Open Season (Open RP)

In mid-air alot of Alex's strength was made useless. Blade took full advantage of it, throwing Alex around towards Jack Wolfe in a powerful swing. Alex went backwards, unable to correct his path.
Blade then began to fly at all speed towards the robots, reaching them and cutting them down as quickly as he could, using both his sword and his knifes, doing his best to stop the robots from destroying the tower.

Hunter's Mansion, South Arizonia, Planet Arizon. Late Afternoon.

The children were now fast asleep and Rachel finally had time for television. She turned on her highly technical cross-dimensional broadcaster and fixed it onto the telly. She grabbed the remote control and relaxed into the living room sofa, turning on the tube and tuning to the Paragon City News channel.

"...going back now to Amanda Richter, live at Moth Cathedral" the male newscaster read. Rachel looked on with horror as the camera switched over to what looked like an overly epic battle outside her husband's church. The worrisome housewife would have simply fainted were she not sitting.

“Thank you Richard" said the female journalist, present at the scene of the fight. "According to the accumulated police reports now being shared with Law Enforcement all over, this whole thing begun with the vampiric witch Countess Bathory and her demonic ilk; the infamous Rogue Isles overlord called a bounty on hunters and declared Open Season which lead to an outbreak of assassination attempts, including one on Big Game, Witch Hunt and a Dultan Mace. It has now been revealed that a mercenary werewolf known as War Dog has been executed for carrying out the Killings at the Wayward Wench, which involved the meaningless deaths of the Hyena's contracts negotiator Super Sized Sally and a dozen other hunters. But even the death of amateur hunter Shrieking Violent in Sharkhead Isle's shady Monkey Fight Club at the hands of Countess Leeches has done little to prompt an Arachnos government investigation. So far all we’re getting from across the ocean are whispers that the Corporation are assessing the situation and are likely to step in. We are unsure what their motives may be.

“As always, tech companies all over are taking advantage of the war. Mad scientist and controversial entrepreneur Doctor Edward Mechano has deployed security for the bounty-listed monster hunter Big Game, a very close friend. Arms businesses like The Store are already promoting weapons and defence systems to profit from the conflict, just moments before opportunist villains like the Circle of Thorns staged a Descent on Moth Cathedral where the Nighthunter's illuminated leader Reverend Pious Hunter is known to work. It has sparked a battle that has only spiralled out of control. With independent hunters warring with the Court of the Blood Countess who are simultaneously warring with the Nighthunters, it seems the only resolve is a Longbow/FBSA intervention.

“Holyman Gabriel Sinclare is one of the few who has fallen victim to the horde of possessed scientists marching through Dark Astoria. Lilith Lamashtu is currently being engaged by ninja warrior Sabrina San. Alicia Pistol Barzini who sprung the trap that called the villains over from the Rogue Isles, using a cleverly hatched plot involving a damsel-in-distress tactic, an internet video and the luring and killing of mega-billionaire Memphis Alexander who as it turns out was a demonic sorcerer, is now fighting with werewolf Jack Wolfe who we know now has killed a hunter just earlier today. Alex Balfear who has also killed a hunter is battling his cousin Blade Balfear as he makes a valiant effort to protect the church’s bell tower from missiles launched by Countess Leeches's robot minions.

"As an unidentifiable assailant confronts the magic-wielding Countess Bathory, we see Blazing Angel looking down from the Cathedral mast, within sight of Morilanthi the wood elf locking swords with his evil twin brother Joarathil. Sword Runner and army commander Rack Up have defeated each other in a double knockout, damaging Doctor Elektra Carmine's war machine in the process. The giant monster of a mecha was held at a standoff with ex-military Altair Steven's own US Air Force battle tank, supported by ghostly reincarnation Sgt. Brian Faber aka Camouflage and Mystic Ghost who is avenging her brother, the unconscious holyman Gabriel Sinclare. Only a moment ago, the full might of Pious Hunter descended on Countess Leeches and her armoured soldiers who were eventually taking down. During the duel Countess Leeches was tricked by the Priest and sent away through what looked like a controlled wormhole linked to Pocket D. Michael Grayson and the Priest have since joined forces with the approaching government army. More reports to follow from right here at Moth Cathedral, as the story unfolds. This is Amanda Richter from PCN News.”

Alex was knocked unconcious by the blow to Jack, and Blood once more came to the fore. Angered by Jack's nme caling, Blood's rage rose up and he swiped a claw at Jack before flying off after Blade again, smashing through the roof of the tower and heading for his cousin. "no idiot, will show...will kill" he calls out in a shriek of rage at his humiliation. Charging at Blade and punching into him with full force, Blade's armour cracking with the force and the pair crashing into the cathedral.

"Hey Handsome! Wasn't there someone fighting on that robot thing? Where did he go?" She asked Camouflage as the rage she felt earlier began to fade.

She turned around scanning for Micheal. "I could have sworn..." Noting that her Longbow spirits were fading then. The freshly summoned spirits couldn't last long in the physical world unlike Camouflage and Mystic herself who were restless they crossed back over to aid.

"I need to call more backup!" Drawing on her power a new set of Summoned fighters appeared. Then she also summoned another terror to scare the heck out of their foes.

"Speaking about thinking... Do we know where we are going? All I see are Fog and people that need hitting."

The robots on the roof focused so much on destroying the tower that the approaching hero had been deemed low priority. That coupled with the internal self destruct explosives cemented the robots doom, the hero cut though thir armour setting off internal explosions that in turn destroyed the robots.

In her base Leeches punched her fist though the monitor she was watching the battle though and swore savagely. The news report had also not pleased her, she hated the media, however it could be a usefull tool perhaps, she would work on that idea later. She was going to have to improve her robots armour and shield her elite soldiers from magic, even from failure something useful could be gained.

Leeches overseer came in, "You want me to send in the werewolves then, as the robots failed?

"They damaged the target, and where is your respect hummm?

Hebowed slightly, "Sorry mistress, I just hate baby sitting".

"Understood, once we activate those beacons it may lure some hunters to us, it really does seem that battle is over though. Tell our other allies who are still nuetral in all this to do a fly over, I want a situation report".

"Right and what of this Pious fool? want me to smash him?

"No, fate will lead him to his end, he is fighting for what he believes in, as am I, hatred of him would only give him strength."

"What about those companies in that report?

"Yes Dr Mechano getting involved in hunter protection was unexpected, the other company was no real surprise, the murmurings of them have been around quite some time. Plus you cant really blame anyone for trying to profit off war can you? Leave them alone, unless they get directly involved".

"OK mistress, i'll go send the signal to our allies".

KINGS ROw

Dultan Mace saw the news report also as he walked passed a shop in Kings Row, he had just returned to Paragon after one of his leads had turned up dead in Port Oakes. So this Leeches was the one who was after him, he would have to deal with her. Perhaps these nighthunters would need another soldier?

On the TV now was the symbol of the Etole Island News Corporation and an arachnos official was giving a statement and he said, "Due to Paragon media accusing the protection of Arachnos being ineffectibe we have a response prepared. If the hunters had not started attacking some of our citizens this situation would not have occured, plus unlike Paragon we do not lock our citizens behind war walls. There is freedom here something Paragon seems to have little concept over, the situation is being investigated, however it is a low priority as we know where the real blame lies, that is all".

With that the Tv went back to the normal news and pretty much started to shoot down the Arachnos speech. Dultan laughed and walked down a street, yep politics was a hell of a thing, even a war came down to political sniping.

BACK AT MOTH CATHEDRAL

Over the battlefield suddenly was a high pitched whine sound as three figures in red 'exproto' style armour and featureless motorbike rider like helmets arrived on hoverboards, they flew over the battlefield and the centre one said,"Combat units transmit images to unit Leeches, no units to enter combat unless attacked".

"Understood lead unit, recording and transmitting now".

As the Mech went into repair mode, a lone figure dropped onto the field of battle. He had no weapon, and made no move to engage either side, instead searching the rubble under the mech. He made no noise as he sifted through the rubble, searching quickly as six zombies dropped down beside around him, taking up gaurd positions. The man rose up, picking up Micheal in his arms, his face becoming visible in the lights, a polished white skull under a hood, robed in black and white arcane symbols, he carried Micheal away and jumped up onto a building far away from the battle, and began moving towards Talos Island and the hospital.

Dr Carmine Smiled as she studied the glowing screen. Being a villain has great advantages in situations such as this and she was about to use one of those to great effect. A deft touch upon the controls signalled her dastardly plan to her spider drones and far away, on the battlefield, her order was heard and understood.

***

One of the larger drones, paused from its task of welding new plates onto the armoured body of Dr Carmine's war machine. It scampered up to the shoulder that once housed the cannon and it took a secure perch with its magnetic feet, looking upwards for its new target. Sure enough, there was the news helicopter, trying to get close to the action, so that pictures of the incident could be broadcast to the TV sets of eager viewers.

The Spider drone made a gutteral belching sound and spewed out a long tine of sticky fluid, which caught onto the pontoon of the helicopter as it made a pass over the incident scene. Like a lassoed steer, the helicopter pulled this way and that, its engine whining as it tried to free itself from what was now a hardening winding cable. The drone held tight and started to reel its prey in, now assisted by other drones that also fired out their own sticky ropes.

In but a matter of moments, the blades ceased to spin and the helicopter was dragged down onto the back plate of the battle strider. It had been cocooned, though the terrified news crew and pilots could be seen from an exposed window. The spider drones dragged the vehicle to the armoured front of the walker, securing it in place with yet more webs. Now anyone daring to fire upon the war machine would have to deal with this human shield of helpless victims. With that, the drones went back to their repair tasks and Dr Carmine, many miles away, sat back in her chair, seeming pleased.

Leeches watched what the allies were sending her, it seemed the war mach was soon to become active again. The hero who attacked it was being carried away by what seemed to be the grim reaper, she shook her head at that notion, all skeletons looked the same anyway more or less. Despite common belief skeletons could walk again if a magic user was about, or you had magic tech like she did.

The beacons would prove useful, she had planned to send a transmission out long ago, back when Mechano used to do it. However that had never came to pass, she had though sent her enforcer to plant three in Paragon city, and two in the Isles. Though it was originally only intended to be used to shield her tranmission if she had ever made it, she now had a better idea. She would transmit a message from a place that would look like it was coming from the courts base, the beacons however would transmit false locations. This would not trick all the hunters but one or two would fall for it probably, the beacons were set in Mercy, Skyway City, Sharkhead island, Steel Canyon and Talos Island. It would be a interesting situation either way.

AT MOTH CATHEDRAL

The three figures on the hoverbards moved lower under the fog to see better, they hovered over the hero reinforcements and seemed to scan them. Then they moved on to seemingly scan the Cathedral its self, they avoided any strey gunfire though they were starting to activate their weaponry in case they were hit. They contiued transmitting though, they were being paid in human cargo for this spy mission and they were not going to jepodise that.

On the mecha, drone after drone began to fall away in pieces, as though cut a part by some unseen assailant. It was moving quickly up towards the trapped Helicopter.

Somewhere above the battle field, a great winged figure hovered, looking for anyway to turn the tide of this war. The villian dove suddenly, heading for the drones on hover boards.

++++

Inside the Cathedral, Blade and Blood squared up to each other again, the two colliding with a deafening thud. Blood brought his fist down hard on Blade's helmet, and Blade responded by bringing his sword acroos Blood's belly. Picking Blade up by the legs and neck, Blood throw him towards the doors of the cathedral, but not before Blade struck him in the back with an exploding shuriken, sending him flying in the same direction. Blade struck the doors which buckled but did not break open, and Blood collided with him, crackng the front of Blade's armour as he stopped Blood from reaching the outside again.

A hail of gun fire assulted Leon, a man in a red and black coat, with red, rounded glasses and a red long brimmed hat firing directly at the vampire, highly accurate shots from two pistols, one black and one white.

In an accent with a mixture of italian, french and russian, the man said "come come now, attacking a beautiful lady and making such brash comments. How can any gentleman allow that to go unanswered, half-breed?". Spinning the man disappeared and reappeared behind Leon, firing once more "how do you like the taste of my silver lines iron bullets, blessed in holy water and covered in the writing of the damned?". The figure grinned, fangs glinting in the light.

Joarathil jumped away from his brother and cursed in a unknown language.

"We are leaving? Cowardly vampires.. We have practically the victory within our grasps, and now we are leaving.."

He then grinned towards Morilanthi.

"Dont die.. until we meet again.. brother."

Without another word he ran away and dissapeared in the thick mist.

The cathedral doors burst open as Blood burst through them, cuts all over his body from Blade's sword. Transforming into the winged creature he had been before, he flew after his mistress, headed towards the rogue isles.

Blade can flying quickly after him, chasing him to the edge of the battle field. He turned to servey what was left of the battle, having left both the bell tower and the Cathedral's interior in a bad way.

++++

Back up on the tower, Lucard Vas Normak the vampire circled Leon, guns at the ready. At the countess's command he began to move away, heading back towards the edge of the tower. "ah i fear i must take my leave brotheren, till next we meet on the battle field" and with that, he stepped off the tower and was smothered in darkness, disappearing once more.

++++

the figure that had so easily climbed the mech cut the Helicoptor passengers free and was taking them, one by one to the ground, hurrying to get them all away before the machine retreated like its cowardly mistress.

His own master battled the cyborgs on hoverboards, flying in circles to avoid their weapons but making strikes at them every few minutes.

Out of nowhere, Lucard sends Leon a mental message "do not mistake me for one of these court disciples, nor a half breed, I am Lucard Vas Normak, servant of the Vampiric Empire, Born a vampire, an Assassin and warrior. Do not call me inbred, im older than you or little miss Liz, so watch your tongue young half breed, or i will rip it from your skull next we meet"

At this point, almost in confirmation of the words, the robot began its march onwards once again, no longer hindered by battle damage to its mighty legs. Unlike the weak, "living", members of the court, it had nothing to lose by advancing and would know no fear, even to the point of its eventual destruction. This was why the most sinister of masterminds controlled robotic minions, for they were unwavering in their loyalty and steafast in their commitment to the villainous cause.

As the Court appeared to be in retreat, there was nothing to lose by going all out. The robot surged forward at double speed, unleashing deadly arcs of energy from its remaining arm cannon. At the same time, hidden launchers flung cannisters of deadly, poisonous gas in all directions. Finally, as the defensive shield powered down, the armoured plates of the beast began to crackle with energy, as the hull was electrified, to deterr further assault by personnel threats.

The three hovering cyborgs seemed to focus on dodging the incoming attacks more than attackiong back, and two of them said, "Combat units to lead unit, we are being attacked, do we retaliate?

"Lead unit to combat units, negative, this fight is unimportant, transmission no longer requested, we will now signal our willingness to enter join negotiations with the court, hero units would not agree to giving us human cargo, Court units would, we have what we need to know, fall back to unit base zero zero one".

"Orders recived, units retreating, targets marked for future alteration or termination, withdrawl commencing".

With that the three cyborgs lifted higher and their hoverboards powered up loudly as they sped away as fast as possible, though there was some reluctance in their movements, almsot like they wanted to fightback. However the elad unit had commanded they had no choice but to leave.

Leeches watches all this, so she was right to fall back when she did, excellent, she quietly ate some cockroaches and said, "All units, stand down, the battle is over, prepare for the next time".

Meanwhile at the St.Rita of Cascia Roman Catholic Church. St.Martial...

Big Game stood over looking the headless corpse of Father Jack Harrigan who'd been pulled through the mesh screen of a confessional booth where he'd been brutally murdered.

"Aww man! I never thought you'd go out like this. Bullet in the back whilst I was cleaning my rifle or something, but never like this."

*Cough!* "Had I of got to him first he'd of suffered far worse."

Big Game turned behind him and swiftly kicked the bound Vampire squirming on the floor straight in the ribs. As 'Game's boot connected the vampire brought his knees up into his suited chest.

"Gimme a break. You call yourself Tally right? Sounds like the name of a bean counter. Considering the way you fight and the fruity suit of yours I can quite easily believe it too. You really made a miscalculation deciding to get involved with all this."

The Vampire coughed again and pushed himself up from the floor dropping his spectacles off his nose in the process.

"You might of got the best of me Big Game, but you, much like your friend there, will soon be held to account."

"Do the math you freakin' sorry excuse for a leech. You're the one hogtied and squirming on the floor like a puppy with worms. You going going to be holding to account for nothing."

Tally watched as Big Game paced about him.

"So what are you going to do with me?"

Gig Game looked down at the Vampire and stroked his chin.

"Hmmm. The way I see it you're having a bit of a bad night."

Tally looked up confused.

"Sooo you're bored with counting coins for your Leech overlord and figure you'd take a crack at one of them bounties Big B*tch Bathory posted. Think to yourself I'll whack that Priest who works with the Hyenas... Shouldn't be too hard right? Of course once you turn up and actually grow a pair so you can force yourself inside you find somebody already beat you to him. Ah well better luck next time, but no 'cause you run straight into me. Smarter Vamp would of run but no you see a big fat paycheck in front of you. You go for the gold but instead I hand you your sorry butt. Like I said you're having a bad night."

Tally was even more confused.

"So you're letting me go?..."

Big Game laughed. "Who said the undead had no sense of humour... Nah I'm not letting you go. I dunno. Maybe it's being here in God's house or just wanting to do something to honour the memory of the good father over there."

Tally looked worried.

"I'm gonna save your soul."

"What?!" Asked a totally bewildered Tally.

"Save your soul..."

Big Game hauled the Vampire up from the floor.

"Let's start with a baptism."

Big Game started to drag Tally. Panic set in as the terrified Vampire realised they were heading to the church font.

"No. Wait! Not that please. No... NO... NOOOOOOO!!!!"

Big Game hauled Tally up over the font.

"Prepare to receive my blessing SUCKER!..."

A short distance from St. Rita's...

A small group of the Wailer Demons that infest St. Martial silenced their own cacophony as a horrific scream cut through St. Martial. Taking a moment to study the pitch they then joined in with Tally's unholy chorus...

The Hyenas Lodge, The Flea Pit, St. Martial...

Shop was busy at work. In front of him, half disassembled, was the battered old Disruptor Bot Big Game affectionately referred to as Charlotte. On Shop's back was his salvaged Crab-Spider pack sporting not it's usual armament, but rather a selection of welders and power tools to assist him in his tinkering.

I know Da... 'Game said with Sal's murder at the Wayward Wench, Father Harrigan's at the Church, and them two blue amazons still waiting for him at the Jelly Fish Dream* our usual haunts wouldn't be safe but I really don't want to go to ground without a little extra firepower. It shouldn't take to long to get Charlotte up and running aga...

Shop's train of thought was stopped dead as the light went out. Without a sound he felt around the worktable desperately looking for his goggles...

((*Big Game was unaware Mechano had sent him bodyguards and mistook them for potential enemies.))

Kings Row, Paragon City...

"Whoa! Did you see that? That Freak just lopped of the Knightwatchman's head."

"When an eight foot tall Freakshow Tank Swiper decapitates a sword slinging skull masked Cape barely thirty foot in front of you, YOU TEND TO NOTICE!"

"So what we gonna do boss? I mean I know the Knightwatchman caused us grief from time to time but this is Skull turf. Are we gonna take out the Freakshow?"

The gigantic Tank Swiper impaled the Knightwatchman's still masked head on the end of one of his scythe-like blades, and stomped his way towards the group of Skulls. As he barged his way through them they noticed his unnatural (even for a Freak) pale skin, and blood red eyes. Then with a fearsome snarl he bared his steel plated fangs. The Skulls all cowered and let him past unmolested.

As the vampiric Freak |Steel Tooth stomped off one of the Skull's finally felt brave enough to break the silence...

"Let's just pretend we didn't see him."