Military...Patrol? ((OPEN))

[Failmaster]

Hands in his pockets, eyes directed downward just slightly, and clearly in no hurry to be anywhere...Jade was going about his business, content to let everyone be so long as they allowed him the same freedom. He wasn't here on any specific business, but he had been told to keep an eye out for any supers while here, and apprehend them on sight. He had, in a strange turn of events to him, been authorized to use lethal force if he found any 'dangerous' supers. But, like as not, he would just ignore any he found, unless it was necessary to capture them for the safety of those around, and claim they just escaped.

It wouldn't be the first time someone had 'escaped' from his 'custody', and it wouldn't be the last, either. He wasn't keen on the capturing of heroic individuals with powers, even when there were other authorities around. Most of the time, he could use his military standing to personally escort the 'offender' to Gehenna, only to have them 'escape' along the way. And no one had yet to suspect him of anything. Despite his capability and power to handle most any situation, he could always explain it away by clever excuses about unnecessary property damage and putting innocents in danger. It was grudgingly accepted, more often than not.

But the criminals and the evil he found, they didn't escape. He didn't give them a chance, and they always arrived at Gehenna without incident. As suspicious as it seemed, and obviously was, Jade had yet to be found out. And he most likely never would be, so long as he remained careful and aware of the situation around the planets. Of course, it wouldn't matter much if he didn't capture any heroes again. And if it could be avoided, he would do so.

But with his mind on such matters, it was no surprise Jade lost track of his direction and just wandered aimlessly. Normally it wouldn't have been an issue, but with him being in uniform, and the military being less than liked by most people, it would seem, it could be a very bad thing. He was quite capable of defending himself from most any attack that came at him, but only when he was aware of what was happening about him, not when he was so zoned out like he was at the moment.

And there was already a small group casting him unsavory glances, and two less than friendly looking fellows obviously following him from a short ways back, looking like they intended so much good with their plans. And un;ess something could be done to snap his attention back to reality, he might be in a jam, especially if they realized who he was and silenced him. Then he would be in an even worse situation.

And it seemed that this was a very well-placed concern to have, as the two unsavory fellows were now increasing their pace, one rubbing his knuckles threateningly, the other one drawing out a short length of rope from his jacket. Bad situation...

[The Tommy]

Visiting the capitol country of Mu, considered by locals to be the pride and joy of Mu, Lizzie Jackson walked the streets calmly. While she knew she wasn't quite as welcome here as she'd be in R'lyeh, she still had enough friends and associates to keep the Council of Lemuria off her back... Hell, if she could survive on Shangri La for the years she did, she could survive anywhere. Looking about the urban area of the country she happened to be in, she couldn't help but notice the locals... The ones with powers, such as herself, always acted far tougher than they had any right to be... But, more disturbing, were those without powers... When the police would beat her people without mercy, simply for looking at them wrong... The vast majority of 'normal' people would simply stand by and accept it... Some even cheering it on...

Obviously, her kind were justified in their anger... But, they always went about things the wrong way... They never satisfied themselves with simply acting in protest, no... They'd pick fights where there were no fights to pick... They'd attack any figure of authority they saw, in groups no less... Their foolishness, while for a good cause, was poorly misguided... If they continued on the path they were on, the equality they so needed would never be given, not here on Lemuria, at any rate. Still, on the rare occasion she saw things coming to a head, she almost always felt an instinct to side with her own kind... Even when they were totally in the wrong... There were still her kind... Her people... Those who stood against them... Even those with power... They had no right to act the way they so often did, relying solely on fear or threats to motivate them into actions filled with hate... Between the fools representing her kind in the country, and the authorities acting solely out of anger and hatred... The violence would never end, each side refusing to reason with the other, only seeing the violence perpetrated against them, never what was done by them...

It was with these thoughts that Lizzie watched from a building top as a seeming soldier found himself surrounded by the very fools setting their own cause back. Releasing a small sigh of contempt at the sight, Lizzie couldn't decide whether to reveal herself and intervene... Or to simply allow what would come to pass to happen... Paying somewhat closer attention, she quickly recognized the man as being of the Earth military, not of the Lemurian military... While some of her lesser brethren saw no difference, Lizzie wasn't so drawn into acting on ignorance. While both militaries were known for their mistreatment of her people, one thing she knew was that the two governments, while existing peacefully side by side, didn't allow the other to take action on their planet. Given that the AGN soldier was in uniform... It meant official duty, which meant he was, for all intents and purposes, here illegally if he had orders...

As such, she quickly realized that, no matter how things went with the men surrounding him as it was... Even if he were to quickly and singlehandedly best them all... By attacking Lemurian citizens, even those who acted out of turn, he'd potentially be causing an intergalactic incident. While she enjoyed the idea of the Allied Global Nations and the Council of Lemuria wiping one another out... She couldn't sit by and let her own kind be dragged into the center of it. After all, their loss would mean the soldier would be attacked by the local authorities... Their success would mean that they'd all be sent to Gehenna by the Council's military, while the AGN soldier would still be dealt with accordingly.

Frowning, Lizzie slipped from her perch and, surrounding herself in a magnetic shield glistening with electricity, came between the soldier and her people. For the first time in as long as she could remember, if not ever, Lizzie found herself protecting the 'enemy' in the name of intergalactic peace between two organizations she held nothing but spite for... And, in the end, the best she'd be offered would be a twenty year sentence on Gehenna, followed by forced military service, likely in the Lemurian military, due to where she currently was. Still, she could handle herself, and if nothing else... She might prove enough to encourage her fellow powers to keep themselves in line.

With a wave of her right hand, the two who'd been closest to the soldier were frozen in place, and pushed backward. "He's not from here. If he's here on official business for his military, let him cause his own problems... If he's on leave, and just enjoys his uniform, remember what would happen to you if you did to him what he deserves... Leave him be, prove to these mongrels that you shouldn't be locked away, that we're capable of more than simply serving their needs in their 'military organizations'. You aren't weapons... You don't belong on the front lines, don't place yourselves in trouble."

Not surprising Lizzie in the least, once she allowed the men to move again, they nodded slightly, before walking away. If they were sincere in listening to her, they'd hopefully speak to their friends... Let them know who they'd met in person, and what she'd told them. If they took the lesson to heart, this could be the beginning of the end of the constant violence between her people and the authority figures on Mu... If things went well, perhaps Lemuria would be the first planet to lessen the restrictions against those with powers... For now, however, all Lizzie had for that large of a change was hope for the best... Hope that these people, living in this hellhole, were capable of reasoning... Of being more than the weapons of war they were...

Turning back towards the AGN soldier, Lizzie never lowered her shield, or guard. Whatever he was doing, this place wasn't in his jurisdiction. Besides, every colony, government sanctioned group, or corporation wanted her shipped to Gehenna for her supposed 'terrorist' acts anyways. Lowering her guard would be even more foolish then defending him already seemed. "As for you, soldier... You know this isn't Earth, right? That you're Allied Global Nations has no true say here? Are you seeking to start a war between your government and the Council of Lemuria? Or are you naive enough to believe you'll be forgiven any transgressions against this planet's government if you catch a large enough target, like myself? Whatever reason you believe gives you the right to wander Lemuria in that uniform, official or not, you're entirely wrong. If I was a local, I'd react to you the same way those boys did, whether I had powers or not. Normally, I don't take to kindly to your type... But, I'll make an exception, just this once, if you're planning on bringing down the AGN and the Council with one foolish move. Speak now, explain why you think you're here."

[Failmaster]

"Hmm?" He stopped his slow walking, turning to look at this newcomer who had apparently just 'saved' him. On Earth, no doubt he would have been left alone and none of this would have started, but...this wasn't Earth, not that it wasn't obvious. And after listening to this other go on about starting a war, trangressions against the government here, and other things far from his 'business' here, he could only turn his head away to conceal just the slightest traces of a smile.

Hiding it behind his normal, empty expression, he let out a slight sigh as he finally turned to face the other fully. It was, after all, simply common courtesy to face who you were speaking to, was it not? "If I didn't know this wasn't Earth, I doubt I would have made it to the age I am. And of course the AGN has no say here, and any 'transgressions' I might need to be forgiven for will be of no importance if they never occur." He pulled his hands from his pockets, raising them to shoulder level in a shrug. "Of course, I could be mistaken in that regard, I suppose. For all I know, the transgressions could have already been caused by my mere prescence."

"And I have no reason which I believe gives me the right to wander here in this uniform, as you put it so well. I simply wear it because I am on business of a sort. Merely stopping here for a short while before I continue on to my business on Gehenna. I had no intention of causing any trouble by 'capturing' anyone, and I still do not. But if you are a large enough target as you say you are, then it might do well to avoid falling into the general line of sight, yes?"

Most would say Jade was, at the least, a bit annoying simply for his way of talking. And now it was fairly obvious why. "And while it is true the AGN is entirely intolerant of those with powers and I disagree with their methods on a personal leve, I have no wish to bring down them, or the Council. At least not just yet. I simply appear to have made an error in my judgement in coming here in uniform."

[The Tommy]

As the soldier replied, somewhat snidely, Lizzie couldn't help but feel her anger grow. He owed his life to her, yet she didn't warrant so much as a 'thank you' from him. Rather, he decided to mock her questioning of him, and profess that he was fully aware of his situation. Were this interaction to have taken place in R'lyeh, she'd have left him to his fate, and been done with it... In many ways, she found herself wishing that it had, indeed, been happening in R'lyeh... A place where the soldier's belief in his own righteousness would only get him killed...

Still, despite his attitude, Lizzie would remain diplomatic. Her display of her powers would likely draw the attention of the local authorities... The last thing she needed was to be forced to deal with both the local bigots, as well as the fool soldier... To spout the things he did, merely showed his naivety shining through... As old as he may claim to be, he had made it quite clear he couldn't claim to have gained wisdom with those years.

"Don't presume to speak down to me, soldier. You have no right to tell me how to behave in public, especially after I went out of my way to ensure your meaningless life could continue. And claim to believe anything you wish, you're uniform clearly portrays what you support. Whether you partake in those actions or not is meaningless, the fact that you stand passively by and do nothing speaks volumes of your own bigotry. I would suggest you finish preparing for your trip to Gehenna, and that on your return, you not enter the city. Neither my people, nor the normals living here want anything to do with you or your bigoted agenda. Keep that in mind as you leave."

[Failmaster]

He closed his eyes, placing a hand to his temple, letting out the slightest hints of a laugh. "My my, It seems what I said may have caused some degree of offense. I would apologize for that, but I can only assume it wouldn't be worth much, so I won't bother." He returned both hands to his pockets and opened his eyes once more.

"I had no intention of speaking down to you. I did not mean to tell you anything, either, merely offer advice. And contrare to what you may believe, my existence is far from meaningless, and your 'assistance', while appreciated, was far from necessary. My 'support', as you call it, is merely a passing coincedence while I gather what I need from the AGN. And I am far from passive. It is thanks to my actions Gehenna is lacking nearly two thousand inhabitants it would otherwise have."

"But it is apparent that all of this is less than meaningless to you. So I will restrain any more talk which might otherwise be offensive. And I will be on my way, to finish my preparations as you suggested. But if you happen to know anyone who happen to have been freed from a sentence on Gehenna by Colonel Lawrence, do pass on greetings." And with that, he adjusted his glasses and turned away from Lizzie, and went on his way.

It would seem that things on Lemuria are just as bad as I had heard. And this one...seems hostile in a different sort of way. Perhaps a valuable asset in certain matters, should things fall into play the way they seem to be. But even if they do not, things can still be made interesting enough. I only need one more level of access to attain what I need, and then things can begin... He stopped thinking there, turning his head to look to his left, and casting a split second look back at Lizzie from his periphreal vision. ...assuming I can keep my plan secret, that is...

[The Tommy]

While she didn't quite believe the man was as humble or kind as he was portraying himself, Lizzie found herself feeling somewhat guilty over her treatment of him. While it was true he was with the AGN military, who supported hunting and capturing her kind, even turning them against one another when they could find those with powers to join them, she knew she blanketing them all as evil and cruel was simply wrong... The majority of them simply followed orders, and as hard as it was for her to admit... She did have a tendency of simply seeing them all as some form of cruel, evil entity. Though she wasn't proud of that fact, she sometimes allowed her desires for personal justice to outweigh her respect for people. If he were truly as benevolent as he wished to convince her, perhaps he'd be a worthwhile ally in her struggle for equality. Perhaps... Perhaps having a man on the inside would prove a worthwhile tactic...

Moving quickly to follow the man as he walked away, Lizzie made dropped her magnetic shield. As useful as it was, walking away from the area inhabited by her people would just cause trouble. The direction they were headed was generally inhabited by normals, and while some were constant allies of her in her visits to Mu... Some hated her just as much, if not more, than the Council of Lemuria... The poor fools allowed the governments declaration to affect their thoughts and beliefs...

"Perhaps we've both been overzealous in our own endeavors, soldier. I shouldn't treat you as the problem when you're just a part of the machine. If you're as benevolent as you claim to be, then perhaps we can be of use to one another. Tell me this first, though, soldier... For ever one of my kind that you didn't place on Gehenna... How many of your 'friends' and 'allies' brought in two? Do you really believe you're benevolence should reduce my distrust of you?"

[Failmaster]

It was with carefully-concealed amusement he took note of Lizzie seemingly following him. He made no indication that he had noticed, however, in an effort to not betray what he really thought about the situation. That shield or barrier, whatever it was, seemed to have been dropped as she started after him. A wise choice, all in all. And then she began speaking to him.

He let her finish speaking and then let out a slow "Hmm...", as if he was thinking, before he responded. "It would appear that way." He gave a slight shrug as he said this. "And...be of use to one antoher, you say? Perhaps so." It was her last two questions which really game him pause. They were...diffucult at best to answer.

"It is true that my part in things is small in the grand scheme of the situation. It seems for every one I save from Gehenna, ten more are placed there by others. It is, I fear, an almost useless effort on my part." He let out a sigh at this point. "Any benevolence I may claim to have shouldn't be any measure of trust. Your distrust of me is only to be reduced by what you believe and perceive, not anything I may say."

"That is what I believe, since you asked."

[The Tommy]

As he answered her questions, Lizzie felt somewhat relieved at his open nature... Though, the soldier still came off as just a little arrogant to her... Not that it was really her place to question his self confidence, she knew full well she felt superior to most people she met. Of course, in her mind her own arrogance was justified by her acting as the head of the movement to bring equality to her people. Where some called her a 'super human supremacist', she merely saw herself as the leader of the most recent civil rights movement... Fighting not for equality of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation... But for the right to be treated as human, despite being above the bar. As far as she was concerned, she was asking for less than her kind truly deserved, but unlike others she'd heard of, she was more than willing to compromise...

Thinking on what the solider was saying, Lizzie couldn't find a reason to believe he was attempting to sway her opinion. He openly admitted that he knew his own actions were essentially meaningless... But more surprisingly in Lizzie's eyes, he seemed to accept that he didn't simply deserve respect and trust. Though he didn't claim he needed to earn it, he at least left it to her to decide whether she'd trust him or not.

Unfortunately, what she perceived in everything as mistrust, and what she believed was that people either stood with her or against her. While he was with one of the militaries she so despised, he hadn't proven a threat. As such, things with him could, potentially, go either way. He couldn't be trusted, not yet... But, the potential that he could prove a great ally was still, entirely, there...

Deciding to give him a chance without letting him know more than she felt he deserved, Lizzie continued the conversation. "I suppose I can accept those answers. Another question, though, soldier... What are you doing here, on Lemuria, in full uniform? And don't try to fool me into believing that you're simply here on vacation... I'm not as foolish as some of my peers. In my years of standing opposed to the tyranny that uniform represents, I've learned not to believe in appearances. You may seem friendly, but I don't think you're a diplomat. Maybe you aren't here 'officially sanctioned', maybe you aren't even really a part of the military machine of the AGN... All I know for sure is that you're wandering a planet in a uniform that's just as likely to get you attacked as using a power publicly could... Do you just take pleasure in stoking the flames?"

[Failmaster]

"My my... You love your questions, don't you?" He shook his head. "Good. Far too many people ask far too few questions, and those that do ask ask entirely the wrong questions." And after a short moment of silence, he started answering her questions. "The real reason for my prescence here is classified, I'm afraid, so I couldn't reveal it even if I wanted to. My superiors would be most displeased if my mission were to become known."

"But what I can disclose is that I am pursuin a certain....criminal. Wanted on every known planet for quite a long list of crimes, and the cause of several hundred disappearances of notable individuals in important positions both on Earth, here on Lemuria. But any more than that, I can't give away, though I suspect my superiors would already be displeased with just that much. Not that it matters."

"My prescence here is a secret, but it is officially recognized, sanctioned, and even approved by the Lemurian Council. I was supposed to meet with someone from the Council who had managed to get somewhat of a lead on my target's whereabouts, but...my contact seems to have been made a victim by my target." He shrugged. "So I suppose my prescence here is no longer required or even wanted, especially in uniform."

"But I doubt any of that is pertinent aside from explaining my prescence here...although that was what you wanted to know, yes?" He gave a light shrug. "Now...is there anything else you'd wish to inquire about?" He had finally dropped the arrogance in his tone, and had finally become...civil, at the least.

[The Tommy]

Scoffing at the soldier's joke about her questions, it took all of her willpower for Lizzie to not make a cynical retort. He was acting social towards her, and that was far more than she'd ever have expected from any kind of soldier. While he wasn't necessarily rude, his seeming amusement over every development seemed... Unsettling... For Lizzie, not as if he were hiding something important, simply that it felt almost... Forced to her, as if he purposely acted bemused, perhaps to hide his true feelings... Or, perhaps he was merely devoid of feelings...

Nonetheless, she'd continue being kind to him. Whatever 'criminal' he was pursuing, Lizzie had no idea. At first, she was almost positive that he was speaking about her... It wouldn't have really proven too much of a surprise for the AGN and the Council to have begun working together in a mutual attempt to silence her outspoken nature... Yet, once he mentioned disappearances, Lizzie knew it wasn't her. Though he wouldn't give more details, Lizzie decided to trust him. Normally, she'd demand then and there that he give up any pursuit, at the cost of his own life... But, she cared for normals as much as she did her own kind, and for someone to be kidnapping anyone, no matter who they were aligned with... It was simply wrong...

"Hm... They call me a 'terrorist', and yet I've only ever harmed those who attack me... I may protest your government and the others, but I'd never willfully kidnap high ranking members... That would serve only to fuel the fire between normals and supers... And, if your presence was supposed to be secret, soldier... Perhaps wearing your uniform publicly wasn't the best way to maintain your cover? Did you really feel you'd be able to have a secret meeting dressed like that? Hahaha... Oh, the naivety you soldier types show so often..."

Thinking for a moment, Lizzie looked the soldier in the eye. "Philosophically, I feel we're likely anything but similar. That said... If someone's kidnapping high ranking people, be they normal or not, I want them taken out as much as you and your handlers. If you'd have me, I'd be willing to temporarily offer my services to yourself, whether they be recognized officially or not. All I ask is that you not attempt to drag me off to Gehenna at the end of all this. I assure you, if you try, that would prove the single greatest mistake you've ever made."

[Failmaster]

"Yes, your so-called 'terrorism' is quite a problem for those who actually concern themselves over such things. Personally, I feel you should be applauded for your efforts. It's quite admirable of you." He adjusted his glasses for a moment. "And as for the secrecy of my prescence...it would appear I made an error in my plans as to that regard." He shrugged here, as if it didn't matter to him. "The naivety indeed..."

"Philosophy is something I dislike, in truth, for its' fact of being different in vague degrees to each person. But I suspect you may be correct in feeling we are quite dissimilar. But if you wish to assist me in apprehending this criminal, well...by all means. The assistance would be most valuable and appreciated. And as for you...well, it won't be the first time, nor will it be the last, I let someone go." He smiled here.

"That almost sounded like a threat...but it matters little. I doubt it would be a mistake any worse than some of my past errors." He pondered for a moment over said errors, then shrugged. "But I suppose I could be wrong. Putting that aside, I suppose a bit more information would be prudent." And as soon as he said this, his tone turned deadly serious and so did his expression.

"Ezekiel Nathaniel Whitbane, also known by some as Sir False. It may be less than creative, but it conveys the meaning clear enough. Everything about him is a lie. And it is because of that that he is so dangerous. He's managed to evade active pursuit for nearly twenty years while never slowing down on his 'activities'. His crimes include several thousand counts of homicide, grand theft, identity theft, kidnapping, and several other less than favorable activities."

"That makes him elusive and unpredictable. His other...abilities make him dangerous. An extremely adept illusionist and nethermancer, as well as a trained, professional assassin and ninja. He is deadly enough to almost any 'normal', as you call them, but also quite deadly to anyone by the property of being capable of making anyone believe anything."

"In a confrontation with someone like him, I would be the least of your worries." He shrugged again. "Presumably, at least. You could be far more dangerous that that. But regardless, I do know he is here on Lemuria, and that he was seen here in Mu not three days ago."

[The Tommy]

When the soldier agreed not to apprehend her, Lizzie was understandably put to some ease. Though she still remained on guard, she was willing to at least believe he meant what he was saying, which was something she didn't often do for people she'd just met. Of course, if he hadn't previously mentioned the type of monster he was chasing, she'd probably wouldn't be speaking with him at all... Still, he was showing some kindness, and that was far more than she'd expected, so in some ways, she was glad to have met a reasonable soldier... Though, he remained a soldier, nonetheless...

Smiling politely when he realized she'd threatened him, Lizzie didn't feel more needed to be said. No power dampening source could contain her abilities, and the moment she felt betrayed, she'd do things to him with his own weapons that would leave him having nightmares for the rest of his natural life... Provided she didn't kill him outright, of course. For now, there was no need to explain all of that, however... And she still had no idea what powers, if any, this soldier had. The last thing she needed when things were going well was to start a random fight without fully being prepared.

Hearing the description of the bastard they'd be after, Lizzie was taken aback by the idea of being forced into some illusion... Still, no matter how powerful an illusionist this 'Ezekiel' was, he'd have no hope of holding Lizzie fooled for more than a few minutes... "As dangerous as he may be, I assure you, soldier, there's nothing he can do that will keep me out of it for any longer than I choose to allow it. The power of your will can do wonders against any assault affecting your mind, I assure you. Unfortunately, I know nothing of what's happened here in the last few days, until yesterday I'd been staying in R'lyeh, I'd merely come here to begin the process of leaving the planet and going to Earth, or perhaps Cluster 7C, wherever I decide would be best..."

[Failmaster]

After some background pondering, it was fairly obvious why so much care was being taken to remain on guard and aware. He was a soldier, despite his intentions and 'mission', as it were. Which automatically made him that much more diffucult to trust. The chance he might do something...well, 'soldier-like', such as an arrest or a report of this meeting, was existent, unlikely as it may have been.

And all Lizzie had to go on that he wouldn't do any such thing was his word, which was understandably less than a perfect guarantee. But his word was all he had to give on that subject, and as such, it was useless to worry about that. Instead, he would occupy his mind with other things, such as trying to determine whether this woman was who he suspected she might be. After seeing a touch more of her powers and abilities, it should become clear enough.

However, on such a subject, he was distinctly better off in terms of such things. He at least knew she was capable of erecting a shield of some sort, which was more than she knew about his own powers. And he intended to reveal only as much as was necessary, so as to keep secret as much as possible.

And as she spoke, he sighed. "Unfortunate. I was hoping you might know something of his whereabouts. I've only been here for a few hours myself. But I may know of a way to track him, if he is still here." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small book. He flipped it open with his thumb and flipped through it for a moment. "Hmm..." He closed it and returned it to his pocket and then his eyes seemed to gain a glowing tinge, barely noticable, but still there.

"Ah, we are in luck. He seems to be quite close by. Perhaps even watching me. Or I should say us, if he suspects you will be assisting me. A touch of careful observation is in order, naturally."

[The Tommy]

So, the two of them were after a mass-murdering madman, who was apparently watching their every move now... And neither of the two had any idea as to where to start looking for the man they were after... Just her luck. Looking about herself, Lizzie frowned momentarily, unhappy to consider that somewhere around her, someone wanting to kill her was watching her... Of course, if the bastard showed himself... Lizzie would do everything she could to take him down... If she felt the soldier would allow it, she'd even consider killing him... Some people didn't deserve to spend the rest of their lives on Gehenna, not even on the Abyss...

Of course, the flip side of that was the fact that death would be far too kind a release for such a sadistic monster... No, killing him wouldn't do anything, either... It seemed the best that could be done would be to find a psychic, and to trap the bastard in his own twisted mind for as long as he'd live... He could potentially escape Gehenna... But no man could escape the confines of his own mind... Not even the most powerful psychic would be able to reverse such a powerful change... Still... The proper punishment could be discussed once he were done...

"Alright, soldier... What do you suppose we should do? Draw him out? If he's as sneaky as you claim, I'm inclined to believe he won't be showing himself if we do nothing to force him out... But, I'm not entirely sure how we should force him out... Perhaps you know of some weakness or desire of his? Something that he'd become so fixated on, he'd risk everything for it? Or perhaps you know of some action that would intrigue him enough for him to appear? Perhaps a false fight between the two of us? No... That would draw local law enforcement, neither of us would get away, even with you having permission to be here... Perhaps you'll have better ideas than I myself have?"

[Failmaster]

"Hmm... I must confess, I'm afraid any way to draw him out eludes me." Jade said after a moment, shrugging in apparent defeat. "Well, any way which wouldn't cause trouble. A false fight, as you put it, would indeed draw him out. But you've already picked up on the problem with that. And any weaknesses he may have are...well, obvious enough. As for desires, well... I'm no expert, but judging by his actions and the crimes he's committed... He seems to have a love for a certain type of attention as well as causing general disorder."

"Wait... Now, this is just a theory, mind you, but... We know he is there, watching. But we lack his precise location. Given that, the beginnings of a plan begin to show themselves. Acknowledge his prescence, but ignore it at the same time, and deprive him of the attention he wants so badly." He adjusted his glasses with a sigh. "But I suppose that is time-consuming..."

"Oh yes, consume all the time you wish." This time, it wasn't Jade who spoke, onviously enough, but...rather, someone else. Someone...who had decided to change the rules of this game of hide-and-seek. "But it won't matter. Im right here, after all. Have been the whole time, Colonel. I'm shocked you didn't notice yet."

"So I wasn't losing my mind..." Jade turned on his heel, his eyes narrowed in distaste, looking past Lizzie. "It's clear enough you know more than you should. I'm rather curious as to just how you managed to find out. But that's a question which will have to go unanswered."

"Ah, the truth... You speak it so avidly. But it is all for naught, for I don't take stock in opinionated truths. For, what ou believe is 'too much' for me to know, is actually the perfect amount. It enabled me to predict you, think ahead, and leave you in the predicament you now stand in. For someone of you caliber, you certainly seem to make a lot of mistakes."

"Enough of this." Jade lifted an arm, as if to do something, but as soon as he did, there was a swift gust of wind, and a sound as of many dozen birds taking flight simultaneously, and then, 'Sir False' was gone. "Blast... He's more clever than I'd given him credit for. Clever, but an idiot. He's taken to the rooftops." Looking upwards, he sighed. "Always fond of rooftops, people like him are."