Na-na. Chill, you're so over-dramatic." He aimed his pistols, preparing to fire once more.

"Stray shots ruin movies!!! But since you want to shoot, how about a little taste of the undead? I have a great location in mind. Head shots make good ratings." Yuji snaps his fingers. They're instantly teleported to a location filled with zombies, it was in the middle of the Dread take over of Terraldyn. "Ah perfect, history is a great movie subject."

"Snow... now Z-z-zombies?! Stop aiming at me, you creep!!" Issac nervously exclaimed.

Kirb let off a few rounds at nearby zombies, blasting out their slimy brains. "Yeesh, midget boy. You seriously have too much time on on your hands to think up something this lame."

"MIDGET!?" Yuji shouted, angrily.

A nearing zombie rushed more aggressively at Kirb, but he hopped back, dodging the attack. "Missed me." He spoke boredly, firing more rounds off.

Yuji swings his loose hand, pointing to Kirb. "HOW DARE YOU CALL ME A MIDGET YOU CROSS-DRESSER! I AM A DWARF!!!"

A spark came to Kirb's eye. "What was that? YOU ASKING TO DIE, PUNK?!" Kirb shouted back, full flame in his eyes. "I'LL MURDER YOUR ASS!!" He cocked back both guns, and unleashed a massive barrage of shots, flying at Yuji. "BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG!!!!"

Zihark jumps in front of the barrage of bullets, forming a barrier, evaporating the bullets upon contact. He turns, and hammers his fist into Yuji, making him crash to the ground, holding his face. Zihark caught Asuna in his arms in the process. "Ducky..." Zihark says holding her tightly.

Yuji was holding his face. "AHHHHH!!!! OUCH!"

"You DIMWITTED GIANT! WHAT THE FUCK MAN!? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!" Kirb shouted angrily.

"FOR PETE SAKE! Shut up you hard-hearted Hannah!" Asuna growled, she was tearing up in her eyes, angrily.

Yuji's hold on reality starts to shatter, and they all find themselves back on the ship. "I can't focus on the material like this....Urgh..."

Zihark looks to Yuji, letting off Asuna. "I'll finish it." He holds his hand out, which forms to a gun.

Yuji laughs, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages."

Issac looked over to Yuji. "... (Even being a zodiac, I don't know too many people besides me who like Shakespeare as much as I do. There's Witchhazel, now this Yuji guy... Ironic.)"

Asuna grabs Zihark's arm, holding to it tightly. She burred her face into it, sulking. "Stop... No more fighting... No more... Please..."

Zihark turns his attention to Asuna's crying. "...Affirmative.." Zihark states, setting his arms to his side.

"..." Yuji was silent looking to them. "...That's it?...You're not going to kill me? No climatic ending? I tricked you, brought your here to my stage, to act all of this out? Why the twist?" Yuji questioned, looking to Asuna.

Kirb huffed, crossing his arms. "I say we kill him."

Issac glanced to Asuna, "(Even though I could have actually became friends with this guy, somewhere down the line... he's on the wrong side.) He's with Zodiac, Asuna."

Asuna sniffled, wiping her tears as she glanced to them. "... Even if we kill him, that won't help us gain more intel for saving the people who the Zodiac kidnapped." She says, sniffling once again. "Maybe, we can take him in for questioning. Use him to get a location, and figure out a weak point to his allies."

Issac sighed. "You have a really good point there."

"Yeah..." Kirb muttered.

Yuji shifts his sight to the others, "What about the others? They'll track me...Are you willing to take that chance?"

"Yet he has a point too." Kirb looked lazily.

"True, but we need that info." Issac added, uneasily looking to the water's edge.

"That may be so, but they won't be able to track him, if they have nothing to hack into. I have a prototype safe in my lab for keeping blue prints, experimental weapons, and anything from being hacked into, and thus stolen. It's virtually hacker proof, and blocks any kind of frequencies, and video feed or communication. Even dama and other abilities. Xiao had suggested it to keep my work out of Kaos' hands. Also to mention, it's large enough to use as cell." Asuna explained.

"Well, that honestly sounds a lot better than dying. I also won't have to worry about being in trouble, if you guys manage to get attacked. My hands are clean. I'm good to go, and all info you want is yours. So long as I can see the end of the movie, okay?" Yuji states, sitting down on the floor.

"That easy? (What this rat's game?)" Kirb was suspiciously looking to the dwarf.

"Hey, I'm not after your men, so chill out dame." Yuji states, crossing his arms.

"Can I just shoot him!?" Kirb snapped.

"Simmer down, bickering Ben. Xiao would agree with my decision. So please, just stop." Asuna retorted.

"Whatever." Kirb scoffed, putting in his earphones. He kept his eyes on the others.

"Zihark. Detain him, please. Gently, We don't need to do any more damage, than we have to." Asuna instructed.

"Affirmative Ducky." Zihark states, reaching down to pick up Yuji.

"I can't wait to see the lab. I'm sure it's full of all kinds of amazing things." Yuji states, as Zihark held him.

"(Talk about a brown-noser. Is he hoping for special treatment or something? Dude has no idea how dense Asuna is with guys. All she cares about is that battery operated boyfriend of hers. Well, maybe this time we can get some info about the other Zodiac locations.)" Issac pondered. "(Who knows, if this works out, and we can turn him... Maybe I'll have another Shakespearean friend...)"