Episode 7: Knee Deep In The Dead - Part 2

Memory File: 0017

Time: 6:05 P.M.

        I'm at a lose... That back sphere is the strongest weapon I've discovered from this armor. This creature is beyond me. How am I suppose to protect Meryle and Kate when things like this exist? What do I do?

<Do you require assistance?>

What was that?... A voice in my head? Who are you? Where are you?!

<No need to shout. My name is Yuriko; I am an artificial intelligence programmed to assist the user of this enforcer unit.>

Enforcer unit? Is that what this thing is called? Why are you only helping me now? Why didn't you help me before?

<I am programmed to assist the bearer of the unit when certain levels of your body's natural chemicals reach a high enough rating. These chemicals are those that are most affiliated with anger, frustration, and desperation.>

Why do you have a Japanese accent? Then again, this is probably not the best time for questions. Kate seems to be losing Ghast's interest and can't stall much longer.

<My personality and voice has been modeled off of the late daughter of Dr. Ishinomori, the creator of the enforcer unit. I must also concur with your analysis of the situation. Scans dictate that this creature is not a Grim, and possesses abilities that cannot be measured by any functionality present.>

Tell me something I don't know... Is there anything I can do that could be of help?

<Scanning... You have yet to use this unit's deadliest function. The red plating on your chest is an auxiliary energy system that converts the unit's unused energy into condensed power cells for later usage. This energy can be used to replenish what has been lost, or collectively release in a single concentrated blast.>

How powerful of a blast are we talking here? I just want to at least buy us some time to run away if we have to.

<Early simulated tests of a fully charged blast predicted enough force to equal that of approximately 10 megatons.>

Are you serious!? Your telling me I'm a walking nuclear weapon!? I just wanna take out this freak not blow up the entire valley!

<The blast is designed to release the energy in a focused ray directly in front of you. This energy will travel in a straight line with a width no greater than that of your body. You can rest assure that you will not endanger the lives of others as long as the path in front of you is clear.>

… How do I do it, and please tell me its fast because our new friend has had it with Kate's diversions.

<You have been storing energy since remaining transformed and being idle at the same time. Unused energy is currently being stored, and you are at 30%. I suggest you stall Ghast and allow time to charge for full energy release. I will update you on the energy's storage level.>

Great, that's just perfect. As if this bag of bones isn't irritated enough from all these damn questions...

Hey! “Ghast” was it? Look, it would be helpful if you just explained to use clearly what you want. We don't know anyone named Styx, okay? But we can possibly help you if you just explain yourself.

Just as a bug has no right to question you mortals, so too do you have no right to question me. Don't you agree, little bug?

<40%>

You know something... Your right. Who am I question you? After all, you clearly have the advantage, that's true. But, how sure are you that this “Styx” is here? You appear to us as a living corpse, which implies you died a long time ago or have you always looked this way? How do we know that your friend isn't dead already and your search is in vain?

Friend? You would offend me so as to imply that Styx is my friend!? There is no place damnable enough in the whole of the Underworld for the likes of traitors such as he! You ask me my business, but you will never know my pain! But... You will all taste my greed, the greed of my true father, Mammon. There is nothing more to discuss, I would have preferred to see Styx watch the lives of his followers drain away from their eyes, but you waste my time and irritate me as well...

<50%>

This is taking too long!

Farewell, little bug-

Something just fell out of the sky and smashed into Ghast. Whatever it is, it sure hit with enough force to create an impact strong enough to cloud my vision with debris. What the hell is going on?

<55%, Sir. Do you wish to continue? The situation has changed it seems.>

Yes, lets keep an eye on things. Kate seems to be guarding Meryle, they both look okay. The dust is finally settling. Damn, Ghast is getting up, looks like there isn't even a scratch on him. Who.... what the hell is that behind him?

Styx, you come into my hands so willingly... Let me look upon your face so that I might be filled with enough rage to impart my vengeance fully... You have... changed.

My name is Animal, not Styx, and my friends don't seem to like you. So I don't like you... Go away.

How juvenile, I would almost believe you to be so innocent and naive if your stench was not as strong as ever.

<60%>

Stench? Kate insults me way better than that and she's family. So now who's being juvenile?

Well I guess this is Animal, the one Meryle goes on about. But this is good. If he can hold off Ghast for a few more minutes, then maybe I can send this bag of bones back to whatever grave he crawled out of.