Chrono Asylum~

[Xodus]

CHAPTER 1. Ed inizia in Venezia ~
(AND IT BEGINS IN VENICE)



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A.M.R.O - HQ

Area: Unconfirmed

2-Jan-1910
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The break of dawn finally seemed to be approaching as two figures stood in a dark room that resembled a small office and stared out of a large catholic styled tainted window. Due to the darkness only the outlines were visible, one of them looked like a tall man who stood behind another fellow who rested on what appeared to be a wheel chair, lost in thoughts while watching the rays of the sun slowly feed at the darkness.

For a while neither of the two figures spoke, an uncomfortable silence loomed over them but soon broke after an intentional cough from the tall figure. The person in the wheel chair still seemed to be staring at the rising sun and soon spoke,

"Isn't this a glorious site, when the night is swallowed up by the sun, if only our sins could be swallowed up as well?" His voice seemed soft and soothing but at the same time was strong enough to hit the heart.

There seemed a slight pause after which the tall figure spoke in a heavy voice, "Sir every one is a sinner but for us there is no escaping, our hands have already been soaked in blood, do you really think that crimson stain can be washed away."

A peaceful smile brimmed on the face of the person who sat on the wheel chair and after thinking for a while, replied. "I suppose not, but doesn't a sinner always cry out for redemption."

The tall figure stood staring at the window but couldn't seem to bring him to reply and instead changed the topic, moving on to the point for his visit.

"Sir, I am sure you know I didn't come here for a chat. I believe you too are aware of the increasing problems that are building up. The number of Alchemists are drastically increasing shouldn't you be more concerned in this matter, what if there is a rebellion." The tall figure spoke in a casual yet slightly worried tone.

"What good will come of it if I do act concerned, I doubt it will stop the problems that A.M.R.O is facing. In fact I believe this is just the beginning the real question is how will it all end?" The fellow in the wheel chair replied in an amusing tone.

"I am sorry sir I don't understand." The tall figure said in a confused and somewhat agitated tone.

"So tell me how the mission in Venice going. I do believe team Gemellie were in charge of that district."

At this the tall figure slowly clenched his fists and spoke, his voice slightly more threatening. "Sir those two have been nothing but trouble. The mission is still on a halt. We still are unconfirmed whether the Italian Mafia is indeed using Alchemy to gain an unfair advantage and those two refuse to go out of their field as "silencers." From what I have heard both of them have been enjoying themselves in Venice, I seriously don't understand how you put up with those two, they are nothing but trouble.

At this the young man in the wheel chair couldn't help but laugh and spoke in a cheerful tone. "Those two are so amusing, I even figured this much. That is why I have sent a few other teams to assist team Gemellie in this mission, they should be arriving in Venice any time now, I even told them the best place to look for those two is at the most expensive casino."

The tall figure seemed to be in a state of disbelief and quickly spoke in a hesitant voice, "But sir.......you know how those two act, do you seriously think it would be wise to bring multi teams in such a trivial mission, especially with those two."

"I don't know.....but one thing is for sure." A short pause followed and suddenly the person in the wheel chair turned to face the tall figure and a mischievous smile spread over his face while he finished his sentence. "It will be fun."


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Italy: Venice
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It seemed to be nearly midnight but neon lights seemed to be lit quite brightly through out Venice but particularly in a famous Hotel/Casino that stood in it's heart. Inside a lot of attention seemed to be on a tall fellow in a red coat who said his name to be Angel, not only due to his strange clothing sense but also due to the fact that he was on a spree of wins in poker. Several lost competitors stood on side glaring at Angel and mumbling with each other. While five competitors still remained head strong believing they have the upper hand. Angel though couldn't be bothered and seemed half asleep while a mass bundle of coins rested on the table in front of him. Several girls seemed to have gathered around him as well cheering the Devilish Angel.

Finally when everyone seemed confident, they all showed their cards, each possessing a fairly impressive hand and almost everyone seemed to have a vengeful smile on their face. Angel though gave a nod as if trying to say he was impressed and than simply threw his cards on the table and collected all the coins and once again the girls started cheering. The other competitors though seemed lost for words and only stared at the cards; it was a royal straight flush. By now Angel seemed satisfied with his eleventh win and with a little yawn turned to the ladies.

"So ladies what say we have some fun spending all this money alone would be so boring, don't you think so. I mean sharing is caring, but will you ladies share with me." A mischievous smile appeared on his face and all the girls seemed to be laughing but before they could reply Angel suddenly got tackled, out of his chair and on to the floor, being buried under the mass bundle of coins.

After he came out of the shock a dull expression came on his face as he thought,

"There is only one person who would do this..."

But before he could even get up a girl of no more than 15 in a fancy out fit seemed to be squeezing the life out of him, refusing to stop hugging. The other ladies though stood confused as to how did a child even get into a Casino and in but a minute the two started bickering.

"Hey I turned my back on you for a minute and you left me to gamble, showoff and flirt with these pompous ladies, you are such a meanie."

Angel though couldn't reply due to the fact he was being choked and once the girl realized this she quickly let go of him and gave a cheerful sorry as an excuse.

After gasping for air, Angel immediately began pulling her cheek as a form of punishment and said in an agitated tone. "Rena, brats like you are not allowed in a place like this now scram, can't you see I am busy with......business."

At this Rena seemed to puff her face and slowly walked away, but just as Angel stood up and turned around she immediately jumped onto his back, grabbing onto the coffin shaped cello case that Angel always seemed to carry. "I am bored, why can't we go to a carnival or something big brother." By now Angel had given up and refused to struggle as he knew it was futile. After a little sigh he grabbed his coins and decided to cash it in.

"Sorry ladies I guess we'll do this sometime else, as you can see if I don't do what Rena says, she will make my life a living hell."

As soon as he started to leave Rena turned her face around to the ladies and stuck out her tongue to mock them. But before he could reach the counter a buffed up man immediately pulled Rena down and grabbed her hand in a forceful manner. "Hey little obnoxious girls are not allowed here, looks like you need to be punished." He spoke in malicious tone.

Though Rena only gave a cute smiled and said in a whisper, "Oooh now you gonna get it," after that she suddenly turned to Angel and false tears suddenly appeared on her face as she said, taking advantage of her cute innocence. "Big brother this man is hurting me."

Right as she said this Angel grabbed the man's arm. At this the buffed man let go of Rena and shouted in an 'all mighty' tone, "You really wanna mess with me, I’ll blow you away." Angel though only stared at the buffed man and said in a jolly tone, "It is true you are very strong, but no one makes Rena cry." After that he grabbed Rena and turned around placing much force on his back causing the large metal cello case that hung on his back to come of its strap and smash against the overly muscular guard, rendering him unconscious.

"Whoops I am so sorry I was just trying to get Rena out of the way, you are still alive right." Angel said while strapping his cello case back on his back, while Rena couldn't help holding her laughter in the back ground.

This commotion though ended up getting the two of them kicked out of the Casino without even letting Angel cash in the chips he won. Now Angel simply sat on a nearby bench frustrated due to the fact he wasn't able to get the money he clearly won. Rena though remained in her cheerful mood as always and stared at the stars as she walked around the bench Angel sat on but all of a sudden she stopped and remained still in one place. At this Angel slowly turned his site towards her, the moon light reflecting of his glasses giving a crimson glow.

"Angel, A.M.R.O is sending us reinforcements to help out with the mission we were supposed to do. Sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier.” The tone of her voice seemed to have changed it seemed more cold and straight forward. Angel though smiled and walked towards her and stared at the sky as well.

“Don’t worry; I knew they would send reinforcements sooner or later. I mean we have pretty much done nothing but enjoy ourselves since we got here. Not that it is much of a problem; it is A.M.R.O’s money after all. Who knows this might actually get interesting, you might even make some friend, and you know how I hate to see you alone……... Rin.”

A smile brimmed over her face as she stared at Angel, her mismatched eyes illuminating the light of the moon. “I don’t believe in friends and you don’t need to worry I am not alone, wasn’t it you who said a guardian angel watches over me.”

At this Angel couldn’t help but share her smile and replied, “Did I say that, hum…..guess I did. I wonder what kind of people are we being teamed up with; hope not all of them are males that would just be boring.”

[Theocrati]

From the corner of the bar, a man watched over the top of his Virgin Mary. Ignoring the dirty looks from the other customers and the 'tender for his choice of drink, as much as his outfit, a greatcoat over a crisp business suit, outlandishly neat in a place of such discordant hedonism, he gave a tisk at the flagrant display of the object of his scrutiny.

"The Devilish Angel.... tss... What a douche....." He seemed a little twitchy, actually, twice he nearly shot to his feet in the five minutes of his sitting at the bar. Once, when an unidentified person shot across and tackled the Erstwhile Gambler, and again when that person- Sorry, that CHILD, was seized by the bouncer.

A loud thwack, and even his somewhat sere face cracked a slight grin.
"Well, perhaps not so bad.... Atty... d'you get that?"

No reply was forthcoming, though a few tables away, a man paid his tab, and stood to exit. Poison-green painted fingernails, baggy duffelcoat and bonafide bondage pants. This one stood out even more, for the disarray he so carefully cultivated in his style.
Well, that, and the pink and green glo-stik rings thickly worn around his wrists.

Having paid for his drink already, the first man stood, and brushed himself off, clearly displeased by the general vibe of this place, before stepping calmly towards the main entrance.

Atty flicked a cigarillo from his pack, covered in smiley-face stickers, and graffiti style doodles, seeing the two troublemakers on the steps, not a few metres away, out from under the architrave. He counted seven seconds, busying himself by finding his lighter.
Puffing away happily, with a little lick of the lips, he began to wander casually down the steps, regarding the clouds, quite pointedly ignoring the way he was going.

A stumble, and he bumped into the small girl who had been kicked out, his lighter skittering away to the ground between the feet of the Cello-playing man.
"Ah! Mmh, eh.
Sorry 'bout that, I wasn-
Heeeey..... you know what? You look like someone I used to know, ma'am.
Remember me? Spare a little change? Times are hard, c'mon.."
And on, doing a failr passable impersonation of some of the city's less respectable penny-beggars.
"... Okay, so maybe I don't know you, but lemme tell you, it's good kharma to give to the less fortunate! And no good turn goes unrewarded! I'll do you a reading! Genuine Gypsy Tarot! I get a good vibe from you! It's coming... yes!... Uh... Yep, got it....
So, how about a little change?"

[Xodus]

By now it seemed well over midnight and the bright stars illuminated the sky, while the moon reflected on the surface of the water. A spectacular site that had several of the nearby tourist in all but awe. Team Gemillie on the other hand couldn't be bothered and even in a city as grand as Venice both of them had an expression that reflected boredom and disappointment.

"How boring, I can't stand these people. How is it they are able to enjoy something so plain." A whisper echoed in a cold and casual tone.

Angel only yawned and after a short pause spoke in a tired tone. "This is the nature of humans. They are so consumed in their own lives that they fail to see simplicity. Than when the fools finally are able to open their eyes for a split second, they are left in awe at something so trivial, does that answer your question........Rin."

A nod came from Rin and without a change in her cold expression or tone she simply poked Angel on the head while pointing at the other tourists who seemed to be staring at the two in a strange manner. "Angel, I think you are attracting way to much attention. Why do you insist on carrying that creepy cello case behind your back?"

Though before Angel could give a reply a lighter came flinging under his foot and someone bumped into Rin.

Rin only seemed to stare at the person who bumped into her. He seemed to be a rather unusual yet some what suspicious character. A smirk brimmed over her face as the man begged for some change, amused by his offer to read her future through cards.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence Rin finally spoke in a cold and emotionless voice. "What utter nonsense, why don't you con someone who is of your mentality." After that she walked away from the 'gypsy' and sat down on a distant bench.

Angel though amusingly watched this from a far and when Rin left he picked the person's lighter and flung it back to him. "Don't mind her, she isn't much of people person, so I suggest you don't get under her skin, at least till Rena comes back."

As Angel said this his hand seemed to disappear into his pocket and once it came out he had a handful of change which he handed to the person and said in a sarcastic tone, "Common gypsy lets see what kind of vibe am I giving."

[Shroud]

"No one under eighteen allowed, miss." said an overly-muscled guy who was checking IDs.

"I'll only be in there for a few minutes. Not like I want to be here anyway." answered Emina in an annoyed tone. The place was full of flashing lights, screaming girls who are only dying for attention, and fools gambling away all their money. They were all so easily amused and she didn't find any part of it remotely entertaining.

"Just wait out here, I'll be right back." said Marcel.

Emina rolled her eyes and said, "Fine, but if you not back in-"

"Yeah, yeah. I know."

Marcel dashed in before she could argue further. He wandered, wondering were the male of the team would be. He was informed that the girl was only fifteen, so he doubt she would be there. After about ten minutes, he had searched most of the place. He decided it was best to ask someone. If he wasn't back outside in another five minutes, Emina would be gone searching on her own.

"Hey," he said to a guy that looked like a manger. "Have you seen a guy that looked kind of...different? He may have spent an abnormally large about of money as well."

"This one guy was carrying a cello case, but that's not half as weird as some of the things I've seen since I started working here."

"Where did that guy go?"

"Donno, he got kicked out, attacked one the guards.He was protecting his little sister or somethin' like that. Now, why don't you try out some of the new slots."

"No thanks." Marcel walked out, getting the information he needed. They had been here, and now they were gone. Once outside, he spotted Emina walking down the street. He hurried to catch up. "Thanks for waiting." he said sarcastically. "I was barely in there for fifteen minutes."

"I got bored." Patience was never a strong suit of hers. "So, I take it you didn't find them and my waiting for you was a waste of time."

"They were there, but got kicked out. I also found out that the guy carries a cello case. Shouldn't be too hard to find him."

"Do you realize big this city is?"

"Of course, but I know a bit about i gemelli di demone. I like to do my research. I don't think they'll be a place that has too many tourists, nor any residential areas. Maybe a few historically significant places could be probable." Marcel turned the corner and entered a medium sized hotel. "We should get a room first, and check out the pamphlets."

Emina wasn't too pleased with the idea, but went up to the manager's desk and bought them a room anyway. Marcel looked through the pamphlets he thought were reasonable places to look. Non of them were all that interesting, but one did mention the canal that was supposed to be a "Jaw dropping sight". This he figure was a good a place as any.

Once night had fallen, Emina was in a bad mood, criticizing Marcel for his lack of information. He barely listened though. The two place that he had took her to he was almost positive. He went mostly for his own enjoyment. If Emina knew he dragged her there for pleasure rather than work, he would be in for a lecture.

"There, a guy with a cello case." Marcel had spotted him easily enough, there were enough light around to see clearly. The two approached, noticing it was not only the Demon Twins, but some homeless person begging for money.

"I gemelli di demone" said Emina. Beside her Marcel sighed, she only knew their team name because he had mentioned it. "We're your back up." He shook his head, always straight to the point she was.

[Theocrati]

Atty giggled around his tobacco-tastic treat as she played along with his mirth, and produced a pack of tarot cards with a flourish, though any trained eye could easily follow the draw from an inside pocket on the coat.
"Ha- ha! Aaah, we have the... mmm... the Gemini! Twins, entwined fates and great destiny, mmm, a very portentous card and the- Uhn?" He came to a stop, his curious noise a disappointed little counterpoint to his beggar-man fast-talk. "Phooey. If this guy's just going to walk up and point it out, there's no fun.
Neh! Pinky~! S'over, come say hi!"

The beggar cleared his throat a little, and stood up straighter.
"Atticus Valios, XIV. Exerach." He said simply, tone warm, but much more controlled.
With a sideways glance at the erstwhile Asylum, ruiner of his fun, he said quietly. "It's polite to introduce yourself first." He took hold of his coat lapels, after slipping the deck away again, his left thumb clearly visible, with it's triple-digit Roman numeral beneath the opaque nail.

A man, under the entrance looked up at the call of 'Pinky' and approached, his mein a striking counterpoint to the moniker.
He bowed his head slightly to the Cellist, and the nearly-pre-pubescent-girl, allowing formality to be the better part of his cordiality, with an odd half-snarl-half-smile, his top lip flipping up to reveal his own Roman Numeral Tattoo.
"Jameson Valios, VIX, Theomach.
It's a pleasure to meet you." He paused, before adding with a glance to the other team. "All of you."

[Xodus]

As soon as Angel heard someone call out "I gemelli di demone" he immediately turned around and gave a pleasant bow. This courteous attitude though was rather unlike him and Rin gave him a stern look as if to warn him of his flirtatious ways.

"So you two are our back up. Interesting, you two must be new. Well than I do hope you know that the 'Gemillie' don't babysit and if you can't take care of yourself or slow us down we will not hesitate to leave you both behind." Once Angel said the last few words in his sarcastic jolly voice, a strange silence befell the group cause for some reason the other could feel as if these group of sociopaths actually meant what they say.

"Well I will be looking forward to working with you two, this will most definitely be interesting." Angel said in hopes to avoid the looming silence.

But coincidentally, soon enough it was revealed that the beggar too was an asylum who had arrived to aid the 'Gemillie' in their mission.

"Yay! Looks like we all are here. Party! party! party!" The little girl suddenly shouted in excitement. If someone knew about the 'Gemillie' they would know the leader of the team was a little girl who had a split personality disorder. Rin was the serious and cold one, while Rena was the jolly and carefree one. Right now it seemed Rena's personality had become the dominant one.

Angel gave a little smirk and soon replied, "Hey Rena nice to see you again." And with that he turned to the others while rubbing his palms together. "Well guys you heard the boss-lady lets get a bite and we can get well-acquainted and brief up on the mission. Its not every day that we get to fight against the Italian Mafia."

[Shroud]

Emina glared at the homeless guy, who was actually another Asylum, but didn't say anything. She nodded at the male, she wouldn't be saving anyone either, except Marcel that is. "I'm Emina, XXVII. This is Mercy." she told them.

Marcel shoot Emina a look for giving them his hated nickname. "My name's Marcel, XV." Rena's excited outburst made him smile. This was one over her personality. The other, he had learned, was more serious. "I noticed a nice restaurant a little ways up the street."

The oddest group of people you could find in Italy made their way p the street and into one of the more famous restaurants. It was probably expensive, but hey, it wasn't their money. The building itself wasn't huge, but was made to resemble some the older architecture in the city. The inside, was just as elaborate. Thanks to Emina, they were seated immediately.

As Marcel was setting backpack on the floor, Emina grabbed it from him and dug inside of it. At first he was afraid she was going to grab one of his knives, but she only pulled out his spare contacts.

"You should all put in a pair of contacts if we're going to be working together. Marcel uses invisible wire for traps and things like that. The only way you can see the wire is if you're wearing the contacts."

In an effort to excuse Emina's rudeness Marcel said, "Emina, as you could probably tell, likes to get straight to the point."

[Theocrati]

Atty reached over, plucking three pairs of the sets of contacts.
"A spare, just in case." He said, by way of explanation, passing one over to Jameson.
"What sort of traps?" He declined to see a menu, ordering a plate of humble leek bacon and white sauce potato gnocchi, in fluent Viennese Italian, Jameson ordered fettucine alla matriciana, as well as quaffable wine for the table.
"So, you suggested this place for a brief, what have you got to say?" Came Jameson's pointed query once the others had ordered.

[Shroud]

"Any kind really; tripwire dead falls, decoys. All depends on what's in the area. Sometimes I use it for other things as well." answered Marcel. "It's a pretty versatile weapon."

Emina sipped her water and looked around as Marcel explained his weapon. The restaurant was very openly spaced, not crammed like a lot of chain restaurants. She didn't like it much, meant less noise and more of chance that they'd be over heard. At least when they were outside there were a lot of people around. She shifted in her seat a bit so that she would be able to see the door out of the corner of her eye.

"So, you suggested this place for a brief, what have you got to say?" said Jameson.

"We have the whole mission to accomplish, they've been here enjoying themselves. Do you two even have the slightest bit of info?" Emina said. She didn't mean to sound rude. To her, she was just stating a fact, didn't matter if they liked it or not. Marcel was used to this and didn't really expect her to be any nicer. He was sure that Emina would be the Ice Queen that she always was.

[Theocrati]

Jameson narrowed his eyes the littlest bit
"We knew enough to contact the Twins before you two, and had the good sense not to just announce ourselves in a town riddled with mafioso, and therefore, alchemists." He smirked gently at the girl.
"As I understand it, our team has the only actual sniffer here, what makes you think you can shit all over Atty's role?
So, forgive us, for not running in and shooting our mouths off, showing off every little piece we know, like the oh-so-cool silencers, I guess we're just a little overawed. Why, I want to kn-"
Atticus raised his hand, letting Jameson know he'd gone quite a bit too far.
"Enemy's out -there-, Pinky, enjoy the fettucine."

Jameson cleared his throat a little, and bowed his head slightly, in an almost apologetic manner, to Emina, returning to his meal.

"Travelling makes him snippy. What did you think it was we should know already? If you have something to share, share it. And, I for one, would be interested to hear our other team's opinion, on the situation here, and on the best course of action, and of the bickering reinforcements they've had thrown at them."