Abnormal Norman 44: Prologue of the Winter War

Abnormal Norman 44: Prologue of the Winter War

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Be Lyra

Rooftop of than abandoned Diamond Dogs hangout

The Void

 

>In the void of nothingness, you stand on a floating rock.

>You're curious as to where you are. Your mouth's been sealed shut.

>The smell of sweat enters your nostrils.

>And at that, you see it.

>The vision that has been haunting you for the past few weeks.

 

"..."

 

 

>       {FROM ACROSS THE THUNDER IN THE CLOUDS}

>      {FROM BEYOND THE BUILDINGS OF THE CITY, IT IS LOUD}

>     {NORMAN AND BRAD}

>    {TATTERED AND BLOODIED FROM THE FIGHT THAT THEY HAD}

>   {THEY FIGHT EACH OTHER IN THE WINTER NIGHT}

>  {AS A MAN WITH A RIFLE LOOKS ON HIS SIGHT}

> {A SHOT WAS HEARD AS RAINBOW DASH AND PINKAMENA LOOKED ON}

>{IT IS NOW DAWN}

 

>The vision was weird, in a sense that it has yet to happen, yet it keeps reappearing to you.

>Most visions were a one-hit wonder, never to reappear again.

>But that winter night...something will happen.

>Brad...Norman...

>Will someone die? Will the artifact's curse go away?

>So many questions, and no answers for them all.

>All I can do is wait.

>Wait for it to happen.

>Because whatever happens in that vision, it will come true.

>The man with the rifle.

*KSH-CHK*

>The boy with the eyes that's filled with regret.

*MMMPPPHH*

>The guy who's losing control.

*GRAAAAHHH!*

>The girls who looks on at the rooftops.

*RAINBOW, LOOK!*

>And the thunder...

 

*KABLLLSSSHHHHH*

 

 

"AAHHH!"

>"Chronos!" Norman yelled.

>You awoke from the nightmare that you just had.

>Looking around in a bit of a shock, you find Norman, Adam, and an unconscious Gilda.

>They're all on the rooftop.

"W-Where...Where am..."

>"It's okay. We're safe."

"I...I remember...Viri Scientia..."

>>"Ahh, you were knocked out in that parking facility * " Adam reminds you.

[spoiler] See Issue # 42 [/spoiler]

"But if I was...then..."

>"Shocking as it is, Adam singlehandedly saved you from the clutches of Viri Scientia's hands."

"I...I..."

>You immediately looked at Adam, who's checking out your backpack.

"Hey, give me back my bag."

>You snatched your bag away from Adam, much to his displeasure.

"N-Noir...give it to me straight...what are we going to do now? Adam's safe, and we're on the verge of getting our...well, your ass kicked by Viri and Saint's Bro."

>"That's why Adam's here, and since he trusted you..."

>Norman unmasks himself to Adam.

>"Then we can trust him. Norman Normals."

>>"Oh my fudgesicles! Y-YOUR NOIR-MAN!" He says in a surprising tone.

>"In the flesh. I'm sure we've been classmates for a year now."

>>"I can't believe it! All my weeks of trying to find out who you were, I tried looking at photographers, journalists and rich guys who party."

>"Well, sadly, I'm just a normal student of Canterlot, who got trapped in this mess."

>>"Oh man, I can't believe it! I'm going to help a super-hero!"

>You then look to your right to see Gilda, who's still knocked out.

"What's with her?"

>"Stun gun."

>>"OOhh, that reminds me..."Adam says with a curious voice.

"What?"

>>"These...weapons I found in your backpack. They were all made by me."

>"What?"

>>"Yeah. I recognized them even with the extra paint. Cherry commissioned me to do these. How'd this get in your hands?"

>"I can explain that. You see, it all started when Nolan captured Chronos in an undercover operation. Nolan blackmailed me to work for his gang, the Saint's Bro, in exchange of keeping his mouth shut and his hands off our families."

>>"Okay, then?"

>"After that, he sent me with Gilda for a test run on how much I'm dedicated to keeping Saint's Bro safe. Passed that easily. Nolan trusted me enough."

>>"What happened after that?"

>"I was captured by Cherry. She was looked like that hot scientist that you always see in those pornos..."

"Ahem..."

>"Oh, sorry. I mean, those hot women you see on the cover of magazines. She unmasked me and did what Nolan did to me. Blackmailed me to be a double-agent against them. She also had nanobots in me which is totally uncool."

>>"Nanobots? I've seen them work on that. They can track your every movement with the help of a satelite!"

>"Shit, you think they were following me?"

>>"Probably not. I've seen their blueprints, and their signal is incredibly weak. The best Cherry can do is to electrecute you and probably use your own limbs against your will."

>"Good thing I have super strength."

>>"Yeah, you're safe when you're awake. Unconscious or asleep, not so much."

"So what happened after you got captured by Cherry?"

>"After that, I went along, putting on a face for Gilda so she wouldn't suspect. Luckily, she's gotten softer by the day thanks to her living with Derpy."

>>"W-wait, Derpy's involved too!?"

>"Yep."

>>"How many of us Canterlot Colts* are involved?"

[spoiler]Mascot-nickname for the students[/spoiler]

>"Best not tell the whole thing, you get me?"

>>"Oh fine. Man, and I thought I was the only one."

"You can thank him for screwing up our lives."

>>"Chronos, come on."

>"Wait, if you're Norman, who's she?"

>"It's up to her if she's willing to tell."

>>"Are you Brad?" Adam asks

"DO I LOOK LIKE A DUDE TO YOU!?"

>Adam looks at your chest, then looks back up.

>>"K-Kinda..."

"SAY THAT AGAIN AND I'LL PUNCH YOUR FU-"

>"Whoa, easy man! You just got out of a science-themed prison cell."

"Ugh..."

>"Anyway, I got Viri and Nolan's trust, and it's their belief that they should chip in in helping me bring down the other team. Hence, these weapons."

>>"Ahh, that explains why you had both. Man, they're fighting a tug-o-war, and you're the ground."

>"Weird analogy, but okay. Adam, I'll just cut straight to the whole thing. Whatever you know of Viri Scientia, you need to tell us right now."

>>"I know alot of things about the companies I enter. Most of them, at least. Nolan's security was tighter than Viri's, and he's handling a freaking factory for clothes!"

>"Yeah. That's Derpy's job. If brute force ain't enough, an emotional trap is the best option."

>>"Emotional? You had Derpy hit on that amazon who's still knocked out cold?"

>"Not THAT emotional. Derpy's just...you know...too innocent looking to be ignored."

>>"I know what you mean. A-anyways, I guess you want me to write it all down in a piece of paper?"

>Norman takes out a pen and paper.

"You should start."

>>"W-Where, exactly."

>"Legalities. Viri's an open-facility, but Cherry keeps most of the inhumane testing in an old abandoned factory that has the interior of a medieval castle."

>>"Ahh, well, I was checking out Viri's legal files, see if I'm working with illegal people. It's something I always do, since we live in dire times right now, yes? I went through their folders and saw some files that's been long overdue."

"Clarify."

>>"Most of them were paid bribes. Letters and signatures kept in a neat drawer. Others were unpaid bills."

>"Bribery huh? What else?"

>>"Well, I usually look for something abit more...serious like murder or drug manufacturing when I look at what the company I'm going in is doing."

"But why would they keep these bribery letters? Shouldn't they just burn it?"

>>"The way I see it, it's a protection thing. If Viri gets crapped on by the police, they can just rely on a few political people to keep them safe. Keep the police at bay."

>"And vice versa if that same person gets arrested..."

"Wow..."

>>"Yeah. Since they weren't as serious as I looked them up, I just ignored them."

"How'd you even get to their files without anyone noticing you?"

>>"How do you think I test prototypes of my mechanical inventions?"

>"You sly dog!"

>>"I know. I'm awesome."

>"Keep that ego in your pants. I need some more info. What about their weaponry."

>>"Be specific."

>"Viri Scientia's been using chemicals to transform themselves into animals. Do you know any labs that had a manufactured these?"

>>"What do these chemicals look like?"

>"They're in test tubes."

>>"Well, I can't really say. If it's a generic test-tube, then no, I can't help you with that."

>"Okay. What about their guns. Surely they have some more modern means of protection and assault."

>>"Don't know about that, but I did find some of the walls move when one of the guards was doing his rounds."

"Secret doors, huh."

>>"Oh yeah, they probably got lots. In fact, when I was working some of the jobs they gave me, I noticed a small door that's left unlocked. I forgot where, though. I think it was one of those secret rooms they forgot to conceal again."

"What was in it?"

>>"Missiles. Not the rocket launcher sized. The atomic bomb-sized."

"Whoa!"

>"What were they planning with them?

>>"I didn't know. I just thought they were working with the army or something."

>"Rockets...missiles..."

"They're planning something with the army, perhaps?"

>"I don't know. If they are, then we're a step closer to finding Brad."

>>"W-Wait, Brad's in this too?"

>"He's Commander Underwear. You probably watched the news as to what happened to him."

>>"OH MY GOSH. BRAD'S YOUR SIDEKICK? Wow, I learn something new every minute! Oooh, and I remembered him on the news! The guy got captured by the army!"

>"Exactly. If Viri's connected to them, then we know our next move."

"We're really going to go to war with the two, aren't we."

>"Not us, Chronos. We're going to start THEIR war."

>Winter really is drawing near.

 

Be Derpy

At Home, drinking some hot choco.

 

>It's a quiet night tonight. Gilda's been out with Norman.

>Though, through the week, I've felt a connection with her.

>She's like a sibling to me.

>A sister I've never had.

>I can't betray her directly, but the city's counting on me.

>Norman's counting on me.

>And I...

*BAG*

"Whoa!"

>Someone's on the roof!

>You went outside and looked up.

>You see Norman carrying a heavily-dazed Gilda.

"Gilda!"

>>"O-Oh....h-hey gray...ugh...my head...what happened?"

>"You slipped on an icecube and fell on the floor."

>>"Don't think I don't watch Spongebob, you ass. What r-really happened?"

>"I...err...you...tripped over a rock and I accidentally stunned you with my shock stick....sorry."

>>"Asshole...ugh, my head."

>Norman comes down from the ceiling and goes inside the house.

>You follow as well.

>Norman sets a dizzy yet conscious Gilda on the couch.

>He then brushes his elbow at your arm, reminding you of what you must do with her.

"gulp."

>"She's in your hands now." He says.

>He also comes in closer for a whisper.

>"I'm sorry Derpy, but tomorrow, I need info on Nolan. Viri's demise has started, and it would be great if you could-"

"I know. Take care, Norman."

>"Yeah."

>Norman then runs off out of your house and jumps away.

>You and Gilda have alot of catching up to do.

"Oooh, Ooh, can I get you a cup of joe? Maybe some hot chocolate?"

>>"H-hot chocolate...would be nice..."

>You went to the kitchen to fix up Gilda a nice mug of warm chocolate milk.

"Here."

>Gilda's still holding the back of her neck.

>The pain of getting shocked is still tingling on her skin.

>"Ugh..."

"How was the raid? Did it work?"

>"I...I don't remember..."

"OOooh, maybe it's on TV!"

>You picked up the remote and switched the television on.

>>>>>>>NEWS REPORTER: WE HAVE JUST GOTTEN CONFIRMATION THAT CANTERLOT'S POLICE SQUAD HAS RAIDED 99% OF ALL THE DIAMOND DOGS HIDEOUT HERE IN OUR VERY OWN CITY *

[spoiler] See Issue # 42 [/spoiler]

>On the telly, the police are chasing, hunting and arresting all of the brute gangsters of the Diamond Dogs.

>>>>>>>NEWS REPORTER: ACCORDING TO EYE-WITNESSES, THE POLICE HAVE GOTTEN AN ANONYMOUS TIP ON WHERE ALL OF THE DOGS WERE HIDING. OTHER WITNESSES REPORTED THAT A HOBO CARRYING A WOMAN FLEW OUT OF THE SCENE OF THE MAIN HIDEOUT OF THE GANG. WE'RE NOT SURE WHETHER OR NOT THE HOBO WAS THE ANONYMOUS TIP, OR IF THE HOBO COULD BE NOIR-MAN IN A BLUR, BUT ONE THING'S FOR SURE. THE POLICE ARE COMPLETELY MUM ON HOW OR WHERE THEY GOT THEIR TIP. BACK TO YOU, STAN.

>>"Huh, Guess we did get them..."

"That's GREAT! We should celebrate outside!"

>>"Pshh, Derpy..."

"Oh come on!" You say gleefully. "You and Norman took out a whole gang of roid monsters! "You may not be a hero, but you still did the city a favor."

>>"Oh gray...there's no need to- ACK!"

"Come on! I know a good ramen place where we could celebrate!"

>>"Ack! Okay, okay! Just stop yanking my collar!"

>You pulled Gilda off of the couch and head on out.

>And the ramen place you just mentioned is located just outside Nolan's factory.

 

Be Norman

Home

 

>Ahh, sweet serenity, my back!

>With this ring enhancing my own body, you'd think that it blocks off back-pain.

>Ugh...

>>"Trouble, Norman?" your mother asks.

"N-Nothing much, ma. Just had a rough day at school! Y-you know."

>>"If your dad was here, he'd probably make fun of you. Haha."

"Knowing him, I'm sure he will. He's out, right?"

>>"Yeah. He got a call that some hobo broke into his company's building, or something similar. He did mumble alot."

"I'm sure it was just a stray cat."

>Your mother looks outside the window.

>Clouds are already forming together.

>The chilly wind is felt even with the thermostat at its hottest.

>>"THis month's gonna be one heck of a winter season."

"Yeah... is it snowing yet?"

>>"Hmm. No. Not yet, at least."

"Huh..."

>You then had a moment of silence to yourself.

>The winter war bears a heavy burden in your heart, and it hasn't even begun yet.

>You know that Nolan won't come out alive in this war.

>But Saint's Bro must fall. For the city's sake.

>*pop*

>A drop of blood from your forehead's small cut falls on to your hot chocolate.

>A slight reminder as to what happened back at the arena.

>Flashes of brutal beatings with you losing control.

>You barely recognize these events, yet you know that they're yours.

>A monster emerged that hour. A man not even Gilda could've recognized.

>A side effect of the ring, perhaps.

>Lyra can see into the future. That's just a normal thing. But she mentioned having another power.

>Judging by the news, probably could pass by the speed of light. Go through the earth without anyone seeing or noticing her.

>Whatever these artifacts are, they're connected with the senses of a human.

>I have twice the vision, strength, smell, hearing and taste.

>Lyra has the vision.

>Is there more of these artifacts?

>So many questions, and yet, so little info can be thawed out from these things.

"sigh..."

>Winter's war...that's the priority...

>But...

 

>*knock* *knock*

>>"Oh? Who could that be at this time of night?"

>Good god, I hope it's not Gilda.

>Your mother opens the door. It's Purple, and she looks really worried.

>>"Oh my...a friend of Norman's?"

>"Err, hi Mrs. Normal. Is Norman around?"

>>"Norman's inside! Come in! I got some fresh cocoa!"

>"T-thanks Mrs. Normal.

"Purple?"

>"We...We need to talk..." She says as she gets the cup of cocoa from your mother.

>>"Oh...this sounds serious. Is my Norman dating?"

"Mom...please."

>>"Oh alright."

>Your mother leaves you with Purple for some privacy.

"What's up?"

>"It's about Brad."

"Huh?"

>"Remember when Gilda told us about Igneous Rock?"

"Y-yeah?"

>"Igneous is..."

"Who?"

>"HE'S PINKIE'S DAD!" *

[spoiler] See Issue # 40, and yes, it's canon in the cartoon. [/spoiler]

"PHHHBBBTT!" You say, spitting out the chocolate from your mouth.

>You look at Purple with disbelief.

"Are you saying we can get Brad off of the army by just using PINKIE?"

>"Yes and no. You see, Pinkie doesn't have contact with her dad in any way."

"Crap."

>"B-but on the bright side, we're one step closer to rescuing Brad, right?"

"Well yeah. I guess so."

>Then suddenly, it hit you.

>You remember something Lyra told you while she was bed-ridden.

>The winter vision.

"Purple. I jusr remembered something."

>"gasp, really?"

"Lyra can see into the future, right?"

>"I don't know about that, but okay...!?"

"She saw Brad in the city, apparently. This winter season. *"

[spoiler] See Issue # 39 [/spoiler]

>"What did she see?"

"I don't know. She was vague, but she saw something. About Brad. She said he might be insane when we meet him again."

>"W-What!?"

"I don't know either."

>"W-Well give her a call!"

"Purple, it's the middle of the night. Lyra's out going back to Viri Scientia to grab the files that Adam Atomic told us about."

>"Adam Atomic? He's in this thing too?"

"He's our informant, and the things he told us, it would make your skin crawl. That's why I sent Lyra out to grab the files. They wouldn't expect a silent attack at their facility so soon."

>"Soon?!"

"Lyra...rescued Adam from the clutches of Viri Scientia. Rather, Adam barely escaped with his life along with Lyra."

>"What will Lyra steal from the facility?"

"A few letters, documents, you know..."

>"This is getting dangerous, Norman.

"Don't be mad. I'm sure we'll get our answer tommorow. I promise."

>"I...I just hope Brad's okay."

"Me too, Purple...me too...

 

Be Derpy

Public Ramen Eatery

 

>"OH NOMNOMNOMNOM..."

"Slow down, Gilda! The noodles aren't going to run away!"

>"Oh man, *chomp* these noodles are TERRIFIC! They've been near the factory all this time and I never even noticed this place!"

"Well, to be fair, they're not really as famous as you would imagine. Canterlot still has a thing for steaks and meat, you know."

>"Yeah, well I'm switching to a ramen diet!"

"Haha, Oh Gilda."

>You got your cup of tea and raised it up.

"Well, let's toast to the successful evening!"

>"Derpy...come on, this thing's just my job!"

"You could've died!"

>"W-Well, yeah."

"But you didn't, and I'm glad!"

>Gilda gave in to your cute little face and toasted to the successful evening.

>As Gilda finished her bowl, she looked at the clock.

>"Oh bugger, I need to talk to Nolan. "

"Oh, really? Right now?"

>"Don't know if he's still in the factory. Come on, I'll give you a quick peek."

"Really?"

>"Yeah! Not like I'm showing you where we keep the muffinphetamine."

"..."

>"Don't worry, I'm not going to hook you up with the stuff again * "

[spoiler]* See Issue # 38[/spoiler]

>Well, the odds are in your favor.

>Gilda's showing you the place, and you never even asked for it.

>Keep calm, and remember that you're taking notes against the Saint's Bro for the city's sake.

 

>I'm so sorry Gilda.

 

NOLAN'S FACTORY

 

>The midnight shift's going in strong. Not a single slacker in sight in Nolan's weirdly wonderful factory.

"Wow, it's like we're in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!"

>"The building gets that alot." *

[spoiler] See Issue #  22 [/spoiler]

>Gilda goes to Nolan's office.

>She checks on whether or not Nolan's in.

>"Hmm. Looks like Nolan's out."

"Ahh...G-Gilda?"

>"What?"

>You held your crotch in a way that tells Gilda you need to take a wee.

>"Ahh. Second door to the left."

"T-Thanks. M-Meet you d-down?"

>"Yeah, sure." she said passively.

>You rushed down the bathroom and took a quick piss.

>After which, you went to the sink and washed your face.

>You can't believe it, but this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.

>You sneaked outside the office and went through the blind spots of the CCTV cameras.

>You carefully looked by the sides of the walls, hoping that none of the workers suspect you.

>There, you slowly sneaked inside Nolan's office.

>Careful not to trip on anything.

"Alright...I'm in..." you say to yourself.

>You looked around a bit to see if he has one of those 'secret compartments' that these ganglord supervillains usually have.

>Around the mounted deer head, behind the bookshelf, secret drawers inside the drawers.

>Nothing.

"Hmm..."

>You checked around the room, searching for something useful.

>Inside the office, you found a small folder of files.

>On the folder, read 'MOVED FROM THE OTHER OFFICE. SEEN BY HEARTSTRINGS, LYRA.' *

[spoiler] See Issue # 22[/spoiler]

"Hmm!?"

>You checked the files. Cherry Jubilee, Igneous Rock and Norman's in it.

>Keeping the file in your backpack, you went in further to find more files that could be of use.

*pak*pak*

"Gasp!"

>Footsteps, and they're coming to this direction!"

>You hid by under the desk and hoped to Faust they don't come in.

*pak*pak*

>The footsteps gets louder.

*creeaak*

>The door opens. Someone's inside.

"gah!" you say under the desk.

>"Hmm, where was that place again?"

>It's Gilda. You peeked through a small hole through the desk.

>Gilda activates a hidden button. The bulletin board flips, revealing a map!

>Gilda scratches her head, still dazed by the shockstick Norman used against her.

>"Oh right...fifty caves in the sewage pipes."

>Gilda then presses the button again, hiding the map once more.

>"Gee, I wonder what's taking Derpy so long..."

>Gilda exits the office to go to the restroom.

>You sneaked out of the desk and went to where Gilda was standing.

"Uhh..."

>You press the button, and the map appears.

"Whoa."

>The map is a series of lines and numbers. The whole thing looks similar to a certain part of Canterlot!

>Below the map, a small note that says 'Under Maintainance'. The maps' most likely a fortress-building blueprint against the evils of Viri Scientia!

>There's one that's near a small scribble marked 'Mansion'.

>You take the map and put it inside your bag.

>Sweating furiously, you went outside post-haste.

>Luckily, no sign of Gilda anywhere.

"Phew."

>"Oh, gray!"

"GYAH!"

>"What took you so long, and how'd you get here? I checked the restroom and you weren't there!"

"Ahh, well, we probably just didn't m-meet at the same time."

>"Derpy, this platform's just a oneway...

"Well, I can't explain that. Y-you went in, I went out and neither of u-us saw each other."

>Gilda's silent for a moment.

"S-Something wrong?"

>"Nothing...just...guess I'm still dizzy."

"You wanna go home now?"

>"Can't. I still have to talk to Nolan tonight."

"Oh..."

>"...And you can't come with me."

"Oh....security reasons?"

>"Yeah. I can't...you know...risk it."

"..."

>"What?"

"Oh, n-nothing. I've always wondered what Nolan's house looks like, actually. A guy with lots of businesses like him has got to have like, a mansion or something."

>"He does, and he keeps its location private."

"Okay, then. I'll be going."

>"Take care, Derpy."

"Y-you too."

>You exit the factory, heart still beating heavily..

>You then called Norman on the phone.

"NORMAN!"

>"Derpy?"

"I...I got some files, but only a few. Gilda's meeting with Nolan tonight and she told me to go home."

>"Wait, wait, wait...Gilda's seeing Nolan now? In his factory?"

"Actually, in his house."

>"Shit...the address he has in the school records were fake. Knowing Nolan's place can give us an advantage."

"W-What should I do?"

>"Derpy, I need you to follow Gilda. Follow her to where Nolan is."

"B-But she could-"

>"Derpy, this is for the city. I can't force you, but I can beg for it. Please. Help us."

>You let out a loud sigh and told him:

"Fine...once I get the address, I'm giving all the files straight to you, and then, I'm done... my heart can't take much more of this!"

>"Great."

>Norman hangs up. You're left to follow Gilda.

"I'm so sorry for this, Gilda."

 

Be Lyra

Rooftops

 

>Back so soon after almost getting caught.

>Sadly, Norman's persistence got to you.

>You're back, and you need to steal the files from the facility.

>Adam managed to make some neat arrows from scrap metal in just a matter of minutes.

>Not too surprising, since apparently, he was hired by both Nolan and Cherry.

 

>*PTWOOONG*

>Shooting a rope-arrow to the side of the building, you slid down towards an open window and went inside.

>Climbing down the window, you notice that the room looks familiar.

>Bathroom. This was where I stuffed one of the guards in. Huh.

 

"Right, time for my minute long-bleeding. HURRGH!"

>You stopped time at the cost of some bleeding.

>You knew that you don't have time to swan around caring for that dripping nose wound.

>You went outside and checked the list.

>The folder's found in the CEO's storage room.

>Jubilee's office to be exact.

>You destroyed the door and went inside. You also checked for any personnel guarding the room.

>None so far. Gre-AACK!

>Time resumes to move, and your nose just bled some more.

"Goddammit. I'll die of bloodloss at this rate."

>You looked around Cherry's storage room. It's filled with bills and shit that's interesting.

"Dammit. This is going to take me decades to f-...oh wait, found it!"

>You looked inside the drawer. You found in it, folders addressed to certain political parties.

>Interesting.

>There's more than that. A list of dangerous, uncorruptable cops is also in the drawer.

>Looking in the file, you find several dangerous police personnel...including...PRINCIPAL CELESTIA * ?

[spoiler] See Issue # 26 [/spoiler]

>Know what? I don't even want to know.

>You call Norman through your phone.

"Psst. Norman."

>"Lyra. I just got back from home. You ready to head out?"

"Yeah..."

>"Got what we need?"

"Yeah. The bribery files, and several other unpaid bills."

>"Great. What about the missiles?"

"Ugh, fine. I'll get on with it. You're paying with your blood if I get a freaking stroke from bloodloss from this."

>"Bloodloss?"

"I...nevermind..."

>You sneak out of the room and went through the halls.

>Surprisingly, there's barely anyone monitoring it. No guards, no nothing.

>You walked around some more, and then you see it.

>Cherry, holding a meeting with the guards in one of the rooms.

>You went by to eavesdrop.

 

CHERRY:WHAT I'D LIKE TO KNOW, IS HOW A SIMPLETON LIKE ADAM MANAGED TO GET AWAY?

GUARD: Sorry ma'm. The surveilance feed seems...incomplete.

CHERRY: Incomplete? Explain!

GUARD: W-Well, some of the doors and the guards seem to instantly disappear or move by themselves. Some of the cameras malfunctioned and the others were destroyed. We only caught a glimpse of the green-hooded perpetrator.

CHERRY: AND?

GUARD: W-Well, she only used chloroform to-

CHERRY: Oh for fuck's sake! You're all shat on by what's possibly a teenager in a hoodie! What's worse is that she got in using only a bottle of CHLOROFORM!

GUARD:...

CHERRY: sigh...ready your crew. I'm inviting the kid back in.

GUARD: W-Who!?

CHERRY: The one with the beanie. He probably orchestrated the attack on us.

>Cherry gets her phone to call Norman.

>*We're sorry. The number you're trying to reach is currently out of reach*

CHERRY: Ugh...

GUARD: M-Madam?

CHERRY: I...fuck this...this is a damn mess.

GUARD:...

CHERRY:...I w-

*RING**RING*

>Her phone rings.

CHERRY: Talk to me.

>She listens closely.

>The guards sweat intensely. They don't know who's on the phone.

>Neither do you.

CHERRY:...

>Cherry's frown slowly disappears.

>The woman smiles as she hears the news.

CHERRY: Thank you for that wonderful news. Bring her in.

>She closes the phone and puts it back to her pocket.

CHERRY: Gentlemen, go back to your posts. We have a new person to...welcome in this facility of ours.

GUARD: Y-YES MA'M!

>You back away from the door and went on back to the restroom.

>You call Norman and told him what you heard.

"Norman."

>"Lyra! You got the location on where the rocket/missile room is?

"No, but I have some news on Cherry."

>"What?"

"They've captured someone. I don't know who, but they just did."

>"Did you get a good look at who that person might be?"

"No. Cherry found out through her phone."

>"Ah. I guess your files will have to do. Meet me back at your house. By the way, how's your mom treating the whole 'brought a boy home' situation?"

"At first, she didn't want him to sleep in the same roof as mine, but I think my mom just found him a bit...underwhelming, in a sense that Adam wouldn't even think about trying to score with women."

>"Yeesh."

"Yeah. Meet you later, and you owe me for this, Norman."

>"Sure thing...super-hero."

"Oh shut the fu-"

*beep*

>Asshole.

 

HEARTSTRINGS RESIDENCE

 

>You entered your home. Adam's half-asleep on the couch and Norman's, well,  plotting.

"Norman."

>"You got them?"

"Yeah. Just where Adam said they would be."

"Thanks."

>Norman puts away the stuff in his bag.

>He then wears his helmet again.

"Going hobo again?"

>I'm going to visit my dad in the precinct.

"Your dad's a prisnoner?"

>"He's an officer of the law, and he can help us with this winter war."

"Hellbent on this war. Don't  let it consume your anger, young padawan."

>"I see you can still have a little fun, Lyra."

"I blame the comic books."

>"One more thing before I leave."

"What."

>"Brad. You mentioned before that Brad will come back one winter night, yes?"

"Yeah. I keep getting visions about it. You and Brad...up a building, clothes tattered, Brad's eyes leaking tears..."

>"Lyra...what's going to happen?"

"You're going to fight Brad. I don't know why, or how, or when. All I know is that it happens in a winter storm, with Pinkie and Rainbow looking on, as well as a man with a sniper rifle."

>"Wow..."

"Worst part is, I keep on getting the same vision frequently. It's like something's going to happen. Someone will die there, I just know it."

>"Don't say that."

"Norman. You and I both know I wouldn't joke about that. Something WILL happen, and whatever that is, we best be prepared."

>"I ...yeah."

 

>Norman hugs you in a friendly manner.

>"The war is near. Thanks for helping us out."

"I still hate you for bringing me into this."

>"And yet you changed in the past month. Before, you just wanted me dead for my artifact, and now, you're risking your life to save people. Risking it to help me put a stop to Viri Scientia and Saint's Bro."

"I still hate you."

>"Heh."

 

 

Be Derpy

Sewers

 

>You follow Gilda through the sewers.

>She seems to be oblivious to your presence. It's a good thing, though.

>Gilda crawls through several holes in the sewer.

>It's getting harder to follow, since most of the holes are slanted upwards.

>Climbing silently is not something you can do at this rate.

>Where is she heading.

*tap* *tap*

>Footsteps?

>You looked behind for a moment.

>No one was there.

"M-must be my imagination."

>Or worse: Alligators in the sewers.

"Gyah..."

>You shaked your head, attempting to ward off any scary thought you'd have.

>Continuing on to follow Gilda.

>She's been taking sharp turns.

>However, the smell of ramen on her makes it easier for you to catch up.

>After all, you have a pretty good nose for adventuring.

>A few holes later, she finally climbs a ladder up to the surface.

"Oh shoot, we're here?"

>Gilda looks behind, checking if there's someone following her.

>Luckily, you're safely behind a wall, peeking through a small opening.

>She looks suspicious, but shrugs it off.

>Finally, she then opens the manhole and climbs outside.

>Waiting for thirty seconds, you then followed and climbed the ladder as well.

>Peeking out, you see Gilda approaching a huge mansion on a small residential area's hill.

>The mansion is almost as big as a small mall. Your eyes widened from the rich architecture and color.

"Oh my gosh...this is...this is..."

>Gilda's met by a butler as she opens the door. She invites Gilda inside the house.

>By the second floor's window, Nolan peeks outside. He smiles as he sees Gilda on the front door.

"This is Nolan's real house!"

>Now I get how he managed to stay alive throughout all these years!

"I have to call Norman!"

>You climbed down the ladder and called Norman.

>Surprisingly, the a bit of signal in here.

"NORMAN!"

>"Derpy?"

"You wouldn't believe it! I managed to tail Gilda-"

>"Der....pssshh...sig...sshhh..."

"Oh crap, signal's dying."

>Your phone disconnects. He must be at the other side of the city.

>You then try to call Norman again, but suddenly, you're choked by an unknown assailant.

"GAK!"

>With that, a female assistant covers your face with a plastic oxygen mask and delivers a faint sleep gas to your mouth and nose.

"MMPPH! MPPPH....Mmmm...ugh..."

*thud*

>You fall to the ground, asleep.

>Your captors, Dry-Wheat* and fellow Viri Toastie, gently lays you down by the wall.

[spoiler] Cherry's assistant, see issue # 31-32 [/spoiler]

>Toastie takes your backpack and reviews its content.

>>"Hah. You weren't kidding when you said she's been close to Gilda." she says.

>"Still don't know why she was following her here. You think she could be a Diamond Dog?"

>>"Don't know. One thing's for certain; she knows far too much about the Saint's Bro."

>"And we got ourselves Nolan's address. I'm surprised we've been fighting with Saint's Bro for a long time, and only now that we got the address."

>>"Hey, things aren't exactly as easy as they are on TV. Even Cherry took precautionary measures. You know how paranoid she is sometimes.

>"I meant, that why hasn't anyone tailed Gilda for this shit?"

>>"We already tried. 13 times, actually. They're all dead. Only Amaranthine survived in tailing Gilda, and even she couldn't tail her This girl just got lucky, and following her was less risky than following Gilda."

>Dry Wheat grabs his phone and calls Cherry.

>"Cherry? It's Dry. We have some good news for you."

>>>"Talk to me."

>"You sent us to spy on the factory. We managed to get something better. Turns out, Gilda has a close friend that was tailing her. We have Nolan's REAL address."

>Toastie opens her cellphone to check the coordinates.

>She then tells the address to Cherry on your phone.

>"Guessing you got all that. What should we do to the girl? The close friend I mean. She has alot of...interesting stuff in her backpack."

>>>"Thank you for that wonderful news. Bring her in."

>"Got it."

>>"What she say?"

>"We got a prisoner here. Bring her in."

 

Be Norman

City Rooftops, Burstblood outfit

 

>Running on the rooftops, trying to reach your dad at the precinct.

>If people saw me right now, I'd be called Spider-Hobo.

>Heh.

 

>You jumped on the police building and went through the barely-fixed hole of the precinct* .

[spoiler] See Issue # 26 [/spoiler]

>Sneaking inside the building, you managed to spot your father, talking to Councellor Cadenza's husband.

>Few minutes later, your father walks toward the room where you and Amaranthine crashed through.

>Walking inside, he looks up at the stars and takes a sip of joe.

>"I'm getting too old for this shit."

"But you're getting more respectable in that case."

>"Wha-? Who's there?"

>You emerge from the shadows carrying the files Lyra brought you.

"Hello, officer Normal."

>"The hobo guy! Stay where you a-"

>Your dad tries to pull a gun on you but you quickly snatched it away.

"Let's try to be a bit more...civilized about this."

>"Look, it's suspicious enough that you know what my phone number is, and now you come here going all Batman up my ass."

"Normals. Take these files."

>"Huh? What is this?"

"It's a folder."

>"I know what it is, smartass."

"Inside those files are the illegal connections Viri has with the politicians. Others are unpaid bills you can use to get a search warrant on their facility near Canterlot High."

>"Two gangs in one night. Why are you doing this? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

>You take off your football helmet and looked at your father.

>"GASP! NOIR-MAN!" He says after seeing your orange mask.

"I'd be lying if I said that I'm doing this to seek justice on those who did wrong. I have my own selfish reasons. They have my head close on a pike, and my plans are mostly in shatters.

>"What are you blabbering on about?"

"Unforseen consequences. W-what ever happened tonight with my partners, it just forced me to wage this winter war early against them, and I need your police to buy me some time to sort thing out."

>"Sort what out?"

>You stay silent.

>You then back up and readied your legs to jump off the police precinct.

"Normals. Can I trust you to raid Viri Scientia's facility tommorow morning?"

>"Kid, I'm not even sure this facility even belongs TO the blasted gang! This is Cherry Hill Industries we're talking about!"

"It does. I've been there. When they ask how you got the file, tell them...a Saint's Bro inmate got them. She'll  choke."

>"But then...if what your saying is true, then my son..." *

[spoiler] Still believes his son is working for Cherry under legal means, see Issue # 36 [/spoiler]

"Hmph. You better get on working. Your son might end up a junkie if you don't."

>You then jumped off the building with a smirk on your face.

"I finally a full plan."

>You stood on a rooftop and sat down by the side.

>You got out your checklist and updated it.

____________________________________________________________________________________

WINTER WAR PLAN

Objective: Get Viri Scientia and Saint's Bro to kill each other

-Got informant against Viri

-Got files against Viri

-Gave files to police

-Police? A distraction. I need both Viri and Saint's Bro's files to blame each other for their legal battles.

-Derpy has yet to get Nolan's address. If she succeeds, leak the address to Viri while they're still in under police surveilance.

-Predict that Cherry will launch an attack out an attack as a distraction for the police.

-Nolan's private home will be destroyed, expect a counter attack throughout the city in a fit of rage.

What to do at that moment

-make sure there are no innocents harmed.

-isolate the battlefield

 

OUTCOME:

-Either Nolan or Cherry will die.

-Either way, they still come out losers in the battle because of several illegal laws surrounding their companies.

-Expect minimal casualties

-All their hidden bases will be burned, if not by them, by you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

>This is one hell of a checklist. Inconsistent, but at least it's a plan.

>I'm getting to devious for this heroing shit, but it's the only way to secure an exit out of this life.

>They both know your secret identity, and they're too dangerous to kill on your own, not that you could actually have the guts to kill them with your own hands.

>But if one of them falls...you'd only have one person to look out for...

>Easier than two, I suppose.

>You look at the police precinct for the last time.

>With only Derpy's files missing, you declare that tommorow will be the start of the war.

>The war that will either free you, or kill you.

 

Be Derpy

VIRI SCIENTIA FACILITY

7:00 AM

 

>"Wake up."

*SPLASH*

"AAAHHH!"

>The cold water poured down from your cheeks.

>You wake up tied to a chair.

>A lone woman with a busty figure comes from the shadows.

>She's looking at the stuff you got.

>The files from Nolan's factory and the map.

>"Can you tell me who you are, girl?"

>You refuse to utter a sound.

>"Judging by your backpack, you're neither a Diamond Dog, nor a Saint's Bro."

>The place is too dark. No items for escape. Your nails aren't even that sharp to cut through rope.

>"Hmm...this map of yours...it's a construction blueprint, yes?"

"..."

>"Hmph. No matter. You may be of use to me, so I won't kill you right now. Maybe tomorrow, though..."

"..."

>Cherry's phone rings. She answers it with haste.

>"Wheat, talk to me. Are you at the construction site?"

>>"Y-yes, mistress. Should we launch an attack? There's a person of interest on that site."

>"What? Who?"

>>"Nolan's girl. Amy. Too risky or...?"

>"Hahaha, no. I'll get my men to launch an attack. We know where Nolan's hiding, and taking his girl wouldn't be too much of a risk as it was before. This week, we WILL have Saint's Bro at our grasp!"

>>"Very good, mistress.

>Cherry takes her phone and calls someone.

>"Donald, Pigpen *, grab your men. I need you to launch three attacks at these coordinates."

[spoiler] Viri footsoldiers. See Issue # 27[/spoiler]

>Oh no. They're going to attack Nolan's house!

>On retrospect, that wouldn't really be your concern.

>But Amy...if the girl Cherry was referring too was Amy...Nolan would lose his temper!

>"...and at the last coordinates, there's a person of interest there. A girl. Blue complexion with purple hair. Bring her in ALIVE."

>Cherry closes her phone.

>"Now that tha-"

*RING*

>"Hold that thought."

>She grabs her phone again.

>"What?"

>>"Ma'm...we have company. It's the feds."

>"What!?"

>Cherry drops her phone and runs outside.

>A few escalator rides later, she comes to the front door of Cherry Hill Industries and greets the officers in a polite, sophisticated manner.

>"Ahh, Officer Normal. To what do I owe the pleasure of you and...your army of sleuths?"

>Officer Normal coughs for a moment.

>>"Ms. Jubilee, we have the right to search your place for suspicion of illegal involvement."

>"Well that's just rude. Aren't these things planned by appointments?"

>>"Normally, yes. However, we got these files from an inmate representing...err...Saint's Bro. We checked your facility's records and found no traces of interaction with Saint's Bro members, so we're going to have rule out libel, for now."

>"T-Then."

>>"If you don't mind, we'd like to conduct this search now."

>"Y-Yes, of course."

>The police enters the area.

>They scatter along the building, searching for whatever the files described.

>Cherry and Officer Normal looks at each other with a slight hint of contempt.

>At that moment, Cherry's phone rings.

>Cherry goes to an isolated room to talk.

>"What? This better be good news."

>>"It is. We got the kid."

>"You got her?"

 

>>"Yeah. We got Nolan's girlfriend."

 

End of Chapter 44