Quirky Row Chapter 59: Interlude 8 + Epilogue (Patreon)

Chapter 59: Arc 1 Epilogue and Interlude 8

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♦Topic: Bounty List Update (Villain: Skunk)
In: Boards ► Quirk Index ► Villain Bios ► Bounty Hunting List 

Level-Up (Original Poster) (Moderator)
Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

As of this moment, the bounty for the Stilwater-based supervillain Skunk has been raised to ten million dollars. Lethal force has been authorized by Mayor Hughes of Stilwater in order to apprehend all members of the Third Street Saints. A State of Emergency has been declared for the city of Stilwater.

EDIT: Update, the bounty on the supervillain Skunk has been removed following an official pardon from the President of the United States, Marlow Hilton. All bounties for members of the Third Street Saints have been rescinded along with all arrest warrants. The State of Emergency has been lifted as well.

EDIT: Please stop spamming me with DMs. I have no control over this. Bring it up with the government if you’re so mad!

(Showing Page 1 of 83)

►Dragnet (Bounty Hunter) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

God damn! Now I’m really glad I never bothered to go to Stilwater.

►Get Funky (Bounty Hunter)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

What in the actual shit just happen?! I’m serious, this time! How did Skunk, a guy whose bounty was bumped up to ten mil suddenly gets a presidential pardon after shooting up a corporate meeting and their headquarters?!

►Dragnet (Bounty Hunter) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@Get Funky I dunno what to tell ya. EDIT: Yo, I just looked up some stuff. Johnny Gat killed Silver Swan!

►Burnished Feather18 (Bounty Hunter) (Silver Swan Simp)
Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

NOOOO! I can’t believe it! I kill that bastard! How could he kill our angel?!

►Dragnet (Bounty Hunter) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@Burnished Feather18 Uh, might want to watch the video the Saints uploaded. And all of the other stuff the Saints put online. Christ on a Pogo Stick… if Silver Swan really was involved in even a quarter of the bullshit she’s being accused of it’d be a miracle if she only got a hundred years in prison! Murdering Ultor whistleblowers and conspiring with the Ronin to murder her own sister, who was apparently still alive and had faked her death?

►Bedfellow (Bounty Hunter) (Verified Lazy)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Huh. That explains a lot, actually. I mean, if my wife’s death was due to her own sister selling her out to a bunch of criminals, I’d be mad, too.

►Burnished Feather18 (Bounty Hunter) (Silver Swan Simp)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@Dragnet @Bedfellow LIES AND SLANDER! Our angel would never do anything like that!

►VogoVX (Bounty Hunter)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Ah, shit. I was on my way to Stilwater to try and grab a couple of bounties but it seems there’s no point anymore. Damn it, I wasted a bunch of gas for nothing. Hey, anyone know of any bounties in SoCal that might be worth a gander?

►Dragnet (Bounty Hunter) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@VogoVX Stay outta my hunting grounds, Vogo! You always fuck shit up and cause too much collateral damage!

►DabbedOn (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Hey, does anyone know why the Saints got a pardon? Like, I’ve heard of one or two crims getting off, but an entire gang? EDIT: Looks like Star and Stripe is holding an interview, gonna lay down a link HERE.

►BlasterOfNoon (Bounty Hunter) (Verified Cowboy)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Damn it, why the hell didn’t anybody tell me there were so many bounties in that city? Shit, I should have gone there before they were all taken off the table. Can’t believe it! Ugh. Maybe I should see what else is in the area.

(Showing Page 1 of 83)

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♦Topic: Slaughter At Ultor!
In: Boards ► News ► Gangs ► Third Street Saints 

Flathead Screwdriver (Original Poster) (Quirk Groupie) (Know-it-all)
Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

So, uh, what a weekend, huh? For those who don’t know, last night on Sunday was the annual stockholders meeting for Ultor at a fancy hotel. Lots of people from across the country came to hear what the new plan for the company was going to be after the fighting in the city settled down now that the Saints pretty much own the streets.

Long story short, right after Ultor reveals they will be trying to turn Shivington into another Saints Row, everyone gets poisoned. The Board of Executives all die, and then the Saints burst in and start fighting a bunch of mercs some exec had hired last year.

But that is not all! At the same time, the Saints begin a media blitz, publishing a whole shitload of dirt on both Ultor and the investors at the event. Not even Silver Swan, our city’s beloved Number 1, gets off free as apparently she was the person who leaked her sister’s location to the Ronin, which as we all know, resulted in her death (for real this time).

And if that’s not insane enough, Johnny Gat kills Silver Swan then goes around killing a bunch of other people! Did anyone else know that the Saints had a Kill List full names of people who’d committed heinous crimes but gotten off scott free? I didn’t!

But wait, it get wilder! Because now the Saints have assaulted the Ultor building and incapacitated hundreds of cops and heroes with a stench so bad the whole city could smell it! And then after killing Dane Vogel, the only executive who’d escaped the slaughter at the hotel, they walk out and get a presidential pardon from Star and Stripe herself!

Sorry for the long post, but what the actual hell, guys?

EDIT: Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Pyramid, Ultor’s top secret R&D lab, exploded at the same time!

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►CoinOperated9bit (Verified Accountant)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Ultor’s stock just tanked by over a hundred points when the market opened this morning. Lots of people have lost a ton of money. And it’s still dropping.

►BolonyBoy (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@CoinOperated9bit I don’t really think anyone cares about a bunch of corpos losing money when dozens of people just lost their lives, buddy.

►CoinOperated9bit (Verified Accountant)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@BolonyBoy You would be surprised. Or maybe not. But the point is Ultor’s stock is worthless and, if the rumors are true, the whole company is under suspicion of a lot of shady stuff. And not just tax evasion, either. There might not be an Ultor in a week if the powers that be decide to tear the whole thing down.

►Hugs4Sale (Quirk Groupie) (Likes Hugs)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

I’m kinda freaked out. That was Star and Stripe, right? Did anyone else know the Saints were in contact with her and the federal government?

►ButteredPan

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@Hugs4Sale I think it would have been a huge scandal so I’m not surprised it was kept on the downlow. But that just makes me wonder: What the hell did Ultor do that that President was willing to forgive the Saints after they took the company down?

►ShiverBeanBean (Cold Little Bean) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Typical. The Feds show up after everything has gone down. Cowards and incompetants.

►Ravioli-Molly (Quirk Groupie) (Weed Enthusiast)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

What I wanna know is since when could a mayor of a city just issue kill orders like that! That’s not something I want in the hands of a politician as unstable or crooked as Mayor Hughes!

►Flathead Screwdriver (Original Poster) (Quirk Groupie) (Know-it-all)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

@PuddleMoo22 Sorry, but I don’t know any more than you do. The Saints have been laying low since the hotel massacre, although the pardon may change that.

@SquidBilly No freaking way! I love the Saints as much as the next guy from Stilwater but there is now way they could beat Star and Stripe. Not even with a sneak attack. Though I am glad she cleared up the smell. Ugh, what even was that?

@Ravioli-Molly I’m pretty sure mayors can’t decide to set up a State of Emergency either, only Governors can, so our mayor might not be in office for much longer. As for the Kill Order stuff, she didn’t issue anything like that, she just authorized lethal force. Which is also kinda big, but within her power, at least within Stilwater. But most mayors don’t exercise that authority for a couple reasons. Mainly, it just pisses the villains off.

►Nerofight (History Buff)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

To add to what Flathead said, in the wake of Quirks, a lot of power structures were reworked and altered. Mayors have a bit more power, especially with how to deal with super-powered individuals causing havoc. This was done to allow people on the ground to make snap decisions and judgement calls without having to wait for a committee to decide on things. There are restrictions, but technically, as a gang who committed a bunch of high-profile murders, she was within her rights to order lethal force.

Not to say the mayor isn’t gonna be raked over the coals for this, but the time it was her right to make that call.

►DrapesNDapper (Verified Fancy)

Posted on April 23rd, 2124:

Yes, yes, all that death and loss of money is sad and all, but I’m more interested in the drip. Did you see the suits Skunk and Johnny were wearing to the event? Purple and gold? Tacky! Cringe! Who does their tailoring?! I know they have a theme, but come on!

(Showing Page 26 of 199)

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♦Topic: Saints Bring Down Ultor! Receive Presidential Pardons for their crimes!
In: Boards ► Villain News ► Stilwater News ► Latest Updates 

►Stilwater Daily Times (Verified Media Site)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

To the shock of everyone in Stilwater, we all awoke to three things this morning: A massacre at the Ultor shareholder meeting, the siege of the Philips Building, and last but certainly not least, the Third Street Saints receiving a Presidential Pardon, delivered by none other than the Number One Heroine in the United States, Star and Stripe!

She was recorded saying this morning that, “The Third Street Saints have provided ample evidence that the Ultor Corporation was working with international crime syndicates and terrorist organizations. For their help in bringing down the company before it could commit further treasonous actions, President Hilton is glad to announce that all Saints are hereby pardoned…”

What, exactly, happened with Ultor? Rumors are rife and there is very little accurate information available. However, dozens of heroes known for working with the IRS, FBI, and CIA have been spotted going through the Philips Building as well as other Ultor owned businesses, lending credence to Star and Stripe’s claims.

In addition, the destruction of the Pyramid, Ultor’s top secret research facility, has been attributed to none other than Dane Vogel, who was attempting to cover up the inhumane atrocities committed within.

For now, nobody is certain what this means for the city. With the Saints free to walk the streets, what happens next?

See full interview and press meeting HERE.

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►Steel Nobbins

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

Holy shitty shit! Terrorists?! Ultor?! Does this mean I’m now out of a job?!

►GleefulWeevil55 (Verified Weevil) (Verified Gleeful)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@Steel Nobbins Ooo, tough break, dude. Better make sure the cops don’t drag you off to an interrogation chamber.

►Steel Nobbins

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@GleefulWeevil55 What?! Why?! I just worked in HR! I don’t know shit about terrorists or whatever they were doing in the Pyramid!

►LivingonaCloud2 (Quirk Groupie)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

Speaking of the Pyramid, how many people died in the explosion? And how long will it take to shovel all that rubble out of the way? Sewers caved in too around the site so a lot of places are out of power and water.

►Flathead Screwdriver (Quirk Groupie) (Know-it-all)
Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@LivingonaCloud2 according to my intel, only four people died when the Pyramid blew up: Two security guards and two janitors. The only consolation is that they were killed instantly when the bombs went off. Some sort of Quirk-made explosives were used that turned organic matter into acid and transmuted other materials into crystal. Ultor really wanted whatever they were hiding down there to be gone for good. As for the repairs… dunno. You know how the city is when it comes to getting anything done. There are places in Shivington that haven’t had power or water for years. And there’s a pothole outside my apartment that’s older than I am, sooo…

►Gorgonzolla (Verified Cheesy)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@Flathead Screwdriver One of these days I’ll find out how you know all this… squints suspiciously.

In other news, city is gonna drag its feet. At least the Saints are finally getting the credit they deserve.

►Pirrotte

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@Gorgonzolla How can you say that?! The Saints murdered dozens of people! And they murdered Silver Swan!

►Nerofight (Verified Historian)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@Pirrotte yeah, they killed some people. So what? Did you see the shit the Saints posted? Everyone person that got offed had it coming. Can’t believe I used to look up to Silver Swan. Gonna have to burn a few things… anyone want to join me? We can have a big ol’ trash burning day in front of her HQ.

►Flathead Screwdriver (Quirk Groupie) (Know-it-all)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

@Nerofight I like that idea! I have some, uh, pillows that I won’t be needing anymore.

Oh, and for the record, I totally agree that the Saints did what they had to do, but please note that apparently, the Board of Executives were poisoned by Dane Vogel to cover up his tracks, while the rest of the people were offed by Johnny for some sick shit. And yes, I checked: it was all accurate. Took some digging in the Darkweb that will haunt me… but yeah, they deserved it.

►SherpaOfDerpa (Verified Sherpa) (Quirk Groupie)

Posted April 23rd, 2124:

I don’t know how to feel… that a lot of corpses… but a lot of sins that were never caught or brought to justice… as a Buddhist, I believe killing is an evil… but does killing a monster count? It’s like putting down a rabid dog… right?

(Showing Page 11 of 367)

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(Wednesday, April 25th, 2124)

“Ahhhh,” Playa sighed out, standing at the edge of the pier. Here, six years ago, Lin had died. He had avenged her… but it brought him no joy.

“I did it, Lin,” he whispered. “I cleaned up the city. Twice, even! And now that it’s over… I feel annoyed. I solved the problems plaguing Stilwater, but it seems I won’t have any time to rest since I know the truth: the evils of this world are still out there.”

He looked into the water, frowning as waves lapped against the dockside. “It’s been a few days since Vogel bit it… and guess what? I’m now a CEO. Crazy, right?”

Playa chuckled weakly. “Johnny, Shaundi, Pierce… everyone in the Inner Circle has been promoted. We now run Ultor. Though, we changed the name. It’s now called Saints Unlimited. Didn’t think it would actually go through, but it seems Star and Stripe pulled some strings – and threatened Eric Gryphon. Not sure how he avoided jail, but he’s on a thin rope. Probably gonna have him run the corporation while I’m busy.”

“Busy doing what? Well, it’s time to take down some threats. The Demon Lord is out there… and I have a bone to pick with the Syndicate. Those bastards dug up your brain and put it into a cloned body… does that mean you are alive again? Or am I talking to a ghost? I don’t know… but they will pay. They will all pay.”

The ex-villain clenched his fists angrily before turning away. “I love you, Lin. I always will. I truly wish we could have had more time… but… I have to move on. I have people that are relying on me.”

With his words finally said, he walked off, leaving the site of death behind. To Playa’s annoyance, he didn’t get far as somebody came up to block his path.

“Simon,” Playa grunted out. “What do you want?”

Stilwater’s newly promoted Number One hero frowned. “Just wanted to talk.”

“Fine,” Playa sighed. “But I want a donut. Not gonna chat without one.”

He led the hero to Donut Whore where they ordered some pastries and coffee before sitting down to chat.

“What’s up?” Playa asked.

“What do you plan to do now?” Simon inquired.

“Is that Simon, my old friend, asking me? Or Steel Sponge, the hero? Or the city of Stilwater?” Playa retorted.

“All three,” the out-of-costume hero admitted.

“We have unfinished business elsewhere in the country and the world,” Playa replied. “The man responsible for Ultor is still out there, and we’re going to find him.”

“How?” Simon demanded incredulously. “A street gang can’t-!”

“The Third Street Saints will be forming a PMC,” Playa replied, cutting his friend off. “We’ll also be working with the government. Can’t say much beyond that. Classified.”

“Classified?” Simon uttered in disbelief. “What do you mean by that?!”

“If you want to know more, ask Star and Stripe,” Playa shrugged. “Honestly, though, the less you know, the better. It’ll keep you safe.”

“How… how bad is it going to be?” Simon asked fearfully.

“Pretty bad. Might end the world,” Playa said nonchalantly. Simon ran a hand over his face, sighing loudly.

“Of course it will,” he grumbled. “Why did I expect anything different?”

“You know us Saints,” Playa joked.

“Fine, okay, save the world as a PMC. Got it,” Simon said, shaking his head. “How, though?”

“The Syndicate is going down, first,” Playa declared.

“The Syndicate?” Simon asked sharply. “They’re related?”

“Yeah. Why? Know something?” Playa inquired.

“I’ve been tracking a Mexican cartel for a while now. The Luchadores. Bunch of wrestling themed villains led by a total bastard named Killbane,” Simon informed his friend. “And they’re part of the Syndicate.”

“Ah. I see. Should we work together, then?” Playa asked, leaning in eagerly.

“You know what? Yes, yes we should,” Simon said with a vicious grin. “I think it’s time they got a taste of their own medicine.”

He stood up, brushing donut crumbs off of his shirt. “I’ll send you everything I have on them. And when you’re ready, meet me at my office in San Diego. We’ll take them down. Together.”

“Pleasure working with you on the right side of the law for once,” Playa told him, getting a smirk in response.

“Definitely. See ya around, Phil.”

With that, Simon left the donut themed strip club, leaving Playa behind.

‘Well, this will be an interesting couple of months,’ Playa mused. ‘Can’t wait to punch All for One in the face when we find that Quirk stealing, monster making bastard!”

111 ^^^ &&& ^^^ 111

“Unfortunate.”

The voice came from a figure strapped into a bunch of complex machines. They were the only things keeping him alive… although whether or not this person could be considered ‘alive’ at all after all the damage done to him, plus everything that'd been done to ensure he was in one piece was a matter of debate.

“Sir? It’s a bit more than ‘unfortunate,’ in my opinion,” an elderly scientist rasped out. “We lost fifteen percent of our Nomu production, and a great deal of data. Not to mention one of the most brilliant minds when it comes to genetic manipulation!”

“And it is a minor set-back all the same,” All for One said dismissively. “So long as the main production facilities remain intact, everything will be fine. Ultor was new, and did not have the majority of our research… or our secrets. And Vogel did well to destroy the evidence as he did.”

“Of course, sir,” the doctor grunted. “But the Saints know of you. And I fear they may try to hunt you down. We should deal with them before they become a threat!”

“Oh, do not worry. They will bring themselves to me, sooner or later,” All for One informed the other man. “They are heroes, after all.”

“Heroes, sir? The Saints have slaughtered hundreds!”

“And they did so to protect others,” All for One commented. “You forget, doctor, that the earliest heroes… would be called villains today. Herakles maimed and murdered his way across Ancient Greece. Cu Chulainn killed a dog and his own son. King Arthur fought thousands of Saxons and slept with his own sister. And Minamoto-no-Raikou used dishonorable means to slay the Oni of Oe. What matters, in the end, is whether or not the public applaud the deeds or not. And the Saints have the public’s favor… for now.”

The self-proclaimed Demon Lord of the Underworld chuckled. “Yes… they will come. And I shall use them to forge my magnum opus.”

The doctor looked skeptical, but All for One was the boss, and so he stayed quiet. And he had a feeling the Demon Lord was right. The Saints would eventually come, and they would bring chaos to Japan.

111 &&& 111

Author's Note: Well, this is it. The final chapter. It's been over a year since I started (technically two, since I began drafting the story in 2023), and for now, I'm finally finished.

While I'd love to keep writing more, the engagement and interest in the story just wasn't enough to justify it, unfortunately. Perhaps in the future I'll have a chance to continue, but right now it will be going on Hiatus.

Even so, I'm proud I finished another story, and got to write it at all with people reading what I wrote. Thank you for enjoying my work!