Av'vinus Moritūrum's Story

[color=black]"And so it be, my children, that forevermore we shall lament at his actions. He, the morning star, shall revel in his mockery of us. But he, the fallen, will regret his decision in due time. This will not be the last he see's of us. And the treacherous swine that brought this on will receive justice. I shall make good on my promise...N'valos will succumb to my will. Go now. Conceal yourselves amongst the mortals. We now bide our time."

It was but a pinprick in time. A moment forever remembered. Av'vinus defeat at the hands of Lucifer. Cast out of their home, it now became an infernal prison. A damned realm, holding all the insufferable likes of mans most devious sinners. A grand fortress converted, and yet still...its magnificence would forever show. A grandeur built by the hands of The She'olvaticus.

Time had ushered in new times, century after century, and The She'olvaticus had continued their lives much unhindered by the mortal realm, and its changes. Moving from existence to existence, Av'vinus Moriturum, himself, found pleasures incomparable in what he dubbed, the Sanctus Universum. The Holy Universe. Truth be told, there was nothing holy about it. Not in the least. But, in his eyes, there was a great power that lay behind it. An interconnection to everything. How this mystery came about, not even he could fathom. Beyond his comprehension, he could only attest it to a higher power. A quintessential power. And in his definition, such a power could only be of a holy nature. An omnipotence so great, it would rot the mind if ever attempted to be understood.

He found himself within Wing City, as they called it. A bastion for any, and all, creatures. Filth, and innocence. A startling crossroads, where divinities, and mortals, alike, stood with one another.

"A simple petal, amongst the garden of Eden. You are very representative of this. Merely one, amongst an infinite gathering." He spoke aloud, fingering a delicate petal within his fingertips

As he adjusted his hand, studying it beyond the depths of what normal man would, he then let it drop. Simply drop. Without a second glance, he paced away, moving on as he'd done so many times before. A symbolic gesture. Something he put forth in to much of his actions.

A single petal amongst an infinite gathering. One, head of an entire family, and species. One, being in a world of infinite possibilities. The list could go on forever.

"As to how such beauty can be so callously overlooked is truly astounding. Pandemonium, though beautiful, lacked such vivid stimulation. And from Pandemonium came Hell. All that remains is but charred remnants of a unique world. Lucifer. I will ascertain what it will take to remove you. I will reclaim what is ours. The Divinus, though powerful, has been selfish." He mused, only to garner the faint utterance of a foreign voice upon his ears.

Silent, he comes to a halt, only to languidly turn about. The elegance of his motions were quite apparent, and he appeared far out of place. A wardrobe that spoke of near aristocratic origin, though far from the sort in many ways. Perhaps, though, his most unique feature was his strange hair. A brilliant white from the roots delving into a most pitched obsidian shade at its tips.

"Yes? Would you happen to be speaking to me?" He so softly inquired. His eyes fixated leisurely upon her held a magnificence, and a strange kindness. Not pure, nor tainted. Simply just.

His eyes took to the sky. Not a single cloud. As transparent as the crystal ocean itself. The myriad number of stars that shone were brilliant. But many unrecognizable. Only a few could he recognize. A few that he could pick out quite easily. And then, turning to view the moon. Not the moon he knew of. But one much similar, if not more breathtaking.

"It is truly a beautiful night. Not a whisper from the wind, but simple shy kisses of a breeze from moment to moment. A luminescence granted by the beautiful mother that oversee's this planet. The glittering children in the sky. Yes. I can see where you gain your fascination and interest." He murmured, slowly lowering his gaze to her again.

For what reason did she have to apologize. It was natural instinct to reach out to another. Mortal, or not. Be it in kindness, or malicious chaos. "There is no need to apologize. It was not pointless, but it was not imperative that I do such a thing. It can always wait." He spoke such with a great knowledge behind each word. He knew he had the rest of time to do such things.

"Ah. Fascination with what I spoke of? Be so kind as to specify. I was speaking of many a thing. Beauty. Ignorance. Carelessness. And my point of provedance. Which is it that interests you?"

"You hold a most accurate truth in your words. True, they have long since faded. And death is certainly all around us. The petals I looked upon, though living, are dying. The life of such a thing so minute. But, rather than acknowledging what I already know to be true, I look beyond it. There is no shame in enjoying such beauty." He so generously offered. He understood her perspective. He knew it to be true. But, as with what he had said, there was more to consider than simply the death of such a thing.

She was a rather curious creature. A vague sense of something lay within her. But, she was as foreign as the world he was in now. His only satisfying observation is that within this Sanctus Universum, simply anything was possible. Even beyond his understanding. It was a mystery. And he was quite honestly enthralled by it all.

"Pandemonium. My home. A metaphysical underworld beneath the planet Earth. My birth. My life. And now, my most despairing lament. It is no longer home. But Hell." He so casually said, his gaze unwavering, and his features more than serious. T'was no lie.

"It was once a beautiful place. At least to our eyes. Now it's become tainted with the filth of a sinful race. A place of punishment. An infernal mockery of what we had built it as. Torrents of fire. Agonizing screams of pain. It is not what it was. The Divinus has been selfish, and cruel."

"Mmhm. Yes. It is." He quickly reiterated, simply watching her visage for the mean time. It appeared as if she were diligently pondering on it. As if there were some how it made no sense. Searching for flaws, and mars in it somehow. And it showed when she spoke of being perplexed. Confusion. Of course, she was not from where he had come from. Her understanding would be skewed.

"Not in the least. I am a She'olvaticus. A Moriturum. A sentient species all our own. We are neither devils, nor divinities. We are between them both. Of equal scale. But not blessed with such grand talents. We do, however, have our own blessed abilities." He chose to offer her, caring not what she did with such information. He could be as well an open book to read. A most pleasing, forthcoming, being. "As to how I manifested, and how Pandemonium exists. When The Divinus forged the Earth. Pandemonium came with it. A vacant place unused. Simply an extension of Earth which was never discovered. Lingering traces of primordial energy managed to remain. And from it, I was birthed. You could say I birthed myself, rightly. A consciousness that existed within that energy. The need to exist. And from me, I spawned my children. The She'olvaticus. The Moritura." He chose to add, to further sate her curiosity.

It was when she inquired to walk with him, converse further upon the subject, that a finger rose to stroke his chin, joined by thumb. It wasn't so much heavy thought, but a curiosity all his own. Intrigued by one another, it appeared.

"You may. And very well, Esmé. I shall do so."

Solitude. It was something he very much appreciated. Wing City was a very unfavorable location, and didn't sit well with his tastes. Often, if ever present, Av'vinus was found studying that which was life around him, often searching for beauty many did not take to witnessing. This place, though drab and apparently dull, held its own majestic beauty. Something that could be appreciated along with the silence that permeated it. Only the mild sounds of the water lapping at the shore in the distance, and a small, gentle breeze, kissing at his face, offered any sound.

"And yet, still, I bide my time. My children, our time will come. Patience..." He mused aloud, his voice barely a whisper. As grand as his intellect was, he still hadn't thought of a solution as to reacquire that which was rightfully his, and his children's. Hell, previously known simply as Pandemonium, was his birthright. But the Divinus' decision to punish The Morning Star had changed everything. In his selfish act of punishment, Av'vinus and the rest of the She'olvaticus had been displaced. A war had raged, and in the end, Hell had become a fiery inferno of suffering.

His eyes, flitting only slightly to the side, cast their colorless scrutiny upon that which could only be described as a visual stimulus; something meant to catch attention. Pitched white tresses that flowed into obsidian were brushed gingerly to the side as he adjusted his lackadaisical stance, simply if not to more adequately view the anomaly.

"Ah, but I do not seek pity, Immortal, if I may assume that much..." He softly replied, his eyes holding naught but the most in apathy. He wasn't a God. Nor was he a Devil. He held no title, and no soul. A being born of a primordial stew of energies that remained in post-creation. One could consider it remnants of The Divinus' own power that had gone to waste, could one consider such an astronomical thing possible. Left to thought, one would assume that by bringing himself forth into creation, for that energy held its own inerrant sentience, he, too, could be a God. But, Av'vinus would, and will always, deny such a claim.

"I simply wait until my time is right. I am a father, and my children have no home. They wander the realms with no shelter, and no cause. We simply wish for what is ours to be returned." He explained, delicately lifting his palm. To the untrained eye, dust particles were difficult to spy, but to he, Av'vinus, it was as if he could clearly make out the thin sheet that began to collect within his palm. Lips parted for a brief moment to simply blow it away.

"What story shall befall my ears this day?"

A single finger rose to twine at his hair, thought being taken into consideration. Yet another war waged; the selfish fools always at each others throats. He couldn't grasp such a frenzied appetite for power. Wasn't existence merely enough? Of course not. With balance came the quintessential need to disrupt that balance.

How he longed to return to his home. True that it was once dark, and mundane, it was still home. And from there, their purpose was as it was. Perhaps this would be a fruitful opportunity, though he'd not waged battle since the days of their apocalyptic clash with Lucifer. His hordes were many. The She'olvaticus were powerful adversaries, but he hadn't counted on betrayal from his own flesh and blood. Perhaps that needed vengeance could be had as well.

"You speak with a smooth tongue..." His pale eyes seemingly began to swallow up all that was present that could be considered the other. He didn't need to see him to know of his very presence. It was felt all around and yet not at all. "If I am to partake in such a grand venture, surely I'll be given a choice in the matter. I have no qualms with The Divinus and his petty party. I merely seek the fall of The Morning Star. My children are more than enough to handle that portion." His words were stern, a vast amount of pride and emotion behind them.

"I do forewarn, though. I shall not take this lightly, and I do not do well with slander and deceit. Immortal or not, trust is hard to garner."

A mere curvature of his lips ushered forth the amusement that reigned on his countenance. It was all he needed to hear to know better, for now. How could he not bring into question allegiance? His own child had betrayed his trust. The Divinus had betrayed their home. Not all Gods were created equal. He was no fool.

"Hnhn. Very well..." He began, raising his arms as if for the other to desist. "All is well. I did not intend to offend. Merely...gain a further understanding." Turning his back, he made light steps toward an opening that flood the room with moonlight. "We work in tandem, as you said. The She'olvaticus shall take back what is rightfully theirs. The Morning Star shall fall. Purgatory shall be reclaimed, no longer to be known as Hell, but as Pandemonium once more. You. Well, you can do what you please with The Divinus. That is my part to play. And when all is said and done, I do not ask for petty consideration. I simply wish to be left alone, along with my children."

"That is an arrangement is certainly agreeable...and in that regard, I offer an initial strategy." Nyarlathotep said, deciding to manifest a material form now that he seemed to be past the more perilous tension that arises when two beings of great power cross paths. The moonlight would spin and weave itself into the form of a flowing white robe, that hung as if on a humanoid figure, though no body was in place to fill it.

"I believe that we should first make an attempt to align ourselves with the forces of the Divine...The Morning Star surely cannot array himself against the force of three separate outsider armies. After the domination of Hell has ceased, I will play on their own paranoia to incite another Civil war...except this time, they will have nowhere to fall but down to the mortal realm. The ensuing mayhem will be..." Nyarlathotep sucked in an astral breath. To linger on the possibilities of such devastation were intoxicating.

"...very beneficial to me. I have my sights upon one angel in particular, the seraphim who first breached the contract between the two sides...an Angel named Armagius. After our rousting of the demons from the lower realm, I will be able to side with him in trying to overcome the will of The Divine. This altercation should give you more than enough time to establish your sovereignty once again over...Pandemonium, yes? Then finally, once the light of Heaven has waned, the despair, hopelessness, and strife on the mortal realm will be all that is necessary to spur the awakening of the Old Ones, regardless of what the stars say..." Nyarlathotep said, his voice becoming progressively deeper as he continued to speak. It was unlike him to lay his cards out on the table like that, especially to someone who could potentially intercede with his plans, but it was a gesture of confidence. Besides, the methods by which he intended to meet his goals were still abstract enough for his own comfort.

Gingerly remaining in his place, a single nail rose to clear a stray strand of hair from his sight. His eyes lingered on the void robe that seemed to hover in the air, but it was evident that Av'vinus' very mind put a shape and face to that hollow space; what he saw did not appease him in terms of beauty and eloquence, despite the brilliant luminescent robe.

To align with The Divinus was something of a bitter taste in his mouth. It was he, The Divinus, who was the cause of his lamentations. It was he, The Divinus, he chose to use The She'olavaticus' home as an eternal prison of damnation. The Divinus was selfish. But, if it truly came down to it, Av'vinus would gladly oblige.

"That is a very grand machination. Though, I do wonder...do you truly believe that your will, and all that you possess, can survive the test of The Divinus' might? It is not that I do not believe it cannot be done. But, surely...The stories that exist must strike some sense of trepidation into you, if not even the most minuscule amount at even trying?" He jested before falling into a light chuckle. With a following wave of a dismissive hand, Av'vinus again turned toward the heavens. "Whatever is needed, I shall offer. You can trust I shall be of excellent assistance, as will be my children when called upon. Lucifer, himself, can attest of the might the She'olvaticus possess. Had it not been for N'valos, he would have not succeeded. Asiyah take pity on those who stand in our way."

Turning his focus back upon the robe, Av'vinus eyes retained a small portion of the moons glow. "Is that all? Or is there more?"

"Of course not. And as I had expected." He offered softly in return. The rest of this entities words were heard, understood, and taken in stride as Av'vinus began his journey out into the wilderness this vacant island held. His point had been made, and Av'vinus was willing to do as was planned. He would retake his home, and the blood of immortals and the like would be spilled. War was never something to be taken lightly.

"My children. Our time is coming. It may not be in haste, but it surely looms upon the horizon. He, The Morning Star, has had his time."

"Av'vinus. It appears these poor mortals are overwhelmed. Should we put on a display for them?" Echoed a voice within a thin void. Before their eyes, the scene unfolding on Main Street was as clear as undisturbed water.

"It is not our place to interfere in the doings of mortals, Razeal. They always seem to get themselves into perilous situations such as these. It is the doings of mortals that has brought this event to life. It should be their doings that undoes this damage." The voice was dim, and somewhat sour. A strong distaste, and yet no hint of malice could be detected. only...apathy.

"We are not God's nor Devil's. What we do is of our own accord, and freedom. You've taught me that well enough many a time. We are not bound by any restrictions on what we do. And if the mortal realm is lost, where are we to go then? This vast expanse is surely limitless, but this is where we were placed. We may not be obligated, but surely, we can do something for them. If it were our family, and we were in such a state unto which Lucifer's armies began relentlessly purging us, I do believe there would be those willing to sacrifice themselves for our well being." Sharp, yet truthful, words were quickly flung back without remorse or guilt. Piercing eyes filled the blackened veil that surrounded them and as they were met by Av'vinus' own, it was quickly realized that point had come to place and this debate would continue no further.

"Your words hold truth. I vaguely remember a conversation with an innocent mortal some time ago. She saw the beauty that existed within everything. Perhaps, for that reason alone, I will take it upon myself to believe that each individual out there holds that same light, as well. Fine. Let it be done."

And in that instance, alone, the two faced the, now, rippling scene before them before stepping forth.

Among the sea of creatures, two burning anomalies appeared. Pitched black mist began to rise in a somewhat confined clearing upon the streets only to ignite into blackened flames of cryptic origin. To those untouched by the madness that had consumed the area, it could only appear as if something even more heinous was about to come to pass. Innocents and vigilante's alike would more than likely attribute such a happening to the apocalyptic havoc abound as the flames only intensified and to skeletal structures began to amass. Coming into existence as flickering, smoldering, ash, the beings continued in their reverse metamorphosis, corpses once charred, as if cremated, were now becoming whole. Flesh and bone, blood and sinew, they finalized their existence at each others side.

A pair of brilliant white oculars surveyed the scene whilst the second set, a dim blue-grey, apathetically remained fixated on his forefront. Perhaps it were not the best of ideas to birth amongst the sea of the mechanical undead, but worry was the last thing on his mind. It was the innocents caught in the crossfire. Those that were risking their lives for these poor, unfortuitous, souls.

"Av'vinus. There are far too many of them. I had not believed such an outcome could befall this city. I've been here before, and I've seen first hand the capabilities of their forces. Something wicked must have spawned this."

"I am well aware of that fact, Razeal. For now, let us concentrate on the unfortunate."

"Very well. Sin!" A war cry echoed in the wake of his last chant. Again, ashen remnants fluttered into existence before the being, a strange silhouette of pure shade. He took to a stride without hesitation, the very same shade continuing to swaddle his very form, barely half an arm length away. At this time, a collection of the undead pests had finally set their attention on him and hastily clambered in his direction. His brows knit and a heavy frown set in as he took position. With a simple downward, diagonal, sweep of his arms, the very shade that lingered before him took the form of several, fine, strands of shade. Lashing out as if countless whips, they pierced the flesh of the creatures with ease, leaving them to fall into myriad chunks of rotting, broiling, flesh.

"Rezeal. Keep in mind there are mortals watching. Do not get too carried away, and be mindful of what you assault. There could have been innocents within that thick." Av'vinus snapped as he took the lead position. His keen eyes quickly took count of inbound flooding Zomborgs, as they'd come to be known as, and his left eye fell shut in response. His right quickly took a brilliant violet hue, a mystic glow surrounding it, before an explosive pillar of force left it, as well surrounded by that same violet luminescence. Countless numbers of the hobbling creatures were sent careening into one another whilst those in the direct path were rend into pieces. He'd very well made note of the innocents within the area and, to his satisfaction, none had been caught in the path.

Of course, the two were well aware of conflicting fire and as various explosions littered the streets, their arms raised in defense, though it wasn't entirely necessary. Their bodies were far to sturdy for such mortal attempts; their clothing the only thing being rend and tore by shrapnel and the like.

"Razeal. I suggest we mount our offense before these barricaded buildings. I surmise that these buildings are to be their fortified positions. Any breaches will result in their untimely deaths. If we can weed out the ones amongst us, they shall only have to contend with those that seem defiant toward the streets."

"Of course. If they focus upon those above and those within the buildings, they should fare well. There are far too many for us to handle ourselves, but it will be less on them. I forget they have limited offensive capabilities and only have so much of their rudimentary forgings and explosion sticks."

"I believe those are called fire arms, Razeal. And bullets." Av'vinus corrected as he glanced to the position the two would need to reach. Turning to face his rear, he noted, with heavy disdain, that they'd hardly made a single dent in the continuous flood of enhanced creatures. "We shall take this at a steady sprint."

And as he'd said, Av'vinus suddenly took a lurching step forward. Within his run, a single creature flung itself at him and he met the cretin with a powerful blow to it's torso with his palm. A mortal would have hardly done a thing, but the blow from Av'vinus easily did away with the undead creatures sternum, caving its rib cage in upon itself as it hurtled through the air a promising few feet. Light on toe, he spun on the spot to face his rear, another powerful blast of Ixomas leaving his right eye to thin the horde behind him. That motion alone allowed Razeal to leap into the air, taking the lead as Sin again came to manifest before him. His arms again descended and countless strands once again speared through the air to tear more of the Zomborgs asunder, their rotting remains littering the streets.

"I seem to have forgotten the amount of enjoyment one can get from such an act," Av'vinus suddenly mentioned as he strafed around Razeal and took to another quick sprint. "Pandemonium, join me and reap the rewards of battle; a most momentous occasion!" He called out. Ashen remnants quickly burned into existence at his fingertips and palm, a simple staff of blackened tint. With ease, he spun the pole with precise action, each blow to a creature rendering that part of them useless as it, too, deformed and seemed to dissolve into a rotting cesspool of odorous muck. A sweep of Razeal's arms unleashed yet another swarm of thin strands of shade, clearing their sides and rear of the creatures before he rejoined Av'vinus in his strides.

"Shall I let you take the lead again?" Av'vinus questioned as he came to a halt, fixating his attention toward the rear once more. More of the creatures were now in bound, swarming on them without mercy. Their obnoxious noise and clatter had drawn the attention of many of them upon the streets, and even some with slight elevation.

As Razeal took the front, a descending monstrosity landed betwixt the two, turning his attention upon Av'vinus. From either side, their eyes seemed to motion toward the same corner, and without remorse, the two spun upon one another driving their weapons into the creature. The swaddling shade that had guarded Razeal, and had acted as threads of discord, had taken the form of a dominant looking spear whilst Av'vinus' staff had become a terrifying great sword wielded with both hands. Av'vinus had managed to step off to the side as his blade had cleaved into the creatures skull whilst Razeal's spear had impaled the creatures back, penetrating the chest. "Your timing was a bit off."

"You jest..." Razeal replied with a grin before the two withdrew their weapons.

As Razeal once again faced the forefront his palms both raised before slamming into the ground before him; his entire figure dropping into a squat. A great quake amassed from his actions as the concrete split before him. Plumes of steam and black flames arose igniting a vast majority of the creatures before him; his actions still wary and well placed to leave innocents unharmed. Unfortunately, those being mauled were of no concern, their souls already snuffed out. There would be no saving those that had already been bitten. Av'vinus' eyes both illuminated, a more powerful variant of his gaze expelling a rampant, chaotic, blast that leveled the entirety of those to his rear for a good half a block. The fodder was far too heavy for his gaze to penetrate too far.

"We've arrived, Av'vinus."

"Very well. Now we hold this position, and make no allowance for any to pass these barricades. It is unfortunate that there are others upon other buildings out of our reach, but this shall be our stand, and our extended helping hand. The others must fend for themselves."

“I see you… But, where did you come from?” Chromatic eyes magnified every mile of distorted chaos, which immediately unraveled, after their appearance. The aforementioned chaos was the instilled aspirations of another like-minded being. Perhaps, this was a night for death and despair; a fate surely taken into the hands of mortals, and out of gods’. Though, which hand manipulated these poor souls? More importantly, which would succeed the other?

He saw them, all of them: The roaring, undead creatures, which appeared miserable in every feat they achieved, and each one they failed to. His presence had remained away from the bouts of destruction; the burning aircraft, the dramatic screams, and the dead and dying bodies of victims. He did not disregard the heroics of certain individuals. Achievements, which were made by the winged demi-god, held a certain comedy about them. His spectacularly colored irises reflected the pit of another heroic massacre; that is, the ones of shade and ash. Why do the powerful assist the powerless? The reactions and interactions of good and evil had always attracted a pandemonium. Though, chaos has always remained a neutral thorn in the hide of both light and darkness.

“What was it the Americans once said? ‘Give me Liberty, or give me Death.’ What a horribly desperate quote.” Teeth so white were glistening in the shadows, as they had been revealed by a grin so wide. He stood in the darkness, and watched from a distance, which was unbeknownst to anything but his own conscious mind. “My proxies,” The electronic whispers of a silent order streamed through the waves of air, and perked the ears of many hidden bodies within, and out, of the steadfast mob. “Have the first lines of the crowd disperse. Be prepared for the first wave that comes your way. Hopefully, you all have your markers on, unless you don’t care to be shot.” Only a light pause was to pass between the addressed orders and the secured line, before the unknown numbers had readied themselves mentally for the city-wide battle.

“Tell our friends what lies at their backs. As, I’m sure their cards are already being dealt out, let them know what it means to be low on chips.”

Seconds passed, as the independent horde took valid strides down the Main Street, and toward the line of authorities. They spread to either side of the street to endow the vanguard with more force. He, the voice of the crowd, could smell the uneasy fear mounting the officers and soldiers alike. “WE ARE THE CORE! This is Wing City! It will forever, and always, remain our home! Stand fast, if you can!” His voice spouted through the speaker of the mega-phone, as it pierced ahead at the gun line.

An effort to protect this city from the fallacies of control had amounted to an ironic hope for the ones losing control. The ‘Thousands Core’ would not stop its march. The people maintained a varied armament of weaponry and explosives. A single question rose as a flag in the minds of the once defending soldiers, and careful officers. It was a choice of whether to turn and let this army of citizens charge the corruption of the undead, or to hold their line and risk a death, which would be deemed as a crime.

“CORE, CORE, CORE!!” Their voices pounded the air as a rampant beast. The call was enriched with an impressive pride, as it craved a sacred mate: The wreak of havoc. It would reach from northern Main Street, several miles down to the southern Main, which held the screams of several innocents. They demanded their adversaries to stand aside.

“God-speed to the fools,” A chuckle preceded the unrewarded appearance of a suited man, who stood atop the roof of a building, and remained entertained. His feet came to the edge, as if to bait his will with a gush of invigoration. It was not time to enjoy this folly, not yet.

"Av'vinus. What are we to do about the incoming flood of pedestrians? They seem to be rather..." He paused, searching for the appropriate word to use. Ignorant? Foolish? "Brash. We were suppose to arrive here to save innocents, not watch them march to their demise." He finished, adjusting his gaze on more inbound creatures. The fools were willing to throw their lives away without cause. It was irritating.

"Did you not hear what they announced? This is their city. They will not be silenced, and they will not be overtaken. If they choose to expend their lives, let them. Be it foolery, or knavery, I won't stand in their way. My concern remains solely on those within the confines of these buildings. Let not a single creature penetrate our defenses, Razeal." Av'vinus commanded, narrowing his brows. As the flood of rioting figures made their way past the two, they shortened the distance to the doors behind them. They were, still, just two; inhuman capabilities or not, there was only so much they could do. For now, it was this sole building they would protect.

As expected, though, it wasn't long until the rioting people began to contend with the mass of creatures ravaging the city. And it was an even shorter time frame until piercing screams reverberated throughout the air. It sickened the both of them, but there wasn't a single thing they could do. What had then dawned on Av'vinus was rather troubling as well. With innocents amongst the enemy, what were those in the buildings and air to do now? The threat was now nigh untouchable. Risk killing the innocents, or let things continue on as it were, allowing their numbers to grow. Each human overtook was born enemy.

"Hold fast, Razeal, I do believe I may have made a minor misjudgment."

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The city had become a cluster of chaos and discord. It had become a breeding ground for a pestilence far worse than any other save creeping death. Of course, they were much alike in some aspects. The horror was that what perished did not remain lifeless. The skies had become blatantly crowded with a multitude of flying machines, making it a rather tedious task to maneuver. Various locations called for his attention, but it appeared that the most critical area's were in vast want of help.

Nearing what one could consider, the war zone, the Militia member took descent as he heard a voice come across the comm set conveniently placed in his ear. Setting foot on the ground, he hastily strode up to join Jayden Ryder in his stalking stride toward the calamity. "I'm afraid I don't have one of those on hand, but I can offer you a lift if you need." He offered with a grin. He wasn't quite familiar with every member of the Militia and therefore this male before him didn't strike any familiarity in him at all. Call it straight coincidence. "You sound as if you've seen firsthand more of this disaster than I. The city appears to have gone up in flames, so to speak." He mumbled, taking heed to keep somewhat silent.

It appeared that where they were currently located, there was little threat, for the most part. Most of the threat was essentially behind a line which was gradually inching back and losing its hold. There wasn't much that could be done for the insurmountable numbers, and what made things worse was an incalculable surge of hot spots that continued to spring up without notice. At any moment, they could be very well caught betwixt a rock and a hard place, if not careful.

"I assume you're headed to join the line..." He mentioned, before a single motion caught him from the corner of his eye. Jumping to attention, he realized it had only been an innocent bystander hastily trying to seek refuge. All appeared calm, aside from the eerie realization this area had become rather, pardon the term, dead. Abandoned, and empty, it was a bleak and definitive sign of how catastrophic this scenario had become.

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"Why would you let them commit such a foolish act of knavery! Look at where it's gotten us!" Razeal suddenly bellowed out, unleashing the shade before him. Spreading out like a thin cloth of translucent satin, various pin pricks began to appear upon its surface before launching out as countless spear points. The legion of walking monstrosities that lumbered toward them were instantly pierced through their skulls bringing them to drop to their knee's in defeat. The rioters, though brave, if not ridiculously ignorant, had obviously begun to experience casualties. That wasn't to say they hadn't been the least bit successful, but for every Zomborg slain, another Zombie would rise to take its place.

"It is not my place to decide their fate, Razeal. I'm merely here to assist the innocent. If they wish to use their free will, they are free to do so. Just as it were, if those inside this building forsake my saving grace, they too shall have the choice." His words sharp, but truthful, cut the thick cacophony that filled the atmosphere. As more inbound creatures threatened the building, Pandemonium was quickly brought to the side in a vicious arc, its figure molding and twisting into a gargantuan scythe. Many of the undead horde were swiftly cut down in their wake, but unflinching as their upper torso's continued to crawl forth seeking sustenance. Only with the added efforts of Razeal, and his harbinger of discord, Sin, were they put to rest permanently.

"Av'vinus, we must discover some alternate method. We must either completely do away with their physical forms, or effectively debilitate their craniums. Have you not noticed how the humans use their explosion sticks to pierce their skulls?"

"Again, I believe they are called fire arms, or guns, Razeal. And yes. I am aware. I was simply testing a theory. I must admit, although I have heard of tales of such an episode, I have not yet come face to face with the true act of such a thing. I'm surprised you, yourself, know how to properly handle this situation."

"Simple. I pay attention, my Lord. It seems to be working for them well enough. Mortals, at times, are innovative beings."

"As I have witnessed."

As a thick horde again began to set in, the two of them motioned until they had come back to back. With both sets of eyes fixated on the incoming wall, their penetrating gaze did the rest of the work. Av'vinus' gaze alone could only dispel so many, but with the combined efforts of both, a massive gaping dent was put in the incoming forces as a shock wave felt throughout the many blocks radius could be felt. A lingering mist of violet and green permeated the area, the shimmering particles falling to the earth, as a gargantuan fissure in the Zomborgs was opened for a few blocks. The numbers had been thinned, though it were shameful the two had not chosen to decipher as to who was friend and who was foe in regards to the rioters. They had joined the masses, and in their eyes, they had sealed their fates. They were waiting enemies in foresight.

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"Again, I shall offer you a lift to the scene if you wish, simply inquire. For now, I'll act as a spotter. I can offer more assistance from above rather than here on the ground." Vegeshin suddenly remarked. Taking to a low hover, his figure gradually made its way into the air a few stories before leveling out. Indeed, the immediate vicinity was barren and devoid of any signs of life, for the most part. Random civilians misplaced and terrified could be seen, but there was little he could do for them at the moment. They were about as safe as they could be, for now. Up ahead, though, he could pick out signs of minor scuffles and in the near distance, he could see the chaos amassing and growing. As the buildings grew larger, so did the threat in that general area. Forces could be seen in bound on what could be considered the main battle field, and they were but a handful of blocks away from the immediate action.

"So far, up ahead remains rather clear. I spot inbound tanks and squads, many of them taking care of loose threads that have managed their way through. Upon the horizon, I see the main scene. It appears rather hectic, and disorganized, for the most part. It appears as if friendly flying vessels are not quite discriminating betwixt friend and foe. Saddening to see."

"Yeah, that's why I landed, getting hard to aim down there with the chaos without risking friendly fire. A shame, 'cause I'd sure as hell be more useful still in the air than down here, I'm a pilot, after all." Jayden raised an eyebrow towards Vegeshin, recognising the man as a member of the militia from the files he'd pulled to glance over when he first joined. He remembered staring blankly at the words 'saiyan' and 'youkai' and then having to google both of them. The guy had sounded like someone you definitely wanted on your team. Dang superpowered superbeings and their super...ness. Showing a guy up.

The young pilot flashed an idle grin, "Under any other circumstances I'd ask a guy to buy me dinner before swooping me off my feet, but for the zombie apocalypse I suppose I can make an exception," he joked, "My name's Jayden, by the way, Jayden Ryder. You're ... Vegeshin, right?" Jayden pointed to the militia badge on his jacket, "Surprised we haven't met before now."

He lifted his hand in a casual salute, "Ready when you are, superman."

There was an explosion, then, in the opposite direction down the street. "Hold up, what was that? Sounds like there's fighting going on at the other end. Some of the fuckers must've slipped through. I'm thinking the guys that way are gonna need a hand, if you're willing to detour from the main party."

As Paragon drew near to his target, what rose up out of the mass of cyborgs was more beast than woman. A hulking monstrocity towered over him with its wolfish eyes gleaming amber in the moonlight. The werebeast was muscled and toned, and its russet fur thick with blood and other fluids; some if it the beasts, and some of it from the cyborgs that surrounded it.

Bodies were flung free to smash haphazardly against nearby walls before the werebeast rose to its full height of eight feet. Rend and torn limb from limb, the cyborgs fell with a fervor to match Paragons own, and as the pairs matched ferocity cleared the way, the werebeast eyes locked onto Paragon and it took a menacing step towards him. Inhaling deeply the beast let out a bone rattling roar as thick gobs of heated saliva dripped from its maw to spatter upon the pavement.

Coiling its muscles the beast lept into motion and swung a backhanded blow to knock Paragon clear of its path as it threw itself free of the alleyway and into the open street. The sounds of jets overhead and the explosion of cluster bombs went off up and down the street, but the werebeast was unwavering in its ferocity.

The snap if its jaws and the rend of its claws felled the cyborgs by the dozens, but even its ferocity could do little to stem the sheer quantity of numbers that filled the streets.

High above the city, a brief distortion flickered in the air, and suddenly gases were forcibly pushed aside, culminating into a deafening crack.

There was a flash of light above the streets, and the buildings until the imposing form of a Reverence I flickered into view. Subsequently following, a transmission to Terran and Invictus forces in the area.

"Attention, this is the Reverence I Planetary Assault Carrier 'Nascent Echo' We're deploying medical supplies, and military personnel to evacuate civilians and deal with the Zombie outbreak. Secure all loose ends, the entire city's being lit up condition red." The Message then ended as the Reverence moved into position, the Commander, a veteran of several conflicts, Lionel Pendergast turned and brought up several red icons on a three-dimensional map of the city.

"Target those monsters for precision fire, deploy the FOB, and let's get some assets into the city." He said, manipulating the controls.

At the Intersection between Main Street and Sol Avenue, the Reverence finally came to a stop, her engines roaring over the zombie commotion.

"Light up all friendlies on the HUD." The Commander added, and the AI Hologram spoke. "FOB is ready for deployment."

Beneath the Reverence, there was another deafening crack, and it was as if a piece of the ship detached and slid down on a gravity beam. The Circular piece of hardware was a large prefabricated hardpoint, manned by eight Aschen gunners manning plasma cannons. Atop the platform were a pair of Myrmidon Urban variant, their strange pixelated camouflage making them hard for the eye to see.

"Let them rip!" An Aschen gunner shouted, before he loosed a flurry of plasma bolts into the shambling masses, Aschen soldiers firing in all directions as the two tanks rolled out, and down Main street.

"Hotel Bravo this is Myrmidon One, moving and engaging." There was a series of cracks as the Zomborgs were crushed under the treads of these massive tanks.

While the Prefabricated FOB held it's own, the Reverence continued to beam down reinforcements down the gravity beam, Soldiers to fight for the streets in all directions, while bodies began to build up.

The streets became thick with the smell of ozone, Aschen energy weapons discharge echoing in the distance.

As the Reverence appeared man of the Joes looked upon the giant space craft with a look of distrust. Ben had been waiting for the NPA response when he place a hand to his ear comm and just nodded. He tossed the radio back to the NPA officer and then opened up a comm to the Joes. "All Joe mount up we are with drawing, air support is inbound to cover our convoy." He said as the 80 or so commando's loaded supplies wounded and then finally themselves back onto the transports they had arrived on. The Railgun tanks backed out of the fortifications laying down a few last shots at the Zombie masses before the convoy began to form up and crawl down the street heading toward the exit of the city.

A few helicopters landed and picked up excess commandos including Will. "Keep the side door open there isn't a reason I can't take a few last potshots on our way out." He said as he leveled his long range sniper and picked off a few more of those things. Soon the range was too great. The Joes were leaving behind them the city seemed to burn and the Dark form of ships loomed over. This bothered Will he had friends and family here around him a few civilians were also huddled in the chopper. He recognized Ben's sister Sarah and there were also two familiar men in armor. One was clutching a baby the other a strange dog. A few other choppers held civilians as well.

The Joes were leaving this fight, it wasn't because it was a loosing battle nor the friendly fire but due to a seething distrust of the Aschen. They had almost wiped out the Joes in the past and to them that was unforgivable. This action was for their survival, these precious civilians were the Joes last act of mercy for the day. If they returned it would not be for the good of Terran citizens but as an act of revenge.

"Av'vinus. I'm not sure how much longer we can withstand their sheer numbers." Razeal bellowed out amongst the growing discord. Everything had changed in a matter of moments. As the inbound swarm of creatures again closed in upon them, Sin was unleashed yet again. In this very moment, it had become a tool of defense, though, shielding them as the creatures collided in a fit of unending fury. Pounding, and clawing, at the darkened veil, a massive, thunderous, crack signaled yet another interfering force to be reckoned with. Razeal, far from intuitive, could only stare in bewildered shock at the gargantuan vessel looming overhead. "The Gods. They seem to take pity on the mortals. This legion can only be their doing, Av'vinus."

Razeal's words hadn't fallen upon deaf ears. Neither had the cacophonous, resounding, thrum of the Aschen Reverence overhead. Av'vinus' eyes rose to meet the Aschen vessel not with astounded curiosity, but with well versed knowledge. "This is not an act of the Gods, Razeal. They are known as the Aschen. Mortals gifted in the art of weapons, and technology. A race solely reliant on intellect alone. That is one of their war vessels." The immortal explained, training his gaze on the creatures before him. In an instant, he waved a single opening within Razeal's cover, his penetrating sights eliminating even more of the treacherous creatures before he set his sights on his accomplice. "Our time here is finished. We've done what we can. We'll let these swine do the rest. We do not want to be around with the likes of these people. It will only grow into more conflict. You know nothing of them. I, unfortunately, do. I've witnessed their doings. Not from this realm, but from the void." He further explained, before grasping Razeal's arm within his hand.

In a single instant, the two burned into nonexistence, much like they'd arrived earlier. Av'vinus' distaste for the Aschen seemingly being the reason. But, he as well, knew that this infestation more than likely would not survive the brutish onslaught that was bound to happen. Nor did he doubt the extents unto which the Aschen would go should they foresee a losing battle...

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"Very understandable." Vegeshin commented, his lofty perch giving him keen sight as to the events unfolding. As he continued to survey the scene before him, he took note of various other happenings, some typical, and some rather bizarre. There was always something more than what appeared. Stories unfolding within a greater tale, one could say. And this event was, by far, no different. Titanic battles betwixt others that, in some aspects, had little to do with the scene at hand.

It was amongst his thoughts that Jayden's witty humor caught him off guard. As he touched ground once more, he could only offer an unwavering look of apparent confusion. His visage, stricken, with utter humiliation even, remained rather blank in some regard before his lips pursed. As they began to part, it was rather apparent that he lost the words he was about to say, only a simple breath of forced air leaving which then became a sigh of failure. "I. I did not mean it as such." He began to stammer, obviously disoriented to a degree. "I'm not. I don't." He continued before falling silent, flustered no less. "You misread me." He finally spat out before shading his head in slight lamentation. Oh, the woes. The woes he was now feeling. He'd all but forgotten about the situation before them, now.

Only when the young male introduced himself did Vegeshin find himself back on track, to a certain degree. "Ah. Yes. My name is Vegeshin Kanahashi. I've just now noticed the badge you're presenting. I should have paid closer heed. I'm not surprised we haven't met, though. I've been with them since the beginning. We all have our own specific duties. I'm a difficult member to become acquainted with. I put more stake into my job than many of the others. It's my single most important purpose, so I hardly take a moment to myself anymore. Many of you have, as I believe they say, day jobs and such. You all have lives. Mine is to protect this city, as is yours, but I make it a foremost priority every waking moment I have." He explained with a rather treasured smile. His duty. His calling. His life. And he was certainly proud, and content, with it as it was.

"Superman? I'm not sure I'm familiar with such a thing. You have super men? Strange. You'd think they'd put such people to use. Maybe people such as ourselves wouldn't have to work as diligently, not that it is a bad thing." He spoke, oblivious to the reference.

Securing Jayden by his arm, he took flight before manipulating the young male so that he'd rest in his arms. Only when he'd begun his journey toward the main confrontation did he take heed of Jayden's words. Adjusting, they instead turned their focus on the ground behind them. "I'm willing to do what's necessary. If that is the direction you feel you must head, I won't disagree. Everyone has the right to live. I don't see any less importance." And as he'd said, they'd already begun heading in that direction. Below he could see, in the not to distant streets ahead, several of the creatures that had managed to find their way out of the sewers. Like an infestation of rodents, these creatures, too, had discovered, perhaps the single most crippling, method of spreading.

Forces that were meant to be a last stand were now being overrun with ease. Setting Jayden down upon, what he considered to be, a safe location, he hefted back his sleeves, tying the ends so as to not interfere with his movements. "You mentioned being a pilot. I figured this rooftop, though only a story up, would provide essential protection. If you need, I'm sure you can manage the leap to the ground. I'm not well versed in what your talents are. I had hoped...you'd be versed in long distance marksmanship. Correct me now if I am wrong." He mentioned, a slight grin of embarrassment on his face.

As the burning continued, the crackling of the fire echoed along with the moaning of the zombies was followed by the horrible stench of those burning as the thick black smoke drifted along with the wind. Ki wrinkled his nose, wishing that the wind would blow it somewhere else just so he could get not only the stench of decaying bodies burning, but also burning. The smell curling up in his nose and making his through burn as the stench clung to the inside of his now. Clinging and burning to the point he could taste it on his rough tongue making him gag slightly.

His ears twitched even as he looked towards the distance and watched the ship curiosity evident in his silver blue eyes. Before looking back at the burning bodies and wall of fire that seemed to keep them from coming any closer to him and the only living soldier behind him. Looking back at said soldier he wonder for the up tenth time who he was and sighed as he looked away.

"Hell. Wish I know what world I'm on let alone how their government is!" he muttered and brushed some of his braids back over his shoulder ignoring the soft singing from said braids, his tail flicking and curling behind him, while his ears continued to twitch towards each sound he heard.

As the burning continued, the crackling of the fire echoed along with the moaning of the zombies was followed by the horrible stench of those burning as the thick black smoke drifted along with the wind. Ki wrinkled his nose, wishing that the wind would blow it somewhere else just so he could get not only the stench of decaying bodies burning, but also burning. The smell curling up in his nose and making his through burn as the stench clung to the inside of his now. Clinging and burning to the point he could taste it on his rough tongue making him gag slightly.

His ears twitched even as he looked towards the distance and watched the ship curiosity evident in his silver blue eyes. Before looking back at the burning bodies and wall of fire that seemed to keep them from coming any closer to him and the only living soldier behind him. Looking back at said soldier he wonder for the up tenth time who he was and sighed as he looked away.

"Hell. Wish I know what world I'm on let alone how their government is!" he muttered and brushed some of his braids back over his shoulder ignoring the soft singing from said braids, his tail flicking and curling behind him, while his ears continued to twitch towards each sound he heard.

”Oh my… How wonderfully intoxicating!” The rumble of a myriad of gunfire and explosions overwhelmed the beat of his heart. A lustful sensation drew to the very tips of his fingers. His shoulders wriggled in a giddy fashion, before he hugged his chest to contain the feelings within. Only his eyes could escape the illustrious orchestra of madness, and peer above into the ashy night sky.

”Denizens of Ásgarðr,” A manner of spite twisted the tongue, which voiced his commands. “Be wary.” It was the very epitome of an insult, and warning, to the otherworldly beings who claimed a higher throne.

“Proxies, I trust most of you have kept a surviving distance from the tactics of these aggressors?” The inquiry dispersed electronically to the canals of several ears. With the scope of an eagle, smiling eyes ogled the blazing ground in search of the enigmas.

In a general sense, the word ‘proxy’ refers to someone or something, which is a reliable substitute to act on another someone or something’s behalf. To act, one must be able to react; a reasonable number of the proxies, as they were defined, had escaped the confines of the destruction caused by the erratic soldiers. Meanwhile, everyone else wrestled with their grip on life, and the rebellion they so vigorously showed in the beginning.

Masked faces and hooded figures charged the streets with guns and bats in hand. They screamed as if it was their last moment to live. Soon blurred vision, and an infallible ringing from the explosions caused them to recognize the bodies of their comrades being blown across the street, and splattered onto the sidewalk. Some of the rioters cringed away, while others threatened any oncoming zomborgs with a spray of bullets. Several threw ‘Molotov cocktails’ at the hordes of zombies; the cocktails had been simple jars of gasoline with a flaming cloth at the end. The first to surrender his life to the cause was the speaker of the mob. His megaphone lay somewhere underneath the clashing scores of human and zomborg.

Countless bodies of the rioters had all but evaporated in the ignorant mayhem of missiles, gunfire, and supernatural fury of the so-called “protectors” of this city. One being, of whom stood amidst the grand scheme, had long realized an undeniable truth of humanity. He had taken part in this claim several times. What was it? What did all humans desire so much? It was something, in the purest sense of the word, ephemeral. This drive in every man, woman, and child; it builds kingdoms, it destroys nations, and it inspires every living human to create a new life.

“We all knew what this conflict would bring. Well… maybe not all of us.”

Any one survivor’s eyes would reflect the Aschen Reverence, and bare a spiteful glare toward their fallible approach; after the ungodly blue column of light struck down on the masses of zomborgs a wicked ringing had invaded every conscious human’s ear. The scattered horde of civilians had been assisted by what they truly feared and hated: The Aschen. Out of the ‘Thousand Core’ riot, over two-thirds had perished in the uproar of battle. Hundreds more were injured, and on their way to being mauled. All former predictions of how these people were destined for death the moment they made their choice had, in fact, been proven right. Perhaps, the enemy of thine enemy is not thine friend?

“And, so I see they make their appearance. Oh, what did I say, Mammon? They’ve never known how to keep their noses clean.”

The proxies hid in the shadows of the buildings, and fought each encounter of rabid zomborg on their own, or simply ran away to another crevasse of Main Street; shops, bars, alleyways. Many retained their own unique prowess of how to deal with such things. Each one was subtle. Some were mutated animals or humanoids, others were shifters. Some were even the everyday prospect of an average human being. The variations of these proxies did not falter under any means of scrutiny.

”Tom-Bear, gather your team. It’s time to infiltrate the buildings. Secure the ground level, if you can, but I want a body to set up a fifty degree perimeter of c4 on the interior mid-level of each structure. Ping back, if you need any assistance.”

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Three figures traveled south of the blockade, while keeping their distance from the main fight. A large figure, who seemed more burly and fit to head the vanguard, had kept to its post of snuggling a half-mile away from the edge of combat. Two of the figures, men, lagged behind the larger leader of their pack. Vicious zomborgs, which lay ahead of the men, were left shredded by bullets. However, a few of the undead had limbs ripped off, or their bowels gutted. By first glance, it would appear their bodies were mauled by something with more animosity than themselves.

As the beam of light had literally paved the way, the small party came upon an alleyway, which led to the intersection. “Damn, man…” A hooded man panted restlessly, as he skid to a stop behind his bulky companion. Another masked man followed behind, and all but collapsed for a breath of air. They were both hunched over with palms on their knees, as their hearts vibrated in their chests. “God… You’re faster than you look.”

“I’m a mutant, you dumbass.” A distinguishable male voice reverberated in the alleyway. Every articulated syllable uttered by the deep tone of this thing’s voice caused the men’s backs to arch with fear.

“Yeah, but you’re… a pan-“ The hooded man had begun a stuttered reply.

“Shut up, and follow me inside. Damn sacks of meat and metal will fist pump your sorry ass holes, without me, so do as you’re told.” The enormous body huddled alongside the wall of the alley, and stepped out in the open corner of the intersection. A pair of round, black ears twitched at the roars of the zomborgs ahead of them. Then, with the vexation of a spotlight, the golden flash caused the figures to flinch away, and shade their eyes. A giant, black paw commanded the men to stay still. There they stood on the very edge of the alleyway, nearly fifteen yards away from the group.

Without a glance to the men, the fur ridden proxy directed his stubby claw for them to march toward the building across the street. “Don’t stop.” He growled in a low whisper; his upper lip curled to convey his certain authority over the humans. It would only be a couple minutes, before they reached the other side. With each step they took, their toes curled with tension. They were armed, but lugging explosive materials was one route for a good sweat. These individuals desired no interaction. As they crossed to a half-way point of the street within a minute, the large, ebony and ivory mass of a beast began to shuffle from the edge of the alleyway. He trotted along, as if he were as small and hairless as his subordinates, as if his feet carried no such tons of body weight.

As Ki paused on top of a building, his ears twitched when he caught the sound of voices. "Two humans and a..." he frowned as he lifted his head slight and sniffed the air, his slit gold eyes widening when he smelt the musk of another feline. Moving with stealth long born, he moved towards the edge of the roof and looked down his eyes seeing through the darkness of the ally way a gaped for several seconds when he saw the large male.

(*)Holy shit!(*) he though even as a grin curved his lips. "Born or mutated?" he wondered as he moved closer, his eyes trailing over the figures below ears twitching and tail flicking behind him, but never once kept his attention just on those three, since he also saw the shambling zomborgs nearly 15 feet where the three were slowly making their way towards the other building.