The Guardians of London: Fourth Echelon (Chapter Two)
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Off-Topic but been reading The Holders series. It isn't scary. If it all takes place in the same insane asylum it isn't scary...it's too intentionally vague to be scary.
Dearest Praetor,
You silly damned fool. Did you know you were sending twenty three of your best to their death when your ordered the Lazarus Sector in? Did you ever wonder why the place of Kins incarceration is named "Drakona zhivot" or "dragons belly"?. Zhivot, as it is known in short has no record of their fatalities, unlike most Gulags who enjoy spouting numbers of casualties. This is because nobody is allowed to know what goes on in there. They say most of those inside do die, and that they are the lucky ones.
As hard as it is to get out of Zhivot, getting in alive is even more difficult. It is guarded by a small army that listens to nobody publicly known. Supposedly somebody in the russian gov' is pulling the strings. Powerful mages, rebellion leaders and troublesome politicians make up most of the inmates. So if the guards dont kill you, the occupants will.
You silly damned fool. Did you know you were sending twenty three of your best to their death when your ordered the Lazarus Sector in? Did you ever wonder why the place of Kins incarceration is named "Drakona zhivot" or "dragons belly"?. Zhivot, as it is known in short has no record of their fatalities, unlike most Gulags who enjoy spouting numbers of casualties. This is because nobody is allowed to know what goes on in there. They say most of those inside do die, and that they are the lucky ones.
As hard as it is to get out of Zhivot, getting in alive is even more difficult. It is guarded by a small army that listens to nobody publicly known. Supposedly somebody in the russian gov' is pulling the strings. Powerful mages, rebellion leaders and troublesome politicians make up most of the inmates. So if the guards dont kill you, the occupants will.
Director.
If you know so much about this place, why havent you tried getting Kin out? You are the one with the reputation of always having a plan, always being on top of things. So what is your move Director? and while I am at it, how do you know so much about this place?
If you know so much about this place, why havent you tried getting Kin out? You are the one with the reputation of always having a plan, always being on top of things. So what is your move Director? and while I am at it, how do you know so much about this place?
Praetor
I have an answer to this situation. She is currently under orders of your new friend Silas Grey and has been tasked with putting together a team to extract Sigma from Zhivot. I can assure you, between Silas, Anastasia and the Joint Operation Task Force (or JOTF) being put together, they will be more than capable of pulling Kin out alive.
And there is something you should know about Zhivot. The army of guards there is no ordinary army. Im sure you once heard about the Russian Government and "Project Spider Mother", a joint intelligence program tasked with creating an army of clone soldiers to be controlled by imperiomantic methods. Well officially, the plan failed, too many problems (as you can imagine). But most of the surviving clones disappeared. Two years later, one Lazlo Mercer, a KGB agent was appointed to vice warden of Drakona Zhivot. Mercer was a former Rhyle who defected. In an unprecedented maneuver Mercer simply took over operations at Zhivot, relieving every guard their of active duty and sending them back to Moscow. The Russian gov. never sent replacements because it didnt need to. Lazlo Mercer is an imperiomancer whose skills are top notch, to the point of being able to control hundreds of those guards at once.
And as for your inquiry as to why I know what I do know about Zhivot, well... how should I put this? For three years, I called it home.
I have an answer to this situation. She is currently under orders of your new friend Silas Grey and has been tasked with putting together a team to extract Sigma from Zhivot. I can assure you, between Silas, Anastasia and the Joint Operation Task Force (or JOTF) being put together, they will be more than capable of pulling Kin out alive.
And there is something you should know about Zhivot. The army of guards there is no ordinary army. Im sure you once heard about the Russian Government and "Project Spider Mother", a joint intelligence program tasked with creating an army of clone soldiers to be controlled by imperiomantic methods. Well officially, the plan failed, too many problems (as you can imagine). But most of the surviving clones disappeared. Two years later, one Lazlo Mercer, a KGB agent was appointed to vice warden of Drakona Zhivot. Mercer was a former Rhyle who defected. In an unprecedented maneuver Mercer simply took over operations at Zhivot, relieving every guard their of active duty and sending them back to Moscow. The Russian gov. never sent replacements because it didnt need to. Lazlo Mercer is an imperiomancer whose skills are top notch, to the point of being able to control hundreds of those guards at once.
And as for your inquiry as to why I know what I do know about Zhivot, well... how should I put this? For three years, I called it home.
"You...heard that too, right Arnar?"
Arnar gulped "Unfortunately, yes."
"And... are we still going in?"
Arnar placed his hands on the door.
"Unfortunately, yes." He pushed the door open. "Unlocked?"
Samuel thought it was impossible but the stench got even worse. Even Arnar put on his breathing protection while Sam choked.
They entered the warehouse. There were crates everywhere and more dog excrements. They wandered through rows of crates trying to avoid 'contact mines'
"Wait!" Arnar saw something. He pointed at the ground about 10 meters ahead of them. A half-eaten cat's corpse. Arnar stepped closer. "Fresh. I think it has something to do with..."
The growl again. And it was frighteningly close.
Arnar became pale, Sam slowly turned around. "...that..."
What he saw was terrifying. A dog, or at least it was once a dog. It stood about 5 feet tall and 9 feet long, had toneless red fur and completely black eyes. It opened it's jaws and exposed 2 rows of sharp fangs which stood off in all directions. It jumped down the crate it was standing on and ran towards Sam who felt like he was utterly paralysed. He couldn't even move a single finger.
Jetzt ist es aus. Ich werde sterben.
That thought filled him with a strange calmness.
Suddenly he heard a shot, felt something barely missing his ear, penetrating the creature's right eye causing a small cloud of blood. It collapsed and slided towards Samuel, stopping right before his feet.
Arnar grabbed his shoulders. "What the hell is wrong with you? You want to get killed? Didn't they teach you anything in London?" Samuel just stared at him. Something in Arnars' eyes cahnged. He let go of Sam. "You've never killed before, have you?"
Sam nodded. "Sooner or later you'll have to."
He turned towards the dead creature. "Let's see what we got here...."
Arnar gulped "Unfortunately, yes."
"And... are we still going in?"
Arnar placed his hands on the door.
"Unfortunately, yes." He pushed the door open. "Unlocked?"
Samuel thought it was impossible but the stench got even worse. Even Arnar put on his breathing protection while Sam choked.
They entered the warehouse. There were crates everywhere and more dog excrements. They wandered through rows of crates trying to avoid 'contact mines'
"Wait!" Arnar saw something. He pointed at the ground about 10 meters ahead of them. A half-eaten cat's corpse. Arnar stepped closer. "Fresh. I think it has something to do with..."
The growl again. And it was frighteningly close.
Arnar became pale, Sam slowly turned around. "...that..."
What he saw was terrifying. A dog, or at least it was once a dog. It stood about 5 feet tall and 9 feet long, had toneless red fur and completely black eyes. It opened it's jaws and exposed 2 rows of sharp fangs which stood off in all directions. It jumped down the crate it was standing on and ran towards Sam who felt like he was utterly paralysed. He couldn't even move a single finger.
Jetzt ist es aus. Ich werde sterben.
Now it's over. I'm going to die.
Suddenly he heard a shot, felt something barely missing his ear, penetrating the creature's right eye causing a small cloud of blood. It collapsed and slided towards Samuel, stopping right before his feet.
Arnar grabbed his shoulders. "What the hell is wrong with you? You want to get killed? Didn't they teach you anything in London?" Samuel just stared at him. Something in Arnars' eyes cahnged. He let go of Sam. "You've never killed before, have you?"
Sam nodded. "Sooner or later you'll have to."
He turned towards the dead creature. "Let's see what we got here...."
RHYLE SUBROUTINE REPORT NO. 313429918 ((MANY SECTIONS REDACTED WITHOUT NOTE)
Subject Name: Anastasia Romanov. Alias: Rising Dragon.
Sex: Femal
Race: Human
Height: 5? 9?
Weight: 150 lbs
Age: 27 EXCEPTIONAL CASE: Due to prolonged exposure to Archonic Light, Ana has been subjected to what we now call ?Echo effect? in which a person?s aging process is almost halted. In truth she is 57 years old.
Country of Origin: Russia
APPEARANCE: Slim,size 2. Typically dressed in civilian clothes. Tattoos on the side of her neck show a family crest.
Hair: Brown, often dyed.
Eyes: Green
ASSOCIATIONS:
Rhyle Knight.
Guardian of Light: Honorary.
Fmr. operations in Russian Government -REDACTED INFORMATION-
Wanted by Somalian Warlord -REDACTED-. Sum of estimated bounty: 45,000 USD
FIELD ASSESMENT:
Anastasia shows exemplary capabilities in many operations. Especially in espionage and deep cover situations. Though he attitude was notably more aggressive, psychological tests have shown a growth in self control. However she still has trust issues with many figures, most in fact, that she encounters. Silas Grey, Nicholaus Kin, Roger Stern, Manuel Atias, And a Fae known as Rena -REDACTED- seem to be among the few she completely trusts. Also has rather strained relation to Guardian Hadrian
Threat Level: Apex (prime). Ana has shown unprecedented levels of Dragon blood magic on a sale never before seen in any being.
Skills include: Red Magic.
Close Combat: Excellent.
Ranged: Excellent.
Espionage: Excellent.
Skills as Confidence Woman: Commendable.
SERVICE RECORD: Ana was brought into the Rhyle upon the recommendation of Guardian Bastian. She trained under Kin, Stern and Atias, as well as recieving mentoring by Silas Grey, and the Dali Lama.
In 1995, Kin takes subject codename "Red Dragon" as apprentice.
2010: "Red Dragon" Graduates as full fledged Rhyle Knight, ops to continue working with Kin
Notable operations:
Operation: -REDACTED-
Joint Op: "Dragon rising" -Given Bronze Cross
Joint Op: "Hannigans Wake" -Given Polish Air Born "wings" for services with 13th Division Polish Air Born.
Operation: Lighting Bullet
Joint Op: Gryphon Tear. Somalian incident in notable associations. Believed to involve a sting operation in a harem.
Operation: "Dead Snake"
CURRENT STATUS: -REDACTED-
Subject Name: Anastasia Romanov. Alias: Rising Dragon.
Sex: Femal
Race: Human
Height: 5? 9?
Weight: 150 lbs
Age: 27 EXCEPTIONAL CASE: Due to prolonged exposure to Archonic Light, Ana has been subjected to what we now call ?Echo effect? in which a person?s aging process is almost halted. In truth she is 57 years old.
Country of Origin: Russia
APPEARANCE: Slim,size 2. Typically dressed in civilian clothes. Tattoos on the side of her neck show a family crest.
Hair: Brown, often dyed.
Eyes: Green
ASSOCIATIONS:
Rhyle Knight.
Guardian of Light: Honorary.
Fmr. operations in Russian Government -REDACTED INFORMATION-
Wanted by Somalian Warlord -REDACTED-. Sum of estimated bounty: 45,000 USD
FIELD ASSESMENT:
Anastasia shows exemplary capabilities in many operations. Especially in espionage and deep cover situations. Though he attitude was notably more aggressive, psychological tests have shown a growth in self control. However she still has trust issues with many figures, most in fact, that she encounters. Silas Grey, Nicholaus Kin, Roger Stern, Manuel Atias, And a Fae known as Rena -REDACTED- seem to be among the few she completely trusts. Also has rather strained relation to Guardian Hadrian
Threat Level: Apex (prime). Ana has shown unprecedented levels of Dragon blood magic on a sale never before seen in any being.
Skills include: Red Magic.
Close Combat: Excellent.
Ranged: Excellent.
Espionage: Excellent.
Skills as Confidence Woman: Commendable.
SERVICE RECORD: Ana was brought into the Rhyle upon the recommendation of Guardian Bastian. She trained under Kin, Stern and Atias, as well as recieving mentoring by Silas Grey, and the Dali Lama.
In 1995, Kin takes subject codename "Red Dragon" as apprentice.
2010: "Red Dragon" Graduates as full fledged Rhyle Knight, ops to continue working with Kin
Notable operations:
Operation: -REDACTED-
Joint Op: "Dragon rising" -Given Bronze Cross
Joint Op: "Hannigans Wake" -Given Polish Air Born "wings" for services with 13th Division Polish Air Born.
Operation: Lighting Bullet
Joint Op: Gryphon Tear. Somalian incident in notable associations. Believed to involve a sting operation in a harem.
Operation: "Dead Snake"
CURRENT STATUS: -REDACTED-
I also plan on updating this, as well as sending the "Unedited" list of Kins known associates. Just because I want to do some clever stuff with it.
EDITED: I noticed a mistake in the know associates section.
"Wake up," hissed one of Motley's captains, a hulking brute of a man with a writhing serpent for a left arm.
Anthem didn't want to wake. The pulsating waves of pain coursing through his skull, the memory of the ambush, the wooden maul coming down on his head. The bruiser wasn't taking his reticence, however, and roughly shook Anthem until he lifted his head and met his tormentor's gaze. The serpent hissed, snapping at the air just before Anthem's nose.
"Motley's got special things in mind for people like you," the captain sneered. "He don't appreciate competition. Especially when they try to rip him off. And lucky you, you're the healthiest of your little gang!" The captain turned away, glaring over his shoulder. "So you get to be subject zero."
The room where Anthem was held looked more like an abattoir than a holding cell. Blood stained the walls while chunks of unidentifiable meat and metal lay strewn about the floor.
As the captain left, Anthem took stock of his situation. Strapped upright to a soapstone slab. Suspicious indentations in the slab's surface, looking awfully like blood channels. He feebly strained at the leather restraints binding his wrists, abdomen, and ankles. No luck. He had heard about Alduous Motley. Former Sanguinamancer for the Guardians, disbarred for his fascination with 'improving' people and 'punishing' wrongdoing with what he saw as karmic justice.
Anthem knew that this was going to be very bad. It was when the grey-faced, apron-clad Motley himself entered the room with a saw in one hand that he knew it would become even worse.
The screams lasted for days but were unheard through the thick stone walls of Motley's manse.
Anthem didn't want to wake. The pulsating waves of pain coursing through his skull, the memory of the ambush, the wooden maul coming down on his head. The bruiser wasn't taking his reticence, however, and roughly shook Anthem until he lifted his head and met his tormentor's gaze. The serpent hissed, snapping at the air just before Anthem's nose.
"Motley's got special things in mind for people like you," the captain sneered. "He don't appreciate competition. Especially when they try to rip him off. And lucky you, you're the healthiest of your little gang!" The captain turned away, glaring over his shoulder. "So you get to be subject zero."
The room where Anthem was held looked more like an abattoir than a holding cell. Blood stained the walls while chunks of unidentifiable meat and metal lay strewn about the floor.
As the captain left, Anthem took stock of his situation. Strapped upright to a soapstone slab. Suspicious indentations in the slab's surface, looking awfully like blood channels. He feebly strained at the leather restraints binding his wrists, abdomen, and ankles. No luck. He had heard about Alduous Motley. Former Sanguinamancer for the Guardians, disbarred for his fascination with 'improving' people and 'punishing' wrongdoing with what he saw as karmic justice.
Anthem knew that this was going to be very bad. It was when the grey-faced, apron-clad Motley himself entered the room with a saw in one hand that he knew it would become even worse.
The screams lasted for days but were unheard through the thick stone walls of Motley's manse.
Guardians Thimbley and Rynn entered through front entrance, while Guardians Woodwright, Wainsmith, and Initiates Carter and P'lu'arn breached rear cellar door. Thimbley and Rynn disabled six humanoid males, identified as members of Alduous Motley's criminal gang. Each male was heavily modified with built-in weaponry and armaments, Rynn being severely injured by an acid jet vomited by one of the males.
Woodwright's team cleared the basement, encountering numerous unidentified prisoners, most dead, dying, or in a state of delirium. Two humanoids, Remade beyond recognition, attacked the team but were disabled.
Thimbley and Rynn rejoined Woodwright's team and finished clearing the building. No sign of Motley was found, however an additional holding area was discovered containing several human prisoners, including one who had been extensively Remade. The Remade victim was lucid. Will transfer to headquarters for evaluation.
Woodwright's note: The doll-face Remade's been helpful so far. Might be worth considering for Initiate status if the opportunity's given. Definitely designed for combat. I see no reason to deny someone who might be useful.
Thimbley's note: Motley's a sick one. No wonder he 'resigned'. We really need to bring this guy in. Who knows how many safehouses he's got set up like this? How many people he's turned into monsters?
Master Cartwright, Mission Overseer: The Remade, 'Anthem', has demonstrated interest in joining the Guardians. The Imperiomancers have detected little about its prior identity but the arcane energies emanating from its core battery are obscuring mental detections. This has also halted our Sanguinamancers' attempts at removing Anthem's grafts. At present, I will consider Guardian Woodwright's recommendation for Initiate status.
Woodwright's team cleared the basement, encountering numerous unidentified prisoners, most dead, dying, or in a state of delirium. Two humanoids, Remade beyond recognition, attacked the team but were disabled.
Thimbley and Rynn rejoined Woodwright's team and finished clearing the building. No sign of Motley was found, however an additional holding area was discovered containing several human prisoners, including one who had been extensively Remade. The Remade victim was lucid. Will transfer to headquarters for evaluation.
Woodwright's note: The doll-face Remade's been helpful so far. Might be worth considering for Initiate status if the opportunity's given. Definitely designed for combat. I see no reason to deny someone who might be useful.
Thimbley's note: Motley's a sick one. No wonder he 'resigned'. We really need to bring this guy in. Who knows how many safehouses he's got set up like this? How many people he's turned into monsters?
Master Cartwright, Mission Overseer: The Remade, 'Anthem', has demonstrated interest in joining the Guardians. The Imperiomancers have detected little about its prior identity but the arcane energies emanating from its core battery are obscuring mental detections. This has also halted our Sanguinamancers' attempts at removing Anthem's grafts. At present, I will consider Guardian Woodwright's recommendation for Initiate status.
Challenge: Someone write up a Tropes list for the Guardians RP series. I'll let you write a story section if you do.
Here it is. If you catch any subtle references, good for you.
Rhyle/ Knight. Frequently refused promotion to elder levels of membership.
-Honorary member of the Dreamers, which he maintains a healthy working relationship with (its rumored he occasionally shares a glass of boars blood wine with Baron Samedi ).
-Knight of England.
-Agent A. Quartermane, British Secret Service
-Has many contacts within the Elders of Zion.
-Known to stay in contact with Pratibha Patil, the Indian president, as well as many prominent Buddhist Monks.
-Known to fence regularly with one Brendan Lashier, prominent member of French Parliament.
-Known connections with Dhali Lama.
-Aaron Presley
-Kurtner, Paul. Working deep cover in Los Angeles for American FBI
-Honorary member of Ordus Sanctum (Secreta Secretorum Listener)
-Brought into Guardians of Light s consultant in multiple operations. These include "Operation Dreadnaught" "Operation Capricorn House" "Operation Plate Breach" And joint operation "Torsion Monkey" with Dreamers Clan.
-Rumored to have close friendship with Silas Grey
-Rumored romantic relations with Anastasia -ROMANOV-
- Holds strained relations with Japan after accusations of desecrating a Zao Temple in -MUSASHI- Province, often travels incognito.
-Contact with Daggerspell Clan: Should be avoided.
-Wanted by the Russian Government (dead or alive; Estimated bounty: 3,450-4,000,000,000 Russian Rubels) and the South African Military (Dead; Estimated bounty: 590 - 600,000,000 Rand)
-Independent bounty contract exists from Duran Trade Company, Operating out of New York City, after exposing and killing -JAMES MORDIN- on the board of directors to- SOLUS INC-. (Dead or Alive: Estimated Bounty 5,000,000USD: CONFIRMED PRICE)
-Wanted by Somali warlord known as Kume 'Zulu' Roman.Bounty estimated 45,00 for events involving a sting op in a harem.
-During Operation: Iron Reigns, was aided by I. Adler.
-Worked with Lazlo Mercer while incarcerated in mask, details are unknown.
-Subject is Gemini, Known brother Nigel Kin not registered twin. Sub note:
"While it is simple logic that would declare Nigel Kin dead, it should be noted that no body has been found, and that the brothers showed signs of zodiac link in their "normal" lives. While we cannot confirm his continued existence, it may be possible that Nigel survived beyond his expected lifespan due to connection with Nicholaus. One should rememeber this;That mask was half of a pair." - Consular Magistrate Victumus.
-Honorary member of the Dreamers, which he maintains a healthy working relationship with (its rumored he occasionally shares a glass of boars blood wine with Baron Samedi ).
-Knight of England.
-Agent A. Quartermane, British Secret Service
-Has many contacts within the Elders of Zion.
-Known to stay in contact with Pratibha Patil, the Indian president, as well as many prominent Buddhist Monks.
-Known to fence regularly with one Brendan Lashier, prominent member of French Parliament.
-Known connections with Dhali Lama.
-Aaron Presley
-Kurtner, Paul. Working deep cover in Los Angeles for American FBI
-Honorary member of Ordus Sanctum (Secreta Secretorum Listener)
-Brought into Guardians of Light s consultant in multiple operations. These include "Operation Dreadnaught" "Operation Capricorn House" "Operation Plate Breach" And joint operation "Torsion Monkey" with Dreamers Clan.
-Rumored to have close friendship with Silas Grey
-Rumored romantic relations with Anastasia -ROMANOV-
- Holds strained relations with Japan after accusations of desecrating a Zao Temple in -MUSASHI- Province, often travels incognito.
-Contact with Daggerspell Clan: Should be avoided.
-Wanted by the Russian Government (dead or alive; Estimated bounty: 3,450-4,000,000,000 Russian Rubels) and the South African Military (Dead; Estimated bounty: 590 - 600,000,000 Rand)
-Independent bounty contract exists from Duran Trade Company, Operating out of New York City, after exposing and killing -JAMES MORDIN- on the board of directors to- SOLUS INC-. (Dead or Alive: Estimated Bounty 5,000,000USD: CONFIRMED PRICE)
-Wanted by Somali warlord known as Kume 'Zulu' Roman.Bounty estimated 45,00 for events involving a sting op in a harem.
-During Operation: Iron Reigns, was aided by I. Adler.
-Worked with Lazlo Mercer while incarcerated in mask, details are unknown.
-Subject is Gemini, Known brother Nigel Kin not registered twin. Sub note:
"While it is simple logic that would declare Nigel Kin dead, it should be noted that no body has been found, and that the brothers showed signs of zodiac link in their "normal" lives. While we cannot confirm his continued existence, it may be possible that Nigel survived beyond his expected lifespan due to connection with Nicholaus. One should rememeber this;That mask was half of a pair." - Consular Magistrate Victumus.
Arnar examined the corpse while Sam stood a bit offside and tried to get a grip on himself. Something wasn't feeling right. He had a headache and a strange mosquito bite on his left arm. He pretended to feel alright but he wasn't really.
"Poor thing. That dog was magically altered. We should take some samples and send them to the laboratory." Samuel stepped closer, unsheathed his Tanto and removed a teeth and cut off some fur. "Another teeth Samuel. One isn't enough." Sam shrugged and took another teeth. Then he took a blood sample a stowed everything inside a small shatterproof box Arnar gave him.
"Let's take a closer look around. It had to come from somewhere in here." They didn't have to search long:
Behind the crate the creature stood on, there was a hole in the ground partially covered by remains of a once secret door. Wooden stairs were leading down into the darkness. They went down.
Arnar raised his hand, which started burning producing enough light to see down here. What they saw was...
...nothing. The room was except for a couple of tables and void bookshelves, empty. Samuel sighed disappointed. "We're too late..." Arnar gave him a reassuring pat on his shoulders.
"Don't worry. That's exactly what I expected. We should see if we can find something useful." They began looking around searching for clues. Arnar walked to one bookshelf, wiped it with one finger and looked at it. "Almost no dust. I'd say this room was still in use yesterday."
"I'd say so too. There are hardly any dog excrements down here and it barely smells."
"What's that?" Arnar pointed at a heavy metal door on the other side of the room. "A door", Samuel blatantly responded.
Arnar frowned. "Thank you Initiate Obvious...". They walked up to the door and opened it with great effort. Suddenly the stench was back again. Samuel couldn't bear it anymore, put off his breathing protection and vomited.
"Poor thing. That dog was magically altered. We should take some samples and send them to the laboratory." Samuel stepped closer, unsheathed his Tanto and removed a teeth and cut off some fur. "Another teeth Samuel. One isn't enough." Sam shrugged and took another teeth. Then he took a blood sample a stowed everything inside a small shatterproof box Arnar gave him.
"Let's take a closer look around. It had to come from somewhere in here." They didn't have to search long:
Behind the crate the creature stood on, there was a hole in the ground partially covered by remains of a once secret door. Wooden stairs were leading down into the darkness. They went down.
Arnar raised his hand, which started burning producing enough light to see down here. What they saw was...
...nothing. The room was except for a couple of tables and void bookshelves, empty. Samuel sighed disappointed. "We're too late..." Arnar gave him a reassuring pat on his shoulders.
"Don't worry. That's exactly what I expected. We should see if we can find something useful." They began looking around searching for clues. Arnar walked to one bookshelf, wiped it with one finger and looked at it. "Almost no dust. I'd say this room was still in use yesterday."
"I'd say so too. There are hardly any dog excrements down here and it barely smells."
"What's that?" Arnar pointed at a heavy metal door on the other side of the room. "A door", Samuel blatantly responded.
Arnar frowned. "Thank you Initiate Obvious...". They walked up to the door and opened it with great effort. Suddenly the stench was back again. Samuel couldn't bear it anymore, put off his breathing protection and vomited.
Side Note for those enthusiastic about following my forthcoming RP after this one will be a horror RP in case anyone is wondering what is coming next once the Guardians of London series is done.
EDIT:
EDIT:
Department: East London Police, Homicide
Responder's Report: Responding to 911 emergency at 201 B Hyde Point Street, not much on the telephone except a man begging for help and then a scream. Smell of blood hit us before we walked in the door. Door was torn off its hinges violently, Guardian responding swore something fierce when he touched the claw marks. House's interior was smashed up, claw marks everywhere. Body was found upstairs, disembowled and parts flung on the walls and ceiling of the bedroom. Man's body is laid in a magic circle like thing, what bits are left anyways. We bagged a head, two legs, an arm and a pile of whats probably his intestines.
Coroner's Report: Cause of death was violent dismemberment, decapitation happened after the chest was opened and the rest of the limbs after. Claws used for this were serrated like shark's teeth, but all of the body's organs and tissue were accounted for. No meat was consumed.
Guardian's Report: Demonic entity of moderate size and severe ferocity attacking suburban single man. Victim ritually placed in Caller's Circle, victim's blood used to make the circle itself. The remains were a sacrifice to Belial the Shadow Lord of Slaughter, ruling out devils and other servants of Hell. Shadow daemon is considered to be the threat, recommendation to turn over termination of this entity to the Guardians.
Victim: Gerald F. Winter
Occupation: Director of the Metropolitan Office of Magical Regulation and Monster Control
Age: 47
Height: 5'7
Weight: 187 Pounds
No known enemies, crime seems to be motivated, but motive is unclear.
-CASE MOVED TO GUARDIANS DEPARTMENT OF CASE MANAGEMENT-
Responder's Report: Responding to 911 emergency at 201 B Hyde Point Street, not much on the telephone except a man begging for help and then a scream. Smell of blood hit us before we walked in the door. Door was torn off its hinges violently, Guardian responding swore something fierce when he touched the claw marks. House's interior was smashed up, claw marks everywhere. Body was found upstairs, disembowled and parts flung on the walls and ceiling of the bedroom. Man's body is laid in a magic circle like thing, what bits are left anyways. We bagged a head, two legs, an arm and a pile of whats probably his intestines.
Coroner's Report: Cause of death was violent dismemberment, decapitation happened after the chest was opened and the rest of the limbs after. Claws used for this were serrated like shark's teeth, but all of the body's organs and tissue were accounted for. No meat was consumed.
Guardian's Report: Demonic entity of moderate size and severe ferocity attacking suburban single man. Victim ritually placed in Caller's Circle, victim's blood used to make the circle itself. The remains were a sacrifice to Belial the Shadow Lord of Slaughter, ruling out devils and other servants of Hell. Shadow daemon is considered to be the threat, recommendation to turn over termination of this entity to the Guardians.
Victim: Gerald F. Winter
Occupation: Director of the Metropolitan Office of Magical Regulation and Monster Control
Age: 47
Height: 5'7
Weight: 187 Pounds
No known enemies, crime seems to be motivated, but motive is unclear.
-CASE MOVED TO GUARDIANS DEPARTMENT OF CASE MANAGEMENT-
So here is the first character based prologue. Enjoy.
Anastasia's "song" (If I were to have to pick one to describe the character.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEApf_FT25M
A tall figure stood out on the balcony, silhouetted by the light from the room. He seemed preoccupied, hardly shifting from his spot as his hands rummaged through a small stack of papers. The warm summer night and the little town was far from his thoughts as they had been pushed aside by what was to come.
The charming little coastal town of Positano seemed more lively at night. Lights strung from building to building gave it a cozy atmosphere. The town, situated on slopes just about the water of the Mediterranean, was a little hamlet of sorts. A rustic town that never seemed less than fourty years behind the times. It stayed old fashioned. Far from the rest of the world.
Then there was her. A stunning figure of a woman walked through the door and set her purse down with another handbag. "How does fish sound for breakfast?" she asked, putting it on a kitchen table. She wore a yellow sun dress and a wide brimmed hat of straw with a fake flower set in it.
Nicholaus Kin hardly gave any acknowledgement to Anastasia Romanov's entrance. "Sure, fish sounds good." It was an absent minded response. She walked up to him, unsatisfied. "Nick, stop it." She took the papers from him and set them back in the briefcase. "You need to forget about this for a while. Silas even said so, that's why we are here."
It seemed Kin now slowly began to come back to reality. "I suppose."
She smiled, drawing in close. "Of course you do." She pulled away back to the table. "Now, who will ever help me eat all these figs?" She pulled a small woven basket full of the fruit out and popped one in her mouth. She had always loved the figs in this part of the world. Everything else paled in comparison. Kin followed her out and put his hands on the handrail of the balcony. She set down the fruit and stood beside him.
"I know you are worried about this, and you have a right to be. But right now, its not about that." She leaned against him, looking out at the Mediterranean and the lights of the town. "But if you REALLY want to work on it, Ill give you something worth remembering." She leaned in and kissed him, a hand on his cheek. "You better come back to me, you understand?" Her voice had a tremble in it. "I dont just want the information, or the soldier, I want the man back, you hear?"
"I want to make that promise, Ana."
"But you just cant?"
"Im sorry. Im so sorry. I wish I could save you from this." She grabbed him and hugged him tight, they just stood there for minutes. She wanted to save him, after all, he had kept her from self destruction. Without him, she would be a threat to anyone with uncontrolled rage and an incomprehensible energy of destruction. Besides, she didnt exactly have many other people. Her family was out of the question, most saw her as a freak, and many considered her the enemy, even if she was on the same side.
"Ana.."
"Yes?"
He thought for a moment.
"I believe in you, I believe you can do this." She looked up at him through tears. "Really?"
"Yeah, I know you will get it done."
"I wont know how to-"
Kin cut her off. "Then you will find a way."
The sound of people laughing and enjoying festivities could be heard.
"So what do you say? Lets make some memories worth fighting to get back." He gave her a wink. "I believe there will be dancing tonight. I know you wouldnt want to miss a chance to go dancing..." She nodded, wiping a tear away.
"Come on then, lets get ourselves cleaned up." He said reassuringly taking a handkerchief to her cheek to wipe away the other tear.
As she went back to their room to freshen up, he waited out in the kitchen, eating a few figs. Se looked in the mirror at herself. Was she really going to give him a reason to remember?
Then she realized something. Something that maybe he had been trying to tell her all along. He wouldnt be able to on his own. What he wanted was to give HER a reason to try, to persist when times got tough, to press on when all hope seemed lost. She realized she didnt need anything else. It wasnt about him, maybe... it was about her... It seemed so childishly simple all the sudden. She felt so foolish, so dumbfounded by it. She shook her head and smiled. "You crafty son of a *****...".
She put on the deep red lipstick. She knew he was always fond of that color on her.
"I dont want to miss anything"
She turned, and walked out with a new energy. Taking him by the arm, they walked out and into the world.
The charming little coastal town of Positano seemed more lively at night. Lights strung from building to building gave it a cozy atmosphere. The town, situated on slopes just about the water of the Mediterranean, was a little hamlet of sorts. A rustic town that never seemed less than fourty years behind the times. It stayed old fashioned. Far from the rest of the world.
Then there was her. A stunning figure of a woman walked through the door and set her purse down with another handbag. "How does fish sound for breakfast?" she asked, putting it on a kitchen table. She wore a yellow sun dress and a wide brimmed hat of straw with a fake flower set in it.
Nicholaus Kin hardly gave any acknowledgement to Anastasia Romanov's entrance. "Sure, fish sounds good." It was an absent minded response. She walked up to him, unsatisfied. "Nick, stop it." She took the papers from him and set them back in the briefcase. "You need to forget about this for a while. Silas even said so, that's why we are here."
It seemed Kin now slowly began to come back to reality. "I suppose."
She smiled, drawing in close. "Of course you do." She pulled away back to the table. "Now, who will ever help me eat all these figs?" She pulled a small woven basket full of the fruit out and popped one in her mouth. She had always loved the figs in this part of the world. Everything else paled in comparison. Kin followed her out and put his hands on the handrail of the balcony. She set down the fruit and stood beside him.
"I know you are worried about this, and you have a right to be. But right now, its not about that." She leaned against him, looking out at the Mediterranean and the lights of the town. "But if you REALLY want to work on it, Ill give you something worth remembering." She leaned in and kissed him, a hand on his cheek. "You better come back to me, you understand?" Her voice had a tremble in it. "I dont just want the information, or the soldier, I want the man back, you hear?"
"I want to make that promise, Ana."
"But you just cant?"
"Im sorry. Im so sorry. I wish I could save you from this." She grabbed him and hugged him tight, they just stood there for minutes. She wanted to save him, after all, he had kept her from self destruction. Without him, she would be a threat to anyone with uncontrolled rage and an incomprehensible energy of destruction. Besides, she didnt exactly have many other people. Her family was out of the question, most saw her as a freak, and many considered her the enemy, even if she was on the same side.
"Ana.."
"Yes?"
He thought for a moment.
"I believe in you, I believe you can do this." She looked up at him through tears. "Really?"
"Yeah, I know you will get it done."
"I wont know how to-"
Kin cut her off. "Then you will find a way."
The sound of people laughing and enjoying festivities could be heard.
"So what do you say? Lets make some memories worth fighting to get back." He gave her a wink. "I believe there will be dancing tonight. I know you wouldnt want to miss a chance to go dancing..." She nodded, wiping a tear away.
"Come on then, lets get ourselves cleaned up." He said reassuringly taking a handkerchief to her cheek to wipe away the other tear.
As she went back to their room to freshen up, he waited out in the kitchen, eating a few figs. Se looked in the mirror at herself. Was she really going to give him a reason to remember?
Then she realized something. Something that maybe he had been trying to tell her all along. He wouldnt be able to on his own. What he wanted was to give HER a reason to try, to persist when times got tough, to press on when all hope seemed lost. She realized she didnt need anything else. It wasnt about him, maybe... it was about her... It seemed so childishly simple all the sudden. She felt so foolish, so dumbfounded by it. She shook her head and smiled. "You crafty son of a *****...".
She put on the deep red lipstick. She knew he was always fond of that color on her.
"I dont want to miss anything"
She turned, and walked out with a new energy. Taking him by the arm, they walked out and into the world.
Anastasia's "song" (If I were to have to pick one to describe the character.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEApf_FT25M
Mrs. Chairman,
After an exhausting 32 hour ritual to expel all daemonic energy from the home and clouding all attempts to discover the killer's identity we immediately faced off with a creature from Shadow. A messenger known as an Azzoloth, they are diminutive creatures that carry messages, or in this case threats, from the Shadow Lords across the worlds. They can move between worlds easily and can't be hurt here or anywhere but the Shadow realm. Believe me I tried to grab it myself but it teleported too fast. It left a threat from Belial, he's the Shadow Lord of Slaughter. Whatever is happening, it is not over nor is Belial giving up without a fight.
After extensive research, we have discovered the identity of the killer. We call them Rampagers for short but proper folk call them Rapacious Ones. They live to break, destroy and slaughter...they love chaos in all its forms.
To protect all people in the United Kingdom, any form of chaotic dissent must be monitored. Rapacious Ones like to cause popular uprisings, they have silver tongues when it comes to lying. If a Rapacious One is on earth without us knowing I expect other servants of Shadow are here, working their foul magic to try to sow discord. Something or someone is giving them a big door to walk through and we aim to find this door, shut it and kill whoever opened it.
Signed, High Master D'Artos
After an exhausting 32 hour ritual to expel all daemonic energy from the home and clouding all attempts to discover the killer's identity we immediately faced off with a creature from Shadow. A messenger known as an Azzoloth, they are diminutive creatures that carry messages, or in this case threats, from the Shadow Lords across the worlds. They can move between worlds easily and can't be hurt here or anywhere but the Shadow realm. Believe me I tried to grab it myself but it teleported too fast. It left a threat from Belial, he's the Shadow Lord of Slaughter. Whatever is happening, it is not over nor is Belial giving up without a fight.
After extensive research, we have discovered the identity of the killer. We call them Rampagers for short but proper folk call them Rapacious Ones. They live to break, destroy and slaughter...they love chaos in all its forms.
To protect all people in the United Kingdom, any form of chaotic dissent must be monitored. Rapacious Ones like to cause popular uprisings, they have silver tongues when it comes to lying. If a Rapacious One is on earth without us knowing I expect other servants of Shadow are here, working their foul magic to try to sow discord. Something or someone is giving them a big door to walk through and we aim to find this door, shut it and kill whoever opened it.
Signed, High Master D'Artos
Smoke came out of the room. They waited for a while, until the smoke dispersed. The room was completley tiled in white. Sam swallowed the bitter taste of vomit and put on his breathing protection. Samuel and Arnar walked in and saw almost immediately the source of the smoke and the stench:
a big pile of half burnt to burnt corpses. Some of them looked similar to dogs, others looked like giant birds and some frighteningly resembled humans.
"Seems like they were part of the cult's experiments. They were trying to destroy all evidence of their activity by killing and burning their guinea pigs. We'll have to report this as soon as possible.
...Samuel?...Sam?" Sam wasn't listening.
He was staring at the bodies like hipnotised.
His headache got stronger, the mosquito bite started itching. He felt that a part of him changed. He didn't knew what part, but he was sure it was an important one.
"INITATE EIGNER!" Sam winced. "I'm sorry, I...."
"Everything alright." Arnar seemed to worried. That was another thing that unsettled Samuel. Arnar only seemed like he was worried, like he was just pretending.
"Yes... yes.... I'm fine." "Good. Then we should leave. There's nothing left to do here for us anymore." Sam nodded silently.
They left. As they walked out of the warehouse it happend for the first time. He heard a low voice in the back of his head.
Du bist keine Hilfe. Du bist nutzlos. Sie alle lachen dich aus. Sie alle...
As if to emphasize it's words, Samuel heard distant laughter.
Arnar didn't seem to hear it. Samuel glanced around one last time before leaving the building.
a big pile of half burnt to burnt corpses. Some of them looked similar to dogs, others looked like giant birds and some frighteningly resembled humans.
"Seems like they were part of the cult's experiments. They were trying to destroy all evidence of their activity by killing and burning their guinea pigs. We'll have to report this as soon as possible.
...Samuel?...Sam?" Sam wasn't listening.
He was staring at the bodies like hipnotised.
His headache got stronger, the mosquito bite started itching. He felt that a part of him changed. He didn't knew what part, but he was sure it was an important one.
"INITATE EIGNER!" Sam winced. "I'm sorry, I...."
"Everything alright." Arnar seemed to worried. That was another thing that unsettled Samuel. Arnar only seemed like he was worried, like he was just pretending.
"Yes... yes.... I'm fine." "Good. Then we should leave. There's nothing left to do here for us anymore." Sam nodded silently.
They left. As they walked out of the warehouse it happend for the first time. He heard a low voice in the back of his head.
Du bist keine Hilfe. Du bist nutzlos. Sie alle lachen dich aus. Sie alle...
You are no help. You're useless. They all laugh at you. They all....
Arnar didn't seem to hear it. Samuel glanced around one last time before leaving the building.
Three days since the first injection.
No sign of awakening yet. I doubt that we will get the desired results in time.
Should I proceed with the current amount of injections or should I double them
to accelerate the process? Doubling the injections will increase the risk of
impairments to health threefold.
Awaiting your orders,
A
No sign of awakening yet. I doubt that we will get the desired results in time.
Should I proceed with the current amount of injections or should I double them
to accelerate the process? Doubling the injections will increase the risk of
impairments to health threefold.
Awaiting your orders,
A
-SEALED BY ORDER OF THE SECRETA SECRETORUM, SECTION 1-8-
The final preparations have been made. Our first field test will take place August 9th, 2025.
She is awakened fully and, though a little delirious, has begun marshaling a core group of Knights. The Conclave will have their secret army soon.
-SEALED BY ORDER OF THE SECRETA SECRETORUM, SECTION 1-8-
The final preparations have been made. Our first field test will take place August 9th, 2025.
She is awakened fully and, though a little delirious, has begun marshaling a core group of Knights. The Conclave will have their secret army soon.
-SEALED BY ORDER OF THE SECRETA SECRETORUM, SECTION 1-8-
We the Committee of Public Information do hereby request to reveal all documents and knowledge under the umbrella of Project Crimson under Chapter IX of the Code of the Conclave which says "The Conclave shall keep no army nor furnish any police force."
Silas Grey has been informed of the existence of this secret project, expect a letter from him shortly. Attached in the appropriate form signed in triplicate by all three Committee chairpeople.
Silas Grey has been informed of the existence of this secret project, expect a letter from him shortly. Attached in the appropriate form signed in triplicate by all three Committee chairpeople.
Dear Mr. Director of Project Crimson,
I don't know where you get off, going behind my back and the back of the entire Conclave to circumvent the rules I myself helped to create. By affronting the Code of the Conclave you have affronted me, and though I am not angry yet I soon may be.
I have used my time to peruse your hidden documents and seen first-hand your attempts to create these not-quite undead creatures using whatever diabolical means to fuse dead flesh and Sanguinimancy and Necromancy but it ends now. This project is hereby halted per my order pending a full investigation. Know this, if you continue with this project in any form without my express permission I will not just kill you. I will wipe you out of existence, cast you out into the howling chaos of the Primal Nether...scum like you who defile the dead and the ancient laws laid down to prevent such atrocity will be punished.
These Red Knights and their Red Queen will be kept under strict supervision of my own Illrians to prevent meddling on the part of whomever has aided you in your quest to create these abominations. No cause, no matter how pure or noble, deserves to desecrate the dead in pursuit of your own warped definition of "justice".
Our laws are upheld by all nations and all organization, by circumventing the sanctity of the Conclave you are blackening the very name of the Conclave. I give you one chance to surrender yourself, or I will find you and I will make sure you never do anything such as this again.
Signed,
Silas S. Grey
PS: I know your reasons, Director. They weren't good enough...the impending apocalypse is no reason to destroy the freedoms we worked so hard to create. I trusted you, and your manipulation and deceit is a blow to all of us.
I don't know where you get off, going behind my back and the back of the entire Conclave to circumvent the rules I myself helped to create. By affronting the Code of the Conclave you have affronted me, and though I am not angry yet I soon may be.
I have used my time to peruse your hidden documents and seen first-hand your attempts to create these not-quite undead creatures using whatever diabolical means to fuse dead flesh and Sanguinimancy and Necromancy but it ends now. This project is hereby halted per my order pending a full investigation. Know this, if you continue with this project in any form without my express permission I will not just kill you. I will wipe you out of existence, cast you out into the howling chaos of the Primal Nether...scum like you who defile the dead and the ancient laws laid down to prevent such atrocity will be punished.
These Red Knights and their Red Queen will be kept under strict supervision of my own Illrians to prevent meddling on the part of whomever has aided you in your quest to create these abominations. No cause, no matter how pure or noble, deserves to desecrate the dead in pursuit of your own warped definition of "justice".
Our laws are upheld by all nations and all organization, by circumventing the sanctity of the Conclave you are blackening the very name of the Conclave. I give you one chance to surrender yourself, or I will find you and I will make sure you never do anything such as this again.
Signed,
Silas S. Grey
PS: I know your reasons, Director. They weren't good enough...the impending apocalypse is no reason to destroy the freedoms we worked so hard to create. I trusted you, and your manipulation and deceit is a blow to all of us.
Go ahead, Silas. Damn us for doing some measure of good. You were always unable to see shades of gray. Sometimes the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
I will continue my project until completion and then you will beg me to keep them. My Red Knights are a new force to be reckoned with, and a new price to pay will come when they are operational for anyone who goes against the common good. It's time to put the fear of God into the forces of evil.
Signed,
-REDACTED-, Director of Project Crimson
I will continue my project until completion and then you will beg me to keep them. My Red Knights are a new force to be reckoned with, and a new price to pay will come when they are operational for anyone who goes against the common good. It's time to put the fear of God into the forces of evil.
Signed,
-REDACTED-, Director of Project Crimson
Continue with the usual doseage. A premature awakening will send this mission into chaos.
If for any reason my posts have repettative errors, its my phone. I'm on it more often than my computer.
THIS ORDER IS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH, CONCLAVE NIGHT WATCH
I hereby order the immediate arrest and detention of Bastian Wyre, Director of Project Crimson and the arrest and detention of all affiliated with him and his project.
Use of lethal force is NOT authorized. Subject must be detained without undue force and brought into Conclave brig until such time as a proper inquiry can be made.
This I sign and seal,
Silas S. Grey
I hereby order the immediate arrest and detention of Bastian Wyre, Director of Project Crimson and the arrest and detention of all affiliated with him and his project.
Use of lethal force is NOT authorized. Subject must be detained without undue force and brought into Conclave brig until such time as a proper inquiry can be made.
This I sign and seal,
Silas S. Grey
Interviewer: Do you have any thoughts about the recent Project Crimson incident?
Silas: I have many. Foremost is that Sebastian, for all his good intentions, made a mistake. He let himself be blinded by fear, something anyone could have done. Someone with influence afraid of dying will do anything to avoid that fate. SO he sided with what he thought was the lesser of two evils.
Interviewer: Any opinions on what should be done with these "Red Knights"?
Silas: Let them become an organization and take territory. They adhere to a pretty tight standard of morality. Let them bring justice and order to whatever place they decide to take.
Interviewer: I thought that officially you condemned them?
Silas: I did. I condemn the project, and the methods used, and their intended use. But they have free will, let them decide their own future.
Interviewer: If they decide to go crazy?
Silas: Then I will personally attend to their destruction.
Silas: I have many. Foremost is that Sebastian, for all his good intentions, made a mistake. He let himself be blinded by fear, something anyone could have done. Someone with influence afraid of dying will do anything to avoid that fate. SO he sided with what he thought was the lesser of two evils.
Interviewer: Any opinions on what should be done with these "Red Knights"?
Silas: Let them become an organization and take territory. They adhere to a pretty tight standard of morality. Let them bring justice and order to whatever place they decide to take.
Interviewer: I thought that officially you condemned them?
Silas: I did. I condemn the project, and the methods used, and their intended use. But they have free will, let them decide their own future.
Interviewer: If they decide to go crazy?
Silas: Then I will personally attend to their destruction.
The fifth night after the bombing
Sam woke up, or at least he thought he woke up. He wasn't sure whether he was dreaming or not. He didn't know where he was. His head felt like it was about to burst, his arms and legs felt like they were on fire. Constant laughter filled his head. It didn't stop. Why didn't it stop?
Samuel fell out of his bed and stumbled through and then out of the house. He didn't perceive what was happening around him anymore. He only heard laughter and saw his brother everywhere.
Arnar silently left his bedroom and walked towards Sam's room, a syringe in his hand. He just wanted to open the door when he realized that the door wasn't closed to begin with. He fully opened it and saw that Sam wasn't there. He ran to the house's front door. Open. Samuel had left the house. He ran to Sam's room again. His tanto and his clothes were still there. Apparently he was wandering through Reykjavik half-naked. He took his revolver and left, too.
He had to find him.
Samuel fell down right next to a puddle.
"Look what we got here, Vardin. One of the Guardians little pets." Samuel felt someone stepping on his head. "It was worth watching that pyromancer-guy. Let's take him to the High Priest."
They grabbed his arms and attepted to drag him away when Sam suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"What are you doing to him?"
Arnar stood in front of them. He pointed his revolver at the head of the right figure and his empty hand on the other one.
The figures looked at each other, then dropped Sam.
The small alley they were standing in turned into a battlefield.
Arnar shot at them and unleashed a sea of fire from his hand. The fire was blocked by a strong gust of wind. One of the figures charged right at Arnar swinging two knives. Arnar barely dodged. He let his hand burn and grabbed the face of the knife swinger. He screamed in pain and started to smell of burnt flesh. Another strong gust of wind pushed Arnar away. He had to let go of his victim, but he managed to get a glimpse of their clothes. Cultists.
Suddenly two more showed up. The situation got worse. Arnar knew, when to retreat, now for instance. He put away his revolver, threw a fireball, turned around and ran. They didn't come after him.
Sam woke up, or at least he thought he woke up. He wasn't sure whether he was dreaming or not. He didn't know where he was. His head felt like it was about to burst, his arms and legs felt like they were on fire. Constant laughter filled his head. It didn't stop. Why didn't it stop?
Samuel fell out of his bed and stumbled through and then out of the house. He didn't perceive what was happening around him anymore. He only heard laughter and saw his brother everywhere.
Arnar silently left his bedroom and walked towards Sam's room, a syringe in his hand. He just wanted to open the door when he realized that the door wasn't closed to begin with. He fully opened it and saw that Sam wasn't there. He ran to the house's front door. Open. Samuel had left the house. He ran to Sam's room again. His tanto and his clothes were still there. Apparently he was wandering through Reykjavik half-naked. He took his revolver and left, too.
He had to find him.
Samuel fell down right next to a puddle.
"Look what we got here, Vardin. One of the Guardians little pets." Samuel felt someone stepping on his head. "It was worth watching that pyromancer-guy. Let's take him to the High Priest."
They grabbed his arms and attepted to drag him away when Sam suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"What are you doing to him?"
Arnar stood in front of them. He pointed his revolver at the head of the right figure and his empty hand on the other one.
The figures looked at each other, then dropped Sam.
The small alley they were standing in turned into a battlefield.
Arnar shot at them and unleashed a sea of fire from his hand. The fire was blocked by a strong gust of wind. One of the figures charged right at Arnar swinging two knives. Arnar barely dodged. He let his hand burn and grabbed the face of the knife swinger. He screamed in pain and started to smell of burnt flesh. Another strong gust of wind pushed Arnar away. He had to let go of his victim, but he managed to get a glimpse of their clothes. Cultists.
Suddenly two more showed up. The situation got worse. Arnar knew, when to retreat, now for instance. He put away his revolver, threw a fireball, turned around and ran. They didn't come after him.
Subject got abducted by cultists.
Beginning preparations for reacquisition immediately.
The subjects life is in acute danger.
Consequences of altering experiments by cultists on the subject and the current state of awakening are unforseeable.
Luckily I recieved detailed information about the cult's management structure and their hideouts. I will not fail.
You will recieve word of me again as soon as I retrieve the subject.
A
Beginning preparations for reacquisition immediately.
The subjects life is in acute danger.
Consequences of altering experiments by cultists on the subject and the current state of awakening are unforseeable.
Luckily I recieved detailed information about the cult's management structure and their hideouts. I will not fail.
You will recieve word of me again as soon as I retrieve the subject.
A
When I first heard you had lost your ward, I almost had the plug pulled on your involvement altogether. You LOST him, he isnt exactly a set of car keys is he?
I want you to understand the gravity of coming situations. And so here is my reality check to you; Find the Subject in the next thirty six hours or else I will have him found for you and you will be relieved of your duty. And if he is found dead, you had better have all of your affairs in order, because you will never see a hearing in front of the Council, that much I can guarantee.
I want you to understand the gravity of coming situations. And so here is my reality check to you; Find the Subject in the next thirty six hours or else I will have him found for you and you will be relieved of your duty. And if he is found dead, you had better have all of your affairs in order, because you will never see a hearing in front of the Council, that much I can guarantee.
Arnar read the message over and over again.
Find the Subject in the next thirty six hours...
Arnar started trembling.
He was truly grateful to that man. 7 years ago he gave him the chance to find the murderers of his wife. On the other hand Arnar was very afraid of him and his methodes. He sweated.
"Thirty six hours...." Arnar echoed. He had to take drastic measures in order to make it in time.
His first stop lead him to the local black market arms dealer where he bought a sawn-off shotgun. The next stop was a drug dealer. He bought a small dose of 'Sledgehammer'.
The cultists talked about bringing Sam to their High Priest. According to the informations Arnar recieved, the High Priest never left the cult's HQ which was located in one of the countless caves of Iceland.
He reached the said cavern two hours later. It was disguised as a mine. Some workers/cultists stood infront of the cave's entrance, smoking. Guards.
He injected himself with 'Sledgehammer' and waited a few minutes until the drug would have completely spread throughout his body. The words he wrote to his superior came to his mind.
I will not fail.
He walked up to the guards, his whole body itching a little. The men noticed him and tried to block his way, wildly gesticulating and talking in Icelandic. Because Arnar didn't respond they tried English. "Sir, please, trespassing is forbidden. Sir! We..." Arnar was close enough now. He drew his shotgun and killed the guards with one round of shot each. He reloaded.
Arnar incinerated their bodies while passing by. His flames were now, due to the drug, blue and extremely hot. He kicked the door open, saw another two cultists sitting on a desk right next to the entrance. He set them on fire before they could even make a sound. It took less than 10 seconds they were just small heaps of ashes.
That Sledgehammer sure is some awesome stuff. He felt great, overflowing with power.
He continued his way through the fake mine and hardly met any resistance.
You'd think they would secure their HQ a little better.
At that moment a heavily armed group of cultists showed up and obstruced the way.
Machine guns, bulletproof vests and, wow! A grenade launcher. I hope he is intelligent enough not to use it in here. He wasn't. On top of that he even missed. A suspicous cracking noise filled the air. Arnar fled to a save place while the cultist opened fire.
Suddenly the ceiling crashed down and buried them alive.
Arnar had to find an other way. "Idiots..."
It took him some time but he reached the main hall. The end were he came out was unlighted and therefore absolutly dark.
Perfect for a surprise attack.
He saw dozens of cages with normal, altered or dead animals inside. In the hall's center there was something that resembled an operating table. Sam layed on it. Five figures in purple robes stood around it. One of the figures slightly differed from the others. It had more jewellery. They didn't seem to care about the crashing noise of the ceiling from earlier.
"Look at that, your Excellency. I altered his arms."
"Claws. You are indeed very fond of them." A noble voice. The High Priest.
"Now, your Excellency, look closer for a while."
A surprised sound left his mouth.
"He's ... changing back?"
"Yes, your Excellency! Every time I alter something, it changes back! The more I alter, the faster it reverts again!"
They stared at his arms for a while. "Hey, did he just move?" "That's impossible! I put him under strong sedatives!" "You sure? He just Bwah..!"
Sam had put his hand on the cultist's chest, right on his heart. The man suddenly choked, his face turning red and then vomiting blood. He fell over, probably dead.
"Wha...?!" Sam raised both of his hands, created a barrier around the table and expanded it, pushing away the cultists.
Samuel stood up, the barrier vanished.
Arnar finally managed to see his face.
It was distorted in agony and despair and he was crying.
"Why? Why doesn't it stop?! The laughter... make it stop... please... MAKE IT STOP! STOP LAUGHING!!!" He ran towards one of the confused cultists and grabbed his face. It soon looked like it was seething. Arnar watched in awe how another layer of skin grew over Sam's victims face, covering everything, eyes, mouth, nose. He struggled a little and collapsed to the ground, twitching. He was suffocating.
Arnar didn't dare to leave his cover because he feared Sam would kill him, too.
Meanwhile Sam grabbed another one's head. The cultist started screaming and Sam was, for some reason, screaming, too. The cultist soon bled from ears, eyes, nose and mouth, became completely pale and collapsed.
"What are you waiting for, Vardin? Kill him!"
The cultist with a burning mark in form of Arnar's hand on his face ran towards Sam, took a deep breath and spat fire on Sam. But that didn't stop Samuel. The burns were already slowly, but steadily healing.
He touched Vardin's throat "No, please! NO!"
The skin started to seethe again and his throat expanded until it reached twice it's original size. His face became white, then he dropped dead.
The High Priest was now alone with Samuel. Why didn't the High Priest do anything?
The answer hit Arnar like a bat.
The High Priest had no magical powers. He was a normal human. Samuel touched his chest like he did when he killed the first cultist. The High Priest also vomited blood and died.
"It's...gone..." Samuel had a relieved and peaceful expression on his face. "The laughter stopped...." He fell over. Arnar walked slowly to him. He checked his pulse. He was just unconcious.
He had to do something about the corpses. The Guardians better shouldn't find out about this.
Also he thought that his superior would be interested in the bodies, too, in order to see the power of his 'personal Dragon'.
After he brought Sam and the corpses to safety, he sent the whole place to hell, obliterating all traces.
Find the Subject in the next thirty six hours...
Arnar started trembling.
He was truly grateful to that man. 7 years ago he gave him the chance to find the murderers of his wife. On the other hand Arnar was very afraid of him and his methodes. He sweated.
"Thirty six hours...." Arnar echoed. He had to take drastic measures in order to make it in time.
His first stop lead him to the local black market arms dealer where he bought a sawn-off shotgun. The next stop was a drug dealer. He bought a small dose of 'Sledgehammer'.
A drug that amplifies magic power and causes better pain-resistance. Has to be injected directly into the circulatory system. Physical signs: A faint golden glimmer around the pupils.
Destroys muscle cells.
Only suited for Humans and Darklings
Highly addictive.
Banned by the Council.
Destroys muscle cells.
Only suited for Humans and Darklings
Highly addictive.
Banned by the Council.
The cultists talked about bringing Sam to their High Priest. According to the informations Arnar recieved, the High Priest never left the cult's HQ which was located in one of the countless caves of Iceland.
He reached the said cavern two hours later. It was disguised as a mine. Some workers/cultists stood infront of the cave's entrance, smoking. Guards.
He injected himself with 'Sledgehammer' and waited a few minutes until the drug would have completely spread throughout his body. The words he wrote to his superior came to his mind.
I will not fail.
He walked up to the guards, his whole body itching a little. The men noticed him and tried to block his way, wildly gesticulating and talking in Icelandic. Because Arnar didn't respond they tried English. "Sir, please, trespassing is forbidden. Sir! We..." Arnar was close enough now. He drew his shotgun and killed the guards with one round of shot each. He reloaded.
Arnar incinerated their bodies while passing by. His flames were now, due to the drug, blue and extremely hot. He kicked the door open, saw another two cultists sitting on a desk right next to the entrance. He set them on fire before they could even make a sound. It took less than 10 seconds they were just small heaps of ashes.
That Sledgehammer sure is some awesome stuff. He felt great, overflowing with power.
He continued his way through the fake mine and hardly met any resistance.
You'd think they would secure their HQ a little better.
At that moment a heavily armed group of cultists showed up and obstruced the way.
Machine guns, bulletproof vests and, wow! A grenade launcher. I hope he is intelligent enough not to use it in here. He wasn't. On top of that he even missed. A suspicous cracking noise filled the air. Arnar fled to a save place while the cultist opened fire.
Suddenly the ceiling crashed down and buried them alive.
Arnar had to find an other way. "Idiots..."
It took him some time but he reached the main hall. The end were he came out was unlighted and therefore absolutly dark.
Perfect for a surprise attack.
He saw dozens of cages with normal, altered or dead animals inside. In the hall's center there was something that resembled an operating table. Sam layed on it. Five figures in purple robes stood around it. One of the figures slightly differed from the others. It had more jewellery. They didn't seem to care about the crashing noise of the ceiling from earlier.
"Look at that, your Excellency. I altered his arms."
"Claws. You are indeed very fond of them." A noble voice. The High Priest.
"Now, your Excellency, look closer for a while."
A surprised sound left his mouth.
"He's ... changing back?"
"Yes, your Excellency! Every time I alter something, it changes back! The more I alter, the faster it reverts again!"
They stared at his arms for a while. "Hey, did he just move?" "That's impossible! I put him under strong sedatives!" "You sure? He just Bwah..!"
Sam had put his hand on the cultist's chest, right on his heart. The man suddenly choked, his face turning red and then vomiting blood. He fell over, probably dead.
"Wha...?!" Sam raised both of his hands, created a barrier around the table and expanded it, pushing away the cultists.
Samuel stood up, the barrier vanished.
Arnar finally managed to see his face.
It was distorted in agony and despair and he was crying.
"Why? Why doesn't it stop?! The laughter... make it stop... please... MAKE IT STOP! STOP LAUGHING!!!" He ran towards one of the confused cultists and grabbed his face. It soon looked like it was seething. Arnar watched in awe how another layer of skin grew over Sam's victims face, covering everything, eyes, mouth, nose. He struggled a little and collapsed to the ground, twitching. He was suffocating.
Arnar didn't dare to leave his cover because he feared Sam would kill him, too.
Meanwhile Sam grabbed another one's head. The cultist started screaming and Sam was, for some reason, screaming, too. The cultist soon bled from ears, eyes, nose and mouth, became completely pale and collapsed.
"What are you waiting for, Vardin? Kill him!"
The cultist with a burning mark in form of Arnar's hand on his face ran towards Sam, took a deep breath and spat fire on Sam. But that didn't stop Samuel. The burns were already slowly, but steadily healing.
He touched Vardin's throat "No, please! NO!"
The skin started to seethe again and his throat expanded until it reached twice it's original size. His face became white, then he dropped dead.
The High Priest was now alone with Samuel. Why didn't the High Priest do anything?
The answer hit Arnar like a bat.
The High Priest had no magical powers. He was a normal human. Samuel touched his chest like he did when he killed the first cultist. The High Priest also vomited blood and died.
"It's...gone..." Samuel had a relieved and peaceful expression on his face. "The laughter stopped...." He fell over. Arnar walked slowly to him. He checked his pulse. He was just unconcious.
He had to do something about the corpses. The Guardians better shouldn't find out about this.
Also he thought that his superior would be interested in the bodies, too, in order to see the power of his 'personal Dragon'.
After he brought Sam and the corpses to safety, he sent the whole place to hell, obliterating all traces.
Subject successfully saved. Mostly unharmed.
Also I hereby confirm the Subject's awakening.
I sent you a blood sample and his 'victims' so you can see what the Subject is able to do to your enemies.
As a side effect the Reykjavik cult was anihilated. The Guardians will soon order him to return to London.
I think you should know that the Subject is currently suffering from mental problems and is not yet capable to control his powers. His powers control him.
A
Also I hereby confirm the Subject's awakening.
I sent you a blood sample and his 'victims' so you can see what the Subject is able to do to your enemies.
As a side effect the Reykjavik cult was anihilated. The Guardians will soon order him to return to London.
I think you should know that the Subject is currently suffering from mental problems and is not yet capable to control his powers. His powers control him.
A