Uncle Dante

Cu, like many others, decides to find a room and go to sleep for the night.

What a strange day this has turned out to be. And it seems like this is only the beginning.

Cu lays down, and proceeds to sleep for the night.

Meanwhile, Dante is still sitting in the lounge of the Hideout with Lucina, Penelope, and the Commander. However, he notices how late it's getting, and decides to go home after a busy day.

Alright, well, I'm gonna head over to my office for the night. I guess we can discuss more tomorrow, along with the others.

Dante begins walking towards the exit, only to be stopped by a now-familiar voice.

Excuse me, sir.

Hmm? Can I help you?

The words you spoke before departing imply that you are a native to this area.

And?

Flare-sama has only allowed those who are not native to this world to use our services for a month without pay. You, however, are a native. Therefore, you are not eligible for a free one-month membership. Please make your payment now, or leave without return.

Oh, right. About that...I've grown to accumulate quite a debt over the years, so it'd be best for me to avoid paying for as many extra things as possible. Would it be possible to open up a tab or something like that?

Negative. Your financial standing is none of Flare-sama's concern. Besides, that would only make your debt worse. Once again, you shall pay or leave. If you continue to act difficult, you shall be removed with force.

Alright, fine. How much is it?

40 pompadallions. If you wish to continue our services after the first month, you will pay 15 pompadallions monthly. Please follow me to the front desk so we can finalize your payment and update your membership.

Dante follows the Mech-Hisui to the front desk, and pays the 40, as well as updating his paperwork he filled out when first joining the Hideout.

Thank you for your payment. We hope you enjoy our services.

Yeah, yeah...I got it.

After making his payment, Dante begins to be on his way once again.

9 hours ago, Agni Blackheart said:

As Magnum looked behind him, Artoria came to see how he was doing. He buffed up a smile just to show that things were OK.

 

 

Magnum: Oh... Artoria! I thought you stood with the rest.

 

However, upon hearing her words, all that Idealis and Elizabeth spoke about them ran back into his mind. Anger started to well up on him again, something he hasn't shown before when leaving the castle.

 

Magnum: I know I acted like a little kid throwing a tantrum, but what would I do? Stay quiet and that's just it? I just couldn't take it... I'd care less if it was directed only at me, but they just assume things because of who we are... as if we never had passed through. That...

Magnum: Pisses me the hell off! Seriously, what the heck?! Goddamnit, they spoke as if we three were just kidding around while everyone else does the hard work! I'm so damn full of their blasted opinion about us! So following their logic, just because I'm an angel, I don't know the pain of humans. To hell with that shit! They don't know a single fraction of what we went through in other worlds! Oh, I'm so damn mad about this that I would simply tell them to f-

 

Hearing himself, Magnum stopped talking, a little surprised on how he exploded. He looked back at Artoria and laughed nervously.

 

Magnum: O-Oh, almost! Sorry, I tend to explode like this and just ramble on and on, haha!

Magnum: But maybe I needed to explode. Whew, I feel better about this now. Thanks for listening to it, Artoria.

Magnum: I'm going to break their bias about us. Just you watch, I'll make them see that we can undergo in the same pain as they do.

I see. Well, I'm glad you're feeling better. But, no need to apologize. I understand where you are coming from. Especially when it comes to allies. Everyone's worth a chance, especially in a situation like this. However, that being said, I can still see why they would want to be suspicious of others as well. Admittedly, it can be hard to fully trust people when you don't know them too well yet. But, I like to remain optimistic. I would prefer to trust them and give them a chance to prove themselves to us. Anyways, would you still prefer to wait out here, or shall we return to the others?

1 hour ago, Mister Fael said:

Jude: Huh? HUH? What just happened?

What? How did you just get here?

Meanwhile, along with the others, Archer continues behind Idealis.

1 hour ago, Mister Fael said:

 

  Hide contents

 

 

 



Joyce: And that's my story.



Hugh: Hmmm...Was drowning on Lake Epsilla, then showed up in a country far away from Unitia...Yep, seems like you got sucked by the same black hole that dragged other people to this place.



Ludger: And my brother was the one that treated your injuries right?



Joyce: Yea-Wait, your brother?



Ludger: That's right...Former Military Commander of Unitia's Elite Force: Julius Will Kresnik. He got labelled as a terrorist after being seen what looked like to be a cooperation with the Terrorist Group Exodus...I'm his brother, Ludger Will Kresnik.



Joyce: I see...Wait a second! Now I remember! Didn't that case got solved eight years ago? How he's still alive then?



Ludger: What?



Joyce: He was killed during a joint operation. If I'm not mistaken, he, alongside Former Military Agent Seila Lilly Yellow and Zwei Wing Singer Kanade Amou were all killed.



Hugh: Hey hey hey! What kind of joke is this?



Joyce: It's not a joke! I had read that in reports.



Hugh: I see...judging by what you said...You're probably not from any world...but from the future.



Joyce: Eh? EEEEEEEEEEH? T-The future?



Ludger: Now that you mention it...People are being dragged from their own worlds...suddenly, someone being dragged from the future doesn't sound so absurd...



Joyce: How's that supposed to calm me? I'm pretty much stuck in a place where nobody will reconize me! I was hoping to meet my friends and tell them I'm okay...but that won't be possible since I'm in the past!



Joyce: ...Sorry...Getting this stressed isn't like me...



Hugh: Meh...I know someone just like you...Getting angry isn't really her thing...She always apologize right after an episode.



Joyce: I see. Oh yeah, Is it okay to introduce ourselves now?



Hugh: Since we spent part of the trip exchanging info and we didn't get attacked, why not? Ladies First!



Joyce: I'm Joyce Jacks Vilude. You know, just like the volcano. My Ancestor Family specializes in Fire Magic, but I also decided to master enhancement magic as well.



Hugh: Hmmm....That isn't any Ancestor Family I heard of.



Joyce: How not? We're pretty influential.



Hugh: Nope...Still not ringing any bells...



Joyce: Well...maybe you're not from one of them.



Hugh: I'm kinda am...But my family doesn't have as much an influence...except for my stupid dad who doesn't seem like he'll show up at home any time soon.



Joyce: (Where I heard that before?)



Hugh: I'm Hugh Maxy Black by the way...



Joyce: Nice to...Wait just a minute!



Hugh: Huh? Hey! Don't get too close!



Joyce: ....if you're really Hugie, then why aren't you younger?



Hugh: Why...What kind of question is that? Also, don't call me...



Ludger: Hugh!



Hugh: Oh boy...you're not from the future at all...but from an alternate timeline instead....One where stuff happened out of order.



Joyce: That...still really bothers me...The fact that nobody will reconize me still stands...



Hugh: REGARDLESS...The warriors hangout is just up ahead...Wheter you like it or not, you're stuck with us until we solve all this shit!



Ludger: W-Welcome aboard Joyce...



Joyce: ...It feels weird to say "nice to meet you" to someone I already met...



Joyce: But...Nice to meet you, Hughie from this world.



Hugh: And it feels weird to have someone other than Yui call me that...

 
 

 

 

So, looks like we've got another person mixed into this mess, huh? Well, anyways, nice to meet you, Joyce. The name's Dante.

@Agni Blackheart

Artoria

After continuing ahead a bit, Artoria makes it out towards the bridge between the land and the castle, and finds Magnum. She begins to approach him to speak to him.

There you are. I'm glad I was able to catch up to you.

Magnum...I can tell something is bothering you. While I won't try to make you to tell me what it is, I still would at least like you to know that, if there is anything you need to talk about, you can always come to me.

Just, don't let whatever is bugging you cloud your judgement. Don't let anything lead you to do something you could potentially regret. Despite some of the issues that have come up, you're still part of the party, and we're all still a team. We're all equally as important as one another, and it'd be in our best interest to make sure everyone remains as close and as safe as possible. Please remember that any mistake can not only end up affecting you, but possibly the rest of us as well. And if the threats and circumstances which brought us all together happen to be even more dire than first imagined, we're going to need everyone we can get. We need you just as much as we need the others.

@A person

The Oracle

So, it seems like this was all just another trick. That figures.

At this point, I've become used to this sort of thing. Fighting without any true purpose is what my existence has ultimately come down to. I've grown to accept that fact. I suppose it's just in my very nature as a Heroic Spirit.

However, there's another issue I have with this whole scenario. Tell me, old man. Even if this great threat happens to be real, what exactly makes you people think you're able to just interrupt the personal lives of others? Does that not seem selfish to you at all? While I personally don't have anything to lose with this, I highly doubt the same thing can be said about everyone else. What do we have to gain from this, and why would you expect us to be willing to help out with your cause? I doubt bringing us here against our will will automatically have any impact on our decision to fight. Perhaps it would have just been wiser to accept your fate rather than potentially altering those of others?

Despite the serious nature of his words, Archer keeps a calm, almost uncaring, demeanor while speaking.

@Mister Fael

Team 2

Right. Well, you can go ahead and explain yourself to these guys. In the meantime, I'll just continue doing....whatever.

Man, I kinda wish I had something to occupy myself and lighten up the mood with. It's not often things turn out to be this messy.

At this point, I'm just glad to be out of there for now.

Team 1

On 9/16/2017 at 2:06 AM, Darkflare said:

"It would be much easier for all of us, if they didn't jump to conclusions so hastily..."

 

"I must warn you that the meeting room is in an area that is normally off limits. As long as you're in that area, you are to always be accompanied by me or another staff member and you are to follow our instructions at all times."

 

"Failure to comply will result in your forceful removal from the premises under any means necessary."

Yeah, yeah. Pretty much what a guest would expect to abide by.

23 hours ago, Agni Blackheart said:

Elizabeth Bathory

Lize: Are you sure you wanna go? Why do we need to look after him, anyway? It was his decision to play the crybaby.

He's still our ally. Even if you disapprove of the way he's acting, it still doesn't change the fact that he's still an important part of the team. His well-being is just as important as any of ours.

Artoria then continues on her way out of the castle and into city so she can find Magnum.

6 hours ago, A person said:

A thought came to her head.

 

 

Idealis: Someone needs to go out there with him. He shouldn't be alone.

I'll go with him and make sure he remains safe. The rest of you continue ahead.

After that, Artoria departs from the rest of the group, and begins to follow Magnum outside.

44 minutes ago, Mister Fael said:

Hugh: Quick is my MIDDLE name!!!

 

    Suddenly, Hugh puts Ludger in his back.

 

Ludger: Oh boy...This is going to shake isn't it?

Hugh: HAYAAAAAAAAA!!!!

 

   Despite the weight Hugh was carrying, he still managed to run at fast speeds.

Dante watches Hugh take off with Ludger on his back.

....well, okay then.

Dante begins to follow the two while looking back at those helping him escape one final time.

Well, guess I'll catch you guys later. You better give them a hell of a beating for us!

After that, Dante begins to sprint along with Hugh and Ludger, escaping the battle sight with them.

4 hours ago, A person said:

CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums

 

 

 

The girl lowered her barrier and withdrew a sword that was quite large compared to her, nodding her head. It was a greatsword compared to her.

 

???: Yoooou betcha! Now...

 

???: ...make it quick, buddy! I've got a can of whoopass to open!

I like your attitude. Alright then, you better not disappoint.

Anyways, thanks for the help. Good luck out there.

Dante joins Hugh and Ludger, ready to leave alongside them.

2 hours ago, LightFlare_Da_Realest said:

  Reveal hidden contents

 

 

 

 

(Looks like we got more than what we bargained for...)

 

The barrier still surrounded the battlefield. A small crack could be seen in the barrier. 3 Cyber Knights we're outside of the barrier. The other cyber knight was trapped inside the barrier with The Large Knight, Ludger, Hugh and the 3 mysterious heroes. He large Knight used "Cybernetic Telepathy" to communicate with the Cyber Knights...

(You 3 outside the barrier! Our  current mission is to eliminate the assigned targets! Adjust prior mission to eliminate viable targets and destroy restrictive barrier.  1 of you, focus attack on the target furthest out of the battle zone! I and the remaining 3 units will deal with the barrier. )

 

The lead Cyber knight slashes his sword sending a particle slash projectile at Joseph what advancing toward Joseph with his shield on his back.  The other two leap into the air,  with their swords in a downward angle to strike the barrier at it's weakest point. 

 

(Ok! Follow me! We're out numbered in here! I'll head for that weak spot! Cover me!)

 

The large Knight charges for the weak point firing plasma shots at it while the cyber knight follows behind, both in a back to back formation. The cyber knight  holds his shield and sword facing the rear to block incoming attacks.

 

 

2 guards retreat back from the car Joseph was behind. One guard tosses a grenade under the car. The other shots the grenade blowing up the car Joseph was behind. The other two guards lock on to Joseph and fire rockets at Joseph.

 

Backup arrives in 3 turns

 

 

Joseph hears the grenade roll under the car, and he tries his best to get up and move. However, it went off quicker than expected due to the other guard shooting it. Because of this, Joseph's attempt to escape was in vain, and he was knocked forward by the explosion. Once he was grounded, he stopped attempting to fight. At this point, he has accepted his fate.

(I guess the Joestars really are fated to live short lives. And I guess this is where mine ends. It's a shame, really. I would have at least preferred to be back home first.)

Joseph smiles, shuts his eyes, and begins to give his farewells.

(Grandma Erina....Stroheim....Speedwagon....Smokey....and Lisa Lisa...farewell, everyone. I'm sorry, Suzi Q. Guess I won't be able to return home.)

Very well. Good luck, Seraph.

Artoria and Emiya also begin to continue behind Hera and Idealis.

Emiya begins to become slightly amused over all the things that have began to happen over the course of the trip.

It really is just one thing after another, isn't it?

Seraph, are you sure we should continue ahead without you? Will you be safe?

Joseph was successfully able to take cover behind the care once more. However, he wouldn't be doing so unscathed; due to the guards opening fire before he could react. As a result, he was hit by the first few shots on his way down before avoiding the rest. As a result of the shock induced by the hits, Joseph began to lose control of his breath.

(I need to calm down. I can't become unable to use Hamon at a time like this!)

Joseph begins to take deep, calm breaths in order to try to regain control of  and restore his usual breathing pattern. Once his breathing is in check once again, Joseph again arms himself with two pairs of clackers, one pair in each hand. He keeps an active watch on all openings around the car, prepared for the guards if they come towards him.

13 hours ago, A person said:

CANDOR CITY: Northwestern Slums

 

???: Barrier! NOW!

 

???: Ooooon iiiiiit!

 

BGM: Showdown

 

In a flash, a dome of arcane energy formed around the area, blocking off Joseph, but trapping Dante, Hugh, and Ludger within it. The rockets shot at Ludger from the two guards would be blocked by the barrier, causing it to flash twice and for a hairline fracture to appear where they hit. A series of cards seemed to be thrown in Ludger's direction, but one hit the rocket coming at him, causing it to explode in the air. The others missed him entirely, a series of blasts being seen upon the back of the barrier. 

 

???: Can't miss when you have a lot of chances to hit...

 

Another being launched itself in front of Hugh, seeming to block the particle slashes coming at him with a large sword similar to the ones the royal guards had.

 

???: Concern. Situation is unfavorable for target's quarry. Suggestion: Escape the area.

 

A woman wielding a sword dashed out from behind a building and slid between Ludger and the cyber knights, swinging her blade skillfully to knock away both of the particle slashes. She glanced back at Ludger.

 

???: You idiots need to get out of here right now! More are coming, and it's not going to be pretty if you stick around any longer!

 

Another ran over to Dante, huffing as she did so. She then noticed the barrage of missiles.

 

???: Whoaaaaa, don't do thaaaaat!

 

She held out a hand, throwing up a rectangular arcane barrier to block the missiles flying everywhere.

 

???: That's just gonna raise more attention! You gotta go, buddy! Like, right now! 

 

She looked like she was struggling to maintain the barrier.

Meanwhile, Dante takes notice of the girl running towards him. His missiles crash into her barrier, setting them off on impact.

Oh, come on. It's not like there was much left to attract over here. I wouldn't have minded seeing those hit some of these guys, you know.

Anyways, I'd hate to be one to pull out of a fight like this, but we do have others we need to meet up with, and that should take the top priority right now.

Dante briefly turns towards Ludger.

Hey, Ludger! What do you say? Should we blow this joint while we have the opportunity?

After asking, Dante turns back to the girl.

...and are you sure you guys can handle this?

@LightFlare_Da_Realest

Dante brings out a suitcase, but it turns out that it's more than it seems. The suitcase, called Pandora, transforms into a missile battery. Dante fires a wave of missiles that home in on a few different targets in different directions. Due to being performed while Devil Trigger is activated, the power of the projectiles are increased. The main people targeted are the two backup guards now hiding behind a car, and the two cyber knights on the ground level.

@LightFlare_Da_Realest

A flash of red energy forms around Dante, changing his appearance. He no longer resembles a human; he now resembles a demon instead. This is because he's activated the Devil Trigger, temporarily boosting his stats. He did this for two reasons: to lessen the damage of the incoming shrapnel, and to try to end this as quickly as possible.

Afterwards, Dante grabs his sword Rebellion, and begins to target five nearby guards, likely including the ones hit by his shockwave from before, by performing Stinger, an attack in which Dante thrusts his sword into his targets, on all of them, hoping to successfully hit them all. If the final hit connects to its target, Dante will transmit demonic energy through his blade and into the enemy, blasting them off the blade and away a fair distance.

TURNS LEFT UNTIL DEVIL TRIGGER RUNS OUT: 1

Meanwhile, Joseph tries to the best of his ability to avoid the gunfire by jumping down and trying to cover behind the car he was now standing in front of. His options in that particular moment were limited, and this was the most he could do.

44 minutes ago, Agni Blackheart said:

As Elizabeth also denied to do a parting, Magnum and Seraph were the last ones to do it. Strangely, they extended their arms towards the casket and began to pray.

 

Magnum: Soul lost in the earth, whose blood has been spilled for the good... thy falling runs in the earth that gives the people hope...

Seraph: A sacrifice never to be forgotten... even if embedded with vices, it shall teaches us to reach virtues...

Magnum and Seraph: Your soul shall find peace, your mind find brilliance and your heart find purification. Lost lamb, time has come. May thy soul reach the lights of Heaven and be received with glory.

 

A beacon of light shined upon the casket. Edward's soul departed to await its judgement. It was a special angelic prayer used to fasten the process, since it takes at least three years for a person to be fully judged upon its sins. However, said prayer costed energy and it left Seraph and Magnum tired.

 

Seraph: Tch... doing such ritual costs some energy...

Magnum: Yeah... without a doubt it does, Sir...

Saber looked at Magnum and Seraph in amazement.

What was that?

44 minutes ago, Agni Blackheart said:

Suddenly, a strange man appeared behind them. Elizabeth jumped, a little scared of him.

 

 

Lize: Eeeek!! Half-naked person! It's a pervert! A pervert!!

Well, you're quick to judge, aren't you? You know, I find it rather funny to hear that coming from you of all people, considering your less-than-modest appearance.

24 minutes ago, Sinjik said:

Enkidu: Gaien Enkido. But please, just call me Enkidu.

I see. Well, nice to meet you, Enkidu.

1 hour ago, A person said:

Idealis: Let's just...let's just get this over with, please...I hate moments like these.

I'm with you there. I don't mean any disrespect, but it can be rather difficult to find anything meaningful to say when you haven't had a chance to get to know them properly.

Artoria, however, still found it necessary to respect a fallen comrade, even if they only knew them for a brief period. Thus, she decided to be the first to give some parting words.

You fought well, Edward. I wish you, as well as your relatives, well. I hope they won't take things too hard when they find out what's happened.

@LightFlare_Da_Realest

Dante once again switches to Gilgamesh, his pair of Guantlets and Greaves, and punches the ground, causing a shockwave. He hopes to knock down the guards near him by doing this. Afterwards, as the missile was nearing, Dante shoots it, hoping to set it off before it can get too close to him.

Meanwhile, Joseph can hear the rocket coming his way.

Oh no! That doesn't sound good at all. Well, I have an idea. It's gonna suck, though...

Joseph grabs the top of his head and proceeds to rip out several strands of hair. He then charges them full of Hamon, runs in front the car, and throws the Hamon-infused hair in front of him, creating a shield that he hopes to use to block the rocket and potential enemy gunfire, in case anything else he couldn't see was coming.

@LightFlare_Da_Realest

Joseph continues running, but now the primary reason is to outpace the grenades. He continues moving for a fair bit longer, before also taking cover behind a nearby car.

Hmm, what can I do about these guards? From here, they'd probably see and react to my Clacker Volley coming before it gets to them...

Wait! I could use the stone!

Joseph pulls out a gem: the Red Stone of Aja. It is a stone that is capable of firing powerful beams by refracting light that passes through it. However, as Joseph has learned from past experiences, the same can be done by having the stone absorb Hamon. On top of that, it amplifies the power of the Hamon it absorbs.

Now, if I could aim this in just the right spot, maybe I could take out both guards targeting me at once...

Joseph points the stone towards the blue car. Once he feels confident he's aiming at the right spot, he charges the stone with Hamon, and fires a beam at it, hoping to have them beam pass through the gas tank and cause it to explode in front of the guards.

Meanwhile, as Dreadnought is is wearing off, Dante leaves his spot immediately by dashing diagonally forward so he can avoid all grenades moving towards him, as well as to move out of the line of enemy gunfire. As he's moving, he begins firing at the four guards targeting him, primarily aiming for their arms and legs. He also notices the other guards in the distance, causing him to become a bit annoyed.

You guys are persistent, I'll give you that.

But, while normally I'd find some fun in kicking my enemies' collective asses, you guys are just starting to get more annoying than anything.

@Mister Fael@LightFlare_Da_Realest

I got something that could help.

A dark aura begins to surround Dante, forming into armor. Dante had activated Dreadnought once more. He then positions himself in front of Ludger to give him time to safely prepare his attack.

Alright, now's the time. But be quick, this doesn't last too long.

@Mister Fael@LightFlare_Da_Realest

Dante and Joseph begin to avoid the gunfire to the best of their ability, while also trying to keep as close to the other remaining teammates as possible.

Well, looks like trouble found us earlier than expected.

Well, don't worry! I'm an expert when it comes to situations like this.

The best way to handle this is to make a break for it! So, whaddya say? I mean, it's not like leaving was our original plan until moments ago, anyways!

2 hours ago, Mister Fael said:

 

Ludger: Dante, Joseph, what do you think?

Well, good luck changing his mind.

I suppose I could manage to look around a bit longer. But, like you said, we better make sure to stick to running if things begin to become troublesome. No going back on that. We can never be too careful, especially not after this.

So then it's settled?

Investigation Team 1

Alright, then. I'm right behind you guys.

Investigation Team 2

Frank!?!

Great, things just went from bad to worse...

Audience Team

I think it'd be best to bury him elsewhere. I think we should focus on getting to our destination above anything else right now.

After hearing Idealis point out Percival is missing, Artoria briefly checks around.

What? Where could he have went to?

Great, we just lost one member, and now another is missing.

Artoria and Emiya follow Hera along with the others, and keep a look out for Shovel Knight, hoping to find him while continuing along their path.

@LightFlare_Da_Realest@Mister Fael

I'm not sure what'd be best either. I'm pretty sure going to the Hangout is our safest bet.

But at the same time, I wouldn't mind finding the one responsible for this, either.

Guess I'll just go along with whatever you decide with, Lightflare. You're the leader, after all.

Investigation Team 1

Like the rest, Cu was shocked by Kyosuke suddenly being sniped.

What the hell!?! We need to get out of the open, and fast!

Audience Team

Saber and Archer begin to carefully watch the creature's movement. Saber is carefully watching for a good opening on the creature. However, due to having effective ranged abilities, Archer prepares for another attack from the spot he's currently in. He prepares to fire another Hrunting arrow; however, this time he doesn't immediately fire. He's charging it up with mana to increase its power, so that it will explode upon impact with the creature. He finally fires the arrow, hoping to deal a good blow on the creature, or at least open it up for another attack from another party.

Investigation Team 2

4 hours ago, Mister Fael said:

Ludger: Leave him be! Let's just bail too! Joseph, are you alright?

Joseph is struggling to get up after being caught in the grenade's blast. Dante helps him up and supports him while walking.

We better get to a safe area as soon as we can.

Audience Team

@A person

Saber and Archer take the warning and keep their distance from the creature, and try to avoid the cold blast it fired.

Hrunting!

While at a range, Archer forms his bow, and shoots three red arrows, with the intent for them to home in on the target.

5 hours ago, LightFlare_Da_Realest said:

 

  Hide contents

The forth and fifth Knight's show up. The take cover behind a car. The forth shooting at Dante the Fifth shooting at Frank

Not very full of surprises, are you guys?

Dante dodges the gunfire while shooting at the two firing at him, aiming for their arms this time, hoping to disarm them, while also making his way over to the guard on the ground. Dante switches to a pair of gauntlets and greaves, and performs a drop kick, hoping to knock out and put that guard down for good.

Joseph runs towards the fourth and fifth guards as they're shooting at Dante and Frank.

Zoom punch!

While running to the guards, Joseph throws a punch, with his arm seemingly stretching, giving him slightly better reach.

@LightFlare_Da_Realest

I know exactly how to handle situations like this! You run away!

In a move of seeming cowardice, Joseph turns around and runs away from the guards. However, his real intention is to create a safe distance away from the grenades, as well as to let the grenades to detonate and briefly obstruct the view of what is directly in front of the guards, so that he can throw two pairs of clackers straight through the smoke from the detonation's aftermath, and right towards the unsuspecting guards. If the plan works, they hit the second (the one shooting at Ludger) and third guards, either opening them up for Hugh and Ludger's attacks, or striking directly after their attacks.

Looks like the party's finally started!

Dante jumps away from the grenade thrown at him and Joseph, hoping to create a safe distance, all while using his twin handguns, Ebony & Ivory, to shoot at the first and second guards (the ones shooting at Frank and Ludger, respectively). If his shots hit, the guards are hit in their feet.