So I Heard You Like Demons... (Story thread)
By
Heronator,
Posted on: 2007-11-01 14:43 in Roleplaying
DO IT FAGGORT
"Is the target aquired?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. If he drops below 30 WPM, put him down."
[u]A Hard Case[u]
You dare to threaten me!? shouted an enraged voice that echoed off the walls of the small apartment complex just outside the Arachnos fort in St. Martial.
What followed was a noise akin to a metal-shod battering ram slamming full force into the chest of some unfortunate animal and then a loud crack as said animal careened into a brick wall. It was a very squishy noise and one that generally meant someone was very, very dead. But the wet cough that broke the silence that had briefly fallen shattered that illusion.
Still alive? asked Lord Netharak rhetorically as he looked down at the trench-coated, dark-skinned man.
[censored] you, growled Hardcase as he slumped to the ground, giving Netharak the finger along the way.
Such harsh words, the demon said as he stomped over to the wounded man and planted his foot in the mans chest, pressing him painfully up against the wall. Hardcase hissed in pain and glared up at Netharak, the sheer hate in those brown eyes momentarily causing Netharak to let up for a second. Snarling to himself at the brief moment of weakness, the demon removed his foot to grab Hardcase by the neck and hoist him into the air.
One would almost think you have the nerve, or the power, to back them up, said Lord Netharak, hatred heavy in his voice. But so far you have demonstrated only the former and too little of the latter. It leads me to question why I have deigned to work with you in the first place, little man.
Your kind never could understand these things, Hardcase spat back, seemingly undaunted by the fact that the demon could snap his neck at any moment. You know what the chaos will do to St. Martial. Itll destabilize everything that Ive worked so hard for.
And why should I care about what will be destroyed? Netharak replied, speaking slowly so that even an infant could comprehend what he was saying. I crave destruction. I desire death. I want chaos. The fact that that half-witted woman gave me the means to create this event does not matter in the slightest. She is a tool, nothing more. The only thing that I do not desire at this moment is the foolish threats that you have leveled at me.
What I say is the truth, Hardcase said, regaining his regular calm. It seemed almost as though being lifted two feet off the ground by an angry demon was a normal thing for him. Everyone knows that youve been working for Verandi. All itll take is my word and Arachnos will be on you like white on rice. That is if I dont just mop the floor with you first and bind you into taking care of business for me.
Lord Netharak barked out a laugh right in Hardcases face, spattering the mans face with spittle that hissed and steamed when exposed to the air.
You say Arachnos will destroy me. I say let them come. I have dealt with them before and shall continue to do so well into the future, said the demon incredulously. You say that you can stop me? That you can defeat me? I call, as you mortals so quaintly put it, [censored].
Alright then, Hardcase said, one corner of his mouth twitching up into a smirk. I guess Ill have to show you what I can do.
With a faint popping noise, Hardcase was suddenly ten feet away with his habitual sunglasses still perched on his nose and with no indication of having been punted into a wall just a minute ago. The demon-slayer grinned wider at Lord Netharaks dumbfounded expression.
I told you before, demon, Hardcase said as a palpable aura of power built up around him. Im really good at taking down your kind. Its just that acting as a contact between Arachnos and you Destined Ones pays a lot better and lets me kill even more of your kind than if I acted on my own. Sure its been a little while since Ive fought for myself, but Im more than good enough to take you down a peg, Lord Netharak.
Your arrogance will be your downfall, mortal, shot back the demon as a wave of shadows washed up his body, clinging tightly to his armor and causing him to fade slightly into the background. Twin swords of fire blazed to life in each hand as the demon waited for Hardcase to attack.
And your ignorance will be yours, demon, replied the demon-slayer calmly as he pulled a sword and pistol out from under his coat. Both weapons were heavily inscribed in a language unfamiliar to the demon and bits of paper fluttered limply from where they were affixed to the barrel of the gun. Muttering something under his breath, Hardcase lifted up his pistol and fired a brilliant beam of light right at Netharak.
The demon grunted as the light shot burned right through his protective shadows and scored a shallow gouge in his armor. The damage was negligible but the gesture was clear. Roaring in anger, Lord Netharak bounded into the air and came down with a great crash where Hardcase had been a moment ago. But the slayer had literally danced out of the way, coattails swirling behind him as he spun and slashed out at Netharak with his sword. Not one to be caught unprepared twice, Netharak blocked the slash with one of his own and then lunged forward with his other sword. Hardcase whipped his pistol around and slammed it into the blade of Netharaks sword, changing its course so that it narrowly missed the slayers side and leaving the pistol in prime position to pump several shots into the demons unguarded side.
Stumbling away from the engagement with his shadows struggling to reform themselves, Netharak snarled and charged forward again, this time ducking under Hardcases slice and slashing both swords across the slayers belly, clearly intending to end the fight quickly and decisively. But the fiery twin swords were blocked by a flash of bright blue as they rebounded off Hardcases energy armor and dealt no damage. Mentall cursing himself, Netharak smoothly sidestepped a downward slice and kicked Hardcase in the chest, figuring that his armor wouldnt protect him from sheer kinetic force.
It didnt and Hardcase was sent skidding back on the heels of his feet for about a dozen feet before he caught himself by stabbing his sword into the ground and using it to drain off his momentum. Coughing a bit, Hardcase looked back up just in time to receive a flaming fist to the face. While most of the damage was blocked by his arcane shield, the force still snapped his head back to the accompaniment of an unwelcome cracking sound. Hardcase blinked up at the bright blue sky for a second before he was suddenly airborne from a ferocious knee right to his balls.
Hoooooleeeeey shiiiiiiiit
. Said a nearby villain in disbelief. Netharak spared the spectator a burning glare before turning back to Hardcase.
At least put up a fight! Netharak shouted at the semi-conscious man currently writhing on the ground clutching at his groin. Ive gotten more of a challenge sparring with anemic children than I have from you! Arent you supposed to be some sort of renowned demon-slayer? The lesser demons supposedly quake in fear when they hear your name mentioned and here you are, defeated in all of ten seconds! The least I can do is put you out of your misery. Any last words?
Yeah, said Hardcase in a weak voice. You ever learn how to multiply in Retarded Demon school?
Netharak snorted. What kind of insult is that? At least go to your grave with some dignity, mor-
Netharak was cut off as suddenly five beams of light slammed into his back, causing the demon to arch backwards in pain. Roaring in surprise, he summoned up his blades once more and spun around, ready to slay that foolish villain from earlier for daring to intrude upon this fight.
You didnt think Id go down that easy, did you? asked Hardcase from where he stood next to a dumpster.
Obviously you never bothered learning just how I rolled back in the day? asked another Hardcase from the roof. A hasty scrabbling noise and a thump was all that remained of the Salvation Army-reject clad villain from before.
How stupid is that? asked a third Hardcase.
Pretty damn stupid, answered a fourth from where he stood right next to the third one.
Now how about you put down those kitchen knives and go break up that party like I said you should? put forth a fifth Hardcase as he poked Netharak in the chest with his sword.
Though if you want us to finish your fight, we can, suggested the Hardcase that Netharak had kicked.
Snarling, Lord Netharak dropped his swords, their flames dispersing before they hit the ground, and lowered his shadows, revealing his blood-red armor once more. Batting the sword away, Netharak shoved his face into Hardcases.
An impressive display, mortal, whispered the demon. You have earned my respect for now and I shall do as you say, but realize that you have made a deadly enemy this day. When the time comes I will kill you. No amount of trickery or arcane secrets will save you as I drink the blood from your still twitching corpse. Your precious city shall burn all around you as I hunt your copies down one by one and end them as surely as I end this world. Enjoy every second of life until then, mortal, for your true last moments shall be full of such fear and terror as beyond your pitiful comprehension.
Fuming to himself, Lord Netharak shouldered Hardcase aside and bounded up into the air again, aiming for the warehouse where Vivacious Verandi had said the party would be starting. As he left, Netharak imagined that he had heard one of the Hardcases say something but decided to ignore it.
Like we havent heard that one before.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
((Zealstorm: Hahahahahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahha...hahahaha...haha... Ohhhh....
*delicately flicks an artificial tear away mockingly*
Oh Nethy, you never fail to make me see the lighter side of life.
= yey moar. :3 ))
Japancakes.
Art - Theme 005 - Seeking Solace
OOC: Reposted for the lulz.
BIC: [u]The Demon's Prayer[u]
Amen.
With the conclusion of the service, most of the worshippers hastily left out of the front and back doors to the small church. While Arachnos troops hadnt performed a raid in the last month one could never be too sure how Lord Recluses mood could change. A firm believer in the superiority of science over all things, Lord Recluse was the closest one could get to being a Scientologist without being a member of that cult. As such, Recluse generally disapproved of people openly practicing religion in the Rogue Isles but didnt do much about it. The worst that could happen would be a party of Wolf or Crab Spiders interrupting mid-service to arrest the preacher and random members of the attendees. They were usually released from the holding cells within a few days with no harm done but occasionally some people who were taken never came back. But that was fairly standard for the Isles. That said, however, no one wanted to take the risk and so the church emptied quickly enough, leaving behind the head priest, a heavily cloaked individual in the middle pews, and a small family that was discussing plans for a wedding with the priest.
Of course I would be willing to administer your vows, Sharon, said the priest, a kindly old man who managed to keep in good shape despite his years. His white, almost bleached hair, was pulled back in a pony tail that went down to his shoulders and he wore a small pair of spectacles that he needed to read. He wore a simple black robe with a silver cross hanging from a chain around his neck. The cross was tarnished slightly from age but was obviously lovingly cared for.
Thank you so much, Father, bubbled the portly blonde woman as she hugged the taller man at her side tightly. Dan and I are so very honored that youll do this for us. I mean, a man of your cali-
Please, please, replied Father Darron with an indulgent smile. I am no more capable than any other man of the cloth. Now why dont you two run along while I close up? Duty calls and all that.
God bless you, Father, said Sharon one last time before she literally dragged her fiancé out of the doors. The man managed to exchange wry grins with the priest before he vanished through the door.
The last members of his congregation gone, Darron glanced at the large, hunched form still sitting in the middle of the church. He didnt recognize the person from his previous sermons but he did count more than a few Destined Ones among his flock and it wouldnt be right for him to pressure the other man to leave just yet. After all, part of the reason why he was in the Rogue Isles was to redeem those that others thought beyond redemption. It did bother the priest slightly that the villain hadnt revealed his face, but aside from a vague feeling of unease that persisted as he went about cleaning up the inevitable detritus of the day he paid the other man no mind. He made sure to leave the row of pews that the stranger was in for last and was rewarded for his patience when the man got to his feet about ten minutes after the service had ended and walked up the aisle toward the lectern where Father Darron was counting up todays donations.
Greetings, my child, said the priest as he looked up into the lowered hood of the stranger. Apparently the villain knew some form of magic as the shadows within the hood were impenetrable to the priests eyes. Do you need something from me?
Yes, actually, came a growl from under the hood. Something about the mans voice caused the sense of unease Father Darron had felt before to return full force. Keeping a smile on his face, the priest none-the-less lowered his hand toward something he kept nearby for just such a reason.
I confess that I am somewhat confused by your religion, continued the large man in the same growling tone. Or at least how so many mortals can be duped into following it.
They are none of them duped, answered Father Darron as his eyes narrowed slightly. And while most of them may not be true believers they at least all share the same desire the same comfort of believing in God and His salvation.
And that is the part I do not get, replied the villain as he crossed his arms to the accompaniment of a metallic rasp. Father Darrons eyes narrowed a bit more in response. How could they believe in something that doesnt exist?
That is why they have faith, my friend. Now Im going to have to ask you to leave now. I was too polite to say so beforehand but the church has closed for the day. I have urgent business elsewhere that needs attending too.
I believe the business you have right here is quite important enough, Father, said the man, almost spitting out that last word. Especially since this business shall be your last act.
I do not take kindly to threats, young man, replied Father Darron with steel in his voice. I am quite capable of protecting myself should you try to harm me.
Harm you? asked the man with what seemed to be a laugh. I am not here to harm you. I am here to kill you.
With a sound like the exhalation of a long held breath, the strangers cloak dissolved into wisps of black mist that were sucked into the dull orange runes that dotted the blood red armor that was revealed. A similarly colored cape with odd looking characters picked out in orange lightly brushed the floor. But although the runes were distressing, what with their alarming tendency to shift slightly while Darron looked at them, the most worrisome thing was the wolf-like head with its wide grinning mouth full of teeth and burning green eyes. Literally burning, in fact; a small part of Father Darrons mind wondered just how this thing could see with flames covering its eyes. But then the priest snapped out of his shock and smoothly drew a gleaming silver sword from its hidden sheath in the lectern.
Demon, Father Darron spat out, the reason for his uneasy feeling finally dawning on him. There was a demon right here in the middle of his church and standing not two feet from him. Another small part of his mind rebuked the rest of it for screwing up so badly. How is it possible for one such as you to enter this place?
Straight to the point, eh mortal? replied the demon with an even wider grin. It seemed to show no concern that the priest was now armed with a weapon that he clearly knew how to use. The arrogance of demons had always been their greatest flaw, one that Father Darron took continual advantage of. And here I was thinking a great demon slayer like yourself had seen everything there was.
Im more experienced than you might think, beast, said Father Darron as he backed away from the lectern, sword and Bible in hand now. Though I admit that I had not expected a demon powerful enough to tread on this holy ground to blatantly challenge me in Gods house.
You have not seen a demon like I before, Father, replied the creature as it casually batted the lectern away, sending the thick oaken stand crashing into the wall. I am Lord Netharak, Doom Lord of the Burning Legion and exempt from the pathetic bindings that limit the otherworldly forces of this world. I spit upon your god and laugh at the mere thought that his disciple can challenge a chosen of Sargeras!
A demon is a demon, shot back Father Darron as he flipped the Bible open with one hand and showed it to Lord Netharak. Now be purged by Gods holy word!
Brilliant light shone from the pages of the Bible as though the sun itself was shining through them. The beams of light played over the entire church before narrowing their focus and burning into and through the foolish demon, disintegrating his body into ash and casting his treacherous soul back to whatever pits it had come from.
It that the best youve got? Lord Netharak laughed as he emerged from the beam of light, one arm held up to shield his eyes from the brightness. I hardly think some singed hair was what you were aiming for with that light bulb of yours.
Father Darron gaped as the demon as the Bible shut on its own accord, cutting off the last beams of light and returning the room to its former level of light, which seemed almost like twilight in comparison now. But the demon slaying priest recovered quickly enough and scowled deeply at Netharak.
Whatever vile trickery Satan has given you this day will not be enough to deter Gods vengeance, beast, spat out the old man as he lifted his sword toward the heavens, tip almost poking the ceiling of the small church. By the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost you shall be cleansed from this place of worship!
*-*-*
It had been a fairly gloomy Sunday in the Rogue Isles so far. The news had said there would be rain throughout the whole day but it had never shown up, leaving heavy cloud cover hanging in the sky for the whole day. Things didnt look like theyd clear up any time soon, so the people of the Rogue Isles prepared for a drearier than usual Monday.
The ray of sunshine that suddenly burst through the clouds and illuminated a section of Cap au Diable for a brief few seconds went unseen by the vast majority of the populace. The ones that had seen this odd phenomenon wondered what kind of hero or villain had done it before going about the rest of the day in an oddly cheerful mood.
*-*-*
The results of this ray of light in the confined area of the church was a bit more spectacular, forcing Lord Netharak to shield his eyes once again and curse the annoying habit of holy men to render his shadows all but useless. But when the light dimmed and Netharak saw that the sword Father Darron was holding was now on fire, the demon figured that maybe he didnt need his shadows for this fight.
I can do that too, Netharak growled as a scimitar of pure green felfire sprung into being in his right hand. Now, I think you said something about cle-
Netharaks taunt was cut off as Father Darron lunged forward at a speed the priest had never before shown to possess. The demon was barely able to deflect the first blow and had to resort to summoning up a second sword to keep his defenses from being penetrated. The fury the priest was displaying had caught the demon by surprise though he really should have been expecting it; humans always had the most distressing tendency toward fanaticism, yet another reason why he couldnt wait to burn this entire diseased planet to cinders.
Is that all you have, mortal? taunted Netharak as he steadily retreated, beating back blow after furious blow with his swords and unable to get a single strike in retaliation. Should I not be dead by now? Struck down by your god for my temerity, my insolence? Should you not be fighting harder, mortal? Stop fooling around and really come at me!
At Lord Netharak talked, he began stepping up the power of his blocks until Father Darrons sword was bouncing back more often than it was slashing in for an attack. This allowed Netharak to begin his own offensive, unleashing an onslaught of attacks that demolished the insides of the church. Lord Netharak didnt seem to care how often he missed or how often he hit a pew instead of Father Darron. The fires of the demons eyes burned ever brighter as he entered a fighting rage that would soon see the entire building destroyed in a fiery cataclysm. Father Darron could see this and summoned up a brilliant burst of light that blinded the demon for a crucial second or two, allowing him to retreat out the back door.
Roaring in anger, Lord Netharak followed, bursting through the doors and smashing them to flinders in his rage. Now in an alleyway, Netharak looked up along a fire escape to see the priest climbing the last few feet up onto the room of the adjacent building.
Running so soon? Lord Netharak roared as he tensed his legs and then launched himself up into the air, landing with a small explosion of dust on the edge of the roof. I thought you priests had righteousness on your side. Why run, then?
This is a bit more dramatic, dont you think? Father Darron replied, the bad joke making him feel a bit better. In all his long years he had never fought a demon that so easily ignored the effects of his holy blade. Made of blessed Damascus steel, cleansed in holy water, and inlaid with the Lords Prayer in silver on the hilt, Father Darrons Avenger had never failed him before. The fact that it was doing so now seemed to lend credence to the demons story. And if this demon really wasnt from Hell, then how could he be fought?
Having second thoughts? Lord Netharak asked with a snort as though reading Father Darrons mind. Maybe you should just give up then, accept your death like a good little martyr. I promise to make it quick and relatively painless.
Ill never surrender to your kind, Father Darron quickly replied. Though I may die this day my soul shall ascend to Heaven and become one with God. That is the most I can ask for and the best fate I can wish for.
Then allow me to speed you on your way! shouted Netharak as he charged, heavy tread pounding against the roof and swords held extended out to either side.
Darron stood fast as the demon charged; holding his sword before his face as he calmly read the prayer written on its hilt from memory. Once Lord Netharak got close enough, Darron sprung through the air in a perfect front flip, lashing out with his sword as he passed over Netharaks back. Landing in a crouch, Darron quickly jumped up and spun back around still chanting his prayer.
That hurt, growled the demon as black blood slowly seeped from a moderate gash on the back of his head. Although Im sure it would have slain one of the lesser breed.
Giving Father Darron no time to reply, Lord Netharak charged again and this time they clashed once more. Flaming steel met solid green fire in a deadly dance that would have seen lesser men cut into chunks with their souls destroyed and lesser demons quickly cleaved and banished back to the darkest pits of Hell. But Lord Netharak was no earthly demon and the holy strength Father Darron was bringing to bear did not daunt the Doom Lord, rather it gave the demon an idea.
Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, they kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, recited the demon in a deep voice, toothy grin returning. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Blasphemy! Father Darron shouted, enraged beyond all measure, the fact that this demon was reciting the word of God was just too much. This bastion of contempt and arrogance, of blasphemy and evil screamed to be wiped from the face of the earth and obliterated from human memory.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, continued the demon, defiling the words as he spoke them. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory! Forever and ever, amen!
Father Darron let loose an incoherent scream of anger and hatred as he threw everything he had into the fight, the Bible he was holding shining brightly in response to his holy anger. Such a righteous anger filled him that he didnt even notice when Lord Netharak had lopped off both of his arms. Just as Lord Netharak had planned, the priest had been so consumed with anger and hatred at this unexpected and unconsidered blasphemy that he had thrown caution to the winds, giving the demon just the edge he had needed to end the fight. Just as the realization that he had lost blossomed in Father Darrons mind, the demon smoothly scooped up the dropped sword and impaled the priest upon it.
E nomine patris et fili et spiritus sancti! Netharak shouted triumphantly as he lifted the sword up into the air, tip facing the cloud covered heavens. Netharak stared into the priests eyes as the man died and licked some of the blood that was flowing down the sword.
Lord Netharak roared as he channeled his own fire through the sword, wreathing the entire thing in sickly green flames that swiftly devoured the corpse stuck upon it and started melting the sword like a candle. He said only one thing to speed the priests doomed soul down to Hell.
Amen!
OOC: Every post is a repost, etc etc.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
((That one with Hardcase was awesome! And the first as is good as ever!
The public yearns for more! You can feel my yearning! FEEL IT!))
At least you made Hardcase finally seem like he did something.
When I played his missions, I got the distinct impression he really was all talk...
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
He IS all talk damnit.
If I had the option of killing any one actual NPC, it would be Hardcase.
I hate Hardcase as much as the next guy, but I have to think that he wouldn't talk the talk if he couldn't walk the walk.
And I had originally intended Netharak to wipe the floor with Hardcase. But you know how these things just seem to get a life of their own.
Of yeah. Just as the first story was inspired by that song, this new one was inspired by everyone's favorite Spartan King. It is entirely coincidental that Hardcase was as black as the Persian messenger.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.
So... People like Lord Netharak. People wanted more Lord Netharak. I enjoy writing more Lord Netharak. So why not have a thread for Lord Netharak?
Simply put I'll be putting all future stories about the Doom Lord in this thread instead of making a brand new one every single time I write something.
So yeah.... New story coming along in a sec.
Statesman said let there be heroes, and there were heroes.
Lord Recluse said let there be villains, and there were villains.
NCsoft said let there be nothing, and there was nothing.