Razeal She'olvaticus's Story

Be you gone, fowl minion.

And with a swift strike from Sin, a lesser demon, spewed forth from the ashes of the condemned world was felled. The hands that held the omnipotent weapon known only as 'Sin' loosened their grasp upon the shaded weapon, and as it fell from the clutches of his bony fingers, it crumbled into charred black flakes.

He had only been within this world for a short time, manifested by an act of seeking refuge in the mortal world. His home was no longer his. Evicted by he who is referred to as Lucifer, he chose to conceal himself amongst the mortals.

It was now that he sought out a location to fade into the blurred myriad of faces. Society. This 'Gambit's Bar' would serve as his medium.

Not a tremble of his fingers, and the door was opened. His eyes take a glance around, and noticing none but two, he finds himself standing before the bar, not a single word having left his mouth.

Razeal She'olvaticus remained still, and silent. His position at the bar allowed him to see that it was void of any activity. A bar that held no staff. No patrons. Empty chairs, and stools, littered the establishment. And with he as the only construct within, it left an eerie silence that happened to deafen the ears. He feared a motion of his tongue, for it could possibly echo in such an ominous silence.

He was ignorant to the ways of this world, and the strange contraption that lay before him on the bar counter only fueled this lack of knowledge. What was its purpose? The only possible hints were the simple words upon its screen. A serving device?

Razeal She'olvaticus nonchalantly dismissed the falling female, having found himself more concerned with the complexity before him. As if it were an algorithm needing to be deciphered, his head adjusted to look upon the mechanical menu. A ginger finger rose to delicately prodding its screen, and as the next list came up, he snapped his fingers.

"Simply brilliant. Mortals and their ingenuity." He complimented, only to find his eyes fixated on the sordid mess behind him.

"But a second ago, I found this place empty. Now, I spy with my eyes others." He mentioned ever so softly. His eyes then graced the presence of Deja, and then the others once again. What a collective cast of strange constructs.

Razeal She'olvaticus took to a lean against the bar counter. His gaze remained fixated upon the many within the establishment, eyes unblinking. The piercing whites that were meant to be iris's seemed inhuman, a white like no other.

For now, he remained content in merely studying them. He'd speak when spoken to.

Intrigue. It was the only word that came to mind. Not simply a world of mortals, was this. He had manifested in a world beyond limitations. It was easy enough to see. A multiverse. Crafted by a primordial energy, his gift was a bountiful one. Endless.

And yet, silence did he remain in. Not a word spoken to him. Not a word from him. It appeared as if he still basked in contentment, though. Knowledge was key. And he was quickly ascertaining everything he needed.

Eyes landed upon a single female, taking in her appearance in a matter of moments. Her actions left his lips turned upward in a delightful grin. Devil. She had been close in her observation. As his eyes turned skyward, the horns visually disappeared, retracted into his skull. Painful of a process as it was, it allowed him to blend in better. He was here to conceal himself from the myriad cast of demons Lucifer had ushered into this world.

"I'm not quite sure how this world works. Its existence surpasses even my best attempts to understand it. But surely, 'your' God has not sent me." Razeal coo'd, his upper body bowed in respects. "You are safe, for the mean time." He followed up, head upturning in his bowed position. Those eerie eyes held her figure captive, though she'd spy no reflection of herself.

"Razeal She'olvaticus. The name will mean nothing here in this reality. But, it best you have it, lest I be referred to as devil again." He offered.

She had busied herself with the mechanical contraption that had perplexed him so not minutes ago, and as he watched both her, and the machine, he realized its function. Was he truly so ignorant as to not understand the simple construct that it functioned as? Perhaps. But, to watch was to learn, and he had done just that.

"The reasoning behind most mortals. The incomprehension of how the universe functions, but the ability to forsake its complexity and leave it all to omnipotence. I can understand your position. Humans are wonderful little specimens. How they perceive existence is simply delightful." He spoke, rising back to his prior position.

Having spied her hand raise in his direction, a gesture of welcoming, greeting, and introduction, his own frail hand rose as well. Deathly cold, he took her hand into his own far different. An elegant approach, he held her hand above his own only to lean down and offer his typical form of introduction, as he did to any and all before her. A simple seal of his lips to the top of her hand.

"A pleasure, Miss Kathleen." He ushered, having released her hand. Frozen in his place, his right arm found itself wrapping around his stomach, whilst his left sought out the bar counter for support.

"Now, I see that you find me an apparition of cruel origins. Would it be so difficult to perceive me as otherwise if I so told you? It seems you already understand the workings of this limitless reality. So, what you see before you...may not be what you believe of it." He then explained, an acute sense of humor laced in his tone.

"A shame my intellect eludes you. But I can only expect so much from humanity. As intriguing as you all are, you are not cut from the same cloth as I." He explained. "I am not here to test your faith, nor lead you astray. That is a breed of filth birthed by Lucifer, at least where I have come from." He followed up with.

Having taken a step now, his eyes examined her thoroughly. As he then took up a lazed posture behind her, he nodded to himself. "But, you are all the same, from reality to reality." He mused to himself.

"I am birthed from a primordial energy, where I come from. Before the descent of Lucifer. I am not kin to he, nor is he kin to I. As well, I am not kin to The Divinus, or as you call him, God. But I expect, from reality to reality, they are all quintessentially different." He then explained. "The She'olvaticus are at war with Lucifer. We have been expelled from hell, betrayed by a member of our own. He holds the cards for now." He then offered. "You have nothing to fear of me. The mortal realm is not of interest to me in the slightest. It is merely the mortals that captivate me. I find them interesting." He finished.

It was then that a grin made its presence on his lips. Odd.

"As well as I find your kind odd. You are of simple construct. Simple flesh and bone." He admitted. "Though, everything here is odd, as you so simply put it." He added.

It was after his final words that he found himself turned away. The door would be his objective, for he'd spent enough time here. He'd return, surely. But for now, his presence would find itself elsewhere.

"Again. A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Miss Kathleen Dawson. Perhaps we will cross paths again." He offered.

Rise, child. Rise, and accept your blessing. Eternal life is now yours, forevermore.

Birthed once more, Razeal is cryptically manifested into the reality that is this world. Pieced together, bone, sinew, and liquid life pumping through his veins. The strained cacophonous sounds of his birthing deafened by the groaning of twisted reality bathing his construct; a nightmarish realm known to he as She'ol.

Luminous eyes pierced the darkness and, with a single step, he enters that which is the mortal realm, flanked by an ebbing shade that trailed at his footsteps. A forsaken miasma of darkened smog, cast aside with each impending stride. Through the doors of Gambit's, he made his presence known. Horns receding into his cranium, and devilish fangs vanishing from his bottom lip, he elegantly crossed the bar floor seeking the refuge of the establishment.

This eve, he found himself well aware of the workings of the electronic menu before him. This eve, he'd indulge in wine, and with a delicate press of his lithe, flawless, finger, he was offered his gift.

Eyes devoid of hue carried themselves toward the man who had constituted him with demon kind. The poor man had assumed of him lesser than he truly was. On a whim, his lips parted and across his tongue came the smooth sound of his elegant voice.

"You shall see none such as me around, actually. I am not a lesser demon. I am not a demon, at all. I am Razeal She'olvaticus. Birthed of hell before Lucifer's descent. I am a sentient species all my own. I apologize if my appearance deceives." He spoke, bowing in respects after his introduction.

It was within his bow that his gaze swept to the side, catching the long legs of a female entering his vicinity. Rising to meet her stunning visage, he reached toward the side, spinning a stool for her to take a seat in. He, himself, remained afoot, other free hand bringing the crystal glass of liquid he'd ordered to his lips.

Having taken the first delicious sip, in his hand did he swirl the glass but once, lips spread to offer her a greeting as well. "A chilly night it is. Have a seat, my dear. I assume you seek company of me?"

Eyes flit shut for a moment, a bow of his head in genuine welcoming gesture. But well trained, was he, in the behavior and subtle hints given by the most minute of actions. Something about him must have struck her. A jarred memory loosened and beheld once again? He couldn't read minds. But one quintessentially equal to The Divinus in all but creation and inexplicable ability, held other blessed attributes.

"I would love to have your company. It would help the night pass by. A beautiful conversational partner such as yourself surely has a myriad number of tales to be told, of course." He spoke, eyes reopened and fixated on her stunning frame. Surely one such as she was blessed, as well as cursed. It had to be so. He'd lived a long, knowledge bestowed, life.

But for now, he could only assume. He did not know her. And soon, he'd learn what he'd need to learn about her. Her gaze upon him, as well as her posture, spoke of a very prominent female. Surely, men swooned over what sat before him. A lust unlike any other, bubbling, and brewing, brought to life by the sight of her would stir any mans loins. This was obvious by sight alone. Her velvet voice, smooth on the ear, would send them over the edge to finish it all. This, he could easily gather by the first few moments. He was keen to all.

A mortal such as this had to serve a higher purpose than the typical ones he'd known. But what purpose did she serve in this realm? Was there even a purpose? To lead men into lust, stray them from the light? Why did he even bother do delve into such inquisitions? Perhaps it was because she intrigued him.

"A pleasure, Aleksandra. And what can I offer you? Wine? Tea? Perhaps iced water?" He offered, taking her hand in his own, feather soft, fingers. With a gentle caress of his forefinger, his lips lowered to place themselves atop her hand, just above her knuckles. As he part his lips, and removed his hand, he made time for another sip of his wine.

[color=black]Immersed within her tale, though it not the myriad number he'd expected, this one story was sufficient enough for him to put together what sat before him. Indeed, the prominent female, he figured her to be, was something more than just a simple mortal. What she had explained was a death. And yet she was oblivious to it. So, what lay within this woman? What provoked her rebirth. Or. Was she not within her right mind? Was this all a veiled theory, blurred, and obscured, by a thin sheen of honest belief? Was she insane? She didn't seem insane. So, for now, he would stick with the former theology of her demise and rebirth. She had perished. Perished and placed within her grave.

"Intriguing, to say the least. You have no memory of this? My condolences to this event. It must be traumatizing if you cannot remember. Though, I cannot say that I can relate. If ever such a thing happened to me, I would not think twice about it. I have undergone stranger happenings. But, I still give my remorse at such an awful awakening. Shame upon those who'd play such an undeniably cruel ruse." He offered, though fell silent once her eyes seemed to stray into the vast void of non-present consciousness. Again, she was here, but not. Just what was happening within' that ripe little mind of hers. How he'd give his horns to simply wander inside, look around, and riffle through her mysteries.

As she came back to reality, he offered a small smile, eyes closing in his delightful facial expression. His name. A name that held a great power to it from where he had come from.

"Of course. Razeal. Razeal She'olvaticus. And for your drink..." He began, only to flit a finger to the menu, pressing the button accordingly to her request. As his hand returned from the device, it brought with it a simple glass of chilled ice water. Offered to her, he then returned his arm to the counter, resting upon it.

"And what brings you to this woeful establishment. I understand that it appears wondrous...

"...And inviting from the outside, as well as its innards. But, I have seen this place, twice, now. It seems to attract all the diseased, and infectious, mongrels that this universe happens to have spawned. You are one of a kind, as am I. Perhaps I should question my own judgement as for being here. This societies great city has hardly anything to offer, other than this wretched hole." He spoke. First impressions were key. He'd met a female the eve before. But his impression of the establishment was far from golden. The place appeared as if it could be a platinum coin, but it was tarnished, and even rusted. Surely there was more to be offered?

"But, harsh words begets harsh words. I should not speak down of this establishment. I am sure it has had its wonderful moments. Anyway. Enough of the rubbish I'm speaking. What about yourself? What do you have to offer me? If your memory is faulty, is there much you can speak to me about? I cannot ask you of your history. Perhaps any present memories? You know who you are, so...perhaps, you can tell me of what you do?"

[color=black]His interest had piqued as she spoke once more, defending the establishment. She saw a beauty in it that he did not. But, he would not, for he was not human. Mortals were blessed with powerful emotions. He, certainly, was not. Surely, he felt, the thrums of anger, despair, and joy, but the extremes were droll in comparison to that of a human. They were a blessed race. Crafted from pure ignorance to the laws of perfection. They were to be imperfect. And in that imperfection, perfection was truly attained. The ability to manifest a body of people with the power to forge their own way, be it everlasting, or not.

"You have a valid point. There is a beauty I do not see..." He began, before she continued. And yet again, he listened intently. Every word that spilled from between her perfectly sculpted lips, touched by the hue of a rose. Nothing could convey how immersed he found himself. He was ravenous to hear more. There was nothing more important at this moment. She intrigued him. He was more obsessed with her tale. With her words. He was bonding with a mortal. But moreso, he was understanding mortals as a whole better. This would serve its purpose. To blend with mortals, one had to understand mortals.

"Perhaps there is a higher power at work. Or, perhaps, a higher power within yourself struggling to awaken you from your slumber. If this is happening, there is reason. Those memories must be of significant importance. A grave severity with that knowledge that you should know of. Perhaps you should find a way to help yourself remember." He explained, offering a minute nod, a smile flashed next.

It was his only piece of advise that he could offer. He couldn't help her remember, in the least. He was incapable of such feats. If he could, he'd surely do so, just to understand her even more. That missing bit of knowledge, a delicacy, he'd crave. But his thoughts were interrupted as she then answered his biggest, and final, question. What she did. And who she wa

As she spoke and, lifting herself from her seat, made her way to him, he felt his brow ever so delicately inch its way upward. As her figure lessened the distance, and entered his immediate vicinity, he couldn't, for a second, begin to understand her methods. Was she seducing him? It appeared as if so, but why for? He found her beautiful, but such things did not captivate him as it did mortals. Attractive as she was, it held no interest.

"It sounds as if your beauty is a curse, my dear. As is it with many a women blessed with such magnificence. A blessing bestowed by The Divinus, and yet a curse, to test. The temptations of man whom revel at your feet secure their place in the fiery pit." He explained. But, that is how it worked from where he came from. There were She'olvaticus just as marvelous. And they used their gift cruelly.

As she continued, though, he fell silent again. Stagnant, and statuesque, he continued to listen to her divulge her identity, and further enlighten him as to her grandeur in this world. A lofty perch indeed. A pedestal crafted in the heavens, and extended to earth, it appeared.

As she grew ever closer, his eyes fixated on hers, and he made not one sound. Not one simple peep. Instead, he listened. And he listened well. Her hand upon his chest, and her lips a breaths distance away, he parted his own only when he was confident she'd finished.

"I can see the fatal attraction, and the lure that you give off toward men. A goddess in your own right, are you not? Fascinating. Though, I do have another inquisition. Is there purpose behind your current actions? For I think in this stage of acquaintanceship, it would be unwise of you to carry on any further. Not that it upsets me. I'm charmed that you'd throw yourself at me." He then spoke, with a devious grin.

Her moment of silence left the establishment silent as well. He spoke not a word, for the time being, and instead simply watched on as she could only look upon him in wonderment. Was it truly that shocking that he'd not crumbled to pieces at her touch? Perhaps to her. She'd explained well enough that all men were susceptible to her seductive charm. But as she finally spoke out, admitting what he'd just thought, the words fell from his lips like the wine from his glass in a smooth confident stream.

"Ah, but Miss Aleksandra. Did I not mention that I am no mere man? If so, you are quick to forget. If not, pardon my rudeness. I was so wrapped up in our conversation, I did not have the chance to say such." He explained, a sudden devious grin rising at his lips. "Do not be offended that your seductive mannerisms don't have me quivering in your presence. It's typical that one such as I wouldn't succumb to such a thing so easily. We succumb...when we wish to." He followed up with, eyes flitting shut in the process.

And as she offered to him her admiration for his strength, his eyes slowly reopened, capturing her yet again. Immersed in her subtle gestures, be it even so much as the quiver of her brow, he could only surmise that she felt somehow defeated. The poor soul. She'd tried so hard, and yet, she hardly tried at all. Her natural gift.

"Then I suppose I should count my blessings. I shall give you the satisfaction of knowing that I am content with this." He spoke, offering a smile in reaction to her laugh. But it faded as her hand came to rest upon the side of his face. Again, a moment of perplexity struck his eyes, brow inched upward, before it settled down again. She was rather persistent. What did he have that she wanted from him. He had nothing to offer, so he believed.

"I am grateful that you find a fascination in me. I could say the same."

"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.