Expanse: The City Reboot (Dark Fantasy Epic) Main Thread (Open, Started)

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Knight and Raven (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

Vergil yawned briefly before reaching out to grab the letter from the coffee table.

"Of course, wouldn't want to withhold such important correspondence. Don't worry though, I haven't opened it. Thought it would be considered an invasion of privacy." He then passed it to the Vessel, who hadn't got dressed; he stared at her elegance before responding.

"Your looking as radiant as ever. Take it you finally got some sleep then?" Vergil asked with a brief smile, before taking a sip of coffee.

"Fragrant coffee, and exquisite company to share it with. What a great start to the day."

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Knight and Raven (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"Of course my lady." Vergil responded, getting up out of his chair, and poured a cup of coffee. He then put on his trousers, and carried the cup over. Vergil then sat down on the bed next to the Vessel, and passed her the coffee. He then briefly scanned the letter that she had received, after she passed it too him.

"Hmm, it seems they are safe... for now at the least. I'm curious as to who this friend of yours is. It seems I too had a letter delivered too me this morning. By the looks of it, some substitute plans are being made, in the event that yours fails; which I doubt it will. The Dean is gathering the Ultimate Mages, whilst Telnor is bringing together an army to fight Gemsi. Also, my mother has put forward some of S.I.N's own military units, which have been placed under my command, and I can use them in whatever manner I see fit. Which I already have thought of."

 

[Korten12]

Velen Majl ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

The Ultimate Mages began to prepare and set up around the Garden area, the bodies of the Mages Order had been removed. They suspect when the Dark God returns, it will be back in the Garden. ?You know? I am still confused as to how we beat The Master eleven years ago.? Itsuka spoke to Velen.

He shrugged. ?I am still baffled. We were all so close to death, but in that last final strike I did, it worked. There wasn?t any magic; the blade simply did the damage needed.?
?But did anything happen? Any surge of energy through you?? She asked.

Velen shook his head. ?No, I was just in a lot of pain from being thrown around with his magic.?

?Hm? I hope the Vessels plan works.?

?So do I. So do I??

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Knight and Raven (Bedroom) - Tinsdal

"Right away then." Vergil replied, quickly getting dressed, and equipping his gear back on. Within the space of a minute, Vergil too was at the door of the room. He took hold of the Vessel's hand.

"Back to the estate it is then." He remarked as the pair exited the inn, making sure to pay their fee on the way out. Vergil quickly pulled out a handful of Kiel, and tossed it onto the counter.

 

[FinalDream]

Scarlett Verneer - The House of Grampa - Tinsdal


It was the sound of a thousand bad memories, like a tangled web of emotion and noise all crying out into the darkness of her mind. Scarlett cleared her thoughts and looked at the old man with a passive look masking her face.

?I?m fine.?

Scarlett however knew the truth, she wasn?t fine, and would never be.

?Maybe I will talk to her. But for now I must return. Thank you for the tea.?

Scarlett stood up and carefully placed the empty cup down on the small table by her side. She looked at the children. Their smiles. Their happiness. The worst part of it all was not knowing. Scarlett could deal with death. She had done it all her life. But not to know the fate of your own child. It was eating her up inside.

?Goodbye.?

Scarlett left without a word more. She closed the door and took in a deep breath before walking away down the street.

 

[Korten12]

Velen Majl ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

One of the Ultimate Mages wondered up to Velen. ?What magic should we attempt to use??

Velen thought for a moment. ?May sound cliché, but try using Light Magic when he arrives. Which shouldn?t be much longer.?

The Ultimate Mage nodded and then wondered off.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion (Front Entrance) - Tinsdal

It was roughly twenty minutes later, when Vergil and the Vessel arrived back at the Dean's Estate. They were then approached by a man in dark red armour, who was previously sitting on a nearby bench waiting for their arrival. He briefly gave them a handshake.

"Ah, Good Morning Master Vergil and Miss Velkan. The name is Vincent Gallows, I command the squadron that was sent by your mother."
"Of course, I read the letter. Now then, you shall follow my orders, is that understood?"
"Yes sir." Gallows then gave a salute to the pair.
"Now then, how many are there of you?" Vergil then asked in an commanding tone of voice.

"Thirteen of use sir. Four Crossbowmen, five Swordsmen, and five Mages. Sorry in advance for the lack of large numbers sir; but Lady Fiora didn't want the Dean to think we were taking over the running of the operation. After all, S.I.N has a more well equipped and supplied military force then some of the North's rulers. Now then, what are your orders sir?"

"Its quite understandable Gallows. Have your crossbowmen, stationed on the rooftop; that way, we have a terrain advantage, which is useful for ranged units. Have the Mages take up defensive positions along the waterfront, that way, we can flank Gemsi on both sides with ranged attacks. As for the swordsmen, they shall stay with me, and protect the Vessel. She will be a priority target, and will need protection."

"Very good sir. I'll have the men follow on these orders, and await for your signal, in the event we have to attack. I and the rest of the swordsmen, shall meet up with you momentarily." Gallows then marched into the building, to deliver Vergil's orders.

"This way Vessel, we shall head into the Gardens, and prepare." Vergil then walked both of them towards the Gardens, stopping momentarily. He turned to face her, still holding on to her hand.

"Vessel, whatever happens from this. Let it be known, that I still care for you, and will be by your side, till the end. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on, or a friend who will listen; I can be that friend. Part of me wants more, but, I'm willing to put that aside... for a while at least."

They then carried on into the garden.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion (Mansion Side) - Tinsdal

"Very well then my lady." Vergil replied, as he knelt down in front of the Vessel, his coat flapping in the light breeze that passed them by, as he still held onto her hand, as his eyes gleamed in the morning sun. He then placed his free hand of his chest.

"I swear to the gods, and to you Vessel, that we shall be together someday." Vergil then stood up, and then gave a smile.

"Come on, lets go show a Dark God, who the boss is." He said in a proud voice, as the two of them headed into the Gardens.

 

[Korten12]

Gemsi ? Unknown Location

?It is time, I wonder how many Mages they got set up there,? Gemsi spoke as he rushed over to Mizuki and grabbed her. ?You?re coming with me.?

Once more blood fell upon them and they vanished.

Velen Majl ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

He was standing next to the Dean, who seemed nervous despite all the back up. Velen couldn?t blame him, as he was too. ?Don?t worry, we will be victorious in the end??
That?s when he arrived, a pool of blood rose up and then fell down revealing Gemsi with Mizuki in his grasp. Gemsi looked around. ?As I expected?? He began to laugh, and Velen tensed up.

Velen stepped forward and then threw out his arm. ?Attack!?
Gemsi threw Mizuki onto the ground, as all the light spells came at him from all sides. Arrows and such as well. ?Pathetic??

Just as they were seconds from hitting him, he stretched out his arms. Then it looked as if he was grabbing the air, and there was even a ripple effect like if he was holding a curtain. He brought his arms together and slapped them together. Looking like hexagons, the spells around him shattered. Gemsi smirked, he was not even touched.

All the Ultimate Mages looked at each other. Not sure what to do. ?Is this all you have to offer, this is it? The North?s FINAL stand..??

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion (Gardens) - Tinsdal

Vergil watched as Gemsi appeared out of a pool of blood, Mizuki being held within his grasp. As Velen ordered the Ultimate Mages to attack, Vergil did the same. He threw his arm up into the air, giving the signal.

"All right, S.I.N Crossbow Squadron, Attack!" The crossbow team soon appeared on the rooftop, but their numbers were three times the size than he previously saw of them. They soon started to fire on Gemsi. But their attacks were simply knocked back.

"Keep firing, he must tire at some point. Let's add a little additional pressure. S.I.N Mage Squadron, Attack!" The Mages, who had also seen a mysterious increase in numbers, began to fire on Gemsi as well. Whilst a few of their attacks made it through, they hardly did any damage.

Vergil then noticed that Gemsi had cast Mizuki aside, she lay collapsed on the ground.

"Uh huh, without Mizuki nearby to act as a hostage, Gemsi lacks a bargaining chip. And he calls himself a Dark God, how idiotic." Vergil thought to himself as a mischievous laugh came out.

"Vessel, stay here and wait for my signal. When I give it, give Gemsi hell. Sword squadron, protect the Vessel with your lives. I am going to level the playing field." Vergil ordered, as he made his way towards Velen.

"Yes sir!" The squad called out.

Vergil skilfully avoided the reflected crossbow bolts. He then found himself at Velen's side.

"Velen! Come with me, we're going to get Mizuki away from Gemsi, and then we're going to let him have it."

Vergil then started to move around the darker parts of the Mansion's Gardens, hoping to avoid Gemsi's gaze.

 

[DragonofDecay86]

Lucian Grey - Hollow's Peak - Urban District

"We've no intention of putting on a show for ruffians, Vincent. So stop fondling that thing like teat." Lucian scolded mockingly, the smirk on his face withdrawn ever-so-slightly as he subtly motioned to the black blade concealed beneath the young man's obsidian cloak.

With each step upon the dishevelled bricks and stone the two hunter were drawn ever nearer and nearer to the band of raggedy vagabonds. Their clothes were nothing more than the rags of burlap and coarse linen held in place by frayed and dirty coils of rope. Two of the glaring fiends were lucky enough to have acquired a pair of yellow stained, woollen blankets, brandished aloft their shoulders as makeshift cloaks, the rusted dirks at their sides an indication of how they were acquired.

"Avoid the violent path, V. In the North, tales and names carry the swiftness of hawks." Lucian whispered before pressing past the muck and grime coated trash that littered these streets, his bold strides causing a few strays to scuttle from his path.

Vincent - Hollow's Peak - Urban District

"If they so much as breathe in my direction Tobi I'll cut them down. I suggest that we go our own separate ways when we get into the district. We'll cover more ground that way and won't have to spend so long in this filthy place. You take that side of the street, I'll take the other?" Vincent suggested, pointing to the right side of the street for Lucian and the left for himself.

Without waiting for an answer, Vincent pushed past the group of scum that had moved in front of the gate while Vincent and Lucian had come ever closer to it. Vincent pushed two of the men aside, striding confidently into the city, a small smirk showing on his face as the other men cracked their knuckles menacingly. Vincent's smirk was hidden well beneath the shadows of his hood, but to someone who had known Vincent for any amount of time knew that Vincent only smiled when he was up to something destructive or devious. Vincent waved back towards Lucian, and continued on into the first building he came to, which happened to be a small weapon shop, displaying all different kinds of weapons, from maces to great-swords. Vincent made his way through the crowded shop, sliding past the other people who had taken refuge in the now cramped shop. Vincent managed to slide through the shop up to the counter where the owner stood polishing a newly sharpened long-sword. A younger boy stood near the counter, tapping his fingers impatiently against the wooden boards that were cluttered with cloth and weapons of all different kinds. The younger boy seemed to be barely older than twelve years. He had short brown hair, and his eyes gleamed a bright blue. At his side he carried a small pouch of what Vincent could only assume was Kiel.

The shop owner seemed different than anyone else in the shop, he carried with him an aura of knowledge and purpose. The owner appeared to be closer to 60 years, a notable feat during these troubled times. Made even more impressive by the district in which this older man lived and worked. The man worked with quick efficiency, finishing the blade in less time than Vincent would have thought possible, yet when he gave a quick look over the weapon he saw no imperfection with it. No nicks in the blade, no spot left un-polished. The younger boy grinned widely, the first real smile Vincent had seen since their entry to Hollow's Peak.

"Thanks Mr. Blacksmith sir, now my daddy will be able to protect us from the guilds." The boy said with overwhelming enthusiasm as he dropped a handful of kiel on the counter and sprinted out of the shop, clutching the sword to his breast like a divine artifact. The older man gave a smile as he swept the coins off his counter and into a large pouch that held the rest of his earnings, yet beneath that smile Vincent could see a sadness in the man's eyes that didn't seem to affect his work, but it did seem to be hurting the man somewhere deep inside.

Once the owner was free of his duties, which included polishing weapons, selling weapons, taking weapons for repair, and offering advice to those wishing to purchase a new weapons, Vincent finally walked up to the counter and struck up a conversation with the older man.

"With all these people in here buying weapons and asking for repairs you'd think that this district was about to go to war." Vincent said casually, leaning against the counter to make it seem as if he just wished for conversation.

"If you haven't noticed, this district is basically at war with itself already." The older man replied, taking an armful of dull swords and ax's up and motioning for Vincent to follow him. At the same time, a younger man walked out of the room behind the counter, bringing with him a fresh set of weapons and a few quivers filled with exotic looking arrows.

Vincent followed the older shop-keep into the back room which housed a great many workbenches and a large forge in the center of the room that increased the temperature nearly thirty degrees. Vincent who had been rather comfortable with the colder climate of the north, now found himself sweltering underneath the fur cloak that had kept him warm for their brief journey North. Vincent first thought of removing his cloak, but decided against it. It would give away his position as a Hunter, and Lucian had warned Vincent that the people of the North were friendly with the Magi. The older man set down his stack of weapons and went to work on the first blade he picked up, casting the blade into the forge and bringing it out to set upon an anvil.

"I wished to be away from the ears of those who may report back to their owners, but this district may as well be at war. Hollow's Peak is basically at war with itself, the various crime lords all fighting among themselves to govern the poor people of this district. The shops all fight for the support of the different lords to stay in business, raising their prices to insane prices to fit the crime lords greed. The people do what they can to protect themselves and their families, and there are a few businesses dedicated to helping those in need. I run one such business, but I also have to pay the lords which is why I have to charge my customers so high. Is that the answer you were looking for?" The blacksmith asked, the rhythmical clang of metal on metal mesmerizing Vincent and sending him for a split-second back in the past to his days as an adept of the Hunters.

"If these crime lords are as bad as you describe them, why not rise up against them? It can't be too hard to overthrow a few petty lords when you've got the entire district at your back." Vincent said, his gaze wandering around the forge at the many instruments of creation used by a skilled blacksmith.

"These aren't just your average lords. They have hired the best of the best, skilled soldiers that are completely ruthless in battle, and there have even been rumors of one lord hiring rogue Magi that are as greedy as him." The old man said, pausing his work for a moment as if afraid the lord would burst into his forge and cut him down.

"Magi?" Vincent asked more sharply than he had intended, his attention now focused. If there was a Mage here in Hollow's Peak, then it was a Hunter's duty to erase them. Vincent had heard no word of a Hunter being sent to this district, so he assumed that he and Lucian were the first Hunter's here, which meant a bigger pay for them when they finally returned to Ferela.

"Tell me more.." Vincent said, his voice cutting through the sound of the blacksmith's hammer with a beautiful tone. With that, the blacksmith told Vincent everything.

 

[Korten12]

Velen Majl ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

Velen followed the thief to the shadow covered parts of the Garden, behind heavy plants and some tree?s. ?So, we are going to rush in there? As soon as we get close he will react. For all we know he wants us to try.?

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion (Gardens) - Tinsdal

Vergil replied in a quiet tone, so to not draw the Dark God towards their location.

"No dear Velen, we aren't simply going to 'rush in there'. All these combined attacks, whilst at first look like they are to damage Gemsi, they also hide an ulterior motive. Distraction. Whilst they keep Gemsi's gaze focused on them, we are going to sneakily go in, and remove Miss Mizuki from the field of play, thus alleviating him of a bargaining chip. Once we are away, well, we're going to let him have it." He then subtly gestured towards the Vessel, who was making final preparations for the God plan.

Within a few moments, the pair had arrived arrived at Mizuki's side. Vergil knelt down, and saw her face turn towards him.

"Shhh. Remain quiet Miss Mizuki." Vergil said in a rather hush tone as he carefully repositioned himself to the other side of Mizuki. As Vergil picked Mizuki up by the ankles, Velen carefully raised her at the shoulders, and the pair of them began to carry Mizuki away from the oncoming attack from the Vessel.

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor- With Most of the Forces

Telnor stood there, at front of the forces as the mages attacked. He watched the Dark God shrug off the magic like it was nothing. He watched as Velen and Vergil took Mizuki away. He watched Vessel run out to challenge the Dark God. In his heart he knew that it would never work. That what she thought was real was not. That the only way to beat the Dark God was to kill the body. Lorrel may have been their friend but for the sake of the City his body had to die.

Telnor knew what he had to do. None of the others would be willing to. It was up to him. Drawing his sword, he ran towards Gemis as he was distracted by Vessel's ploy and stabbed for Gemis' throat.

 

[Korten12]

Lorel Ion ? Gods Realm

Lorel went up to Ofila and Monica who were getting ready to go back to the Plains of the Dead. ?Thank you two, without your help I couldn?t have gotten here.?

?It?s no problem. Hey, when you get back, make sure to beat the Nobles for us.? Ofila stated.
?Lorel, go win!? Monica spoke as they both got onto the flying machine and it rose off.

Lorel walked back into the building, and went to where Astroth told him to go. It was time. He made his way to even higher floor of the building, where he eventually got to a large white room with columns. Astroth alongside with some other Gods and Goddess stood in the center, and Lorel went up to them.

?Lorel, it?s time. Already on Ranajal your people are confronting Gemsi. No time to waste,? Astroth spoke. ?Just stand in the center of this diagram and we shall begin.?

The Human looked down at the ground and saw the elaborate diagram on the ground, so he went to the center and all the Gods and Goddess spread out.

Gemsi ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

He didn?t care much for Mizuki being taken, he would get her back. But then seeing Telnor running up to him to stab him, he simply slapped Telnor and he went flying into a large garden of flowers. He then looked at Vessel, almost laughing. ?Alright, I will take that deal.?

Lorel Ion ? Gods Realm

The diagram began to shine, all around Lorel, he began to feel the God Magic flowing through him. Suddenly he began to fade, and he looked at Astroth who nodded and then smiled, then spoke. ?Hm? I am quite proud of Humanity? Your race?s ancestors would be proud as well.?
Then Lorel faded completely.

Gemsi ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

Gemsi suddenly saw the girl rise up into the air, glowing, and suddenly found him glowing with magic he hadn?t felt in thousands of years. Suddenly a ray of light fell onto him, and then expanded out, covering the whole area in pure whiteness.

He reopened his eyes and then noticed he was in a white abyss. ?What is going on? How did she..?? Then he noticed he wasn?t alone. Gemsi turned and saw Lorel standing there, looking like how he just was. But then Gemsi looked down and noticed he was back in his Dark God form. Skin completely red, long blazing red hair, and Dark God armor.

He then laughed. ?Ah? So this must have happened because of Astroth, didn?t it??

Lorel Ion ? White Abyss

Lorel smirked. ?Correct, now it is time to end this Gemsi.? He then went into a fighting position.

?Alright, let?s do this.? Gemsi then saw Lorel simply vanish and then appeared next to him, punched Gemsi sending him flying. The Dark God turned himself in the air and landed perfectly, but he still felt pain of being punched.

He folded his arms. ? I get it? So in this White Abyss they imbedded you with God-like power temporally? Guess I will have to go all out.? Gemsi ran at Lorel, and then vanished like he did, and then appeared right in front of Lorel, and brought out blood magic, but the Lorel did the unexpected and controlled the blood magic and then it splashing away from them. Lorel uppercut Gemsi but then Gemsi spun and kicked Lorel sending him flying and clashing into the ground.

Gemsi then ran at him at lightning speed and brought down a massive Dark God Magic and slammed it into Lorel, who coughed up blood as it hit. Lorel then stood up and sent God Magic back at the Dark Good who brought up a barrier attempting to block it but it was too powerful and broke the barrier slamming right into him.

Lorel teleported next to the Dark God and hit him in the back as the blast still hit him. Gemsi grabbed Lorel?s arm and then threw him into his own blast which then stopped but did considerable damage to Lorel. ?You bastard??

Gemsi smirked and then picked up Lorel and then threw him as far as he could. Lorel stopped himself midair and clapped his hands together, and sent a reign of light arrows upon Gemsi. Who with his fast speed dodged them, but some got lucky and hit him in the shoulders. Lorel landed and then at the same time as Gemsi, sent waves of Blood Magic at each other which clashed but each was pushing theirs at each other.

He then noticed Gemsi?s Blood Magic pushing further then his own, and it broke Lorel?s and hit him on full force. Lorel then noticed he was starting to fade away, but as he got up, he began to reappear. Lorel stood up once more and ran at Gemsi who was also starting to feel the effects of the fight. It had been so long since the Dark God fought such a battle. ?Reminds me of my fight against the Trinity Knight Ion? But this time I won?t lose! I CAN?T Lose.?

The Dark God ran at him, and just as he was charging up his Dark God Magic, Lorel dodged out of the way and then sent a very powerful Blood Magic right into Gemsi stabbing him right through the heart. Gemsi coughed up blood, and it began to drip from his mouth. ?I can?t believe it??

?You were too arrogant? Believing that you couldn?t lose,? Lorel spoke as he let the Blood Magic stop and fell to the ground splashing. Gemsi began to wonder backwards, until he fell to the ground. ?Fade away.?

The Dark God suddenly began to break apart into small hexagons that vanished as they broke off, until he was no more. He had defeated the Dark God, but only because of Astroth whom he thanked. Suddenly all around him the White Abyss seemed to fall apart until Lorel fell into a brighter light and he closed his eyes.

Velen Majl ? Garden ? Dean?s Mansion ? Tinsdal

Velen with Mizuki and Vergil stood and watched as the light faded away, revealing Lorel on the ground kneeling. ?Did it work..??

Lorel opened his eyes and stood up looking at everyone, he answered Velen. ?Yeah, it worked.?