47 New Order

The cruiser arrived back to headquarters, however the atmosphere felt a bit off. Issac was still unconscious at this point, and Witchhazel had decided to take him to his room. Denki needed space, and didn't follow the others, instead going off outside the woods. The remaining ones made their way to Xiao's office. The camp workers all seemed dull, and quieter than usual. Upon entering, they noticed only Medatros.

"Hm?" Medatros seemed surprised. "What are you all doing back so early?"

Barret sighs, "We were attacked while away, loosing Shockz in the process. We also had discovered traitors, Cynder and Dylan..."

Medatros gasps, and becomes silent. "....I see..." He then notices Nari. "Is this a girl you rescued in the process?"

"Actually, she's my younger sister. She was spending time with me at the festival. With all the commotion, I felt it wise to bring her back with us. She can help me on the lab, and field if need be." Asuna explained.

Medatros sighs, "I understand...With all the events unfolding. It seems this world is getting worse....You all may want to take a seat. I also have some grave news..."

Barret quirks a brow. The others take a seat, unsure what Medatros had to say. Medatros stands to his feet, looking to all of them with a very solemn expression.

"Director Xiao has passed away...It was due to her consumption." He then looks to Cravic. "...I have no words to fill the void, your mother was a wonderful woman. I am truly sorry Cravic..."

Cravic got to his feet, angrily clenching his fist. "..." He formed his power glove, getting up in Medatros's face. Everyone was stunned. Cravic's one eye focused to the older man, with a sharp glare, that was beaming with DD. "You... Fucker... It's you FAULT! YOU PLANNED THIS! You forced us to go to that damn festival! So you could kill her! You're just like those other traitors! I FUCKING HATE YOU!" He snapped, his blade was angled to Medatros, shaking with pure rage. The DD was emanating around him.

"Cravic...I assure you. Your mother's death was not on my hands...She died from a virus. It's tearing me apart thinking about it...But your anger is just. Hit me, slash me down as you like. Anything to help you through this situation...But I did not kill her..." Medatros states, not taking his eye off Cravic.

"You're nothing, but a liar!" Cravic snapped, as he turned from him to look to the others. Cravic looked pissed. "Follow him if you want, but I don't want anything to do with this him." He headed for the door. "I hope the virus kills you too, asshole." He snarled, getting to the door frame.

"Cravic, don't blow this out of proportion." Myde called to him, getting to her feet.

Cravic glanced back to her, his expression hid many emotions, but it was clear how he felt about this. His mother was dead after all. "... I'm sorry, Myde." He vanished into a spiraling vortex of dark dama, that faded off.

"..." Myde seemed deeply concerned, staring to the spot he was a mere few seconds ago.

Barret was shaking his head, "I just don't...Medatros? Did she really die from a virus? That suddenly? I mean.."

Medatros sighs to himself, "Yes...It took me by surprise, we were resting and..." He begins to tear up. "Listen...I need you all to return to your stations until further notice...Understood?"

"Yeah..." Barret says, standing to his feet.

Nari had her arms crossed, "(My gosh...I thought it was worse knowing what was going down in Kaos...But urgh, this is just so sad....)" She says, as she furrows her brows.

Everyone seemed pretty down after that, and all had to go off to their rooms as directed.

Katinka was in her quarters, all alone now without her former roommate. She was pretty lonely now that Shockz was gone, and the reality of it was hitting more. She laid on her bed, hanging off the edge slightly. A knock is heard from her door. Barret stood outside, "Katinka? May I come in?"

She kept her eyes to the ceiling. "Sure." She replied.

The sliding door opens, and Barret steps in looking to Katinka. He walks over and sits down on her bed, beside her. "...Hey." He states quietly.

She glances up to him, "It's so empty in here now." She mentioned.

Barret grips Katinka up into his arms. "Yeah...Honestly with so many things going on. I can't begin to know how you're feeling. Do you feel alright staying here? Would you like to return to Vectrom?"

Katinka put her arms around him, leaning against him slightly. "I can't go back, I have a job to do here... Besides. I don't want to go.. not when you're here."

Barret sighs, "Yeah...I know...Honestly if I wasn't so tied to this. I would just escape this world with you. I can't though, because those bastards have my sister... I really don't know. Sometimes, I feel like we're fighting a loosing battle...."

"To think a stupid vacation that was meant to get everyone's spirits up, did just the exact opposite." Katinka closed her eyes.

Barret nods, "I know...It's insane.."

"Being pessimistic though, isn't helping us any." Katinka remarked, with a sigh.

"I guess all we can do is try to carry on." Barret says, breaking the hold on Katinka. "We'll get our revenge for Shockz, while destroying Espionage and Kaos in the process."

"I'll be sure to charge them for assault and battery." Katinka agreed seriously, sparking slightly.

"Oh yeah, it'll be quite a light show." Barret says, suddenly kissing Katinka on the lips.

Katinka is caught by surprise, staring at him while blushing. "....."

Barret breaks the kiss, smiling to her. "Rest up alright? We have a long couple days coming up. I can feel it."

"Um..." Katinka was really red in the face, still staring to Barret.

Barret laughs, "Did... I come on too soon?" he asked, rubbing the back of his head nervously.

Katinka was fumbling over her words a bit, "I've... never.. uh... been... um... I just..." She was really red.

Barret chuckles, "I'm sorry..."

"No-no... I was just... not expecting... you to... kiss me.. I didn't even..." Katinka tried to spit out the words.

Barret sighs, "Heh...Sorry again. I guess I just got to into the moment...I felt a little more reassurance could help you out...I care for you Katinka..I guess, I wanted to add the cherry on top." He says, turning red in the face as well.

Katinka nervously got closer to him, "I didn't not want you to. I..." She got a little bit closer, still red, like she wanted to kiss, him but was scared.

"It's okay.." Barret states to her, smiling.

Katinka gulped a bit, before leaning to kiss him. Barret follows up into the kiss holding his hand to her face. The kiss breaks, Katinka was still really red in the face.

Barret was looking deep into Katinka's eyes. "I'm happy that you like me too. It seems like every girl I end up liking, doesn't share my feelings. Heart break isn't something I've dealt with easily. I know one thing though, I really care a lot about you, Katinka."

Katinka smiled timidly to him, "I liked you first, remember doofus?"

"Oh...R-Right." Barret says, rubbing his head.

"Could you stay a bit?" She asked quietly.

Barret nods, "Sure thing..."

Myde was pacing around the base, "(It's so quiet now without the other Ferlines around.... Why did Cravic just have to up and leave like that?... I feel alone now... Sure there's Kirbon, but he'd just make jokes about things regarding discussions of this nature... Maybe Barret would be up to chatting...)" She thought, heading down the hall, and happened to glance into the open room. She noticed Barret sitting with Katinka. "(I better not intrude on them. Perhaps speaking to Bit would put both of us at ease. I'm sure he's worried bout Cravic too.)" She decided just to keep walking.

The following morning, Medatros had summoned Issac, Barret, and a few of the others to the office room. Among them was Myde, Katinka, Kirb, and Nari. The six of them seemed perplexed to why they had been called in. Issac was only just now noticing Nari, and seemed a bit off taken.

Issac pocketed his hands, "(Hazel may have filled me in on the events that went down, after I passed out... but... It's already weird to think Xiao is dead, and Cravic bailed... but why is 'she' here?)"

Medatros stood before them, as he clears his throat. "Thank you for coming so quickly. Today, I am assigning you all with new teams. Given the circumstances, we need to reshape the order of our organization. These placements will be permanent. They will be led by Issac and Barret. You both are now able to select whom will be joining you on your missions."

Issac looked to Medatros, "Question. Assuming from what you said, Barret and I can't be on the same team? What about people not present in the meeting? Like Witchhazel, Bit, Asuna, Zihark, Yuji, or Denki?"

Medatros turns to Issac, "Only during scenarios in which one of your team mates are unable to join you on the field, will they be accessible."

"Riiight." Issac seemed a bit disappointed. "You go ahead and choose first, chief." He said to Barret.

Barret turns to Issac, nervously, "Well sure, alright...Umm..." Barret looks to Katinka and Myde. "Hmm...Katinka...Myde...I think that will work. I'll take you both on my team."

"I was thinking we could take turns picking, not you choosing both in one go. Sheesh dude, I mean come on. Well, at least you left me Kirb." Issac scratched his head.

Nari puffs up her cheeks. "You haven't seen what I'm capable of on the field. Granted I know plenty about you, from our meeting back then." She states mockingly.

"Welll excuuuuuuse me! I guess you sweet talked your way in, after accusing both of us for Kaos way back when. why are you here anyway?" Issac retorted.

Nari giggles, "Asuna is my sister."

Issac's jaw dropped, "Uh heh heh... Okay... that makes sense now... Guess you got cleared by Barret and stuff, while I was knocked out... (Hazel didn't mention that part.) I'll just shut up..."

"So? I guess then we're on your team, huh?" Nari states to Issac, then turns, looking to Kirb.

"..." Kirb rolled his eyes.

Medatros turns his attention to all of them. "Well then, I suppose that settles things. Now for the briefing. We will be holding off explorations on Hope Isle,for the time being, to make sure any ambushes set up for us, are uncovered. For now, we shall focus our investigations in the locations of Zelfom, and Vexen. Zelfom as you know, carries a lot of vegetation, and wild life. There is also the museum, but I would hope things wouldn't lead you in that direction. This planet has a lot of historical artifacts, though seeing our enemy. Just keep your eye sharp. As for Vexen, it's a vast desert region, with historical sites from Terra's wild west days. There are saloons, and even a train system that could possibly be utilized by the enemy forces. We're not sure where they could be hiding, but keep your wits about you."

"Okay, since you picked the teammates, I get dibs on the location choice. I want the desert." Issac smirked.

Barret sweat drops, "Only you would want the hottest location in the world. I suppose that leaves me with the forest." He states shrugging.

Nari crosses her arms. "Great, so heat as well? You hate me, don't you Issac?"

"Hm?" Issac glanced her way, "I like hot weather, I'm just picking the place that sounds like my kind of terrain. Besides, don't chicks like cowboys? You can always pick one up there, or something." He teased.

"Though, you're right about that... I DO NOT LIKE TO SWEAT! I get all icky, and then..." Nari was groaning.

"Okay, too much information." Issac grimaced a bit.

"Urgh whatever, at least you got my eye with the studs on horses...Granted, I still have eyes for one pop shooter." Nari grins, looking to Kirb.

He wasn't paying her mind, "So cowboys. Sounds like fun Izzy, I get to shoot at some moving targets." Kirb seemed pleased by the location choice.

"Hey, why don't we go shopping for some good clothes to fit you there? I know it's a mission and all, but we should have a little fun." Nari says giggling.

Kirb glanced her way, "Eh? I think I'll pass... Hats aren't really my thing." He looked off.

"Oh, don't be like that Kirby! Besides you don't need a hat to be a cowboy." Nari stated slyly.

Medatros coughs in his hand. "I feel this team MIGHT carry some technical issues. You are to stay on task, and not float between the lines. Understood?"

Nari gasps, "R-Right sir!"

"Especially IF YOU'RE NEW..." Medatros states, taking a seat and shutting his eyes. "Issac, keep an eye on her. Bring me back a full report after the mission."

"You got it boss man." Issac chuckled.

Barret looks to them all, "Well, if we're set then. We should get moving."

"Sure, I'm ready to get my circuits fired up." Katinka smirked.

"I'm ready whenever you are." Myde agreed.

Issac placed his hands behind his head, "Guess we're heading out too. I'm pretty stoked about this one. You two ready?"

"Yep." Kirb replied.

Nari nods nervously, "You bet... (Can we hurry this along? The pressure in this room is beaming from Medatros.)"

Time elapsed, as the two teams made their way to their locations. Issac and company, arrived to a desert town, that was littered with tumble weeds, and few buildings that resembled the wild west, immensely. He seemed perfectly comfortable with the hot weather, leading the two ahead.

"So, some zodiac is around here... Hm... Where would they be hiding?" Issac was pondering aloud, to himself.

He was at a slight distance ahead of Nari and Kirb. The sound of Kirb's headphones were blaring with DBV.

Nari was fanning herself and looks around, "It's so hot...Darn this science suit...Hmm..." She noticed Kirb listening to his music. She pulls out his headphones, "Hey, aren't you hot in that?"

He glanced her way, leaving his headphones hanging, as he slyly looked ahead. "What are you talking about, I'm always hot." He joked.

Nari giggles, "Well, at least you're right about that...Urgh... Don't mind me. I have to pull this long sleeve shirt off." She says, as she stops to adjust her clothing. She takes her over shirt off, wrapping it around her waist. She had on a white tank top underneath, it seemed. "Wooo, that feels much better."

Kirb glanced her way, "Oh, and I thought you were going to be walking around completely topless. Well, there goes that." He teased.

Nari blushes, covering her chest. "I-I..I never thought anyone would be thinking that way about me!"

"Kirb has a bad habit of making crude remarks about people during missions. He's just having fun, don't mind him." Issac waved his hand, with his back still turned to them.

"Oh, and I thought you were into Blondie." Kirb jested, playfully.

Issac glanced back, "Only on the weekends." He played along.

Kirb chuckled. "You're supposed to get offended, not play along."

"Who says I'm playing along?" Issac gave Kirb a mischievous expression.

"Okay, you're much more fun, when you're not quiet." Kirb laughed.

Issac grinned at that comment. Nari just listened in on the two of them. "(From what my sister told me about Issac, he did suffer from a lot of depression. How his other information was withheld from the database's is beyond me... It is good to see him in good spirits.)"

They reached the town, hearing the sound of music coming from one of the saloons. There was very few people around, and none of them looked out of the ordinary.

Nari gasps, "O.M.G, listen, I know what Medatros said, but look at this place! We need to do some serious shopping, or just sight seeing!" She demanded.

"You're just like your sis, Riceball." Kirb mocked.

"What? I'm just happy. Come on Kirb." Nari says, taking him by the hand.

"What are you doing?" Kirb raised a brow. "Mission, remember? I shoot stuff, not escort girls to shopping malls."

"Oh stop it Kirb. You listen to music all the time on these missions. You're off in your own world, so cut it out." Nari teased.

"I listen to DBV to keep focus, and not get distracted by frivolous things like... whatever you human girls do." He scoffed.

"Leave the assassin bunny alone." Issac looked back to Nari.

"I am not a bunny." Kirb grumbled.

"Bunny. Rabbit. Hare. It's all the same thing, right? Hey, I'm just telling her to leave you alone, dude." Issac pocketed his hands.

"He's my bun-bun, but okay... I won't ask you to come with me. You will come with me. Issac should be fine. I kind of have a good idea of this area... Geographical mapped computer." Nari says, proudly.

"Heh heh, no." Kirb looked to her seriously.

Nari folds her arms,"Why not? Come on, you already seem like the kind of guy who would want to go to a shooting range, or something. Like with real cowboys, and all that stuff."

"I had enough of the range, back at that festival. I need living targets, that move." Kirb grunted.

Nari thinks to herself, "I know just the place! Come on! We'll catch up Issac." Nari says, pulling Kirb off with her quickly.

Issac watched her drag off the Usa. "Hey... HEY!! You're not supposed to run off! Get back here!" He began following after, but someone came out of the Saloon, causing him to halt briefly.

"Let her have fun, she's been needing it for a little while now..." The voice says, from the man that came out of the saloon.

"Huh?" Issac glanced to the man, he actually looked like a cowboy. "Okay, how do you know her? You with Espionage or something?" Issac pulled to his power glove, but left it on standby.

"Espionage?" The man asks, looking to the power glove, "Also, seems you have a power glove. You must be with Xiao's group."

Issac settled slightly, "Just who the heck are you? Why do you know Xiao, and talk like you know Nari?"

"Well, let's just say. Nari's father is one of the causes to all this crap brewing everywhere. I'm just on a mission to help out, when I can. Oddly enough though, I never thought I'd run into AM here... As for Xiao, she's a friends with Kareen. I'm sure Xiao's mentioned her." The man says, pulling to a stick of gum.

"Okay dude, you're not explaining anything. Be straight up. Who are you, how are you connected to AM's allies?" Issac insisted.

The man sighs, "Okay, my name is Vash, Vash Kuo. I worked as a Peace Maker in the past. you recall the Dread War stories? Xion wars? That stuff was me. Which reminds me, I have some business. I wish I could stick around to help with the Zodiac problem. Though, I don't really need this anymore. Not sure it fits my fancy. You look like someone who could use it." He hands Issac a red hat with a yellow stripe on it. "Though... You can wait until you get a better outfit to match...Us cowboys are all about style, so."

Issac stared oddly to the hat, and back to Vash. "So, you're the man behind those parts of history... (Maybe I should keep my knowledge about Inchgo and SJ to myself then.) I'm not exactly a hat guy, and I actually like my hair this way, so don't say I look like I need it." Issac held it back to Vash.

Vash laughs, "Give it to some hero, or something. It is a pretty legendary piece of history. Maybe you're not the one for it. Hmm...Yeah, being an Elementar, you go through so much, you forget just what you want to leave behind." Vash tilts his hat, "Anyways, I shouldn't keep you from your mission. Easy travels." He states as he heads off down the road.

Issac stared, watching Vash head off. "Was he saying I look like a hero, just then?.... Wait just a second! Zodiac? I never said ANYTHING about zodiac! Is he the one we were supposed to find?.... Well, he's gone now... Let's hope not." He turned with a sigh, looking back to where Nari ran. "Crap... Where the heck did she get to?"

Elsewhere in Vexen, Nari had bought Kirb a cowboy outfit, he lacked the hat, but carried everything else. They were in a pasture hunting wild boar.

Kirb was itching himself. "These threads are ridiculously uncomfortable. I'm going to loose, my mind..." He was grumbling. "Why the hell did I let you talk me into this... dammit. Okay I can't stand this. Fuck it!" Kirb went to remove the top.

Nari's eyes widen, as she blushes. "Oh my goodness...Please...Continue." She states slyly.

He glanced over, his stomach showing, from the position he had the shirt in. "Oh you like that?... Not happening." He teased, walking off from her.

Nari's mouth drops, "You can't do that! I picked those out for you!"

The top came flying onto her face, as she could see his bare back, when she moved it from her face. He went behind a bush to change.

Nari giggles, "(He's pretty shy...I mean he may be acting like a jerk, but I've seen this play before...Thank you Asuna.)" She says, walking over to the bush. "When you're done we can go find Issac, okay?"

Kirb came back out, adjusting his choker. "Oh, we're allowed to go do the mission now?" He remarked in a snarky, mocking way.

Nari nods, "That's right, unless you'd rather me go get you another suit to wear?" She teased.

"I'm not a doll, Riceball. So don't invite yourself to do that again." He stated, walking back the direction they came from.

Nari giggles, walking after Kirb. "I'll just follow you, and your cute fluffy tail."

"Are you staring at my ass now?" Kirb scoffed, looking her way, with a slight smirk.

"Unless you have something else for me to look at. Yes I am." Nari responds slyly.

"Not unless you got something else, for me to look at." He provoked in a teasing manner.

"What would you like to see?" Nari inquired.

"You're not supposed to like that, I was being an ass." Kirb looked lazily to her.

"Unlucky for you, I'm kind of into assholes." Nari says, crossing her arms with her eyes shut.

"I will never understand the appeal. It's intended to provoke, not attract." He walked ahead. "I would have made an anal joke, but meh." He muttered.

"Well, to answer, you're more trying to be an ass, but you're just using it as a shield. Most girls can notice it. I also think it's like a style, you know, if you dress trashy, and want to give off the look of just being bad business. If you were really an asshole though. I'm sure I'd have a bullet in my head, or worse. You see the difference? (Not really getting into details about the other comment though.)" Nari states to Kirb.

"Keep your opinions to yourself, or I can arrange that." Kirb retorted, placing back in his headphones. There he went again with evasion.

Nari giggles, "(Oh well, at least he's giving me the answer I wanted. Breaking his shell is fun!)"

As they walked, Issac came their way. "Oh finally, where have you guys been?"

"I took Kirby to see the sights a little. Did you find anything on the Zodiac whereabouts?" Nari asked to Issac.

"Medatros said to stay focused. You cant just drag him off like that..." Issac glanced to Kirb hearing the music. "Clearly he's not up for talking. What did you do?"

"Got to know him a little more. Or as much of him, as he was willing to give me." Nari says, shrugging. "But as you said, business first."

Issac sighed, crossing his arms. "As of the zodiac situation. Nada. I encounter some dude, who seemed to know you though. Does Vash Kuo ring any bells?"

Nari gasps, "Vash Kuo!? He's married to the Queen of Vectrom, he's got a cute little kid, but he's light years away from here. "

"What?" Issac gawked, "He told me about being the guy who handled the Dread wars, but royalty? Sheesh, he did say some things about your old man though."

Nari turns from Issac. "...Can we talk about this after the mission?...I really don't want to think about 'him'."

"Say no more. I know the feeling, trust me." Issac lead them ahead, as they resumed their search.

Nari sighs, "(I really hope you do...)"

"Oh he does, believe you me." Spoke a female voice behind Nari. Floating there was Witchhazel, she had a smile on her face.

"Hm? Oh it's you, wait you read my mind? Are you a dark elementar witch?" Nari asked to Witchhazel.

"I'm actually just a witch, not an elementar. We carry all elements. Most of us just choose black magic, but yes, I can read minds, amongst other things. Here, you might want this." She handed Nari a bottle, that was shaped like a heart. "It's a best seller, on the house." Witchhazel giggled, floating over to Issac, to sneak hug him.

"Ah! Witchhazel? What are you doing here?" Issac looked surprised in the distance, ahead of Nari.

"I came to keep an eye on you, no worries, it's free of charge." Witchhazel giggled.

Nari looks to the bottle, then back to Witchhazel, "(Hmm...this is nice, but what has me interested is many elements together... Something like that could ruin Kaos, I'll take a note about it...)"