The haunted day came for team Alpha, they were oversupplied with tools but were underprepared in terms of mentality. The mission seemed like a deep tunnel with no light at the end. A trap which they cannot escape from. A hellfire.
The chamber was so silent that every move was heard. From a gentle swing of one's arm to the sound of their breathing. Tense couldn't even describe what they felt while a pair of crimson eyes watched them with interest. It was as if they were zoo animals enclosed in a glass box for people's entertainment.
"You all don't seem ready." Draven stated, his voice was empty with no emotions but his eyes said all. His frustration, disappointment and disgust. The way he looked at Alpha was like they were at fault.
Killan didn't bother defending his team although he was standing the closest to Draven. It was useless, the result wouldn't change no matter what they did. Staying silent and playing dumb was the wisest decision one could make in such a situation.
"You all must wonder..why did I withdraw the other teams? A farce, you suppose? Or have I lost my mind from being stuck in the underground for so long?" Draven continuously pressured with questions. His fingers started tapping on his table rhythmically. He was waiting for a suitable response for those who had doubted him.
Ethan removed his hand from his knee and raised it, "You must have a reason behind your devious plans, right?" he answered with a question. Bold, he was.
Draven scoffed and held out his hand to the right. A person in a black cloak attended to him, they got a wine glass and poured a dark thick red liquid substance into the glass. It was done smoothly with no mistakes to be seen in the person's etiquette. Their eyes seemed to gleam in the shadows as they bended down and gave their lord his glass.
Ethan flinched and discreetly moved a little in front. Was that him? Was that it? Please let it be Zephyr. He gestured to Castiel using his eyes, they both understood each other.
Quickly, Killan glanced at the figure the duo were so attracted to and looked closer, his eyebrow furrowing while his eyes squinted to see clearer in such a dark room. He smiled and looked back into the crowd next to his master.
"I planned for it to be a head on attack force with the others but.. sneaking in seemed like a better option. We avoid confrontation in the first half if we can. I heard some nasty rumors from my spy saying that the headquarters there seemed to have some big guns." Draven said, his wine seemed to have finished up in an instant, the cup tilted over in his hands. "Reduce the casualties and be more sneaky." he demanded, being more upfront about his plan now. It was convincing to a certain point.
"Then, how can you be so sure that the objective you want would be inside?" Felix asked, everyone looked at him in shock. His voice was the last thing they had expected to hear today.
"I'm not sure, but I know there is a valuable item or information that I'm willing to risk my top troop for. Whether it'd be even more hidden experiments or an antidote. It doesn't matter if you fail, all I need is for you to cause chaos. It'd be beneficial for us mutates to create a sense of fear that will pierce through the peaceful barrier of society. Collecting information back would also be good but it doesn't seem like you cowards have enough power to do so. Even now, you're still shivering in front of me."
"I'll do my best to bring valuable information back." Ethan immediately replied, he didn't back down. He had to stall for time too, he had to see that person's face.
"I wish you the best." Draven was about to call August in for his teleportation power, however it seemed like someone had different plans.
"Can I have a toast with you, my liege? I've always admired you, sir. I heard so many stories of you from Killan. Before my death bed, I would want to atleast have a moment with your honour." Castiel requested with a gentle smile as he owed his head even lower.
Draven stared at Castiel for a few odd seconds before he got it. He glanced at his attendant and nodded. The person bowed and went to the back and got more glasses, they poured wine into them and carried the 8 glasses out on a silver tray.
"I'll come." Draven got ready with his arm to push himself off the seat while the attendant passed the tray to KIllan. But sounds of footsteps started sounding throughout the whole chamber.
Everybody had been forced to come out to the front by Ethan, his eyes were too fierce to refuse. "It would be disrespectful for you to leave your seat for us mere subjects." Ethan said.
When glasses were being taken from the tray one by one, Ethan was eyeing the attendant who was distributing the wine glasses. When it was his turn, Ethan took the glass as slow as he could while he reached as low as he could. He had to see the face that hid under the hood of the cloak. His eyes widened-when he saw the pale face of a yellow-eyed individual. He snatched the glass and held the bottom so tightly that it could snap in half any time now.
Castiel meekly sat back down and sighed, he had gotten ahead of himself. He'll prioritise finding Zephyr later, the spy was the most infatuating part of this mission.
Killan saw the desperation of Ethan and laughed a little. He thought to himself, 'why the rush?'
"Cheers to the creation of Thanatos' success." Draven said, his eyes glinting with joy.
Everybody gulped down their glasses as if they were thirsty. It might be the last glass for some before disaster strikes. They all sat back at their seats, feeling drowsy due to the nervousness instead of the alcoholic content.
August entered. Everyone buckled down in their seats while the process happened. A white circle enveloped them as if they were precious pieces of letters. A white shining light thundered and everyone, in unison, said, "Blessings and honour upon the core of Thanatos."