"Thank you Mr Henderson" said Rachel, settling into the modest hospitality area. "We shan't quiz you any further. Don't know about others but I'm fine for food."
Rachel sat her daughter down next to her, giving her a punishing look for having been so forward with their host. But after a week of torture and captivity at the hands of the enemy, she was simply glad to be free at last. She watched her friends and teammates settling in, each seeing to their families and loved ones. Their happiness brought a smile to her face and her thoughts wandered to Blade and Suraya. The ocean waves were somewhat calming but as she looked out beyond the waters, she couldn't help but worry about her husband. "Where the heck are you Pious and what exactly are you doing?" she called out, messaging him privately through the amulet. "We're safe and being accommodated on a freighter bound for Independence Port. Get it together and meet us down here!"
Somewhere in St Martial...
Big Game ducked amongst the cars, and doorways as he moved. The deaths of fellow Hyenas Super Sized Sally and Father Harrigan, his missing apprentice Shop, multiple attempts on his own life, and near exhaustion of his ammunition had forced him to take a very low profile as he crept about the Isles. At one point he risked a return to the Flea Pit to re-arm, but that plan was scuppered when more bounty hunters appeared on the scene. "At least the kid managed to get out." He had said to himself unconvinced. However there had been something about the mess Shop left in the workshop, as well as some unfamiliar tracks, and a faint scent in the air that had undermined his words. Big Game, having not had a chance to re-equip decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and made good his escape unharmed, but also empty handed. Now he slowly made his way to where he hoped he'd be able to gather the resources he needed to put himself back in the fight.
There it is. He thought as he approached the squat brick building described to him by the man at the bar who had vetted him before giving him the location of the Store. Taking another look to ensure the coast was clear, Big Game dived into the Store's doorway. Checking the handle the door clicked open. Obviously expecting me.
Now this is my kind of store! Big Game thought to himself as he scanned about the interior. Where as the outside had been a fairly uninspiring somewhat drab affair that blended in with the rest of the decaying neighborhood, the interior was a brightly lit, boutique style armory. On the walls and in cabinets was all manner of of conventional and esoteric weaponry. Big Game knew if he could strike a deal he'd easily find all kinds of goodies to start sending some payback Bathory's way.
Leaning on the counter and pushing his hat upwards he waited for the proprietor to make their entrance...
Quote:
"Be careful what you wish for," replied Pious, emerging through the clouds and approaching the ship at an alarming rate, "cos you just might get it." The waters parted from the violent gust of wind created by the flying man as he came in low. He circled the ship twice to survey the crew before coming in for a landing. "Forgive the delay" he said, before joining his party at the makeshift Ritz. "I had some things to take care of; can never be too careful when you're hunted."|
Originally Posted by Damsel_EU
"We're safe and being accommodated on a freighter bound for Independence Port. Get it together and meet us down here!"
|
He'd only just settled in when he noticed the bodies of the two people they'd lost to Bathory's madness. Sabrina San was a good woman and a wonderful mother to her son. Pious was tempted to try a resurrection ritual on her once again but he knew deep down the angels had already made home for her soul. Pious made a mental note to hold an appropriate funeral service in memory of the daring Dragonfly once they got home. The boy however was far more peculiar. Something was different about him. "As anyone noticed David's injuries have healed? His neck was broken but now look... it’s fixed itself."
"By Christ the boy is a mutant!" Altair exclaimed having surveyed his physiology. "The very thing Sabrina most despised... oh the irony!" Right on cue, the three-year old regenerating mutant sprang to his feet, gasping for air. As the boat disappeared into the distant sunset, the faint outlines of Paragon City sat on the eastern horizon. The sound of a young boy mourning his mother could be heard in the evening winds. "Mummy?" he cried and a new hero was born.
Quote:
The Search for Big Game|
Originally Posted by Big_Game_EU
On the walls and in cabinets was all manner of of conventional and esoteric weaponry. Big Game knew if he could strike a deal he'd easily find all kinds of goodies to start sending some payback Bathory's way.
|
"Hell's Journal. It was early a Sunday morning, nearing the last week of the month of June and all the news channels were still covering the story of Open Season. The latest update was how Paragon City's most notorious monster hunters escaped captivity in Cap Au Diable. But as always, this Nighthunter was doing the exact opposite. Recognising my knowledge of Etoile Isles and knowing I was among the most likely to blend in with the islanders, the Priest sent me to Port Oakes, only a day after him and the others shipped into Independence Port. Since then, I've spent the better part of the weekend analysing the local booze in large quantities and investigating the wild fantasies of the native women, in rich and very detailed quality.
"It was just after daybreak when the alarm went off in my seaside hotel room. I woke with a start, accidentally rolling two blondes over the covers and onto the floor. "Whoops. Sorry girls" was all I could muster with a deep croaky voice, the result of a lifelong addiction to tobacco and whiskey. But my weekend hadn't been all fun and games. As I stumbled into the showers and prepared for the week to come, I couldn’t help but break a smile. I was finally convinced of the method in my madness; Big Game had left a trail of women who knew him better than his enemies. Next destination, Saint Martial; my search for the leader of the Hyenas continues. Let’s hope this Dictaphone batteries don't die on me, I'd hate to have to use that damned amulet. Grayson... out."
Beneath Talos Island, an Underground Bunker
"what has happened?" Rack Up asked the computer "and how did i get here?". Micheal was very purplexed, the last thing he remembered was falling from the mecha.
"One of our leading agents carried you here to be looked after by the Doctor. While you have been sleeping, Blade Balfear or Blade Racer got married and his wife and some of his friends and family where kidnapped. Launching a rescue operation, your Nighthunters have invaded Castle Bathory and caused havoc among the Isles officials. The aftermath is displayed on the news, but we have been monitoring the situation for evidence of someone else. The evidence we seek is now in the screen in front of you." Replied the Computer. A number of drones entered the room carrying Clothing for Micheal and layed them on the bed.
Getting dressed, Micheal asked "And who are you?". The answered confused him even more. "We are EVA".
Quote:
Super villainess, blight on mankind and general go to girl Tomb, was not in a particularly with it mood, having forgotten the meeting, she was chilling in the armoured lair beneath the Store, one eye on the monitors, the other watching CSI: Paragon City, sitting up sharply she choked on her Cheerios and reached quickly for the intercom.|
Originally Posted by Big_Game_EU
Somewhere in St Martial...
Leaning on the counter and pushing his hat upwards he waited for the proprietor to make their entrance... |
Back in the store
One of the store clerks answered the intercom
Squidlwy wid ferble a voice said to him
Ah yes I see. He answered in a cultured voice
widddly squibs the voice said again.
Will do boss. He answered again.
The store clerks then did their best to keep Big Game entertained, offering complimentary drinks, and changing the music to something that would suit him better. After about ten minutes, a quickly changed Tomb arrived. A section of the back wall moving inwards, then sliding apart to reveal an elevator, from this elevator Tomb stepped out, wearing her business clothes, a long full bodied hooded cowl, with metal skull shaped mask, the eyes of which glow with an infernal redness, and the rest of her body is covered with armoured black leather.
Ahhh Mister Game, I am sorry to keep you waiting... she said
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
Quote:
Big game raised an eyebrow at Tomb's impressive entrance. "Very theatrical, not what I was expecting at all." He then looked down at his tatty blood stained tiger-striped pants, and the tangle of talismans representing numerous world religions that hung around his neck. "Mind you, who am I to judge?"|
A section of the back wall moving inwards, then sliding apart to reveal an elevator, from this elevator Tomb stepped out, wearing her business clothes, a long full bodied hooded cowl, with metal skull shaped mask, the eyes of which glow with an infernal redness, and the rest of her body is covered with armoured black leather. Ahhh Mister Game, I am sorry to keep you waiting... she said |
Big Game took off his dusty hat and laid it on the counter before ruffling his own hair. He then looked Tomb up and down before stifling the urge to make a short joke. After all mocking a potential new business associate rarely made negotiations go smoother.
"Look, I'm just gonna get straght to it. You got weapons and equipment, I need weapons and equipment. Problem is I got a bit of a cash flow crisis, and need the stuff on account. Before you start I know what you're thinking... Queen B!tch Bathory's bounty has got every ghoul goon on the Eastern Seaboard chomping after my tiger-striped buns. There's an outside chance one of the goons might get lucky, and you'll never see your money again."
Before Tomb could respond he started again. "Im not stupid, and understand im a bit of a credit risk, but if you help me out the rewards would be substantial.
Big Game then pulled apen one of the larger pouches on his belt and pulled out several plastic bags filled with what appeared to be ash. "...And if you ain't willing to take me at face value perhaps you're willing to consider a trade" Big Game tossed the bags of ash onto the counter. Two of the bags had sticky labels on them. One read Claret the other Tally. "Vampire dust. I know you must have a pretty good idea how much this sort of stuff is worth. Tool me up and I can guarantee a lot more of it will come your way."
Cap Au Diable, Castle Bathory
Elizabeth walked through the main hall... The aftermath of the Nighthunters escape had made a lot of damage. Some zombies where using their amazing strenghth and unwavering stamina to haul tiles and stone and cement. Aside stood the Court's head architect Green Tinker ordering them around. If the matter wasn't so serious Elizabeth would have smiled at the sight. Some of the zombies doing the work where two meters tall or more, and their overseeying barely reached one meter.
But she had business... security business. Pious and his idiots came in way to easy. But it was their escape she was most concerned about. A teleportation out of her halls... an action that completly seemed to ignore her diversity of failsafes preventing just that kind of thing. Her gaze went up not seeing the walls but the dark magic that sealed the room from energies from outside.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
A movement behind the Countess signalled the arrival of Parasite Knight, who kneeled behind his mistress. "Mistress, I have swept the city, i cannot locate any intruders, however I can sence that the presence which allowed the intruders to escape was magical in origin and powerful. We were unaware of such a strong presence with the Nighthunters and for this lacking in intelligence you have my apologises".
Sword Runner appared in a flash as his teleport system began its cool off, and he saluted the Countess sharply. "report that Arachnos has no record of detaining prisoners and has no record of using tleport systems to transport heroes. Hacking Arachnos data feeds lead to dead ends, either they arent using computers as much or they really had nothing to do with the escaping prisoners. Also it seems Arachnos became engaged in an unusual number of fights across the isles at the time of the battle".
Quote:
((Sorry for the delay, not been in a good write-y mood.))|
Originally Posted by Big_Game_EU
Big Game then pulled apen one of the larger pouches on his belt and pulled out several plastic bags filled with what appeared to be ash. "...And if you ain't willing to take me at face value perhaps you're willing to consider a trade" Big Game tossed the bags of ash onto the counter. Two of the bags had sticky labels on them. One read Claret the other Tally. "Vampire dust. I know you must have a pretty good idea how much this sort of stuff is worth. Tool me up and I can guarantee a lot more of it will come your way." |
Tomb seemed a little stunned does he ever shut up? she thought, as Big Game explained his situation. She steeped her fingers, first looking to the vampire dust, then to the prospective client.
Of course you are aware, that our more exotic weaponry will not be part of the deal, at least until your cash flow becomes more solid. The creators of tailored plagues, and cybernetic insect swarms are few and far between, and we leave our signatures in our work, I would rather not give her proof while our transaction is so clearly a favour.
She motioned Big Game to follow her into the elevator.
We will start with small arms she said as they arrived on a floor devoted to what looked to be a firing range, a man clad in a black lab uniform pushed a wheelie cart towards the range.
Or more accurately munitions, in this case micro demolition charges. She said picking up a magazine with a strip of red paint at the bottom, and loading it into a sub machine gun.
There was a whirring, and several dummies appeared on the firing range, clad in various types of combat armour, some pieces clearly police or Arachnos issue. She fired gangster style, letting the kick of the gun slide her aim across, and there was carnage, dummies went flying as armour shattered and sent shards scything through the air.
Each bullet explodes with the force of a standard US army demolition charge; of course you will be facing enemies that wont be phased by such an explosion. She picked up a magazine with orange tape.
Taking aim she shot at the head of one of the dummies in crab armour, there was a dull orange flash at impact, and the dummy was instantly missing a chunk of its helmet and head, a circular bite seemingly taken out of it.
These bullets create an unstable time field on impact, jumping everything in the field forward in time by a week. Of course this wont bother a regenerator, and in a worst case scenario youd have two of them after you in a weeks time. However we offer standard anti-regeneration rounds, such as phosphorus, depleted uranium or toxic ammunition
She picked up an assault rifle, showing Big Game, the loading mechanism for it, it looked like something you would load printer ink cartridges into.
AR Two seven eight, voice locked and with two different loaders, one constructs ammunition, the other will teleport load it from special feeders. Ill provide you with a supply of different ammunition and both loaders, obviously the teleport loader will give you more bang for your books, but make sure you take a construction loader with you, teleportation is so easy to disrupt after all. She said heading back towards the lift.
Some people say the best defence is a good offense, I say its a defence that kills before they get within visual range. Any questions, or shall we head on to the next part of our tour?
Brawling Cactus from a distant planet.
Despite being used to the smorgasboard of ammunition Eso-Tech normally had on offer Big Game was suitably impressed with the variety that could be supplied by the store. As Tomb waffled on about features and benefits he picked up and eyeballed several rounds to determine quality and craftsmanship. Satisfied the Store's goods wasn't going to explode in the rifle chamber or something, he started to make a mental shopping list of all he needed.
Quote:
Breaking his train of thought Big Game placed the round he was examining back down, and turned to Tomb with a smile on his face.| "...range. Any questions, or shall we head on to the next part of our tour?” |
"Nah. No questions. These day's I'm used to shooting all kinds of wierd stuff outta my rifle. Lets see what else you got..."
"The stench of sex, blood and dirty money fouled the air in Saint Martial. It didn't take much of a walk to find the squat brick building that was the Store but as I approached, I could feel the burning heat and physical pressure of a pair of eyes looking me over. I reached the doors and looked around, taking in every bit of detail available. "The name's Grayson" I grouched, talking to whatever the security measure faced me. "I'm a hunted hunter... Heard you're selling."
The streets of St.Martial a short distance from the Store...
Although Big Game's tour of the Store was cut short due to a visit by another customer, he was more than happy with what he accomplished with Tomb in the short time he was there. As well as securing enough supplies to keep him fighting fit in the short term, he actually brokered a nice little suppy contract for himself that greatly helped reduce the impact of Eso-Tech and the Peddler cutting him off again. Not only that he was certain that Tomb had both the skills and materials needed to construct a special surprise for Bathory once Big Game was ready to make his move against her. For now though he needed to take stock of the situation.
Hmm still no word from the kid. I wonder if somebody picked up the bounty on him... He thought to himself whilst pacing the street. Then he stopped dead. his eyes lit up with inspiration. Geez I been stupid. Bathory's goons ain't just hunting us for the cash they're hunting us for glory too. That means there's gonna be all kinds of braggarts out there harping on about their kills. Best place to do that is a bar, and I think know exactly which bar that's gonna be. Hopefully them blue amazons have abandoned their stakeout of the Jelly Fish Dream 'cause I need some stuff from my [url=http://union.virtueverse.com/index.php/Big_Game#Something_Different]dressing up box[/ur]...
Somewhere between Paragon City and the Ilses
Commander Ionic walked out of the showers and picked up his towel. Drying himself he looked around the empty changing room and smiled to himself. The drills have those grunts and other commanders running around like a bunch of headless chickens. Good thing i know my squad is perfectly caperble eh? hehe.
Walking towards the door, metal flowed over his body, covering him in a layer of shinning metal. As he walked out and down a corridor, he smiled again. A troop of grunts moved passed him and saluted, their armour shinning in the lights. coming to a steel bulkhead, Ionic opened it with a flick of his wrist and went inside. Here his men were waitng patiently. Each one had gone through what Ionic had gone through, and had earned their code names as he had. Now they would be unleashed upon their enemies, even if the enemy wouldnt know it till it was too late.
It had been weeks since the Primogen had been in the isles. His time had been spent searching for an item of his that he had thought lost to a cataclysm millennia ago. A small bronze dish, the very same dish used in the ritual that gave him his immortality. It had required considerable effort on his part to reaquire it; literally parting the ocean and moving a mountain... but he found it at last.
Upon returning to the moonlit Cap Au Diable he immediately sensed that something was amiss. He travelled across the city's rooftops, unseen by the keenest of eyes and unsensed by the sharpest of minds. He stopped not far from Castle Bathory. Here was the source of the unrest. Surrounding the castle was a nigh impenetrable sheild of dark magic. The ancient vampire rolled his eyes. 'What has she done now?' he thought to himself.
He swiftly leaped across to the castle, landing upon the sheildface. He felt its dark energies surging beneath his feet. The Countess had obviously gone to alot of effort to erect this sheild. Evidentally something had her spooked. He gave the sheild a psionic prod. It was very sturdy but he reckoned he might be able to penetrate it given time and effort. However, he was still exhausted from retrieving the bronze dish and and plus the Countess would hardly appreciate her defences being undermined. He decided it would be more productive to simply knock.
His hand hovered millimetres above the shieldface as he sent three small telekinetic bursts to gently resonate through the sheild. The Primogen had a few questions to ask of the Countess.
----- Union's finest underachiever -----
Farewell CITY of HEROES
The First, the Last, the One.
Union: @ominousvoice2059
In the main hall Elizabeth felt three short bursts in her head. The backlash of what the security spell perceived as a small assault. She walked to her mirror to take a quick look at what was out there... only to find the Primogen floating down to the doors.
Knowing it wouldnot be needed to open a communication channel to the psychic vampire she simply thought outloud to him. "The door guards will teleport you down!"
And indeed the stone faces left and right of the doors started to look at the landing vampire... their eyes shined with a bright white light.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
The Jelly Fish Dream, Darwin's Landing...
After an uneventful trip back from St. Martial, Big Game was equally pleased the same could be said for the arrival at his floating home. The two unidentified blue Amazons seemed to have abandoned their stakeout, and Big Game entered his boat unmolested. Without further delay he went over to the corner of the cabin where his dressing up box was kept. Then grabbing hold of the heavy wooden crate he dragged it into the middle of the cabin. Dropping to his knees he opened the box and started to root through the contents inside...
Ahhh, I remember that one. The ball gown and roller boots I wore as part of my Carnie Illusionist disguise. Oh and there's my Ice Cream Vendor disguise from when I took out the Big Lick. No way! My Frankenfurter outfit! No wait... Big Game held up the black basque and suspenders. Too small. Hehe! Must of been left behind by one of the girls... Ahhh! Good times.
Big Game continued to root through the box occasionally stopping to relive some past moment a costume reminded him of, as well as sometimes putting some small item for his latest disguise. Then his eyes lit up...
Perfect! My Tusken Raider mask and the voice changer from my Optimus Prime mask. Add these to that Highwayman's cloak and that breast plate, and I think I got the makings of a decent bounty hunter disguise...
Sometime later just outside the drinking establishment known as the Bar of the Damned...
Standing outside the entrance dressed up in his makeshift bounty hunter disguise was an anxious Big Game.
Better test the voice box... "Watch your step. This place can be a little rough." Pleased with the effect Big Game stepped into the Bar of the Damned...
The Primogen materialised in the main hall. His long dead stomach lurched. He never liked teleportation, preferring to travel under his own steam. However neccessity forced him to endure. The Countess was not there to greet him, however she was nearby and would certainly hear him.
"Careless thoughts have informed me of a few things, but there are gaps. I understand you have declared open season on any who would hunt us. An offer any true predator cannot resist. I fathom there have been losses on both sides, but precisely who is unclear. Would I be correct in guessing that our would-be assassins have somehow bismirched this castle?"
----- Union's finest underachiever -----
Farewell CITY of HEROES
The First, the Last, the One.
Union: @ominousvoice2059
Elizabeth her mental voice replied... "You would be correct... Come to my office and I will give you the latest information."
And with that she walked away from her mirror to her office. Where she sat down on her chair waiting for the Primogen to arrive.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
Somewhere in China, Friday 25th June
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian
The light sound of a hundred melodic voices echoed across a domed ceiling. At the apex of the dome hung a broad circular window open to the view of a clear night sky, the stars and the moon above provided an eerie light to the ritual taking place below. The milky light washed over the white marble pillars and the pale oriental robes of the ritualists below. From time to time the gentle light would glisten from the pointed fangs of one of the many below.
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian
The scent of lotus hung on the air as a single man circled a large orb that floated in the air in the centre of the chamber. The man stood proud, his robes the same as the many around him yet subtle stitching in silvered threads added a slight opulence to his garb denied to the others. His voice chanted the loudest, for he alone wanted this more than any other presence. He had grown old, jaded, tired... so very tired.
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian
Tai-Wei, ancient warrior of China and one of the Council of X, chanted proudly. He had sought the approval of his peers for this and had been denied. He had almost given up hope, that was until his more devious nature took hold. It had taken a year of careful preparation and planning, but in the light of his long life the passing of a single year had been a mere eye blink, a single drop in the ocean.
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian
It had been so simple, a choice word here and there and the rest of the ancient council were jumping at shadows. They hissed at one another, trying to find one amongst their number to blame for the increase in vampire hunters and whilst the others bickered the oriental man chose to bind his time, gathering resources and researching the arcanas as the councils gaze was turned elsewhere.
Open Season, the mere term brought a spark of happiness to his usually cold dead heart. Not only were the Council obsessed with ensuring it went well they were also helping finance the final ingredient for his ritual. The world would crumble at his hands, the suffering would end for everyone. All he needed was a few more pure souls.
His gnarled fingers reached out and caressed the orb, the focus of the ritual, sacred egg that would summon forth the blood god. The light within the orb swirled, a silvery white mist veined with a deep crimson. Fragments of the souls of the hunters captured and killed, delightfully interspersed with the blood the driven, shed to fight what they saw as the darkness. The vampire could almost taste the sweet tang of purity and of sacrifice on his tongue. Usually such a thing would repulse him, but for this it was perfect.
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian
He chanted gladly as the moon rose, soon it would be midnight and the last sacrifice would be provided. Pacing the chamber the old man smiled, it may have been the middle of the night, but soon he would usher in a new dawn.
Kings Row, Friday 25th June
Moving with unearthly speed Sasha Bayne, renowned hunter of those who chose to slay her kind leapt from rooftop to rooftop. The light of the moon and the sickly green glow of nearby rituals cast by the Circle of Thorns illuminated her athletic form before she darted onwards again, out of sight as she travelled through Kings Row. Her trip to Paragon was risky but she had contracts to fulfil and once Sasha gave her word she kept it. Idly she wondered if that was an old habit from before she was turned, but as quickly as the thought arrived it vanished, lost in a haze, like much of her time before her vampiricism.
Crouching on the edge of a fire escape a pleased smile curled her lips as she spotted her prey. He moved quickly and with purpose, he may have been difficult to spot were it not for the holy sheen to the sword he wielded so expertly. Even from a great distance above his weapon made her skin crawl. A sword like that in a hand so skilled, there was little wonder she had been asked to deal with the young hero.
Unslinging her bow she notched the arrow she had been given, it had a thicker shaft than she was used to and lotus blossoms were carved along its length yet she didnt allow the slight inconvenience hamper her. Exhaling slowly she waited patiently, she had one shot, it had to be perfect.
Below a coweled man made his move, rushing swiftly into a group of mages.
Let the girl go! He demanded, his voice courageous and true as he ran without fear into a ritual circle. Planting his feet near the poor teenage girl who found herself victim of an arcane rite she had no chance of understanding the hero struck down the first mage with ease. His sword flashed more brightly with each tainted soul it made contact with, soon rivalling the moon itself with its brilliance.
Blinded by his own holiness Sasha silently noted with a fanged grin as in his determination to help the struggling girl he made a simple mistake, leaving himself open for just a split second. But that second was all it took.
A scream filled the night air as the poor girl, now freed from the enchantment turned to thank her saviour only to find him slumped and gasping for air. The arrow gently shook, positioned perfectly in the centre of the heros back and many miles away an ancient vampire smiled.
It was time to end it all.
Quote:
The instant the Primogen heard the Countess' ethereal voice he knew precisely where she was. He headed to her office with such speed he may as well have teleported.|
Originally Posted by Liz Bathory
"You would be correct...
|
Quote:
| Come to my office and I will give you the latest information." |
"Thrill me with your erudition."
----- Union's finest underachiever -----
Farewell CITY of HEROES
The First, the Last, the One.
Union: @ominousvoice2059
"Ah... you're abilities never cease to amaze me old friend.", she smiled and made herself comfortable in her chair. "I will not bore you with too many details... I had firm reason to bring the fight to those who hunt our kind and those I protect. To start hunting the hunters as they call it."
Her hand moved to wave at the chair in front of her desk... inviting him to come and sit down.
"To achieve that goal I have not enough beings under my control... even with teh full might of my 'Court'. So I issued a big bounty on the key monster hunters and more. That brought me some hard to get heads already...", she looked at the vampire in front of her.
"Unfortunatly but expected that also made them rather... cross... at me! Recently they stood in front of my door in a raid upon my house. We repelled them and I sealed the place to stop repeats." Elizabeth was automatically leaving facts out. The way she would tell anyone and keeping respect. But she knew full well the Primogen would be ableto read the gaps even through her mental shielding.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
Somewhere in China, Friday 25th June
Wo Shin, Jing Ru, Bai Lian? A scarred man of Arabic descent repeated with disdain before spitting on the ground to remove the bitter taste from his mouth. Swiftly he moved his white scarf to obscure the lower half of his face once more, making him almost indistinguishable from those stood around him. Twenty in number and all decked from head to toe in the white flowing garb associated with their order. They were tasked with maintaining the balance of the world of magic and the Council had by far overstepped their place. In particular Tai-Wei had neatly painted a target on his own head.
My heart is as pure as the white lotus blossom Another member of the order murmured, translating the distasteful words as she loaded a clip of alchemical ammunition into her silvered guns. Hes not only outside his place, hes cracked. He..
But her words were cut short as the leader of the assault held up a hand causing a hush to fall over the group as they ceased their preparations. No more words were needed, the time had come. In the distance the sound of a clock chiming midnight could be faintly heard, the ritual was reaching its end.
Surging forward the group worked with practiced precision, each wielding their weapon of choice and the light of a pure determination in their heart. They were outside good and evil, beyond law and chaos, they were the epicentre of all things and they would not allow the scales to become unbalanced.
Scattering wide, the members of The Counterbalance dispersed amongst the ritualists, catching many of the lesser vampires off guard. With the flashing of steel and precise shots from guns and bows many of the undead crumpled in the initial assault.
Protect the orb! Tai-Wei commanded in a snarl, wrapping his arms possessively around the mystic foci, holding it close like a protective parent to their young child.
Ishraqush-shams! Yelled one of the more petite of the assaulting force as she pointed towards the center of the room. Her young face obscured by a veil rather than the scarf most of her order split into a grin as the moon above slowly brightened, glowing more warmly as it took on the qualities of the sun itself. Her moment of triumph was short-lived however as she let her guard down.
Hissing angrily many of the ritualists turned on the small form, fangs and clawed hands tearing through the flowing fabric of her clothing and into her dark flesh.
Pained screams filled the air as the bloody battle continued, both sides hitting hard and the casualties numerous. Blood seeped over the polished floor, glistening with a macabre beauty in the light of the brightened moon.
Fools! Tai-Wei hissed with a dark glee You have simply provided more fuel for my ritual!
Your ritual is tied to you, monster. If we end you the magic will fade A reply came, clear and determined as through the carnage a single woman strode. Her white garb splattered with blood she leveled her silvered gun, aimed firmly between the vampires eyes.
You really think you can end me, youngling? The vampire sneered maliciously as he extended one hand, his other possessively wrapped around the orb. Writhe! he commanded evilly, the gunwomans veins rupturing and her blood bursting through disgusting rips in her skin.
A scream like no other escaped the woman, a sound born of otherworldly pain, pain no mortal should ever have to endure I.. cant.. end you.. she admitted in a sob, her dying gaze looking past the vampire to the space just behind him.
But I can A male voice declared certainly as he thrust forward, his weapon, a scimitar made of light as brilliant as the sun, easily pushed into the cold dead flesh of the Council member. Rest now Tai-Wei, but do not take more souls with you
The vampires blood ran cold and for the first time in a great many years he felt his mortality once more. ..thank you.. was all he could whimper before his world went dark, his body crumpling to the ground.
The mystic orb left his grasp and rolled along the ground, shimmering and fading from view, Tai-Wei's final act. A contingency in the form of a spiteful spell, taking the fracturing summoning orb directly to one of the Council, Elizabeth Báthory.
Freddie shook his head a little "Crate next t'this one's bound fer The Foundry in Talos, we're under instruction to drop yeh off in I.P." He explained casually before smiling and looking to the crate on the other side, a small marking on it declaring it to be from 'Corpmunitions'.
"Can't tell ya who paid yer way though. If folks don't want to mark their crates they don't have to, as long as we know where they're going"
((Metafanzine Published by @Chaos Bunny))
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