Soft Lock/Transcript

[The scene starts off in the Hidden Heroes game where Lamar and Tari are out there wandering and trying to survive.]

Tari: Okay Lamar, Evelyn’s gone mad, Masa’s been eliminated and we still have um- 3 minutes till Sofia’s program finishes, but- [Both Lamar and Tari run along] THIS IS FINE! [Tari jumps towards the rim of a wall.] Right? [An explosion hits them indirectly as they fall off. Tari lands perfectly while Lamar falls face down as he gets up. As soon as they gain their footing a lot of soldiers gang up on Tari and Lamar as they surround them.] OH COME ON! [Tari and Lamar both get ready but an eerie fog sets in for them all.] What the?- [Evelyn takes out the other players one by ones the other soldiers fall.]

Lamar: It’s Evelyn. She’s trying to wipe out everyone in the whole game!

Evelyn: Hello again.~

Tari: Lamar! Stick with me! EVELYN! COME OUT HERE! [Evelyn takes down another soldier.] YOU WANTED TO FIGHT ME REMEMBER?!

Evelyn: Oh don’t worry, I’ll get to you soon enough.~

[Outside by the player card screen more players are being wiped out as Lucks is smiling and nodding in approval.]

Sofia: Come on guys, just a bit longer. [Sofia brings out the transfer as there is close to only 1 minute left.]

[Theme song plays]

[The scene cuts back to in game where Tari and Lamar are surrounded.]

Evelyn: AHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAAAH! I told Lucks I didn’t need a partner. [Tari tries to find Evelyn by her AI vision but fails to find her.] I will kill you first and then your friend there and finally IT WILL JUST BE ME LEFT!

[Tari could not react in time as Evelyn slices at her where Tari yelps in pain.]

Lamar: TARI!!!

Evelyn: Ahahahahahahaaah!~ [Lamar tries shooting at Evelyn but the shot misses to no avail as Evelyn disappears into the fog.] I figured you out you know.~ [Tari gets struck again by Evelyn as she yells out in pain once again. Evelyn then shows up from the shadows as Lamar sees her and tries to shoot an arrow but Evelyn deflects it and uses a firecracker to stun Lamar.]

Lamar: NO NO NO NO NOOO! [Lamar checks the timer as the there are only a hefty amount of seconds left.]

[The fog starts to clear up as Evelyn slowly walks towards Tari.]

Evelyn: That power of yours, it’s so predictable. Coming up with the silliest strategies over and over.[Tari tries to fight back but Evelyn disarms her. Tari then scans for another way out as it is looking grim for her.] Hmmm~ You’re just not special- at all.~

[Evelyn readies her sword to strike as Tari’s AI vision frantically searches around but a purple mist entity glitches her vision a bit as Tari’s vision turns purple.]

Tari?: What in the- [Evelyn plunges her sword but Tari dodges as she disarms and punches her as she does a few sword slices against her. Tari? then gets ready as Evelyn then picks up a sword and the two start exchanging blows back and forth as bit as Tari then staggers her by running up to her to do a wall flash kick where she is high into the air where she then uses the chain to drag Evelyn and then do a brutal sword strike to demolish Evelyn. Tari then does a fancy sheathing of her sword where Evelyn finally falls down and is taken out of the game.]

Lamar: OH YEAH! THAT’S HOW IT’S DONE!!!

Evelyn: NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[The splash screen turns off as it shows Lucks worried face as the timer finally reaches zero on Sofia’s computer as the phone to cartridge transfer was complete.]

Sofia: It’s done…IT’S DONE!!! [The escape protocol shows up on Sofia’s computer as she then activates it. Where the stadium then pulls out an emergency evacuation.] Attention everyone, this is an emergency broadcast. Please evacuate the stadium immediately. [The crowd were in shock and confusion.] I SAID IMMEDIATELY! Go! Go! GO!

[Sofia types on her computer as Tari gets out of her pod to look around a bit before seeing the Hidden Heroes cartridge there.]

Tari: [Gasps] The cartridge! [She makes a dash for the cartridge as she tries to reach for it.]

Evelyn: HRRGGGGHHH!!! [She grabs Tari’s wrist forcefully.] THIS WAS MY SPECIAL DAY! AND YOU RUINED EVERYTHING!!!!!!!

Tari: I’m sorry. I’m just trying to save my friend.

Evelyn: URRRRGGGGHHHH!!! [Evelyn is just so angry as she wrestles with Tari to keep her from getting the cartridge.]

[Masa is about to get to the stadium as he bumps into someone sinister in the stadium. More TAStaff starts to appear as Masa starts to get on comms.]

Masa: Lamar there’s more agents here than we anticipated. I’m going to make a distraction. You get to the main stage, secure Tari and the cartridge, and get to safety.

Lamar: What kind of distraction?

Masa: This one. [Masa starts to make a run for it.]

Lucks: Security! I want a complete lockdown and sweep of TASCorp HQ at- [A bit of a pause] You found who in the labs?!

Masa: HHHRRRRAAAGGGHHH!!! [Tackles Lucks into the ground]

Lucks: YOU!!!

Masa: Hello Lucks. [Furiously punches Lucks face]

Lucks: GET HIM OFF ME!!! [He orders the TASGuards to come on over to get Masa off him.]

[The TASGuards come on over to get Masa off of him. Masa gets restrained as Lucks gets up. Masa then gives Lamar the signal. Lamar gets onto the other side as he gets on the comms.]

Lamar: SOFIA! FLASHBANG! NOW!!!

Sofia: On it! [She starts typing on the computer as a massive flash of light happens and blinds Evelyn.]

[Tari then pushes Evelyn into the pod as Lamar locks the pod.]

Evelyn: [Bangs on the pod door] LET ME OUT OF HEEEEEERRREEE!!!!

Lamar: Thanks Sofia!

Tari: Lamar!

Lamar: Catch up’s later girl! We gotta go NOW!

Tari: Right! [She then makes a dash for it again as she is about to get the cartridge but then pauses.]

Lamar: TARI! COME ON! WE GOTTA GO!

Tari: But…Theo’s not here…Which means-

Lamar: ….Look there’s nothing we can do about that right now. We just gotta try and regroup first okay?

[Tari looks at the other TASGuards coming in as she hesitates for a moment before taking the cartridge as both Lamar and Tari get out of there. The scene then cuts to the van where Masa seems to wake up.]

Masa: Ughhhh….[Wakes up]Nggh…

Lucks: I WANT a media blackout! Embargo any journalist that was there tonight and bring LEGAL DOWN on any that don’t fall in line!

[Masa looks around as he eventually sees Belle.]

Masa: Belle?

[Lucks goes to the backside as he opens the door to go into the back of the van where they both were.]

Lucks: Well look at that. The team’s back together. Masa: Not the whole team. We’re still missing a certain someone. [Lucks takes a seat.] You wouldn’t happen to know where Lucinia is would you Lucks?

Lucks: [Looks at Belle] And when did you get poisoned by his insane conspiracies?

Belle: When I found out how long you’d been lying to me. [Pulls up the footage of Lucks finding Lucinia.]

Lucks: Coconut boy gave you that did he?

Belle: Not even gonna try to worm your way out of this one, Lucks?

Lucks: Everything I did, I did to protect this company. And until the point where you BETRAYED me THAT INCLUDED the both of you! There are things at play here that neither of you KNOW OR UNDERSTAND-

Masa: Yeah well we have the server now. So we will understand soon. Right?

Lucks: We will see about that. [He gets up as he goes back to the front seat as he turns up the barriers.]

[Masa and Belle look at each other as some awkward silence is there between them.]

Belle: ….I’ve just realized I didn’t say this before but- I’m…sorry.

Masa: It’s not your fault. Plans can go wrong. I know you gave it your all.

Belle: No I don’t just mean failing to get Coconut Boy out I mean. I’m sorry for- ugh- everything. Maybe if I had helped you when you came to me a year and a half ago we wouldn’t be in this mess tonight.

Masa: Well you’re here now. And that’s what matters. Of course I wish here didn’t mean the back of the holding van. But what can you do?

Belle: [Chuckles a bit] Seriously I missed you Masa. I just missed hanging out like we used to. Last time we did feels like a lifetime ago.

Masa: Yeah- It would’ve been- the night before she disappeared.

[A flashback scene happens as it shows Lucinia on the controller playing Ultra Jump Mania.

Belle: Ugh! I’m getting bored! Where’s this new speed running trick of yours?

Lucinia: Calm down little mispatience. I’m almost there.

Lucinia stops at a certain place in Ultra Jump Mania.

Lucinia: Okay here we go. Watch carefully now.

Belle: Yes. Sensei.

Belle brings her hands together as if bowing to Lucinia. Lucinia gets to the ground as she does a trick with the bird bat where she uses the coconut to fling the bird bat into Theo to make him clip through the wall and onto the other side.

Belle: Whoaaa! That’s not bad.

Lucinia: I discovered it yesterday and I figured HEY if I can’t have the speed run world record, I can maybe shave a couple seconds off Belle’s. You wanna try it?

Belle: Pffft. OBVIOUSLY!~

She was about to get the controller before Masa comes in to greet them.

Belle: Sup captain?

Lucinia: Hey Masa, what are you doing down here?

Masa: Lucks sent me to get Belle. We’re late for a press conference.

Belle: Ugh…Come on Masa. You know I HATE those.

Masa: Yeah I know, we all do. That’s why I am going to hide out here and pretend I can’t find you. Now what are you ladies up to?

Lucinia: Just an old dog teaching some new tricks.

Belle: Come on Luce, you’re only 6 years older than me.

Lucinia: That’s a lifetime in Meta Runner years. I can feel my self growing more tired with every passing day.

Masa: Well to be fair, anyone would be tired if they had to raise that living ball of chaos that is Sofia all by themselves.

Lucinia laughs at Masa’s statement lightheartedly.

Lucinia: Yeah I mean I love her to bits but I’ve never slept better than the night she moved out.

Both Belle and Lucinia chuckle a bit lightheartedly. Masa gets a call from Derek Lucks himself as he picks it up.

Masa: Hey boss.

Lucks: Masa! Have you found Belle yet?! I’ve been holding the press off for 10 minutes!

Masa starts to mock Lucks a bit as Belle and Lucinia laugh silently.

Lucks: She’s a mainline runner now and she HAS responsibilities. It’s not ALL playing video games you know.

Masa: Yeah I found her don’t worry.

Belle: Sorry! Yeah I’m coming now. Oh hey Lucinia’s here too! Should we bring her?

Lucks: What? No I don’t need her.

Lucinia just nods.

Masa: Okay well whatever you say boss see you soon.

Masa ends comms with Lucks as he talks to Belle.

Masa: Go ahead to the conference room. I will meet you there.

Belle walks on over to the conference but not before looking at Lucinia. Now only Lucinia and Masa are there.

Masa: Hey! I am sure he didn’t mean it like that.

Lucinia: No it’s fine. Belle’s the young hotshot and you’re the Star Captain. It makes sense that you guys get all the press. And hey like you said we all hate the conferences anyway. I’m glad I haven’t had one for- several months.

Lucinia’s mood turns a bit sour.

Masa: Luce you’re one of the best runners I know. You belong on this team. Understand? And that means you don’t have to hang out in the science labs looking for help.

Lucinia: No that’s not it Masa. Some scientist needed volunteers for his new performance enhancing tech and I just wanted to lend him a hand.

Masa: Does Lucks know?

Lucinia: Well- it’s his company- Surely he would have some idea of what’s going on.

Masa: …Yeah, I guess so.

Masa gets a call once again.

Masa: Speak of the devil.

Masa gets up as he starts to leave.

Masa: Alright I really have to go now. I will see you tomorrow okay?

Lucinia: Yeah- I will see you tomorrow.

The flashback ends.]

Belle: So do you think Lucks really did know what would happen?

Masa: It doesn’t matter. Like Lucinia said Lucks is the head of the company. He either killed her intentionally or he killed her through negligence! Either way her blood is on his hands.

[Lucks is shown to be feeling bit- guilty as he sighs.]

[The scene cuts to a secluded highway where Lamar’s car is driving as he meets up with Sofia. Lamar then gets out of the car to greet Sofia who is holding her laptop.]

Lamar: Sofia, you okay getting here?

Sofia: Yeah I-I’m fine. Were you followed?

Lamar: Nah we’re good. He made too much chaos at the arena for anyone to try to tail us.

[Sofia then sees Tari as she gasps heavily in joy.]

Tari: Sofia!

Sofia: Tari! [She hands Lamar the computer as she goes to run and hug Tari.] I’m so glad you’re safe. And you guys got the server cartridge! Quick! Give it to me! I’ll release the data right now! And TASCorp will be finished!

Tari: ….Sofia, we can’t…Theo didn’t make it across.

Lamar: My guess is Belle got caught out once Lucks went on high alert. So Theo is still trapped at TASCorp. Not only that we Masa. Again. Fortunately that cartridge staying private is the only thing keeping our friends alive right now.

Sofia: NO! We were SO close! Ugh… So what now? We cut our losses? Trade the cartridge back to Lucks for our friends?

Lamar: That ain’t going to work either. Remember last time we made a deal with him. He shot Masa’s arm off, crushed Theo’s cartridge, and kidnapped Tari. I don’t think Lucks gotten any more chill since then.

Sofia: So what? There’s nothing we can do? We’re just stuck in this- limbo?

Lamar: I- ugh-

Sofia: Ugh-

[They both sigh as they are at a loss as what to do. Tari is then contemplating about something as she looks at her hands and the cartridge before she goes to look at them with a stern look in her eyes.]

Tari: No! This ends tonight. I-I’m not Masa but I do have a plan. It’s dangerous though. It’s an all or nothing play. We either win big or we lose everything. There’s no in between.

Lamar: Will we get our friends back?

Sofia: And take down Lucks?

Tari: I think so. Yeah.

Lamar & Sofia: We’re in!

Tari: Thanks guys. I won’t let you down! Okay!

Sofia: Oh waiwaiwaiwaiwait! Sorry Tari. [She is off to get something for Tari.] I completely forgot to give you something. [She rummages through the luggage and then pulls something out.] Haha~ [She pulls out Tari’s iconic blue hoodie. Tari gets excited as she sees the hoodie.] I made a new one of these. You know- For the tracker in your arm.

[Tari starts to put on the hoodie.]

Lamar: Haha~ That’s a good look for you.~

Tari: [Finishes putting on her hoodie as she turns to Lamar and Sofia confidently.] MD-5! Let’s finish this!

[Episode End]