Armageddon Gospel: Thy Kingdom Come

[Jacobo_Curious]

Glenn smiled grimly as he took the black-marked map. "Good," he said, glancing at the black marks. "Then we'll know where we want to go..."

He unfolded the crusty paper and set it down at the paper. Old men, once looking for a fight, now peered curiously over.

"Sir Dayne, I appreciate the suggestion," Glenn said calmly.

Feh. Jerk. She slapped me, what's he talking to me for! She's insane!

Calm down, Glenn.

It's unjust, that's all... unfair... could never stand unfair things...

Calm down!

Bleah. They're all pathetic anyway. Like I care.

Glenn...

Glenn walked calmly to the beautiful woman (or was it? A beautiful man, perhaps?) and the man with the aura of darkness. Glenn's aura of leadership pulsed throughout his body, glinting in his hazel-brown eyes, and Wise Warrior's latent energy brought attention to him.

"Sir, and... Madam," he said, hoping that he would be correct, "your auras appear formidible. There will be difficulty leaving this town, for enemies that have been slowly gaining power will attack unless we finish them quickly. While I am certain either of you by yourselves would be powerful enough to destroy many of these... creatures... we would all be aided if we worked as a team." He bowed slightly, an action fortified by the strange fact that he seemed to deserve respect for no apparent reason -- thus making the bow seem all the more flattering, though Glenn was not particularly aware of this fact. "If either of you would be interested in a hunt for a demon, in a cave of shadows... your powers would be greatly desired."

"There will be no advance payment... nor are you bound to us. Your gains will be in skill, self-knowledge, and perhaps in whatever you search for." He smiled softly. "I am merely human, sirs, and have human flaws, but I have greater desires... as all true adventurers do."

"Please... will you join us?"

Wise Warrior. Can you identify their auras?

The androgynous character... angelic.

I expected so.

The male... urrgh!

Wise Warrior, what's wrong!?

Ah, have no fear. Just... ooh... very strange. Pure shadow, not evil, but shadow... darkness... cold. And not the shadow I normally know... he searches for the shadow he knows... I do not know if he will find it on this world...

Wise Warrior... I feel stupid. I do not understand.

Glenn... I do not understand either... do not feel stupid. You are not God.

Though nobody around him saw anything or noticed anything different, Glenn's vision went white for a moment.

You are not God...

Not God...

<<--->>

Glenn slumped over the corpse of his mother.

"I couldn't save her," he whispered, tearless. "Not in life. She had a sad, sad life. And now... not even from death."

Flames whipped around him. The village was burning. He had already led the rest of the villagers to safety. The demons were ramaging, and they would find him soon, but he didn't care. Not now.

I am an eternal failure...

"I can't change anyone," he whispered. "Not even myself... not really..."

"Of course not," said the figure behind him. "You are not God."

Glenn slumped.

I am an eternal failure... because every success is merely a lack of failure and every failure is doubly so... because I'm not perfect, and never will be, and I cannot even define perfection for the purpose of achieving it... because I am a human, and pathetic in all regards...

...because I am not God...

<<--->>

Glenn was still looking at the two figures. They were looking at him, obviously still thinking. The man was thinking hard, while the woman (?) had a small smile on hir face.

You're not God, Glenn.

Yeah? I should be.

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: Shure a man comes in and sets down a gold nuget and the bartender gose right to him. Why the hell was it he didn't do that for me? I'm glad I beat him up after all he has it comeing the greedy little bastard.

Glen was off cheking in with him and the other new arival. Prehaps that was a wise move or prehaps it was a stroke of luck after all what where the odds this many people from out of town would show up? I think thats what it is after all once you settle in a town you loose the fight in you. I hope never to lose the fight in me.

"Hey Ass hole! get over here so we can plan."

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Wraith

I looked over at the young man. He had a feeling of power about him, & he seemed distracted by something. I took a drink from the bottle & turned to the man.
" I'm game for anything that cleans up the earth from the Hellspawn that has infested it. I ususally work alone, but I have no problems travelling in a group as long as we all get along."

 

[Guest]

Caleb

Walking over to Glenn, Caleb carefully looked at the brittle old map.

"Hmmm, there's no quick way through the city to the caves. If that's our destination, then we'll have to pass through the graveyard."

Caleb studied the map some more and then shook his head as if the idea he'd come up with turned out to be a bad one.

"We could avoid it entirely, but that will take us through the city's dump which may be safer but if there are any of the weaker skinwalkers around, they'll give away our element of surprise when we get to the cave. Also there's always the possibility that whatever's in the cave might come out to meet us. In the open, they can press their numbers on us. A handull cannot stop a horde. Then again, with this handfull, the old adage may not hold true."

So Glenn, what's your descision?

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: Snaping my fingures I tired to speed up his response to no aveil. "Come on pick one. The grave yard is fine and probably less smelly then the junk yard but either way I aint going alone."

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Glenn stared at the map, his eyes narrowed.

"We can only take one route...?"

Warrior, could we split up?

Bad idea. We need to foster teamwork first. If it bothers you, you'll be able to hit one on the way back. Exploring the cave will probably take more than a day.

Glenn was silent for a few moments.

...who made me the leader, anyway?

I did, honey.

"I have a hunch that exploring that cave will take more than a single night. As it is, I want to get going immediately. We might lose the element of surprise tomorrow, but I'm not worried as long as their numbers are sorely weakened and we have a good gauge of their strength versus ours..."

"...but let's remember two things. One, our objective is to protect the town. Leaving any place where skinwalkers reside without attacking would be counterproductive to our own goal. Secondly, when we attack, the demon minions may respond by raiding the town from surrounding areas. It may be that once we return, we will have to fend off stragglers."

"In addition," Glenn continued, his voice full of leadership potential and the citizens of the town crowding around, staring at him, "the citizens of this fair town may not be fully convinced we have the capability to fight these creatures successfully. If we return after doing significant damage, the cooperation of a hopeful people would be very helpful, especially if we plan to defeat a major demon spirit."

Wise Warrior... do you think we will absorb a demon?

I don't know... I feel Scorpion's power within me, but I still hunger. I need more. I am in the process of acquiring Scorpion's abilities...

You can do that?

To a very small extent... continue, Glenn. I am impressed with your underhanded reasoning.

What do you mean?

I know you just want an excuse to protect the town at all costs...

...hmph...

"Therefore, I conclude that we should hit the graveyard, hit the cave and damage the compound there significantly with... whatever we are capable of, and then return through the junk yard, burning our way back to the town, and then recovering our energies here, in this focal point of human spirit." He sighed gently. "I only say the graveyard first because... though their souls have fled and their shells are unimportant... I feel as though the corpses there should not be contaminated by these demon creatures, just as Nature herself should not have to deal with these abominations."

He bowed his head.

"...I realize I am ambitious. I also realize this plan is not the greatest for decisive victory against our larger enemy." He looked up, his sensitive eyes now steeled. "But I feel I need to protect the town. There is very little meaning in life... and saving lives might be part of that meaning."

He glanced back to the androgynous person, who still seemed to be studying him, and to the dark-auraed man. "If either of you are interested, please feel free to make comments." He glanced up at the woman who was still watching from the top of the steps, but said nothing to her, and instead turned back to his companions.

"Sir Caleb? Miss Celst? Sir Dayne? What say you?"

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: Moire blah blah blahing. When will he ever shut up? Miss Celst. I slaped glann again. "Miss? Don't you ever call me Miss. I go by Ms. thank you." I can't beleave this sexest pig. "You know there was a time when men and women where equal!"

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

"There was?" he asked stupidly, his gaze unfocused.

Must! Kill! Woman!

Glenn! Calm yourself!

She... she said the same thing! She's completely insane!

Of course! So calm down!

He cleared his throat and shook his head.

"Of... course. My apologies, uh... Celst...?"

What does she WANT?

"As long as you agree to the plan... it will be difficult, you see..."

Spirits help me...

I do my best.

 

[ChaosBringer]

Dayne

The man had remained quiet throughout the scene, again. His eyes wandering from person to person, picking at his fingernails with his dagger as he mulled over the situation in his mind. He watched Glenn closely, a deepness that radiated around him was obvious. A deepness that could not come from one being, one soul, and Dayne took note of this carefully.

With a flick of his wrist, he spun the dagger in his palm, and then shoved it uncermoniously into the worn leather sheathe that hung from his back, and with a click he locked the dagger into place.

Running his hand over his short hair, he stepped out of the shadows finally, with a grim look on his face.

"Your plan is fine, Glenn, but by raiding the graveyard and the cave, I'm sure that these..."weaker" skinwalkers - the ones in the junkyard, will group together and do one of two things," His voice rang out, with a hollow tone to it.

"One, they would attack the villagers en masse, and it would be a slaughter house." He paused, his eyes flickering in the mid-morning light. "Or secondly, they will corner you in those caves, and even if you do happen to destroy whatever it is down there..."

He stopped, for there was no need to go further. Everyone knew that even as powerful as they were, they would be weakend by the long battles that would surely await them.

"Then, what would you suggest? We need as many as we can get to go with us into those caves!" Glenn uttered, his wisdom evident.

Dayne closed his eyes briefly, remaining quiet for a moment. Once again, he ran his hand over his hair, and then finally cleared his throat.

"I suggest that I go into the junkyard, and take care of those skinwalkers. Alone. While you couldn't spare to halve or even quarter our group, one person such as myself could be spared. I will set out a bit after the rest of you do, as to avoid ruining your cover. When I go in, I'll try to remain undetected as long as possible."

His stunning statement was clear, and it set the tavern into a eerie silence, seemingly echoing the mans own personality. He glanced down at Glenn's weapons, and he broke the silence again.

"And you, my friend, are going to need something a little more powerful than a couple knives, as I can see you have not been trained to make the most use of them, as have I."

With that, Dayne pulled a small sack from his belt, and threw it upon the table atop the map.

"That's the pay from my last job, I suggest you try to find some sort of weapon that doesn't require skill. Like a firearm." He slapped Glenn on the back, and then turned his gaze towards the girl.

"And you, what do you think of all this commotion?"

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: I was eyeing the guy with the sword. He seemed quite cocky and was showing off for some reason. I was pretty shure he was watching me from the corner of his eye. Still I couldn't be shure his shadow was in the way.

As he then turned to me I knew I saw him look down my dress he must of been looking at my legs before. He was obsessed with me that what it was.

'And what do you think of all the comotion?' I quickly slaped the pervert on the face. "Don't think I don't know what your doing. Your showing off trieing to look good for me. I saw yo stareing down my dress and you'll never get close to them got it!"

 

[Arc da Rat]

Kanetago

Minutes Earlier, In the Tavern

A pair of matching luminescent eyes stared down at her from the shadows of his hat. Blinking as he steps out of her way, Kanetago feels the sword stir to life as she nears it but its power is quickly quieted. The villagers stare, like she is doing, as the shadows seem to gather around him. *I have seen this face & power before. Who is he & where did I see him?* While she was lost in thought he saunter over to the bar & order a drink, until she notices he is gone. *I’ve got it.*

Walking over to the bar & speaks to the bartender. “Excuse me, Morgan. That is your name right.” She smiles sweetly, as he nods kind of scared like. “Could I get a toasted pan ... no that’s not right.” *What is the word ...* “Ah! Could I get a few toasted slices of bread with butter & jam on the side.” Morgan just stares at her in disbelief. “Oh, and also a pot of ocha. I mean tea.” Blushing she smiles again. “Sorry I have a bit a problem with languages.” He walks away shaking his head & mumbling to himself.

Before she speaks to the man at her side, Kanetago quickly scans the room with her eyes. She recognizes the signature of souls. *Good they seem to be all here.* One of them approaches then speaks to them. "Sir, and ... Madam,” He pauses unsure of himself. "Your auras appear formidable. There will be difficulty leaving this town, for enemies that have been slowly gaining power will attack unless we finish them quickly. While I am certain either of you by yourselves would be powerful enough to destroy many of these ... creatures ... We would all be aided if we worked as a team."

He does a slight bow & then continues. "If either of you would be interested in a hunt for a demon, in a cave of shadows ... your powers would be greatly desired. There will be no advance payment ... nor are you bound to us. Your gains will be in skill, self-knowledge, and perhaps in whatever you search for." He smiled softly. "I am merely human, sirs, and have human flaws, but I have greater desires ... as all true adventurers do. Please ... will you join us?"

Kanetago ponders at his words & smiled at him. *The Wise One guides him well.* She waits for her companion’s response before following. The strawberry blond annoyed at the delay yells. "Hey Ass hole, get over here so we can plan." She does a mental shake of her head. *That girl has not gotten control of her personality traits.*

Hearing her favorite take a long pull from the bottle of firewater, she waits for the only reply that would come from him. "I'm game for anything that cleans up the earth from the Hell spawn that has infested it. I usually work alone, but I have no problems traveling in a group as long as we all get along." Kanetago nods in agreement.

 

[Arc da Rat]

Kanetago

Presently, In the Tavern

As Kanetago studies the souls that she has picked for this task. The Wise One's Chosen takes the baton of leadership & explains the group’s options. The one that she named God’s Sword makes his suggestions known first. The Demon Childe is too much impatient to get going. *We are going to have our hands full with that one.* She does a mental sigh.

Glenn glances back her & asks. "If either of you are interested, please feel free to make comments." Then he looks up to the stairway at the only party that has not made any attempt to join the conversation. Asking for more suggestions from the rest of the party. The Girl of Many Colors takes the wrong action & takes offense to the slights things he says. Dayne, her Beautiful Death, always observing points out the flaw in his plan & suggest ones of his own.

Kanetago spoke to her companion, “Excuse me, I must stop this before it gets out of hand.” She moves quickly between Dayne & Celst, faster than either of them to notice. The slap that was intended for Death’s face never connects but is blocks by the Angel’s hand. The Childe looks surprised, for what was not there before is there now. “Calm yourself Childe. You do not wish to anger your companions.” She lowers her guard as the girl does so also.

She turns to face the rest of the group. She smiles brightly, “Pardon me for interrupting but I think introductions should be done.” She bows slightly. “I am Kanetago, the gentleman at the bar you spoke to is Lord ... Wraith.” She smiles sweetly at her favorite, when his head turns her way in surprise. “The village girl that wishes to join us is Talana. That is if you still seek to join this party.” Kanetago glances at her.

 

[ChaosBringer]

Dayne

A wry smile smile grew on the mans face as the woman known as Kantego stepped between the slap that was intended for his face. As he was about to reach out to move the girl aside, so he could pass to be by himself, his hand stopped not by any will of his own. His eyes growing wide, he drew his hand back in an almost repulsed manner.

"Fate..." The word slipped out of his mouth as an intake of breath. A grim look replaced the look of surprise that had previously ivaded the normally placid rule of his face.

With a deep breath, he began to speak.

"I-I thank you for your kind gesture....Kantego, but with all due respect, I would watch yourself with that one, she's a tad off kilter."

He snickered gently, and turned towards Celst.

"And, you Celst, were mistaken. I do not crave the pleasures of the flesh, nor would I ever sink so low as to 'look down your dress'. I was also not adressing you, but my question was pointed at Kantego. We all know your stand on the situation, as you have made it abundantly clear." With that said, he turned from Celst and towards Glenn.

"And Glenn, our fearless leader, tell me. What do you think of my plan?"

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: My hand was limp at my side. I was restraining myself with deep thought. I wasn't sure of what I should do. I had to people to hit now but witch one first. Life is always full of hard desicions and this determins what will happen the rest of my life. One must always consider the little things carefully. Each person gets two or three big things but the thousand little things is where life truely lies.

"I'm Celst." Okay my minds mad up. I quickly slap the Kanetogo. "Don't block my slaps." I then walk slowly towards the other person. Once I reached the egotistic person. I moved to slap him. He blocks my right hand. "Don't insult my looks ever again." I then slap him with the left. "Rember I have two arms."

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Whap!

Glenn glared at Celst, his eyes literally blazing.

He had blocked the slap... and slapped her.

She was dazed, lying on the table, and the whole crowd was staring, slack-jawed.

Glenn!! You fool!

I don't care! Sir Dayne is giving his all, and I've had enough!

Glenn...

"Spoilt brat!" snapped Glenn angrily. "I don't care who you are or what you can do! If you're going to act like that, you aren't coming!" He shook his head, gritting his teeth. "I hate to hit ladies, but you are far from a lady! You have passed from excusable insanity to pure injustice. I have had more than enough!" He shook his head again... he appeared to be burning up from within. "Even... even the Wise One has had enough!"

Don't speak for me, Glenn...

Then why do I feel your power so strongly?

...Glenn... be gentle with her. She is insane...

Never! She is unsafe to the community... what if she decides to start stabbing people? If I have to kill her myself, I will!

Just... be careful, Glenn. Be Wise... know your limits but don't burn your bridges.

Still burning with righteousness in his eyes, Glenn turned to Dayne, a soft expression now on his face.

"Sir Dayne... if you are willing to make such a sacrifice... I thank you." He stepped forward, and placed one hand gently on the dark-clad man's shoulder. "Just... come back alive." He shook his head then, and handed the money back to Dayne. "Your compassion is... incredibly surprising, needless to say. But not only do I doubt any of the rare Fire Arms are for sale here, but I could not take your money." He smiled. "Let me rely on those who have chosen me, just as they rely upon me..."

Well said, Glenn.

I do my best...

He turned back to the group.

"Very well! We go to the graveyard." He bowed to Kanetago. "Friend," he said, unable to think of a better term, "if you wish to come, I am more than happy. Doubly so if the man named Wraith comes as well." He smiled gently, but then turned a frosty glare to Celst.

"But if YOU want to come, you'd better shape up your attitude! If I have to reform you myself, I will!"

Glenn... you still try to change everyone. You hope to bring meaning to your life by changing the world. Won't you ever learn that you aren't God?

...

Glenn grit his teeth.

"If there aren't any objections, we'll leave now."

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Wraith

*How does this creature know me?*

I was momentarily distracted until Glenn's words brought me back into focus. Join this group of travellers to help protect the weak & destry evil.
Its a crock of shit, but it's a very old & well used crock of shit.
I stood & walked over to the young man in green. I watched the young redheaded woman out of the corner of my eyes while I approached Glenn. Uncounciously, my aura of Darkness was growing, as this bar had no windows, & the sun had not touched the inside of this place since the roof was put on. Shadows reached to me & caressed me, and the light dimmed even further.
If it kept up, I would change, & that might just spook someone into doing something... hasty.

" I will join you. If we are to be clearing a cavern complex, then I will be of great use to you & your band, as no darkness blocks my sight. Consider me & my Sword in on your quest."
I extended my hand to the man as the shadows played around us.

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Glenn's face softened and he clasped Wraith's hand.

"Thank you, Sir Wraith."

He turned back to the group, Dayne looking pensive and Celst still looking stunned.

"Very well. Sir Caleb? Sir Dayne? Sir Wraith? Lady Kanetago?" He assumed he had it right. She... or he... hadn't gotten angry the last time. "...and... Celst?" He grimaced. "Unless there's anyone else, we'll go."



---- OOC ----

Hey, Wyld, is your wife going to join?

 

[Arc da Rat]

Kanetago

A Second in Time

A voice whispers behind her. “Fate ...” Kanetago turns slightly to face Dayne. "I-I thank you for your kind gesture ... Kanetago, but with all due respect, I would watch yourself with that one, she's a tad off kilter." She nods & moves away toward an open space at the bar. As he speaks for a few moments with Celst then turns to address Glenn.

Before she could seat herself, the Childe comes up to her. “I’m Celst.” Kanetago turns to receive the greeting but gets slapped in the face. ::SMACK:: A red handprint appears on her face. The tears form in her eyes from the pain. She tilts her head forward a bit so her hair slides over the red welt on her face. “You should be careful of who you hit in anger. Some are not as forgiving as others.” She turns back to the bars & sits in on the stool.

Morgan the bartender comes back with a tray. “Uh ... miss ... Here be yer toast with them there fresh churned butter & jam. And that there be the pot o’ tea you’ll be wanting.” He set each item in front of her on the bar counter. Kanetago smiles brightly at him. “Thank you.” He waits there for a second, as she picks up the pot & starts pouring it into her cup.

Morgan turns a bit red as he clears his throat to get her attention. She then proceeds to put the butter on her bread, when he exclaims, “That isn’t on the house missy!” Kanetago stops what she is doing & puts down the knife. “I’m sorry, it’s my first time on Sol.” Smiling. “That is right, you require payment of some kind for serves done.”

A voice calls out from another part of the bar. "I gave you enough for the Angelus' meal also." Morgan looks at the scary guy that gave him the nugget earlier then back at Kanetago. She tilts her head, so that more hair falls over her blemish & smiles back. “He means me.” He nods & backs away. “Uh ... sure ... right.” She turns to her Lord of Shadows & raises her cup to him then sips.

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Wraith

I heard the bartender asking to be compensated for her meal. I knew that most Angelic beings knew nothing about money, so I piped up. She made an appreciative gesture toward me, so I figured now would be a good time to find out why she knew my name. I stepped over to the bar and hit something I did not expect to find, a spot never touched by the sun since the bar was built. Instantly a low moan echoes through the tavern, like a cold wind winding between old gravestones. I am enveloped in a cloud of shadows as the moan rises higher and then the shadows part, revealing me in my armored form. I was encased head to toe in glossy black organic armor. It hugged me like a second skin, forming over my muscles and completely covering my face, leaving only my glowing lavender eyes showing. To those who could sense my aura, my power had just jumped tenfold, and it was a shifting, dark aura, not evil, but not Angelic either. My normal sword was gone now, but Dirge still rode over my shoulder, encased in a sheath welded to my back. My presence was affecting the room also. It was darker in here now, the shadows thicker and pulsing around the bar’s patrons. I slowly turned and surveyed the room. Most of the normals were looking at me with white faces, and the bartender was standing there shocked, a glass falling from his hand and detonating like a bomb when it hit the floor. I then spoke, my voice deeper, darker than before. It flowed through the room on the shadows that had become thicker with my presence.
“ I mean no one here any harm, so please do not force me to kill anyone today. It’s too early and I have not finished my drink yet.”

 

[Arc da Rat]

Kanetago

Darkness Falling

Kanetago sits back down sort of oblivious to the chaos going around her. Buttering her bread she replies. “He is quite right. This is fairly a normal occurrence for him.” She turns toward him showing the unmarred side of her face. “My Lord would you care to share my meal & break your fast?” She offers a piece of buttered toast to him.

 

[cats]

Celst

OOC: This happens after all but the last two posts so celst dosen't know of wriaths second form still.

IC: I rubed mycheek and when I was done I rubed it again. I had been slaped. He had slapped me. Prehaps he was right I wasn't acting very lady like. No he was to blame had this crowd been acting as gentle men and ladys I wouldn't of had a need to slap any one. Also the bartender is an ass hole.

"Why I oughta.... Well I should...... Well I oughta.... Well I should... I oughta should...." I stoped rubing my cheek, and look up to Glenn. "Well shouldn't I?"

I started rubing my face. "On second thought there is the other side...." I look down again. "But there is my side." I turned to the side. "I do have a side don't I?" I looked up at Glenn. "Thats right I'm on your side."

I stop rubing my face. "It still sting but the only thing I can do, is the right thing. I'll forgive you because every one else forgave me right?"

"Oh but when this is over. I'm going to leave you people." I walk out side adn begin to shut the door. "Until then your forgiven so don't worry about it." As I shut the door behind me I rub my cheek again. Damn that hurt.

 

[Guest]

Caleb

Staring at the back of his hand, Caleb was unaware of the commotion. There was a latticework of scars weaving it's way up his arm and he rubbed his thumb across the gnarled and knotted flesh there.

"S'matter with you stranger?" McGinty asked. Apparently a fight amongst outlanders was such a novelty in this backwater that the old man must have thought Caleb a fool to ignore it. Or perhaps McGinty was just keeping an eye out for an errant fireball or lightning bolt. The spiritual energy in the room has spiked so high that a violent manifestation such as that was not only probable, but likely.

"I was...thinking about something, McGinty."

"Aye, I know that look. My brother had it after his boys...After he lost them."

"It's a common look then. Who hasn't lost something...someone?"

"Mebbe stranger...mebbe. It's just that that's not a look of grief. It's a dark look...mostly about the eyes. I call 'em executioners eyes."

"Executioners eyes...very poetic old man."

"I don't know about no poiems. I just know that's how executioners look when they're about to do the deed. They know they're about to do something horrible, but they harden themselves to it. There's no joy, no sadness...nothing. Killing is just a job to them. It don't carry no real importance. That way, it don't stain them like it do some folk."

Caleb was silent for many moments...pondering the weight of what the old man said...the two of them the only ones not paying attention to the commotion at the bar.

"Tell me grandfather...where did you have the opprotunity to see an executioner at his grim work?"

At this McGinty chuckled...a dry, humorless sound like a dying breath. "I'll tell you where I saw the headsman swing his axe if you tell me where you got all them turrible scars in your arm."

Caleb only smiled, a gesture that held no companionship or comeraderie, a gesture that had more warning than welcome.

"We'll keep our secrets to ourselves then."

McGinty nodded.

"Allright then," Caleb shouted to the room. "Those who would do so, come with me. Our enemies wait for us and we shall slaughter them as wolves among lambs.!"

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Glenn nearly stumbled, even Wise Warrior flinching as Caleb shouted. "Those who would do so, come with me. Our enemies wait for us and we shall slaughter them as wolves among lambs!"

Warrior, it begins!

I'm with you, Glenn. Remember, calm yourself.

Of course. I shall try to remain in control...

Give me a moment... I'm going to try something. You keep talking.

"Sir Caleb," said Glenn softly, standing straight as his blonde ponytail swung back and the light of lamps flashed against his handsome face, "I'm ready. We have decided on our course of action."

He turned to Dayne. "Sir Dayne, please be careful. If we make it through the graveyards before you make it through the junkyards, I will be certain to come back and engage in a pincer attack to make sure you come through safely." He smiled softly. "Though I have every trust in your abilities, sir..."

Seeing that Wise Warrior wasn't giving him any encouragement, and for the first time actually feeling truly alone in his mind, Glenn felt a little nervous, but he forged on away. Stepping to the side, he opened the door and glanced out, looking at Celst there. "Uh, Miss Celst," he said somewhat wryly, "we're getting ready to leave. Prepare yourself..."

...for whatever it is you do, anyway...

"Madam Kanetago, Sir Wraith... let us leave for the graveyard."

Grinning, his eyes alight with enthusiasm and with a hint of power, he spread his gaze around the room. The people there realized, for the first time, how young he must really be... for that whole time he had seemed far older than he was... and only he knew whose power caused that.

"Anyone else... last call! Hahah!"

Aaaaaghh!

Glenn's smile froze, his eyes glimmered, and he glanced downward.

W-Wise Warrior!?

"U-Uh," he said, embarassed at how strange he must look to those around him, "o-one moment..."

Bah, what do I care what they think? Why am I embarassed?

...Wise Warrior! What happened!

...emm... energy expended... watch out...

In a rush, exhaustion hit Glenn, yet even before his knees could buckle, he felt buoyed up... and felt, strangely, even more powerful than before.

Well, well, well. Hello again.

Wait a minute. That's not Wise Warrior... but... your voice... seems familiar...

Oh, yes. Don't you remember? You and that bitch defeated me at the pass. You got lucky when my stinger missed, I recall. It's a shame I hadn't recovered enough spiritual worship energy from those fools in the village to coalesce my scissor claws to chop you up...

S-Scorpion?

SCORPION: Well, you're not an idiot. But I would hope you aren't. Or I'd be terribly embarassed.

WISE WARRIOR: I'm still here, Glenn. But I've found that the latent souls of the spirits we defeat are not only absorbed by me, but survive in personality... I could crush him right now, if you like. I wanted to give you the option.

Hmm? What... are you talking about? My head is... full of voices...

Glenn smiled briefly as he paled, kneeling down. "Uh, please pay... no attention..." He managed to gasp. "I'm having a, how would I say it? Identity crisis? Hmm..."

Man, why am I trying to be polite? I suppose deep down I don't really want anyone to be hurt by my actions... not after what happened to my village...

SCORPION: Hey! This is no time for introspection, pissant! Listen to me!

WISE WARRIOR: He'll survive as a voice to advise you when you want him. I'll be the spirit in charge. But I could erase him forever if you like. I'm not exactly sure what would happen, cosmic-balance wise, but he probably wouldn't REALLY die. In any case, I THINK I have all his powers anyway, but if he survives, you might unlock more...

SCORPION: I'm sure I can be of service to you!

WISE WARRIOR: Sounds different from what you just last said, Scorpion.

SCORPION: You expect something else from the Scorpion?

Ughh... I don't have time for this right now... look, don't destroy Scorpion. He didn't really do anything against his nature by using those people. He's an animal totem, not a human... though I suppose I don't understand the difference that much yet. All the same, keep him alive... but don't let him bother me unless I call for him!

WISE WARRIOR: Will do, my pupil.

Finally shaking his head one last time, Glenn rose to his feet -- and though nobody had any idea what had just happened, his eyes obviously glowed with a stronger power. Whatever he had just gone through, he was obviously more prepared for whatever came ahead.

"Sorry for that," he said gently, glancing around at everyone. "I'm... ready now."

An old man leaned over to his drinking buddy. "Eh, I don't understand these mag-ik-ans," he whispered, "but as long as they're helping us..."

 

[cats]

Celst

IC: 'Well be going soon so prepare your self.' If I was to truely prepare myself I would of goten more sleep and less sex. God I hate what that demon did to me. I leaned against the wall. My cheek was still sore but I didn't want to rub it infront of these men. Women have lost the respect that they once had, showing weakness of any sort was not an option for me.

Glenn made his last call for those to go and then a look of pure chaos came to him. I could see the confusion in his eyes. Maybe he is crazzy, maybe he simply acts skilled, well I hope he has skill fighting because if he dosen't he won't live to see tomorow.

After some time he stood up the same boy he had always been with a look of control as he normally had. His eyes weren't free from stress however he knew what risk all of us were undergoing.

 

[Arc da Rat]

Minutes Before, An Interlude

The words of the Angelus were spoken, a simple but powerful magik spread thru the bar. It soothed the patrons of the tavern, convincing them to think that this was the norm. The chosen ones reacted in different ways ...