The Gathering Darkness [Saga/open]

[Delashano]

Suffice it to say Jenn was both confused and impressed with Bear, her attack had landed squarely and taken the man utterly off guard but considering the intensity of Anri's blast when it impacted the castle itself there was a VERY good chance that it had saved him, whether Anri was actually intending on killing Bear or not remained to be seen, it could though it seemed doubtful considering how they had been interacting that it could have simply been that Anri overestimated what Bear could endure but Jenn could sense the difference in power and the difference was to such an extent that Bear simply didn't stand a chance unless he had SOMETHING up his sleeves that he'd not yet revealed. And that was not a risk jenn was interested in taking and on top of that one she was reasonably certain she was not 'allowed' to take. Had she known Bear to be the sort to pull stunts such as that it would have been easy enough to escape the power of the wish by her own knowledge that he was just as likely to be in exactly the position he wanted to be as he was to actually be in danger, but she barely knew Bear so such a thing was not an option and on top of that she didn't actually WANT Bear dead, he was a potential ally assuming he had not truly switched sides.

As the smoke cleared Bear staggered back to his feet and much to her surprise was evidently not counting himself out of the fight as he should have been, despite his staggering stance and slurred words he was clearly ready to not just continue his battle against Anri but to take on herself in addition to Anri. While certainly foolish beyond belief it did manage to impress Jenn somewhat, that he held firm even against literally impossible odds. Perhaps it was a bit of drunken bravado on Bears part though, Jenn however had no interest in fighting Bear. She knew now that the fight was basically over, Kemuri would call it before Anri could do anything and Bear... Bear would hopefully be carted off to an actual room rather than a cell. Even if he was truly sided with Kemuri Jenn greatly detested the conditions in those cells especially so for a man such as Bear with his unfortunate dependence on alcohol.

As Jenn turned back to face Kemuri the hyena had a strange look on his face, as if he were wrestling with a particularly perturbing thought and then quick as the look came Kemuri barked out an order at her one that caused Jenn to raise an eyebrow in a mixture of surprise and amusement. He was ordering her to both apologize and to tell him that he 'was always correct' it appeared that she'd discovered a sore spot for Kemuri, the man simply could not handle the concept of being wrong. It was probably a large part of why he had sought to take over, if he was in charge and he made the rules then he would never really be 'wrong' "I'm sorry 'King' Kemuri. You are always right." Jenn said however the words held no weight to them not even an attempt was made on Jenns part to create an 'authentic' apology and certainly no conviction. Jenn would give Kemuri a brief smirk after that. "Sorry to disappoint 'my King' but 'conviction' is not something your wish can cover. And I apologize if you believed otherwise" Jenn kept her expression neutral as she awaited the reaction from Kemuri knowing the Hyena would likely pick up on the mocking way she had said his title.

Jenn would turn to face Anri as he spoke up addressing her because she had intervened on Bears behalf he spoke with a strange calmness that Jenn did not expect from his appearance and the state of his energy signature, his request was a simple one a request that she stay out of the 'fight' from now on but also an offer to face off with him in single combat, that was a fairly interesting concept at the very least. Jenn regretted not having paid the fight more attention while it had been going on as she presently knew little of what the 'armored' man was capable of. Jenns response was a smirk as she returned to a non-combative stance to show she had no interest in a fight for the time being and that she would not 'interfere' quickyl followed by Kemuri calling an end to the fight as it was clear the Anri was revving up to put Bear down even despite the orders given at the beginning of the fight. Quick as a whip however Anri switched from combat-mode to completely casual lightning up what appeared to be a cigarette as he began to relax.

[Ohkara Minamaru]

Anri began to charge another attack, one Bear would not be able to dodge, one that would end the human's existence. However he was still not ready to give up; Anchoring himself to the floor, he would prepare for the blast, and his death. But just as quickly as the threat had formed, it was stopped by a booming voice: "Enough," though he had not risen his voice much, it was enough to stop the sparring pair in their tracks.

Instantly, Bear muscles loosened, his stance turning neutral. He wouldn't dare cross the hyena-man; at least not in such a state. Wanting to assess the damage on himself, Bear tried to lift a hand, but failed, his muscles far to strained to function at the moment. His brain was still whirling, but he was there enough to silently wonder how exactly he was still standing.

Licking his dry lips, he finally worked up just enough strength to grab his gourd of liquor and take a long sip, and nothing more. His arms would fall again to his sides as he finished his drink, lifeless almost. Turning his attention to Kemuri, Bear wore a dumb smirk on his face. He'd hoped he'd proven to the new King just what he was capable of. And hopefully, that was all he needed to earn some respect around the Castle.

Though he hadn't planned to stay there forever, Bear would have to make the best of it. And spending all his time in a cage was not something he was about to do. At this point, he would be harmless, not able to cause any trouble, and having just earned a spot in the castle in his own mind, he was confident he would have booze and a bed tonight. That would put him in a situation better than most nights on his own

[Kemuri]

"Bear, you have impressed me. You've earned a rest and a bottle of whatever your poison." The king descended the dais that his throne was raised on and stood before them. He had done plenty of descending and raising of the stairs during their conversation and then spar, and he was growing weary of it and of paying his soldiers attention. There were better things he could be doing.

"Anri, you too were impressive. You have earned a respite as well. You may adjourn to your chambers." Then he turned back to Jenn. "You are dismissed as well my dear, but should I have need of you I will call."

He smiled at all of them before turning away.

"That goes for all of you."

[Deleted]

Anri had backed down from the fight with the orders of the dog-man but he still longed to be the one that would have ripped the man limb from limb, however his blood lust would have too be one to wait another day, though it wasn't simply for the mere fact that he had been ordered too. As much as he lusted for the hairy man's blood soaking into his plates he was sure that the act of disobeying would land him even further towards the dog man bad side, as of right now it was clear that didn't see eye to eye, not to mention he was sure that it would reflect poorly on his track record and cost him profit in the long run. No, he would have to wait for the right opportunity... maybe during whatever task that he had brought together for; in the smoke covered field of battle it was often that comrades would fall without so much as anyone knowing until the bodies were being counted. Even after all the prowess the hairy man had shown off it wasn't enough to to convince Anri that he was truely working for their side, he would strike...but it would not be today, the fight was over and he had shown off what he could do, though it was only a small fraction of what he was truly capable of. When the time would come he would be sure to make everyone that stood in his way burn with the heart of every Vennor that pumped with his own, and show Earth why it was wise to shown his race the respect and admiration it deserved. How ever that was for another day. Even now as Kemuri began to dismissing the ragtag group of warriors Arni was not yet done with the dog man, he still had things he needed to discuss.

"Thanks for the complement but I still have a few things I need to discuss with you as in regards to my payment for my services. Whereas most mercenary do not follow such a route that I have, I prefer written out contracts that both parties agree on and sign. I have a few written out if you wouldn't mind taking a look, in order to establish what I shall be payed once my work here is completed." Anri noted as he pulled a few small parchments of paper from the bandolier that clung to his chest, always one to make sure he carried a few of the scrolls just encase he needed to be hired on quickly.

"Also if you would oblige I would wish to see the blueprint of the castle here, I've noticed a few flaws in the defense capabilities of the fortress and would be glad to them improve without any extra charge. God forbid anyone would dare think it wise to try and enter into your domain but afterwards they won't even be able to get anywhere near that wall." He pointed over his shoulder in the general direction of the castle walls.

"Of course materials will be needed, if your willing to foot the bill I can make this castle a feat towards your name and not even this worlds greatest armies would dare try and sack it." It was a impressive castle and already with its great walls and tall towers it would take quite a bit for one group to over take it but there was always room to make even the strongest structures more dangerous.

At this point Anri had almost completely forgotten about the other two that stood in the room near him, his mind was back to work as usual. If he wasn't busy doing something he was wasting time and his own money, one of the many sayings he had picked up during his short time on Earth was 'time is money' and it sure as hell was. Anri didn't think that the dog-man would pass up his offer for upgraded defense, hell at this point he was literally doing it for free, not because the kindness of his heart, but because he loved building weapons. Not to mention if so fact so some idiot was foolish enough to try and attack the castle then he would get to see his handy work first hand as it torn away at the flesh from the attackers bodies, a chance he couldn't stand to let it pass him by.

Even as far as human technology had come they lacked far behind when it came down to weaponry looking that most people still used handheld weapons that shot chucks of lead at high speeds, though the occasional laser weapons could be seen, but they were basic to say the least. With warfare constantly on the leaders of Riva they had pushed for faster, stronger and lighter weapons and the scientists were only to happy to oblige to the task. A few upgrades around the castle from whatever tech that might be laying around would do well in the long run, though he would have liked the blueprints too see just what it was he would be working with.
 

[Delashano]

Jenn rolled her eyes as Kemuri dismissed them each in turn making sure to let her know that whenever he needed her he could and would call, but despite that Jenn found her mood improving slightly as she could not get back to not having to be in the presence of Kemuri. It was unfortunate that he was unwilling to face her in battle but that had not been entirely unexpected, while Kemuri certainly claimed to be far beyond the power he had put on display earlier the extent of his true power if there even was a 'true power' was still unknown and he was likely unwilling to let her in on how powerful he really was. For all his boasting the man had to at least entertain the concept that she was in fact NOT actually his ally, the only reason she didn't attack him on sight was because it was not actually possible at present. The moment that was not the case Kemuri had to know she would do everything in her power to tear him apart.

Jenn would stroll across the room over to where Bear still surprisingly enough stood firm though despite this it was clear that Bear was in no shape to go strolling about the castle to find himself a room, in fact Jenn was half certain the hairy man was likely incapable of moving under his own power if the strained motion of his arms was and indicator, the only thing that seemed t compell him to move an arm was the fact that in the hand of that arm was his gourd of liquor. "Need help?" Jenn asked as she halted her exit from the throne room to see if Bear wanted her help with getting to somewhere that he could rest and recover.

Regardless of Bears decision Jenn would proceed out of the throne room, if he requested her aid it would be along with him and her first stop would be to find an empty and suitably comfortable room for the hairy man before she departed to do her own things. As Jenn awaited her answer she heard Anri speak up talking directly to Kemuri and thankfully it had nothing to do with Bear, instead he was bringing up how he would be paid confirmation enough for Jenn that the man was a mercenary of some sort and adding that he had noticed some improvements that could be made to the castle. 

[Jenn heading out! Assuming the thread is wrapping up, PL requested!]

[Ohkara Minamaru]

Bear noticed little anymore, his body and mind in sore conditions. Bearserk normally put him in a lesser state after long exposure, but after the fight, the state was amplified. There was very little he could do to move, the only thing holding him up was his own pride and honor.

Able to note Kemuri telling him he earned a bed and a bottle of whatever he'd like, Bear was able to form a small, strained smile at the corner of his mouth. Everything so far was working in just the way he had wanted. And even in such a state, he was pleased with such an outcome.

Fading in and out of consciousness as Anri began to speak to Kemuri. He was no longer a concern to the man. Though Bear was still sure that Anri would kill him at the first chance he had, he was safe in this very moment. Mahajenn neared him as he flashed back into consciousness, offering her hand to help him. In no position to deny her kindness, he would nod, allowing her to help him away from the throne room.

Heading for an empty room, Bear would plop himself onto the bed when they arrived, his body muscles allowing the slightest movement. He smiled as his savior, offering a quick thanks for everything. Before passing out, he would let out a light chuckle, "Please... Tell Kemuri... I would like a bottle of The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare." Not adding that this was a bottle that would run at about 75,000z, Bear would fade back into a welcomed unconsciousness, ready to finally rest his warn body and mind.

(PL for me as well.)

[Kemuri]

Jenn and Bear left as they were dismissed, Jenn helping the hobo out with a hand and a beverage. The alien that Kemuri had hired was still in the room, laying out the terms of his service. Though Anri said it might be unusual, Kemuri had dealt with contracts for years. In the end they ultimately bored him, much like all the other drudges of bureaucracy. Kemuri took the contracts from the alien as he handed them to him, and briefly scanned the contract. It really didn't matter what it said on it, Kemuri was king and if he didn’t like the contract it meant nothing, his signature on it or not. Though Anri didn’t need know that.

Kemuri summoned a servant with a flick of his wrist. The servant quickly scurried over with a pen and ink on a tray. Kemuri signed a lavish signature and smiled at the alien.

“Gaston, please get Anri a copy of the blueprints of the castle.” The Hyena smiled at the alien.

“You were quite impressive Anri. It will be marvelous to watch you kill the heroes of Earth. If that’s all.” Kemuri dismissed Anri by returning to his throne, his forehead in his hand, rubbing the temples and contemplating his coming strategy.

[Deleted]

Holding the few folded piece of parchment out at hands length he was glad to see that dog-man turn around and take them from his grip, though in the end a piece of mere paper wasn't something that would ever stop the creature from delivering his wealth he liked to have it, as more of a official statement. On top of that if someone else even tried to hire him while in the service of one contract he would have to charge a breaking fee, just a little extra change in his pocket. Kemuri may not have been the strongest or the smartest but he defiantly had enough cash lining his wallet to more than hire Arni into his ranks, nothing else really mattered... unless his employer was idiotic enough to send him on a suicide mission, then money was not something he cared about then.

The boredom that spread across the dog-mans face was clear to Anri even as he stood at the feet of the creatures throne, even with all the power and wealth the man had taken the idea of paper work was not something he enjoyed on bit, and who could blame him? Even as often as he used the frail scraps of paper he hated the long hours he had spent drafting them up, just line of words upon words, loop holes he could use just in case things with south. Always good to have a back up plan in the merc world, things often could go down in a bad way and they were left without any payment or even a way off the world. Usually it would be his ship but as of late it had proven that flight off this world would not be something that could be achieved, it was his hopes that with the pay he received with this job he would have more than enough to fix the damn thing and find work else were... there moon seemed to be a lively place... or so he had heard.

With the grimace on his face the dog-man glanced over the papers a few quick times until a scrawny looking servant rushed to his side with a some type of writing untinsel, even with its foreign look to it he could easily identify the alien object. With a few quick scribbles Kemuri signed his name at the bottom and the contract was completed, all that was left was for Anri to do as the dog-man said until the job was done. The specifics of what the exact job was something that could be left for another day as Kemuri told his servant to fetch him a copy of the blue prints which brought a grin to the aliens face, things were finally getting started around here. There would be plenty of time to work on the castle defense but as of right now he needed to study and learn as much as he could about the structures that was the castle itself, he had seen a few weakness around the building which could mean that there were many more that where unseen to the naked eye.

"Much appreciated for the chance to upgrade the castle." He noted as he followed after the servant named Gastron, in hopes of getting his hands on the papers.

Anri gave a bellowing laugh at Kemuri's words as he turned back over his shoulder too look at Kemuri.

"Trust me it will be my pleasure, I don't know about the woman but I don't think her heart is full into the idea of killing, but i guess you don't need someone heart to control them huh? I however will enjoy the feeling on sinking my fingers deep into their soft flesh and ripping out their bones. Not to mention... human hearts have been said to taste rather delicious " All the while he said with a smile on his face, the battle didn't feel like it was going to be that far off and the waiting was going to be the worst part.

Exiting the chambers he kept his pace just so that he would not pass Gaston but to always keep just a few feet behind him, he was sure he could nagivate himself easily around the halls if need be but he was sure that finding the exact room with the blue prints would prove to be difficult. So much had just happened and even now he found himself gathering his thoughts through the winding corridors, as if on auto-pilot his mind came up with a list of things he needed to get done. First off he need to see the blue prints, over looking them looking for flaws and then upgrade the castle if given enough time. Secondly, he needed to find out more about the woman named Jenn, she was a mysterious one but he had sensed there was more than what first glance had told him, if he was going to be fighting along side her he need to get to know her better even if it turned out he hated her. Third off he needed to off the hairy man, having him join Kemuris side was a terrible mistake and it was one he need to correct himself less he find that his petty friends be more than enough together to cause him real issues. And lastly he need to kill everyone that Kemuri commanded, simple enough was the task but Anri had no real idea of what he would be facing once he was on the battle field... maybe some recon would be a good idea for the long run. Thankfully he had not shown off enough in his fight to give the hairy man enough info if and when he transferred back to the other team, leaving him still a fairly blank slate in what he could do.

(exit thread, PL please)

[graderr]

Jenn - 8,578

Anri - 11,467

Bear - 6,792

Good thread you guys. Anri's higher reward is due to the extended length of many of his posts.