GrizzTheMauler

The Tower Chapter 1: A New Dawn

Darkspire's lips pursed as she watched Taylor work. They seemed rather skilled in their methods. "Were you a doctor before this?" She asked softly, curious. She helped levitate the unconscious man, so that his back could be tended to and keep the wounds from being aggravated. She shrinks her lights and scatter them through the room as to give better sight. "Your methods remind me of my brother, he worked in this sector of the city." Her eyes flicked over to the rats. "I'm guessing these rats are with you as well? They seem too intelligent to be normal."

She looked outside. "Orwell, get me out of work tomorrow. I know it's probably going to be a bad idea but I can take days to myself." She looked outside. "I'll look around, the moon will set in a few hours." She flew out of the room, the lights staying active as she didn't go too far, merely went outside to observe the city. To look over the ruins of the place she had found her few friends in.

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

"They are an elite group trained specifically by Elder Zion's mate, General Dryder. Skilled in repelling nearly any kind of attacks they are some of the oldest and most trusted to perform special operations... That not even the Regent's Own know of." Rex grimaced. "These reports came from them, gathered over the last decade when I... Came back to the world." Rex shook his head.

Rex nods when Jay confirms the reports. "And the Kin haven't been innocent either... I see human attacks in the southern borders, and several unnamed Kin being held responsible. It's disturbing. I don't know who is responsible for this but it's... An uneasy feeling."

---

Zion nods. "Very good. I know all about how the Hunters operate. I've been alive longer than they have been around. In the loss of my son I've taken in all of the young Kin who need a hand and taught them to be strong. It is how I retain the title of the Leader of the Court. I may not be Regent as I abstained from it, but there is very few Kin who can truly match me. I champion peace for our kind and good relations to other races. Despite the rage of my Beast we have learned to embrace the Way of the Forest and the guidance of the Moon."

His tone becomes serious and he grins. "Now, the city lies in that direction. Try not to lose your way, you can tell by using that star overhead." He points it out making sure she sees it. "I will test you. Not for speed or strength, but for Heart, Mind and Soul. I will call upon the forest to aid in this mock Trial of Fire. The real one requires several months of training and a potion I shall begin working on, but for now, this will do. As my blood now runs through your veins the Forest will test your spirit." As he speaks, the sky grows dark, despite the full moon. What remains is the single star he pointed out in the direction of the town. "Trust in your instinct, remember, that I am watching, I will not let the Forest unduly harm you, young Kin. But I will not come save you." He steps into the shadows of the forest, his voice echoing. "I highly suggest that you run, Vex of House Valorian. Because the Forest is always hungry."

The Tower Chapter 1: A New Dawn

Darkspire watched him move, pursing her lips together. She listened to what he said and sighed. "Well I happen to be a doctor, just not a medical one, But I know how to treat burns." She looked into her communicator, pulling the sleek black device out. Checking the area she set it down on a rock. "I'll leave this here to help monitor his vitals. He looks to have been in the middle of an explosion. I'll be right back, it's hard enough for me to get around anymore seeing as I'm on their Top Wanted lists." Flicking her hair back she nodded to the other para before jumping out a nearby hole, flying off. She glanced up and grimaced as she noticed the moon had passed it's apex. She was in a race against time.

Her earpiece crackled as Orwell linked up to it, and she pulled it free and put it in. "I hope there's a safety cache somewhere... It's much too bright in my side of the city... I really should think of a lair."

The para at the other end responded, their voice coming through rather metallic as they used a robot's vocal synthesizer to speak. "What a wonderful idea we've been pushing for weeks now. There is a spot in this district. Your brother's clinic. With your abilities you can get what you need. You're strong this time of the cycle."

"Indeed. I won't be able to get him everything tonight but I can certainly arrange to have everything by tomorrow." She landed on the roof of the clinic, memories making her a bit unsteady. He was kinder than her, loved everyone and was loved just as equally. She remembered where he had kept his spare key and opened it up, heading inside. She gathered what items she could, locking it back up and turning to see a familiar car heading her way. She took off quickly as it stopped, the figure getting out and looking around. "I thought he'd left the city... Oh brother..."

"That could be a problem, Darkspire." Orwell warned. "You did say that your family hated Paras."

"Of course they do. They killed Morgan. I'm surprised Greggory is even here. He hates this city." She flew back into the building, carrying a change of clothes, water, a backpack of snacks, a blanket and pillow and a trauma kit. She looked to Taylor and grimaced. "I will have to work on him. I don't seek to harm you I'm in need of allies and all I want is revenge on those who changed us. You are free to watch, as I've done this several times due to my own development. Though this is far worse than anything I've seen before. We will need a doctor. I cannot stress that enough. I have a friend," She taps the communicator, "Who knows people. You should be relatively safe here, but we'll see what we can do to get someone.. discreet to tend to him."

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

Rex shrugs. "Knowing the Elder, he's going to help. I was going to ask him to get us one of the Rangers. With his previous engagements, he wasn't able to do much other than feed me reports he's given. I'll find out more when he arrives. We will." He thinks for a moment. "It all depends I guess. I haven't had much contact with the council beyond constantly being told to sit quiet and let the adults speak."

"I wouldn't dare tell anyone and I'll make sure Jivarn knows as well. No information will be leaked." Rex looked into Jay's eyes so he knew he was serious as he spoke. "I'd very much like to avoid it." He taps a large flag. "This is Carn, the capitol of the Kin. Reciprocation is one aspect of a good friendship." He tapped a report, handing it to Jay. "I will need you to see if this information matches anything you or the Hunters have received. It's a list of small attacks that have led to... Disappearances. The more information we have the better prepared we will be."

---

Zion composed himself, eyes flashing as he breathed in deep. He had a vast well of power though she took a healthy chunk. He would need to feed again, to settle his more.. Darker urges. He motioned for her to follow him as he began to move towards the city. "We can begin your training now, if you would like, this forest will do nicely." He smiled, flashing a fang. "I would be very interested in seeing your skills."

He thought for a moment at the mention of a Fae half-blood. "That is... Odd. I do not know of any Lords siring new children in the last century. There was a bit of a... Scandal around two decades ago that I heard of. Some poor fool got involved I think. We will look for him as we go." When she asked about his progeny he grew disquiet and sullen. "Yes. Antonius. He was... Bright. The only major scandal I ever had, due to his status as a bastard son but I didn't care. I lost him when the humans revolted against the Dragons. He was hardly past his first century and he'd met a lovely woman named Becca. She's still alive to this day, he saved her life, using himself as bait to get her to run off. They were to be wed that following spring. I... I lost myself I think. To the Beast. The Hunger had turned to rage and I came to myself being held down in blessed chains snarling like a rabid animal. It was a dark time then... The Hunters had killed several Dragons and turned on us."

The Tower Chapter 1: A New Dawn

Darkspire was about to call it a night as her communicator burst to life, beeping frantically until she opened it. She saw a message from Orwell stating that the holding facility had a minor breakout, from what cameras he could access, which was odd, they said that it was just two paras. However the bigger news was the actual news.

Darkspire swallowed thickly as Amara said her statement. She scowls at the meaning behind her words. With her new threat rating she was growing on their list of priority threats. She just had one more option that she could think of contacting. Opening up the communicator again she asked Orwell to get her in touch with the Resistance.

"We'll have to see who can help me best..." She sighed and looked down at the district. A subtle flash of light turned her attention to a flaming para heading into the district. She could already see several MPD units getting ready to chase. She gave a deep sigh when Orwell responded that she should definitely help that para.

Orwell> He was in the facility. He's running scared and we know you aren't totally evil. But we won't tell anyone.

"One of these days, Orwell, I'm going to find you."

O> Good luck with that. Our power is subtle and the only info you've got is that I used to be a hacker. There are literally thousands of us in this city.

"Fine. I'll go get the beastie." She dived off and set her flight path to hunt for him. She went in the general direction they were heading and grimaced as they saw a proverbial horde of mice. Her well shifted to repulsion and she stalked through the building. "This building is rather... Defunct. The humans never fixed their mess after all the rioting and destruction." She made her way through. "I don't-" She paused, seeing Taylor's form on the ground in the room she peeked into, an orb instinctively lit and held to see what was going on. She spied William's form and her scowl deepened. "I don't think I'm exactly qualified for this." She looked between the monstrous form and the body. "Those are second degree burns. He needs medical attention or the damage will be far worse than what it is now." She spoke smoothly to Taylor, unsure if they were able to understand her. She was very wary of the creature, keeping her distance.

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

Rex thought for a moment. "It's not Zion who should care. It's Jivarn. It's his city after all. He's letting you stay so I don't think he minds." He shook his head. "Much." He heads over to the workstation in the center of the room and points to the map of the known lands. "This is the culmination of my work. Thirteen years of chasing secrets."

He showed how it was organized, each pile meticulously placed and organized. The Red showed where undead sightings, the black showed necrotic infestation that he'd been subtly having the Army deal with, though it was slow. "I have a few ideas where the necromancer or lich is. The Western Steppes. It's a veritable Wildlands that no one knows goes to. The Black Dragon Kurogane cursed it several centuries ago. Used to be the height of the Draconian Kingdom... Then well... The Hunters came along." He shook his head. "I've wanted to visit it for a long time but it's dangerous and only a few know how to navigate the region. Elder Zion is one of them."

---

The blood was rich and heady, immediately filling Vex with energy as if she had fed herself fat on a city of humans. Zion just let her drink. He'd always helped any Kin who needed it. And to see one so young all alone. His protective instinct flared as he decided to take her under his wing. He thanked her for healing him and adjusted his robe. Being fed from was a rather.. Intimate experience, and he had completely forgotten about that part, since Dryder and him hadn't had time to engage in that bonding for nearly a decade. He grunted as he thought back to turning the massive general down when he had propositioned him while in the Capitol. Hopefully they would get their chance soon.

He looked down at the fledgling half vampire. "Well, it is my duty as the Eldest to see to the needs of the Kin. Though... I will warn you, my blood will advance a few of your talents. The Fae are quite adaptive so that half of you will be able to make use of it as well." He looked up to the stars. "In truth, you remind me of a young boy I know. He's a halfling, like yourself. His father practically abandoned him in favor of a search that killed him. I led the search to find him, our young King, and have been pushing for his Coronation. It has made me remember the youth I once had long ago and the sorrow of losing the once child I sired. You young ones are the future of our races. It is necessary that we see to your education in order to advance ourselves. I haven't lived as long as I have by being a fool and not investing in the lives of our young ones. I extend an offer of training you, as I once was. I have yet to pass down the Way of the Forest that I have been taught, and I can sense that it would resonate well within you. But only if you seek this knowledge."

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

Rex tilts his head at that. "Interesting... They are worse at tolerance than most humans though, so I understand it. Also yes, it's a bit large... Though that was because this was my Father's and he needed the space. He had a second lab down in the basement level though Jivarn stores most of his stuff there. I haven't been able to figure out the lock yet."

Rex finds the letter and opens it, gasping. "I had hoped he was... Elder Zion lives still. He's making his way here. Jivarn got a message from him. This is good news. We'll need his help, especially if we're traveling."

---

Zion chuckles, he throws back his hood, dissipating the shadows around his face. His dark black hair is tied in a bun to keep it out of his face and his beard is a bit unkempt and long. He'd meant to have it trimmed the day after he was attacked. His steely eyes are flaked with crimson flecks and he smiles lightly. The aura that emenates from him is calming. He notices her unsteadyness and shakes his head. "I am Grand Elder Zion Valorian, young fledgling." He draws a blade and cuts his hand, the scent strong in the air.

"You need to feed. Come and drink." He holds it out for her. "It will quench your thirst for a good while. In the city there is another vampire Lord Jivarn, who has crafted a blood substitute. But you will likely not make it if you do not properly feed now. And I do not want to have to put another Kin down if I can help them."

The Tower Chapter 1: A New Dawn

Morrigan watched the contents of the vial settle. Her personal lab inside ExoGenesis was never fully questioned, after all, the Director himself had a massive one she used to study in, and through her rather generous donations she was able to acquire her own lab, free from prying eyes. Today's topic of discovery was with the transitional state of metals in a vacuum. It had two purposes; one to further her understanding of her powers, and to further her own fame in the scientific community. She also still had no idea how scientifically her powers worked, other than the ability to spontaneously gather material around her and force it into a state of constant fusion through gravity. Her main goal was to find out how to overcome the infamous Witching Hour. For the last two months she'd been able to keep her two personas apart in the public eye. However, this month, the Full Moon would rise in two days, on a Friday. She was running out of excuses, and if she didn't manage to secure a method she would be ruined, and captured by Lorne.

The thought of the company caused her to start sparking which she gathered herself and stopped the small almost white sparks emanating from her hands. She almost wished she'd gotten powers similar to her husband, who's ability to change density was hardly noticeable and for a man as in control of himself as he was, he wouldn't suffer ill for it. In fact, the MPD he worked as a Liason for from the Military had no idea. She grimaced as he was slowly growing tired of it all. Their marriage had suffered greatly with the loss of their unborn child, the murder of her brother who was his best friend and the extreme hat towards Paras, who never asked to be this way.

Her secured phone dinged with a message, one she'd gotten from the enigmatic Orwell at a pretty hefty price, with a disturbing message. Every screen was taken over and she froze as dread flowed through her as the message "You are not alone." played. She immediately sent them a text, asking how anyone could hack one of their devices, they were supposed to be the best, a hacker of immense skill who most deemed a collective of like-minded individuals who collected information, mostly in the form of corporate espionage, blackmail, and secret blueprints they used to establish a sort of Information Broker empire with. She'd met the face often attributed to them, a robot they called The Eye.

Orwell>We are unaware of how such a feat occurred, only that we too were effected. It was city wide. They Blinded us momentarily. I am at a loss. We require further information.

Darkspire>That is deeply disturbing, and quite bad for business I assume.

Orwell> Anything not on a redundant server loop was affected. It's as if they _were_ the signal... We would be ver much interested in seeking this information out. We have queried the relevant sources. Also Atom has accepted your request for a chat. He will be sending a Porter to these coordinates. We are well aware that he seeks to recruit all Level 4s, and you are very close to that classification now, Darkspire. Do not get caught, your resources are very beneficial to Us.

--Chat disconnected--

A building and floor was sent and Morrigan nodded as she looked at it. Atom was a dangerous man. But she had very little choice and the thought of being called a Goddess was rather intriguing to her. She already knew she was but she did not like having people tell her what to do, watching her every movement. She would attend the meeting and find out more about this possible arrangement.

------------

Darkspire pulled out the phone, sitting against a filthy wall in the slums, a shadow keeping her hidden as she sent Orwell a message.

D> There was... Interference..

O> Of course. We have... No idea who this... Alice and Chesshire is... For now, we have alerted our contact within the Church and the Resistance of the events. We will alert you to the new coordinates when we know them. For now, remain as you are. We do not detect any lifethreatening injury on you with the scanner in this device.

D> Do you spy in on everyone?

O> Only the Priority Assets. You, Atom, The Resistance, we are currently using a slow acting worm script to hack Lorne again. That one we find to be a near Top Priority.

D> You don't say.

O> The MPD is our main concern since Lorne uses them as their Enforcers rather than hire their own security force outside the Tower. Maintaining a mole there is crucial to keeping out of sight and making sure they don't find anything that would... Decimate us. We will just leave it at, we have an particular interest there.

D> They have someone you want.

O> Yes and No.

D> Who?

O> That is none of your immediate concern.

D> Someone important to you. Who's in danger.

O> Darkspire. We highly suggest that you drop this line of thought, lest we broadcast your location to Lorne.

D> What happened to Priority Asset?

O> They are above you. By far. Also... We have news... Earlier today MPD captured one William Locke. Parahuman, Beta, Rank 4. We tracked his location to a Detention Facility where they hold other Rank 3s and 4s. Of course, such a place "doesn't exist" as it violates human rights, but everything is owned by Lorne.

D> Poor fool. I would sooner throw myself of the building than be captured.

O> We know you'd survive.

D> Then pray they never take me.

O> Will do. Our attentions are needed elsewhere. We will be in contact soon.

---Chat Disconnected---

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

Rex shrugs. "He's... Strong. Stronger than I am. Trained me in my father's stead so I know he's gotten a large repertoire of magical skills." He thinks for a moment. "Or he could have replicated my notes. He does that when he's bored. His skill is what keeps the Regent at bay. Each Sanctuary City has a Guardian. This one, led by Vampires has the previous Magister of Magical Affairs."

He leads the way through the halls. The Manor is a large sprawling structure, richly decorated and a lot of the paintings feature either; a mystical landscape of a magical creature or anomaly, the old Vampire Court as led by Magnus, Rex's father; or a photo of Magnus and Jivarn together, of which most of these are outside the pair of offices. Rex frowns at his father's picture but continues inside, searching for the letter in the small pile on his desk. The inside of the room looks like a warlock's workshop, with potions and poultices everywhere.

---

The forms all consolidated into one, Zion's hood concealing his normal form's features other than the beard and he focused on her. "Interesting. Not even a familial name? Most of the Kin keep that, even in spite of halflings." He looked her over. "Were you orphaned?"

Unlikely Team [Sporko+Grizz]

Rex nods. "Aye. Any sort of magic will fuel it. Runic magic's only downside is the incredible difficulty it is to create them. All you are doing is... Flipping a switch. I can see you of course." He nods. "Since it's fueled in my own magic, and I have a counterspell for it, but it would take a strong magical being to directly influence you." He heads to the door. "Come along, just follow me and stay relatively quiet, as the sound will give you away."

Leading the way he takes the normal path, the enchantment holding well, Rex smiling inwardly as this would be the newest defensive utility spell in recent history, since the Seidkonnas refused to share their actual runes. He would do a bit more testing before showing Jivarn, who was waiting for them.

"Good evening, I assume you brought the hunter with you?" His eyes drifted around Jay, never settling on him, the old vampire's eyes glowing softly after having recently fed. "I can sense an odd ancestry around him."

"A mystery we will naviagate later, Councilman. How fares the Capitol."

"That old fool demands I attend the Council and have my associates arrested for speaking out against him." He shrugs, a calm expression on his face. "I told him he was free to attack the Sanctuary Cities that are protected under centuries of written laws, whereas his own "rule" is only kept by the unwritten tradition that the King be half a century, since there is no precedent. Alas, I have some interesting news that I am sure you will find... Uplifting. I left the letter on your desk. I am going out, I do believe it's a good day for a walk." He looks directly into Jay's eyes and winks, grinning. "After all, a Hunter lingers in my city, need to make sure they aren't up to trouble." He bows to Rex and leaves.

"Gah. And to think he would have been my stepfather." Rex grouses. "Teased me relentlessly all day about having you come over here."

---

Zion smelled the blood as the wind shifted his way, and he slowed, using his abilities to stealh quietly around Vex. As he spoke, he used his magic to appear from all sides. "I see a halfling before me... It's unusual... We seem to be getting a lot of you lately. Who is your Sire, child of Blood and Magic." His voice was firm and grandfatherly, as if he was sitting on the porch as Vex came to visit. He could tell she was not one of the Kin he was used to seeing, her stance told him that. She was trained, not as much as he, but he was cautious.