[center][h2][u]A Walk into the Shadows[/u][/h2] [h3][color=silver]♤ Darius M Cain ♤[/color], [i][color=#0489C2][b]Ｓ[/b][/color] [color=#00001A]z a y e i s[/color][/i], & Logan Crowley[/h3] [hr][sub][h3][u][b]Time[/b][/u][/h3][h3]Day 2~Just After Midnight[/h3][h3][u][b]Location[/b][/u][/h3][h3]Underground Tunnels (The Abyss)-Lower District, Ominar [/h3][/sub][/center] [hr] [i][color=silver] ‘No...no, [u]he[/u] can’t be here,’[/color][/i] Darius mentally screamed when he felt the flare of energy. He could only describe it as dark and cold as the sensation numbed him, its powerful grip swelled upon his being and caused him to still in fear. The kitsune barely felt the Russian mage lift his arm and wrap it over the thicker man’s neck, Boris’ figure pressed against Darius to support the petrified fox. It took a moment for the human to notice that Darius hadn’t moved, drawing his eyes to look at his boss and become completely confused. Darius, his breathing heavy and deep, had lifted his golden eyes to stare at the nightwalker who had materialized in front of him. His ears pinned back and black lips curled back to give him a more feral appearance than the intelligent creature he usually presented himself to be in public. His fur bristled as his expression tightened into aggression, though it wouldn’t do him any good in his state. He hated that look as memories surfaced whenever it appeared. It was often connected to disappointment, but the source varied either from his past attempts to outfox the nightwalker to whenever Szayeis saved him from being killed. Usually the source determined the aftermath that followed and that put Darius on edge. It had been three years since they had met face to face. For some humans, that was considered a long time but for most Licentia… that was more akin to a week than years. The more recent ones, one being six months and another a year, were more distant means of communication which put him more at ease. They never made him feel like the frightened, weak child he did now. It was Boris’ questioning voice that broke the reaction Darius had slipped into and rip the kitsune back into the present, “Who’s this, Darius?” Golden eyes shifted to the Russian and observed him a moment, all aggression curled into ash when realization crossed his features. Then Darius returned to face Szayeis. How to answer the question was the most difficult task for him. Benefactor? No. Tormentor? Sometimes. Father? That would require love, according to any human that knew the definition and something Darius slightly doubted existed in the nightwalker. At least not the type that one would consider narrow and straight. [color=silver]“That’s… a complicated question,”[/color] whispered Darius as he tried not to lean heavily into the metal mage. He knew Mr. Crowley was still lurking about and would show up when it was convenient for him, which Darius hoped never came. The last thing he wanted was Logan meeting Szayeis while he was in his wounded state. It took several moments to steady his racing heart and calm the raging instinct to either fight or flight, before his found his voice. He had no doubt Szayeis would’ve noted it, [color=silver]“I was hoping you would’ve arrived at a more… convenient time.”[/color] Expression largely unchanged at seeing his [i]son’s[/i] response, Darius would note a slight glint in the nightwalker’s eyes, a subtle expression of amusement at the Kitsune’s response to his presence. Terror, hatred, and unwilling subservience. [color=#00001A][b]“I save your life, time and time again, [i]boy[/i] and yet, every time you see me you become an ugly, primal…”[/b][/color] he gestured at Darius as if to indicate the entirety of his expression and body language, [color=#00001A][b]“...[i]thing.[/i]”[/b][/color] He shook his head again and as he looked up at the Fox his expression had shifted, now slightly bemused. He began to circle Darius, the act of a predator surveying its prey, something that he knew was sure to draw forth caution in the Fox, while also stirring his hatred far more. Darius’ head jerked to follow Szayeis’ movements as he watched the nightwalker circle. Every nerve ending in his brain tried to tug him into running, but that was an action that never ended well. Not then, and certainly not now. His tails hugged tightly to his figure physically showing what he desperately wanted to hide, his head able to only go so far, hindered by Boris who was still holding him upright and didn’t understand what was going on. Or why, for the first time, he was witnessing fear in Darius. [color=#00001A][b]“I had intended to come offering gifts and the potential for better business, but you seem to have other ideas. Or am I to interpret [i]that[/i] differently?”[/b][/color] He again gestured at Darius, but this time specifically at his face. He stopped stalking, and held up a finger, [color=#00001A][b]“Don’t answer that.”[/b][/color] It was not a request, but an order, something which the Fox’s subordinate was unlikely to pick up on--though the man would almost certainly detect the condescension in his words. [color=#00001A][b]“If you’d rather I leave you alone, I suppose I could...given certain circumstances,”[/b][/color] he smiled, displaying the malice, charisma, and devious manipulative intelligence that dwelled within him for the first time in their conversation. The expression, despite the nightwalker’s current form, was barely human. To reinforce the impression, he raised his cane, and struck it once against the ground, eliciting an echo and causing a silent and invisible--but quite detectable--eruption of vis, which shot straight into the rubble of the collapsed tunnel. A distinct grinding coupled with a strange hum became immediately audible, and as it did Szayeis smirked at the two, before looking away from them and returning to his stalking. The moment he did so, the sounds ceased and the rubble settled back into place, [color=#00001A][b]“Or you could perhaps [i]attempt[/i] to be civil, instead of acting like the feral Kitsune I found all those many years ago. Unless you’d like to end up like your father,”[/b][/color] he shot Darius a glance, before looking away again, his words implying not just a descent into insanity for the Fox, but likely also death--after all, Szayeis [i]had[/i] killed the Kitsune’s birth parent to save him. At the threat, Darius cringed. All aggression slipped from his posture as his ears continued to be pinned back and head turned away, unable to continue the eye contact. It was a look Szayeis had witnessed numerous times. One of submission, acceptance and even realization that the nightwalker held the leash. Every bit of that threat Darius knew Szayeis could and would make happen the moment he was of no use to the nightwalker. It was a fear he couldn’t escape. [color=#00001A][b]“Unless, of course, you have some kind of alternative, mmm?”[/b][/color] He stopped, his position in the middle of the tunnel, opposite the rubble, his presence effectively blocking off their retreat. Yet, his demeanor made it seem as if he wasn’t even aware he had done it, implying an effortless sort of analysis, not to mention an ability to do just exactly what needed to be done in most situations. Indeed, as manipulative men went, Szayeis was a fine specimen, and one day, he would have the world admit him as the best of them. One day. But that was a thought for later. For now, it was the impudent little Fox he had to deal with and honestly, that suited him just fine. After all, licentia lived forever so he was hardly short on time. [color=silver] “Forgive me, I…overreacted,”[/color] Darius spoke, his ears still pinned to his skull through the growling tone had ceased. His head lifted to look at the ‘monster’ that raised him, his eyes still having difficulty in holding contact, as he continued,[color=silver] “I’m not my best when I’m wounded and instincts tend to be hard to control at the unexpected, a fact you will undoubtedly remember. I was hoping I wouldn’t be a mess when we met face to face and I could be able to present proper hospitality.”[/color] [i][color=silver] ‘And time to collect then brace myself against you,’[/color][/i] Darius added silently, his eyes still lowered in case Szayeis wasn’t satisfied with his attempt to be civil. [color=#00001A][b]“I see,”[/b][/color] he said, no amusement in his expression, making it impossible for Darius to tell if his apology had been accepted or not. After a long silence, he chuckled, [color=#00001A][b]“Very well,”[/b][/color] he replied. [color=#00001A][b]“So, tell me, have you done anything in regards to the pestilence in your city?”[/b][/color] When he uttered the word, it was as if an intense disgust came over him--but it was for but a brief second that it appeared before vanishing once more. Darius would know that the only beings that could invoke such disgust in the nightwalker were the prae. Meanwhile, Boris would remain quite confused. Darius remained still, his figure trying to rein everything he felt, as he listened to the nightwalker. His eyes careful to retain whatever contact he could stand before he spoke, carefully phrasing his words,[color=silver] “It’s been slow progression, mainly to avoid their attention. Each time I raise to a position they feel is unsuitable, they find ways to put me back to where they feel I belong. Sometimes I’ve gotten lucky enough to find loopholes that require they play nice, but as I’ve said it’s slower than expected.”[/color] It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth. He had been following the path with the least collateral damage, the primary reason that his progression was slow and painfully lacking effect upon the prae. Boris, unsure what to do, twisted a bit then pressed a hand against the wound that started to seep a trickle of blood down the fox’s side. [color=#00001A][b]“Hmm, I see, I suppose that is to be expected. They may be scum, but they are not complete idiots,”[/b][/color] he paused, tapping a finger against the top of his cane, looking as if in thought. [color=#00001A][b]“Any particular notable developments of late?”[/b][/color] “Yes…” A voice came from behind Szayeis. “Me…” Logan Crowley always had this strange uncanny ability to show up at the worst moments. Something Darius grew to dislike overtime, but it was unavoidable. Crowley was like a mosquito, an annoying constant buzz in Darius’ ear, and impossible to get rid of. But it sure as hell was a better alternative to the Nightwalker, whether Darius liked the idea or not. “I was always curious about Mr. Cain’s adoptive daddy. And now I finally get to meet him.” Logan’s purple irises inspected the creature before him, a sharp exhale escaping through his nose as a smirk emerged on his face. “Your reputation for ridiculous fashion sense proceeds you.” He was clearly mocking the Licentia, obviously unimpressed. A presence shifted into existence just behind him and while his first instincts were to raze everything in his vicinity or shadow walk to gain distance, neither option would make him appear strong. Instead, he moved not at all, but kept his senses at peak performance so he could react if needed. However, it appeared to be one of the [i]boy’s[/i] acquaintances, how disappointing. He raised an eyebrow, but did not move in the least, his body betraying not even the slightest line of tension. He didn’t even turn to look at the man, instead using his unique senses to observe the man without overt notice. His visage was familiar and it brought a small smile to his lips. [color=#00001A][b]“Ah, Mr. Crowley,”[/b][/color] he said, his tone one addressing an old friend or rival, [color=#00001A][b]“...your reputation precedes you. I had intended to meet with you, but not so soon. I must be quite important for you to have dragged yourself from your home into these sewers.”[/b][/color] All the while, he maintained the smile, his eyes locked on the Fox’s as if to say [i]‘You have some explaining to do, little one.’[/i] [color=#00001A][b]“Or, perhaps Darius has garnered your attention, as he should. I taught him well.”[/b][/color] His grin widened almost imperceptibly, as the look in his eyes shifted again. The nightwalker did not appear to care if Logan saw his expression for some reason. Nothing, in Darius’ mind, screamed pawn or gnat like being caught between hungry, and dangerous giants in a game he was still learning. It was the nature of manipulation and shadows after all to continually shift and change hands. The Fox swallowed at the verbal conversation between the two as he caught Szayeis’ eyes focused on him. His arm tightened about Boris, the Russian still distracted by trying to stop the blood, and tried to not give anything away to betray he knew this whole ordeal would end terribly. “I’m here to discuss with Darius how disappointed I am with his performance with dealing with his current problem, you know her very well.” Logan casually walked around Szayeis, placing himself in between the fox and the Licentia, hiding the Kitsune from the being’s view. “Krysta.” “You see, I have been observing the situation for a while. And I have noticed something quite annoying.” Logan’s face turned into a scowl. “I assume this is how you teach your children. Force them to battle it out and see which is the strongest. That’s how you always presented Darius’ challenges. Contracts. You are very good at those.” He paused to let his tone and message sink in. “You see. Your little… challenge, is causing some issues with my contract. Issues that are costing me time and money. Now when I have found out that you were the one handing out the cards, it made things a little more complicated. I was going to give Darius another chance, but now…” He looked back at Darius, the disappointment in his face was gut wrenching. “But now, I have to take matters into my own hands. Krysta is no longer the problem, you are. You are playing a very dangerous game by stepping on my toes…” His head turned back to Szayeis, seemingly in thought. “Getting rid of you right here and now would be too easy, and damn boring. So, how about a wager? Your shard contract is the prize.” [color=#00001A][b]“Ah, I see, so your influence has gone to your head,”[/b][/color] he said, smile still present as the man stepped between him and his Kitsune. He sighed, shook his head, and rubbed his temples before letting his hand fall back to the cane that stood planted between the floor and his hands just before him. It was odd, he had outright ignored 90% of what the man had said. As his head rose to regard the man again, his smile had faded and he looked rather serious. [color=#00001A][b]“You look down on those who regulate the darker recesses of human society and you idealistically think they can be removed in time. I have lived over one thousand years and have numerous records and first hand accounts of human civilization. I can tell you that this is simply not how their psychology works. Of course, you humans have a tendency to see either the best or the worst in your own so I do understand your bias.”[/b][/color] He paused a moment, as if taking the measure of the man, [color=#00001A][b]“Nonetheless, you have done well for yourself. Too well in too short a time. Building wealth takes time, and you’ve not had enough of it. What is it you really want, Mr. Crowley?”[/b][/color] He had heard the man’s earlier conversations with Krysta’s minions, after all, he’d watched the entire encounter and had had reason to. Beyond that, Ominar had always been something of a point of interest--what with his son living there--and when the prae had arrived he had been driven to do as much research on the players of the city as he could. He’d found odd things about Crowley then and, in typical licenti fashion, he had not forgotten a single detail. It was with this knowledge and the knowledge of the experience of many humans and licentia before him that he asked his question and made his argument. Of course, on the inside, he found one thing strange: Why was it that the human made him almost treat him as an equal simply by being? “Let’s not kid ourselves here Szayeis, we both have been watching each other for a long time. My long term interests do not concern you, but my current ones do. We both want the the Prae out of Ominar, for similar reasons. Your methods, however, are getting in my way.” Logan responded with the primary point. The Licenti didn’t need to know anything other than that. [color=#00001A][b]“If you think my methods impede yours by design or in general, then you are foolishly not [i]paying enough attention[/i], besides, I just got here yesterday.”[/b][/color] He flashed the man a smile, before letting it fade. “That you did, but your strings expand beyond Licentia. And that concerns me.” Logan stared into the Licenti’s eyes. “My wager still stands, wanna know the winning conditions?” He sighed, [color=#00001A][b]“I suppose I can humor you.”[/b][/color] Something had subtly shifted about his demeanor, as if he was swiftly losing interest. “Bored already? Then what I’m about to say should make things interesting. Whoever undermines the Prae the most, while also undermining his opponent, wins. We can use any means necessary, both against each other, and the Prae. “You win? Darius is all yours, and you can deal with what’s left of the Prae as you wish, I won’t stop you. Now if I win, I become Darius’ contractor, and take your place. Anytime you attempt to even step foot on Medius, I will send you back, and if you continue to try, then I will personally kill you.” Logan put his hand into his trench coat, and pulled out what appeared to be a scroll, which he hung above his head to let it unravel. “This is the contract between us for our little game, stating the terms and the conditions of this match…” The contract was written in pure vis, each word written in Licentian. Logan’s signature, written in vis, rested at the bottom of the scroll. “You don’t have to sign it, but know that if you don’t, I will kill you right here and now.” The boredom slipped away, there was no smile, no expression, and not even any telling body language. He opened his mouth slightly, a frown forming, then slipping away again as his mouth closed. He sighed, [color=#00001A][b]“You are perhaps the least intelligent businessman I have ever encountered.”[/b][/color] “If you wish to test that theory, then don’t sign the scroll. I wouldn’t threaten you if we didn’t stand on equal footing” Logan was serious. This wasn’t a simple threat, but a warning. Darius growled, deep and bared his teeth at the threat Mr. Crowley presented,[color=silver] “Logan Crowley, I would kindly appreciate it if you recall the contract’s legal applications. Voiding it will hurt you more than benefit or get your point across. In addition, if you know kitsune as well as you seem to then you know I can’t allow that…”[/color] [color=#00001A][b]“When presenting a game, you make the win conditions equal on both sides, not stilted in your favor. Otherwise, all involved will not wish to play as there is no real gain from doing so. Additionally, I would like to inform you of something. My life has no value.”[/b][/color] “You see, if you could actually destroy me, I would have made that a winning condition.” Szayeis sighed, [color=#00001A][b]“If you kill me, everything you are fighting for will be meaningless. You will feel self satisfied for a brief time, and then, as the dominoes fall, your small victory will turn to ash in your mouth and you will know what it means to be beaten.”[/b][/color] He paused a moment, looking at the scroll, [color=#00001A][b]“You may kill me if you wish, but I will simply not sign a contract whose losing conditions involve either my death or permanent exile from an entire realm, loss me a son and numerous other assets and even friendships, I dare say, while it’s win conditions give me nothing I could not have had without the deal.”[/b][/color] He lifted one hand from his cane, letting it rest at his side, [color=#00001A][b]“Furthermore, I can see that there is no love lost between you and I, as you humans say. Yet, I find it funny, for while that applies to you, I simply do not care. My life is as much a tool as everyone I arrange across the board, and having thought you would be...more intelligent, I had planned to work alongside you, even let you in on the finer attributes of my scheme. Except, here you stand, threatening my life, my freedom, and my happiness whilst giving no equally good alternative.”[/b][/color] [color=#00001A][b]“I would work with you, not against you, but I see--in your eyes--that the only thing you wish to do with me is fight, and then kill me. You are not just a terrible businessman, but you are a foolish man. [i]if[/i] you are indeed a man at all.”[/b][/color] Szayeis tapped his cane against the ground once, but nothing happened. Darius’ head twisted about behind him, his eyes narrowed on the tunnel and the warped metal. There was likely only one way to prevent this conflict and likely be heard by the ‘titans’ independently. However, he mentally hated the idea as he gashed his teeth over it a moment. It meant someone, him and possibly Boris, were going to have to risk dying when this ploy paid off. Leaning into Boris, knowing that Szayeis would hear, the kitsune spoke quietly,[color=silver] “Open the tunnel behind us, now.”[/color] “What?” Boris asked, his eyes widened and looked terrified at the notion of letting in the Djinn, “That thing will kill [i]us[/i]-” Just as Boris questioned Darius’ order, gunfire erupted from behind the rubble. “I’m sorry Darius.” Logan said. “But this is between me and him, let's keep it that way.” [color=silver] “That’s where you’re wrong, Logan…”[/color] Darius’ eyes tightened and his fur edged on end, his figure stepped from Boris’ support. He immediately turned, cold air forming around his arm, outstretched, sending a bolt of ice towards Darius’ and Boris’ feet. They both could quickly feel the coldness crawl up their legs and towards their torso. They were freezing solid. Without moving at all, Szayeis stared. The rubble turned to dust and the ice shattered and then dissolved into puddles on the floor. The Djinn stumbled back into the tunnel, in completely solid form, wounded and bleeding as magnetically accelerated steel bolts ripped through its body, its wounds attempted to heal quickly, but it couldn’t keep up with the sheer firepower. As it stumbled and fell on its back, its left arm was ripped clean off, one of the bolts just passing by both Logan and Szayeis, leaving them to feel the shockwave of the rogue round, making Logan’s coat move with the gust of air. “Ugh, fine.” Logan grunted, raising his arm again. However, before he did anything, Szayeis glanced at him and smiled, [color=#00001A][b]“Teleport that man, and he will come out the other side in shreds.”[/b][/color] His hand quickly shifts to Szayeis. He knows, it won’t do anything major, but it will disorient him. Szayeis suddenly felt like he was coming apart, his body dismantling atom by atom, and coming back together again, right in front of Logan. The slipped out of his fingers as it was quickly kicked aside, clangs echoing throughout the tunnel as the cane skirted across the concrete. Logan’s hand shot out and grabbed Szayeis by the throat. He knew it was momentary, as the Nightwalker could easily slip through his fingers if he wanted to, unless he had already accepted his fate. The cane slid across the floor of the tunnel, and then dematerialized. One of Szayeis’ hands moved up and wrapped its fingers around the wrist of the seeming human. His other arm drew back, as if holding a spear, and thrust forwards. Something wild had come into the nightwalker’s eyes, like a mixture of remembered fear, hatred, disgust, and rage. As Logan noticed it, the cane would already be impaled through his torso, below his heart, not hitting anything vital. The nightwalker exhaled slowly, and as he did so the tension in his body slowly seeped away and the look in his eyes first became a dull flame, then embers, before extinguishing. [color=#00001A][b]“Let go, Logan,”[/b][/color] he said, as if his throat was not being crushed, his voice entirely unaffected. [color=#00001A][b]“You wish to fight, but you have already lost. Besides, if you kill me, you lose far more, and as I said, I will not be signing your contract.”[/b][/color] The cane’s head pulsed inside the ‘human’s’ body, emitting slowly escalating sound waves. [color=#00001A][b]“In approximately 5 seconds I will liquify your body. Withdraw.”[/b][/color] During all this, Darius had been focusing on his magic. He ignored the pain coursing through his veins and continued, his shadow twisting then shifting. It raced up his legs and darkened his usually brightly orange fur as it swallowed him. Sounds of bones cracking and breaking were heard causing Boris to step back in worry, the Kitsune’s figure taking a new shape. He was on all fours with his fox like form covered with what appeared to be spiky fur and a larger head, the gaps in mass filled in by shadow like canvas covering the holes. With no thought in his head, Darius lunged forward at Logan’s seemingly exposed back. His large muzzle dipped with teeth flashing then went to sink into the shoulder. Logan took the cane with his free hand, and slowly pushed it out, teetering on the 5 seconds as the head of the cane came out and the hole began to heal itself. “Go ahead. Do it.” [color=#00001A][b]“I take no joy from this,”[/b][/color] he said, and then promptly he reorganized the spell matrix of his spell, liquified both of Logan’s arms and blasted him back, straight at Darius’ mouth. He landed on his feet and tapped the cane against the ground, immediately feeling his entire body relax as his form returned to its more...malleable natural state, though it retained the same appearance. Instead of landing in Darius’ mouth, what was left of Logan’s body exploded in a shower of blood and gibs, sending shards of bone matter into Darius’ mutated face as he passed through the cloud of blood. Darius’ jaws snapped down on nothing. Cuts of where the bone sliced into him gave a crimson taint to his dark fur and scratched at his eyes, digging one stubborn piece out. His haunches were still raised while his head turned about in alert, seeing anything besides Szayeis to rip into pieces. Boris stepped forward, his eyes narrowed on the beast before him, “Darius…” The fox’s head jerked about and settled on the human mage, his teeth still displayed in a feral fashion. Darius’ paw took a step towards Boris. Unfazed by the gore, Szayeis lifted the cane and tapped Darius’ nose and, in a gesture that Aeris was sure to feel, drew on the girl’s unique healing power and weaved it with an illusion. The fox would feel an overwhelming wave of calm and relief suffuse him, and any primal rage that remained would find no one ‘cept Szayeis, to target, as Boris had become invisible, hidden by an illusion. [color=#00001A][b]“Wake, child,”[/b][/color] he said firmly, yet, his senses kept track of his surroundings. After all, the man had talked up his abilities and this had felt too easy. Darius shuddered and his eyes settled on Szayeis, darkness swirling and breaking the usually golden irises. The ripples of shadow embedded and gradually faded when the energy of the healing caused it to retract back, no longer present. Awareness and intelligence took its place causing Darius’ figure to begin to crack, shift and revert back to his original shape. The kitsune was on his knees as he trembled quietly, weakened by his push past his limits, and still covered in whatever bone attached itself to his flesh. Usually it would’ve been healed when he shapeshifted back, but even the wound from the arrow by Krysta hadn’t vanished. [color=silver] “Is… is he gone?”[/color] Darius asked in a raw and shaken voice. The cloud of blood from Logan’s explosive exit remained suspended in the air. Suddenly, the sickening sound of twisting meat echoed within the tunnel. Within the cloud, a body was forming, very rapidly. The torso formed first along with the head, its dead eyes staring deeply into Szayeis’ as its limbs grew. Clearly, Logan was not human. At least in the natural sense of the word. “I’m disappointed.” Its voice gargled as the organs were still forming. “I was hoping that we would use good old fists instead of vis…” As he spoke his voice became more and more normal until the end of his sentence, when he fully formed. “But… this does conclude my test…” Logan said with a smile, his clothes reforming from the shreds left by his own suicide. “You would make quite the asset for Armax. You held your ground despite the possibility of death, and called out an unfair contract. Well played, Mr. Aka’Aeria.” Logan seemed far more polite than before. Was this a test? Or was he trying to fool Szayeis? Szayeis’ eyes shifted over to what would be a gruesome sight for most, but was sadly not for him. [color=#00001A][b]“Ah, so my instincts were correct, you’re [i]not[/i] human,”[/b][/color] he said, as if it was common sense. Of course, he couldn’t help but wonder what the man [i]really[/i] was. [color=#00001A][b]“I see, so you expect me to ally with you, now that you’ve attempted to kill me? Amusing.”[/b][/color] However, while he said the word, he did not smile, instead he glanced at Darius, [color=#00001A][b]“No, but it appears the conflict has been solved, in a fashion.”[/b][/color] Sighing a moment he shook his head and then, finally, smiled slightly--something occurring to him. [color=#00001A][b]“It’s rather funny that you felt it necessary to test me. You’d think the fact that I’m an internationally recognized criminal and threat to human society would be enough to convince you. Especially considering the fact that I still roam free despite having accrued the hatred of so many.”[/b][/color] [color=#00001A][b]“Nonetheless, well played. However...”[/b][/color] he began, trailing off. As he did so, his cane slipped down in his hand and struck the ground again. The smile remained on his face as he met Logan’s eyes. For a very brief moment an excruciating pain would resound throughout the inhuman man’s body, before--as swiftly as it had appeared--subsiding. [color=#00001A][b]“...it appears you have taken in a spell matrix.”[/b][/color] His smile widened. Logan winced slightly at the nudge of pain, his hands still in his pockets. “I guess I deserve that for playing you.” He took a hand out of his pocket, and placed it on his chest where the cane originally stabbed him. A strange purple light beamed on the spot, and the matrix was dismantled. “But there is a cure for everything.” “Now… to the real reason I’m here.” Logan walked up to the trio. “We both want to get rid of the Prae, but we have different ideas as to how we can go about that. Darius and I, wish to avoid needless casualties, you wish to make it hurt for them, no matter the cost. What if we could combine our efforts, and find a middle ground?” [color=#00001A][b]“I’m listening,”[/b][/color] he said, his smile shifting to a considerably more conservative look of amusement. It appeared that the businessman [i]was[/i] in fact capable of speaking his language. Granted, he’d almost been told how to. Testing him had truly been a waste of time, but no matter. “Apologies for the needless violence. But there are a few… imitators out there. Wanted to make sure you were the real thing, even if it did take some time off your busy schedule.” He took a look at Darius for a moment, realizing his suit was practically destroyed. “Need to send this man a nice suit…” He said seemingly to himself. “So, back on topic. I have the information network that you need to get your hands on the right Prae, while you have the manpower to get the job done. I have the hardware you need, and you have the influence to spread the resistance’s cause. Etcetera and etcetera.” Logan paused as he thought on what to say next. “But let’s not bore each other with the details. My conditions are that we avoid innocent casualties. I’m assuming that yours, are to find the Prae responsible for your unfortunate [i]run in[/i] with the Prae…” He watched Szayeis’ reaction. “Apologies if I have brought up bad memories. But your past isn’t exactly hidden away. I came across some Licentia that mentioned your name when asked about their previous encounters with the Prae. I can find and get you the people responsible. How you deal with them, is up to you.” Initially, he was receptive nodding thoughtfully and listening whilst keeping a close eye on Darius’ condition. It was surely a good thing he’d left Aeris at the Fox’s mansion, the thought made him smile slightly, but it didn’t last, for in the next moment words he hadn’t heard from any human mouths were uttered. His vis surged, his jaw muscles tightened, and he forced himself to breath deeply in an attempt to disperse the cocktail of dangerously explosive, negative emotions. Through gritted teeth he responded, [color=#00001A][b]“I would ask, that you never speak of that again,”[/b][/color] the nightwalker said as--slowly--his vis retreated from the environment around them. “Fair enough.” Logan nodded casually. He thought it would trigger him, but there was no way around mentioning it. It was the core of his motivations, and it was an important thing to note. His motives were tied heavily to his emotions, and that’s something he wished to test in their little squabble. He saw his eyes and how his rage manifested. Logan could tell it would be far worse for the Prae he would hand over to Szayeis in the future. Taking another moment or two to calm himself, Szayeis took in deep breaths until he could, properly converse without having the constant urge to [i][b]KiLL[/b][/i], he winced slightly at the intrusive thought, his mind clearing of red. He cleared his throat, “Regardless, I do think that sounds far more reasonable than your prior suggestion. I would like to...” he gave Logan a [i]look[/i] before continuing, [color=#00001A][b]“...that what we are doing is still effectively treason and rebellion. These things tend to get messy.”[/b][/color] He paused again and then sighed, managing a slightly weak chuckle, something that made him irritated though he showed it not at all. [color=#00001A][b]“I can temper the vast majority of my plans to...minimize casualties, but I’ll have you know there [i]will[/i] be chaos. As to your offer.”[/b][/color] He paused for emphasis, his pupils narrowing to slits, [color=#00001A][b]“I do not need help, [i]dealing[/i] with the prae.”[/b][/color] The words said, Szayeis’ expression lightened and he nodded his head to the man, before he knelt down and, in a rare gesture of kindness, placed his hand on Darius’ side and gave the Fox a considerable pulse of vis. When he was done, he spoke again, [color=#00001A][b]“Boris, get to ground and call ahead to the mansion, he’ll be needing treatment when he arrives. Find a way back on your own, I’m taking Darius, he’s too weak to walk.”[/b][/color] Boris looked undecided as he watched the exchange between the Fox and the stranger, but nodded, “Alright, just...nevermind.” Shaking off everything that happened, he began to rush past the bizarre man that literally been blown apart and reformed like some inhuman thing. In moments his figure vanished into the darkness toward the surface. Meanwhile, Darius’ figure quivered at the touch on reaction then eased up. His golden eyes, dancing with confusion and curiosity, hadn’t left Szayeis as if staring at the nightwalker might yield information. However, nothing came naturally. When the vis pulsed, Darius let out a soft, vulpine whimper which sounded more like a squeak then focused on ignoring the pain. His breathing was heavy as he listened to Szayeis, acknowledging the holder of his pact’s will. “I can deal with all the paperwork that comes up from our meddling.” Logan said as Boris made his way out. “And I don’t doubt your ability with [i]dealing[/i] with the Prae. Like I said, I’m leaving that up to you. But of course, not all the Prae. That falls under the needless casualties part. But I can explain the reasons at another, more appropriate time.” He reached into his trench coat, and handed Szayeis his business card. “Give me a call when you are ready and have plenty of time in your schedule. We must discuss plans.” [color=silver] “You and I will have a discussion over your… methods later,”[/color] Darius managed to force out at Logan, his tone showed his irked mood over the whole situation. “That we will, Darius…” With things more or less squared away, Szayeis simply nodded to the man and took the card, using more basic vis manipulation to slip it into a pocket somewhere. [color=#00001A][b]“Noted,”[/b][/color] he said in acknowledgement, before he stood and then began pulling shadows from their surroundings. Boris appeared to already be gone, surely finding a way to call the mansion. Szayeis sighed as he looked down at Darius, before shaking his head and continuing the process it took for him to properly transport the Fox to his home. After all, normal beings were not built to shadow walk in the normal fashion as nightwalkers were. A crack of lightning was heard as a Rift ripped open in front of Szayeis and Darius. “Save yourself the vis. Call it a small part of me making it up to both of you for earlier events.” On the other side, they could see the bedroom of Darius’ mansion. Szayeis’ eyes widened almost imperceptibly, his senses analyzing the rift for a moment, [color=#00001A][b]“Hmm, very well,”[/b][/color] he said, and rather than engulf them, the shadows merely picked Darius up and carried him through the portal, after which Szayeis followed, vanishing into a shadow. Briefly, he used his senses and the dark of night to notify him of Darius’ status, finding him safely in his mansion. Content with this, he departed entirely, heading off to recuperate and take care of other business. It was going to be an interesting day.