'The Pit: Hell Frozen Over' - Arc 3, Chapter 3: 'The One Truth' (Closed, Started)

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Fappy

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Orphan didn't respond for he was fat asleep. In his old age he slept like a baby, even in the Pit where the conditions were shit and someone could slit your throat at any moment... though, most were wise enough not to test his reflexes.

Lucia sat up and watched Unathi's silhouette pass by and out of the cell. She never had the chance to speak to him during his visit, but even so... she hoped he'd stay safe.

The last thing this place needs is more death.

It was at that time that she noticed Acolyte had left.

Who does he think he is?! Is he crazy?!

Lucia was... not happy. Her patient had blatantly ignored her instructions.

Though she was pissed, there really wasn't anything she could do about it. Wandering around to look for him at this hour would be suicide and she had no idea where he could be. The Pit was a big place. If he returned... when he returned there would be hell to pay.
 

The Funslinger

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Acolyte walked around the corner with the food in his arms, singing again, in a mournful tenor.

'Well if I die before I get it done, will you decide?
To take my words and turn them into signs they will survive
Because a long time ago, I knew not to deprive.

It's safe out there, and now you're everywhere, just like the sky.
And you are love, you are the lucid dream, you...' he stops as he turns the corner, seeing Lucia staring daggers at him.

'Good morning, child'.
 

ProtoChimp

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Travis waited at the edge of his small territory, essentially just two dozen cells filled with psychopaths, assholes and prison bitches. He slumped against a wall as his top three men, Scar, Jack and Clyde brought the rest of the crew to him. Altogether they were 40 men strong, clearly not the biggest gang; but that was why they always went out with everyone so at least if there was a big fight the numbers would be in their favour, plus who would mess with 40 men.

Travis led his men out of their "territory", leading an expedition deep into Aryan turf. They ran across their few Aryan allies but soon it was obvious that they needed a good god damn reason to lead so many men into another gang's camp. Travis raised his fist for the crew to stop and he and his three best men walked forward to meet some guards.

"The fuck are you doing here you old piece of shit?" Barked an Aryan guard holding a busted up shotgun.

"We're here to make parley, and with some information your boss will want to know" replied Travis.

"I'll be the judge of that, whatever you gotta say you say it to me" demanded the twitchy guard.

"Okay" smiled Travis. "The Crips have declared war and are killing your boys in the streets."

"What!" The guard yelled back to some other Nazi's to bring one of their highest rankers. "You stay right there old man!"

"You call me Dragon boy." Travis spoke with a strong sense of smugness. After a few minutes an ageing man strode down, not as twitchy as the rest but quite clearly an addict as well.

"I believe you have some information about the Crips?" he said, sounding tired and worn out.

"Yeah I do," spoke The Dragon, "But it'll cost you. I wanna know who's supplying you with meth."

The old Nazi responded furiously "What the fuck is it to you?"

The Dragon spoke sharply. "Well, I figure you'd wanna know who was helping the Crips plan on taking you all out."

The old addict remained silent as his face flushed red with anger before finally speaking. "You tell us first what you know."

"Okay, I've got enough info to get what I want out of you. The crips and other collaborators are attacking Aryans in the street." Travis knew that if he twisted his words the meth heads were so out of it they would believe him.

The man sniffed and twitched, clenching his fists. "Who else?" he barked.

"Not so fast. I want to know who is supplying you with meth, and I want a collaboration between our groups. The Dragons want to expand."

The Nazi scoffed and spat at the floor, "You really think we'd lower ourselves to-"

"I think you already have!" shouted Travis, alerting some of the Nazi guards to prepare for a fight. "You need to know what I know, and we could be invaluable in protecting you. Think about it, they don't know we would be working together, and we are... somewhat small time." It pained Travis to admit his gangs status. "You give us what we want, and we can all make it out of this alive."

There was a long pause before the old man spoke back. "I'll tell my bosses, you'll get what you want. Know tell us who is killing our boys."

Travis smiled. He had won this war of words. Addicts are so easy to manipulate, he thought. "The Crips, Zulus, and even the Orphan and his *****. As well as some bald dude, my intelligence tells me, but your main problem is the niggers."

The faces of the various Aryans turned to one of fear, they were large but not large enough to take on two gangs, and the rumours of what Orphan could do was something fierce. "Alright" replied the Nazi leader. "We get our drugs from Azrael, but we don't know were he gets them from, and you'll get your protection."

The Dragon smiled and extended his hand to the Nazi. "Pleasure doing business with you." With that The Dragons turned back and returned to their territory.
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The Dragons got back at the early hours of the morning. By the time they were back they were shouting and celebrating, all returning to their cells. Travis and his three lieutenants were smiling like children on Christmas, finally having a good insurance plan in this place. However, there was something unexpected greeting them. A young boy, looked like a teenager, sobbing and handcuffed to a pipe.

"What the fuck is this!" Travis explained, taking off the boys blindfold. "Who the fuck are you and what are you doing here?"

That question would never be answered as before the boy could respond gunfire was heard in the other cells. Various Dragons were running out of their cells, shouting and fighting, as some men came running up on Travis and with a sub machine gun in hand, firing rapidly. Travis, Jack, Scar and Clyde scattered, trying to escape to parade of bullets. Travis had run into a cell were one of the hit squad was being beaten, having been disarmed by a Dragon. Travis hid in the cell waiting for his pursuer to enter. He rushed in and Travis tackled him, ripping the gun out of his hand before pounding his skull against the ground with the hilt. "C'mon!" Travis roared to all of his Dragons, his voice piercing the walls of all two dozen cells. The hit squad ran out into the open and began indiscriminately firing upon the Dragons, killing many, many men. However, the sheer numbers of the Dragons was more than the attackers could take, and by the time they had to reload they were being mauled to death by the remaining men. Travis rushed from cell to cell, finding his three lieutenants, all in bad shape. He searched for the rest of his men, and to his horror 40 had been reduced to a mere 15. They searched all the dead bodies, the only upside to this battle was that now at least they had guns, real guns none of that zipgun shit. But given the amount of ammo spent, and how many Dragons were lost it was not worth it.

Travis found the tied up boy and saw him riddled with bullets, his knees destroyed and his stomach was losing an intense amount of blood, but somehow he was still alive. Travis raised the boy's chin and screamed "Who did this! Who the fuck are you!"

The boy stuttered his words before eventually saying "M-M-Mafia... I... I..." he bled out. Travis took out his frustrations by beating his body, crushing his dead bones and organs. The powerful Dragon had no idea what to do. What had he done to anger the Mafia? What would he do with such a small force, even smaller than before? Could the Aryans protect him from this? He was lost, and for once maybe even scared.
 

Fappy

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Lucia's expression grew more intense, "Where were you going at this hour?" Lucia crossed her arms and looked away. "Actually, it doesn't matter. Just get back to bed. I don't want to see you move a muscle for the next 24-hours!"

Lucia knew she was being hard on him, but there was something about their relationship that was... comforting. Since coming to the Pit everything had felt like it was out of her control. But this... she had a say in this. She was the authority in this relationship. The patient must listen to the doctor if he is to recover. Despite it only being a flesh-wound, she felt as if she had his health and well-being in her hands. She was in control and if he challenged that she'd have to put her foot down.

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Sticks read over the debrief as he buttoned his shirt.

So... someone's making a move on the Aryans? This may complicate things.

According to the brief the Aryans were still supplying men for the drug deal and his moles in Azrael's crew confirmed the Dog was still going. Dealing with gangs was always messy, but Sticks knew how to make the best of the hand he was dealt. He'd worry about the plight of the Aryans once Azrael was moved into position.

After gearing up Sticks met with his men and headed for the Pit. it was time to meet the Dog.
 

NinjaDeathSlap

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Even though Azrael's tone of voice rarely changed from it's usual steely calm, Nikolai had served his Master long enough to tell when he was furious, even when no-one else could.

"That's not enough, I need details." he told the Pack Leader who had come to his chamber to make the report.

"All we know is this..." the Pack Leader replied humbly "A few hours ago The Dragons marched right into the heart of Aryan territory. What they wanted is still a mystery, but almost as soon as they returned to their own turf they were attacked by an elite hit-squad, believed to be Mafia based on their tactics. The Dragons eventually overpowered their attackers, but have sustained heavy losses."

"If that is all, then leave us." Azrael told him curtly, to which the Pack Leader bowed and exited the chamber.

After a few moments Azrael started handing out orders in quick succession.

"Matthias, make contact with your informants in the Mafia camp. I want to be certain that they were responsible for this attack, and if so, I want to know exactly why when we've seen no signs of prior provocation from The Dragons. I trust you'll be discrete. As far as anyone on the outside knows we have no affiliation with any of gangs involved in this, so why should we care? Yuri, send men to both the Aryan and Dragon camps, I want both sides of whatever conversation took place. What did Travis want, and how much was he told? Use the White Stars rather than our own men, so that we don't appear to be involved. Skullbane, Order the Aryans to accelerate their attacks on the Zulu, if it turns out someone's trying to interfere with this operation then I want to build up momentum before they have the chance to stop us. All of you, go, now!"

After they had all left, Azrael turned to Nikolai.

"Your mission remains unchanged, but I trust you've made the necessary adjustments in light of the new information we've recieved?"

"Yes."

"Then go." Azrael ordered "Remind our good friend of the dangers of his position."
 

Fappy

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They arrived one hour early, though not at the exact meeting point. Sticks had Aryans stationed at predetermined checkpoints to call out Nikolai's position as he got closer to the meeting point. Damn near half the 3rd-level was covered by Aryan eyes. Sticks was set up on top a cliff that sat high above and across from the main walkway. Unless you were moving around a lot up there you'd never be seen.

Sticks had six of his men and six Aryans with him. The Aryans carried crude melee weapons and were really only there for backup in case anything went wrong. Considering the shit the Aryans recently walked in it cam as no surprise that they wouldn't send their best. Sticks' men however, were well trained soldiers. In fact one of his most trusted men and the best marksman working the Pit, Conrad, was his eye-in-the-sky. If the Dog made a move it'd be his last.

Sticks laid prone at the edge of the cliff. He kept his eyes glued to the meeting spot through his binoculars.
 

The Funslinger

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When asked what he'd been doing, Acolyte nodded down at the meager bundle of food in his arms, which he set down on a collapsible table in the corner of Orphan's large cell. 'My apologies, child. I should have said where I was going. However, sleeping is something I'm done doing for now.'

Ducking under the blankets to where his mat is located, he moves it, propping it against the wall, and begins a long series of limbering stretches. The wound was keeping up a dull throb, but movement didn't exacerbate it, he was glad to see.
 

Fappy

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Lucia glared at him disapprovingly, "You don't have to keep up the 'tough guy' act you know," Her eyes wandered in Orphan's direction. "Orphan's the most feared man in this place and he acts like an ass-scratching, lazy old man all the time."

She looked back at Acolyte and crossed her arms, "You don't seem to be associated with any gangs that I can finger. How have you been surviving down here on your own?"
 

The Funslinger

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Acolyte laughs. A soft, lilting sound. 'the 'tough guy' act? That's new. I like to think I'm quite pleasant, but that might just be self indulgence on my part. Truth be told, I never sleep more than six hours at a time.'

He slowly gets into a handstand, which he maintains, staring fixedly at the ground. 'How I survive? Well, honestly, I don't like fighting. I don't like harming people, or even seeing them come to harm. I was a pacifist before I came here. But since coming here, I've had to accept that I am one of the most technically skilled fighters in this facility. However, I mostly get by quietly. I learn my surroundings, and the population's patterns of movement. That said, there are a remarkable number of people in this place unaffiliated with any of the gangs. A great many of them may not be as successful at remaining unscathed as me, but they're certainly there. I apologise if I seem blunt. Modesty is the one trait my order never managed to fully instill in me. In any case, my reason for coming to the lower levels was to avoid people.'
 

Fappy

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Lucia shrugged, "No need to apologize. I'm the same way. My... attitude has gotten me into far more trouble than I am comfortable with since coming here," She laid back down on her side and watched as he maintained his handstand longer than anyone she had ever seen. She'd usually tell him he could hurt himself, but she wanted to see how long he could hold it. "I'd love to never have to speak to a single soul down here, but that's unfortunately not an option for me. Orphan makes me work the mines. He says it's so I can pull my weight here and to toughen me up," She explained with an exasperated sigh. "I also... I also want to save my brother."

Still lying on her side Lucia closed her eyes, "Azrael has him."
 

The Funslinger

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Maintaining the handstand, Acolyte begins to feel strain building in his arms. 'It's not that I don't want to talk to people, it's... more for my health than anything. And I tend not to work the mines, either. There's no need, and I'd only be helping a corporation I despise. At least this way, I get to be something of a leech on them.'

Azrael... 'I know of him. I've seen him around a couple of times. Not that I've ever talked to him. I saw his Dog fight once or twice, too. I never thought I'd see someone fight so effectively with no actual technique. Anyway, is there nothing Orphan could do about your brother?'
 

Fappy

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Lucia rolled over to face the wall and clenched her arms, "No."

Orphan had risked enough to save her. Azrael was in good with the Wardens and Orphan didn't want to step on more toes than he already had.

"I... I told Orphan that I didn't want him to put his life on the line to save my brother. Saving me had already... complicated things for him," She rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. "He promised he'd train me. Toughen me up. Make sure I could hold my own here in the Pit. He says he does it because he wants me to survive, but I do it so I can one day rescue Tristan."

"He's probably already dead. You need to focus on your own survival, Lucia."

She sat up in bed and noticed Acolyte was still holding his handstand, "I'd have no point in continuing on if I didn't have this... goal. What's the point of survival if all you're doing is simply surviving, right?"
 

The Funslinger

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Acolyte comes out of the handstand by easing his feet to the wall and walking them down it. Standing up, he goes over to where he deposited his food, and tears off some bread, which he eats. He follows that up with two sardines from the tin, and chases it down with water.

'Don't knock survival for survival's sake. It's what I've been doing for years now. In any case, have you given any thought to how you might save your brother? I doubt one person would have much of a chance of facing up to the Arctic Wolves and walking away.'
 

Fappy

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Lucia shook her head, "I honestly have no idea what I'd do, but I'm focusing more on acclimating to this place at the moment. If I don't understand the people, my environment and I don't have the physical strength and training necessary... it will be an impossible task," She explained with a pathetic chuckle.

Orphan's logic has rubbed off on me more than I thought.

"But... I think Orphan would prefer I abandon this crazy idea."
 

NinjaDeathSlap

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Nikolai made his way towards the meeting point flanked by two of his Pack. They appeared to be unarmed, but they both had concealed handguns and short iron blades bound to their knuckles, giving their paws a more deadly touch. The Aryans inclined their heads in his direction, before melting into the shadows like most did.

As he came to the edge of the walkway he paused for a second, his eyes raking his surroundings while his head stayed fixed ahead of him. The corners of his mouth twitched in their pseudo-smile, before he set out towards the centre to meet the three Wardens who'd come with their end of the bargain.

"Do you have it?" The more prominent of the three Men asked. While he was obviously the highest rank of the trio, his voice trembled slightly. He knew what was at risk here.

Nikolai inclined his head to the left, and his lieutenant held up and unzipped an old sports bag, showing the contents. The lead Warden was about to make a move towards it when Nikolai shook his head.

"Now you." he told them

The warden on the opposite side produced another bag, this one newer, full of packages taped up in brown paper. Nikolai nodded, and the two bags were exchanged at the same time. With the drugs in his possession, the danger had passed.

Nikolai didn't even need to give an order, as the exchange had already been the signal. There was a scream as Stick's sniper was thrown bodily over the edge of the platform that he'd been positioned on, and before he'd even hit the ground the Aryan's dropped their shivs and bats, drawing pistols and pointing them at Stick's other men. A split second later at least three times as many Wolves burst in. Nikolai's best men, armed with shotguns and assault rifles, that were also leveled against the now heavily outnumbered and outgunned Wardens.

The three on the walkway tried to level their weapons, but weren't nearly quick enough. Nikolai slammed the heel of his hand into the lead Man's jaw so hard the force of his head jerking back snapped his neck, while the two on the wings had their throats slit my the claws of Nikolai's dogs. When it was done, one of them handed him a radio. He looked up to where Sticks and his men now stood surrounded, and spoke into it.

"We only had orders concerning the men who brought us the package. For the rest, take their weapons, but then see that they are comfortable and unharmed. The Man who fell is injured, keep him with the rest. Bring the little Man who leads them to me, we have much to discuss."
 

Fappy

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Sticks, frustrated, rubbed his eyes nervously and grabbed the radio from is subordinate's hand, "I expected a backstab, but this is something else entirely," He knew he had to sell this. "The Aryans? Well fuck me, that was brilliant. I'd have never expected them to betray their main supplier."

He paused for a moment and looked around him. He was playing this way too close to the chest... but, that was okay. It only made it more exciting.

"I have a proposition to make. Your boss sent his message. It was quite clear. I had a great view," Sticks stood up with one arm in the air. "I'd like to speak with you, one-on-one. I'll let your men keep guns trained on mine. The Aryans were my ace and it seems they are now yours. That should be enough insurance for you... though, I suppose a man could always have two aces up his sleeve. In other words... you can't afford to turn down this proposition."
 

NinjaDeathSlap

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The corners of Nikolai's mouth twitched again. "If I didn't care about what you had to say, little Man, you'd already be dead. You were a fool to come here, but a lucky fool that Master doesn't want war with Surface Men... yet. Come down, and little Man can offer Dog all the bones he likes."
 

Fappy

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Sticks couldn't help but be humored by the Dog's nature, "Trust me Dog, I have plenty of them."

With that Sticks handed the radio to his subordinate and nodded in a comforting manner before climbing down the cliff side and making his way over to Nikolai. Upon arrival he winced at the corpses of his men, "Is it safe to assume your people will return these bodies to where they belong? They were good men."

In truth Sticks hadn't even known their names. Those dead men were merely recruits that had just started in the Pit no more than a month ago. Sticks had already written them off as collateral.

"So, you and me. Alone. None of your men. None of mine. No wires either. Your boss may want to record the conversation, but he has enemies he is not yet aware of that could easily obtain what will likely be incriminating evidence."
 

NinjaDeathSlap

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Nikolai looked down at the dead Sheep, dressed like Men.

"There was an accident. Some hungry Pit Slaves rushed them. Another Man was hurt in the struggle. The rest got them out, but it was too late. They will go back to surface with rest of you."

He gestured to the Dogs flanking him, who wasted no time in searching Sticks, thoroughly, for any equipment he hadn't already been relieved of by the others on the cliff. When they were done, he gestured again for them to leave, which they did, taking both bags and the bodies with them. After the others had done the same, leaving the two of them alone in the cavernous space, Nikolai spoke again.

"Now, what does little Man have for Dog?"
 

The Funslinger

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Luka stood before his new squad. 'You are some of the best soldiers the Wardens have to offer. Don't let that go to your head; you can die like any other man. Or woman.' He nodded in the French specialist's directon. 'The Chief Warden assembled this team.' Best not let on he wasn't entirely wise as to their purpose. 'We are Iron Squad. We will bring order to this Pit. The drugged up Nazis, the barbarian Zulus. Even the Wolves whose leader is a self styled king in the Pit. All will be brought to heel or will lie broken in the deepest shafts of this place. I chose you, because all of you have fought impossible numbers and lived. This we will do.'

'Yes, sir!' They responded in unison.

====================================================================================

Acolyte ran a hand over his head thoughtfully. 'How far along is your combat training? How long have you been here?'