As expected, things didn't go as planned. While we had made it inside the target room where the Lords were gathered, we'd done so at a price. My original intention for a distraction was to not stew up an extremely big threat, but it seems that's just what had happened. Carrying through with this job quietly and without leaving a trace was going to prove quite difficult considering the ongoing tussle going on in the banquet hall.
I had no doubt that Corra would be able to hold her own in battle. If anyone knew Serpens' methods of attack and strategies in battle, it was her. However, I couldn't help but feel a little worried. Without Corra on this job, any means of stealth would fall flat. Which means in an attempt to potentially escape, we wouldn't get far without her expertise.
"What the hell just happened?" Rico panted, slamming the iron door of the backstage room shut.
"I think…" Julian muttered, "We just lost Corra."
"Keep your chin up," I rasped, making my way to the dim light that filtered from the end of the narrow corridor we were crammed in. "We still have a job to complete."
"Why continue on with the job?" Alice questioned, there was a hint of anger in her voice as she stopped me. "We should be out there helping her!"
"Corra is a lot stronger than you may think Alice." I shrugged her off, "And besides. If she does get captured, I'll have fun crushing the Dawn Syndicate all over again."
"You're lying to yourself Ray, and you know it."
"Maybe so, but that's what marauders do, is it not?"
I slid against the wall, I was so close to our target now I could even hear mumbed chatting from the other side of the wall. The others slowly trickled in behind me, flattening themselves to the wall as well. I peeked over the corner slowly, the room was fairly large, crates lined the walls like the ones of a storage facility, and a group of five Lords were being led to sit down by two Dawn Syndicate guards.
I turned back to the group, "So... bad news."
"Right." Rico replied, "Like we needed more of that."
"Basically," I continued, "We need to get Lord Earl by himself, groups will hinder our ability to be silent and not leave any traces."
"Or we could just… kill all of them." Julain joked. While he was being sarcastic, there was a hint of sincerity in his voice.
"No..." Alice was deep in thought. "We need a different approach."
"There's only one exit in this entire room," I replied. "It's one way in and out."
"We need a sudden threat, one that will draw the group out of the room but allow Lord Earl to stay so we can pick him off." Julian was lounging against the brick wall like it was a makeshift bed.
"You're forgetting this Earl fellow is not a force to be reckoned with." Rico butted in, "Ray and I learnt that the hard way back at the docks in Grustenburg."
We rambled back and forth, bouncing ideas at one another amidst the bantering of the Lords behind the thin wall we were positioned on, and the occasional loud scream or explosion from outside in the banquet hall. After much discussion Julian suddenly lit up, glancing towards Alice.
"Alice, could you ensnare or restrain Lord Earl in some way with your magic?" Julian questioned, his eyes slowly moved back to focus on the candle on the far corner of the barren room as he spoke.
"I believe so, yes."
"Perfect. When I give you the signal, use it." Without an ounce of hersitiation I watched as Julian slowly stepped out into the light, and into the room where the Lord's were positioned. "Leave the rest to me."
A crack echoed throughout the room as the emerald embedded into Julian's silver blade erupted with a pillar of smoke, glowing a pale green that cut through the smog like a lantern. The group of Lords immediately scattered as the Syndicate guards stepped forwards, drawing their katanas as they spoke.
"What is your business here?" The man on the right boomed, their syndicate masks were almost glowing in the candlelight.
"I've come to slaughter you like the animals you are."
The ringing of the Zleigh penitentiary bell rang through the dark brick corridors like a fanfare of trumpets. I scratched my bare neck, glancing through the single barred window in my cell and letting the sunlight kiss my face. Through the iron rods and heavy duty glass I could barely catch a glimpse of my future, the outdoor trial area where I would soon be seated.
"There's the bell." Rezo, the security guard who was always positioned outside my cell leaned over, grasping keys in one hand, and a pair of handcuffs in the other. "Ray Mejia, it's time to answer for your crimes."
I sat up, finally taking my eyes from the glow of the window, "The day's finally come, huh?" My weak, malnourished body was aching as I stumbled forward, almost knocking Rezo's body over.
Rezo's firm hands grasped my wrists as he locked the handcuffs around them, "If it makes you feel any better creatara, there's a man in the lobby who wants to see you. 'Says he wants to represent you in court." He scratched and picked dirt and lint out of his beard as he led me into the brick hallway that led to the lobby.
"Did he give a name?" I could feel my body begin to peeter out as we continued down the corridor, the chattering of people growing closer as we approached the lobby.
"I'm just a security guard daemon," Rezo explained bluntly, "These are things I don't ask."
"And yet here you are." I sighed, "Leading possibly the biggest threat this penitentiary has ever seen through these halls."
Rezo jerked on the cuffs, making me stumble, "Quiet, we're approaching the lobby now. Be on your best behaviour."
The large cast iron doors swung open as lamplight and the smell of fresh fruits flooded my senses. I had only seen the lobby once before, dark pine walls, comfortable wooden benches, and a large desk all made up the interior of the room that led to the gates just outside the glass doors. The place where I would soon face my trial.
"There's a fresh face, it's been awhile kid."
A rather tall middle aged man with shaggy silver hair was lounging on one of the benches. As he stood he held out his hand as if to greet an old friend, cold lifeless eyes greeting mine as he casually approached. His dark silk suit and yellow scarf were unmistakable, I knew this man to be my mentor, Greyson Okinji.
"I suppose the same could be said to you." I replied.
Greyson motioned me to sit down as his voice grew quieter, "Listen Ray, I'm holding out on you figuring out how to get out of this… predicament. I'm here to let you know that this case that we're currently fighting is more of a public execution and less of a fair discussion. You've done some horrific things, which I commend, but I can't help but foresee the jury not being too pleased about it. That's why I'm here to plead your case, and help 'ya out if anything gets bloody. Although I'm confident you can handle things on your own."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I don't need another body to drag me down. I can handle this on my own."
"I commend the confidence Ray, but you're forgetting that these people know what you're capable of and will compensate for it. You're only sixteen years of age, at least let me in on the bloodbath."
I paused for a moment, "Do… do they have the scarf."
"Ray Mejia." I turned as two men in armour grasped my arms, hauling me upright, "The time has come for you to answer for your trial in front of the Lords in the supreme court." The slightly taller man on the left turned to Greyson who was slowly getting to his feet, "Are you to be representing this hellspawn in court?"
"That I am," Greyson responded, leaning over to me afterwards, "Stay on your toes kid."
The guards led us through the silver doors, and fresh air finally graced my lungs for the first time in ages. The trial area was large, stands of bystanders lined the vine rsavelled walls, and at the center of it all was a judge, as well as all eight Lord's seated next to him. Off in the far corner of the room behind the judge lay a single noose, it almost beckoned for me as Greyson and I took our seats in the center of the pavilion.
"Ray Mejia!" The judge who was seated atop a massive wooden desk banged his gavel, long royal robes swaying in the light breeze from the autumn morning. "The trial may now begin." He slowly leaned over to a soldier behind him, who swiftly walked out of sight before reappearing mere seconds later.
However, this time he was holding something in his hands. An object of immense power that was protected by nothing but a mere glass case. It seemingly glowed a crimson aura as it was placed on a quaint wooden stool in front of the judge's desk, my scarf.
The judge glanced down at his documents, adjusting the thin spectacles on his pale wrinkled face, "It says here that you ravaged many royal institutions on several bases, as well as being accused of multiple cases of manslaughter."
I could almost feel the scarf get hotter as he spoke. These were things I simply couldn't control, and yet here I was being persecuted for them.
"If I may your honor," Greyson replied, "My client has a compelling case, if you were to just-"
"That's enough," Three knocks of the Judge's gavel rang throughout the air as he spoke, "Multiple witnesses have been called, and the evidence is as clear as day! I don't see what else this boy has to defend himself with."
"No, well you see your honor-"
"No Greyson," I stood up from my chair, putting a hand on his chest. Every guard in the vicinity instantly took one step forwards, "He's right."
"I-I beg your pardon?" The judge replied, confused.
"Well... maybe I need to be punished." I could feel the heat almost seeping through the glass case now, the energy from the scarf growing even harsher. The crowd chatted amongst themselves as I continued. "I've been thinking, although maybe I'm not the ones needing to be taken to court, and having justice served to them on a silver platter."
"I don't understand what point you're trying to make." The judge replied.
Slowly I pointed to the scarf that was practically throbbing with immense energy in the glass case twenty feet from me, "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, do you know what that thing is?"
Hushed chatter broke out as my sentence concluded, the jury breaking into a chaotic, yet controlled ramble session.
The judge banged his gavel, silencing the crowd, "Mr… Mejia." He droned, "I'm unsure of the point you're trying to make-"
"What I'm saying, is that I'm going to enjoy ripping every last one of you filthy humans to pieces."
The scarf exploded in a column of flames as Greyson Okinji manically laughed.
The sound of Alice's chanting snapped me out of my daydream. I frantically glanced around, it appeared Julian was taking care of the syndicate guards very well. His silver blade seemed to shimmer in the candlelight as he gracefully danced from one throat to the next, a trail of smoke following his every action. I watched as Alice raised her hands stepping into the open, a tangle of glowing vines leaping from the ground and ensnaring Lord Earl as she approached.
Go! Leave!" Julian shouted towards the rest of the Lords as they ran for the exit, just finishing the last of the syndicate guards protecting them.
And then... everything went quiet as the iron door slam shut. The time had finally come, we had won. We had singled out Lord Earl and had him trapped. I cocked my revolver, ready to finish the job as he squirmed.
"W-What is going on? I don't understand!" Earl pleaded, I could see beads of sweat begin to formulate on his round pale face.
I felt my finger begin to tighten around the trigger, this was it. This was the moment I had been dreaming about my entire life, the one final job that seemed insurmountable would finally be complete. I could finally live the life I had been waiting for, no more petty theft, no more murder, just Corra and I sticking it out together like we used to. Just… Corra...
"What are you waiting for?" Julian was practically shouting from the other side of the room as he sprinted over.
And then it hit me. I had just jeopardized everything I was striving to gain in one single action. I had left Corra to die like the carcass of a dead animal, ripe for the crows to feast on. I was so desperate to achieve that one goal I had, that one thing I desired so much, that I had lost sight of what really mattered, or rather who really mattered. I felt my grip loosen on the trigger of my revolver.
Slowly Lord Earl began to chuckle, his bonds breaking as he stood towering in front of me. "Oh Ray... You always had a soft spot for her... didn't you?" This wasn't Earl speaking, I knew that cold heartless voice anywhere.
Earl's features slowly began to melt away as he stepped forwards, revealing shaggy yet contained silver hair, and pale skin. Greyson Okinji adjusted the cuffs of his silk suit as he emerged, pudgy features fully melted away like some sort of sludge.
"I'll kill you you bastard!" Julian charged, sword in hand but Greyson simply swatted him aside like a fly, sending Julian tumbling to the ground.
"Take that ridiculous disguise off." Greyson snarked, his hand twisting in a circular moment as I suddenly felt my feline senses and fur return.
Alice stepped forward, her hands glowing a bright blue as her delicate wings once again sprouted from her back, tearing the back of her blouse to shreds. "What are you doing here Greyson?" I was glad to see her acting more confident, previously in a given situation like this one she would have acted with cowardice.
"Alice! It's a pleasure to see you!" Greyson remarked, "You're looking a lot healthier from when I last saw you."
"Yeah." Alice rebutted, "I suppose you could consider the thought of crushing you like the fly you are to be an energizing one. You didn't answer my question."
Greyson leisurely paced, his hands in the pockets of his clean silk pants. "You don't expect me to spill my intentions because you simply think you have me surrounded, do you?"
Alice opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off, "Cease with the pointless banter Greyson, what have you done with Lord Earl? Where is he?" I felt my finger once again tighten over the trigger of my revolver, the hatred I had for this man was unbridled.
"Oh Ray." Greyson toyed, he spoke to me as if I were a mere child. "There is no 'Lord Earl'."
I felt my heart sink in my chest, I had been played like a fool. And to rub the salt into the wound, it was by Greyson's hand.
"I-I don't understand." Rico replied. I could tell his finger was getting an itch only the trigger of his rifle could itch, but I gave him a silencing glare.
"Your friend Alice isn't the only person who can use magic to influence their appearance." Greyson's words rolled off his tongue in such a way I could almost feel them strike my gut. "Once I took on my new form, I simply set the stage and played all the right pawns I needed, including you and your pathetic little group of penny pinching pickpockets."
"That's enough!" I felt a sudden gust of wind as Julian barreled at top speed out of nowhere, his silver blade glinting as he screamed.
Greyson simply laughed. With each strike from Julian's sword, he simply countered, his hands glowing with a crackling purple energy as he playfully batted each blow aside.
"Face it Marauders." With each clash between Greyson and Julian, his face was flashed with an ominous purple light that radiated off the rapid jabs and blocks he threw into the fray of battle. "You've lost." He finished that sentence with a final Blow to Julian's already tired but agitated body, sending him spiraling into the brick wall to my right with a heart stopping thump. Julian lay there amongst the rubble motionless, a single drop of blood running down the corner of his mouth from the impact.
I noticed Alice begin to ready a spell, but I held out my hand to pause her. Simply fighting Greyson head on with brute force was useless, out of anyone I would know that. Julian had let rage blind him and paid the price, just like I said he would. If I wanted to get out of here alive, I needed to be quicker than Greyson, shrewder than Greyson, faster than Greyson, and judging from my past, that appeared to be an insurmountable task.
Greyson glanced over from Julian's motionless body, "Your move Ray."
I felt the wool from my scarf slowly begin to heat, "You never answered Alice's question." I replied, "Why are you doing this?"
"Let's just say I made some prior agreements." Greyson straightened himself as he adjusted the cuff of his silk suit jacket.
"With who?" I tried to choose my next words carefully, I was engaging in a battle of wits with Greyson Okinji, an opponent undefeatable in this spectrum.
"Why don't I show you... Ray Mejia."
I felt my body dart instinctively backwards as purple entanglements of crackling energy ensnared Alice as she screamed, each time there was struggling, they lit up, shocking Alice into submission. I watched as the energy drained from her face as she hung limp in the energy's grasp, whirling as every candle in each corner of the room around me was snuffed out, Greyson disappearing from view, the light seeping in from underneath the iron door at the head of the room being my only source of vision.
Suddenly, an ear piercing squeak ripped through the air as I watched that same steel door open. I tried to run for the exit, but fell short. No matter how long I sprinted, the light stayed just out of reach as if there was some invisible force holding me back, preventing me from gaining any progress.
"I'm going to enjoy this." Greyson cooed.
As my eyes adjusted to the harsh light, I realized just what Greyson was about to do to me. Before me in the banquet hall was Corra, panting as she stood quivering in front of Serpens, the leader of the Dawn Syndicate. The room had been torn to shreds, the glass balconies that lined the venue had been completely shattered, leaving humongous shards of glass to be littered across the now scorched and scraped linoleum flooring. It appeared Corra was making great progress, bodies of now fallen Syndicate members were scattered across the battlefield, but it appeared her efforts weren't enough in the long run. Serpens hadn't a single scratch on him, and Corra was looking weaker than I'd ever seen her. I could tell it was taking her every ounce of her willpower just to stay standing.
"The syndicate and I made an agreement of sorts…" Greyson crowed. "All I had to do was lure Corra into their hands, and they'd let me do whatever I wanted with one of their most sought after criminals who was seemingly lost to time, you. Along with some other things."
I felt my scarf grow even hotter as a single bead of sweat dripped down my petrified body.
"That's correct." Greyson vaunted, "Nobody in this world has abandoned and forgotten the abhorrent things you've done. You've been destined to live a life of failure from the start, and now you're going to have to watch silently as the only thing you yearn for in this world is stripped from you like everything else you've ever known."
I watched as Serpens and Corra stood at a standstill, but in almost slow motion everything went downhill. Corra noticed me watching in the distance and turned to look, but in that single moment she glanced in my direction Serpens had found the opening he needed. He lunged as Corra took a swift left hook to the face, sending her tumbling to the ground in a frenzy of dust and blood. And then I was forced to watch as she lay there motionless, the dust settling on the many slashes and scratches on her wounded body as Serpens towered above her like a menacing giant.
I felt my constrained body thrash violently as I tried to move forward, but no matter how hard I tried, it seemed impossible. I was forced to watch an endless torture I could barely fathom, all while Greyson chuckled next to me, his hot breath steaming onto my cheek. But as soon as it had started, I watched as Serpens hauled a now unconscious Corra onto his right shoulder, and headed for the exit of the banquet hall. Just before he made his leave, Serpens turned to look at me before stepping out of sight, adding a final nail in the coffin to what I had just witnessed.
"Greyson!" I whirled to see a desperate Alice, half kneeling, half standing on the floor far behind me. It appeared she had managed to break through whatever spell was constraining her, Rico now at her side acting as a crutch, "What do you want with us?" She spoke with a certain anger I had never heard anyone as naive and sweet as Alice use before.
Greyson turned, and I felt a sense of motion return once more. It seemed that the spell lingered with his presence. As he made his way over to Alice in the distance, I felt my feelings return as blood once again began to pump normally through my body.
"I don't need you sister." Greyson mocked, Alice steadied herself as she came to a full standing position.
Sister?
"Don't call me by that ridiculous title." Alice yelled, "I'd sooner drop dead than be affiliated with you in any way."
"We'll see." Greyson scoffed, "Up until that point, if you will, I'd like to finish with what I came here for."
I forced myself to stand, cracking my neck as I adjusted myself, "What the hell do you want with me Grey." I rasped, the scarf around my neck was growing even hotter now, making the fur covered by it wet like a sauna.
"Simple," Greyson responded, pointing to the crimson cloth around my neck, "What I've asked for countless times before. The scarf."
"I think you already know how I'm going to answer that proposition Grey."
"Well consider this." Greyson continued, folding his arms behind him like he was giving a presentation, "Come with me, leave this all behind. It'll be just like the good old days, except you won't have that thing to wear you down. Not a single burden will be in sight. Isn't that what you want? To get rid of that terrible guilt, and be free?"
"Don't play games with me." I mocked, "This is where it ends, the burden that I bear is not this scarf, but you." I clutched the front of my scarf as I felt it begin to ignite with a fiery heat.
"Then I will enjoy taking it off of your wretched corpse!" Greyson remarked, his more composed side was beginning to rot away, leaving the sociopath he truly was to sit wide in the open.
I quickly glanced to my side, Alice appeared to be hastily attending to Julian's wounds, and like anything she did, Rico was alongside her contributing his best effort.
"It appears your little friends are preoccupied," Greyson laughed, "The time has come for you to finally face me like a man, a one-on-one duel. Let's see what you're truly capable of… little creatara."
And then it clicked... a primal enragement I'd only felt once before. Those words were enough to drive me over the edge as the heat emanating from the scarf around my neck erupted into a fiery roar. I felt all feeling, all emotion I had felt prior melt away, only leaving an unbridled rage that pulsed and tore around me. This was exactly what Greyson had wanted, however unlike our first meeting in Grustenburg, this time he wouldn't make it out alive. It was at that moment that I made a vital mistake, there was nothing more than I wanted in that moment than Greyson Okinji slaughtered at my feet.
Suddenly I felt my body jerk and contort as I began to change, my claws and fangs extending like that of a feral beast. The scarf around my neck was now beginning to melt away, almost fusing to my body like some sort of metal as I exploded in agony. Everything hurt, and yet it felt right. I could feel every ounce of emotion and pain being tunneled towards Greyson in front of me as the heat dissipated.
Greyson chuckled, the golden ring around his finger glowing as he readied himself, "Give your worst creat, the world will bathe in your blood when I'm finished. The masses will rejoice knowing that you, Ray Mejia the demon child has been slain."