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

[Stalydan]

Snip

Halien was sitting on a bench near the borderlines of Rathen. He was reading a new book he'd bought with money a man had given him for his healing services; Halien didn't heal for rewards but the man insisted it was the least he could do. 1,000 Kiel, a generous amount of money for mending a broken arm.

Halien did feel out of place however. He usually stayed in Yeal and had grown to treat it like home since he had left the South. He was only in Rathen to visit an older gentleman who had moved here a number of months ago with the rest of his family. He had previously been an inn keeper at the place that Halien had stayed until he sold his business on. He was kind man who gave a discount on renting his room for curing his granddaughter's cholera. They had kept in contact by letters; in one of which Halien was invited to stay for a week at their new inn.

However, the week was already over and Halien had said his goodbyes. He was waiting for a coach driver to arrive so he could buy a trip back to Yeal. As sat, he heard a commotion as a young woman in straw sandals and loose fitting clothing ran towards the border checkpoint.

"A Southerner? Most definitely, nobody but those from the South wear such breezy clothing" Halien thought to himself. She seemed panicked. "A mage? A mage hunter?! I don't know. How would I tell?"

He was scared, thoughts went dashing through his mind about all the possibilities of things that could happen to him now. It was then that he saw two people in the distance approaching also approaching the checkpoint, eyes pointing towards the girl whilst their hands led to swords buckled to their sides. He knew their intention. He had from men for years who acted the same towards him when they approached.

"NEL'YA!" Halien shouted to towards the girl, waving his arm frantically. Halien then ran over to her at the checkpoint "Wow, it's been a while. Come with me, I'll show you to the inn!" He then passed 100 Kiels to a guard at the checkpoint. "Please stall those people for a couple of minutes" he whispered as he drew the guard's attention to the two men with swords.

Leading the girl by the hand for a couple of seconds until they had turned the corner, Halien then let go and started to walk away before stopping. He didn't know what to do now. Whatever had come over him was gone now and he was too scared to ask even for a name of the person he'd just helped. He didn't know them, he wasn't sure if he wanted to either. He supposed he could make the first move but he didn't know how to.

"Ermmm..." was all he was able to muster before going silent again "I'm..."

 

[tobi the good boy]

A resonating explosion bellowed from the core of the Blood & Guts Inn, the sight and sound forcefully bleeding from the buildings orifices with the might of a northern torrent. In it's strides, riding aloft charcoal painted winds was an odour that was, against what was originally deemed impossible, even fouler than the establishments regular aroma. Catching the 'perfect ' view of this chaotic scene was the lonesome figure of Lucian Grey, frozen with both curiosity of the sight presented before him and the idiocy of his partners rash behaviour.

I'm definitely being punished for something...

Lucian's very body sunk as he released a 'less than exuberant' sigh from the depths of his lungs, turned on his heel and slothfully made his way towards the makeshift stables his partner had prepared upon arrival. They were expertly prepared, hidden from plain sight as to lower the risk of thievery and positioned for quick flight should their stay become too... Festive

"Well, I'll hand it to the lad he's good at the practical." Lucian chirped jokingly as he slipped the maps and other paperwork into the blackened leather pouches fastened to the saddle of his faithful steed, Gilbert. He was a destrier; A powerful stallion bred for war, his coat was a dull grey with a night touched mane. His eye's were a striking golden hue, similar to his riders.

" V, I thought you wanted to leave?" Lucian announced mockingly to the smoke seething building.

 

[Korten12]

Lorel Ion - Middle District

The Mage Hunters arrows shot down In a rain of arrows which pierced the rain as it fell. He had to avoid people in the streets. A couple of innocent people got pierced with arrows, but he could do nothing for them. One Hunter jumped out in front of his path and Lorel conjured ice on the ground and began to slide on it, and as the Hunter brought up his sword Lorel took ice from the ground and shot it up like darts, piercing the man.

It was hard to imagine just hours ago that he was attending the Magic Academy and that he was doing spells with Nana, or talking with Moro. Everything felt like a nightmare. Already he has killed a couple people, ended their lives and now they won?t do what they dreamed of doing. But no matter how much it would sicken a person, killing didn?t seem to bother him at all. Was it because they were Mage Hunters? No it couldn?t be.

Another one appeared this time jumping from one of the roofs and grabbing onto a ledge and then dropping down with a sword pointed at him. Lorel jumped out of the way, but his arm just snagged a bit of the blade, cutting a whole in his arm. The Blood almost felt, reassuring, almost a happy feeling.

The attacker went from another run but Lorel dodged it this time and let out a wave of fire, burning the Hunter?s face and letting out a scream of pain. Without looking back he continued to run forward, but more attackers were on the way and out of the corners of his eyes he could see them gathering. Lorel began to feel faint, he had used too much magic today and in rapid succession.

Suddenly his whole world turned over and he found himself on the ground, his legs were bleeding. A sharp string was across the whole street. The pain was overwhelming and in seconds the Mage Hunters gathered around, weapons in hands ready to kill him. No longer was capturing an option, not after he killed some of them.

He tried to get up but he couldn?t, and no magic was coming out. His vision was beginning to fade, and the glow of their Magic Detecting Amulets blazed into his eyes. But without warning suddenly a cloak figure appeared next to him.

One of the Hunters looked angrily at the person. ?Stand out of our way, this Mage is our prey!?

The Cloaked man took out two swords and spoke in a deep voice. ?Just try and get to him.?

The Hunters looked at each other and shrugged. ?Kill him and the Mage.?

Then the first Hunter ran at him, and he simply dogged out of the way, and sliced their head clean off and the blood flew at Lorel and the Man. Without end another and another came at the man, but he simply sliced them to bits. Clearly he was a Master of the Dual Blade Arts. Once it was clear, and the blood stained the street, the man picked up Lorel.

Now he could see the man?s face, his skin was white, hair brown, with a goatee, and some scars over his face. ?Thank you for helping me... Who are you?? Lorel managed to muster out.

The man looked over at Lorel with his deep blue eyes. ?You can call me Velen Majl.?

 

[DragonofDecay86]

"No, and I doubt that they would care even if they-" Vincent stopped mid-sentence, a pulse resonating from his chest that chilled him to the bone. He glanced into the women's eyes, searching for something that he didn't know if he would find. The same wave of cold washed over him as another pulse rebounded in his body.

"Meet me in Grim in a few days if you still wish to talk to me." Vincent said, turning around immediately and leaving the inn. He ducked into the alley quickly, his heart gripping the metal amulet he hid underneath his clothing at all times. He traced his fingers around the stone and words carved into the metal, the chills subsiding slightly now that he was away from that women. Vincent looked over to see Lucian grinning at him, packing up the maps and charts into a saddlebag on his horse.

"Lucian we're leaving now. We've got to finish this job and head over to Grim as quickly as possible. I'll tell you more when we put some distance between us and this inn." Vincent said, walking over and mounting his horse quickly. The horse whinnied and took off without any word or action from its rider, as if it knew what Vincent was thinking.

A Mage here, now? How in the hell didn't I realize that she was a Mage sooner? I should have killed her on the spot, but with so many witnesses and without knowing who I was dealing with. I'll draw some information out of her in Grim before I kill her, maybe I can learn something about someone who knows about my past. Vincent thought to himself, clenching his teeth in anger at his own ineptitude.

 

[Korten12]

Lorel Ion ? Middle District

?Velen? Majl..? Why does that name, more so your last name sound familiar..?? Lorel spoke as they went down the street in the pouring rain which seemed to have no end.

Majl is the name of the family that has great ties to yours. In fact, I was there when you were born. Your parents asked me to protect you as a last will?? Velen spoke his voice lowered as he ended.

Lorel?s eyes opened wide opened, but closed them slightly due to the pain. ?Last will..? Did they know they would be killed??

?Yes, but they fought back, I was there in the end. But they told me to escape and try to find you, I protested but I knew that I would die if I had stayed. Sadly, by the time I got to the academy, you were gone, and they had found you.?

Mom? Dad?

They continued on in silence until they came up to an inn. It had no name, but it was a little cozy place. Velen ordered a room and no questions were asked. In the room, Velen used bandages he had with him and bandaged up Lorel. ?I know your healing magic isn?t good, so these will do.?

Outside it was turning night time but the rain continued on, and the clouds in the sky darkened and grouped together, blocking out the moon making the night almost pitch dark.

Velen left the room, and went down and outside to get some goods. Lorel didn?t ask but it looked as if Velen already had a plan. Probably thought of it as he tried to find him.

?Lorel,? he spoke as he came back in with supplies. ?I am back.?
He placed the goods down and neatly organized them. ?Do you want to talk about it? Want me to explain everything??

?Sure, I guess. Maybe it will make me have some closure and clam this anger I have bubbling inside.?

Velen sat down at the bed opposite of Lorel. ?Your parents, the whole Ion family had been working to bring down Upper for a long time. Ever since your grandfather?s father.?

?You mean, Grandpa Esterin and Grandma Noshewell parents? That long ago??

?Yes.?

Velen shifted his position and sat up straighter. ?The Ion family, while once loyal to the Upper, became increasingly weary of what the Foel family was planning and quickly began to help Rebel Factions in secret in hope of stopping Upper before they could succeed. But now you?re the last one. You must continue on in their name and stop Upper.?

Lorel felt utterly disgusted. ?To think I called Amelia a friend at one point. I should have guessed something was up when she started to become distant with every passing day.?

The pain was starting to go down. ?Velen, do you have an idea of what to do now??

?Yes, we?re going to Grim. While it does have ties with Upper, they won?t attack us there. I have someone whom I wish to recruit there.?

?Who?? Lorel inquired.

?Itsuka Maen.?

?Red Itsuka.? Lorel had heard to the name before. She was a decently famous mage who had a special Magic that she conjured a red mist that literally sucked the life out of a person, some rumors say it gives her life energy but it has never been truly confirmed.
He nodded his head. ?Yup, Itsuka has never been too fond of Upper District, I met her couple of times and she wasn?t exactly subtle with her opinions. She would be a good starting point as she would be a good ally.?

Lorel turned over as if to go to sleep. ?Velen, can I ask you something??

?Shoot.?

?Is it natural to not feel remorse after killing, but to be almost happy at the sight of it and blood..??

Lorel couldn?t see Velen?s face, but his expression was in shock and he didn?t really want to answer. ?No? No it?s not.?

 

[FinalDream]

Sera stopped in the street. There was total silence. A hushed tone had fallen and the crowd of people around her quickly began to retreat to the sides of the street. Their eyes, a volatile mixture of fear and mistrust, were locked on to her. She smirked to herself, turning casually to face the four individuals who where also afforded the same treatment at the opposite end of the street. Mage hunters. Scarlett would have to wait. Armed to the teeth with the finest maces and swords Kiel could afford and wearing gleaming, silver plate armour trimmed with gold, it looked polished to within an inch of its life. A bright red cape hung down from the neck adorned with the faction symbol in white. Hanging around the cylinder like helmets not one of the amulets glowed. Sera had learned to block her magical aurora a long time ago. One of very few individuals left alive who could.

The first raised his mace and advanced down the street alone, shield held high to defend from magical attack. The layers of folded steel within could hold back even the most fearsome of magic based attacks. It was well built. Sera walked forward slowly, watching the knight advance with a curious gaze. She raised out her right arm and snapped her fingers. There was only the sound of empty armour crashing into the mud as the ash rushed out of the hollow metal shell and swirled around in the air for a brief moment. Sera masked it well but the attack had cost her dear in stamina. There was no chance she could repeat it without collapsing out of exhaustion. Sera had chosen it mainly for show. It worked. The crowd became frenzied as they rushed to flee the chaos.

Whether out of bravery or stupidity the second mage hunter advanced shield raised. Sera clicked her fingers. Intense flames licked out of the gaps in the armour and helmet and a blood curdling scream rung out into the empty street, partly muffed by the helmet. The remaining two shuffled, repositioning their feet before they charged ahead. Sera jumped them with ease. Spinning around she squeezed her left fist shut and grew the ice into a long spear. The armour was weakest at the neck and she hurtled it with deadly accuracy. The third mage hunters weapons crashed down into the soft mud before the body.

Rushing the remaining individual she used the force of the wind to sweep him of his feet and threw him into a nearby wall. Kneeling down by the still body Sera whispered, watching the terrified eyes behind the slit in the helmet. Her magical defensive barrier pressed down hard crushing the armour. She was exhausted. Such magic drained her more than she would admit and it was a relief that only four had turned up.

?It?s ok. I?m not going to kill you. I need someone to deliver a message for me.?

Scarlett arrived at the safehouse a little too late, the rain had exploded from the overcast sky and drenched her to the bone. It was annoying but the warmth of the Grim Inn was a welcome relief. She had spent the day scouting Grimm and her targets location. There was not much to report aside from the fact the mansion house roof was been retiled and the builders had erected scaffolding down the side of the building. A party was due to be held tonight and Scarlett had decided on the walk back, that was when she would strike.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

After travelling through Solomon, Vergil had finally reached Grim. Unfortunately, the weather was not kind towards him, as it was a heavy constant rain that fell upon him. Luckily he has a place to call home whenever he is north of the main Middle District. He made his way towards a Inn near the eastern border. It was a small privately, owned place known as the Eternal Mist. Whilst it was a fully functional Inn, it other purpose was far from the truth. You see it also acted as a safehouse for him when he was far from his residence in the main Middle District. The innkeeper was a friend who owed Vergil a few favors years ago.

Vergil enters the Eternal Mist and makes his way towards the counter, where an old man of about forty years old is sorting through some letters. He rings the bell and the man lifts his head up, adjusting his glasses in the process.

"Vergil! My friend it is good to see you, how long has it been since you've last stopped here?"
"Its great to see you too Tobias, and its been at least a year."
"Only a year, strange, seems like it was longer, then again my memory isn't as great as it used to be. Anyway, enough about my problems, what can I do for you?"
"I just need to the key to my room"
"Okay then Vergil, let me just get it." Silas mumbled as he dissappeared into the back room.

Whilst he waited, Vergil decided to have a seat in the lobby area. It was then that a woman entered the inn. She was made instantly recognisable by the raven tattoo across her back which was showing through a light brown tank top, obviously made darker by the rain.

Vergil thought to himself as he laid eyes on the woman, sounding gleeful in the process; 'That must be Sera, shall I end it now. No, too quick, better to let her think that I am still on her side, that way when the moment comes to strike, she won't see it coming' The woman approached him.

"Excuse me sir, have you by any chance seen where a Vergil Crawford might be?"
"Your looking at him" Vergil replied bluntly, standing up afterwards. "I take it your Sera."
"How did you know?" Sera replied, sounding somewhat shocked in the process.
"That tattoo you have across your back, its very unique, one of a kind" Vergil said, smirking when he said 'unique'.
"How did you know that only I have this tattoo?" Sera asked.
"I heard about you from some old codger, when I was in a rundown inn called the Silver Moon a couple of days ago in Smo, ever been there?"
"Can't say I have." Sera replied sounding slightly scared as she thought; 'Does he know? Can't have, must be a coincedence'.
"Anyway" Vergil said, easing the tension alittle. "Enough about where we might have been, let's focus on where we are going. I take it your here to discuss the contract on Scarlett Verneer."
"Indeed I am, say do you have someplace a bit more private?" Sera asked.
"I do." Vergil replied, "The innkeeper is just getting my special key." At that moment, Tobias returned.
"Sorry for keep you waiting so long, here's your key, whose your... lady friend?" Tobias asked, noticing Sera as he Vergil passed a small silver circle with a pair of crossed swords engraved onto blue fabric.
"No problems Tobias, this is Sera, a contact I'm meeting to discuss a contract."
"Okay then, guess its back to work." Tobias mumbled as he carried on with his duties.

"Shall we?" Vergil asked Sera, gesturing towards the stairs.
"Yes, of course" Sera replied. The two headed up the stairs and arrived at a seemingly blank wall.
"Why are we staring at a blank wall!" Sera asked loudly.
"This isn't just a blank wall Sera... its a hidden door." Vergil replied as he placed the silver emblem into a spot on the wall, pushed it inwards, and then turned it. With that motion a series of gears could be heard turning behind the blank wall, suddenly the section of wall moved out of the way revealing a sizable room with various pieces of equipment laid out in slightly untidy fashion.

"How did you... know that was there?" Sera asked, astonished by what she saw.
"Well one, I designed it, and two, my special sense allows me to see illusions and hidden passageways."
"Why the hidden entrace?" Sera asked.
"When your in the line of work that we are in, secrecy is a luxury that is prevalent for our survival." Vergil replied with as the two entered the room, the section of wall returning to its original place.

 

[FinalDream]

Oh god, not now!

Sera had been too preoccupied with Vergil to feel it coming. The burning sensation in her back was growing, spreading like a wildfire across the nerves and leaving them screaming in its wake. Usually her reward to divitny was pleasing, but in the company of another it would be awkward to explain.

?Vergil, do not be alarmed. I am extending a magical barrier across this room to? to well soundproof it. I mean you no harm but I ask that whatever happens, and I mean whatever you see, you do not touch me. Understand??

Too late to see his response Sera turned her back on Vergil and reached out pressing her palms against the wall. She closed her eyes and lowered her head until it too touched the wall. Sera took a deep breath and cursed out loud.

?I?m sorry you have to see this Vergil.?

Sera screamed as loud as her lungs would let her, every part of her body was in total agony, the tattoo on her back began to glow a fierce red and burn through her top. The wings, they, they moved! Very slowly but they where moving up her back folding outwards until they reached just under her armpits. Once they stopped the colour began to fade until it returned to the colour of black ink, leaving no evidence of their previous position on her skin behind.

?Unique, Vergil, is one way of describing it.?

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"A little bit drastic, but if you think it is necessary, considering the topic of discussion" Vergil replied with, seemingly unfazed by what has transpired.

 

[FinalDream]

Still reeling from the pain of her tattoo shifting itself Sera turned to Vergil catching her breath.

?You have no idea how necessary it was. When did you meet Aaron again??

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"I told you, I met him in the Silver Moon down in Smo a couple of days ago." He replied, he sensed that she knew about his dealings with Aaron, and how he came across the description of her.

 

[FinalDream]

Sera wondered how much the old man had said, pushing the thought from her mind she let the sound proofing barrier disintegrate and focused all her strength on the personal defence barrier she was still maintaining.

?What do you know about Scarlett and me?

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"Nothing, well nothing about your past anyway, if thats what your implying. Look, I may not be a mage, but there is no need to use a defensive barrier here, you can trust me." Vergil replied with, giving off a little wry smile in the process.

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor fell to the ground as a large hammer smashed the wall behind him. Rolling to his feet he jumped back from his large opponent. Standing at almost seven feet tall, bulging with muscles and armed with a large hammer, his opponent was formidable.

?You chose the wrong day to attack me,? the large man yelled. ?I?ve got enough mages that want to kill me that I don?t need some person playing hero attempt to kill me.?

?Come on Jegme. Come quietly. We both know no matter what happens you will die or be captured. Make it easier on everyone and come quietly.? Telnor requested.
Jegme laughed,? It is better to die fighting then to go quietly like a dog with a mage?s go for boy.? With that he swung his hammer downwards at Telnor. Telnor sidestepped the blow and slashed at Jegme. Telnor?s sword connected but Jegme was able to move back just enough to leave a shallow, but bloody wound.

Jegme roared and threw his hammer with all his might. Telnor jumped to side, hitting the ground with an, ?oomph? as the hammer flew past him and imbedded itself in the wall. Before Telnor was able to get up he felt a large pair of hands wrap around his neck.

?I shall choke the life out of you and you shall regret the day you tried to kill me,? Jegme taunted. Telnor struggled as the world began to blacken.

 

[FinalDream]

?It?s not you I am worried about. The mage hunters will stop at nothing to get back their weapon.? Sera smiled. ?I want you to kill a woman called Scarlett Verneer. Scarlett Verneer is one of the best assassins in the Red Stain, some would have you believe that she is nothing more than mere fiction but believe me she is real, and very dangerous. Know that what I offer in return for Scarlett Verneer?s life is more Kiel than you will ever see in your lifetime. You can name your price.?

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"Trust me, I've seen alot of Kiel in my life, and I plan to see alot more. As for my price, given the circumstances, 20,000."

 

[FinalDream]

?You can have 60,000 Kiel.? Sera remarked. ?Paid upon completion of your contract. Does that sound agreeable??

 

[Evrant-Knight]

"Definitely agreeable, I take it that you'll have the money with you, now then, what is the plan of action?" Vergil replied with, thinking to himself 'She's falling for it, better keep the act up... for a little while longer'.

 

[FinalDream]

?Good. Then this is how it will work. Tonight at the Nehelem manor a party will take place. Here?s your invitation, invent what ever identity to you wish, after the stroke of midnight the target will enter the master bedroom and I will engage her in talk. You will use this opportunity to strike, I will use magic to mask your movement noise and you will strike the heart with whatever weapon you see fit. Understand??