Vragon2.0
Say it with me (Vray-gun)
- 420
- Posts
- 7
- Years
- As if I'd be one to say
- Seen Nov 14, 2024
Contains: Language, Death [15]
Chapter 29
Troubling Signs
Chapter 29
Troubling Signs
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"Argh, nothing." Demetri gave a groan as he opened his eyes in frustration and got up from sitting. "I can't detect any sign of them here. Argh, were we too late? Are we too early?" He fumed a little as he walked over to the corner edge of a roof he was on. From the vantage point, Demetri could see the entrance to an old and rather regal Valendorine looking building that was the Frantal Town Library. Its old carvings and structural design shown in the moonlight from the sky, although inside was also lit up from activity still in there.
He crossed his arms and let his eyes look at the pool of water in front of it, where some little water type kids were playing while no one was around. His eyes narrowed at seeing it, but not in a judgmental way. One by one, he identified as best he could the mons there in his head as if his own way of passing the time. Finally, he gave off a sigh after being stumped on the squirtle's continent of origin and mumbled aloud, "Where is he?" Returning his gaze to the library, Demetri sat down, crossing his legs and resting his arms on them as he arched his back to look over the edge.
It's been a while since I've had downtime, well, at least outside the core's area. He let out a sigh as troubling thoughts crossed his mind. I hope I'm wrong, Demetri said in his mind. There's no point thinking about it. I'm off that assignment and on another one with a newbie. He leaned back and just lay there on the ground, gazing up at the stars. How long has it been since we looked under the starts together Zak? Well, the past few months I saw you we were in the catacombs of the core so we couldn't very well see them there. A chuckle escaped his mouth and a smile crossed his face. When was the last time? Upon thinking this, he began a deep memory search for the last time they did, and only for the last time they did.
"Ah, that's right," he said aloud, too pleased to hold it in. "It was that time in Sorphia."
( O )
"This looks like a good spot, right Dem?" Zak said to Demetri, gazing at a nice little clear spot a ledge of the cliff part of a trail in the mountains. "Dem?" he turned around. "You do have ears correct?" Zak joked at Demetri's silence as he watched the grumping sluggishly scale up the pathway to join him.
Demetri, in full panting mode, gave him a displeased look and proceeded to complain, "Why did we have to do this so far up the freaking trail?'
"Because, you're further from the ground, so that means less chance of getting interrupted. Besides, they're very pretty up here without so much obscuring them."
"Fair I guess," Demetri conceded, annoyance still on his face as the two sat down. "But still, stargazing?" Demetri looked at Zak, who was already doing the activity. The typhlosion didn't reply just kept gazing up at the stars above with a smile, much to Demetri's frustration. Demetri gave a little growl and looked up as well. As the minutes ticked by, Demetri couldn't help but slowly get caught up in the activity. "Oh there," he said, suddenly pointing out for Zak to see, "you think that's that one star?"
"Well, I agree it's a star bud. A blue dwarf maybe, but to such which name this star is deserving, I am unfortunately at a loss," Zak said with a little satire and an accompanying grin.
"I can't remember the name okay, but it's that one that… Ugh, look it's in that one story." Demetri crossed his arms to try and remember. "…Ah! I got it"
"What?"
"That's Callium the first." Demetri stood up in triumph and pointed out to it with a big smile, "the first Sun of Sorphia."
"Huh, really?" Zak muttered, not quite getting it. He stood up and joined him look out at it. Zak then repeated the "first Sun of Sorphia" and looked to Demetri for elaboration.
"Well, you see Zak, we're in Sorphia right now. Their ruler is called as 'The Sun of Sorphia'. Kind of like the title king, but more signature to their culture. You know, akin to 'the Fell' for Yveshia, 'The Overlord' for the Askirin Race in the Reverse World and 'Prime Winter' for Kyurem."
"Ah I see," Zak said, with a little nod as he was getting it.
"They say, that whenever a 'Sun of Sorphia' passes, he goes up there and becomes one of the many stars. At least, according to an old legend. More than likely not true, but there's something about your ancestors looking down from above in care that makes mons feel happy."
There was a little pause before Zak asked, "So why did they go with the sun?"
"Hmm…let's see, if I remember my studies correctly it was because their last huge battle for independence against the clans started at midnight and ended at sunrise with Callium the first at the ocean thrusting his hook gauntlets into the sand where the tide comes in." Demetri then looked at Zak, "I did have a Sorphian father you know."
"Fair," Zak said, sitting back down, "and that's why you know about it right?"
"Yeah," Demetri replied and joined him in sitting as well. Demetri then looked off in the distance, far to where in the view looked like the start of a vast desert. "It's weird…"
"What?" Zak asked, leaning in a little closer.
"Well, the clans…Sorphia…they've been here for a long time. Yet seemingly always at odds. I sometimes wonder why it has to be that way." Demetri's eyes narrowed. "Though, I can understand to some degree. It's hard to get along when both are well…different. I mean, the clansmons strong but outnumbered. Seemingly looking up to their ancestors, the arbiters. It's enough to not be able to connect let alone care for." Demetri turned to look back at the stars. "Perhaps, that's what the Sun of Sorphia is to the people here. Their own stakes in legend."
"Oh yeah," Zak added, standing up again to join him, "aren't the five originals like arceus's chosen mons?"
"Yep," Demetri answered. Silence resumed for a while before Demetri added, "I wonder if they didn't go…would this conflict still have happened?"
"Maybe," Zak added, "I mean, even if the arbiters weren't around for the 'twenty years of Callium's war' that was still not long after the arbiters left. I think it was about a millennia ago is what's recorded. Though, I think it's close enough to Callium's war to still rub old conflict. I mean, I can't imagine a war that took up the entire world without legends."
"Fair," Demetri added, with a little nervousness added, "Aegis's Invasion." They both remained silent as if the mere mention of that name was enough to seal their mouths.
"Well, that's history and we have our future to look forward to," Zak exclaimed in a chipper tone, trying to change the subject and mood. "I mean, we've done pretty well and sure things are tense, at least they like you more now."
"True," Demetri said, feeling a little guilty and rubbing one of his ears. "You know, if you try complying to their stuff more, then maybe they'd change their tune regarding you."
"Pfft, they'd have to earn that from me." Zak crossed his arms and gave a huff.
"Heh, I didn't earn it and you do it for me," Demetri pointed out with a teasing grin.
"Yeah, but you're different. Unlike, the core and other planet nerves, you Demetri, understand me." He looked to Demetri and with sincerity in his tone said, "and not just because you know what few do, but because I know about you too."
Demetri blushed a little, looked forwards and rubbed his arm. "That's…very nice of you to say," he stuttered making Zak laugh.
"I mean, of fu**ing course you are. We're mates, buddies, partners." Zak slung his arm over Demetri's shoulders and pointed up at the sky, "we have the whole of our future to head towards. I mean, what's more fun than doing something with someone you care about, right Dem?"
"Right," Demetri gave a nod, just as fired up and happy as Zak. "Thanks for taking me to see the stars, Zak."
"No problem," Demetri said, pulling Demetri in a little with the arm on the grumpig's shoulders, "can't think of anyone else I'd rather do it with."
< O >
...Then we packed up after a little while longer and headed back. Demetri muttered, finishing the narration in his head, eyes still on the library. It's…so lonely being all the way here. He let out a sigh and his head fell and eyes shut. "I just…I just have to hurry and get back. Then we can go stargazing again and as many times as you want Zak." A few sniffles escaped his nose as he wiped it with his arm. "But enough sentiment," he said, standing up, "now where the actual fu** is Devon? He said he just wanted to scout around, I didn't think he meant every freaking alley in this town." He grumbled in a low tone as he walks over to the center of the roof and sat down, attempting to try and find Devon. As he was doing this, he suddenly felt a strange feeling…something familiar. "Huh?" he said, shooting his eyes awake and stood up looking around. He was about to ponder it when Devon buzzed up to the roof.
"Zzzorry about that," he buzzed landing not far from Demetri, "kinda had a hard time getting the zzzupplies." Devon tilted his head, looking at a spaced out Demetri. "Zzzir, you okay?" he asked, slowly walking over to him and tapping Demetri on his arm.
"Hrm?...what?" Demetri finally noticed Devon and jumped back a little startled. "Oh, there you are finally." Looking back in a direction, Demetri closed his eyes once more.
"Uh…zzzir, do you zzzenzzze zzzomething?" Devon inquired.
Demetri, however, just remained silent and focused. His eyes suddenly shot open as if something was surprising him and he dashed to the side of the roof.
"Zzzir?" Devon shouted, pursuing Demetri as best he could.
Demetri quickly levitated a plank and threw it out as he jumped and grabbed it and levitated it down as he hung on. Devon just dove from the top, buzzing his wings trying to keep up. Demetri was the first to land, and he dashed off tossing the plank to the side. "Zzzir, whatzzz wrong?" Devon shouted as he flew after Demetri. The pursuit went through many turns in an alley, Devon trying to see what Demetri was chasing. Suddenly, Devon stopped as he looked upon Demetri looking over something like a corpse. Immediately, Devon's stomach surge and he had to avert his eyes to hold it in. Finally, Devon got control of his stomach and looked again, only to be forced to struggle again at seeing Demetri touch it with his fingers.
"Nope, he's been dead for some time…" Demetri stated standing up, "I'd say at least over an hour." He raised his fist to his chin and began contemplating. The mon isn't a clansmon, and apparently from the fur color and, Demetri opened the dead raichu's eyes forcing Devon once again in a stomach battle right after getting out of it, eye color being green…Solian…maybe. No, they aren't this shade. Could be local or immigrant. A sigh left Demetri's mouth as he retracted his hands from its eyes and instead assessed the wound. It was a clear-cut across the throat, likely done swiftly and plain. In fact, the cut looked rather well done and precise, as if an expert had been able to see his target before engaging. He then assessed the rest of the neck. "Hmm, the neck indicates it was from behind and there looks like no sign of a struggle, but…" Demetri mused out loud, backing from the corpse and looking around at the area. "Potentially, perhaps a runner? I mean, there are signs there was running. I nor Devon knocked those things over so was he running from someone and then got cut? And if he got cut, by who?" Demetri once again looked at the corpse and noticed a small parcel it had that had been torn open. He levitated it upwards, ensuring nothing was falling out and began taking its contents out one by one.
"D-did you find zzzomthing?" Devon said, still queasy but stable.
"…Perhaps," Demetri said, eyes narrowing as he pulled out a few clues as to who the mon is. "Ranger…likely from another town. See, this badge says 'Treasure City' branch." He set the badge in his open palm to look at it better.
"But thizzz izzz Frantal right? Far from Treasure town at least." Devon buzzed closer to look, his curiosity easing his stomach with a distraction from the dead body next to them.
"Indeed, so likely he was investigating something but what." Demetri activated the badge, but it didn't respond. "Damaged apparently," the grumping grumbled levitating it back to the parcel. "Him having it in a parcel might mean he was going undercover. Undercover in what though." Demetri looked up at the sky and closed his eyes, doing his best to try and make sense of it all.
"You think…it's the red eyes?" Devon inquired.
"Maybe," Demetri bluntly said, "thugs aren't exactly accurate a lot of the time and his coins are here still…maybe he knew something and was forced to keep quiet by him losing his life." But if that is what they were aiming for why leave the corpse here? Wouldn't that just add to the suspicions? Ugh, for now, I should just report it, that's the best I can do right now.
Demetri began pinging for cells to report to while Devon just shut his eyes to not look at the corpse and have a stomach rollercoaster again.
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…
"Meddlesome," a figure said sitting on the roof of the highest building in Frantal. "He got what he deserved." It stood up and let the breeze blow on his body and a let out a relieved sigh. "Well, hopefully, this sends a clear message at least to you," the figure said, taking something out of a small pouch, "you and all of you nosey mons in Triacal." He flicked his claws up, flipping a coin into up, the light of the moon reflecting off of a silver Bohrmian and letting it fall back into his waiting sandslash claw. He continued to flip it in silence, his red iris eyes looking off across the city. "Don't try it. Hopefully, the core gets the message, or at least figures it out if he has brains." He caught his coin and held it out in front, looking at it with narrow eyes. "I should leave now. Did my job here so," He shoved the coin into his pocket, "time for training I guess or at least…time away from this." He began walking away but suddenly stopped. Stayed in silence and slowly forming a scowl as if he was hearing something he didn't like. "Shut up," he muttered under his breath as he headed for the spot to climb down.
As he landed down into an alley and headed down it, he pulled out his coin again and started flipping it a little. A small noise sounded and he stopped immediately. The sandslash slowly turned his head to his belt pack that and opened it to pull out a blinking communication orb. Once he pressed the orb he instantly was greeted by a, "Hello Armie." His eyes went down halfway as an aggravated sigh escaped his mouth. "What is it, Plageues?" the mon asked with a frown into the com, "and can you at least say my name right or are you retarded on purpose?"
"Oh come now, Armád, you know I enjoy talking to Mr. Coin Flipping edgy Mk-"
"Say what you need to and then hang up," Armád spoke into the com with a monotone threat.
"My, my, well if you are in such a hurry then fine. I got wind you were in the area and I was wondering if you were able to back me up for a mission, since you're around and all," the voice in there said with a rather exaggerated chipperness as if it was talking to an old friend.
Armád just stood there with an annoyed expression and started flipping his coin faster with no reply.
After some time, Plageues spoke again. "Hello? Did you go off and get yourself killed?"
"Handle your own fu**ing mission," Armád snapped as he was about to turn the orb off.
"Hold on, that's no way to treat someone you're talking to," Plageues said with a chuckle that made Armád growl.
"Look Playjerk," Armád began but was cut off.
"Oh you like making names too," Plageues teased with a playful tone that frustrated Armád enough to catch his coin and punch a wall with a newly formed fist.
"What the reverse do you fu**ing want from me you piece of trash‽"
There was silence, till Plageues said, "Fine, Mr. Prickly if you want me to get to the point." There was a brief pause as Plageues cleared his throat, "I'm heading after a target to capture, you ever hear of Aegis?"
Armád replied in a snobbish tone, "No and I don't really feel like I care to."
"Oh but someone sure does." Plageues giggled as he said, "Lord Azazel."
Armád looked sternly at the orb, his focus slowly rising at the mention of that name. "How so?"
"Beats me," Plageues said with a shrug on his end, "but what matters is that he's interested in it. You know what that means, big points for whoever brings him in. I personally have no need for them, but you, on the other hand, could use some favor points."
Armád's expression slowly shifted to skepticism. "If that's the case then why are you doing it?" he asked as he started flipping his coin again.
"Simple, because they need me for it. I am a good tracker, but you Armád have skills I could use. Plus, the brat I'm after has friends and they proved troublesome for the last group which sadly I'm stuck with, but without the better Trishula part of it."
"Trishula?" Armád repeated, "It was his mission?"
"Yep, and frankly he was pissed to be taken off of it. You should have seen his face when he went on the boat. Mon, he was mad about it." Plageues giggled while Armád rolled his eyes. "But getting back to the overall point, if you could help us that would be good."
Armád contemplated, but his thoughts were interrupted by Plageues asking, "Where are you anyway?"
"Well, I was carrying out a minor mission on taking out some mon that was investigating the area here and moseying in our business on order from the superiors. I just ended the bit** so I was going to finish up checking on our associates in Triacal's trade ring before heading to Bohriam and meet with Gaispir there." The sandslash started walking down the alley, his temper going down now that Plageues was tolerable. "But that's more taking a break from missions.
"So, can you come help or can't you?"
Armád coughed for a second and gave a firm "No…" he then let out a sigh and followed with, "but, I can tell you I'm not the only here on a mission. If you need their assistance, they are Gulag and Elrios but other than that I won't be attending."
"Very well then," Plageues said with an instigating tone, "say 'hi' to your first convert for me."
Armád threw the orb down the hallway at hearing that. He placed his claw up to his head and shook his head slightly as he angrily groaned. "Why can't he just fu**ing die," he dragged his claw over his face and walked over to the orb's stopping spot. He picked it up and gazed into it with a troubled look. "My first convert huh…" he mumbled to himself as he put it away. The sky began to start doing a gentle drizzle before a bigger rain storm would hit. "Late huh…" he said to the summer storm looking upwards at the clouds he couldn't see due to the night. He resumed his walk. "Better late than rushed," he mumbled as he began flipping his coin as the rain began to pour harder. Without a word or a change in expression, he caught his coin, put it away and just let himself get soaked.
< O >
"That's not good," Dolly said to herself as she looked at the storm clouds in the distance.
Swift, walked up to join her in looking at the problematic travel hazard ahead. "Rain eh," the heliolisk said with a little enthusiasm, "sounds fine."
"No, when we have a long ways to go." She pointed at the path leading to where Frantal Town could be seen from the vantage spot in the mountains. "More than likely, we'll need to hurry if we're going to be far enough on the trail to not get hit since the road makes a giant 'U' shape to go track to another city with a path down later going back to Frantal." Pointing out to the two she explained, "That right there is Frantal Town. Normally we could take the path there," she gestured to a rather straightforward looking pathway down some mountain slopes and through some of the farming fields to the town, "but the rain is right over it and pretty heave. Meaning, it might be better for us to take the longer route that does around those mountains instead of cutting through before them there." She returned her arm and propose it on her side, muttering, "It'll take us a bit out of our initial way, but at least we won't get too wet. I'd say we'll arrive in about post-lunchtime. Anyways," Dolly faced the heliolisk and instructed, "Get the others ready. We won't have much time before we have to move."
Swift nodded and raced off to get everyone ready. Dolly just watched the clouds before being called over. "Okay," she shouted, "choose partners now. We don't have much time."
"Garon," Jaron said immediately, causing the dragon to look at him with an appreciative smile. "I mean, you said after one." Jaron smiled at Dolly who caved to the request.
"Yes I did," she admitted letting out a sigh, "Okay next?"
"Vragon," Seliph said aloud, leading to Vragon looking at him with an opposite reaction that Garon's to Jaron. He was about to say something when Jasmine paired up with Swift. Vragon's heart sank as Dolly ended the voting with, "So that leaves me with Ciecro. Alright, mons get with your partners and let's head out."
"Well it shouldn't be too troubling a trip if we can avoid the rain," Seliph said, joining up to Vragon, "shall we take the front?"
"I suppose," the fraxure replied, crossing his arms and twisting his body a little. He then said in a sarcastic tone, "Don't enjoy getting wet."
"Rather it is you wouldn't enjoy the experience," Seliph said with a smile. Vragon faced the greninja and let out a sigh. "Well let's just get to the town then."
"Yes," Vragon said, pulling his travel pack over his shoulder and putting the strap around the other, "let's just get to the town." He proceeded to walk on, Seliph following with a confused expression.
"Something wrong?" Seliph inquired, jogging up to Vragon's side.
"Did you forget the standings we are in?" Vragon said with a little bit of hostility in his tone.
"No, of course not. Just wondering why you are being well…a little hostile." Vragon just kept his gaze forwards and didn't reply. Seliph than asked, "Something happen last night?"
Vragon kept quiet, his mind dwelling back on the dream he had before they all had started this journey. "I just…don't want this to be a complete waste. Coming here to Frantal."
"And why would that be?" Seliph asked, leading Vragon to scowl a little and roll his eyes. "I'm serious."
Vragon grunted and said, "You know I don't know my past right?"
"Ah I see," Seliph said, raising his fist to his chin. He looked at Vragon when the dragon spoke again.
"It's important to me I find out." The fraxure grabbed his pendant on his neck and held it out for Seliph to see. "I want to know what this is and why I have a connection to it. Why I'm Averion and how I ended up here. I want to know it all and not knowing bothers me."
"I can understand. It would bother me too." Seliph looked down the path and let out a sigh. "It bothers me not knowing things."
Vragon looked at Seliph, this time with curiosity. "About what exactly?"
"Well," Seliph straightened his pack on his back and muttered in a low tone, "Bothers me I haven't created a cure."
Vragon's eyes widened and he looked forwards, rather surprised to hear this even if it made perfect sense considering what he knew. I guess that's true. Vragon felt a little guilty at his venting despite Seliph always having this feeling too. I shouldn't be so hostile. I mean, so far he's been nice and well taking out my worries on him isn't good for him nor me. He looked forward and clasped his pendant harder. Let's just get to Frantal for now.
Seliph was watching Vragon and what he could assume was a guilty expression on the fraxure's face. He slowly let his pace fall behind Vragon's and glanced back at the rest behind. Jaron and Garon seemed to be conversing in a friendly and active manner. Did they talk last night? He thought, as his eyes shifted to Jasmine and Swift. They were conversing as well but seemed to be more getting to know each other, or at least Seliph assumed via the lack of friendly gestures from Swift. Good. He looked at the last two and his brow raised. Ciecro's head was down a little and eyes were...worried. Dolly had her arm on his shoulder and was talking to him for all he could assume was, encouraging. Did something happen and they are talking? Seliph looked forwards and quickly caught back up to Vragon's side. His eyes narrowed as he began going over the information he had.
First, I'll see about Garon regarding Jaron. I need to keep things on both good terms. Once there, I should try and get to talk with Vragon and help him in his little search. Unfortunately, there's Dolly but I might have a chance if something is bothering Ciecro. Though, his head slowly lowered, something seems deep on his mind. Maybe…maybe I should try and talk to him too…No, he wouldn't want to talk to me, least of all about something bothering him. I'm the bad older brother after all to them, and they clearly are still getting used to me being around. I wonder though. They are being less aggressive, could it be in regards to that night before. I should make a note of that, but first things first. Find out the truth about you Vragon, and see if there is something there.
< O >
Daemon peered through a vile containing some strange fizzy red liquid as he slowly tipped a blood sample over and let a few drops land in this liquid. I began bubbling violently but not enough to overflow its edges, and slowly let it begin to settle down. After it had become completely still in his motionless hand he moves his eyes closer to it.
"Hmm," he mumbled aloud, "bonded…so then," he slowly moved another vile with his other hand over to the top of the vile. Small droplets of blood dripped down into the formula, causing it to bubble once more before finally settling down like last time. Daemon set the vile down upon a little holder and proceeded to go through his notes. "Bonding formula, there must be a means to separate the samples." He tapped his writing stick on the side of the desk as his one eye browsed over the scribbles, drawings, and notes on the many papers before him. "If I could just figure a means that could work then…" his eye narrowed as he straightened up. Silently he floated over to a mirror and peered into it, however, all he focused on in the reflecting image was the bandage on his right shoulder. "If I can find it…I may be able to-" a sudden knock came on the door. With an aggravated grumble and two fingers moved to rub his eye Daemon coldly said, "Yes?"
"Begging pardon sir," a mon said, entering. It was a rather fit beartic with a small ice beard and an arm guard with some attached technologies and design indicating captain status. He gave a polite head no and slight bow with his arm cupped under as his body folded over it barely.
"Go on captain," Daemon muttered as he floated over to put away his notes.
"Lord Azazel has arrived and he wishes to speak to you." The captain waited for a reply, yet none came from Daemon. It was rather awkward for the guy, considering Daemon didn't even seem to give him a notable expression. "Would…you wish for him to wait?" he finally suggested to which Daemon replied,
"No Captain Chenoo, I will go and speak with him personally." The ghost floated over to his coat post and put on his over jacket and floated to the captain, who immediately stepped out so Daemon could lock the door behind him. They both walked down the hall in silence, until Daemon inquired, "How long has he been here?"
"Just arrived," the captain informed.
"I see," Daemon muttered stroking his chin, "Well then, I shall see to him. But," he suddenly faced the captain who looked at him curiously, "I wish to thank you for allowing me the blood samples."
"Of course sir," the captain replied, relaxing a little, "Anything that would help your research."
"Indeed I suppose." The ghost floated on but stopped at the captain adding something.
"Mind if I ask what's it on?" the captain looked with curious red eyes as Daemon slowly turned around.
The ghost kept quiet and merely gazed at the beartic with a blank and a rather cold expression.
"If…if it's private sir-" The beartic began, but stopped at a rise of Daemon's hand.
"Tell me, captain," he said, "Why did you join?"
"Oh?"
"The red eyes," Daemon clarified.
The captain crossed his arms and leaned on one leg and looked at the wall. "That's really personal sir."
"Isn't it personal for all," Daemon pointed out. "But you need not inform me." He then folded his arms behind his back, while the beartic looked at him confused. "What's important is there was a reason why you joined, like everyone else…a personal reason. You sought something more…did you not?" The beartic nodded and Daemon resumed. "As I sought to be more in kind. Why I research…is for that fact."
"Understood," the captain said with a nod, not entirely sure what Daemon was getting at or happy he wasn't just told what it was but didn't push for an answer.
Daemon gave a little cough as he turned around. "As such, I will put in a good word for you. My hopes to you for becoming selected should you apply."
"Thank you, sir," Chenoo said with a grateful smile as Daemon floated down. Hearing that from him heh, imagine that. Soon maybe, hopefully, I'll be one of them.
Daemon floated down a corridor to a rather large and oddly dim light lobby. In the middle was a figure in a dark hood and cloak seemingly staring at the floor, arms at side and floating. Daemon announced himself with a cough and said, "You wished to see me…Lord Azazel."
"Indeed," Azazel slithered, turning around to face Daemon, "tell me, how are your…attempts going?"
"If you refer to my individual projects, they are performing adequately," Daemon replied, but Azazel just shook his head.
"No, no," he said taking off his hood, revealing a hydreigon head with very dark red eyes a white and black skin and rather odd burn marks. "Where your passion lies."
"I don't understand," Daemon said with a calm tone and cool head. Be still Daemon.
"Well," the red-eyed dragon laughed slightly as he floated towards Daemon and faced away from him, "Everyone has a dream, ambition. Even the ones that are…dreamless have something down there that drives them…an empty will, however, is the first sign life is dying."
"I'd rather a straight answer sir," Daemon said a little impatiently.
"Careful not to rush to carefully, Daemon." The dragon said with a grin, "Some things could be considered treason to your superiors."
Daemon tensed at this but remained composed. "I will be cautious sir. But may I inquire what gives you these thoughts of ill towards me?"
"Oh no, you misunderstand me Daemon," Azazel said with a less creepy grin, "I didn't say I considered it treason, only that some in the red eyes would. I mean, tampering with your being as you are to…silence it, is a method few would want to be completed, correct?"
Daemon's heart sank. He felt a chill down his body as if all the energy in him was frozen and shaken. The red-eye fell slightly, wide open as his mind was in disarray. He shook his head however and replied, "No such thing would be permissible, understandably." How? It's impossible, there's no way he could know about…did I get ratted out by Plageues or… Daemon waited for an answer from the dragon who merely looked back at the wall.
"You feel bound to it, don't you?" the dragon stated without a smile nor a stare at him.
"Bound by what?" Daemon dared ask, wanting an answer to whether or not Azazel knew or was just probing him.
"Do you wish for me to say it here?" The dragon faced him and gestured his arms out wide.
Daemon looked around, seeing a few mons around him. All potentially in hearing distance. "Never mind sir." Blast, if he knows then… Daemon floated over to look upon the wall himself. He then said, "If I may ask Lord Azazel. Trishula is heading here, but won't be for about two days. So, why did you come here so early?"
"I wished to converse with you," he started looking at the wall with a frown. "However, you aren't the only reason I came here." The red eyes Lord faced Daemon and in a low tone whispered, "You are one of the four of the inner iris council. Out of all of them, you have been with us the longest and have done much to make the red eyes plans bolster forwards. So, it is due to this recognition that I…have an order for you."
Daemon gave a nod and listened intently.
"I have been focusing my efforts in finding Aegis's vessel. Pathos continues his pursuit and recruiting, and Mephiles is working on projects with the science division. However, you of the Iris council hold potential problems. While many of you are indeed fitting to be there, I have heard of disruption amongst some of the newer members of your council. Pokémon that seem to doubt those of us above them. As a head, I wish for you to quell these at the next meeting, but…" he leaned in closer. "I also wish for you to seek out ones that could be traitorous or shown signs of actions against us."
"I'm honored for this mission," Daemon said with a head bow.
"These are dangerous times Daemon. No more are we in the dark to the world, now we are seen by them and by our enemies. Those that lose sight of why they came must be found, lest we have potential damage done to our plans and you understand how long we've been preparing for this." A dark smile replaced the serious gaze on Azazel as he added with a little slither in his words, "We draw near to the finish of collection."
Daemon rubbed his chin and let out a thinking noise as he closed his eye. "I will do what I can," he stated and the dragon nodded.
"Oh, one more thing," Azazel said floating off. "When my apprentice, Trishula, arrives; I want you to personally escort him here. So, if you will please head to the port town he will be landing at and bringing him here I would be most appreciative."
"Very well," Daemon accepted, "I must attend a few things before my departure."
The ghost began floating off as Azazel, with a pleased smile floated in the other direction, stated, "of course."
The ghost was silent as he traveled to his lodgings and shut the door behind him. He floated to his main table and placed his two hands on it and just stared at the well-kept wood. Terrible feelings and thoughts permeated his head as he tried to calm himself after the scare he had earlier. Even if he knows, he wouldn't inform the other ones, he reasoned as he straightened up. After all, to condemn me over this would be wasteful to him and put him at odds with his apprentice. He looked to the side at his bookcase, the lines of gold coins and items in bags assorted in a neat and orderly fashion. Floating over to it, he flipped a little clipping and opened a hidden compartment no bigger than two of his fingers. Carefully, he dug into it and pull out a little picture. It will be good to see you…again. I need some solace after all. He gripped his right shoulder, where his bandage was wrapped. This was a disturbing revelation, to say the least.
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