Your Move Pt 3: Zugzwang

Voice 3: Can I finish my turn now?

Voice 4: Yes dear, go one.

*Voice 3’s eyes narrowed picking a single card from his deck, kissing it and placing it onto the board, it sunk down and fluttered into the a temple.*

Voice 3: Just in case. This might come in handy, but lets hope it doesn't come to that.

*(Voice 1) says nothing about (Voice 3’s) choice, at least for now. After all, there had been plenty of times such a move had been done before and they were technically opponents in this Game, whether they took temporary alliances or otherwise. Still, he filed the knowledge of the unknown card for the moment, instead turning their attention back to the board with sharp eyes, resting their chin on steepled fingers, their yes resting on a few areas of the board for a brief moment, though their face gave nothing away. Finally, with a faint smile, they leaned back in their ‘throne’*

Voice 1: I believe this would be ‘Zugzwang’. *Smiling* Thankfully, this is not chess. As such, I pass my turn, since there is little point in Triangulation in our Game. Consider it my Waiting Move.

*There was an ever so slight shock from the other two players before they composed themselves. Looking back to the decks, (Voice 4) looked over the field, shooting a knowing gaze over the player and the field in which their sick game was being played.*

Voice 1: You have a similar standpoint, don’t you, (Voice 4)? Waiting until something catches your interest?

*(Voice 4) hums a moment, not denying that (Voice 1) did have a point. Sometimes it was better to wait for the right opportunity to come up. Despite the taunting from all four of them at times, or the occasional ‘playing dumb’ or ‘pushing boundaries’, (Voice 1) wasn’t entirely wrong in utilising that tactic. In past games, he had done the same.*

Voice 4: It has its merits, and it isn’t against the rules. Very well, your pass is permitted.

Voice 1: My thanks.

*Sitting back in his throne, (Voice 1) lazily reshuffled his deck, flipping though each card, almost a particular relic of a card, one slight faded but still legible-

Bairly.

That particular piece had recently been there, sitting alone in his deck, looked over but ever be present, waiting for it to be called to action; It faintly glowed, humming slightly in the inky blackness of the void the Voices resided in.*

Voice 3: (Voice 2), do me a favor and make the body found in a week. It should be long enough for the One to stew in his own depravity.

Voice 2: What a sick mind you have, boy. But alright, you seem to have some form of plan.

Voice 3: Well, I wonder if my sick mind’s hareditory? I must get that checked at some point.

Voce 2: ...Indeed. You don't want to go mad and decide to destroy our little game to forge it in your own twisted image. Wouldn't that be a tragedy?

Voice 3: …..

Voice 4: Enough!!!

Voice 1 & 2: ….Sorry…..

*While the others were arguing, (Voice 1) picked up the glowing card and, for the longest moment, just looked at it. This card...there was potential within that card, but it wasn’t something that could be used lightly.*

Voice 2: Huh…. planning to use that worn out card? You’ve used in twice in our last game, that beast would kill you long before you have a chance to give it an order… then what? The beast would consume every living thing it came across, causing wave after wave after wave, undead ‘puppets,’ until there was nothing. No mystic, no man or god left.

To call that beast is to call the end of everything. Surely not even you would be that stupid to call it forth again. You could barely control it last time.  It took ‘our’ combined power to tame the beast. We both know that, yes, it could be your trump card if your plans go capoot, BUT is the risk… no, price is probably a better word.

Is the price worth it? Who knows what it would do with an elder god’s soul? It may even gain sentience and then we’re all screwed. Neither you or I or anyone else at this table would be able to stop it. That is the path I see if you so wish to use that piece.

Voice 3: What are you talking about?

Voice 2: It's not important, just a time where we had to reset a game because one of the pawns got a little too out of control. Don't get me wrong, if you know how to control such pieces then it's a great thing to have in your deck, but the higher they are, the more destructive they become. And the more destructive they become, the more they will feed on the users life force.

Voice 3: Wait ,does that mean YOU have a card like that in your deck also? Coz if so. then I-

Voice 2: No. I’ve never once considered having those…things in my arsional. They’re too unpredictable. You think a rogue or fallen god is hard to control…? I’ve seen games where they'd literally consumed a player due to the player’s overconfidence. They’re parasites, last ditch efforts, to win a game. Believe me, you’re better off commanding a legion of heroes than messing with those things.

If your pieces fall, you can always revive them, but if you as a player are gone… well, there's no coming back from that. And, as much as I despise (Voice 1), I wouldn't even wish that upon him. If it were up to me, I would destroy that thing…. But it's not up to me, now is it?

*Despite everything, (Voice 1) says nothing, only offering a smile. However, the smile was not one of any form of joy or even visiousessness. It was a quiet, hollow kind of smile. Should one look closer, they might have caught a flicker of emotion within their eyes, but it was gone in a moment as they closed their eyes, giving the other players and their observer no indication of what they might truly be thinking in that response.*

Voice 3: Whether that's the case or not, there's people I want to see after this game ends. I want to live for that.

Voice 2: So that’s the reason why you’re here.

Voice 3: Isn’t it yours, too? Besides, no matter what happens, this is the last game, right? After we're done here, the game goes on autopilot until where next summoned to a different plain, right?

Voice 4: Yes, that is true. But how it will end is another story entirely.

Voice 2: Right, and who ever wins here determines how this world will live.

Voice 3: I see. So I better win then.

Voice 4: Careful now, or your little alliances may falter.

Voice 3: *Chuckle* I know, just thinking allowed. Besides, this little game is proving to be more interesting by the turn, learning more about you all as each of your plans fail and succeed. I’m beginning to understand just how this final game is going to play out.

Voice 4: … Is that so? You have a bad habit of assuming things.

Voice 3: What do you mean?

Voice 4: We’re going to take a little break. I think you need to see this.

*(Voice 4), leaned over, touching the boy’s forehead. The world seemed to warp slightly as the table reverted back to its previous state in the last game. Broken, burnt pieces scattered across the room. Pieces frozen, glitching in and out of existence. Before them, (Voice 3) was shown the past selves of the other two players, and the last fateful play of the dreaded piece.*

Voice 2: IDIOT! You’re going to DIE! Give up that-!

Voice 1: NO…! I…!

Voice 4: That’s it! I let you both police yourselves and this is what happens? Ahg!

*(Voice 4) seemed to be bitten by a rogue beast. Eyes glowing, he stretched out his hand, snatching away the card from the other elder god’s hand, throwing in down onto the table.*

Voice 4: (Voice 1 & 2), help me! We’re going to tame this beast! NOW!

*The three gods focused what little energy they had left on the card, almost destroying it in the process.*

Voice 4: What happened? What did it turn out like this? Was it overfed?

Voice 2: No...I’m not quite sure myself? I not the one using it, but even I felt how addicting it’s sweet venum was… I can't even imagine how (Voice 1) felt. For a second there, it was like-

Voice 1&2: Like I  was possessed.

Voice 1: I don't know… I was winning... Ragna was listening to me, obeying me, but then... I lost control…. Was it feeding on me? Or was it…? That might be it.

Voice 4: *Knowing eyes* It most likely was overfed, whether it was by feeding on your soul or amplifying your wish…  What I believe is that it should be starved for a time, almost to the point where it will become a level 0 piece, then build it up from there.

Voice 2: If it were me I would send it back into the Void.

Voice 4: It is not your choice, so you have no right to say.

Voice 1: …. Ragna….*They close their eyes for a moment, almost pained* ...You’re right (Voice 4). Perhaps I should forget about using her for now. At this point, she’s too much… even for me….. But I won't destroy her…. Not now…. I...might need her again.

Voice 2: At what cost? Look at the board…. There's nothing! Nothing (Voice 1)! No more pieces, no more turns and this game is void. And then there's you…. You’re bleeding… Wasn't it you who said that there no point in keeping a dog that bites its master? You’re bitten, battered and bruised. I know you’re attached to that card, but at this point it’s doing more damage to your cause than good.

Voice 1: THAT’S WHY I’M LETTING HER STARVE!

Voice 4: Enough! Stop. I’m resetting the game. Both of you... help me.

Voice 1: Yes…

Voice 2: ...Sure….

Voice 4: *Sigh* We need a third player. I’ll select them when the time comes and, when said time comes, I’ll relinquish your sacred beast back into your care. Hopefully Ragna’s power level will be back at 0 and you’ll be able to use it again.

Voice 1: ...Understood… Until then… my Sacred Beast…is in your care.

Voice 4: *Snapping Fingers* Thank you for your cooperation.

Voice 1 & 2:...

Voice 4: Now lets clean this place up…. The pieces that were obliterated… There’s no coming back. There’s too much damage to them for their souls to be reforged. I suggest we all start a fresh. New rules, new pieces, new board. And a pre game is in order. I’ll make a new set of ruled for this pre game. They may change again, but until then, let's try it. Agreed?

Voice 1 & 2: Agreed.

Voice 2: Are you ok?

Voice 1: You know exactly how I feel…..

Voice 2: ... It's not your fault, remember that…

Voice 1: ...We have work to do… lets go.

Voice 2: ...Yeah…

*Looking at the situation, (Voice 3) could pick up the vibe (Voice 1) was giving. It wasn’t that the card was just too powerful for the wielder, it was the fact that his companion was out of his reach, a well trained familiar had become feral, feeding on his negative emotions feeding on his being. And the only way to save said familiar was to abandon it for a time. Calm himself down and, in turn, calm the beast. Was (Voice 1) always this way, (Voice 3) wondered? Looking at (Voice 4), (Voice 3) spoke softly*

Voice 3: Can we go back even further? To a time where ‘Ragna’ worked properly?

Voice 4: I have no objections. Do you wish to help your opponent? I thought you wanted to win. That card might be your downfall.

Voice 3: I doubt it. Besides, I don't want him doing something he might regret. If I can help, I will. I meant what I said centuries ago - ‘if it weren't for the fact that I’m taken, I might have wanted to help and heal his heart.’

Voice 4: *Smirk & scoff* Fine, but for what you wish to see, we’re going to have to go back further, and to a different plain entirely

Voice 3:  Fine, lets go.

*For a moment, (Voice 4) observed the younger god, before nodding. Meanwhile, as (Voice 4) prepared to show (Voice 3) those past events, the two players left behind were quiet for a moment. Sighing, (Voice 1) steepled his hands once more, eyes resting on Ragna’s card. At length, he spoke.*

Voice 1: I’m not entirely certain why they would be so eager to delve into the past. However, I suppose he is a player now. It is only fair that we all be on even footing. Is that not what we agreed?

Voice 2: *Resting head on palm of her hand and chuckling* You answered your own question…. dummy.

Voice 1: *Shaking head* No….That’s not what I mean. In terms of the game, it makes sense, yes, but that child of yours….for all that they are a player, that they are quite capable of tactics and logical thinking enough to play at our level despite the fewer years of experience….they don’t always follow through simply because of logic. Was that not why they became a player in the first place?

Voice 2: *Knowing Eyes* Pft! Haven't you been watching that child long enough? To be honest, though he was fathered by another man… he might as well have been yours. He has both your best and most annoying traits - well, the old you anyway. He’s…impulsive when it comes to protecting those who cannot protect themselves, far too willing to self sacrifice when need be and has an annoying compulsion to help someone who desperately needs it… even when there the last person in this universe who deserve it.

He’s doing this out of curiosity and compassion. Can't you just accept it and leave it at that? There's a reason why you didn't destroy Ragna - not just because She was your…trump, but because of an illogical attachment that you won't ever be able to shake. Odds are you won't use her in this game, but the sentiment means that much. Odds are that her power level will be under 0 by the time you’ll play her, if you do at all, and it will be because of that fur ball.

But that's not the question here. The question is…how will you thank him?

*(Voice 1) shot her a look for a moment, searching her expression. She didn’t need to do or say anything, however. Despite their differences, despite their roles, they had known each other for long enough that (Voice 2) didn’t need to clarify further. Reading what they wanted from her expression, (Voice 1) snorted softly, closing their eyes again, a slight smile on their face*

Voice 1: ...Who knows?

[END]

Your Move Pt 2

Voice 4: Hush, child. While speculation is all well and good, it is not anyone’s business to pry. As for yourself, I do believe your focus should be on your own gameplay. It is your turn soon.

Voice 3: TISK! Whatever…

*There was a long pause as Voice 3 settles into there seat scanning over there deck, umming and arring from what seemed like an bothersome amount of time. Before setting on one of his cards.*

Voice 3: Shame… this one doesn't like working with other but maybe…. If I… Yes that might work.

Voice 1: Careful. If you aren’t vigilant and mind your thoughts you might let something vital slip to your opponents. I thought you knew how this game works by now.

Voice 3: OH. Shut. Up. Let me think!!!! Oi, (Voice 2), that tree over there. You see it?

Voice 2: Indeed. I assume you have some need for it rather than it be an idle observation.

Voice 3: ….What would one need to do in order to wake the damn thing from its dormancy? In truth if it did awaken it might pose a threat to my … pawn but it used correctly it could be a useful training tool.  

Voice 2: Hm…*Looks down at the image with thoughtful eyes* If you’re intent on such a course of action….A drop of blood from either one of divinity or tainted blood, a fresh human body to entice and the dark oppressiveness of a hateful grudge. After all, that is a corrupted thing. One cannot expect a clean awakening.

Voice 3: A corpse and a grudger...Where am I going to-

*Voice 3 looked down a the location in which his pawn dwelled. A young couple seemed to be arguing, the young man's family seemed to have a distaste for the partner he had brought. She was a beauty, but a poor girl from the other side of the village known for their farm lands. The young man dragged the girl away from the family, down a near road where they could be alone. He hugged her, but there was stress and doubt in both their eyes, doubt that could be exploited. A grudge that could be used for (Voice 3’s) purposes.

The girl decided maybe they needed to take a break. Angrily, the young man yelled back but then composed himself, saying they were both stressed and were not thinking properly. That they should go on a date next week and clearly think things though. The girl meekly nodded and left the man, saddened and alone, promising himself that he would find a way to work things out, even if they had to start a life in a new town.*

Voice 3: Since you been eagerly peering over my shoulder salivating on what you could do, what do you have in mind, lover boy? Could you do your thing and set up a stake where he could almost lose his mind? Let the darkness take hold.

Voice 1: You make it sound like I’m a ravenous beast.

Voice 3: But you are though my lord... You are.

Voice 1 : *Cool Smile* Oh really? I’m not the one with a beast’s blood in my own. But please, do remain in denial over that. After all, this is a little more interesting. It does seem the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree in tactical maneuvers. And people curse at me for such misfortunes. Ha!

*Despite the cynical words, Voice 1 peers at the scene, a hand absently touching to their chin in thought*

Voice 1: Asking me to ‘make’ someone do anything is a little ironic…..however, in this case...well, it wouldn’t even really be too much work. The seeds of corruption lie in any soul. Just a little push, I think….Yes, It would not be too much work. Still, how cruel of you.

Voice 3: You’re right, I do have a beast's blood running through my veins. But I will say this: it’s from one similar to you, not me. Besides, I never asked you do affect them, just set the scene. If you want to do more work, then, by all means, I’ll enjoy the show.

Voice 1: Ah, to know you drive others to see you as bestial. You must be proud (Voice 2).

Voice 2: Let the child run their mouth. They may say something wise one day. And I assure you, I am your mirrored self. Any bestial behavior I may have is more than apparent in you, SWINE.

Voice 4: Enough, all of you!

*Voice 1 just chuckles slightly at Voice 2’s temper. After all, they got a rise out of her as they had wanted. Still, they just shot her a smirk before turning back to Voice 3, clapping hands together*

Voice 1: Apologies, (Voice 4). To the topic at hand….(Voice 3), by all means, I would certainly not pass up an opportunity to take extra turns if I’m being handed such a boon. Very well, I see no reason not to follow through for now. Still, you seem keen to share in this despite us hardly having an alliance set up. What is your scenario here?

Voice 3: Nothing in particular, apart from a mentally unstable lover pushed to point of insanity, attacking his lover in a deep dark woods, forcing a grudge-born spirit to be born, waking up a certain tree. Me, using your nature to my advantage, that's all.

*Voice 3, reached over to a chalice filled with water and a small needle, picking their delicate finger and drawing out a bead of blood ,allowing it to flow into the now tainted water. Before pouring it onto the board, focusing on the lifeless tree. It seemed to bend and grown, pushing and pulling at its roots to find nourishment.*

Voice 1: Ah, mutual using. Fair enough.

*Not rising to the bait about their so called nature, Voice 1 absently reached over to the representation of the young man from before, resting a finger on his head, lips twitching into a quirk of a smile as they reached through the man’s psyche*

Voice 1: *Humming* They do say the road to hell is pathed with good intentions.

*It was easy enough to tweak things. Though it would take at least a few days to truly take an effect where the man would even believe it all his own ideas, whether through insanity or through calculated intent. However, a few days in a game such as this meant nothing to the Players*

Voice 1: Now then, I wonder just how this scenario will play out…? It’s always interesting to see the depravity sentient beings delve into. Of course, there is only so much influence I have here, but when it’s time, your little pet tree will have what it needs.

Voice 3: Thank you. Now, (Voice 2), you have one of your pawns. My I have it and all associated with it for this game? I’ll give you the same valued pawns from my deck, if-

Voice 2: I believe I know whom you mean. However, it is not without conditions. If you cannot keep to these, then you forfeit your right to them, Understand? As for the conditions...This piece cannot be swayed from the path of ‘light’. Similarly, at the halfway point, they shall be tested. Should they be swayed or fail, then you lose all hold upon them. Agreed?

Voice 3: ...Agreed

Voice 1: Oh? You’re allowing me to play with this one?

*Peering at the piece to see who it might be before their eyes narrow, a slow smile crossing their face*

Voice 1: Ah, it’s you….*They laugh quietly, anticipation in their eyes*

Voice 3: Huh, the beast is salivating again. Gross!

Voice 2: Agreed.

Voice 3: Go easy on that one - I think you’ve done enough damage there, don't you think?

Voice 1: You’ve essentially given me permission - why would I not anticipate finishing a game that had been interrupted? I wonder how easy it might be to twist this one. Will they break like the others, or will they persevere? Will this piece become mine once I make them fail you both so utterly?

Voice 2 & 3: *Unison* I won't allow that, SWINE!

Voice 1: *Smiling* We’ll see. Still, you are the ones setting up a limit to this piece. Should they lose by falling to darkness or at the mid point, then they will be of no use to you. They would become mine, after all. Your own rules claim it thus. Remember that.

*(Voice 4) Threw a book at (Voice 1’s) head, while (Voice 2 & 3 giggled in the background).*

Voice 3: BOOM!!! Headshot!!!

Voice 2: *Snicker* Well, the pig had it coming…. Literally!

Voice 4: Paragraph 3, Section B: Hero Treatment, Page 37 states thus: It is forbidden that pieces, incarnated heroes or otherwise, be claimed by other gods by falling. It is the duty of the owner deity to keep them on the chosen path. However, a hero, incarnated or otherwise may be tested should the occasion arise. *Narrowed eyes* The signature on the front and back of the book binds us to this. We do not wish for a repeat of last time, now do we? That was a mess we all had to deal with and I do not wish to have a repeat scenario.

Voice 1: Perhaps so. Officially, at least. But recall this - if they act of their own free will, even if they are not a piece owned by myself, then the rules wouldn’t apply. The problem with such a curse, is it not? Likewise, should they fall, it hardly stops anyone from preventing an opponent from ‘playing’ with them still. I would literally be breaking no rules. Perhaps one should not leave so many loopholes next time. Of course, knowing you all, you’d dispose of your own trash, wouldn’t you? That is, after all, what you’ve shown to do so well in the past.

Voice 3: It is the duty of the god to keep the hero on the right tact according to the morals of said god. Though they may be in my possession now, they are still governed by (Voice 2’s) laws and if she says that this piece STILL belongs to her and will be on the path she had laid for them, THEN be it the pieces choice or otherwise, she WILL remain on the side that bares the light. The only power you have here is to test her resolve. That is ALL. Just like (Voice 2) cannot drag the fallen from you. The same rules apply. The only exception is me, and still, I’m the middle ground, where they fall completely or deny you both is my choice. And, for all intents and purposes, I intend to keep that particular pawn on the side of light. Otherwise it fucks with my plan and sorry, handsome, I'm not having that. Not in this game, no sir, no sir, no sir. And if you want to cross me, you’ll be answering to my claws.

Voice 1: Temper temper. But fine, have it your way. But recall that while you’re all so intent on keeping my curse in play amongst pieces, they will not always respond to any plans entirely the way any of us may wish. Just remember that. Of course *Dark smile* If you wish it gone so badly so they’ll play to your rules so well, then you’ll just have to let me win this game, won't you?

*Voice 1 laughs, knowing they would never do that. Instead, they pick up the book that had been thrown at their head, even if they hadn’t even really reacted to it having bounced off him earlier, absently thumbing the pages*

Voice 1: Still, it matters not. I have my fun either way, whether that one falls for not, whether it sticks to our rules or not. It fits in to my own plans nicely enough. Therefore, I have no issues with this. Of course, throw things at me again and I might just decide to go a little too far in the test and have the piece removed from play entirely. That…*They hold up the relevant pages with a dark smile* is not against any rules. Play nice, children.

Voice 4: Remove anything from play and I will remove you! You are not irreplaceable - remember that. You are not above me, child. Snuffing out your light would merely take a moment, so keep your threats to a minimum. Understood?

*(Voices 2 & 3) gulped. It was the first time in a while that they had seen (Voice 4) show any sort of hostility, or even drop his presence. Raising his hand in submission to brush the tempered deity off, (voice 1) settled back in to his seat with plotting eyes.*

Voice 3: Can I finish my turn now?

Voice 4: Yes dear, go one.

*Voice 3’s eyes narrowed picking a single card from his deck, kissing it and placing it onto the board, it sunk down and fluttered into the a temple.*

Voice 3: Just in case. This might come in handy, but lets hope it doesn't come to that.

[END]

Your Move

---Unknown Location---

Voice 1: My my, this is an interesting move. Though it does appear somewhat detrimental at first glance. Humour me a moment, if only to see if my theories are correct, but what made you feel it was so wise to send a disease to your own camp?

Voice 2: I don't recall being in a position to release such sensitive information to lowlife such as yourself.

Voice 1: Oh? Someone seems in a bad mood.

Voice 3: She likely did it to weed out the weaklings and to test out the skill of her pawns. Can't blame her as they stand they are quite weak. They’ll have to get a hell of a lot stronger if she wants to-

Voice 4: Hush, child. While speculation is all well and good, it is not anyone’s business to pry. As for yourself, I do believe your focus should be on your own gameplay. It is your turn soon.

Voice 3: TISK! Whatever…

[END]

I'm Thinking About You Pt 3

Huxian: Agents, we have our mission.

*Looking around at the various agents in the meeting room, Huxian is pleased to see that he had their undivided attention. He doubted he would be in the mood to deal with difficult people today without smacking them into a wall if they were being morons. Picking up a laser pointer, he gestures to the board that shows a map of Beijing and some of the surrounding area*

Huxian: As you’re no doubt aware unless you somehow missed the memo, we’re currently dealing with a hoard of Jiangshi that are making their way towards the city as we speak. We’ve sent scouts out to confirm their numbers.

*He turns his gaze on one of the agents in the front*

Huxian: You were in charge of that, right? Findings? I need total numbers and types we’re dealing with.

Agent 1: We weren't able to get an exact number, but we estimate between 2-3 hundred. They seem to be in the White and Black variety, so they should be easy enough to deal with - it’s just their growing number that's the issue.

Agent 2:  We can exterminate them all we want but if we don't find the ‘conjurer’, we’d long exhausted ourselves before we have dealt with the walking dead.

Huxian: We’re likely dealing with someone using Taoist incantations...however, its unknown if they’re affiliated with any particular group. This day and age it could even just be someone who picked up the technique somehow and decided to play around. What’s worse is we have no idea if this was done through malicious intent or simply a case of someone who wanted to see if it worked. It could even have been someone with delusions of a real life ‘game’. But whoever is behind it or whatever reason, they can’t be permitted to continue. The sentence for this will be severe if it was ‘accidental’ or someone who has no idea what they’re doing, but if this is a rogue conjurer….Pandora’ll be on them like lightning. Assuming they’re worth keeping alive.

*Shaking his head in disgust at the stupidity, he put the thoughts aside to look at the agent who had brought it up in the first place.*

Huxian: From what our intelligence says, they’ve not all spring from one area, so we can’t back track on their physical movements, but it’s possible if we can find a trace of the energy that reanimated them we could follow it back to the conjurer. Though if this has been pre planned over a period of time it might be difficult. Any suggestions on tracking this guy down?

Agent 4: It might take a while, but I could look into what changed in the last few hundred years - what changed then and now. To be honest, this is too large a scale to be a simple ‘experiment’. If it were in one or two cases, sure, but there's a pattern here…somewhere. I just can't put my finger on it….

Agent 3: True. I was talking to some of the mystic foke around here. They did say something about a cult kids were recruited into…. I initial dismissed it as one of those human things, but… now that I think about it-

Agent 1: Wait, you’re going into conspiracy theory here. You’ll need evidence before we jump into anything like that. It may just be a dead end.

Agent 3: True, but if I’m right about this then it might just lead to us finding the conjuror.  

Huxian: Evidence is only evidence if its confirmed true and to do that, one must investigate every lead. Even rumours have some base in fact. See what you can discover about this, but don’t engage for now. We need to be certain. If it’s the source of all this then we’ll take them down. How many will you need to help confirm your findings?

Agent 3: For the city… fifty or so. For the whole of China…a small army. We may have to call Pandora in for this - it’s bigger than just the five of us can handle, that much is clear.

Huxian: Not necessarily so - I’ll send a message to my people and see if they can lend us a hand for now - it’ll be difficult to get those numbers here from Pandora at short notice. But forward the request to Padora. By the time we’ve dealt with the immediate danger, we should have the numbers here to take out the source while we pick off any more strays. If we at least have the bulk dealt with it should make it a little easier to pick up traces of our conjuror attempting to rebuild their little army. It’s not entirely ideal, but we can’t ignore our current infestation, especially with civilians involved. Speaking of...

*He nodded to one of the agents*

Huxian: How are the updates on the evacuations to the save zones?

Agent 2: We’ve selected various places around the city, similar places have been implemented around local provinces’s as well, but their effectiveness is another matter. And saying that I believe we need to have a plan for if the our little puppeteer(s) would be hiding amongst the public what then?

Huxian: Then I suppose that they should be our first ‘check’ point. If nothing else my people could sniff out a would be necromancer - can’t hide the scent of ‘undead’. But in the meantime they obviously planned something with these if we’re going on the assumption of it being an organised event. If anything, this would be a distraction. If they were to hide amongst the people, then they’d attempt to slip away to fulfil whatever they’re after. Either way, I’ll at least see to it that there’s someone keeping an eye out on the safe zones, or we could station familiars. Otherwise, we could always do a little conjuring ourselves.

Agent 4: I’ll be happy to aid that task, but I’ll need to know what I’m upagenst, I’ll visit local spiritualist to see what they can offer, though may i be permitted totoake a few men with me, inkase the worst happens…

Huxian: Granted. No one is to take any stupid chances if they can help it. I want all of you out of this alive. If you dont I’m going to get this necromancer to bring you back so I can kill you again. Clear?

Agents: *Awkward nervous laughter* Yes Sir.

----

*After formulating a few last minute plans, they seperated in order to begin their jobs. Huxian retreated back to his room, thankful that the spirit had kept to his word and stayed away for now. Using the time he had, he made a drink before settling down to write correspondence to his people so they would have the extra forces needed. They would need at least the basics of what was going on in order for his second in command to send the appropriate people, but he was pretty confident that they’d be perfectly capable in helping them out until they had the professionals at their sides.

He was just sitting back in his seat, re-reading over the message for a moment before nodding, satisfied that his people wouldn’t find anything off about his note - one of his right hand men was such a stickler for correct high class writings even in emergency notes, to Huxian’s exasperation - before setting it aside to send off once their messenger was free in an hour or so. In the meantime, he recalled how he had been messaging Rodessa earlier.

Determined not to link on what the spector had said before, but not about to seem rude, Huxian pulled out his communicator and formed a message

Text: Hey Rose bud! Thanks for the suggestion earlier. It left a big impression. If being Miss Pouvell’s sidekick doesn’t work out for you, how’d you like to be my personal stylist? With your help I’d probably get half the world on my side just by turning up.

*For a good few moment Huxian stared at his phone absent for a reply, a few moment more a finally a familiar melody caller tone graced his ears. Quickly, he snatched up the phone, mentally betting on what kind of reply he might get with a grin*

Huxian: Hey Bud-dy. Suuup?

Rodessa: *Monotone* Fluff ball, that was terrible ‘n you should feel bad. Boo~

Huxian: And yet its so easy to do it! That’s what you get for the flower name, dear. Still, puns aside, you rang?

Rodessa: Hold on, let me put you on video call. Makes it easier for me.

*Sound of rustling, then a live feed of Rodessa, in spring with barely a towel for modesty.*

Rodessa: I was. I wanna talk hands free. I’d rather not die of electric shock before I have a chance to max out you account- oh, I mean go shopping with you. Slip of the tongue there. *Meaningful smile*

Huxian: Sure it was….Minx. You should be illegal around money. If we’re not careful, who knows who you’ll bankrupt next?

Rodessa: *Chuckle* Well I know who to target. It’s not like you couldn't make it back within a twenty four hours, ha, rich boy?

Huxian: But it’s a hassle…Besides, its not like you’re dirt poor. If you’re not careful, I’ll end up skimping on your souvenir. You might want to be a little nicer to me.

Rodessa: *Coy look* I am being nice. I’m giving you a show. Besides, you skipping out an offering means death, pretty boy. Remember that.

Huxian: You have to catch me first, hun *sly grin* You still struggle to do that when I’m reeeeeeally trying.

Rodessa: Well, I know how to distract you. I’ll just lay out a few golden apple traps for you and do what I do best. There, problem solved.

Huxian: You do know I only fall for those if I mean to do so. Anyway, Banter aside, do I need to go into hiding or did you just call to check up?

Rodessa: HUMF! Am I not allowed to call MY partner? Never mind then, I’ll just hang up.

*Rodessa gets up with a splash, but Huxian rolled his eyes*

Huxian: Don’t get your not currently worn panties in a twist. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t something terrible happening. I’m allowed to worry about my partner, am I not? But if its a social call, then no worries. I have a bit more time before I have to get back to work. You might as well at least stay warm in the tub in the meantime.

Rodessa: *Pout* Whatever...

Huxian: You make it sound like talking to me is a chore. How cruel….

Rodessa: You’re the one who-!!!... Nevermind…. ‘Doesn't matter…. You’re far away doing your own thing. I don't want to fight when we’re this far apart…

Huxian:....You sure you’re ok? Seriously, I just wanted to be sure it wasn’t anything serious. I didn’t want to play beat around the bush and then have to cut off when you work up to telling me, you know? But if its a social call, its fine. I can just thank you for the fashion tips by voice instead of text.

Rodessa: It’s fine… ‘n I’m fine…. Nothing wrong at all….*Sigh* Don't worry about me, I'm fine… I just wanted to hear your voice, is all. I think I’m gonna get out now. So I’ll talk to you later… bye.

Huxian: Ro-

*Unfortunately, she hung up before he could say anything. Huffing, He sat back in his seat before he glanced at his phone again. A moment later, he took a quick picture, before sending it with an attached message*

Text: You might not wanna talk about it now. That’s fine, but remember, even if I’m an ass sometimes, I’m here to talk. Chin up, I’ve got your back, promise. Just no shooting at me when I sneak cuddle you when we meet again, kay ;P

*Hoping it would at least help out whatever inward struggle Rodessa was having (maybe Violet was pushing a little too hard on the manners front? It was a bit early for the full introduction to the mystic world yet, after all - he’d ask about it later from the Pouvell herself once this job was a little less worrying) Huxian turned his attention back to his tea, considering the next course of action on his end, considering he was one of the forerunners in the Jiangshi destruction team, trying to ignore his niggling worries. As it was, something else caught his attention, making him sit up, tea practically forgotten as his eyes narrowed.

Huxian:....What was that….?

*Shoving the tea to the side, he stood, eyes closed to get a better grasp on the odd coldness he had been feeling. No, it was less coldness and more an absence of something that should be there. It was as if something was being sucked away. Life energy?

Huxian: Don’t tell me they already got in!

*Darting out of the room, he stretched his senses as best he could to find the source of the drainage. There seemed like there was something trying to combat the drain, but they were likely not strong enough to do it for long. Thankfully, if they had got on, it was a small number of Jiangshi. He could take them on himself. Either way, he didn’t have time to grab the others when they were already busy enough with their assignments and that small presence fighting back didn’t have long. His fire would purge what the presence couldn’t.*

[END]