Location: La Hoya Interactions: Squad 🐝 and @Dclassified Ja
Rain watched as the guard he had his eyes on moved closer and closer to Ja’s position. Ja not moving from his position caused Rain to furrow his brow in frustration. Why isn’t he moving?! He even grunted with narrowed eyes at his teammate. He thought Ja had the discipline to act when given guidance… He should have, right? Rain slowly turned his head as he felt a light tap on his shoulder. A face of hard bark greeted him with alarming news. Words were not needed as he quickly deduced what was happening.
“Shit!”
Down below...
“What the hell… Hey, I got something in a tree. I think. I think it’s a person… over. I’m gonna check it out.” The guard approaching Ja’s position reported over the radio with his walkie talkie as he approached the tree where Ja was perched. “HEY! HEY YOU!” The guard shouted.
Up above...
”METAMORPH TAKE OUT THE GUARD AT YOUR REAR, NOW!”
“Talon, Nymph is down, I am taking over comms, over.” Victor held Daphne by the shoulder as he jumped from Squad B’s communications channel to Squad A so he could directly communicate with Ja and Talon. Shit! Viktor shut his eyes and clenched his teeth, visibly upset about the current circumstances.
“Nymph! Nymph, answer me! Get a hold of yourself! I need you to get a hold of your abilities… NOW!”
Within the room that Squad A infiltrated were files displaying two key items. One was information concerning preliminary planning for a prototype biological weapon to be used on a populace. Third world and authoritarian controlled countries are listed as prime targets. There is also a note stating “this will take our organization to the next level. Toppling countries with ease.
The second piece of information was of a supply of Kobra Venom that was currently stored at the factory in room S17 on the first sublevel. It would be quite easy to search and destroy, and prevent the use of such a powerful strength enhancing drug, but...
Time: Morning Location: Outside Malthemoor, Daka Island Interactions: Myra @13org Mentions: Basilian @Alivefalling and Amarantha @Tae Equipment: None
“To think one of you would travel all the way from the damned inhabitable zone without getting a spear through the chest.”
“Nothin’s more despised than your lot. Even more than our folk.” The soldiers spoke lightheartedly as they escorted the quiet Vrexen through the dimly illuminated cave. Despite his animalistic appearance, the dark elves found Vrexen to be a bit more civilized than their idea of the typical demon. Many had been told tales of mindless creatures that sought nothing but the spread of chaos and destruction.
“In...habitable zone? No. Not from there. I come from the Abyss, my birth place.” Vixen spoke, with his eyes darting toward where he could pick up Myra’s scent the strongest. “And ten spears plunged deep within my chest would fail to kill me.” He boasted.
“I’ll be sure to use eleven then.” The soldiers burst into laughter as Malthemoor, the actual city came into view. A city within a cave dimly illuminated with a greenish glow. It even had its own steel-barred gate, showcasing the effort the dark elves put in their security. It was only natural on Daka, an island where so many creatures aimed to kill those that did not belong. Vrexen did not know the history of these people, but if he had, he would find their resilience something to commend.
“Open the damn gate! We have a guest for our king and queen! Open the gate!” The soldier ordered before the creaking sound of the steel bars were made with the opening of the gates. The group advanced inside where civilians could be seen conducting their usual business. The civilians appeared to be just as hardy as the soldiers in Vrexen’s company, many equipped with weapons and some form of armor.. “Eyes forward, demon. We don’t want something starting because you looked the wrong elf in the eyes.”
“I wouldn’t want something starting either. Mother would be very upset.”
“Sure, sure. Just keep your eyes forward.”
“All of ‘em, too.”
Some time later...
Vrexen and Myra had been escorted directly to the main castle at the deepest end of the city. Even a direct route took some time on foot. Vrexen would likely be the talk of the town, but only for a short time. The war was at the forefront, and it was apparent with the many crimson flags flying depicting a black two-headed dragon. The people appeared to work vigorously towards the war effort, with many civilians carrying ingots of iron and steel to the forges. They would bleed the mines dry if they needed to.
Within the main castle, Vrexen stood surrounded by the soldiers that escorted him within the meeting hall. The gothic themed architecture exemplified the power these elves held. The power to bring darkness into the light. To even consume that very light.
“I now understand why mother favors your kind. I think I like you lot as well.” Vrexen adopted the term as he awaited word from the two-headed dragon of the dark.
Location: Rei Sato's Tavern, Heliodor Interaction:@Conejitoooo Rei Sato and @Zerofighter Mai Shera
“So this is the place, huh?” Lex commented to his towering bodyguard as he looked around at the camp. To think the large-built man had been a blond elven woman just a while ago was a bit to get used to. Then again, this was a world where fantasy was reality and cigarettes were lacking. He wouldn’t say it but he much preferred her true appearance for reasons he wouldn’t easily share. Enya sat comfortably on his shoulder, which limited how often Lex would shrug, but he’d live.
“Of course it is. Come on, be smart!”
“Wasn’t talking to you." Lex shot back calmly. Being a stranger in this world, Lex was glad he had someone like Mai here to protect and guide him. Enya was good too, but... you know? "Do you think we should go to that tavern first, or..." He was going to let Maid take the lead on this.
Breaking the treeline of the forest revealed a wide barren landscape. There were few trees, but many stumps where there used to be many as a result of the wood needed to maintain Malthemoor during its early days. The Dark Elves needn't rely as heavily on timber as Malthemoor many of its denizens from the cold.
"Ahhh, what could that be?" He pondered after Myra pointed at the large floating crystal that appeared to overlook the city. She did not appear to know judging by her body language. How could she not know what it was? She is not an infant nor a Mane… So how? How did she not speak, yet understand? How? Mother, do you know? How? HOW?!
Vrexen glanced at his companion, his eyes meeting hers that told how wary she was about continuing towards the dark walls of Malthemoor. He cared not for her fear, anxiousness, or concern. He would push forward, unafraid. Even as she gradually vanished from his sight he continued. In his entire life, he rarely relied on others. Many were a convenience or a means to an end. How could you cooperate in a realm where violence was not only recreation but the way of life. Power and blood were the rewards of dominance over another within a landscape that sought to utterly destroy you.
Vrexen's third eye looked to the crystal, only to shut immediately as it was painfully blinded by the amount of magic within it.
Raaaaagh!" He let out as he also felt a slight tug on his tail that caused him to stop and momentarily bare his teeth to his rear. "What?" He asked sharply. Myra would notice his third eye was shut. She shook her head and pointed at a group of humanoids traversing in the distance. "Why are you so afraid of these creatures. You could kill them if you desired it. They would not even see you if you did it properly… those claws would release so much blood from their…" Vrexen stopped himself. "I will show you the standing our kind has in all the places you can fathom! Follow and watch!"
Vrexen stood up on two feet and marched towards the gates confidently before an arrow struck the ground right in front of what would be his next step. It was not just a simple warning. It told Vrexen that this archer was accurate.
"HALT! Announce yourself and state your business!" There was a short pause, and at that moment, Vrexen knelt down to pull the arrow from the ground. "Or die on Daka!" One of the archers manning the wall shouted while another took aim once more. Vrexen was studying the projectile in his hand before snapping. It was a move of wonder, not intimidation, but how could an archer from such a distance discern that?
"Vrexen! Envoy of Lilith the Mother of Demons! I seek an audience… your two-headed dragon of darkness! Your king! Your queen!" Vrexen roared proudly with arms wide. Vrexen was not sneaking into this city.
In moments, dark elven soldiers moved to surround Vrexen, visually confirming what he was.
"What did you say you're here for?
"Must I repeat myself, child? Audience. Audience with your lords to discuss an alliance. There is war here. Light and dark! My mother haaaates the light, and so do the rest of my kind. The energy in the sky, though not so visible… burns. We cannot eliminate that thing, but we can gut the beings that conjure it on this world. The enemy. Our enemy. So give me audience and I will help nourish this two-headed fiend with victory and power." Vrexen's third eye finally reopened, causing a few of the soldiers to flinch. Their weapons had been ready to be drawn, but word of this demon arriving on Daka needed to be pushed up the chain of command.
Until then, they would escort Vrexen inside, while unknowingly welcoming Myra as well.
Jaelhorn looked upon the bald soldier that bowed before him with a lost expression on his face. There was a long silence in the throne room and the eyes of the others in the room seemed to await his words. Oh shit. I guess I gotta figure out what this guy is even talking about… Ooh I know!
"I do have concerns. But after thinking it over… I feel that you should be responsible for telling me what you intend to do in order to improve the quality of your service. I am not your father, I am your king." Jaelhorn replied sternly.
"Myra… Myra… Myra…" It was as if Vrexen was testing her name on his tongue. He finished the chunk of meat with one last bite, while also noting Myra's look of discomfort when confirming he was headed in the right direction.
"They trouble you… No need to be weak, sister. Myra. We are demons." Vrexen got up into a crouched position and slowly approached her. "Join me, sister. I need a guide. I can make up for the strength you lack." He stopped in front of her. "Help me and I will help you in return." Whether she accepted or declined, Vrexen would continue onward. And with a powerful leap forward he did just that, continuing north on all fours.
Her ability to keep up with me is… good. Myra… my first.
Rain had kept his eyes on Daphne until she picked herself up off the ground before he returned to his previous position of watching Ja. According to a message relayed by Daphne, Ja discovered something peculiar while investigating the vehicle spotted at the start of the mission.
He was lucky enough to have returned from scolding Daphne to witness Ja climb into a tree.
"Brightheart, I have eyes on Metamorph. You are free to scout out the perimeter, over."
"Hex ensure Coal continues scanning, over."
"Gold Rush what's your status?"
"Getting ready to drop a clone and circulate their summoning. Squad A needs to pick up the pace, over." The lighthearted hero replied. It was shortly after this that Rain noticed something or better yet, someone approaching Ja's position. He noticed the person's hand was wrapped with cloth or a bandage.
"Nymph, relay to Metamorph that someone is approaching him from his rear and that he needs to move." Rain he shared as he continued watching.
And like that, the demon showed itself. Small, white, and lithe. Her natural camouflage was intriguing, as not being triggered by magic made her invisible to even his third eye. There was no greeting between them as he remained just as silent as she. Mostly due to Vrexen expecting her to speak first. When she tilted her head, he mimicked her but also took a good whiff of her scent too.
0
"Hmmmmmmm." He mused aloud. She had the means to harm, but she did not aim to use them, at least not on him. Even when she held the advantage of being unseen, she did not. The raw meat between her teeth was proof of her capability. It was clearly torn from a larger creature as he noticed a lack of extremities on it when she removed it from her jaws. "What is this?" He was perplexed by the interaction so far. She had been stalking him, all so she could observe him?
When she offered half of the meat, he noted her caution. It was not that of a coward but as an attempt to not make herself vulnerable. She did look appetizing and bared his teeth at the thought of giving in to such a satisfying temptation.
Vrexen crouched down and moved slowly on all fours towards the bloody chunk of meat, his eyes fixed on the demoness. He gave the meat a whiff before grabbing it and taking a careful bite. It was very fresh.
"Mmmm…" He chewed and swallowed the bite. "Mother would be satisfied with our… cooperation. Yesss. I am Vrexen dear sister." He took a larger bite and chomped it down with less reluctance. His teeth tearing at the meat in his hand as he took a seat on the cold ground. Blood trickled and dripped from his hand and mouth. "Delectable. Yes. Delectable… Hmm… Dear sister, are the ones that command the darkness this way?" He tilted his head northward which was the direction to her rear.
"It has become colder… Ice Devils? No. Not here. Not in this plane… Why then?" The concept of the temperature dropping relative to his direction of travel seemed a bit strange for Vrexen. Too simple for a creature from the chaotic realm of the Abyss. He'd definitely need to see more of this plane and take in as many details as he was capable. It would make him a much more effective hunter.
As he moved through the forest, his nose picked up something faint. Blood and… Vrexen looked to his right and left as he moved, but saw nothing, or more so missed a detail in his poor attempt at searching. There was something with him, but he couldn't see it. No matter how he traveled or what direction he veered off in, it was there! Close enough to smell, but constantly elusive to his sight. And so, he slowed to a stop and stood upright and still. He narrowed his eyelids with his head on a swivel and his tail whipping around almost wildly.
"Demon… Show yourself, brethren, as you have no need to clash with me. Our mother wills cooperation. And so, I will grant it…"
"For now… I will gut you and stain the snow-covered ground in your warm blood if you test my patience…"
It was a dark mumble from under his breath. He would keep natural hostility at bay as it was required. Vrexen promised his mother he would try, but the red-faced demon had his limits.
Time: Morning Location: Private Chambers of the Political Center, Roshmi City Interactions: Mentions:
Pocket watch Black stetson Hunting knife Rope Black neckerchief BFG 9000 Tinder box Canteen Matches Two Gold nuggets $40
A while ago
Slick had escaped one hairy situation only to literally land in another. He blinked a few times in silence as he had gone from standing in the middle of his outdoor camp to standing inside some fancy-looking room. The only thing Slick could think this place could be was the White House… but it was clear it wasn't, especially when the pointy eared folks approached him with some awfully odd smiles. It was damn near creepy.
”Welcome, human, to the land of Avalia! My name is Roland Tyver and I greet you to our world with open arms dear sir!"
"Avala-what?" Slick squinted at the man.
"Avalia…" He spoke slowly this time. "You have been summoned to a different dimension that your kind has not seen in many years. Our people, the light elves, humbly request your aid in saving our land from the worst of the worst... Dark elves. You will soon come to realize that you are in possession of abilities that you do not have in your realm. These abili-"
"Whoa there! Stop for just… Just stop alright! Elves and dimensions… and realms! What in the hell… Wait. Is this? This is hell ain't it? Shiiit, I knew it. Hell ain't so bad looking though. No fire or brimstone here."
"This is not hell. This is…" The elf stopped when Slick raised a hand.
"Avalia. Yeah. Alright well, just go on and tell me your tale so I can beat feet to the nearest saloon." He waved the elf off. Slick really didn't have enough evidence to determine where he really was si he'd have to take the word of tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb. Never heard of a place called Avalia… Hmm maybe a dream… Or it's really hell.I don't trust 'em.
"As I was saying, you have abilities here that you wouldn't have wherever you come from. These abilities can be used to save many from those awful dark elves. We will offer training, food, and we will protect you from any harm. Then once everything is settled, we will send you back to where you came. How's that sound?" The elf looked back at another elf behind him who gave him smile and nod. Roland had stuck to the script quite splendidly it seemed. Across from them, Slick raised an eyebrow, and turned from the two as he placed a hand to his chin. He gave a few nods as if in deep contemplation before turning back around on his heel, a warm smile on his face.
"It's a deal! Free food and protection and you can count me in for sure. Actually, food would be quite nice right now. I never made breakfast on account of your magic trick or whatnot. So, Mr. Row-Land, how bout you help me to some fixins." Slick winked with a tilt of his hat.
"Oh yes, of course! Myrn, remain with the human while I get something for him to eat." Myrn simply gave a nod before Roland made his exit.
What a fine predicament I have here. One guard and a crafty sonofabitch. Slick had waited about a minute before gasping.
"Oh no… I forgot to tell the gentleman that I'm incredibly allergic to grains! Do you think you can try to warn the fella before he comes in here with somethin' that could kill me? Please, I can't even be in the same room as a grain. Makes me puff up like a darn balloon. Might even kill me." Slick pleaded with both his hands clasped together and the saddest face he could.
"Uh…" Myrn did not want to leave the human alone, but he also did not want to do harm to Slick and possibly have him lose faith in them. Family Biren would not be happy if they failed here. "Yes! I will go inform Roland. Just remain here for your safety. Please!" Myrn then hurried out, closing the door behind him.
"That was almost too easy. This definitely ain't hell. The devil ain't that stupid. Alright now... Give it a few moooore. Five. Four. Three. Two. And one. Enough time. Time to go see Avalia, the land of pointy-eared fools."
Streets of Roshmi
Flying boats? Cat people?! Dog people?! ELEPHANT PEOPLE?! What in Sam Hill?! This place is wild! WILD! All of the confused looks Slick received were returned with twice or even three times more confusion. Culture shock could not begin to describe what he felt. His eyes were the widest they'd ever been. It was all so surreal that he speed-walked through the odd alien city, almost fearful until his eyes caught a familiar-looking sanctuary. An establishment that served man the very drink Slick needed to cope with this crazy world.
"A saloon…" He whispered with an optimistic grin. The name of the saloon appeared to be The Nest on account of the sign at the front. There were more of them weird folk, but Slick kept his imaginary blinders up so he could calmly beeline to the counter. He was face to face with a woman? He squinted at her ears and even noticed a poofy tail coming out from the small of her back. The face and the non-squirrel parts were nice, but he couldn't stop looking at the ears. "Listen, I wanna start a tab. Gimme your strongest drink. I mean it. The strongest you got."