There Is No Savior IC

[Mordraken]

Date:3-23-2108
Place: Kaishi Saki Bar, Neo-Japan

Venom had been sitting at the bar for quite some time. He sat clamly, not figeting, not looking around suspiciously. Finally, he was approached by the bartender, who said quietly in a thick Japanese accent, Can I see your ID, sir?
I thought around here you paid first.
Yes, yes, sir, but I need to see your ID. It's very important.
Fine. He pulled a small iridescent vial of liquid from his coat. The Japanese fellow grabbed at it, but Venom pulled it away. Let's see YOUR I.D., make sure you're qualified to dispense saki. The bartender pulled an envelope from under the bar, and the two exchanged items. Venom looked into the envelope. All four and a half? The man nodded, fascinated by the vial. Good. He stuffed the envelope into his coat, and walked out. Before he did, he nodded to a group at one of the tables. A few minutes after Venom's exit, that group stood up and left as well. Venom by now was on the landing pad of the Cargo Shuttle that left and came back every hour, on the hour, every day, no exceptions. He hid behind a stack of large metal crates, waiting. He said to himself, Damn, the better hurry up. Just as he said that, however, he turned to see them coming up behind him. They all kneeled down behind the boxes, and Venom whispered to one of them, It's about time, let's go. He peered across the tarmac at the open cargo hatch. He stood up, still crouching over, and then crossed the distance, not too fast, but not sluggishly either. He reached the inside of the hatch, and stood behind it a moment. He then motioned for the others to come in, and one by one, they did. They fled together deep at the far end of the hold, near the front of the plane. Venom sat down, and so did the rest. All right. Here's the pay. He pulled the envelope out and tossed it in the center.
All four point five million wulong! Good haul!
Dante, keep your voice down, Venom warned. Yes, four and a half mil. We'll get our next assignment in Neo-Russia, but until then, sit tight.
What IS our new assignment?, Dante cautioned, not wanting to get yelled at again.
Venom leaned back against the hull and closed his eyes.I don't know. We'll find out when we get there. Just calm down and entertain yourself. Dante shifted his guitar in front of him, and began to strum quietly a calm, oceanic tune. Venom knew he should object in some way, but the music was soothing, and he didn't care all that much.

[*Kain*]

Shadow had just joined up with the mercanaries known as the Black Dragons. A shady group indeed, he followed the one known as Dante behind a bunch of boxes. There was Venom, he had been waiting. Venom stood up, still crouching over, and then crossed the distance, not too fast, but not sluggishly either. He reached the inside of the hatch, and stood behind it a moment. He then motioned for the others to come in, and one by one, they did. They fled together deep at the far end of the hold, near the front of the plane. Venom sat down, and so did the rest. Shadow listened to Dante, and Venom exchange words. four and a half million huh? It seems these guys know what they are doing. Shadow listened to the music, it wasn't bad, at least this man knew how to play.

So Venom, what is it you people do?

Shadow didn't talk much. His communication skills were not the greatest, since he left the coalition he learned to communicate with others, but he still wasn't the greatest for conversation. His voice was without expression, his question almost sounded like a statement due to this. Shadow stood and leaned against the wall.

[Mordraken]

Venom opened one eye and looked at Shadow. He wanted some Iridescent Shrim Mix. If you don't already know, it's some kind of hallucinogen. Powerful stuff. Some say it can kill you instantly, but if it doesn't, it's the best high in the world. He closed his eye again.
We tend to shy away from drug deals, but Iridescent Shrim is always worth the risk obtaining it. Hence the huge reward. We do a lot of bodyguard work, Venom especially, recon, some treasure hunting.
We're professionals. We don't lie or con people, and we ask only for what's a fair price for our services.
Yeah. We deal almost exclusively with private citizens and Lazlo, 'Cause Venom doesn't trust the Coalition or the Mafia. We do a little occasional stuff for them, but never let anyone know that. We keep in good relations with both sides so we don't have to answer to either authority. Dante went back to his music, this time playing a little something more upbeat, more firey.

[DemonArchangel]

The one known as Repo casually looked over at the small group of men fumbling with an envelope behind some cargo crates. He casually puffed on a cigar, sitting on top of a pile of plastic crates. Repo then tapped on the side of his head and a lenspiece came out over his left eye.

So these people are the Black Dragons.... Damn, they're pretty damn good at conning people. Iridescent is availiable on the street for 5 wulongs a dose. They must be getting a huge shipment in for somebody. Ok now that's just dumb. Their risk of getting caught is enormous, oh well, but I need the job, otherwise I'd get arrested for vagrancy and they'll find out who I am. Time to reveal myself.

Repo leapt down from the stack of crates and walked up to the guy in the headband.

"Hey, headband, want some help with the Iridescent shipment? I'll do it for free, I've made enough money for myself in my lifetime."

Repo stared into Headband's eyes and waited for him to say "yes."

[*Kain*]

The moment this new man came down, Shadow had his guns trained on him. One wrong move and the man was history. "Hey, headband, want some help with the Iridescent shipment? I'll do it for free, I've made enough money for myself in my lifetime." Your "lifetime" nearly ended little man. It's not smart to jump in on people. Shadow looked to Magnus for direction, wondering where the hell this guy came from. He wanted to blast this man's head off for doing what he did just now, but he withheld his urge to kill.

[DemonArchangel]

Repo looked at the man in the sunglasses. There was no fear in his eyes. Shadow was all bark and no bite.

" Now honestly, Shadow.... please, hear me out instead of trying to kill me." Repo had read Shadow's name off the interface when he ran a remote diagnostic on the surrounding area.

This may be harder than I thought....

Repo put his hands up in the air, showing that he won't shoot any of the group members.

[*Kain*]

Shadow felt the urge to kill rush up inside of him. He grew an instant hatred for the man. Soon as he threw his hands up Shadow was on him. Cracking the man in the nose, nearly breaking it he threw a kick into the man's chest. Sending him back a few steps. Shadow the grabbed the man by the hair and threw him face first into the ground. Throwing his foot down on the mans back, so the man couldn't move Shadow reached down and grabbed his guns. He bashed the man in the temple with the but of one of the guns. The man was nearly out, shadow checked the man for weapons, found none. He did notice the bullet proof vest. He stood Repo up and put him up against the crates with one of the pistols held to his head. The other holding him by the thoat. You move a muscle, you die, I don't like people popping in out of nowhere and attacking me. Now you want to live through this? Then don't go around where your not wanted kicking people. It's not healthy for the atmosphere. If this man moved at all, his brains would be pouring out onto the floor.

[Mordraken]

Venom could barely contain his anger. He stood up as calmly as he could, and seethed, First of all, don't refer to me as Headband. Learn the name Venom, and learn it fast. Second, we don't need your help with anything. And third... Venom flipped out one of his revolvers and pointed it at the fellow. ...how much did you hear of our conversation? Dante, by now, had stopped playing, and was looking up at the rude stranger. He was ready at a moment's notice to assist his friend.

[DemonArchangel]

Repo capitalized on the fact that Shadow didn't guard his arms; a punch to the stomach doubled Mr. Sunglasses over. Then he dusted off his trenchcoat and flicked his left wrist. The assualt didn't do any damage whatsoever. Shadow should learn to respect his elders and those genetically superior to him. Repo stared at Shadow.

"Go ahead kid, take the shot, you know you want to. Besides what else can you do, beat on me with your baby fists?."

Repo cackled maniacally and then turned to Venom, shrugging off Shadow completely.

"Honestly Headband, what ARE you going to do without me? I mean unless you know where every Coalition border fort is, you won't be able to complete your mission without ugly bloodshed. Also, call off your minion before he shoots me, If I duck, he hits YOU, not me, just remember that."

Repo looked at Headband, Headband would be of use to him whether he likes it or not.

[DemonArchangel]

Repo capitalized on the fact that Shadow didn't guard his arms; a punch to the stomach doubled Mr. Sunglasses over. Then he dusted off his trenchcoat and flicked his left wrist. The assualt didn't do any damage whatsoever. Shadow should learn to respect his elders and those genetically superior to him. Repo stared at Shadow.

"Go ahead kid, take the shot, you know you want to. Besides what else can you do, beat on me with your baby fists?."

Repo cackled maniacally and then turned to Venom, shrugging off Shadow completely.

"Honestly Headband, what ARE you going to do without me? I mean unless you know where every Coalition border fort is, you won't be able to complete your mission without ugly bloodshed. Also, call off your minion before he shoots me, If I duck, he hits YOU, not me, just remember that."

Repo looked at Headband, Headband would be of use to him whether he likes it or not.

[Mordraken]

Wrong answer, shit stain. He fired two shots, one in the man's stomach and the other in the arm. This time, it was the 'borg's turn to double over in pain. Venom walked next to the man, and said, Don't tell an old pro what he doesn't know. He then kicked the man in the head, and he flew flat on his back. Venom shot a glance at Shadow. Make sure he's dead, he said, and went back to his spot, sat down, and closed his eyes once again, leaning against the hull.

[*Kain*]

note: The moment you would have moved a muscle the trigger would have been pulled if you didn't catch that demon, Shadow was aware. He makes fighting his business. It's all good though, honestly keep pushing it


Shadow gritted his teeth. Don't call me a kid little man. You have picked a fight with the wrong person. Shadow shot and Repo ducked. However the bullet hit him in the leg. He shot four more times twice in each leg, pretty much imobilizing Repo. He then brought his foot up and knocked the cyborg in the head. Reaching down he lifted the little bastard up and smashed him repeatedly in the face with his gun, until the man was out. Sorry boss I don't like it when people hit me, he's lucky I didn't kill him. Shadow tossed the man down and searched him for any other devices. He then discovered the guy had implants, cybernetic. He looked up to Venom. Got any rope that can hold cybernetic strength? Or something to restrain this little shit? Shadow stood back a few feet, guns trained on Repo's head, one sudden move and it was over.

[Mordraken]

Just kill him, Shadow. We don't need to save trash for recycling. And make sure the body can be carried out of here inconspiculously.
That was an interesting diversion. I'm sorry you laidies had to see all that mess. He looked over at Ree and Christine, who seemed marginally shocked. What are you going to use your share of the loot for? Just curious.

[*Kain*]

Shadow got the ok from the boss. He picked the peice of shit up and set him on a crate, he slapped the man till he woke up, as soon as he did Shadow headbutted him. Blurring the man's vision, Shadow pulled out a knife, and slit the cyborg's arm open revealing mechanical parts. He ripped thee wires out out tossed them to the floor. He proceeded to do the same with the other arm. Once that was done Repo was completely immobilized. Repo finally came to his senses and was in utter pain. Should not have hit me little man. Bad move. You see, Shadow doesn't like it when people hit him, Shadow kills for money. To bad though, you might have come in handy. With that Shadow slit Repo's throat, and that my friends is all she wrote.

[Lyssia]

Ree sighed heavily, flicking a lock of her hair out of the way with a threatrical gesture, Men, it's always a case of one-up-manship with you all. The psionic loved to play things over the top, it was just her way of reacting to the world around her rather than any real desire to annoy people. Anyone would think we had the time to bother with all this metaphorical muscle-flexing? She regarded the blood leaking out of Repo's thorat with a quiet disinterest, Well maybe not so metaphorical. Have we finished here now?

She made a great show of avoiding the dead man, her dislike of physical violence showing in her every move. Even the thought of going near one who had been killed in such a way was disgusting to her. She understood well enough that other members of the Black Dragons felt the need to use the 'crude' weapons, as she saw them, but that was as far as her understanding of such things went. There were far mre interesting ways of disposing of people, ways that didn't involved guns or knives.

The cold metal blade of her own knife reminded her of its presence, bringing back the knowledge that she was carrying enough of the foul creations herself. When would she finally be able to throw them away? She could handle situations without them so why on earth did she even bother to carry them?

The smell of fresh blood reached her, the scent making her wrinkle her nose, Can we please move on? She forced a look of innocence on her face as she looked towards Venom, he'd know it was fake but that wasn't the point of it.

[Mordraken]

I already have. Venom pulled a wrinkled cigarrette out of his jacket, put it to his mouth, and then pulled a black ceramic lighter out of the opposite side of his jacket. He started it, and put it's flame to the end of his 'rette. He took a long drag, and puffed out a circle of smoke. I'd calm down if I were you. It's just a little blood.
Dante laughed nervously. Heh, heh heh heh. I'm sorry for all this, Ree. I really am. I'm sure our next assignment won't be so bloody. He pulled his guitar back up across his chest. I'll make it up to you. Give me the name of any song that can conceiveably be played on a guitar. Your favorite song ever.

[*Kain*]

Shadow picked up the lifeless body, after putting his weapons away. He didn' exactly walk over to Ree, but got within her line of vision. Sorry.... He then went to Venom. Where should I put this peice of scrap metal? Shadow wasn't really the body disposal expert, he just created the bodies, what happened to them after that didn't matter.

[Mordraken]

As long as we make sure he leaves when we do, it doesn't matter. Venom heard a clunk below him. Speaking of leaving, it seems as though we may be landing soon. Everyone, make sure no one can see you from outside the cargo bay when the bay hatch opens. He put out his cigarrette with his shoe, and slid close to one of the boxes. He heard more clunking, and then skidding. Then, a few moments later, he saw a crack of grey light come through the slowly opening hatch. Two men came in, and took the first box in the room; they then left slowly with it. Venom dashed out of the hold, and hid next to the ship hull, inconspicuously around the corner. He saw the two men reenter, and then come out again, this time with a very large and heavy crate. He gentured for all of them to move out now. Shadow was carrying the body, but was still fast enough to make it around the corner. When all were accounted for, and the two traders were fooling with the boxes, they made a break across the tarmac to an alley between two control towers. After a few moments of catching his breath, he spoke again. Okay. We did good. But we need to look inconspicuous in Downtown Neo-Russia. Therefore, we will spilt into two groups. Dante, why don't you take the laidies here on a tour of the city. Show them a good time. Shadow, you'll come with me, and we'll ditch the body somewhere, then meet up back in the, lesse... He pulled a peice of paper out of his coat. ...The Broken Phoenix Inn. You've been there, right, Dante?
Sure, on that recon mission two years ago.
Good. We meet there at ten PM local time. It's 2 PM now. We'll see you there.

[Lyssia]

A song eh? Nah, I'm not in the mood for songs, she could think of plenty of tunes, all of them flitting through her mind at once in a cacophany of sound. Ree could barely distinguish between one and another as all the songs she'd ever heard crashed through her mind, drowning out her thoughts. She rubbed her temples uneasily, wishing that it would all just go away and let her think clearly.

Suddenly her mood changed and Ree linked her arm through Dante's, A tour through the city? Oooo yes let's go sight-see, there has to be something in this place that's worth looking at. Come on Christine I want to see the city, or at least the parts of it that are still alive, she frowned looking back at the dead body. She was rather glad that they hadn't wanted her to clean it up, after all it wasn't her mess. Ree could still remember her mother telling her that if she made the mess then she was the one that had to tidy it up, it made sense to her that the same rule held true now in adult life.

Every part of her body felt as though it was full of an excess energy, a tingling sensation that demanded that it be used up before it sprang free. It was as though her gifts were a whispering voice in her mind, cutting through the songs that were playing themselves in there, and daring her to let them loose. Ree bit her lip nervously and looked about the area, no she couldn't use them, she had to be careful, there were people that didn't like her sort. Yes she had to be careful, she would get to 'play' again soon enough.

[Mordraken]

A broad smile spread across Dante's face. Let's be off. He and Ree walked arm in arm towards the Downtown Bazaar, Christine presumably close behind.
The Bazaar in Neo-Russia is a vast, bustling area, full of stands and items. Weapons seemed to be by far the most common thing to be found, followed by cheap magick items. And it was loud; people shouting over each other, making deals and arguing viciously. It was a melee, with the weapons of choice being Coalition credits and the universal wulong. Anything you want, legal or not exactly, can be found in the Bazaar! There are only one rules: protect your stuff or you won't leave with it. Everything else goes, so be careful. They waded into the mass, making sure to keep both eyes out for his two female companions.

[Cricket]

She had remained quietly out of the way, even after the stranger had intruded on the group and found himself killed for the effort. She'd seen no reason to rush in and fight herself- it really wasn't her style anyway. And once he was dead, there was little she could do to heal him, even if the group had wanted her to, which she doubted they did. So she remained out of the way and quiet, until they had docked.

Dante had seemed apologetic to Ree having witnessed the violence, though she wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was Ree's barely disguised revulsion to the blood. She herself had felt a little saddened by yet another life, snuffed out from the unforgiving existence they all tenuously held onto. She pushed the sadness down and smiled brightly at Ree's enthusiasm for sight-seeing, following both her and Dante out of the ship and into neo-Russia for the "tour" Venom had suggested.

She stayed behind them. Though she had been with this group nearly a year (perhaps longer? she couldn't remember) she was still shy. She found it easier to be open and friendly when she wasn't surrounded by crowds of people as they now were. Luckily, they were used to this quirk in her personality and did not take offense.

At that moment she felt a suspicious tug at her waist, drawing her toward a back alley. Reaching down she grabbed the unknown assailents hand and twisted it backwards, wincing when she felt the tell-tale snap. Then she twisted away and jogged up to where she was standing on Dante's other side. She could take care of herself most of the time. But it was a lot easier if people didn't have to find that out. She hoped that seeing Dante beside her would discourage any future attempts on her body.

[Mordraken]

Dante felt something brush by his right side. He looked down to see Christine keeping a good grip on his jacket. He smiled. Hey! How you like the Bazaar? See anything you want yet? He looked around. Only weapons in this part of the Bazaar. Venom was a gun expert, but Dante preferred the liquid grace he used his scythe with. Above all, however, he preferred his music. Something caught his ears; the area around him seemed to quiet down all at once. He turned around, with both Ree and Christine still on his arms. He knew who was coming, as everyone was parting way for him. He did the same, until everyone stopped talking, creating a silent tunnel for the man that waltzed through the Bazaar. He was almost exactly as tall as Dante, with long, stak white hair and white eyes. He wore a thin smile on his face, more bemused than happy. He was covered from neck to foot with a long, flowing dark grey cloak. The most obvious part of his ensemble was a staff, which looked like it was peiced together from old gun parts and technology, and sported an immense gem on the top.
He stopped in front of Dante and the two female Black Dragons, and said, Good day to you, Dante. His voice was calm, lyrical, pleasent.
How are you doing, Raiden? Haven't seen you in a while.
I've been good. And you?
Not too bad, just getting back from Neo-Japan on business.
That's good. We should catch up some time.
Yeah, I'll make sure to do that before I leave Neo-Russia.
Good parting to you and your friends. He nodded to Ree and Christine, turned, and left. After a few moments, the mass filled back in behind him, and began talking again. Dante absent-mindedly watched Raiden go.

[Cricket]

She smiled back up at Dante, grateful he didn't question her sudden desire to attach herself to him. She didn't want a lecture on how she shouldn't have let her mind wander to the point someone had managed to put their hands on her. She looked around at his question.

The bazaar is lively. I don't see anything I want yet, though.

She grinned to herself. She seldom, if ever bought anything in these bazaars. Venom had given up long ago, trying to convince her to carry a gun or two with her. She was happy with her knives. Perhaps someday, if she found one that was as good in quality as what she already had, she'd get another knife. Or perhaps she'd even find a gun that she'd actually want to carry with her. When the coalition embraces psionics she thought to herself.

She blinked her eyes, as Dante pulled her to the side and the people suddenly quieted and waited expectantly. Her eyes widened as the man who had caused the throng to part entered. He was obviously someone of great import. He looked powerful anyway, if the jewel on top of his staff was any indication. She bit her lip and looked at Dante in surprise as he addressed the man. Raiden. They knew each other. Was that a good thing or a bad thing?

She smiled faintly at the man's words of farewell, watching him leave. She turned back to Dante in bemused curiosity.

Old friend?

[Mordraken]

Old friend?, Christine queried.
Something like that. He's Raiden Mournhold. People regard him as a legend, and believe me, it's easy to see why. It's been a long time since I've seen him last; I was his..."apprentice", he used to call me, when we used to work together. He's like royalty practically, and a list of skills a mile long; gunfighter, major psionic, magick knowledge, the works. I remember, it's been about ten years, that we pulled off this huge, elaborate scheme; we pitted the Coalition and the Mafia off against each other. It might have been World War 4, had I not had been captured. He sighed, and said, Well, standing here in the middle of a mosh pit isn't the most friendly place to think of old times. What do you say to a visit to the old Russian Museum of Art?

[Lyssia]

Ree bit her lower lip as she watched Dante's friend walk away, she had to admit tht the gem on top of his staff looked awfully tempting. It would look so very nice as part of her collection, all those lovely faces reflecting the light in their different ways. Surely it deserved better than to be stuck on top of all those nasty gun parts? The whispering voice in her head that she associated with her abilites urged her onwards, telling her how very easy it would be to just reach out and grab it. Maybe not with her hands, but her powers could just snatch the gem-stone away if she really wanted it...

...And she really did want it.

But to steal from a fellow psionic? Hmmm maybe not, Ree sighed to herself. Besides the man had already walked away, out of her physical and metaphysical reach for the moment. Maybe in the future there would be another chance toget the gem, she'd have to remember it there was no doubt of that.

She shook her head violently, freeing it from the memory of the gem atop the staff and sending it back to the here and now. A musuem? Have they got those silly pictures that just look like a child's gone mad with their paints or do they have proper pictures? Ones of people and houses and things like that? I'd much prefer the second kind, that other kind of art never makes much sense to me, there again there were a fair few things that fitted into the catagory of 'not understood' in Ree's mind