[WolfEx]

The Aquas Depths - A dangerous place for those not fond of swimming or the cold, or, you know, dark maze like places, especially of the cavernous kind due to various hazardous possibilities such as cave ins, collapses, earthquakes, unknown and unpredictable species not yet discovered and no way of knowing their intent. This would be an interesting den and quite the hideaway for those not prone or fond of the surface and the apocalyptic wastes layered above this deep cave system. Many parts of the cavern space is actually quite pretty, with waterfalls, glistening crystals and granite, dancing beams of light kissing the walls and ground seeming like an exciting and almost welcoming tourist attraction at first with lots of potential to find some neat discoveries of artifacts or treasures and a brilliant haven for architects and geologists - in fact this area has been visited many times by the Life Sphere research team, but they wouldn't dare go too deep as only the entrance level has really been explored and mined for research. Other parts contain icy dangers and frozen terrors that could impale or freeze any adventurer in their tracks if they don't watch their step! Best hope those with the worse reflexes and reaction times and little to no battle experience or survival skills stick to the pretty water filled paths.

The deeper levels and more maze-like spaces in this area have been mostly unexplored and left for many to question how deep one can go and what the farther reaches of such a setting would encompass. One could assume that nothing but danger and a death wish may be waiting the further in you go, but for the bolder types who are firmly confident in their strength and abilities, they may find their risk of adventure and daring curiosity could lead to some serious loot and vital finds. If a team were to make it deeper in, it would be beneficial to report back to the Life Sphere government and research department on what they uncover and perhaps, bring some treasures or objects back to gander at.

The current team however venturing into this far off place is not here for exploring and research, but for revenge!

The team would find themselves starting at the entrance of the caves lucky for them, in a safer space to begin their journey to find Tortimer's Gyroid killer and Item Bank thief. If they were even more lucky, the killer wouldn't be too far in and they could avoid added danger than the already dangerous murderer and burglar on the loose. Tortimer waddles his way into the entrance cane firmly grasped in his claw, and looks around the space with serious intent and a vengeful look in his eye.

"So this is where that no good baddie decided to run off to after ruining my life! Too bad for them, I used to be a top Turtle Scout on my home island, and a master tracker! This old shell shucker ain't green to a hunt! Especially when they want justice." Tortimer goes right to work on searching the area for clues as to the whereabouts of the culprit looking in all directions for any signs of their presence. There are various abandoned mining tools and empty supply bags littering the cave floor including lights and lanterns attached to the cavern walls flickering and fading away showing evidence that they have not been lit for awhile and this cave hasn't been visited for a time. There's some mining carts and broken fishing nets surrounding a nearby pond with a small waterfall flowing into it pouring down from an arching cliff above it.

No immediate sign of danger just yet and things seemed quite calm in terms of the vibe and noise levels. Tortimer could easily see himself making a nice hermit home out of this place. "An area so serene housing a murderer. Where there is light there is also darkness....shoot, that reminds me I left my Resetti nightlight on at the house again! Darn! Now that utility bill will be a pain once more!" He sighs rubbing his head trying to stay focused and continues searching the area for clues not waiting for the rest of the group to arrive to get started.

[Sunnivale]

(Madotsuki thinking about a sad past event.)

"..."

Madotsuki knew what it was like to lose someone, which is why she could sympathise with Tortimer in finding his Gyroid's killer. Even though it was only a product related to the dead, Madotsuki could tell that it was precious to Tortimer and it tends to hurt, when something or someone close to another person dies.

Whether she wants the Gyroid killer dead though, well, Madotsuki just had to see for herself if the killer deserved death or some sort of cruel form of mercy over what they did. For all she knew the killer themselves could be just as bad, if not, worse then Evil Vivi, and let's just say, she was still upset with how that time travel adventure had ended.

Even if she doesn't show it.

The Aquas Depth's reminded her of the Pink Sea, where a dream form of her old friend Poniko lives. She hopes that the real Poniko is doing alright back in her world.

It was also where, he also lived, alongside Poniko.

This place was beautiful, but Madotsuki could tell that something sinister was going on deep within it. She wondered if her and her team will find that sinister thing while looking for the Killer.

When she arrived by walking towards the entrance. She saw that Tortimer had already begun work in investigating the area. "Are you starting the search for the killer now?" She thought that he was going to wait until Death, Shadow and Fawful also arrived too. But then again, losing a loved one tends to make someone make rash decisions.

Madotsuki looked further down. "I doubt anyone here is nearby. They likely went further down, maybe we'll fine more clues once we start going down this path." Madotsuki looked onwards towards the further depths of, Aquas Depths.

---

Madotsuki: 170/170
Madotsuki's Bubble Shield: 60/60

[Maverick Hunter Zero]

Death calmly walks towards Tortimer in a more satisfactory human form of Zead, that form being his usual since he chose not to appear in his skeletal form.


"I hope they didn't get very far for you to rough them up, Mr. Tortimer, for I feel as though they might not be prepared for the inevitable." he would say, smiling politely to the elderly turtle so as to not agitate him further.

In truth, not a soul save for the Belmont Clan, various others who have faced him(both in his home universe and on Planet Li), and Tortimer knew that Zead was in fact the Grim Reaper known as Death, he would like to keep it that way but he chose to be subtle and be pragmatic in his approach so he didn't have to end up fighting against his associates in this mission.

[cynda1]

“...Am… Am I the only one who thinks this might be going a bit overboard?” The black hedgehog looked around at his fellow teammates, and took notice of a turtle that was so old Shadow was a bit concerned that he was even on this mission, a girl who seemed all too eager to get this mission going for… some reason, and literal Death himself. The only reason Shadow joined this mission was to help some guy named Tortimer figure out a proper way to avenge his friend.

Little did the hedgehog know at the time, until he read up on it, that “Gyroids” were little more than robotic pieces of furniture. The hedgehog wasn’t even totally positive that the Gyroids were even alive, so it kind of disturbed Shadow that everyone was so gung ho about literally killing someone over this.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong,” Shadow continued. “Destroying private property is bad even if it wasn’t a crime, but I don’t know if we should go killing people because someone broke what’s basically an animatronic piece of furniture… At least, I don’t have any proof that these things are actually alive.” The hedgehog folded his arms over his chest as he raised an eyebrow as the old turtle continued making his… strange observations.

“What are you even talking about?” Shadow rolled his eyes and sighed. “Look, I understand some people have emotional attachments, but I would hardly call this “ruining your life”.” The turtle then seemed to marvel at how serene the place was, and while the hedgehog could agree to an extent… but that wasn’t the point. “Look, I know the police here aren’t,” Shadow sighed again. “The best, but don’t you think you should just… I don’t know, press charges or something?” The black hedgehog shrugged a little. “You know… just a thought.”

Shadow brought his attention to the other two, who seemed all too eager to try and help the old guy find his vandalizer, and Shadow was just… dumbfounded at them. “Do you… do you guys even know what a Gyroid is?” Shadow questioned a bit before squinting at Death for a second and shaking his head a little before bringing his attention solely to Madotsuki. “You sure enough about his… Gyroid to help end someone’s life over it?”

Shadow squinted at Madotsuki for a bit as he tried to get a read on her. The hedgehog was actually a bit good at getting some kind of a read on people… most of the time anyway, but she seemed rather hard to read. He wasn’t sure if what he was saying was getting to her, or if it even mattered, but maybe it did. Maybe Shadow wasn’t the only one who thought this was a bit extreme.

[WolfEx]

Tortimer was approached and questioned by one of his teammates, a child first. He turns around to address her with a raised brow. Unfortunately it doesn't appear he can see her very well at his current distance. "Who's there? is that you Gulliver you nasty thieving bird!?! Was it you who took my precious items and ended my Gyroid's life just like you always took the precious treasures from my beach!? HAVE AT YOU!" Tortimer thrusts his cane outward slicing the air a few times and missing Madotsuki each time since he was so far away. He then winces and juts his head closer towards the voice that called out to him and noticed it was a small girl. He seems relieved.

"Oh it's just a child. Apologies I thought you were an old enemy of mine. Unfortunately I have many of them. And there may not be anyone nearby, but darn blastit I will scour every corner here even right here at the start for that fiend! Sometimes the best hiding spots can be right under our noses! I'll find em and you can help me. Fine. Let's move deeper down. Please don't expect me to adopt you as my granddaughter by the way, I have too many tiny torts to check in on as it is. But if you want me to tell you some stories and help ya sleep! I can do that when we're done here!" Tortimer cackled at his own joke. Afterwards he started to make way down the first tunnel deeper into the cave which was front and center slowly but surely. As he walked another colleague approached him however and he turned around to speak to them. He winced again.

"Oh my. You're a big feller aren't you!?" He doodles over to the figure and stares up at him more closely. "Wait a moment, don't I know you?" After scanning the figure a few moments he understands who it is. "OH IT'S YOU! The one who lied about taking me to a drag show! You still owe me one of those you know! I demand it when we're done here! Oh well. If you want to help, help. But I call the shots got me Bones McGee!?" Tortimer taps against Death's leg with his cane asserting his point then turns back towards the tunnel to carry on. But as he was ready to move again, Shadow appears as well and scolds the old turtle. He turns back around with a sigh hearing the whining. One of the comments that struck Tortimer was about his Gyroid being just a piece of machinery.

"Now you listen here you little disrespectful creature feature sideshow! I don't need your negativity on this mission! If there was a way not to kill this psychopath who did this to my precious Zark and feel accomplished I'd do it. But they were more than just machinery, they were my best friend. Now trust me I would find another way if there was one, but you have to believe me this person, if it's who I think it is, is dangerous and unforgiving! Killing them is the only solution that will stop their chaos or they'll just make more of it and it's nothing less than they deserve! How would you feel if they stole your pretty ring things that you and that blue fellow keep collecting? Or your Irish emeralds and whatchamacallits!? You'd be devastated! Powerless! What do you even use them for anyway!? Blowing bubbles? The police tried to help and they failed. Captain Falconi or whomever and his useless toads are too caught up in other matters that they can't even solve. Now it's time to take matters into my own hands. Follow me and help, but keep your trap shut, especially if it's just gonna be complaining the whole way. Have faith, and me? I'll have blood!" Tortimer raises his cane and shakes it in Shadow's face then turns back to the tunnel finally scuffling his way through it.

As the team enters onward through the tunnel they will notice glimmering jewels embedded into the walls of the tunnel lighting their way, glowing in the dark. There are also glowing blue crystals on the ground along the tunnel lighting the way further. Whether these gems and crystals were of value or not is hard to say, but they certainly helped light the way for the troupe. As the entire team headed deeper down the tunnel they would notice floating jellyfish traversing the air of various colors curiously surrounding the team's heads and showing interest in their presence. As the tunnel was ending it split into two paths left and right. The right path continued to be lit with jelly fish, while the left path was pitch black. Tortimer stops catching his breath and eyeing the paths ahead questioning their next move. "So....looks like we need to decide here folks. Split up and take each path, or choose a path and stick together. Sadly my eye sight isn't great and I'm gonna have to keep to the lit path. But it would be mighty nice if a few of you could go the other way in case that hooligan criminal may be down that way instead. Well..." Tortimer taps his cane to the ground and turns to his team. "What'll it be?" His face is emotionless and he awaits an answer.

Sunnivale cynda1 Maverick Hunter Zero

[Sunnivale]

As Madotsuki arrived, she was mistaken for a rival from Tortimer's past and was almost hit numerous times by his cane, fortunately Madotsuki took a few steps back so the turtle didn't hit her with it, and corrected his assumptions about her. "I'm a girl." She stated as she soon noticed Tortimer realising who she was after his vision was fixed.

He apologised, but stated that he wasn't going to adopt her as granddaughter, she shrugged at that notion. "It wouldn't be the first time." She turned over the next two arrivals for the mission, Shadow and Death, who was taken on a form as a priest of sorts, which caused Madotsuki to roll her eyes, as she thought that the Priest will try and talk them out over trying to stop the person that took Zark, not knowing that it's Death.

However it seemed like Shadow was the one that was going to take that role, as he questioned Tortimer, as well as Madotsuki's motives with wanting the person that took Zark dead. While he had already gotten an answer as to why Tortimer just didn't go to the police. Madotsuki followed his questions over her motives and what a Gyroid is.

But not before staring at him for awhile when he tried to get a read on her.

"Do you know?" She asked Shadow a question instead over what a Gyroid was before she followed Tortimer. She answered his second question however, even if it was short.

"If someone hurt the person you love, would you want revenge?" Before she walked with Tortimer until they reached the two split paths. Madotsuki felt as though the best idea was to split up and check both paths, that way they can find the culprit more quicker, although Madotsuki wasn't going to take the jellyfish path. She didn't want to be electrocuted today.

So, she stood near the darkened path. Seeing as how she had an ability to light herself up, so she can light up the dark path. "I'm going down there. I suggest we split up in groups of two. One of you guys can come with me while the other two can go face those jellyfish down in the other path." Madotsuki pointed down the Jellyfish path, before waiting to see what choices Tortimer, Shadow and Death would make.

---

Madotsuki: 170/170
Madotsuki's Bubble Shield: 60/60

WolfEx

[cynda1]

“...Feature sideshow?” The turtle definitely heard Shadow’s comment, and to say that he wasn’t thrilled about the opinion Shadow shared was an understatement. The turtle started talking about how the perpetrator could only be killed, lest he cause more chaos in the future, and while Shadow wasn’t one to totally ignore the idea of killing a threat, he wasn’t sure if this was a threat that deserved, or even needed to, die. The old man talked about there being no other solution to keep the public safe, but Shadow wasn’t quite so sure about that. “...Prison time? Community service? Being supervised by a parole officer?”

Again, these examples weren’t perfect, but as far as Shadow was aware it fit the crime. The hedgehog simply had no proof this Gyroid was anything more than an animated piece of furniture. Like a toy of some kind. If it had a thought process or opinions like Omega did, he’d understand, but… Tortimer seemed to have… a few screws loose, so he really couldn’t be sure. Tortimer started talking about how devastated Shadow might’ve been if he’d lost the rings he collected or the Chaos Emeralds were stolen, which… only really cemented Shadow’s point, really. “Happens a lot more often than you’d think…” Shadow said with a roll of his eyes. “If we killed everyone who tried to steal a Chaos Emerald I’m pretty sure people would be afraid of us.”

Before Shadow could really try to counter anything else the turtle was saying, the hedgehog felt a hard, and he meant HARD, object smacking the hedgehog on the side of the head, causing the Ultimate Life form to wince in pain immediately. “Ow!” Shadow screwed his eyes shut a little before rubbing the side of his now incredibly sore head. “Watch where you’re aiming that thing!” Shadow scolded with a fierce pout.

The hedgehog then brought his attention to the girl Shadow had tried to get to help him reason with Tortimer, only to be given a point reversed on him. It was true, he didn’t know if these things were alive or not, so he had to shake his head in response. But that was the point, wasn’t it? They were just going to blindly kill someone without actually knowing what precisely a Gyroid even was?

It just didn’t even remotely make sense to Shadow.

The girl asked Shadow a question that she had no idea just how much meaning it had to Shadow. However, the answer to that question only solidified the hedgehog’s own stance. The hedgehog had known, too well, that feeling of longing for revenge. It festered. It was an addiction. Part of it could’ve been blamed on the man who brainwashed him into feeling that way…

…But he often wondered if he would’ve been addicted even without his help.

Regardless, the feeling of revenge, and his attempt to go through with it wasn’t something he was ever proud of. Even if it might’ve been justified, even if he had targeted the man who pulled the trigger, what would that fix?

Before Shadow could answer his own question, the group seemed ready to go through with this mission. The hedgehog shook his head a little, moreso not believing that he was going through with this than anything else, but at the very least they needed to find this Gulliver guy. That, Shadow was certain, was something they all agreed on, even if the hedgehog wasn’t sold on killing him yet.

The black hedgehog took in the instructions that Tortimer and Madotsuki were making, so the black hedgehog opted to take the darker path Tortimer wasn’t so keen on taking. This also happened to be the way Madsotsuki was going, but that was hardly the hedgehog’s concern. The turtle said this Gulliver guy could’ve taken either path… so hopefully Shadow could get to him first. And in any case, Shadow felt this path was the more dangerous of the two, so at the very least, he felt he should go.

“You go with Tortimer then.” Shadow said simply to Death before heading down the darker path in an attempt to get somewhat of a head start on the old turtle.

WolfEx