The Guardians of London: Fourth Echelon (Chapter Two)

[Kuroneko Aisha]

Rena observed the unfolding conversations away from the group, and decided that this adventure was definitely going to be more exciting than any that she had been on in recent time. She had gone on more than a few missions to take out minor threats, but this was her first, or second if the Dark Skull counted, mission to save the world as an Avenger. She definitely wouldn't let her comrades down. It was a little difficult to approach this group though. They were a lot different from what she was used to, so she looked to Hadrian curiously. He had ignored her the first time, but she wasn't about to be ignored again. Grinning mischievously, she reached into her cloak and pulled out a familiar object, at least to Hadrian once she showed it.

Lining herself up just right, she tossed the water balloon into the air and watched as it continued to rise, all the way to the ceiling. Aided by her magic, she guided the balloon to hover above Hadrian before releasing it to gravity once more. From her chosen hiding spot behind a chair, she watched what would happen next.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Ryan thought about the gulag for a moment, not noticing the falling water balloon.
He stood up "What's estimation on the amount of clones in the defense force?"

 

[Darth Caelum]

Sinclair supposed that, if he was the man's bodyguard or something similar, he'd try to push him out of the way. Or shoot his attacker. Or use his Imperiomancy. Anything really. But he didn't, and he noticed the projectile midway through it's (surprisingly) stealthy arc as it approached the head of a man who was surprisingly familiar, more so than anyone else here. Regardless, he did nothing, deciding to focus on the...water balloon, rather than the steel mask. He did follow the arc to it's originator however, leading to the surprising sight of a small girl with light red hair and mischievous blue eyes who, if he was anywhere else, would have assumed to have been an innocent child. Considering where they were, he disregarded the possibility immediately. Smirking, he sent her a psychic message as the balloon reached it's destination.

'How very naughty of you.'

 

[Daft Sikes]

Gonna do a little something now.

Hadrian stood back up, and scanned the room for any other familiar faces. He rested his gaze on the man Sinclair. He knew of him very well, having heard of his betrayal, as well as having received his personal file on the day of his capture. He was meant to "meet" with him after the initial trial, at least until his escape and the whole Illrian Knight business.

He looked at Sinclair with narrow eyes and a wide smile, that showed off his current forms many teeth. He stepped towards him slowly.


"Alexander Sinclair, also known as The Black Nail. 31 years old, an Imperiomancer, as well as a Thaumaturgist. Betrayed the Guardians of Light during his time as an Apprentice, killing his Master in the process, and joining the Thaumaturgist's Guild. Wanted by the Daggerspell Clan, the Necromantic Order, the Illrian Knighthood..."

CATCH

He caught the water balloon above his head, before it could drench him, and tossed it back towards the mischievous little Fae girl. He heard her familiar little squeak of surprise when it found it's mark. His smile grew dangerously wider, and he let out a low chuckle. "...I know a lot about you, Mr. Sinclair. In fact, we were supposed to meet the day after your trial. But due to.... unforeseen circumstances, that all changed."

 

[Darth Caelum]

No Problem

Sinclair smiled, glad that his memory of the man being familiar was correct and gave a little bow in the process.

"And I am, at the very least, somewhat familiar with you Master Hadrian Selene. Sanguinimancer and Master Interrogator of the Guardians. I'm sorry to say that I escaped your colleagues uh, ministrations shall we say, when I was having that little farce of a trial. As such, they didn't get to hear anywhere near the amount of information your Masters wished for."

He cocked his head to the side slightly, as though in thought.

"Also, you're not familiar with any of the men I've killed are you? That would make for a very unpleasant working environment if I've offended you before somehow."

 

[Daft Sikes]

Great!

Hadrian's smile didn't waver.

"One, actually. A Mr. Feldebreg. He was new to this whole interrogation business, and as Master, I was required to show him the basics."

He let out another chuckle.

"I hated that fool. He always killed all the people that he was tasked to work with, popping out their eyes, and caving in their skulls, and what not. He was a braggart and a nuisance, and I am very glad to be rid of him."

He changed back into his human form and returned Sinclair's bow. "You have my thanks for that, at least."

 

[Darth Caelum]

Sinclair nodded. "I understand. I hate working with those kinds of people. Always so dirty and crude. Due to my own style of execution, I doubt I'd know what Mr. Feldebreg would even look like, so I'll take your word for it that he was an unpleasant little ass."

Thinking for a moment, he gave a large smile.

"I think I like you Master Selene. While still within the payroll of the High Masters and their ineffectual organization, you seem like a decent sort. At the very least, you haven't tried to kill me yet, a point in your favor I think. That would have made any future relationship rather shaky if one of us tried to kill each other within the first minute of conversation, though I DO know some rather temperamental Thaumaturgist who are actually pretty swell guys once you get over the their little tempers."

 

[Kuroneko Aisha]

Rena gasped a little bit when she heard a voice inside of her head. She didn't recognize the voice but she definitely knew that she had to be cautious. Of course, she wasn't cautious enough to avoid getting hit by her own water balloon. Letting out a squeak on impact, she fell to the floor. Luckily her cloak had protected her clothes underneath, but it was still pretty embarrassing. Getting up dripping, she pouted and said while pointing to Hadrian. "Ohh~ I'll definitely get you next time Hadrian. One of these days you'll definitely get it good!" She stuck out her tongue for a moment before pausing and giggling. Hurrying over, she said. "It's been too long! How have you been?"

She looked to the one called Sinclair and said. "My name's Rena, I'm an Avenger from Faerie and I've been asked to assist in this mission as well since keeping the Human World safe means that Faerie will be safe. I..erm..could have avoided that balloon, but I CHOSE to get hit for nostalgia purposes." She emphasized chose, and looked to Hadrian for that as well.

 

[Darth Caelum]

Sinclair looked at the girl, Fay apparently, with genuine interest. She was.... reminiscent, of some people, though he refused to consider whether that was a good thing or bad thing.

He gave a little bow to Rena as well. "I'm sure you did Avenger Rena, and it was a very convincing act as well, with all the grace expected of the Fay." he said, using his control over his motor skills to ruthlessly suppress a small smile "Regardless, as Master Selene has said, my name is Alexander Sinclair. I don't believe I've had much contact with your race, beyond mercenaries of sorts to multiple organizations, so it is nice to meet an actual Fey loyal to your world."

 

[Daft Sikes]

Snip

Hadrian nodded, smiling, remembering a friend of his.

"There are a few Thaumaturgists in the Guardians. One of them was a drinking buddy of mine," He cringed a little, recalling his horrific demise. "Emphasis on "was". He went a little too far and ended up getting torn apart by nightmarish demons from the nether. There was nothing left to bury, or turn into ashes."

Greetings!

Hadrian smiled warmly at Rena. He bent down, giving her a light hug and a hair ruffle.

"That's very thoughtful of you Rena, and I thank you for that. As for how I'm doing, well..."

It was at this point that Phaedra decided to pester Hadrian some more.

'Hey, mutt, who's this little brat? A friend of yours?

Hadrian groaned and released Rena from the hug. He stood back up, rubbing his temples.

"I've been better."

 

[Darth Caelum]

-snippity snip-

Sinclair chuckled sadly for a moment.

"I used to recall a friend of mine, Carina. She was very exuberant, to the point of annoying and insulting many others in the Guild." he leaned in closer, as though to impart a secret even though there were a good meter or so away from each other. "Truth be told, despite all the seriousness that the Guild has, there are still legitimately cheerful members in it's ranks. A pity though, the poor girl. She was involved in a sortie against the Necromantic Order with her Coven that ended rather badly, and she was summoned as a ghoul after she died. I personally killed the entire cult behind the massacre of her Coven."

He shook of his grimness with a short laugh. "Nonetheless, what's done is done yes? As long as we remember their memory, and kill every last one of the bastards that killed them in as creative a fashion as you can, then it's alright.

Aloha

He looked to the two hugging each other and thought for a moment. "So I assume you two worked together at some point in the past?"

Spoiler: OOC

We have FRIENDSHIP!

 

[Kuroneko Aisha]

Rena giggled as she was hugged by her old friend, and once she was released, she took off her cloak and revealed that she was wearing an outfit that befitted her Fey appearance. She had a simple dress made out of a material that resembled the soft leaves of aloe. It fell to her knees, and around her ankles were warmers made from the fur of one of the local fauna of Faerie.

Folding up the cloak neatly, she said to Sinclair. "Yup yup! Hadrian and I have been on more than a few adventures! Faerie has remained free for all these years because of the help of Hadrian and some others, who helped me defeat the Dark Skull." She looked to Hadrian again and said. "Say, notice anything different about me?" She was only a few inches taller than when she had first met him, but she seemed to be gesturing to her horn on her forehead, which had grown just a tiny bit.

 

[Daft Sikes]

Yes indeed

Hadrian crossed his arms, grinning slightly.

"I suppose, though I don't care very much for creativity. I only care that I make them suffer for their actions."

Er...

Hadrian looked at her up and down.

"Well, you've grown quite a bit taller over the years," He tapped her horn, giving a light laugh. "That included."

Spoiler: OOC

Sorry for the shortness of this post. I'll be going out soon to grab some groceries (and pre-order Darksiders 2). Anyway, I'll see you guys later.

 

[Hussmann54]

"We don't have a definite answer. All we know is that after Project Spider Mother, half of the six hundred clones were destroyed, so as many as 300. But we can never be too sure or careful." Anastasia answered. I don't want any of you to underestimate this situation. Individuals can make mistakes in communication, errors in judgment and such. But when all the pieces are directly controlled by one force, they are meticulous. In their fighting. Plus, they have all been enhanced physically, and the strongest of them have barriers against certain kinds of magic."

 

[Avashka]

Anthem was stock-still and silent since the knighting ceremony, even as his--its--companions began socializing.

That was not something Anthem was well-suited to anymore.

Nonetheless, it could try. It rose, eerily graceful, to its betaloned feet and folded its useless wings behind its back, tight and flush against the surface. By all appearances, still some strange porcelain angel. Or demon.

It advanced toward Hadrian, Sinclair, and Rena, stopping at a healthy distance. And that's when it realized it had no real position to butt in, and so turned away, stock-still and statue-like once again.

The other Illrians seem to have turned out better. Anthem was not bitter at all. Instead, almost just coldly observing and making a statement.

They're small, petty, weak. Look at us. Spurred by my power and the sanguine forces flowing through you, we have been Twice Remade. We are something greater. And there is yet more potential here.. It was hard to say if Seleda'an was being truthful, lying to try to reassure Anthem, or simply exuberant. But again she purred, savouring the words.

If you'd do, what, give up yourself so we COULD be a perfect merger and become something more, right.

Well, yes. Maybe I'll be convinced. We're already one in speech and action, which.. I didn't expect, to be honest.

That's reassuring.

So. I think we should at least come up with a better name. Seeing as we're already acting as one.

Right. Somehow I don't think Tomas de Costa works for a giant mechanical demon thing.

You're ... Nevermind. How about Anthiel? Like Anthem, with the classic -iel suffix that demons and angels love.

Fine. Whatever. If anyone asks we can tell them that.

Seleda'an seemed oddly pleased.

 

[Yokillernick]

Double Post

 

[Yokillernick]

And that's when it realized it had no real position to butt in, and so turned away, stock-still and statue-like once again.

Kishima finally stood up and looked around the room. There was no one he knew in particular having only heard rumors of the people around him. He returned back to his usual form much to the disappointment of his partner.

<font color=green> Ahh, but I was starting to enjoy myself out there.

Quiet you! We have to plan the attack, if Silas is to be trusted we don't have long before the Destroyer is upon us.

<font color=green> What's with you always being so damned worried. Look around people are starting to make little friendship groups. Don't you want to at least say hello?

Yeah, that's not gonna happen. All these people having fun and chatting away instead of getting on with the actual mission. Maybe I could do some preliminary recon.

<font color=green> Yes, I'm sure your companions here will be thrilled to find your bullet riddled corpse after you thought you could solo the world.

With that Kishima resigned and decided to try and socialize. The 3 people had their own little group so it would have been rude to interrupt them but then Kishima noticed the creature that had stood next to the pillar advance towards the group only stopping before making contact. So Kishima taking a deep breath, as he was certainly a bit scared of this creature, approached to introduced himself.

"Hello there, you alright? You seem quiet. My name is Kishima, an assassin from the Daggerspell Clan. So who are you?"

The words felt awkward coming from his mouth but at least it was a start. Kishima however did not lower his guard as his newly found companion could still be very dangerous.

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

"So, around three hundred... are reactionary forces likely?"

Why do you ask so many questions?
Why do you question me so much?
...
I need to know whether or not I need to raid my stockpile.
...
I'm going to need to carry something between three hundred and nine hundred at least.
Why don't you carry a sword instead?
Because I don't have one and going into melee with clones sounds idiotic.
I think it's a good idea.
It's not really.
Why don't you trust me?
Why should I?
Because you need to.
Just give me some time to think.

"Also, when are we leaving?"

Spoiler: OOC

Seven hours later, I'm going to sleep so, I'll be back in about ten, maybe twelve hours.

 

[Hussmann54]

"Probably none, save a few patrols. But this is all logistical. It will be discussed at the proper time." She smiled to the group. "I have nothing more to discuss for now. I yield the floor back to Silas." She stepped aside and excused herself from the room.

Stepping into the side room, she sat down for a moment. Taking a few deep breaths, she composed herself. Through the walls, she could hear the chatter from outside.

"So here you are trying to convince a couple demi-gods to storm a frozen hell on earth to rescue your boyfriend for the sake of lord only knows what...and trust that it will somehow stop Armageddon" she said to herself. "Great..." She shook her head.

She took a moment to flatten any wrinkles in the dress. She was particularly fashion savy, but didnt want to make a bad appearance either. Somewhere in those seams she found herself getting lost in a memory.

It was the same dress she had worn almost twenty years ago, though she hadnt aged a day because of the echo effect. A sleek red piece, size two. She wore it with the grace of nonchalance.

They were in Paris on assignment. A banker of some prominence had been willing to hand over two of his associates known to practice thumaturgy malevolently. Afterwards they had gone dancing. It was the first time Kin had ever really been close to somebody of the fairer sex since he had unwillingly left his wife almost a hundred years ago. He had let himself move on, and they had felt a mutual attraction for a while. Eventually he asked her to join him for dinner. He was "old fashioned" like that, but she liked it in a way. They ate, they danced, they conversed as lively of words as either of them ever had. Kin admired her in the dress greatly. It was always his favorite.

 

[Darth Caelum]

What is this?

'What was what?

That....That! I was convinced that you'd only be able to laugh in joy if you were sawing an industrial blade through a man's gut and play skip rope with it!

'Actually-'

YOU! You aren't planning on manipulating them to an early death are you?

'Come now Baltreth, you are in my head, you should already know that.'

The Angel of Lethargy snorted

If you were a typical host yes, but you are most definitely not a normal host.

'Thank you. I feel flattered. Besides, just because we were on opposite sides doesn't mean I can't be polite or friendly. If I've clammed up at every person I was an enemy with then I wouldn't have made it past my Thaumaturgy training.'

I suppose.

If Sinclair wasn't in his current company, he'd have snorted.

'And to answer your question, no. At least not yet. Master Selene does seem like good company, and I'd rather not kill the Fae, even if she is older than me. I won't make moves against them unless I have to.'

Rather not kill the Fae girl? And what's that supposed to mean, eh partner?

Sinclair tried very hard not to sigh.

'I thought I was dealing with an angel of Lethargy here, not Lechery.'

Hey know, we all need our fun after all.

'And to answer THAT question, she reminds me of someone I used to know. Be it what remains of my human morality, I'll try not to get her killed, as a final ode to my conscience.'

Ah. I can understand that much.

Sinclair looked at Anastasia's final speech then turned to Grey, thinking for a moment. Once they make contact with the other operatives they would have to discuss stratagems and tactics. He hoped that they wouldn't insist on some blasted sense of honor, that always made things difficult.

He did wonder about the girl however. She didn't seem to be like the others in this little band, though friendship with Silas Grey more than made up for it. Still, he wondered what she had to gain from all this.