Justice and its Misnomers [invite only]

Outside of patrol details at his internship, it was a rare opportunity to be hand picked for hero work. I mean... sure they were acting as a bodyguard detail for a narcissistic bigot who loathed their very existence... but Alain was level headed enough to stomach his distaste in lieu such a privilege. Much like his classmate Ryoken, Alain found himself waiting on standby in the lobby of a large Tokyo hospital, the host of a medical presentation by one Tanagaki Ero, a prestigious, if controversial researcher. From the information they'd been given in their dossiers, this man sounded like the absolute last person Alain wished to protect. He was an asshole, hateful and derisive towards the lions share of the global population by sheer proxy of their genetic makeup. But... Gigabite and Thunderclap had instilled serious lessons on the moral impositions applied to heroes in their line of work. All civilians were under their protection, even the spiteful bastards who spat in the faces of heroes.

While awaiting the arrival of their VIP Alain busied himself with an inventory check, a thorough countdown of the various magazines loaded into his equipment belt. "Four mags of pepper... four of rubber rounds, gauntlets preloaded with pepper makes uhh... hundred and twenty rounds total. Enough for maybe... twenty or so scattergun bursts. Two mags of smoke bombs for cover..." His focus broke as a tinted car pulled up, and Ero Tanagaki stepped out to meet them. Despite his stoic gaze, Alain could feel the revulsion in Ero's presence from across the room. It was painfully clear that as much as Alain disliked the idea of playing bodyguard for this guy, he absolutely hated the idea of heroes acting as his protectors in much the same right. Still... their roles called for professionalism, tongues could be bitten until the job was done. He stuffed his magazines back into their belt loops as he moved to join the others, standing at a loose attention. "Blitzkrieg, sir." There was a cold, neutral chill to Alain's tone. Usually when dealing with civilians as a standing hero he held a greater enthusiasm, gearing himself to be more charming and approachable. This was about the best Ero would get out of him though.

Ah, so they'd all wise up and understand the need for introductions. That was well and good, at least these scum had common decency and quirks hadn't totally gone to their heads. That's what Ero would think. His eyes were attracted to the crowd despite each person having something to say. The gluttony for attention. It was like it gnawed at him... He'd pivot to address the heroes. He knew who they were. He'd done his research; Ryoken, Alain, Tyra, and Kyoya. Well... Kyoya wasn't a hero. He was with the protection agency. Strange that they'd allow him to work alongside them. He must have had quite the black belt in some martial art or another. Anyway, he'd glance to Ryoken-" Correct." His attention on Tyra, purely because she said the most. They were an expensive safety net, and as such, they needed to know their place. They were protecting him and most importantly of all, the product! "The ONLY reason you are here is to protect me. That is what was signed over in the protection agency's clause. Now I'm not sure you know how much I pai-"

Kyoya would cut Ero off and half-heartedly co-sign both parties.   "Tanigaki Ero's life takes priority in any and all situations should something happen. I'll be at his side, so you're free to cast your umbrella of protection as you see fit."Neither side was wrong here. He just didn't want the egoist to escalate this into an argument. Luckily Tyra pulled them to the side.

Ero glared at the man for undercutting his legal advantage. Legally speaking if there always was a man on him, he WAS protected, and as such heroes were well within their right to protect others without having to worry about prioritizing. It was a hazard to be that petty, whether he paid for it or not. Kyoya wasn't one for engaging in these kinds of silly debates, but he didn't want Ero or the heroes to get the wrong idea. It reflect poorly on UA as an institution and the agency if things went sour. 

"So be it!" He'd pulled small case from his breast pocket, and tap at it with his finger. "This chemical compound will change the life of millio- No billions!" His eyes pulled back to the crowd outside. Security had slowly built a stanchion gate to cull off regular civilians from joining the crowd of investors, researchers and business folk. Everyone within the line would slowly begin taking their seats, and there had been some production team members testing the mic. They'd even bring two large screens for projecting videos, as each speaker gave their presentation. The scientist would smile big. This was his moment as a creator. YES! Cars pulled up and their tint was a bit suspicious. Out came a slew of individuals, varying in size shape, and look. Naturally, someone so deeply against quirks would gather a fair amount of protestors. They'd stick close to their vehicles... It wasn't their first rodeo. They'd quietly sit by their cars, and due to the podium's vantage point, they'd be right in Ero's gaze when he looked into the crowd. Among the civilians gathering there even were some shady-looking people. Much like the protesters, they'd silently wait.

Whether he was hated or not, the product was more important than Ero himself. Kyoya took a deep breath and steeled himself for this whole ordeal. He'd tap at his ear and get himself on comms with the hero team. Next, he'd tap his cufflink and prep comms for the agency HQ. As the only representative, he was to give HQ play-by-plays. If they did well, he could cover and guard even higher-paying clients. He also would be able to report directly to UA on how well Tyra and the students did. To Ero, he'd speak up once more. "And... if something happens?" Naturally pulling him from the stage was a thought, but with an attitude like that... Would he even allow it? It couldn't hurt to ask. 

"NOTHING WILL STOP ME FROM PRESENTING MY SERUM YOU QUIRKED DEVIL. I could be on fire, and I'll continue to speak on the benefits I can provide for all. For the forsaken average man, and its benefit for you scum as well. " He snapped,  his tone serious as ever.

A slight glint of hate formed in Kyoya's eyes but quickly dispelled itself to procure some proper customer service. This was business... not personal. He didn't have to like Ero. This was just to propel the protection agency.  "......... I see. My pleasure."

There'd be a few people before Ero to present a few things and ideas. In fact, the hospital's owner would share a few words, then the director. Some of the ideas were clever, some redundant, but nothing that stood out to far. With each speaker, the crowd grew lively. There even was a nice few-minute break between each speaker. Ero's speech wasn't too far. To be honest, the crowd seemed happy, but as they got further into the event, there was an ominous tension building. All because of this man. 

Despite the stoicism he showed, Ero's foul mouth and ego were growing a firmly seeded belief in Alain's mind, that this prick would absolutely deserve to live with a few less teeth in his mouth. His bigotry passed like water off a duck's back though, there was no benefit to taking such obvious verbal bait. With Tyra and Ryoken taking up positions around the presentation hall, optimally spaced to take advantage of their quirks in a pinch, Alain joined Kyoya on the stage as an adjacent guard. He had no doubt in his mind that their quirkless associate would be ready to move at the drop of a hat... but Alain knew he could move faster. The defensive bulwark of his quirk and his superhuman reactive speed meant that he could block an assault on Ero directly, or move to apprehend an assailant in an instant.

Between the growing audience of researchers and investors, and the civilian crowd beyond, it took all of Alain's diligence to scan for potential threats. There were some that were known about, but Ero had garnered enough of a dissenting opposition that nearly anyone could be a threat... and that was more dangerous. It made the possible insurgencies more unpredictable.

OOC: Just a reminder this is an outdoor venue in front of the hospital, not a room.

White Glint and Blitzkrieg were still students. Kyoya watched with a raised brow when neither of them heeded Mother Earth's direction. She herself seemed to go off to the side a bit. Kyoya squinted seeing movement at the back again. 

(Key Moment) All the way in the back, near the protesters more came. They were significantly different though. The wore black hoods and cloaks and they're faces were covered in traditional japanese masks. With their get-ups, it was hard to tell if they were armed. As far as the Yakuza went, there were some differing factors depending on what city or family they were directly connected to. This was a big city, so many of these people were connected to different families while still hailing under the same umbrella. Even some of the masks differed greatly, from oni masks, to kistune masks, to tengu masks and so on. These folks were likely the Tokyo Division of the Yakuza, the assumed threat of today's event. They typically moved in secrecy, but for a gentleman like Ero and the anti-quirk group he was affiliated with... they'd make an exception. Even some of the venue goers would put on masks, upon seeing the Yakuza's arrival. Supporters perhaps? Maybe members? Were they planted there ahead of time? The issue was, neither the protesters or the Yakuza were breaking any laws. While the mutants were more vocal, it seemed these folks in masks were trying to put fear in Ero's heart with their mere presence. As it stood both they and the protesters came in peace... for now. They were on public property, outside of the ropes. Security began a fence structure since the number of outside spectators increased so drastically. More civilians would gather out of curiosity, along with both the mutant protesters and the masked group. With the stage set, now was the time to speak. 

The protesters seems to get lively, but still remained outside of the velvet ropes and fence, as did the Yakuza and civilians. Interestingly enough the masks were the least aggressive of the crowd. Perhaps, despite their hate of him and those like him, they wanted to know what merits he was going to present on his invention. There was a steep mix of cheers and jeers from the businessmen and woman, and lab experts in the actual venue crowd. The boos from the outside crowd cast a rather large shadow over them. With the crowd dying down to silence, the tension would only increase as the proud footsteps of Tanigaki Ero marched right up to the podium with lively eyes. No one would make a move. 

"Quite the event we've had so far. " He'd say panning the crowd. "We've seen some great ideas and not so great ideas, if you ask me. For those who are interested, and for those who hate me. Welcome! Tanigaki Ero is my name." He'd smile, as a rumbling of boos and jeers echoed from the mutant protesters... -Such defects- he thought to himself with a grin. "Ooooh~ where to begin, where to begin?" With a half turn, he'd point a little red dot at the projector, whilst holding up a sample of the serum in his free hand. The liquid had a sickening glow to it, the color would shift from a light blue to a dark green and back again. What the hell was it?!??!  He'd begin with a bit more seriousness. He knew these people didn't come for him, so he'd lead with the product.  "Quirks... seems to be a mistake in my humble opinion, but they are something that has blossomed into "evolution." Can we really call it that though? Far too many of us DON'T have these powers. In a way we regular folk a subjected to the way of today's society. I can say for certain, with a very carefully selected test group, I can say this serum can be used as an additive to the bloodstream. More than that, we've test it is on the quirked. These were fine young gentlemen and women, who had quirks that were detrimental to their own bodies. A curse, these powers are... Anyway, as you can see these specimens are in a much more stable condition with the serum present. As much as I'd like to keep this to my un-quirked brethren, this magical liquid saved them." On the screen were monstrous mutants, that would have their quirks dialed down to that of something more humanoid. Some would totally become humans. So of the regular humans under the study, would develop a temporary quirk factor. Some gained super hearing, others could read books at incredible rates. Some even gained flight, and some gained more drastic powers. It was hard to say if this was a net positive or not. What was Ero getting at? Kyouya eyed the man, then Alain, then the crowd who suspisciously grew very quiet. How were they supposed to take this information? 

It's not like he was lying... the proof was right in front of them. The mutants grew louder than usual, some punching and kicking against the fence. "So you just want to get rid of us?!?! Control us!?!? Make us more human? We never stopped being human!" One would shout out. The venue audience would all turn and look toward the protesters. There was a fair amount of concern and a fair amount of truth behind this person's words. "What beasts..." Ero replied in a short and sarcastically afraid manner. "I only wish to apply... normalcy. Uniformity if you will. I bet with enough research, all humans can retain their shape and no longer have to face discrimination." He said this as if he didn't just make such a disgusting comment before replying in jest.  The mutants would roar into a "We're already human" chant. Some Security gaurds would walk over in an attempt to calm them down.  Ero would cackle at the thought. The Yakuza remained still, only watching. Even the few masked persons in the crowd seemed unmoved. The business group hesitated, some thinking about how to market such a thing to development centers. Ero himself was scum, but this product seemed legit. The folks in lab coat were clamoring among one another. Could they make something to compete?

 He'd left a great deal of facts out of his short presentation. He also manipulated a lot of the footage. These fools knew nothing of what they were looking at. He could divulge just a bit more...With both hands up, the scientist would cast a devilish grin. "NOW, shall we open the floor for comments and questions?" Cameras would flash, and Ero was eating the attention up. He was loving this. There was an odd shift in the crowd. Despite the frustration, confusion, bitterness, and wondering faces, the level of interest skyrocketed. A microphone would be procured, and taken by one of the production team to the audience who sat and endured Ero's antics. 

Question 1 was from a younger girl. " Hi, Mei from the university's quirk research department. Um... How much of this do you actually have?"

"Thank you, Mei. I've been hard at work with my team. I'd say we have more than enough for this audience, and even some left over for the riff-raff in the back." The mutants jeered. The rattling of the fence would sound off from their frustrated punches and kicks. 

Question 2 would actually be from one of the protesters, the production member wanted them to have a voice, too... being a mutant, himself. The mic would come to a crying woman. "Why this?"

"The question why and how are powerful agents in science. Whether from me, or from someone else, something like this was bound to come into existence. In the same way, an anti-quirk serum is in the works. " The mutants jaws dropped, but the folks in lab coats riled up with raised hands.  The production member would follow the flow of the crowd. 

Question three would come from someone in a mask, and their question was an important one. A question that had nothing to do with science. Their voice seemed to be trembling from under the mask.  "Ar...ar-aren't you scared for your life?"

"I only fear people use their personal feelings to judge a product I've created, rather than logic. It exists for advancement... that is all.  I hold no real importance besides being it's creator. I could die right now"

It sounded like a challenge. The crowd grew quiet, making the production member a bit confused on where to go next. The business section of the audience? The production member was about to walk to the next person, but the masked person's neighbor grabbed the mic for Question 5. A large brown skin man, who was more concerned about science than a silly question about safety. "It's chemical make up... Could you let us know some of the key components?" Why was this person scared shitless? Who the hell were these masked people in the crowd? Were they all connected? Ero paused, the lab coats would perk up.

"I cannot. This presentation is about marketing. I've got to secure a proper home for it, before disclosing the recipe. " With that, he'd point to the business folks. 

(Key moment)As the event went on... where the hell did the security go??? They were plentiful and easy to spot; tall guys in black polo shirts, armed with tasers at the hip but it seemed like they were gradually disappearing the longer this event went on. Something was up and there were too many people to identify who the culprits were. Tyra who was setting plants into the crowd would be able to investigate. One of the security was in a bit of a shoving contest with one of the mutants trying to get closer. The mutants slowly surrounded the guy, but it was easy to miss with the questions and speaker. Another gaurd would radio into the heroes' radio channel. "The mutants are getting a bit aggressive. Two of our guards have gotten jumped, and pulled by some vines. We're gonna start running low on numbers soon, what do you want us to do?"

Kyoya pressed the device in his ear. "Have you reported this to your superior as well?"

"He hasn't answered since that masked person had the mic for a question. " He'd say. Kyoya quickly called the man's number directly. No answer... The director of security was supposed to be inside of the building behind them, manning the cameras with a few of his employees... at least that's what was assumed. Kyoya looked to Tyra. A disturbance in the back from the angry mutants. There was a scarily large question mark about if there were planted people in the audience. And lastly, the eyes of their operation had been compromised right under their noses in the building behind them. 

Continuing on, Question 6 would be from a slender man with pink hair. "So what are your major goals for this?"

"Well.... personally I'd like to have finished my Anti-quirk serum first. " With a glance at the mutant protesters, even Tyra before continuing. "For obvious reasons, BUT, this isn't about me. It's about the public and what they want. Plenty of serums already exist, in both quirk enhancing and quirk neutralizing make ups. The issue is they exist on the black market and not on a pharmaceutical level. I only wish to provide options for the public. More importantly to create an Alternative society to what we know and understand.  "

A despicable man indeed 

The fact that Alain managed to maintain his stoic visage in the face of Ero's diatribe was nothing short of a miracle. This serum he proposed... it could indeed be a boon for quirkless people. But even as a student Alain had faced some of the horrors that villains cooked up, and the knowledge that a substance like this could exist was a daunting prospect. In the wrong hands this serum would be disastrous, it had the potential to trigger an undeniably deadly arms race between hero agencies and villain factions, the likes of which even Ero couldn't anticipate.

The growing crowds took Alain's mind off of Ero's speech, and not in a good way. Black hoods and eerie masks, popping up within the crowds with a haunting consistency... they'd been warned ahead of time of a potential Yakuza incursion, they had made the most bold faced threats towards Ero after all. It made sense that these garbed folk allied themselves with the criminal faction. Cautious murmurs of the security chief drifted through his earpiece, adding another layer of stress to the situation; only cut short when Tyra's voice cut through the haze, a beacon of order and direction amidst the growing chaos.

At the behest of her orders Alain moved towards the edge of the stage; catching Ryoken's gaze and nodding towards the building behind them as he dropped to the ground, and began making his way along the barricades towards the crowd. At his height Alain stood a solid head over much of the crowd, his burly body a visual wall of intimidation against potential aggressors. Being so far from Ero meant that he couldn't react as quickly, especially with no kinetic charge saved up. But in this position he could react faster to anyone moving in the crowds, a trade off Alain was willing to tolerate for the mission.

Ero paused, resting a firm hand on his head when Tyra grabbed a microphone. The mutants in the back seemed to be fuming, their attention now pointed at the girl. Many would quiet down, while others felt more frustrated as if it were a cosign to the asshole. "I don't quite remember giving that talking weed the floor to speak. But since everyone is in a bit of tizzy, perhaps a recess is in order." The scientist sighed. With the newfound silence, things seemed equally as tense. The masked individuals in the back would begin to walk toward the gate, when the mutants collective rage waned. "Go home!" "You're ruining our way of life." "You and your group are a stain on Japan." They're complaints actually weren't too far off from the Mutant protesters. They didn't like the divisive nature of the scientist and the anti-quirk group he aligned with. He was to start with mutants, and like move on to transformers and emitters. This made him an impending threat if allowed to thrive. Their frustrations caused some of the mutants to get riled up again. The security guards looked to Tyra. The mutants... they'd listen to her and her immediate presence would help calm the masked people down. 

The masked folk in the crowd would nod in agreeance. Something was up with them... As for those who grew sick of this whole debacle had been packing up their briefcases and readied themselves to leave. Now that there was some foot traffic, this only made figuring out the possible threats even harder. If they were in this crowd, now was a prime time to strike. It was as if Ero was setting the stage for something to happen. Welcoming it even... Kyoya turned to him "I believe you should step down from the stage. I can't quite say this is the safest period. You can return when the recess is over." A natural train of thought met, with Tanigaki refusing. "I've worked so hrd to get on this stage. I shall be here from start to finish. According to that silly academy, and your protection agency, I'm in good hands. Though I've set my own preparations as well." What the hell was that supposed to mean?!!? Kyoya, tapped his earpiece and chatted with the agency. Perhaps some changes could be made mid-mission. This guy had a death wish. The agent would signal to Tyra with his hand, to let her know Ero wasn't going to budge and to stay on high alert. In a whipser to Tyra, Ryoken and Alain, "I think Ero might have some Alternative goons creeping around. They're an anti-quirk terror group. I can't say I'm surprised. We know he doesn't trust quirked people."

-Ryoken would be the first to find out, as the main office for security was decorated with tall bulky men toting specialty guns and equipment. One man's gun was a needle launcher, and attached to the magazine was the very same color changing liquid Ero was boasting about this whole time. A curious weapon. They seemed relaxed despite being security going down. Well of course they were. They were the reason... What did they have planned? 

-Back to the venue, one of the mutant protesters would hope the fence, and make a mad dash for the stage. There was always one... Scarily enough a glint could be seen from one of the rooftops. A red dot wouldn't appear on Ero, but on the mutant. "Ah, how unruly." Tanigaki Ero's voice boomed as he swiftly mic back on. "Pffft... Mutants." This being a verbal cue for the sniper to shoot. 

-In the crowd of businessmen and scientists, a disguised Kirie would give her disguised partner in crime a nudge with her elbow. "Welp, the plan kind of worked itself out in our favor. Especially since we've our secret weapon in the fray. All we gotta do is divide and conquer until the deed is done. Sad such a great mind sits in such a disgusting guy...  Let's regroup to the boss when this is all over." It wasn't just Gauss and Kirie, there were a few other yakuza members in sprinkled through out and in disguise.