The Guardians of London: Fourth Echelon (Chapter Two)
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Rena cheered happily when he agreed to explore with her. Looking around the main room, she asked. "Now then, which way should we go? This place is pretty big so we'll have to explore it thoroughly! There's gotta be a bunch of neat things here after all. Like old relics and hidden doors!"
2 days earlier, elsewhere:
[font color="grey"]Hey!
An annoyed voice woke him. It sounded familiar, at least a bit.
A rude urging female voice.
[font color="grey"]Hey, dammit! You've slept enough moron!
What?
[font color="grey"]Finally! Come on, get up! Come on! The others are surely meeting right at this moment and we are missing!
Samuel opened his eyes. It was still dark.
Where am I?
[font color="grey"]How should I know, idiot!
Sam tried to get up but noticed he was chained to a bed.
"Hey!" He screamed. "Hey! Somebody there?"
[font color="grey"]Obiviously not, dickhead!
"Who are you and please stop insulting me."
[font color="grey"]Fuck you! I do what I want and I want some fun!
"Fun?" echoed Sam.
[font color="grey"]Yes. Like... gambling...sleeping with others... destroying stuff.. or ... or stealing! I'm supposed to be having fun out there and instead I'm stuck not only in the same room but the same body with a lazy, cowardly fucktard!
"In my body? What are you?!"
[font color="grey"]I'M A DEMON AND I'M EATING YOUR SOUL!!!
Na, just kidding. The part with eating your soul, that is.
"... What?"
[font color="grey"]You really are dim-witted. I'll explain...
And she explained.
[font color="grey"]Hey!
An annoyed voice woke him. It sounded familiar, at least a bit.
A rude urging female voice.
[font color="grey"]Hey, dammit! You've slept enough moron!
What?
[font color="grey"]Finally! Come on, get up! Come on! The others are surely meeting right at this moment and we are missing!
Samuel opened his eyes. It was still dark.
Where am I?
[font color="grey"]How should I know, idiot!
Sam tried to get up but noticed he was chained to a bed.
"Hey!" He screamed. "Hey! Somebody there?"
[font color="grey"]Obiviously not, dickhead!
"Who are you and please stop insulting me."
[font color="grey"]Fuck you! I do what I want and I want some fun!
"Fun?" echoed Sam.
[font color="grey"]Yes. Like... gambling...sleeping with others... destroying stuff.. or ... or stealing! I'm supposed to be having fun out there and instead I'm stuck not only in the same room but the same body with a lazy, cowardly fucktard!
"In my body? What are you?!"
[font color="grey"]I'M A DEMON AND I'M EATING YOUR SOUL!!!
Na, just kidding. The part with eating your soul, that is.
"... What?"
[font color="grey"]You really are dim-witted. I'll explain...
And she explained.
I hope you can read the grey text. If not I'll change colours.
Croatia was awesome by the way. Only the lack of pcs was frustrating...
Croatia was awesome by the way. Only the lack of pcs was frustrating...
"Sooo... your name is Dendra, you are a Daemon and you want to save the world, because...?"
[font color="grey"]Because I can't have fun in a destroyed world... well not unless I destroyed it myself...
"And how exactly can you help me?"
[font color="grey"]By giving you power. In exchange for control of course.
Samuel thought about it for a while. She seemd to be not very trustworthy.
On the other hand he was chained to a bed in a completely dark room and he had absolutly no idea how he got here.
"You said your perception is bound to my perception. You know about as much as me about this... whereever we are..."
[font color="grey"]Yes. And you should stop talking to yourself. It looks really weird.
She gave a silvery laugh.
[font color="grey"]Concentrate on me while thinking and I'll hear it.
Okay...
[font color="grey"]See? Much better.
I'll do it.
[font color="grey"]Do what?
Give you control. How do I do it?
Dendra was silent for a few seconds.
[font color="grey"]Wow. Didn't expect that so soon. Good. First: Relax.
Sam did as he was told.
[font color="grey"]Perfect. Now empty your mind.
He tried to but it took him relativeley long.
[font color="grey"]Now for the third step. Imagine your mind as an empty room with a door. Now, open the door and stand back.
Samuel was a little confused but did what she told him.
He felt a strange sensation, feeled how he lost control over his body and being pushed away.
His body was moving on his own, developed powers Samuel never knew he had, bursting his chains. Samuel/Dendra stood up.
"[font color="grey"]Ha! You can't believe how good this feels! A body on my own!"
Sam heard his own voice laughing.
They were able to see in the darkness now, not much but enough to find a door. Dendra kicked the door, but it was more stable than it looked.
"[font color="grey"]I wonder if..."
A small oddly shaped barrier appeard in her hand.
"[font color="grey"]That's how your magic is supposed to be used."
The barrier expanded and formed a large spike. She just pierced the lock of the door, they heard a terrible scream from the other side of it. The barrier vanished and Dendra opened the door. A guard was lying in his own spreading blood.
Dendra laughed again with Sam's voice. He could feel waves of excitement flooding their body.
"[font color="grey"]That's what I was talking about. Maybe I should have some more fun."
No! Have you forgotten? We have to get out of here as quickly as possible!
"[font color="grey"]Pf! Spoilsport...."
They walked down a completely white hallway with several differently coloured lines on the ground with a green one being marked as exit.
"[font color="grey"]How nice of them!"
On their way out, they passed a mirrored window. Dendra stopped and looked at her own reflection. She was still looking like Samuel only with one left yellow and a right blue eye. Dendra grinned and exposed Samuel's teeth.
"[font color="grey"]Ahh..." She sounded disapointed "[font color="grey"]I hoped for fangs..."
Dendra continued her way slaughtering everything that crossed her way, guards, scientists, doctors, nurses, she made no exception. They reached the exit at the same time the alarm started.
"[font color="grey"]I...I'm feeling a little tired... your turn again coward..."
They fell down, painfully changing places. Sam pulled himself together again, pushed the door open and ran into the cold and snowy night.
-----------
Sam ran until he was totally exhausted. Heavily panting he was sitting down in the snow.
He closed his eyes for a moment when he suddenly heard fluttering. A raven was sitting next to him. It had a message.
Dendra?
He recieved no answer. He opened the letter read it. Then read it again.
A thought for a while. "Scottland, hm?"
He stood up and searched for a near village, eventually found one and got sent to Reykjavik. He collected his clothes from the hospital, got his tanto again and entered the ferry to Scottland. He would catch some sleep before arriving.
[font color="grey"]Because I can't have fun in a destroyed world... well not unless I destroyed it myself...
"And how exactly can you help me?"
[font color="grey"]By giving you power. In exchange for control of course.
Samuel thought about it for a while. She seemd to be not very trustworthy.
On the other hand he was chained to a bed in a completely dark room and he had absolutly no idea how he got here.
"You said your perception is bound to my perception. You know about as much as me about this... whereever we are..."
[font color="grey"]Yes. And you should stop talking to yourself. It looks really weird.
She gave a silvery laugh.
[font color="grey"]Concentrate on me while thinking and I'll hear it.
Okay...
[font color="grey"]See? Much better.
I'll do it.
[font color="grey"]Do what?
Give you control. How do I do it?
Dendra was silent for a few seconds.
[font color="grey"]Wow. Didn't expect that so soon. Good. First: Relax.
Sam did as he was told.
[font color="grey"]Perfect. Now empty your mind.
He tried to but it took him relativeley long.
[font color="grey"]Now for the third step. Imagine your mind as an empty room with a door. Now, open the door and stand back.
Samuel was a little confused but did what she told him.
He felt a strange sensation, feeled how he lost control over his body and being pushed away.
His body was moving on his own, developed powers Samuel never knew he had, bursting his chains. Samuel/Dendra stood up.
"[font color="grey"]Ha! You can't believe how good this feels! A body on my own!"
Sam heard his own voice laughing.
They were able to see in the darkness now, not much but enough to find a door. Dendra kicked the door, but it was more stable than it looked.
"[font color="grey"]I wonder if..."
A small oddly shaped barrier appeard in her hand.
"[font color="grey"]That's how your magic is supposed to be used."
The barrier expanded and formed a large spike. She just pierced the lock of the door, they heard a terrible scream from the other side of it. The barrier vanished and Dendra opened the door. A guard was lying in his own spreading blood.
Dendra laughed again with Sam's voice. He could feel waves of excitement flooding their body.
"[font color="grey"]That's what I was talking about. Maybe I should have some more fun."
No! Have you forgotten? We have to get out of here as quickly as possible!
"[font color="grey"]Pf! Spoilsport...."
They walked down a completely white hallway with several differently coloured lines on the ground with a green one being marked as exit.
"[font color="grey"]How nice of them!"
On their way out, they passed a mirrored window. Dendra stopped and looked at her own reflection. She was still looking like Samuel only with one left yellow and a right blue eye. Dendra grinned and exposed Samuel's teeth.
"[font color="grey"]Ahh..." She sounded disapointed "[font color="grey"]I hoped for fangs..."
Dendra continued her way slaughtering everything that crossed her way, guards, scientists, doctors, nurses, she made no exception. They reached the exit at the same time the alarm started.
"[font color="grey"]I...I'm feeling a little tired... your turn again coward..."
They fell down, painfully changing places. Sam pulled himself together again, pushed the door open and ran into the cold and snowy night.
-----------
Sam ran until he was totally exhausted. Heavily panting he was sitting down in the snow.
He closed his eyes for a moment when he suddenly heard fluttering. A raven was sitting next to him. It had a message.
Dendra?
He recieved no answer. He opened the letter read it. Then read it again.
A thought for a while. "Scottland, hm?"
He stood up and searched for a near village, eventually found one and got sent to Reykjavik. He collected his clothes from the hospital, got his tanto again and entered the ferry to Scottland. He would catch some sleep before arriving.
If I got something wrong, don't hesitate to tell me.
Silas smiled, showing what looked like four rows of ever sharper teeth. Silas's voice melded with Malachi as they spoke "[font color=purple] Good. You should know my destiny leads me to battle with the darkness and hinder its coming. You are my servant, and the most powerful Knight...second only to Seleda'an's new host. I am trusting you with leading this team and I will offer you your freedom to keep your Illrian should you, at the end of this, wish to leave. I am giving you a powerful burden in my absence, I must soon return to my sanctuary. But I am still watching you.[/font]"
Silas turned to leave by another door, to climb to his tower room to relax. His stomach, quiet for many years, grumbled and he felt the strength leave his legs. He leaned on his cane and hobbled slowly out of the room, bidding a passing farewell to Sinclair. Malachi put strength into his legs and carried him up the many stairs. Silas spoke to Malachi in his mind as he ascended.
Phaedra never forgot, did she?
How could any of us? We were violated
Not the blackening, it came after...
Sad, yes...I felt for her yet I was trapped within the mind of your great grandmother. She was quite feisty, you know...
I am aware, I wish I could have known her.
Phaedra gave her wholeness to defeating that Loup-Garou
It wasn't enough...I did my best to rebuild her from what remained
She was never the forgiving type. The things that were done to her...
Were done. They cannot be undone. Phaedra must work past her hatred and her mental scars. I gave her a new life when she was so close to falling to pieces. The least she can do is behave in my presence.
If I have a chance, I will go to comfort her.
See that you do not make it worse.
At this Malachi was silent, retreating to think while also just holding up Silas's legs. The weight of his mortal body weighing him down.
Silas turned to leave by another door, to climb to his tower room to relax. His stomach, quiet for many years, grumbled and he felt the strength leave his legs. He leaned on his cane and hobbled slowly out of the room, bidding a passing farewell to Sinclair. Malachi put strength into his legs and carried him up the many stairs. Silas spoke to Malachi in his mind as he ascended.
Phaedra never forgot, did she?
How could any of us? We were violated
Not the blackening, it came after...
Sad, yes...I felt for her yet I was trapped within the mind of your great grandmother. She was quite feisty, you know...
I am aware, I wish I could have known her.
Phaedra gave her wholeness to defeating that Loup-Garou
It wasn't enough...I did my best to rebuild her from what remained
She was never the forgiving type. The things that were done to her...
Were done. They cannot be undone. Phaedra must work past her hatred and her mental scars. I gave her a new life when she was so close to falling to pieces. The least she can do is behave in my presence.
If I have a chance, I will go to comfort her.
See that you do not make it worse.
At this Malachi was silent, retreating to think while also just holding up Silas's legs. The weight of his mortal body weighing him down.
Hadrian frowned at the little Fae girl.Kuroneko Aisha said:
"Don't get too ahead of yourself, Rena. We are here as guests, nothing more."
Verkhoyanks, Russia, one week later.
Anastasia Romanov walked down the cold frozen road. A small lone hub sat outside the city. The lights shown through windows acted like a beacon. The tiny bar was her destination. With a eery noise the door slide open and she walked in. Once it closed again, she took off the heavy fur coat and shook the snow from it.
The rest of the Illrian knights who had been at the meeting sat at the tables, some of them had been their for hours. They were waiting for the bar to clear of its few remaining patrons. A few men getting drunk at the bar, a trio of musicians in the corner, and two women of promiscuous activity who appeared to be getting very friendly with another man at a table. Two others gambling at cards, making merry of each others losses. The air was thick of alcohol and smoke and crappy Russian music. An hour or so passed, merriment went on and on. People came and went. Drinks were consumed, games were played, occasionally the entire bar broke out into song along with the band.
Finally an old man, stumbled up off of his stool, murmured something and made for the door. The minute the door shut, something quite interesting happened. The Illrian knights suddenly would notice a change in the atmosphere, palatable to say the least. It was as if everyone else in the bar were actors who suddenly exited character. The musicians suddenly stopped, the women laughing suddenly became serious, dismounting from the lap of the man they had been getting stone with. He too downed the rest of his drink quickly then stood up. The bartender, at first appearing a fat, bearded man, suddenly reached for his belt line and undid something, causing a layer of clothing to fall off and reveal a pillow under his shirt simulating a beer gut. His thick, bushy beard also was easily removed. Everything just... changed.. The laid back atmosphere was suddenly lively and energetic.
The two men gambling threw down their cards.
"Bullocks, I thought he would never leave."
"The windows and doors if you would be so kind Melissa." The other said. One of the two "wenches" walked over, locked the doors and lowered the blinds as to prevent one from seeing inside.
"Sorry that took so long." One of the musicians said.
The second wench spoke up. "The real crime was having to endure your racket. Where did you learn to play?" A few chuckles were let out across the room as two of them put two large rectangular tables together in a giant square. A hatch in the floor was opened and a crate pulled out. Inside several weapons. Suddenly it was like a hive of insects, each rushing about to appointed tasks. They laid out several maps and folders filled with papers, the common denominator being that each was labeled with a stamp that said "OPERATION: WAR PIG"
Anastasia only grinned. "Illrians, I would like you all to meet STG 54."
Anastasia Romanov walked down the cold frozen road. A small lone hub sat outside the city. The lights shown through windows acted like a beacon. The tiny bar was her destination. With a eery noise the door slide open and she walked in. Once it closed again, she took off the heavy fur coat and shook the snow from it.
The rest of the Illrian knights who had been at the meeting sat at the tables, some of them had been their for hours. They were waiting for the bar to clear of its few remaining patrons. A few men getting drunk at the bar, a trio of musicians in the corner, and two women of promiscuous activity who appeared to be getting very friendly with another man at a table. Two others gambling at cards, making merry of each others losses. The air was thick of alcohol and smoke and crappy Russian music. An hour or so passed, merriment went on and on. People came and went. Drinks were consumed, games were played, occasionally the entire bar broke out into song along with the band.
Finally an old man, stumbled up off of his stool, murmured something and made for the door. The minute the door shut, something quite interesting happened. The Illrian knights suddenly would notice a change in the atmosphere, palatable to say the least. It was as if everyone else in the bar were actors who suddenly exited character. The musicians suddenly stopped, the women laughing suddenly became serious, dismounting from the lap of the man they had been getting stone with. He too downed the rest of his drink quickly then stood up. The bartender, at first appearing a fat, bearded man, suddenly reached for his belt line and undid something, causing a layer of clothing to fall off and reveal a pillow under his shirt simulating a beer gut. His thick, bushy beard also was easily removed. Everything just... changed.. The laid back atmosphere was suddenly lively and energetic.
The two men gambling threw down their cards.
"Bullocks, I thought he would never leave."
"The windows and doors if you would be so kind Melissa." The other said. One of the two "wenches" walked over, locked the doors and lowered the blinds as to prevent one from seeing inside.
"Sorry that took so long." One of the musicians said.
The second wench spoke up. "The real crime was having to endure your racket. Where did you learn to play?" A few chuckles were let out across the room as two of them put two large rectangular tables together in a giant square. A hatch in the floor was opened and a crate pulled out. Inside several weapons. Suddenly it was like a hive of insects, each rushing about to appointed tasks. They laid out several maps and folders filled with papers, the common denominator being that each was labeled with a stamp that said "OPERATION: WAR PIG"
Anastasia only grinned. "Illrians, I would like you all to meet STG 54."
Nathan Lockheed, leader of STG 54, crack shot, well versed Geomancer, familiar with thurmaturgic philosophy. Began work as Rhyle Information runner, noted for skills in physical evasion and "parkour" Fluent in Spanish, Russian and Italian. Black belt in Akido and jujitsu. Currently holds Rhyle record for 200m dash. Handpicked by Nicholaus Kin as successor in leadership of STG54
Ulrich Moran. Designated team sharpshooter, recieved training with 82nd army airborn of the United States. Aquamancer, capable of cross magic into glacieomancy (art of creating raw ice, often in form of sharpened edges, hence use as weapon), trained in Bushido, Aikdo, Muy Thai. Skilled with almost every firearm known to man. Member of Rhyle program "Theodigi" or "Finger of God; intense sniper training program to allow members to use renowned dreadnought class rifles
Cyrus Vilotier Imperiomancer, fluent in over two dozen languages and multiple dialects. Hails from Jamaica, where he had a lucrative detective business before being sought out by the rhyle. Specializes in melee combat (unarmed) and the bow and arrow, which he prefers over firearms. Also exceptionally known for theatrical skills, studied at Julliard, and under the dali llamma.
Roger Stern Pyromancer, avid practitioner of Brazilian jujitsu and Wing Chun. Has a knack as technical engineer. Said to know London like the back of his hand, as well as its drinking facilities. Unknown connection to Baron Samedi
Melissa Wallowitz Gemoancer, specializes in chemical studies. exceptionally skilled with knives and short blades. Also shows exemplary record in con artistic abilities.curious love of obscure fashion.
Danniel Christian Firearms specialist, Auramancer and master tactician. West point graduate. ranked 4th highest in marksmanship of all North African based Rhyle. Avid sailor and mariner(has made 4 solo trips around the world.
Marcus Kujo Chronomancer, Melee combat specialist. Trained by by Chinese special forces. Notable history of interaction with Daggerspell clan. Often reserved, mistaken as anti-social. Skilled with polearms, excellent cook and guitar player as well.
Bruce Fellowson Recruited Sanguinamancer, Trained with British S.A.S. worked for her majesty's secret service. Undergone notable deep cover ops, well studied chemist, demolitions expert and thespian. Noted reputation in London underworld, interaction with Guardians; frequent. Perhaps best practicioner of longsword of the group.
Bryan McFadden Auraamancer, Born and raised in Ireland. Specialized in energy amplification. Also excellent close quarters firefight skills. Known to join french prime minister for quail hunting on a semi regular basis.
Angela King Engineer and tinkerer. Specialist in geomancy. Known for over the top creative weapons, as well as strong ability to improvise on the spot. noted passion for art, and classical music.
Carson Dalton First of the Dalton brothers. Twins known as the rascal princes of New Mexico. Fortunemancer. Exceptional skill with pistols. crack shot due to fortunemancy. Father was 2nd largest land owner in new mexico. Brothers known for knack for trouble. never serious, but plenty of small felony charges nobody could ever prove true, likely due to fortunemancy.
Lee Dalton second of Dalton brothers. known as more reserved than his brother, both born under Gemini sign. Brothers consider themselves some of the last true cowboys. skilled equinist, years spent as ranch hands etc.
6 days before the meeting in Verkhoyanks
Samuel stood in a giant hall inside the castle.
We have searched everything. They were definetly here not long ago.
He could literally smell the former presence of other Illrians in this room.
[font color="grey"]They left us behind again. That figures! Assholes, all of them!
Well, considering your character, I'm not really surprised.
[font color="grey"]... I swear I will instantly kill you when this is all over...
Sam grinned over his small triumph.
"Let's see if we can find some clues where they went."
-----------
The day of the meeting
They were standing infront of the bars door, the curtains were closed so Samuel couldn't see what was going on inside.
Are we going to just go in there saying 'Sorry, I'm late!'?
[font color="grey"]No, I have a better idea.
Sam got a bad feeling.
[font color="grey"]Stand back and I'll handle this.
I don't think that's a good id...
[font color="grey"]Just do it, idiot!
Sam breathed deeply. From the time he spent with her in his head, he knew that she wouldn't listen to the voice of reason he tried to be. At the point she's currently at, it's best to just give her what she wants. He gave her control.
Dendra for her part has grown a liking to that body, not to it's owner but to the body itself. It was powerful and looked interesting especially it's eyes. The combination of her fierce yellow eye and Sam's cold blue eye made it look like she could stare right into one's soul.
She gathered herself and put all her strength into a kick against the door.
Wooden splinters flew into the bar, the door was no match for the enraged Daemon.
She walked in, looking into baffled faces and facing a few guns and readied magic.
"[font color="grey"]Thanks for waiting for me, you pricks! You certainly thought: 'Oh, it's just Dendra, we can leave her because she's a total *****!' Dammit!!!" she yelled while smashing a table that was in her way. She looked at the man right next to her who was pointing his hand at her head, ready to attack her with his magic. She mercilessly stared at him.
"[font color="grey"]Don't. Even. Think. About. It."
She noticed the dozens of vodka bottles behind the bar. She pushed the man out of her way, jumped over it and grabbed one of the bottles. She walked to a free chair next to a Fae with a horn, sat down, wiped the maps and folders off the table, placed her feet on it and took a big slug of vodka right from the bottle. Dendra noticed everyone staring at her except one...whatever he was (Anthem. His name is Anthem and he was once...-[font color="grey"]Yeah, yeah, whatever, don't bore me.).
"[font color="grey"]The fuck are you looking at?!"
Samuel stood in a giant hall inside the castle.
We have searched everything. They were definetly here not long ago.
He could literally smell the former presence of other Illrians in this room.
[font color="grey"]They left us behind again. That figures! Assholes, all of them!
Well, considering your character, I'm not really surprised.
[font color="grey"]... I swear I will instantly kill you when this is all over...
Sam grinned over his small triumph.
"Let's see if we can find some clues where they went."
-----------
The day of the meeting
They were standing infront of the bars door, the curtains were closed so Samuel couldn't see what was going on inside.
Are we going to just go in there saying 'Sorry, I'm late!'?
[font color="grey"]No, I have a better idea.
Sam got a bad feeling.
[font color="grey"]Stand back and I'll handle this.
I don't think that's a good id...
[font color="grey"]Just do it, idiot!
Sam breathed deeply. From the time he spent with her in his head, he knew that she wouldn't listen to the voice of reason he tried to be. At the point she's currently at, it's best to just give her what she wants. He gave her control.
Dendra for her part has grown a liking to that body, not to it's owner but to the body itself. It was powerful and looked interesting especially it's eyes. The combination of her fierce yellow eye and Sam's cold blue eye made it look like she could stare right into one's soul.
She gathered herself and put all her strength into a kick against the door.
Wooden splinters flew into the bar, the door was no match for the enraged Daemon.
She walked in, looking into baffled faces and facing a few guns and readied magic.
"[font color="grey"]Thanks for waiting for me, you pricks! You certainly thought: 'Oh, it's just Dendra, we can leave her because she's a total *****!' Dammit!!!" she yelled while smashing a table that was in her way. She looked at the man right next to her who was pointing his hand at her head, ready to attack her with his magic. She mercilessly stared at him.
"[font color="grey"]Don't. Even. Think. About. It."
She noticed the dozens of vodka bottles behind the bar. She pushed the man out of her way, jumped over it and grabbed one of the bottles. She walked to a free chair next to a Fae with a horn, sat down, wiped the maps and folders off the table, placed her feet on it and took a big slug of vodka right from the bottle. Dendra noticed everyone staring at her except one...whatever he was (Anthem. His name is Anthem and he was once...-[font color="grey"]Yeah, yeah, whatever, don't bore me.).
"[font color="grey"]The fuck are you looking at?!"
Rena giggled a little bit before saying to Hadrian. "Don't worry, don't worry. We won't get into any trouble at all! I just want to look around for a little. We're only here for one night after all and then we're off on our journey for great justice." She looked around a moment before pointing at a door and saying. "Let's see what's in there!"
Damn Hussman. Those are a lot of dossiers. I'm impressed.
Sinclair raised his eyebrows at the....thing, that had barged in so violently on the heavily armed Rhyle and Illrian Knighthood task force. The strange fire in it's eyes probably meant that it was a Knight as well. Probably.Trasch17 said:
Nonetheless, he acted as the Guardian that he once was. Disabling the illusions around his SA80, he stood up, cocking his weapon in the same motion, and aimed the rifle at the creature's center mass. He took several deep breaths, preparing himself for a sudden life and death assault.
"Make one wrong move and we'll splatter your guts all over the floor." Sinclair said, his gaze cold and aim unerring "Are you a member of the Rhyle or Illrian Knighthood? You have five seconds to respond before I fire."
Dendra stared at the man who was threatening her with a rifle.Darth Caelum said:
She couldn't hold it anymore and laughed full-throated.
"[font color="grey"]That's a good one. Are you sure it's wise to point a gun at a Daemon? Also your five seconds are over and you haven't shot yet."
Dendra!
She flinched.
"[font color="grey"]Okay, okay, you got me. My name is Dendra, this body belongs to...what was your name again?... Oh yes, Apprentice Samuel Eigner and we recieved an invitation delivered by a raven to join your little party."
She got the message out of her coat's bags and placed it on the table.
"[font color="grey"]Excecpt you already changed the location when we arrived at the first one. Pricks."
Samuel/Dendra smiled.
"[font color="grey"]I figured already, imagine that."Ryans Solution said:
Dendra!
She flinched again and looked down talking to herself.
"[font color="grey"]Look, I'm not good at socializing if it goes beyond stabbing someone's face."
Then we'll change again.
Dendra sighed. "[font color="grey"]Fine..."
Samuel slumped down for a moment. When he looked up his left eye was brown again, Dendra was gone. He massaged his temple. The headache again.
"I'm sorry. I have to apologize for her behaviour. Dendra is ... difficult to deal with."
He stood up and began collecting the papers Dendra threw off the table.
Sinclair smiled ferally. "Believe you me Dendra, if I had fired this rifle, we wouldn't be having this pleasant chat at all."Trasch17 said:
Oh please Sinclair lighten up. I know you want to try out your pretty little rifle on an Illrian, but please, don't start now.
'This is just not a little rifle! This is an SA80 L85A2 Assault Rifle modified personally by me! This thing fires bullets that explode into Hellfire! I modified it's magazine to 800 rounds so I'll never have any ammo problems! Stop insulting my rifle Baltreth.'
He could hear an exasperated groan from his Illrian.
Oh Malachi help me. You were amusing for the first few days, when you weren't tempting Gray's wrath anyway, but now I'm just exasperated. Do you never think of new ways to kill people? You met this girl not 10 seconds ago and you already wanted to see the bullets burn through her body.
'Bah. I'm a sociopath partner. It's what I do.'
Baltreth gave an amused snort.
If I still believed that was true, I'd be a shitty partner now wouldn't I?
The Thaumaturgist shook his head, lowering his rifle but keeping his finger lightly on the trigger. "I see. Very well, join the planning session then." he said as he put the rifle on the table itself and sat down on his chair again as he did so.
As he made himself comfortable on his chair, his eyes began to glow a deeply disturbing crimson as ethereal horns appeared on his head once more.
"And for decency's sake Dendra, put your Host back on the saddle. I've been dealing with this sociopath for a week now, and frankly, I'm tired and just want to go somewhere where this isn't constant snow. So please, can we do this planning session now?
'My, my. If I didn't know better, it's a certain Illrian's time of the month now! Why didn't you tell me you were a woman Baltreth?'
I don't like snow.
'I'm sure the feeling's mutual'
By the by, just as a general thing. There's this one little snippet I'm gonna add in the middle of our planning session that'll be a bit plot relevant with Sinclair. Nothing really significant, at the moment, just a conversation with some of Sinclair's buddies.
I should really read before I post again. Just imagine I did this before your Illrian stops possessing you.
Verkhoyanks, Russia.
The lively bar atmosphere remained unmarred by the presence of the fearsome porcelain statue, like some mythic angel or demon, standing tall in the corner opposite the bar. By its posing, as if holding up the roof, one would think it some kind of decorative statuary. The Illrians, of course, knew better, as did the members of STG-54.
The newcomer, Dendra-Eigner, likely did not, so when Dendra kicked in the door, she might have been surprised to see the statue animate and slink over with uncanny grace, even as Sinclair held her up with his customized rifle. The fearsome bone-white apparition's fluidity was unnatural given its stiff appearance. But it did nothing until Dendra backed down and Sinclair lowered his weapon.
Anthiel stared warily at Dendra as it turned and slithered off to the bar counter, standing tall and sinister, light reflecting off its glossy shell in unsettling fashion. It remained closeby even as Samuel regained control.
As Eigner's apologies rang off, Anthiel nodded slowly and spoke, carefully, Rs rolling with Seleda'an's particular mannerisms. "So we see, Eigner. Regardless, it is good to have you join us, Dendra's manners aside."
So Anthiel--Anthem?--remembered him. That's impressive, given they never worked together. But the nigh-merged thing that was Anthiel, for all its monstrous form, seemed to have no diminishing of its mental acuity.
And Malachi's suggestion of its power, though unheard by any but Sinclair, might give one further pause.
Anthiel lowered its gaze, the rest of its body gracefully sloped like some master-crafted gargoyle, to the files and photos laid out by STG-54's members, paying no further heed to Sinclair and his weaponry or Dendra's past antics.
"It is a pleasure to work with you all, Special Task Group 54. What are we looking at, now?"
And just like that, Anthiel was business. Whatever thoughts coursed through its head were left obscure, shrouded by its intent on the task at hand.
The lively bar atmosphere remained unmarred by the presence of the fearsome porcelain statue, like some mythic angel or demon, standing tall in the corner opposite the bar. By its posing, as if holding up the roof, one would think it some kind of decorative statuary. The Illrians, of course, knew better, as did the members of STG-54.
The newcomer, Dendra-Eigner, likely did not, so when Dendra kicked in the door, she might have been surprised to see the statue animate and slink over with uncanny grace, even as Sinclair held her up with his customized rifle. The fearsome bone-white apparition's fluidity was unnatural given its stiff appearance. But it did nothing until Dendra backed down and Sinclair lowered his weapon.
Anthiel stared warily at Dendra as it turned and slithered off to the bar counter, standing tall and sinister, light reflecting off its glossy shell in unsettling fashion. It remained closeby even as Samuel regained control.
As Eigner's apologies rang off, Anthiel nodded slowly and spoke, carefully, Rs rolling with Seleda'an's particular mannerisms. "So we see, Eigner. Regardless, it is good to have you join us, Dendra's manners aside."
So Anthiel--Anthem?--remembered him. That's impressive, given they never worked together. But the nigh-merged thing that was Anthiel, for all its monstrous form, seemed to have no diminishing of its mental acuity.
And Malachi's suggestion of its power, though unheard by any but Sinclair, might give one further pause.
Anthiel lowered its gaze, the rest of its body gracefully sloped like some master-crafted gargoyle, to the files and photos laid out by STG-54's members, paying no further heed to Sinclair and his weaponry or Dendra's past antics.
"It is a pleasure to work with you all, Special Task Group 54. What are we looking at, now?"
And just like that, Anthiel was business. Whatever thoughts coursed through its head were left obscure, shrouded by its intent on the task at hand.
"Are you all not quite done done waxing your egos, or can we just crack on?" Nathan said, growing impatient.
He spread out several more maps, as another Rhyle handed a brief folder to each on in attendance.
"Wait, where are the Dalton brothers? I assumed they were getting drunk under the bar."
"Forward scouting party, they were dropped in yesterday. Now.." He began pointing to locations on the maps. "Zhivot has three layers of defense designed to keep those out out and those in in. So if any of you dont know what "rung breaker" is, its an offensive strategy developed to counter just such a defense. If they defend in tiers, we attack back in tiers, which allows for an easy exit. Each group will help leap frog the previous one out, that way nobody gets left out in the cold. Like a man flling on a ladder and breaking a rung, then falling through to the next, each tier will slow down a counter assault even more. Now our first, and outermost layer will be Ulrich, manning the dreadnaught here..."
He pointed to a location, an opposing mountain slope four hundred yards away from the slope which Drakona Zhivot was perch on a mountain of. "He will provide over-watch and extra firepower where needed, only taking direct action if things go bad fast. Now do any of you have experience as snipers? Wouldnt want Ulrich to get lonely..."
He spread out several more maps, as another Rhyle handed a brief folder to each on in attendance.
"Wait, where are the Dalton brothers? I assumed they were getting drunk under the bar."
"Forward scouting party, they were dropped in yesterday. Now.." He began pointing to locations on the maps. "Zhivot has three layers of defense designed to keep those out out and those in in. So if any of you dont know what "rung breaker" is, its an offensive strategy developed to counter just such a defense. If they defend in tiers, we attack back in tiers, which allows for an easy exit. Each group will help leap frog the previous one out, that way nobody gets left out in the cold. Like a man flling on a ladder and breaking a rung, then falling through to the next, each tier will slow down a counter assault even more. Now our first, and outermost layer will be Ulrich, manning the dreadnaught here..."
He pointed to a location, an opposing mountain slope four hundred yards away from the slope which Drakona Zhivot was perch on a mountain of. "He will provide over-watch and extra firepower where needed, only taking direct action if things go bad fast. Now do any of you have experience as snipers? Wouldnt want Ulrich to get lonely..."
Sinclair raised his hand. "I've been trained as a sniper, and will be able to assist. I should be able to use my AW50 to great effect during the operation. My rifle has been modified to explode on contact, spreading Hellfire towards anything nearby. As such, it would be more suited to eliminating large groups of enemy opponents in quick fashion, as well as demolishing their structural defenses as Hellfire wil burn through nearly anything. Additionally, should there be significant targets, that cannot be easily handled by our forces on the ground, my weapon should be able to track it's auras to sustain a kill."
He continued "Downsides to this is that once you get into melee range of the enemy you're on your own. While my other weapons will be able to handle precision shots, I would rather continue firing my AW50 and cause maximum damage."
The Black Nail thought for a moment, a sour thought coming across him. "What are Mercer's abilities? Depending on his strength as an Imperiomancer, he might block of my own abilities in that field to manipulate the targets into a clear line of shot. Besides that, if and when he does enter the fray, I would like a general brief on how he utilizes his powers, the better to counter him should he try to zero in on my location."
He continued "Downsides to this is that once you get into melee range of the enemy you're on your own. While my other weapons will be able to handle precision shots, I would rather continue firing my AW50 and cause maximum damage."
The Black Nail thought for a moment, a sour thought coming across him. "What are Mercer's abilities? Depending on his strength as an Imperiomancer, he might block of my own abilities in that field to manipulate the targets into a clear line of shot. Besides that, if and when he does enter the fray, I would like a general brief on how he utilizes his powers, the better to counter him should he try to zero in on my location."
While they were talking about snipers and weapon specs ([font color="grey"]Wait a minute! That ass pointed such a thing at us?!), Samuel eyed everyone present. He knew some of them.
The horned Fae, Rena. He only knew her by sight, but heard some Guardians call her unicorn.
Anthem. He heard many rumors about him and he was curious how he became like that.
Hadrian. He respected Hadrian but didn't know much about him.
And of course Ryan. The 'The-end-is-neigh!'-guy. Seems he wasn't as crazy as most thought.
The rest were only unknowns to him.
In his mind he was already fromulating some questions that burdened him for quite some time now. He would ask them when the mission is completed.
The horned Fae, Rena. He only knew her by sight, but heard some Guardians call her unicorn.
Anthem. He heard many rumors about him and he was curious how he became like that.
Hadrian. He respected Hadrian but didn't know much about him.
And of course Ryan. The 'The-end-is-neigh!'-guy. Seems he wasn't as crazy as most thought.
The rest were only unknowns to him.
In his mind he was already fromulating some questions that burdened him for quite some time now. He would ask them when the mission is completed.
Anthiel was silent for some time as the initial stages of the plan were discussed before speaking up.
"We are specialized into a close-combat role. Would it be fair to assume that we will be in the vanguard?"
Anthiel paused a moment, before continuing, "We are also presently unarmed. Most human-scale weaponry is useless to us. This may reduce our potential effectiveness in the field." Its skeletal wing-frames fluttered out, briefly, before snapping back shut. Not entirely unarmed, apparently, but they would be awkward to use as weapons, leaving Anthiel's talons as its primary armament. One wonders what happened to its shotgun.
"We are specialized into a close-combat role. Would it be fair to assume that we will be in the vanguard?"
Anthiel paused a moment, before continuing, "We are also presently unarmed. Most human-scale weaponry is useless to us. This may reduce our potential effectiveness in the field." Its skeletal wing-frames fluttered out, briefly, before snapping back shut. Not entirely unarmed, apparently, but they would be awkward to use as weapons, leaving Anthiel's talons as its primary armament. One wonders what happened to its shotgun.