[Tokyo] Behind the Silverbright Sheen

There was a short silence that followed after the three spoke.Stephen looked to be compiling the knowledge he was given as quickly as he could by the way his brow furrowed in thought. Umi was a whale who could release water and a powerful sonar wave that seemed to affect her as well. Miyuki could produce fire that can melt through most things he surmised but there must have been a reason he was hesitant to use it. Kitana had speed on her side but not total control in some cases and limited usage. There was also the trump card Kitana had laid out which seemed to both surprise and worry Stephen.

Finally, he spoke up. "Kitana. I would keep that information very secure. If my mother finds out about it, there is no way she won't do her utmost to exploit it. As advantageous as it would be to use it, as you say, use it as a last resort." He looked to Umi with a kind smile "Bless you, you big innocent sea angel but as it stands, Sicily is under extreme house arrest which is funny considering this isn't even our home. She is being granted ammenities and her own room but she is forbidden from leaving it unless directed by my mother. Essentially, she is being held against her will and....has hardly been given any time to rest. Overworked...." his knuckles turned white, "...kept from her dreams. Kept from her friends. Platinus isn't exactly lying to U.A. but she isn't telling the most important, blatantly left out parts. She can be freed but only by the hands of those that wouldn't arouse too much suspicion. I can only do so much on my own..."

He quickly gestured to a picture of Platinus....standing front in center amidst a bunch of different robots.

"Sicily is being held 12 floors down from here but is being guarded by several robots you see here in the pictures. I couldn't tell you much on their specs other than a few things; they're not allowed to harm Silverbright family members but are allowed to detain them, they only take orders from Platinus herself.....and to not worry about destroying them...they're...mass produced. They all have personalities but they suck as they consider Platinus their...." he shuddered "...mother. I will say they have a shared memory per model and can learn." He smiled to Umi, "If it makes you feel any better, feel free to consider them villains"

"The first few basement floors are a training facility to entice students with the use of Silverbright products and other prospective heroes. You'll probably be faced with simulations and the like alongside the bots who will purposefully take it easy on you. Once you reach the goal, you'll be offered the reward of a basic, flimsy product that once taken will lead you to an exit. If you ignore it and proceed down a corridor to the left, there is an access tunnel I can open up that will lead to the lower floors...but beyond this point, the bots will definitely try to harm or capture you...I can guide you from there.....and as a supervisor, you have my permission for full use of your Quirks down there....."

There was beeping from above to signal the cameras were turning back on. Stephen took a deep breath and hurriedly finished his plan talk. "...in a short bit, Sicily will have to take part in another show for yet another product set on the fifth floor showroom. There is an express elevator leading to and from her room but is much too secure on the fifth floor. You can take it back up but you only have one shot. I'll fill in the blanks later. For now, we'll proceed...meet with Platinus, get you all down there...." The cameras whirred to life, prompting Stephen to briskly speak the last words."...and get my sister out of here." 

He was about to resume his facade again when he could feel his stomach sink as the door from the opposite end of the room. In walked in a figure that was unmistakable and flanked by two others.



"Stephen, dear. The cameras in the room have been malfunctioning....have you not fixed them yet? This is 3rd time this week."

It was Platinus. She had entered the room so casually. Stephen did not expect to be seeing her so soon.

"Stephen, dear. Are you actually giving a tour? That's below you, dear. You should let one of the staff handle these children." she said as much with a dismissive shrug followed by snickering from the two other figures nearby which matched at least two of the bot featured in the picture.



Stephen girded himself as he stood up straight as if by instinct. "I was thinking these ones could be shown the training grounds! They're students from U.A. who are interested in our product!" He said so with as much gusto would allow that wouldn't oversell his performance. The woman hummed thoughtfully as she scanned through the group.

"Permanent smile...a large...whale...and some fox. Rough around the edges but I can't complain; money is money, after all." she clicked her tongue and gave a wave of her hand. "Yes yes show them down but come right back to my office, dear. Sicily is due for another show in less than 10 minutes. Let the staff below ground deal with them. It's nice to see such fresh faces so interested in our business...come again and all of that nonsense...off with you all. And please, Stephen, get the cameras fixed posthaste!" commanded she with a rather sharp tone.

She turned to leave with the bots in tow but now was someone's chance to speak up.

This was a lot of information for Miyuki to take in. In fact, it was too much information. Miyuki couldn't keep up with everything that was coming out of this guy's mouth, like this was a rapid-fire mission briefing. Security floors? Robots? Specific directions a little kid grown-up like him was supposed to follow? Miyuki's eyes didn't quite glaze over, but he wasn't exactly paying that much attention, either. It was enough for him to stand his ground for one of his fellow classmates. Sure, she was 1-A, but that didn't mean a difference to him. Miyuki was still in.

"N-No way! I said I'd help my friends, and that's what I'm gonna do! I, I'll do my part, I just... I'll follow your lead, or whatever, Kitana. I trust you."

Miyuki only had enough time to address Umi's concerns with a quick, upward scowl. Was she here to help or not? Who cared about some stupid rules! What was happening here was messed up! He didn't say anything, of course. He didn't want to hurt Umi's feelings... but why didn't she feel the same way? It made no sense to him.

As for the bi- "Bad Mom" that entered the scene... well, Miyuki got a lot quieter when it came to acting uppity in her presence. She was... well, she reminded him a bit of Miss Flashfire... and not in a good way. Miyuki was even more lost when Kitana took the lead, and in the way that she did. It wasn't like how he had come to know the girl at all. The monstrous boy merely stared from afar, occasionally looking between the conversation and Umi, hoping that the latter may be able to figure out what to say. Eventually, Miyuki settled on doing what he thought was an impressive, heroic pose: puffing out his chest and baring his many fangs. He wasn't ready to mouth off to someone like... well, you know.

The moment Kitana stood in front of Platinus, the woman wore a look of disdain.Like Kitana was below her in all manner of ways. This was just an uppity brat. Everyone wanted a piece of the proverbial pie and this tailed annoyance was no different. As irksome as she was, Kitana was appealing to a side of the businesswoman could not resist; an easy way to make money. Sicily had been lacking lately and was losing momentum in her shows. The show was about to begin and there was little time to argue with a walking opportunity. Besides, she wasn't family so there was little hassle. And besides, she was offering for free. 

"Tch, are you really considering her? She's riffraff! Streetrat! I don't buy it! If-" started the female bot with sass only to be interjected by the taller, regal-looking one.

"Madam, with all due respect, you deserve much better! Miss Sicily has been doing JUST fine."

A sharp cough from the woman made the two bots seize up and flinch. "Fox. You seem to have a stable head on your shoulders. You say you have great interest in my company and that, child, makes my heart sing. This upcoming product is extremely important and some might just disassociate it as a family matter if my own daughter were to demonstrate its capabilities." a look of smugness spread across her lips. "If a prospective student with a bright future were to show off its worth, such as yourself....hmhmhm..." 

She was already calculating the results with a small nod. 

She took a few steps, placing an uncomfortably luxurious gloved hand on Kitana's shoulder. "I say you have a deal." she looked backed to Stephen who looked aghast, meeting his mother's gaze. "Take those two down to the training center then with the other one. I have to make sure our friend here is ready for the presentation." She chuckled softly then looked to the two bots who were equally aghast as far as their body language suggested who then straightened up when their names were called "Akane, Hayate...with me. Make sure our new friend is....watched. Come now, fox. With me...."

The four then departed through the door they came through, followed by Stephen who urged Umi and Miyuki to follow. He looked particularly distressed about that whole exchange and with good reason. While most would see Kitana walking alongside Platinus, he would see a red-eyed shadow with their talons securely fastened into the fox girl being none-the-wiser. To be fair, he had a feeling Kitana did know of his mother's real nature but there were things he knew that she didn't...and that terrified him. 

They arrived at a set of elevators not long after. Hayate, the butler-looking bot, stepped forward and pressed the buttons to summon the elevators. There was an odd silence and a tension that hung in the air between the time the button was pressed and the time the doors opened. Glances were exchanged as the bots warily eyed Kitana, Stephen eyed the bots and his mother, and so on. When their mode of transportation arrived, Kitana was corraled into the box followed by Platinus and her two bots. Stephen then watched the doors close with the departing words of his mother that reeked of kindness but told another story "Don't disappoint me now, dear!" Then, she flashed him a look that could freeze water right before the doors closed completely.

Stephen sighed and shook his head. This was both a blessing in disguise and a disaster waiting to happen. But there wasn't any time to debate those consequences. Not yet. With mother distracted, Sicily would be easier to save now though he was certain she'd have words for him if she found out he had let her girlfriend fall right into the clutches of their tyrannical mother. But Kitana knew what she was doing. He had to place his faith in her. With that decided, he'd bring Miyuki and Umi right into the other elevator, clicked a button, then felt the gravity carry them downward.


Platinus withdrew a mobile device as they ascended to the fifth floor "Contact temp room 3." Kitana would be able to hear the following exchange.

Basement Floor 12
Sicily was getting impatient and concerned. That woman was usually so punctual. The call for her to get ready should have happened at least a coupleof minutes ago. She would not need to wait long. She stood up as soon as the sickening voice of her mother slipped thru the intercom's grates. 

"Daughter dearest....there's been a change of plans."

Sicily scowled then smirked, mockingly retorting "What's the matter? One of the items self-destructed in your stupid face and need to delay the show? Oh nooooo~"

"Haha...still your insolent tongue. I am merely giving you a day of rest!"

Day of rest? That wasn't how her mother operated. A new concern grew in the back of her mind. "Expecting a thank you from me or something?"

"Oh heavens, no! You should thank your replacement for this show!"

Replacement? Someone was stupid enough to actually go ahead and volunteer willingly to support that woman? "Oh yeah?" she asked out of mild curiosity.

"Yes yes some fox girl from U.A. Was quite eager to get on board this little project!"

A great surge of concern came rushing forward as visions of Kitana rushed through her head. Her eyes widened and Avernus and Stella at her side noticed how quickly her blood began to boil. That...fuzzy little idiot! That heroic, adorable, fuzzy idiot! She understood completely now! The pieces fell into place and the message became clear. it was time to get out of here. "How.....nice for you..." she strained saying. She had a feeling if she announced her name or that she knew her, Kitana's "show" might go even worse. So she simply added with a knowing smile and tone "Hey. If your replacement is listening, let her know that she had better put on one hell of a show and that she accomplishes all of her goals."

"Hah, I'm sure she'll do just fine without your words, dearest. Now take the day off, play your games, eat your food, and I'll be down later to have a little chat."

The intercom cut off. Her mother had hung up. She took a deep breath and looked at the doors of her prison. She cracked her neck a few times and stared at it. Time for a breakout.


Basement Floor 1: Training Center for Prospective Faces of the Silverbright Family

Stephen guided the two out of the elevator and into an open circular room with various spaces and the like upon them. In the corner was a reception desk with several posters depicting the Silverbright name and many of its products. Join the family. Become a Siverbright hero for the future! And many other soulless ads. At the desk was a receptionist who exchanged looks and nods with Stephen. Partway in the room was a young man with dirty blonde hair styled in a short spiky fringe and faded on the sides. He looked completely dull but gave the group a small wave.

Just another face to take part in the training exercise. Stephen saw it that way at least. "Alright everyone!" he said in a cheerful tone to dispel his own growing concerns. "You three are going to take part in a training exercise together which spans this floor all the way to the third basement floor. So glad we got a few extras today! Would have been a shame if you had to do it alone, good sir." The youngman stood alongside Miyuki and Umi and waved his hand. He was good at doing that it seemed. "Before we begin, are there any questions? Before you ask, yes there is a free gift at the end and gift shop as well."

Miyuki was glad to be rid of Sicily's mother in a timely fashion. He had a sinking feeling that they'd be seeing plenty of her as they went on their way through this freaky place, but a break was a break. He kept his eyes low; easy enough when he was the shortest person here, even compared to that... robot? They built them that small?

The boy's mind wandered, but he made sure to stick behind Stephen as he escorted them away from whatever Kitana was about to get into. He offered a quick wave to her, but he was gone in the next moment. Even if she hadn't caught it, it gave Miyuki some comfort. They were becoming a team, of sorts. This was like a school exercise!... in a twisted, scary, not legal sort of way. He and Umi just needed to stick together!

...and this guy, apparently. Miyuki waved to him on the second time, casual and noncommittal. He didn't say much, did he? When it came time for questions, he raised his hand, putting himsel on tiptoes to try to make sure Stephen saw him. "Yeah, uhh... what kind of training is this, exactly? Is it like, some kind of big obstacle course? Is there anythin we can't do?"

The words Miyuki spoke brought Stephen back. His mind was caught in a loop of worrying about things that could happen. So much so, he had completely forgotten to explain what this training facility was all about. Sure he had told them of its existence and was of course going to tell them, but it totally slipped his mind until just now. He needed to trust these students. He needed to trust in Miyuki and Umi. He mouthed a silent word of thanks to Miyuki before continuing.

"Ah, excellent questions!"

He said suddenly. He then gestured to the room at large by opening his arms and turning around slightly as he explained. "This training room is a virtual reality simulation wherein you as a group will work alongside a hero to dispatch a villain organization. The villains lackies will be played by Silverbright Industry bots and will span three floors. Each time your clear a stage, this floor which is a lift in disguise, will descend to the next stage. Completing stage three with the high score will grant you a top of the line Silverbright product."

He walked toward the group slowly as he explained the following. "You are free to use your quirks to damage the bots. If you destroy them, that is okay by us. However, using your quirk to harm others of the group is grounds for immediate disqualification as it is greatly frowned upon."

The blonde young man in the group sneered and clapped his hands once. "Whoa. That sounds like fun! When can we begin?"

Stephen stopped just shy of the elevator. He looked to Umi and Miyuki as if to confirm the previous talk he gave them. That once this exercise was over, to take a certain path. They were free to complete the "game" as normal but afterwards would normally be taken back up to the first floor. Another path existed they could take. He hoped they would remember it.

"We can begin when everyone is ready." said Stephen who then stepped over to a booth lined with various buttons. He gave quiet nods to Miyuki and Umi. They were important to this part of the plan. Not third wheels in the least. 

------------------------

Fifth Floor Showroom: Backstage

Platinus followed by her two bots would escort Kitana unto a stage. Beyond the silvery curtain could be heard a dull roar of what could only be surmised as a large crowd attending the show today. Nearest to Kitana was an assemblage of various pieces of support gear. There were ones whose purposes would elude Kitana as while it was clear where the attachment went, there'd be no way of knowing what they actually did. The two bots kept their eyes on Kitana in case the student decided to try anything funny.

"You'll stay right here." the woman instructed without giving so much as a look to Kitana. This was a flat-out command she expected to be obeyed to the letter. The two known as Akane and Hayate gave a glare to Kitana as if to reinforce said command. "Floof your tail or get hydrated or...whatever it is you children do to get prepared." She then took hold of a rather large box embossed with the Silverbright logo on it. "I have a product to promote real quick before we begin in earnest. I will fetch you when you are needed."

She then took box in hand and strode past the curtains. "Welcome one and all!" she would begin, greeted by the cries of excitement and from what Kitana could hear, newscast drones. This presentation was going on live? Whatever the case, she could clearly hear an ad being filmed with the way Platinus spoke so animatedly about a product. 

Akane, the bratty female bot, slouched and thrust out her chest. "Mommy Silverbright likes me best because I AM the best! I mean why else would she mass-produce me? I'm super reliable. reliable enough to put down students who cause trouble! So watch it, fuzzbucket!" Kitana could imagine Sicily popping this bot for calling her that. 

Hayate, the butler-looking bot, coughed robotically. "Madam Silverbright expects you to fulfill your end of the deal. No questions. Our motto here is that a Silverbright promise is to never be tarnished and always upheld." He tapped his cane on the ground resolutely. "Miss Sicily undergoes an extensive show but tonight is special so you'll be needing to work at least five times harder than she usually would and I daresay you lack the stamina for it. Disappointing the madam is tantamount to spitting in her face. If you're as talented as you say you are, we'll have nothing to worry about..."

Akane simply grinned as best she could with her metallic face then straightened up with eyes widened in surprise. "Hayate."

The butler bot nodded in response. "She's making an attempt..." He too looked alert. Kitana wouldn't be aware but right now, many floors down below, the door to Sicily's room was being struck to the point of it breaking. The bots eyes weren't focused on Kitana but instead on something else as if it were happening elsewhere.


The operation was about to kick off in earnest. The training course was about to start. The presentation of Silverbright Industries was going to commence shortly. And Sicily was on the verge of breaking free. The needle was about to drop.

So it was like entry exams... entry exams that Miyuki got to take. This was a perfet opportunity, then! He didn't care about the people that would be watching, but it was the test itself that mattered! He had someone far more important to prove himself to: himself! Miyuki stepped forward, beating his chest with his arms in a comically masculine gesture. "You BET we're ready!"

He looked up at Umi, not quite metaphorical fire in his eyes. He clenched his fist, pumping it high... it met her knee. "We got this, Umi! Let's show 'em what it means to Go Beyond!"

With the confirmation, Stephen took a seat behind the booth next to the employee. He looked towards the 3 in the room, gave a nod then placed his hand on the console before him. The light from the room dimmed and was soon replaced by an eerie neon blue glow that illuminated the features of everyone present. Not long after, the blue light converged in the form of ribbons that danced around freely beforehand. They then started to form the words Silverbright Industries followed by a small fanfare accentuated by a staccato bass. 

"I hope you enjoy the simulation. I took great care in constructing it." spoke Stephen's voice from around them. He then moved his hands around the console. Eventually, the booth vanished from view and the entire room lit up, giving way to the scene of a building being stormed by various faceless heroes that dashed into existence. The three would find pavement at their feet and a blue sky above rife with wispy clouds. The heroes were then met by arising figures in the shape of the bots Umi and Miyuki had seen before. Except another figure was among their ranks. 

A dog...or rather a mechanical one that was blasting away a few heroes with the antennae it possessed.