A gentle breeze blew, ruffling Stephen's hair. He stood with one leg on the edge of a tall, abandoned building, his hulking figure leaning over as he looked into the distance.
A few blocks away from them was Serenity Hospital, its doors and windows closed, covered by reinforced steel. In front of the place, Blue Legion members paraded about, several patrol vehicles parked in favorable positions, and scouts and snipers mounted on high points.
"They have the entire place on lockdown," Jason said. He stood beside Stephen, the rest of the gang hanging behind them. They were all dressed in different outfits: pure black bodysuits, gloves, and boots. Gas masks hung on their necks, and each of them wielded a firearm.
"We need to find another way in. The whole place is running on electricity. They must be consuming a crazy amount of power to keep this up…"
"Why though? I mean, it's illogical that they'll suddenly react this way. Are the Bloodhounds already here?" Timothy asked.
"Tsk, of course not," Jaden clicked his tongue, a look of annoyance and ridicule in his eyes as he spoke.
"If the Bloodhounds were here, we would know."
"How?"
"None of this would be here," Stephen replied. He sighed as he withdrew his foot from the edge of the building, walking back to the team. "If the Bloodhounds were here, there would be no need for anyone else. They alone can take care of every possible situation. Or at least that's what my father said."
"You don't believe him?" Jason asked. Jaden, Thalia, and Timothy looked at Stephen, waiting to hear his reply.
"While I don't think my father is one to spout bullshit, I also believe he might be exaggerating. Fear is a very powerful tool, and the fear of the Northern Empire towards the Bloodhounds is what gives the military power."
"Personally, I believe that the Bloodhounds are overrated."
Stephen walked away, his steps heavy. When he arrived at the door that led to the stairways, he looked back at the gang.
"Let's go. If we can't enter Serenity from above, then we will break in from below."
***
"Sergeant, the elite force is on standby and awaiting your orders, sir!"
"Head over to Serenity Hospital and hold your position. I'll be there in ten."
"Yes, sir!"
Rhashan pressed a button on the small comm attached to his left breast pocket and stepped out of the hovercraft.
"Keep the engine running!" he yelled at the recruit driver before running towards the massive building up ahead.
This was the Blue Legion headquarters located in Torgard. It was truly a sight to behold, one of the landmarks of Falnora. Unlike most other buildings that were made with the latest technological advancements, this massive work of art was constructed in the olden ways: pure natural resources. It had massive pillars, iron rods, and exquisite carvings. It was like a palace for ancient warriors and gave off an aura of such.
Just standing in front of the building and staring at the twin lion statues at the entrance made Rhashan feel intimidated.
He took a deep breath and rushed up the flight of stairs leading to the main entrance. He made sure to hold his captain's badge in his hand, ready to flash it instantly to avoid any delays.
Bam!
Rhashan slammed into a figure, his body immediately losing balance as he fell on his butt.
"Eh?" he muttered to himself in shock. He was shocked that he had slammed into someone and he was the one that had not only taken a step back but fallen.
Normally, he would have blown a fuse and yelled curses at whoever it was, but he knew better. This building was a land for the strong; anyone that was here was definitely higher ranked than him and hence, they could kill him without batting an eye.
"Sorry, I'm in a rush!" Rhashan quickly said as he stood up and hurried past the figure.
"You… You look familiar!" Rhashan heard a voice say. He paused, turning his head around to see who had spoken.
"Huh? It's you?!"
***
Marceline walked up the mountain path, an umbrella in one hand and a folded coat in the other. It was raining heavily; the wind blew through the mountain path with extreme fury, threatening to uproot the trees and tear up the ground.
Marceline didn't seem bothered by it. Instead, she continued up the mountain path with a slight hop to her steps and a small smile on her face.
She was dressed like a lady attending a beautiful and elegant golden qipao with flower patterns on it, one that reached just past her hips. Beneath was a pair of black tights and heeled custom-made boots.
Her hair was styled in a simple chignon with two jade hairpins in a cross style holding them in place. Her neck and wrists were adorned in simple jewelry. Overall, she looked like she was attending a glamorous event instead of treading through a grade two danger zone.
Marceline hummed gently as she walked, and soon she arrived at a familiar rock near the top of the mountain path. She stopped before a large heap of black just beside the rock.
On the rock sat a figure, his curly black hair, which reached just below his neck, covered one of his eyes. His pale skin gleamed as streaks of rainwater glided on it.
His white shirt and black leather pants were soaked, and his boots looked worn. His knuckles were covered in blood, with a few splatters on his white shirt.
He raised his head up, his amber eye landing on Marceline the moment she arrived. His expression was stoic, and his gaze nonchalant.
"Oh! You are done!" Marceline cheered cheerfully, her blue eyes glittering as she spoke, "That's good. Captain called, we have to go."
Ichor leaped down from the dark heap and walked to Marceline. He took the umbrella from her hand, making sure to position it so that it shielded both of them from the rain as she unfolded the jacket on her arm and draped it around his shoulders.
She didn't seem to mind that he was soaking wet.
"All done!" Marceline giggled, patting Ichor's shoulders.
"Where to?" Ichor asked as they both began to walk down the mountain path.
"Falnora. Apparently, Percy should be there already! Can't wait to see him!!"
"Hmm." Ichor muttered.
As they walked down the mountain path, bodies of monsters littered the place. All of them mutants and all of them dead without exception.
"How does it feel? Getting revenge," Marceline asked.
"Disappointing… it was too weak," Ichor replied.