Scene #3741: Stealing the Stolen

Owner	Pose
Chica Mendez	Shibuya ward of Tokyo-52605 was probably not the type of place an outsider should be getting into. There were portals, earthquakes, ruins, monsters--all sorts of things that made normal people avoid that part of the city, whether they knew about it or not. Admittedly, there's probably a few people in-the-know around, but there's also someone new. An outsider. In the dark of night, La Llorona broke the cordon and into the ward. Dressed in all black, it would probably be harder to spot her if it wasn't for her mask--the screaming face of the Wailing Woman painted onto a matte black ballistic mask. Before she moves too far into the area, Chica pauses to take a break and calibrate her mask. The AR feed in the eyeholes came on, then the voice scrambler. She tests it for a moment aloud. "My contact says there's a thief that has something important to historical Japan," she tells Metal Man quietly. Her voice is made deep and sexless. "A corp wants it for themselves for preservation, apparently. They've tracked it to this ward, the next neighborhood over." She'd asked him to come and give some assistance--hopefully he'll be useful here. Once she's got everything set, the woman breaks out into the night again, drawing her Ares Predator heavy pistol from under her jacket. Like a professional, she moves for corners and checks the areas before she goes, trying to keep the gun out of sight... for now.
Metal Man	La Llorona wasn't alone no, Metal Man had grown interested in this Shadow Runner to be perfectly honest so he'd joined up on this job. Magic /did/ exist, in his world but it was very rare and very weak normally though. Or it could just be alien technology, he wasn't sure which. "Japan I know it well enough, you know they could consider trying to to buy it. The Wily army tends to buy legitly what we can. Nothing screws with our enemies heads when we just go shopping." He'a also not alone Flash Man, is here with a smirk on his face. The Time bending Robot Master smirked. "So my brother's told me a bit about you. I could enjoy jobs like this." "Worry about the pay after." "Your always a spoil sport Metal Man." The two Wily Robots seem to know about stelath enough to not make any rookie screw ups, but it's not their thing so they could be spotted by someone whose far more attuned to such things.
Xiaomu	Shibuya is a 'closed city,' a place where nobody is really supposed to go; officially, nobody is supposed to be there unless they're authorized by the government. Naturally, that means that the criminal underworld of Tokyo-52605 finds Shibuya a convenient place to go for certain purposes - if it's worth the risk of being spotted, stopped, and possibly arrested on your way in, anyway. Police presence within Shibuya is fairly limited; Shinra sends teams through once in a while to check on things, particularly to monitor when a 'quake' is detected in the area. Or when a warpgate is picked up; this is where the first warpgate formed after Unification, and Shinra does keep a few guards on duty in the area, but they can't monitor EVERY warpgate that efficiently. The point is, once you get into Shibuya, you generally don't have a whole lot of law enforcement to worry about. And La Llorona's information probably falls into line with that; it's not totally safe from police presence, but the odds are down compared to, say, raiding someone's apartment in Shinjuku or Ginza - or for that matter, Akihabara. And speaking of Akihabara, Xiaomu is taking a shortcut through Shibuya on her way back to her and Reiji's apartment, humming cheerfully and carrying a bag from Gamers with, presumably, her latest acquisition. She's largely minding her own business ... at least up until something goes clank less than a block away. That makes Xiaomu pause in her tracks, her vulpine ears perking up.as she reaches up to muffle the rings attached to her staff's headpiece. (Yes, she goes to Akihabara with her monk staff. Somehow it doesn't stop her from blending in.)
Chica Mendez	These sorts of things made Chica grateful she'd spent so much time learning how to break into places where people didn't want her. The clanking steps of the mechanical beings behind her makes her grit her teeth slightly under her mask, but it's not /so bad/. To answer Metal's query, Chica shrugged. "The corps are trying to spread into new markets covertly. The moment anyone does something above water on another world, Corporate Court is going to crucify them and other megas are going to start demanding concessions. It's the coming headache nobody's ready for." And so she used her AR overlay in her mask to lead them towards the rough location of where the thief had been hiding. It's a pretty run-down neighborhood, and CHica slows her advance and starts making her way into the shadows to try and sneak in.
Metal Man	Metal Man says "They really have no idea what they are dealing with, do they? Othere worlds will hunt them down runners, find the Johsen and go after who did it. It will be fun to watch a lot of deatched rich old suits have things explode in their face." Flash man gets a bit of a slasher grin for a moment. "If that goes down we can just storm in anc clean them out." "Mission Flash man, this missionm, lets go." The two WIly Robots move in seemingly knowing what they are doing. They are limiting htier movments to reduce noise, so it could be a heck of a lot worse. THey are keeping to the the shadows however.
Xiaomu	That significant 'clank' is not repeated or followed up, and Xiaomu takes a longing look at the bag in her other hand. She'd really like to just ignore what she heard, head home, and unpack her new purchase. But ... "Gnnngh." The sage fox grimaces, rubbing her eyes with the heel of her hand (the one holding the bag). She's remembering that incident at the museum, and as much as she'd like to slack off, something about that sudden noise has her remembering one of the less pleasant nights of her recent life. "Screw it," Xiaomu mutters, and - still careful not to jangle the rings on her staff - she heads off in the direction she thought she heard that noise from, practiced enough in the arts of sneaking to keep her footsteps very, very quiet indeed ...
Chica Mendez	The idea of the megacorps getting screwed by either the Union or Confederacy would be a nice one. In fact, Chica entertains the thought with a smile. That said... "I really fucking hope you people don't. I still have to live there." And... other people do too, but she's the important one from the world right now, dammit. While they still didn't know they were being followed, Chica ends up leading the two robots to the blip in her AR map; a worn-down apartment complex. Most of them might've been either empty or occupied by less savory people; CHica marches up to #307 and raps smartly on the door. "Armed police," she grunts in Japanese, then glances at the Wily-bots. "Standard breach-and-clear, don't kill the subject. At least until he tells us where the item is." Whether or not anyone answers the door, CHica turns from the wall and fires a bullet into the apartment's door handle, then kicks the thing open to go inside, keeping herself low and her gun ready.
Xiaomu	It's inaccurate to say that there's no answer. Nobody comes to the door; you might think it's a vacant apartment. In fact, that's probably the intention. But there's a sudden rustle of movement by someone who's trying NOT to make noise - and when Chica shoots out the lock, the attempt to remain silent is abandoned in favor of the apartment's occupant just running like hell. There's no 'back door,' but there are windows, one of which is just big enough for someone to exit through if he (as in this case) doesn't care about landing head-first on the way out. On the other hand, it's not just the apartment's occupant who is still an issue; Xiaomu hears the gunshot as well and breaks into a sprint. She knows this area better than your average tourist - Shibuya was a battleground between Shinra and Ouma, and ten years isn't as much of a gap in time for HER as it is for most mortal humans. "Hey!" the foxgirl calls out. "Who's running around shooting things?! Come out, drop your weapon, and identify yourself!"
Metal Man	Metal Man says "The Wily army has too much to worry about back home. As for the rest? I can't say what they will do." Well Metal is being honest he's moving quickly for a moment and he tuirns about to Xiaomu for a moment as he scans her and he tilts his head. "Go with her, I'll handle this." Flash Man nods nad moves on while Metal move for a moment as he heads in. "IT's rather hard to disarm onese self when you are a weapon! I suggest, you stand down. Is it worth your health or your life?"
Chica Mendez	It's pretty hard not to hear the scampering of a fleeing target, especially if they decided the window was the best way to get out. "Target's in the wind," Chica sub-vocalizes into her commlink for Metal and Flash Man to hear. That's also about the time that she hears someone else demanding to know who is shooting. She pops her head out of the doorway to spy who was coming, letting Xiaomu see the horrifying visage painted onto the mask, before she goes back inside. And promptly goes to the window to start the chase, hopping through the same opening their perp had disappeared into. Once her feet hit the concrete again, she's on the run, pumping her arms as fast as she can to follow after the retreating footsteps. Seems like they weren't the type to hold on for police warnings. So instead she starts channeling, preparing to cast a spell the moment she can pause for a moment while having a good bead on the fleeing thief. If she can get such a shot, she fires off a Stunball--not a very powerful one, maybe enough to put a limb or two asleep, depending on where it hits. "Freeze, goddamnit!"
Xiaomu	Xiaomu gets a decent glimpse of the mask before Metal Man confronts her, thereby drawing the majority of her attention onto himself. "You're not from around here," she points out to the very evident robot. "I'm an operative for the government. Who are you, and what are you doing in a restricted part of this city?" On the plus side, she's not drawing down on Metal Man or anything - at least not yet. On the other hand, she's clearly not inclined to let him go about his business, plus she already knows pretty well that he's not alone here. Meanwhile, the apartment's former occupant is running like hell with the kind of agility you'd expect out of a ninja, or maybe a magical girl. The sinuous tail sprouting from what would be the base of a human's spine is a pretty good explanation for some of that ... he probably has a matching set of ears, but they're not as conveniently visible.
Metal Man	Metal Man says "No I'm not from around here, and really? A federal spook huh? Off limits? Shouldn't this be the hub of the tech culture and full frontal Nerdery for your country here?" He gestures to the empty location and he seems to be taking it in. He's clearly buying his partner's time but hey he's not fighting, there's no need to waste the blades if he doesn't have to. "A kitstune I presume but you'd be hard pressed to match my moblity. Even with magic."
Chica Mendez	Well, no clear shots. Under her breath, Chica grumbles darkly as she keeps running through the alleyways of Shibuya. Just catching bare glimpses of the thief didn't really help, and neither did the yelling. Over the radio, Chica growls to her compatriot Flash. "Can you get in front of her? The slot's fast. Might not be metahuman, I can't quite tell." Eventually, she manages to clear an alleyway's entrace, sliding around the corner and taking up a classic shooter's position. She even turns on her Astral sight to try and percieve the being's aura... And when she thinks she can take a shot for a leg, she fires twice. Just to be sure.
Xiaomu	"Well," Xiaomu replies to Metal Man, "Japan does take justifiable pride in its advances in robotics, but you're a little beyond anything that's been walking or rolling around conventions and trade shows, and you don't much look like a social model or you'd have more of a face. Besides, this is Shibuya; you're thinking of Akihabara." She pauses, her expression going downright chilly. "And I am not a 'kitsune,' abacus-brain. I'm a huli jing, I'm from China, and I don't have time to give you a remedial lesson in geography or history. Are you going to get out of my way or do I have to take you apart?" She really doesn't want to lose any more time shooting the breeze with the alien robot; she has to find the other likely interloper(s) and find out what they were after. Or who. And on that note, the person whom La Llonora and Flash Man are chasing is still making incredibly good time - but Chica's managed to outmaneuver him, and gets a good look at a cat-eared youth, maybe 19 years old if he ages the way humans do. The sight of Chica ahead of him prompts the bakeneko to yelp and dive behind a dumpster for cover ...
Metal Man	Metal Man smirks. "It's funny the first ones to make machines with souls were not Japanese at all. On my world. Humm it may be different between world and China? I stand corrected but yout a long way from home. Hah you presume my helmet can not come off. No I'm not getting out of your way, I had hoped you'd be willing to walk away. Well then if you wish to fight then I shall give it. I am Metal Man." He summons what look to be several wicked sharp saw blades to his hands. "How well can you dance? Though it may be time for a hair cut." Meanwhile as Metal Man makes ready Flash Man replies. <<Please, watch this time bends to my will!>> % There's a odd Swing noise whih Chica might hear and Flash Man almost seems to teleprot as he moves to get infront of the fleeting cat person, he's also arming his plasma scatter gun as he seems to appear out of no where hopefully in their path. "I suggest you stop, plasma does not agree well with flesh."
Chica Mendez	Herne of La Llorona's shots goes wide, both of them ricochets off the concrete and go off whinning into the night. Good thing the cat dodged when he did--one of those would've been in his kneecap. Still, now that he's ducking for cover, it means he's not running anymore. The shadowrunner slowly approaches with her gun raised and ready on the trigger. She keeps her conversation in Japanese--better that he couldn't tell where she was from. "Get on your fucking knees with your hands above your head! Don't make me get me harsh." Trying to add force to her voice, which goes well with the intimidating sound of a scrambler. As Flash comes along, she grins slightly under her mask. This guy was going to be the bad cop--now she could add some carrot to the stick. "All I'm here for is the manuscript. Give it to me and you walk out of this alive and with and an extra 100 cred in your pocket. A piece of paper isn't worth your life, kid."
Xiaomu	Xiaomu just sighs, "I don't have time to play with you, Tin Man. And if you're not going to get out of my way, then ..." "HIGH SPEED XIAOMU!!!" The sage fox breaks into a run, charging straight at Metal Man with her staff at the ready to defend herself or attack. If any of those sawblades come flying at her, she'll be doing her best to bat them aside, and she is remarkably fast. If she reaches Metal Man without getting hurt badly enough to stop, she'll take the chance to attack - but honestly, her goal is less to put holes in his armor than to get past him and keep going. If she has to draw Suiren, she'll swing and try to encase the Robot Master in a block of ice; it won't last long, especially with the likelihood that he'll try to break out of it, but it should buy her enough time to pick up the trail of the others. As for the bakeneko who's now cornered in an alley, he lets out a frightened yelp, looking around for possible avenues of escape. "It's not -- if you don't kill me, Ouma will! They told me to protect this with my life, and they shouldn't have had it in the first place ..."
Metal Man	Metal Man watche as Xiaomu. "Why do I feel like I heard your name before!" Metal Man sees the fox woman coming in and he's alreayd staring to launch the blades at her and is moving to keep arfter her as she does. She does attempt to catch him in ice and seems to have frozen him solid, or as she who knows? Is he really out of the game? Flash Man meanwhile looks at the cat person for a moment. "The job's we get that, simple, hand it over you live, but I'll hear whar you got to say. What do you mean they shouldn't have had it?" Flash Man is keeping his weapon unpowered so his partner will have a chance to act and the cat will have a chance to /speak/.
Chica Mendez	This sounds like the perfect time to cut a deal. Under her mask, a slow grin comes to her face. She lets Flash Man grill him, be the bad cop and get the information she was curious about. Once he's done, she holsters her pistol and goes to crouch down next to the frightened teen. "You don't want to die, and I'm not leaving without that manuscript. So let's cut a deal." She lets him have a moment to contemplate the idea, then presses onward. "Give me what I want, and I'll smuggle you offworld. You go to a place not so different from here, do some work for me, and I'll consider the debt square. You won't get a better chance from your boss or from the PD here. Hell, you can even go live in Shibuya again when you're done working for me." Once that's done, she stands up and walks a few steps away, letting Flash keep up the watch. "Time's wasting, though. Somebody--probably PD--is trying to come over here, and by the time they show up, we'll be gone."
Xiaomu	Xiaomu knows the ice magic won't keep Metal Man frozen for long; she flicks her blade clean of anything that might be clinging to it and re-sheathes her sword, still sprinting. She's going to have to pick the trail up again pretty much from scratch, though; she heard the gunshot when Chica blew out the door's lock, and she's still fairly sure of where that came from. The bakeneko's tail wavers as he looks at the masked stranger, only relaxing a little bit when the pistol is put away. "Why ... why do you want this, anyway? Ouma needed the story, the museum wants it back safely ..." He's not rejecting the prospect out of hand, at least; being safe from Ouma seems like a pretty high priority for him.
Metal Man	Her Ice Magic does not keep Metal for long, cracks start to form after short order as Metal Man physically break freee of the ice with a loud cry as he's now free. He's then bounding after Xiaomu with a lot of control. He doesn't miss a single jump, or miss judge a thing, nor lose a balance as he bounds after her. Flash Man uis standing down waiting on the kid for a moment. Flash Man is stepping back after all this is the Shadow Runner's job he's not about to mess up a pay check of his own. He learned after he got blown to bits for going after Quick Man soon after he was created.
Chica Mendez	There it is. He's easing into the idea, cautiously exploring it. With a little more pressure, he might be willing to seal it. "What matters is someone wants it enough to pay for it. Right now I'm just the hand of somebody rich and important." She slowly circles to the side and lays a gloved hand on Flash's arm to lower his gun as well. She sub-vocalizes to him, <Take it easy, big guy. He's an easy sell.> She turns to face the bakeneko again and very quickly reaches up to tip up her mask, where Flash can't see it. He gets to see the pretty, grinning face of the Aztlanner elf for a moment before she drops it back down. "I'll tell you now, my work won't be easy, but you'll be paid. Get an apartment, food, a commlink, the important shit. And you'll walk out of this mess free and clear. You'll be able to live in a place just like home on a different world." She pauses, and shrugs. "Well... Mostly. Either way, it's a way to live your life on your terms, such as they are."
Xiaomu	When somebody who usually wears a mask shows you the face that's underneath it, it tends to mean one of two things. One is that they're making an even more concerted effort to trick you into letting your guard down. The other is that they genuinely want your trust, and are sharing their appearance - and potentially their identity - as a token of that. The bakeneko youth stares at La Llonera for a few seconds after that glimpse of her face, then gets to his feet. "Just get me where Ouma can't track me down; they've got branches all across this world. If I have to go offworld to be safe ..." He trails off, then sucks in a breath and nods. "We get out of this world, and I'll give you the manuscript on the other side of the warpgate, then go with you to the world you're talking about," he says. He doesn't offer his name, though.
Chica Mendez	Perfect. As soon as he's given his agreement, La Llorona nods quickly. "Good. We breached the cordon to get in here--is there a warpgate around here somewhere we could use?" If there is, that might mean they won't have to sneak by whoever was challenging Metal Man in order to make a good escape. Speaking of Metal Man, Chica goes back to sub-vocalizing for both him and Flash. <Target is pacified. I'll take the kid and extract on another route, you go with your robot pal the way we came in. I'll send you the money anonymously, as usual. Think you can handle it?> When that's done, she offers a hand to help the bakeneko stand--and starts pulling him as quickly as she can. "There's no way PD didn't notice us, so get us out fast, neh?"
Xiaomu	"It's not the normal police you have to worry about here," the bakeneko states even as he accepts Chica's hand. "Shinra does the patrols here, I was expecting them to kick my door in if they found me ... they're probably guarding the warpgates they know about, too." He smirks briefly. "There are a couple they don't know about ... Ouma does, we might have to fight our way through if push comes to shove. Try to keep up?" If Chica trusts him to lead the way, the bakeneko leads the way through a couple of alleys and into what might have been a small public park, before ten years of abandonment let the flora grow out of control. And there is, in fact, a warpgate in the middle of the overgrowth.
Metal Man	Metal Man replies <<Understood I'll engage my blink system>> Metal Man halts, stands still for a moment and vanishes in a burst of bright red light to go elsewhere. He'll move to meet up with shortly while Flash Man just moves along, abusing his time stopper to keep up with the cat man and The Shadow Runner.
Chica Mendez	Whoever Shinra was, it wouldn't be her problem once they got offworld. The kid's momentary bravado just earns a quiet snort of derision. She did have to admit, the kid was fast. Maybe she really should just Stunball one of his legs, have him hopping around like an idiot... Maybe later, once they get on familiar territory. She does let him lead--after all, she doesn't know the area and she can Manaball the bastard if he acts silly. And, go figure, her faith is rewarded by an exit. "Good. We're headed for Earth-8715, Sixth World Earth. City is Seattle Metroplex, Redmond district." She pauses in front of the warpgate, clearing her throat. "I live in a bad neighborhood, so keep close." And once she's done shoving him through, La Llorona takes one more moment to glance around for any followers before slipping into the gate herself.