An Unknown Being's Story

Stroking at his chin in thought, he applauded their creativity. It was a far less flashy version of mayhem, and yet all the same, it was deliciously appetizing to hear. In all his years, all he'd ever accomplished was pissing off the population and the various forms of law that existed. He'd never once grown closer to his always looming goal.

"Oh, I plan on more than this city burning. I plan on chaos. And hell to pay. I've been rebirthed with a nasty sense of loathing for any and all. I've just grown to understand how this pathetic world, and it's very existence, work. It's taken some time, I will admit..." He spoke, gently pacing too and fro. "But, I've got it." He said with a delightful chuckle.

"You can have your Randin. I'll do what I can to locate him, if any of you do not first. And then, you can play bait whilst the wolfman eviscerates him, through and through. I could care less what you do to him, simply as long as my word has been seen through. After you have done what you wish with him, my plans can begin to come into fruition. But it will take more than just who you see around you. I am simply one figure. I shall place the burden of roping others such as yourselves into this...Legion, I shall call it." He explained, turning his attention to Kianna.

"As for you. I know you well enough. You're a jack of all trades, and master of none. You can gather information as well as grab others. Soon, I shall be needing those with an affinity for that blasted technological junk. I'm daft when it comes to such contraptions, but I've come to realize I'll need those on every field to combat the coming opposition." He spoke out with a heavy commanding tone.

"I shall see this planet fall. I shall see it brought to its knee's, and I shall see it rise again, anew, as a raging phoenix would. It is time those such as ourselves got what we so viciously seek."

Coming to a halt, though, he held up a finger. "As I've said before. Expect opposition from varying angles." -c

"I know of a man who wishes me dead, and that shall thus transpose onto the likes of you. A man by the name of Vidious. He commands a guild of Assassin's. So be clever about what you do, and what you say. He has eyes where you'd least expect them. The Aschen, as well, will be a massive thorn in my side. I've already received a threat from a man late last eve. Some Darien McGregor? Pah. Such absurd names. Regardless. The Aschen will always be a giant pest. And lastly, this Terran Militia that has recently surfaced. Do not be surprised if you find opposition from them as well. If you attain an opportunity, kill them if you can. I wish to have as little enemies as possible so that the coming days shall be spent accomplishing tasks with relative ease."

"Indeed. Do as you will. Off with the both of you. I've heard all I've needed to hear. I'm pleased." He quickly spoke out, offering a simple dismissive wave of his hand. There wasn't much needed to be said. He'd gotten what he'd wanted thus far. But, now, on to the silent one.

Turning his focus upon Kianna, his gaze narrowed.

"So I take it you did not see much in them, hn?" He inquired before offering a callous grin. "I don't much either. But, that's the glory in having expendable flesh." He said with a grin. "Though, I guess I cannot entirely contribute them to expendable. I should seriously work on my view of things. I suppose they have their uses." He suddenly went off, contradicting himself.

It certainly was difficult to adjust completely. He was far more used to doing things himself. A walking apocalypse capable of single handedly tussling with an Aschen Reverence and surviving. But, times were changing. Such things weren't capable anymore. Opposition was growing, by far, more deadly.

"Your thoughts? And again, I'm curious as to why you of all people would aid me in my cause." His eyes studied her. "I'd pegged you as far more selfish than that. Not that I'm complaining. I'm rather pleased to have your hand in this. I'm certain you can't wrong me. I know you better than that."

[color=maroon]"I see much the same. They appear to be wet behind the ears. But, as far as tools go, they are useful." He murmured to himself, simply restating what she had said, but it was common ground, and common thought. Which is what truly interested him. He was, for the better part of things, looking for like-minded individuals. Now, he wasn't perse truly bored of Wing City, but at the same time, he held an apathy toward it. It was the planet he truly sought. It would always be Terra. The thing he could not have. And it's what drove him to such inexplicable lengths. The thought of not having it as his own. He could do whatever he so desired to this putrid city. None would give much of a care. Only the typical redundant fools that always chose to interfere, but to what cause? They sought limelight themselves. They did not save it for the people. They saved it for the glory. It sickened him. This entire planet, and existence, sickened him. But with no true way back to whence he came, he would make do.

This planet would finally be his. And those beneath him would learn their places. The far reaches of the Galaxy did not appeal him yet. For now. He was content with pushing his plan. The Militia. It was a challenge. The Aschen. A Challenge. The Assassin Guild and Vidious. A challenge. Perhaps it had to do with his blood, and the excitement of a challenge, that made it all the better. Regardless. He couldn't be foolish.

"You could. You very well could, lie to me. But, you see." He began, before leaning inward, intentionally invading her space. "You wouldn't. It's not like you. At least, when you're around me, it's not." He finished before offering a mild chuckle. "Very well. I'll have you. I expect results, too, or you'll be useless to me. I suggest you work your magic; find other individuals you believe capable in joining my cause. And then, seeings as you are the most promising, keep an eye on the Aschen. I fear them the most." He finished.

With that, he disappeared from the rooftop, a single leap carrying hi

Luck. What a trivial thing. But, strangely enough, it had been on this figures side for a short while now. Things had been coming together rather neatly for him. It was just a shame he had to take time out of his plotting to place himself in Gambit's. He'd been across the city already with no sight of his current, meaningless, objective. He hadn't caught a single glance of that silly detective he was tasked with securing.

Within Gambit's, he found himself settling for something far more simple. Scouting. There was plenty more room in his ranks, if one could consider it such a thing. Far more opportunities did linger out there. Promising figures who could aid him in his cause.

Against the bar counter he stood, vermillion hues scrutinizing the establishment and its inhabitants. Unfortunately, he saw nothing promising. Nothing even appeasing to his gaze.

As he lingered against the bar, his eyes took sight of a figure in the shadows. He should have assumed as much. What was she doing here? Drinking away what time she had to be useful? Only then did the sack hit his feet, the audible squelching noise giving quick insight as to what it could possibly contain. Gingerly, he reached down before securing it in his grasp, eyes trained on it as nimble fingers opened it. As he peered in, the cloth that hid his jaw and mouth contorted in what could be considered a heinous grin.

So she was useful. Closing the sack, he attached it to his side, perhaps for later use. Perhaps he'd use it as a warning. Perhaps he'd get rid of it. It didn't matter. He'd figure out his methods soon enough.

"So I see you didn't waste any time..." His voice trailed out from behind the mask, his nails tapping on the counter before a drink was served to him. "I'm surprised. Though at the same time, I'm not. I knew you'd be quite promising." He finished, his eyes slowly adjusting to settle on her.

Placing a hand upon her shoulder as she momentarily lingered beside him, his eyes settled onto what could be considered hers, even beneath the cowl. "I'd expect nothing less of a putrid being such as this one. But, you've done well. Quite well. You've shown promise rather quickly. I'll leave it to you to deal with all matters Aschen from now on. You seem to excel in this area." He softly murmured.

And with that, he let her go to her business whilst he remained.

As silent as the night, a robed figure strode his way into the bar. Vermillion optics flicked from either side, noting the going on's without a single bat of his lashes. It appeared drab, and droll, but it did appear that he'd barely missed what could have been considered a rather heated event.

Casually, he allowed himself to rest against the bar counter, a single delicate hand pulling the hood of his attire down to hide the upper half of his eyes whilst a cloth mask hid his face from the nose down. A single digit scrolled through the electronic menu before selecting a simple drink. As it arrived, he leisurely stirred it with an elongated black nail that extended from his index finger.

Continuing to stir his drink, he slowly removed his claw from the liquid only to reach down and lift it to his mask. With a free set of fingers, he tugged down at the material allowing him the ability to drink. Of course, with all the shade surrounding his face, it would still remain mostly hidden, only a partial amount of ambient light able to reach it. Once he'd drank his current fill, he replaced the glass upon the counter before replacing the cloth over his face.

So a man had died. Oh how the people stirred and cringed. Their hearts were heavy. One individual, worthless, little life. It mad his insides turn the more he thought about it. Weak fools.

Of course, there was nothing here truly keeping his attention, but opportunities did arise at the most inconclusive of times.

Amidst what appeared to be day old wreckage and havoc, a cloaked being continued at a leisurely pace, simply surveying all the chaos that could be beheld. It appeared that Nox had done his job and then some. It had also come to his attention that the cryptic creature had happened to have a close encounter with his brother. That had left a slight worry within Kazura. No word could get out, just yet at least. Nox's acquisition of the copious amounts of technology would prove to be a great omen for the fruition of his plans. Obviously, the first step would be to cripple Terra's defenses, bit by bit. Being vague in the aspects of utilizing technology, Kazura sought to obtain individuals of such feats. With them in the palm of his hands, this crippling machine, of sorts, could be put together.

"Hnhnhn. Oh, they won't see it coming. Those gifted with arcane abilities will be crippled and left defenseless like infantile babes." He mused to himself before pausing within an intersection. Nothing but gored buildings stood, a testament to Nox's rampant iniquitous ways.

'Kianna...I've business to discuss with you. You're a pain to find, so perhaps you can show yourself, if you've time?'

It was a simple mental request, an ability rarely used by Kazura. Rarely was there ever anyone he held, even, a semblance of trust with that he'd do such a thing. Awaiting for the current moment, his sweeping gaze circled around, soft footsteps permitting him to turn in a spiral motion to further survey the few blocks radius that lay in ruin.

Adjusting his gaze, now that he'd managed to cross a few blocks, he came to an abrupt halt. His scrutinizing gaze could be made out from beneath the hood of his own garb. Vermillion hues momentarily began to emit an eerie glow before ceasing all too quickly.

"Hm. You would. Silly woman." He remarked, keeping rather short with his words. "Regardless. This destruction is beautiful, is it not? Only a taste of what's to come." He crooned, gesturing to the buildings as some teetered, others tottered, and others completely lay splayed out amongst one another.

"This here is a testament to the beginnings of my work. Nox Infernal. I'm sure you've heard of him. He managed to elude my control once before, but now...strangely enough, he's chosen to dedicate himself to the cause." He explained, before moving into details. "I issued to him the task of retrieving certain technological constructs from this district. Now I seek capable minds that can use these constructs and create a rather impressive device capable of rendering magic users incapable. Of course, those under my servitude are exempt for I also seek to create miniature devices meant to be implanted within the left hand. These minute devices will effectively deter the effects of the nullification process, leaving them free to do as they will." He explained, gesturing with his left hand.

"Of course, I explain this to you because I believe that I can trust you. You've yet to fail to impress, and your opinion would have an impact. So far, things are progressing slowly, but surely. When I gain the minds necessary, the first portion can be put into motion." He finished, before falling silent briefly, as if expecting a response.

Hearing her brief words, Kazura again fell into a silenced pause. She certainly had a point. Perhaps it was ignorance that allowed such a theory to elude him. Or perhaps he could have cared less. Fallen numbers, no matter how many, could be counted as success in his eyes. The less opposition, the better.

"Well, I had envisioned with the minds I'd have at work, a vast spectrum of the various magical users could be targeted, but if it is as you say it is, I'll have more trouble than I bargained for." He thought for a moment.

"My primary target? Oh, my dear, I've only just begun. I plan to cripple Terra's defenses, as I've said. Any and all that dare to stand in my way. Over my years of being here, it appears that those who dabble in the arcane arts are, of course, that vast majority of this planets populace. And then you have the demonic, and angelic, hordes. Beyond that, your eccentric energy users, and manipulators. Do you see what I'm getting at? One by one, I wish to level defenses. There are obviously very specific methods to go about each and every group, but, for the most part, I want little to no resistance when I set about seizing control." He explained, hands in significant motion, almost as if he were a dictator.

And then he became silent, and eerily so at that. Planetary conquest was so cliche. And, yet at the same time, not so much. Recognition and domination. That is what he sought. Once Terra fell, if it was plausible and possible, he'd begin to infect the Galaxy. Power. He was hungry for it. Conquest, and to be a God in the eyes of the minuscule and weak.

Truly he was delusional.

"Regardless. You have to begin somewhere. I believe that I'm not incorrect in beginning here. What have you to say?"

"Hnhn, again. You never fail to impress. The Aschen. Who'd have thought using an enemy to gain results..." He mused aloud, slipping into a furthered chuckle. Though within his muffled laugh, his mind continuously played out how the day of reckoning would go.

The many who opposed him would be upon their knees. Those who knew nothing of it, too, would be withered and weak. Like a fierce maelstrom, innocent lives would be pulled beneath his talon clawed hands and snuffed out. Those that remained would be put to whatever use they have. A new era would begin. Those who shared his vision would have their day.

"You require something of me?" He suddenly spoke out, quickly snapping out of his delirious trance. "Name it. This will not be the first request asked of me. I'll simply add it to the tally."

The Patronus. The very utterance of such a thing nearly brought vomit from his mouth. How could he forget such a thing. But, that had already been such a time ago. Aligning himself with the very thing they fought so arduously against, he realized he'd gain nothing from it. Let alone anything close to what he was after. Lambasting either side, he'd turned his back never to step onto the battlefield again.

And even before that, his ties with it had been rather...foolish. An incarnation of himself never to be relived left him weak and pitiful. He'd done away with the only string that had been attached to him only to suffer death at the hands of a whimsical tool.

"..." Silence was her only answer for a single moment in time, his eyes scrutinizing her heavily only for the tinged orbs behind his hood to flare up. "The Patronus? I'd hoped I'd never have to hear that phrase ever again." He began, clenching his fists. If what she said was true, then certainly they would pose a threat down the road. The more he learned of outside influence, the more he realized how great of a challenge he was facing. The pitiful rabble of Wing City was hardly anything to fear, but with Vidious' Assassin's, the Invictus and Terran Militia, the ever lingering Aschen, and now even The Patronus being brought into light...it seemed his chances were only growing far more slim.

"Occupied? I vowed never to deal with them again after our last...encounter. If I'm not mistaken, I had a rather interesting ordeal with a rather large Dragon and two irritating spell casters." He spat before falling eerily silent again. "What is it you want me to do. I've grown since those days, if you're insinuating what I believe you are. Though, my power alone isn't enough to quell the lot of them."

Musing on it for a moment, Kazura frowned from behind his concealing hood. Expendable tools. Because he had so much to offer at this time. He'd hardly managed to attain even a minuscule number of followers. A mutt. A pyromaniac female. Kianna. And Nox. Quite a lovely bunch there.

"Hn. I suppose I can offer myself and Nox as their entertainment. The others aren't even a considerable distraction. They'd be done away with in a moments haste. As long as I retain my concealment, they'd know no better, at least I should hope so." He explained.

"Of course, I can always work on gaining more numbers. Perhaps if I find a suitable figure, they can replace me and can join Nox. But, if I must, I can get my hands dirty. Sometimes it is better to do something yourself."

Adjusting his neck for a moment, he began to deliberate on all that had been said. His plan had been divulged. He trusted her enough with said information. Aside from that, his only concern was in gaining numbers and having his current projects fulfilled. Aside from that, it appeared he had nothing left to say.

"Nothing further to discuss. Simply do your best to keep an eye out on the other ridiculous factions and such. You have a keen ear and eye. You do well with gathering information. It pleases me. I was wise in running into you. Or perhaps, you running into me." He snarked before raising a dismissive hand into the air. In that instant, he turned on heel and began to stride away, not another word spoken.

His prior exploration of the city was, perhaps, something of a joke. He'd sought out meager information, and had garnered a few bits of knowledge that would be useful. But, as was always, Gambit's would be the final stop of this day.

A delicate, soft fleshed, hand gingerly ushered forth the door allowing him to seek entrance. Upon first inspection, it appeared much as it always did; like a circus side show, complete with freaks and loons all the same. A simple shake of his head brought the hood draped over his face to ruffle, as if it too felt the sting of petty lamentation.

Bringing himself to take a seat at the bar counter, his nails rapped upon the surface twice; a glass soon brought before him. "Your finest wine; preferably chilled well."

The looming vermillion hues that peaked from beneath the hood did nothing to betray him, but did search the crowd.

All appeared quiet, and rather uninteresting. His wine served to him, his delicate hand quickly brushed off the tender; no intent to pay for such a thing. How often was it seen that one paid anyway? He wouldn't waste what little he had on such a petty thing. The tender, obviously irate, left the being to his drink whilst spilling out a slew of angry rabble.

"Obviously there is little in here worthy of my time. Far from anything potential. Who would have thought such a slum city would fail to show promise, what with it's ever increasing population." He mused to himself, hardly speaking above a whisper. In that instant, he gingerly lifted his hand to remove the cloth clinging at his face; merely to take a sip before replacing it.

It wasn't long before he finished his wine, noting the looming absence of anything even considerable. Discarding the glass upon the counter, he took to his feet and carried himself to the exit. Another unsuccessful night, it seemed. But, the war was set. The end was nigh. Without a single word, he made his departure for the evening.

Amongst the shadows, two intense vermillion eyes trained both upon Alex and Rose before he made his approach. Crossing his way over the street, he came to a stand still before Alex, completely unnoticed by the android teen. Placing a hand upon the droids shoulder, he could have expected swift movements the boy made to try and escape the grasp but it was to no avail. "Cease. It's merely I. You have done well. I see you've taken notice of Rose. She's of no concern. I made a point to have her meet me here along with you." He explained, before tilting his head to view her. "I'm not sure why that was necessary, but I dare not ask." He explained.

"I'm sure you're both wondering why I've summoned you. Alex, it was simple. I need funding for Legion's soon to be upcoming projects. You've done well. I surmise you've at least a million toted over your back. I've made sure homework has been done in which businesses you chose to plunder." He said, his grin hid behind his mask. "Though, that's hardly enough. Which is why I made sure you as well acquired account information. Gambit's should have been one of them. It won't be hard to leech out of business accounts and funnel the money into untraceable accounts outside of Wing City." He further explained.

"And this is where you come in, Rose." He then began, turning his focus onto her. "You mentioned something about 'sleeper cells'. I assume that is funny talk for people who can contribute to the cause. They gather information, am I correct? Rather than simply plundering all this money and gaining attention from authorities, I'd be pleased to hear that you can have these individuals infiltrate treasuries and the like to further increase currency being funneled into the organization. Beyond that, I'd be impressed if others could gain information of other factions, such as The Invictus, The Militia, and others. Is that plausible?"