[IC] Flames of rebellion (Thewindel and FaithfulMuse)

[TheWendil]

"No, I don't know anyone here we could trust if they offered us shelter." Kiara frowned as she finally regained her breath. The crackling energy in her palm was finally settling down, signifying to her that the Grand Summoning was over. Sighing, she leaned back and rested on a nearby wall. “Then we have no choice. We can either attempt to run for the rest of our lives away from the Imperium…or we can try to fight back,” she said, giving the group a serious look. Giltwith blinked. “Fight the Imperium? With what? We lack an army, soldiers…and in any case, it’d only cause another Civil War. The public would explode with outrage.” “Then what do you wanna do?” Kiara challenged. “At this point, I don’t think we have a choi-” The door softly opened to reveal the manager from downstairs. The woman looked timid; her eyes were wide as she scanned all four of them with slightly narrowed eyes. “I heard banging coming from here. Is everyone alright?” Not too far away, Spencer was deposited from his portal and stood before his three fellow Imperators. Melody jumped back in surprise from the sudden arrival only to listen in closely to what he had to say. “Guess who I just found?” Spencer smirked happily.

[FaithfulMuse]

Trixie didn't say anything. Kiara was right, they couldn't run away all their lives long, but she also knew that if it all came doen to a fight, she would be of no use to the group. That had bren evident several times already. Elliot smiled friendly at the woman. "It's alright miss, I just fell out of bed." He made up as a quick excuse. "Well, tell us, you show off, who did you find?" Jackson asked, sighing.

[TheWendil]

The lady gave Elliot a narrowed look before nodding and quietly departing. It seemed that was enough to satisfy her, as she wanted nothing to do with whatever they were planning. “I’m glad to see we all agree here,” Kiara muttered. “Since you were once in the service of the Imperium, you mind telling me just what the Grand Summonings are?” Elsewhere, Spencer wagged his finger knowingly at Jackson. “Who do you think? Our little Catalyst and her mismatched gang.”

[FaithfulMuse]

Trixie said nothing, not knowing about the summonings. "They offer people to some creature, that's all I know." Elliot answered. "What a surprise." Jackson said sarcastically.

[TheWendil]

"They offer people to some creature, that's all I know." Kiara sighed, following up with, “That doesn’t really help at all. In any case, the Volunta reacts like this every time a Grand Summoning is enacted. Either it’s connected to the people or to that creature you’re feeding it to.” Giltwith frowned, leaning back on the wall. “If it helps, I know that the Imperium is trying to resurrect an ancient deity. I think it’s safe to assume that creature is what they’re looking for. Also….” The Knight glanced at the door, wary of more troops like Spencer arriving. “We should probably get out of here soon.” "What a surprise." Spencer wagged his finger once more before saying, “Now, now, there’s no need to be grumpy. Doesn’t that make our jobs just a little bit easier, hmm? ‘Thank you Mr. Spencer’. Or something like that.”

[FaithfulMuse]

Elliot sighed, looking at the others. "To be honest, I'm not sure if fighting back is a good idea. I mean, I realize we can't run away all the time, but if we can't even win from Spencer on his own, than how do we stand any chance at all?" He asked. To him, it sounded ridiculous and reckless. Maybe it was their only option, but still.. "Well, we can't sit here and surrender right away. Even if we don't win, which is likely, we at least should have tried. " Trixie answered. They had no other option than to fight, after all. "Oh my, did I do something to displease our little demon boy? Well, guess what? I don't care. Just be happy I didn't cut off your head after your reaction to me having a miscarriage was containing your laughter, you heartless son of a bitch. " Jackson snapped back.

[TheWendil]

"Well, we can't sit here and surrender right away. Even if we don't win, which is likely, we at least should have tried." Kiara gave the AI an appreciative look, following up with, “Heh, not bad coming from someone who had their house broken into.” A pause of awkward silence before, “Er, sorry about that. Different times…well in any case, our top priority is gathering others on our side and teaching you how to fight.” Smirking, Kiara pointed to each member of their little band. She also kept a close eye on the door in case more Imperium troops did show up. For now though, they seemed safe as it was. “As it is now, we’re only four people. Therefore, I’m splitting us up into two groups for the time being. Giltwith can go with Trixie; that way he can train her along the way. I’ll be heading with you Elliot. We can rendezvous back at Trixie’s house, seeing as I don’t think they’ll expect us to circle back.” "Oh my, did I do something to displease our little demon boy? Well, guess what? I don't care. Just be happy I didn't cut off your head after your reaction to me having a miscarriage was containing your laughter, you heartless son of a bitch. " Spencer frowned, feigning sadness. “Oh dear me! You’ve really crushed my moral Miss Jackson! Oh the horribly irony! You really are quite cold, you know? Maybe it’s a good thing the baby went and perished, yeah? Who’d want such a mean-spirited mother?” Melody stepped in before a fight would break out, though even she had to admit Spencer’s mocking tone was highly inappropriate. “With all due respect Mr. Spencer, shouldn’t we perhaps pursue the Catalyst and her conspirators now?” “Hmm? Aw yes, good thinking! See, someone’s got their priorities straight,” he added with a taunting grin back at Jackson.

[FaithfulMuse]

"Just that I agree to fight does not mean that I am happy that I lost everything I used to have." Trixie answered, looking at Kiara. She clearly hadn't forgiven her for what happened, yet. Elliot sighed softly. He still didn't think that this all was a good idea, but apperently he was the only one who thought so, meaning he didn't much of an other choice. Which maant that they were going to fight, and most likely die while doing do. "Well, if you're ready to go, Let 's not waste any more time." With one quick, swift movement, Jackson had drawn one of her swords and held it pointed against Spencer's chest, glaring at him with eyes filled with hate and anger. "In my private life, when I am with loved ones, I act different. However, at work I do act cold, both towards my co-workers as towards my victims. If I were you, I would reconsider of you want me as your ally or your enemy. But whichever one you choose, keep this in mind: I fear a neither you, nor death." She said, drawing the sword back to its seathe once she was done talking. Cyrias was surprised, and though it was not good what she did, he couldn't honestly say that he didn't find Jackson 's reaction reasonable. "Either way, Melody is right. We should focus on our targets. Other things will have to wait."

[TheWendil]

"Just that I agree to fight does not mean that I am happy that I lost everything I used to have." “You know, it was just a house,” Kiara muttered darkly, crossing her arms and looking away. “Just a house. You could have lost more than just a house.” Shaking her head, she motioned for Elliot to follow, heading out of the small complex and towards the outside. Sighing, Giltwith tried to give Trixie an apologetic look before beckoning for her to go as well. Making sure all things were in place lest they decide to abandon this location, he allowed the AI to go first before trailing after her. “I’m thinking we should find you a weapon to use first,” he told her. “We can look for something that suits while recruiting for people.” Back on the streets, Spencer was unphased by Jackson’s weak threat. Instead, he merely grinned at her with a deadly gleam in his eye. “Ah, Miss Jackson. Even if you could, I’d seriously doubt you’d lay even a scratch on me. But whatever, go ahead and think such things. Whatever makes it easier for you to sleep. You should be having peaceful dreams these days without a baby to bother you now.” Turning away, the fedora-donned man waved in farewell with one last smile before disappearing entirely. Melody sighed as her left. “I swear…that guy is just sick all around.”

[FaithfulMuse]

Elliot sighed and followed after Kiara. "You know, I don't think it's good that Trixie is holding a grudge towards you, but that house was everything she had, and she worked hard for it. Losing her house is something unexpected, and she probably just needs time to deal with how suddenly her live was turned upside down." He wasn't sure if the girls would even be willing to listen or take a moment to think of what it was like for the other, but he supposed it was worth a try. They would fight better if they were a unity, after all. "Actually, if you don't mind me suggesting something, I think we would save some time if we were to visit a mechanic and change something in my settings that would make me a better fighter. After all, you and I are not the same, and although the wat we learn things is quite similar, there are also certain... skills that were programmed into me when I was created. If It were possible to remove those skills from me and have other things programmed instead, than it would save us a lot of time and effort." "At least he 's gone for the moment." Was all Jackson said in return. Her voice was shaky and her eyes watery, but she refused to cry, not again. She wasn't over the death of her unborn child, not at all, and if anything, Spencer was only making it all so much worse. "The man is no pleasant company. But if you don't mind me saying so, you are a strong woman. I have seen females who lost their child, and the suffering they went through. To still do this all, this mission while a person taunts you like that while you're already in so much pain... to go on despite that requires a lot of strength, which not everyone has. You are certain a strong woman, which is admirable. I feel honoured to work with two women as impressive as you two are."

[TheWendil]

“People have lost a lot more than a house,” Kiara replied back bitingly. “Though I assume she hasn’t even considered that, now has she? Besides, I lost everything a long time ago and you don’t see me complaining. Whining gets you nowhere.” As she said this, she led Elliot out of the small hotel and into the busy streets. Not liking the now crowded area and the glaring visibility, the Catalyst put her hood up and smirked. “Now then, that’s enough about Trixie. She’s Giltwith’s problem right now. We need to be focusing on finding others…do you know these streets well?” Further behind them, Giltwith nodded in approval of Trixie’s suggestion. Of course as an A.I., it was probably just best to reprogram Trixie and rewrite her initial commands. Overwriting them for combat potential seemed to be the quicker route. “Alright then. But, uh, if you don’t mind me asking…what are your current settings? If I had an idea, I might be able to help in some way.” Not too far away, Melody grunted in agreement to Cyrias’ words. Spencer was something else. It almost seemed as if he were something more deadly than an average demon. He certainly didn’t act like one of the regular mindless killing machines. Just what did he have in mind? “Well we might as well pursue our targets,” the Lumen Elf mumbled.

[FaithfulMuse]

Elliot sighed. Kiara was obviously not willing to listen to anything he had to say on the matter, so he wouldn't try, neither. They could hate each other their entire lives long, he didn't care if they were too stupid to listen. "No, I don't. I've been here once, maybe twice, but not enough to get to know the place." He answered. Trixie was quiet a moment before she answered, not sure if she wanted to tell him. It wasn't something she was proud of or liked to talk about. It was only an innocent question though, and he didn't know, so she couldn't blame him for being curious. "My current settings are focused on causing sexual pleasure." Figuring that may sound odd to him, she quickly added an explanation. "I was originally designed to function as a prostitute, and have been one for quite some time, which I hated. I was stuck there, though, until I met Elliot. He helped me to get away from there, and we've been friends ever since. " Jackson nodded, not saying anything else as she started to walk again. She was just happy that Spencer was gone, and paid no attention to the other two. "Lady Melody, if you don't me calling you that, I would love to say that your eyes, are the most beautiful ones I ever saw." Syrias said to Melody.

[TheWendil]

Kiara frowned, realizing quickly that Elliot wasn’t fully understanding the meaning of her words. With a deep sigh, she chose not to pursue the topic any longer, though the idea of it all filled her with a burning rage. What did he know? What did any of them know? None of them knew what conflict brought, what war could do to someone. Losing a house was nothing compared to that. "No, I don't. I've been here once, maybe twice, but not enough to get to know the place." “Then perhaps its time we get acquainted with the area then,” Kiara said, keeping her voice low and mellow. Without another word, she headed toward a random direction, intending to head for one of the run down districts in the city. Elsewhere, Giltwith widened his eyes at Trixie’s rather unique explanation. He had no idea that this was the AI’s original programming, though he was aware of pleasuring robots existing. “I see…well, that’s only more reason to change your systems,” he said with new resolve. “Let’s hurry then.” "Lady Melody, if you don't me calling you that, I would love to say that your eyes, are the most beautiful ones I ever saw." The Lumen Elf sighed, turning to the Minotaur with an unamused look. “While I appreciate the flattery Cyrias, is now really the time?” she asked sullenly; the encounter with Spencer had dampened her mood. “We should be searching for our targets, correct?”

[FaithfulMuse]

Elliot followed after Kiara without a word. He had figured that would give him the best chances of not screwing up even more, to just not say anything unless he was asked something. When he worked with Jackson, it worked just fine. Why would it have a different effect now? The AI nodded in agreement. Although she didn't say it out loud, she appreciated That he didn't respond with disgust or such. After all, it was quite something to hear that one's companion used to function as a prostitute. "Do you by any chance know a mechanic that we can trust?" She asked in an attempt to change the subject. Jackson still paid no attention to the two, focusing on the road instead. Cyrias was displeased with the respond he got from the beautiful elf, but showed no signs of anger or the like. "Yes, you are correct. I apologise."

[TheWendil]

“A mechanic?” Giltwith paused to give the idea some thought, crossing his arms to think. As he did so, he made mind to pay attention to their surroundings, keeping an eye out for Imperium troops. They were still wanted for crimes against the order after all. “Can’t say I do,” he finally answered. “Most of the mechanics I knew worked back at the Imperium. It’d be risky to try and take you there. Do you have a usual shop you go to?” Nearby, Melody only sighed at her partner’s words. Sure he was nice, but they had a job to do. Besides, romance was the furthest thing she wanted or needed right now, and so to- “Hey, wait a minute,” she said, pausing and then pointing in front of them. Giltwith and Trixie stood a little way further to their position. “According to the reports, aren’t those two of our targets?”

[FaithfulMuse]

"I do, but I asked her for shelter earlier, before you and Elliot joined me and Kiara. She agreed, but also said that if she was asked anything, she and her husband would answer honestly, and that as long as I am a wanted criminal, it was the last time she helped me. She wanted to stay out of trouble, which is understandable." Trixie explained. Back at the moment, It had seemed like a good idea to ask Maria for help, but now she wished she had waited with that until there was a more important thing, like this. "They are." Jackson answered, looking at the from a distance. It was a good thing they had found the two this fast, it would make things easier. "Good, any suggestions on how to catch them?" He asked, figuring that his own idea, just charging at the two and attacking them, would be no smart move.

[TheWendil]

“Why can’t we visit her now?” Giltwith suggested. “I’m sure she’d understand given the situation at hand. Besides, Kiara wants us to recruit some others, right? We might as well start with her.” Nearby, the group of Imperator agents watched their targets closely, studying their movements. Indeed, it seemed that the Catalyst and the Elf were not in sight. Where were they? “We should probably flank them,” Melody stated. “Make sure they can’t escape with a perimeter. Of course…” She looked at Jackson in expectance. “You’re the superior here, so you’ll be giving us the orders Miss Jackson. If that’s still alright with you?”

[FaithfulMuse]

"I suppose we could try, but I'm not convinced that she and her husband will help is and if they do, will help with much more than changing my systems. Considering the fact that she's pregnant, she would likely not want to get involved in any fights." Trixie asked. She wasn't sure if it would be such a good decision, but they could at least give it a shot. "I'll lead the way." Trixie said, starting to walk towards the mechanic. Jackson nodded. "Flanking them sounds like a good idea. We will have to make sure not to draw their attention, but I suppose it should be unneeded to mention that." She said, looking at the two. Sure, it sounded like that should be no problem, or at least not for the two women. The minotaur was an entirely different story, however.... after all, one didn't see such a creature walking around daily. Cyrias said nothing, but nodded instead. He could try to not draw any attention, but he knew just as well that it was going to a challening thing for him to achieve. After all, he was still a big, humanoid bull walking around with an axe...