Open Season (Open RP)

Wrath exhaled slowly and closed her eyes, she felt wracked with guilt at not being able to help Schmitt more during the attack, that she had been a liability as she had found herself targeted again and again. But she hadn't been entirely useless, despite keeping up the pretence that she was the weak link of the couple for the werewolf's benefit she subtly weaved her magics, getting a feel for their surroundings. Silently she communed with the plants of the park around them. They felt different to the alien foliage she could summon, and the familiar greenery of the Misty Woods she called home but still they yielded to her, sharing with her their knowledge. Nodding a little she felt through them the gentle, rapid footfalls of their assailant.

"He's moving away" She declared simply and quietly once she was sure he was out of earshot. "He'll hit somewhere urban soon and I'll lose him but we know the direction he has gone in. Can you follow? Or shall we leave and rest? He knows of us now and he will find us again, we will need to be prepared."

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Schmitt stood upright, psionic field vanishing completely, even the subtle shimmer of the air as his body dropped forward, expending the last of his energy as he changed back, laying on the ground and breathing heavily as he appeared to sleep, obviously having drained a fair amount of energy in the series of attacks he pressed, besides that a cut from where the assailant had sliced through the metal and probably a couple of broken ribs from being hit with the rock he appeared fine.

With a sad smile and a nod Wrath easily cleared the distance between herself and Schmitt. "Just rest, I'll get us somewhere safe" She told him, her voice both caring yet oddly firm as though she would do something unpleasant if he didn't rest. Kneeling beside him she caressed the ground, icy blue roots of an alien plant breaking the earth and growing into a small tree, it's foliage a chilling silver mist that settled over the heroes bodies, clinging to Schmitt's wounds.

"Next time. We'll make him pay for doing this."

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Vladminir kept motionless... his eyes seemingly looking straight through the guest. "Then you talk to the countess...", he answered with a rasping voice.

Darwin’s Landing, Mercy Island...

Returning to the Jelly Fish Dream was hardly a smart move, but hiding out was boring business, and the boat housed a number of things that would ease Big Game’s suffering. Being cautious enough not to just jump aboard he watched the barely seaworthy vessel a few minutes before making the decision to board. Leaping onto the deck and then walking across to the cabin door he started to remove the mask he’d been wearing as part of his Wraps disguise. Then just as he took off the mask he opened the cabin door...

“What the..?” He shouted dropping his mask and drawing the .38 he had in his holster. “What the freakin’ hell are you doing here?” Asked a very surprised Big Game...

Priest had accepted the vast differences between him and Big Game and even expected some harsh criticism but insults were something else. Still his hard skin allowed him to shrug off the disrespectful comments and focus on matters at hand.

"I was sorry to hear about the killing of Super Sized Sally and saddened at the news of Father Harrigan's demise" he began, catching the beer bottle and transmogrifying its contents to water with a gentle shake. "As we speak there is a second Circle of Thorns invasion on us Nighthunters occurring in Steel Canyon, much like the one on Moth Cathedral a couple months ago. It has Bathory written all over it. But maybe what occurs in Paragon City doesn't concern you unless its profitable. I'm not one to judge so I won't say you're a selfish, no-good, gunslinger ridding on his last pot of luck, but there has been a string of murders of late... and most of the female victims all have you in common Big Game. It's sad news and as much as I hate to say it, I think your friends and associates have become targets, much as mine were, when stolen by Bathory's demon. I've now given you some very valuable Intel quite freely. My spies here on the Isles led me to this place and I phased in unharmed. My resources are vast as well, if we share, we can do a lot more to win this war on hunters. What's it going to take?"

Big Game had fully expected Pious Hunter to try guilt him into helping out, but he wasn't prepared for the news that even women he'd known were now being targeted. He paced around the small cabin remembering various faces.

Aww Freakin' heck! This ain't fair. Most of them girls probably suffered enough just being involved in with me in the first place. Even I can't just let them be picked off one by one... Can I?"

An obviously uncomfortable Big Game looked back at Pious Hunter. "Fine! I'l hear you out, but don't get any ideas about saving my soul or trying to talk me into sorting my life out."

"We will ultimately have to approach Bathory herself won't we? I suggest a peace treaty. I try to avoid using violence so we'll have to find weaknesses in Bathory's court and then exploit it, bypass her guards with minimal effort and little fighting, just to show her that hunters, human or otherwise are certainly not weak and not to be used as bounties. With her defenceless and humiliated, I think she'll back off us. That's my plan. In the meantime, while our friends are doing all that research, we should be doing two things; your killer and my Circle of Thorns problem."

"I suggest we track all your female associates, past and present, their families and their friends" said Pious, evidently doing calculations in his mind. "We observe them and wait for the killer to make his move. Once spotted, we ambush him and slap on the cuffs. Nighthunters number into the fifties and some of us are even Etoile Isles citizens, they'll be more than willing to commit to helping you save your ex-girlfriends. My problem is a little less complicated, we just need a counter-army to battle the Circle of Thorns. Could use the help of your Hyenas... and your contacts within the Corporation."

Seems like Pious Hunter ain't as well informed as he'd like to think. He obviously doesn't realise me an' the kid the only Hyenas left, he ain't gonna get much help there. As for the Corp, I'm guessing he's going by my past association with them. There's no reason to think he knows about Aquis and my deal, Hell! Maybe he doesn't even know the Corp are publically 'sposed to be with Bathory on this one?

"Whoah! settle down there, there's some mighty big holes in what you got in mind." Big Game walked across the cabin and lean't against a cupboard.

"First off Bathory ain't gonna respond to standard diplomacy. You want to get her attention you got to do it in such away that she can't ignore you. By all means do the smart thing and get people inside her castle, but you gotta back that up with a real hard spanking. Personally I say we get people on the inside by having someone she trusts deliver something she wants. Once they're inside we follow up by having somebody kick her door in. That way you're not only making a surgical strike with your insiders, but your noisey approach sends a very powerful message too. If all goes to plan we can force her to withdraw her bounty while at the same time cripple her influence in the Isles. Best of all leaving her in power lessens the chance of some other upstart setting up shop, and getting delusions of grandeur."

Big Game downed the rest of his bottle , and wiped his mouth with a dirty sleeve before speaking again.

"Next up my old girlfriends... Staking 'em out ain't gonna work. We got numbers working against us." He said with a smile obviously proud of his accomplishments. "Best bet is to concentrate on a few likely targets. Girls I seen recently, or somebody who'd draw a lot of attention. I got a couple of names in mind so we'd better concentrate on them. as for cuffing the killer..." Big Game gave a sinister look "We'll see."

"As for your Circle problem I ain't sure what we can do there. The Hyenas have been wittled down to just me an' my apprentice. Everyone else is either dead, or long retired. And if the retirees ain't surfaced already during all this mess they're unlikely to later."

"You also mentioned the Corp. Well there's two problems there... One the Corp ain't just gonna help repel the Circle without good reason. They're out for profit. Somehow it's gotta be worth their time." Big Game pondered for a moment if he should reveal what he knew about the Corporation but instead decided to continue keeping their position secret for the moment. "Second, and what must be news to you, the Corp has decided the bounties are a lucretive business opportunity. They're selling info, and taking contracts. I don't think we can count of much help from them."

Big Game studied the Reverand's face for a reaction.

"So what d'ya reckon now?"

Pious sighs. "Seems my plans were overly optimistic, huh?" he asked, mentally kicking himself for failing once again from naivety. "My friends and I will deal with the Thorns alone then. Longbow will ultimately regain Steel Canyon, unlike Arachnos, us Americans can always rely on our Government to protect its citizens."

Pious downs his bottle of beer-turned-water. "We'll circle back to the Taking of Castle Bathory."

"Let's focus on your problem for now. Which of your old friends are most at risk and where are they currently? Most of the killings documented in police reports have occurred in Paragon City. If there are any of your associates or their families living out there, then I think we should set up observation perimeters as soon as possible. We can't just stand here and chat while innocents die because you've been a lustful and extravagant social animal now a target of war, on a bounty."

--In the streets of Cap au Diable--

Darien walked slowly through the streets of the city. People avoided bumping into him where they could; they feared him for who he was, what he was. This was of little concern to him. His gaze pointed towards the ground, he let his feet take him on his way home.

Home. Always the same home. The thought plagued Darien until he found a secluded spot in an alleyway. He double-checked to make sure that he was not being observed, then pressed a cold gauntlet against the stone wall. A redwood door emerged from the wall, purple tendrils of wispy energy flickering off it until it formed fully. Checking again, Darien opened the door and stepped through. Slowly, the door melts back into the wall, leaving no trace of it's existance.

--Darien's 'Home'--

Home. The same home, everytime. Darien took in his very familiar surroundings. The same wooden floor. Same stone walls. Same furniture. Same everything. For a moment, he resented it, but quelled the thought. This was *his* realm. His. He had carved a space out in a dimension and claimed it for himself. His. He exhaled deeply, out of reflex more than anything else. He walked to his very familiar chair, placed in front of a unseeming fireplace, where a fire was gently crackling. Though his chair was very familiar, it had lost non of its comfort since it was first created. He eased himself into the chair and relaxed. On either side of him were small tables, on one a bottle of wine. He hadn't looked at the label, but it was probably very old. He took the bottle and nearby glass and poured himself a moderate amount. He sipped the wine, and for a moment, he was relaxed.

Until, another familiar thing appeared. A funnel of pitch-black energy spirraled up from the floor, just in the corner of his vision. Slowly, Darien looked in it's direction. By that time, the funnel had become a roughly humanoid figure, with demonic features; horns, wings, claws, but with no colour, simply pitch black.

Darien sighed "Zhacol, you had to pick the best time to spoil my .. relaxing time."
Zhacol snorted "Because you've had a hard day? Doing what? Condeming yet more mindless thugs to an eternity of torture? Please .."

Darien stared vacantly into the fire, taking a large sip of his wine. He savoured the taste before he spoke again "I have a lot on my mind Zhacol. If you have nothing useful to say, then please, shut up."

Zhacol's only discernable feature that where his eyes; two bright white orbs set into a pitch black skull, gave a look of questioning. Slowly, a grin appeared on Zhacol's face. Instead of teeth, or tounge there was simply a bright white pit "Thinking? What's got you riled this time Darien? Mages trying to banish you again?"

Darien rubbed his skull-face with his availible hand and set his drink down and stood up "I'd love to argue with you Zhacol, but i must rest. You should do the same." Before the demon could respond, Darien pushed his way past Zhacol and headed up a wooden spiral staircase to his room, which, like the rest of the buildling, was scarcely decorated. Zhacol slowly shook his head and slunk back into the shadows ...

Steel Canyon, Paragon City

Blade landed close to one of the Circle's onward moving battle lines.Drawing his sword he stepped into an alley. Three succubi stood there, dancing around a group of men and women, seducing them with their beautiful bodies. Blade moved closer, one of the succubi noticing him and dancing towards him, focussing her attentions on his mind, trying to break in. Reaching out as if to touch her, Blade moved close to her, and without warning thrust his dark sword into her chest, pushing it out the other end. The other two succubi screamed at the loss of their sister as she burst into flames. the civilians ran as the two succubi moved into a battle position. Blade's armour changed to that of his dark suit, and he prepared himself for battle.

Over the comm system, Blade spoke quickly "The circle have formed a ring around the centre of Steel Canyon. There moving around the centre of the ring, raiding buildings, there looking for something, probably theNighthunter base. We have to bring their portals down and halt the advance of their lines. What forces do we have?"

++++

As longbow and PPD evacuated the civilians, moreand more heroesand Legacy chain arrived at Steel. Still it wasnt enough. Two arrial assults on the southern portals had left two heroes down, a third trapped in ice, a fourth covered in burns and a large number of longbow crippled. the Legacy was doing their best to hold the lines but where being forced back. The only hope was fast becoming obvious. Destroy the Portals, Defeat the Circle.

Big Game's indifference on the fate of the Nighthunters didn't come as a shock to the priest but it still hurt. So far it seemed he alone was doing the sharing; both in Intel and offering protection. Still, it was only to be expected. "If you call Hero Corp, they'll direct you to me" said Pious, collecting the list of names. "We will beat the Circle, we always do. In the meantime, you worry about saving your fornicators. We shall have to meet again at some point next month and discuss tactics on a joint strike on Bathory. If this uneasy alliance achieves anything at all, it should at least be the falling of Bathory. I'll... let myself out."

Storm spoke through his amulet again answering Blades questions while fast walking down a street path.

"Well theres me....and, im here...then theres me, and i think im here...me again and possibly bob....who is me. Havent seen anyone else around so..."

Pausing briefly he delivered a swift kick to the face of a CoT spellcaster who ran out of one of the alleyways, immediately turning to attack him, the caster went down fast, hitting the ground hard rendering him unconcious.
Storm looked at him for a brief second before continuing onwards, once again speaking through his amulet"

"So unless you have anyone to call i guess we either wait for the other heroes to come or take this whole thing head on alone, personally i'd enjoy the challenge but..."

His train of thought was once again lost as he came to an immediate halt, down the street staring at him, growling, hissing and snarling were 3 Behemoth lords and a Succubus.
Storm glared at them for a moment before finishing his sentence over his Nighthunter amulet.

"...It might just be too big for us."

--Darien's 'home'--

"Darien? Darien? Oh for deities sake Darien, you have to rise sometime!"

The voice came from the end of Darien's bed. Slowly he sat up, still dressed in his black clothing. The pitch black figure of Zhacol stood at the end of his bed, arms crossed with a colourless eyebrow raised.

"Unless you intend to solve your problems by sleeping, i suggest you get up." Zhacol said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Do not tell me what to do, worm." Darien hissed back, his voice sounding dry and raspy as he slowly got out of bed. Darien glared at Zhacol, who didn't budge from his spot. Zhacol spoke first.

"So, *Lord* Darien, what is your plan?"
Darien shook his head. "Plan, plan for what?"
Zhacol sighed in annoyance "Don't try to hide things from me Darien, you know i'm good at finding out .. secrets." Zhacol smirked slightly whilst stroking his chin.

"You mean the Court? Honestly, i'm not sure if they're worth my time ..." Darien stood up and streched "They are harboured with too many problems that they struggle to address and contain." Zhacol scowled.

"And that's it? You'll turn your back on one of the most rightly feared group because they have failings?" Zhacol stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at Darien. It was the first time in over a millenia that Darien had seen Zhacol somewhat angry. Darien's purple orb eyes glowed fiercley in the pits of his skull "Why do you care so much Zhacol?"

Zhacol let out a single, harsh laugh "Because, Darien. Look at you! You're master of your own realm, yes, but the enemies you have slain as of late ... thugs? You're above them Darien, you can do so much more!" Darien crossed the distance in blinding speed that Zhacol recoiled and took a step back. To Zhacol's amazement, Darien hadn't struck him, but his fist was raised to smite him. Slowly, Darien lowered his fist and nodded "Perhaps you speak the truth, Zhacol. Though, why would i need the Court to slay more powerful foes?"

Zhacol shook his head "Because, even one like you may need back-up, and these are powerful foes Darien. If you had done your research, you would know." Darien turned his back and Zhacol and thought and contemplated Zhacol's words "Perhaps, perhaps."

Zhacol took a step forward very carefully; he was well aware that Darien could destroy him at any moment "If i were you, Lord Darien, i would .. assist, with their problems. You may find something worth while out of it." Even though Zhacol couldn't see what Darien was doing, he knew that his words were persuading Darien; Zhacol always knew what to say.

Suddenly, Darien span around and stared directly into Zhacol's eyes. Zhacol flinched mildly and avoided his gaze slightly as Darien spoke "Why would you be so eager for me to take their problems on board, Zhacol?" Zhacol attempted to look at Darien, but found himself physically incapable of doing so, he whimpered back

"I .. just don't think you're fulfilling you're potentional, becoming ... somewhat of a .. pushov-" Before he could finish, Darien's cold, gauntleted hand backhanded Zhacol across the face, Zhacol yelped and fell to the floor.

But Darien knew he was right, he hadn't flourished in recent years. He had been making do with foes that were no challenge to him. Now, he thought, was his time to show the world what he was capable of. Without further words, Darien left his house, appearing in a alleyway in St. Martial ....

Zhacol held his cheek, a cold blue imprinte of a hand imprinted there; not the first, not the last. But he grinned, grinned like he hadn't done in recent times. "Finally" he whispered "Some action ...."

Blade smirked as the shockwave from the centre of the Pentagon washed over them. He didnt look round, he just stood still, a small laugh building in his chest. "good to see you back at it hun, now, lets kick some Circle" he said calmly before yelling at the top of his voice and charging at the remaining Succubi. Their surprised expressions turning to one of horror as he cut their heads from their bodies in one swing, casting them in fire as they fell back into hell. "sounds like someone needs aid at the centre portal, lets move out" and Blade took flight quickly. Over the comms, Blade spoke quickly "Storm, they must be hear for us, Open Season, get to the Worn Cover quickly, they cant get the magic stored there".

++++

Back at the centre portal, the Circle forces had already recovered and had begun attacking the two heroes on top of the building. Fire and Ice demons sent their balls of element at the heroes while the building rubbled and creakepd, Mages and thorn casters running to the roof to support their allies. The Portal itself reemmerged behind the heroes, a gigantic demon lord appearing through it and reaching for the heroes with tentecles of dark energy coming from its chest.

A little way away, Tezkarial crushed the head of an unnamed hero, tossing the limb body into a building as he looked back to the Portal. He smirked, it was already too late, the spell had been woven, now only magic had the chance to destroy the portals. He looked towards the Worn Cover, the bookshop less than a mile away from his current position as the crow flies. He crashed through the buildings, heading towards the bookshop, sencing the magic hidden under the shop, his followers close on his heels.