The Mist!

The commanders face turned red as Ceri spoke, her fists clenched. The others had incenuated the same things yes but this one had been directed stright at her. She scowled at Ceri and waited till she finished her speech.

"Listen well you mellow dramatic child, I said you'd have an alowance yes, did I say how much? Let me tell you it'll be just a little over what you need for food. Sure you'll be able to get supplies but not much. Secondly as for no catch, well of course their is a catch! We treat you well so you might consider staying to aid us to free your own people, but of course we have to let you go or we'd be no better than the angels themselves!" She rawred coming to her feet again.

"I did promise you masks but that is only me being a human, is it wrong for me to offer assistance to travelers! Even if it's something so small as a mask! You codled fools don't know who you are talking to, and about. I am the Commander of the Black Devel Division, I command over three hundred men and women, the cost of production of a few masks is but pocket change, and the allowance is a government sponsered program! Would you rather deal with those buracrats!" She finished let out a long breath and sat down grumpily.

"You are still free to choose what you wish to do, but do it outside of this office, I am done listening to your childish bickering. Skraal tell the door gaurd to fetch your things." She said just bairly loud enough for every one to hear, and gave Si a slightly appologetic look.

 

Skraal gazed into her eyes.

He found himself confused why they would allow him weaponry. They would know by now he was a highly skilled combatant, with or without the aide of weaponry.

Skraal turned to the others and wondered their fates and suddenly he realised theirs was to be sealed.

“If you respect me Jaqualine then give my companions masks. It’s a fair request. “ He said his voice firm but friendly.

He turned to Dameon.

“Should you stay I believe they will turn on each other.”

Skraal looked back to Jaqualine as the room became empty.

“Their masks. In case they decide to leave earlier.”

 

Ceri started in surprise at Jacqueline’s outburst. The woman had previously seemed so cool and composed, but Ceri’s blunt outlining of her suspicions had apparently been like a red rag to a bull. She blinked in surprise as Jacqueline ranted on about the unfairness of not being trusted, calling her a “melodramatic child” and the group “coddled fools”.

Ceri could understand being called coddled, but she wasn’t sure she was so happy about melodramatic. She hadn’t raised her voice once, unlike the commander.

“I’m very sorry to have upset you,” she said once Jacqueline had run out of steam and petulantly ordered them out of her office. “But I was just being honest. We don’t have any reason to trust you, and while I’m sure we all appreciate your offer of assistance it seems very at odds with the way you’ve treated us. That was all I meant.”

She didn’t add what else she was thinking; that if they allowed themselves to be drawn into Jacqueline’s war and broke down the wall, she wasn’t sure they would be freeing their people so much as condemning them. Ceri hadn’t experienced much of the world outside of the wall, but so far it was a world of conflict, death and destruction, where the very air itself was poisonous and strangers would kill you as soon as look at you. It was not the peaceful, harmonious life lead within the wall.

Maybe Jacqueline was right and Drake was keeping everyone trapped behind the wall, Ceri mused. But it was possible that by keeping them trapped he was also saving them.

 

Dora had listened to the debate roar along over her head. She was still sleepy and lightheaded, maybe from the sickness or maybe from the medicine Ben had once again dosed her with.

Why would Drake lie? And the angel-boy hadn’t attacked them – he had attacked the ‘demon’. She chewed one knuckle reflectively, ignoring Madeline’s outburst at not wanting to be rescued.

She was going to consult the 8-ball as soon as she got back to her pack. But for now she would have to make her best guess about what to do next.

“I’m going with Skraal.” Dora said it calmly into the tension of the room, “There is more to see and explore than this place. I’m not a warrior and I am weak,” she shot Skraal and Madeline a look of apology, “but I’ll pull my weight in the group, I promise that.”

“I do think we should stay here for at least a few days, though,” Dora went on, “and leave in better shape than we arrived.”

 

The commander looked up at Skraal and sighed. "Tell the graurd to fetch them then, but the others get their weapons as they leave and not a moment sooner." She said calmly.

I looked up at Dora, at first I had thought she had choosen to leave immidiatly but brightened when she agreed that we should stay a few days. We walked out the door and clustered near it. "A few days is all I ask Skraal." I said knowing that if he stayed the others would too. Add in his apparent soft spot for Dora he might change his mind. "Dora could use a few days of rest as could others." I pointed out yet again, why must he be so stuborn, I knew that the others followed me mainly because he did, and now with him decideing to go against me most of the others had decided to join with him.

"What ever you decide I wish you luck, I will not leave here until the injured have had some rest, I don't see how you can go, while dragging injured along with you because they feel you can protect them, you can't protect everyone, they will need to be able to defend themselves." I said softly, looking around at the many injuries.

 

Ben had listened carefully to what everyone said and made his decision. He hoped he would not offend anyone. He did not trust Jaqueline nor her offer.

He stood beside Dameon and said, "If they give us masks we can rest just as easy away from here as within here and I would feel safer being outside their dome and free. I too believe our safety depends on us all leaving now. We can find a place where we can easily defend ourselves and rest there." Ben then turned his head toward Skraal, "Skraal, when you leave I wish to leave too. If that is now then get the guards to give me my weapons now."

I hoped Dameon and the others would understand my decision and hoped that Skraal would want me around even though I hadn't proved myself in battle.

 

Si just didn't get it. They had the chance to get powerful allies and tech, but these people wanted to march right back out into the mist. Though losing every that came out with her did upset her a lot. She looked over at Cassie and asked her "Please say that you'll go with my plan. We need to learn more instead of just wondering around the mist. So, you'll stay here for a little bit and then go back to Drake to find out what he knows with me, right?"

 

At the mention of Drake, and their portrayal of him as an enemy, Cassie could do nothing but sit there, shocked.

Drake had been her mentor; another father. He was a strict teacher, and he tolerated no nonsense, but he was kind and giving. All the knowledge he had was open for discussion. If there was something he wouldn't speak of, it was because he didn't know enough about it.

She remembered how he had guided her through her first small projects. And how he had looked over her shoulder with approval as she worked tirelessly on her small watch. And she remembered their last parting. She saw the tears begin to well up in his eyes as he begged her to return. Was that the nature of an enemy? No. Of course not.

Tears sprang to her eyes as debate raged around her. Her head hang forward, her hair falling about the sides of her face as the tears fell. One by one they dropped to the table below.

When at last she came out of her thoughts, she knew what needed to be done. He dried her eyes. Si spoke to her. She looked over and smiled.

"I'm staying here, and I'm learning everything I can about what these Demons have to say. And then, I'm going to find the Angels, and hear their side of it. Its the only way I can be sure of any course of action. I want the truth. All of it."

 

Si walks over and hugs her crying friend. "Listen, I understand that you also want to talk to the angels, but I don't think that's a good idea. If the demons are right, then the angels will try to kill you given the chance. Please come with me to see Drake. I don't want to think he's the bad guy either, but I do think he knows more than he has let on. We must hear what he has to say about this." Tears begin to come from Si's eyes. Drake was the one that took her in, when she had no one. This had to be a misunderstanding. "Please don't cry Cassie."

 

Cassie's tears welled up again at her friend's embrace and gentle words. She hugged her back, and spoke through a smile.

"Too late." For a while longer the two friends wept as the overwhelming force of everything that they had learned and seen took its toll. At length, Cassie pulled back again and sighed.

"You're right, Si. We'll stay here and learn what we can, then go back to Drake."

 

Skraal collected the Mask’s as a sergeant came to him once summoned. Once Skraal had them in his possession he passed one to Dora and Madeline and gave a mask to Ceri and Ben then finally handed one to Soujiro, while keeping the last for himself. He huddled the group over in a circle and Whispered to the group what the plan was. (Check PM Box)

Skraal smiled as he collected his weaponary and gave Soujiro one of his swords and his Revolver.

“Protect them Soujiro.” Skraal said.

Then he turned to them as they stood in a circle. “You know what you must do.” He said and left.

 

“Protect them Soujiro. You know what you must do.” With that Skraal was gone.

The prospect of playing guardian for the group was not too appealing for him. He held the sword and looked at it before sheathing it. One sword is one too few, he thought as he looked at the revolver. He wasn't particularly keen on this weapon. He'd only ever used one once and even then the recoil had scattered his shots. He decided he'd try it out as soon as he got a chance.

He looked at the group and wondered if they could actually sneak out of here without being seen. The task was daunting but he was sure if they were careful they would make it out alive.

"So, lets not wait to be discovered."

 

Madeline watched Skraal walk away, and then turned back to the group. Her eyes lingered on those who wouldn’t be coming with them, and she felt a brief tug at her heartstrings. She hoped that whatever they decided would work out for them. She half-smiled in goodbye, mentally wishing them well whatever they decided to do.

Madeline nodded at him, willing to put their argument behind them for now. She turned to her new comrades. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ she agreed.

They headed down the corridor, towards where Skraal had disappeared. She spoke in a low whisper to them, wary of the office door falling behind them. ‘I doubt we’ll get out of an exit or door. They’ll probably have them guarded. The air vents I’ve seen,’ she nodded up at the gold grilles that punctuated the walls at intervals, ‘obviously aren’t going to work. We’ll never fit.’ She pulled an unpleasant face and looked down at the floor, grimacing. ‘We go down if we can. Even demons must need to use the toilet.’

 

I stood to the side, feeling a bit upset that a majority of the group had just abandoned me. I knew it was nothing personal but I still thought they where being foolish. I frowned at them as they gathered themselves to geather, talked over their plan and scattered. I looked over at Si and Cassie. They both seemed upset over the possible news of Drake being evil. I couldn't quiet belive that but had always been thaught that the world wasn't always black and white.

I smiled at them. "Well looks like the rest have decided to head out on their own." I offered, and then let out a sigh. "Not sure we can get back to the wall if the angels really mean to stop us, but i'm willing to give it a try, we need the some rest though. Four or five days should be plenty, then we can see what help we can get." I offered, and looked at the door, not wanting to open it and let her know that not many would accept her hospitality.

 

Half an hour later, Madeline was forced to admit that her plan was not going to work. They had trawled most of the corridors they could find, kicked down several doors, and could find no trapdoors or ways of getting out. Ben half carried the limping Ceri. Her ashen face got a shade darker with every step.
Soujiro had tucked the swords and revolver away in his kimino as best as he could.

Madeline frowned, looking around. Earlier, they had heard low murmurs around a corridor, and had peered around to get a look. Several demons had stood, guarding a door. At the time she had dismissed it, reasoning that they shouldn’t start a fight if there was any other way out.

But now, options were running out. If Skraal was outside, waiting for them and they failed to show, it would not help for him to come and see what the hold up was, guns blazing.

‘We’ll have to get out through that door we saw,’ Madeline said. ‘As soon as we can. We won’t win a fight like this. Does anybody have any ideas on how to distract them?’

 

‘We go down if we can. Even demons must need to use the toilet.’

Dora pulled a face.

"Isn't there any other way that's less...icky?" She whispered. She hated to ask it but she couldn't stop herself.

Dora hated to see the group split up and was torn on whether to go with Skraal's group or whether to stay with Dameon. But Skraal seemed to be the only one with a firm plan and though she didn't understand his hurry she was willing enough to go along with it.

When she and the others had returned to their things, Dora looked around but the 'demons' had left them alone. She reached out the magic 8-ball and mentally asked it if they should follow Skraal.

It returned the answer, 'No way!"

Dora frowned and shook it, asking this time if Skraal's plan was the right one.

The ball said, 'Yes'.

She gave it one more shot, asking if they would make it out safely.

'Definitely'.

Dora knew that sometimes the ball was mysterious in its answers. If Skraal's plan was the right one and they'd make it out safely then maybe there was some other reason that they weren't to follow Skraal out...but then again she knew that sometimes the magic that made the 8-ball work caused you to have to disregard some of the answers.

Such was the nature of magic.

"Let's go," she sighed as she packed it away again, "I guess if it's the sewers we can just hold our noses."

 

Cassie rose and walked over to Dameon. She smiled at him and set a hand on his shoulder.

"Just so I know I've said it," She said. "Thank you for leading us. I think, of us all, you've been the best we could have chosen." She removed her hand, and let out a sigh.

"The point was brought up many times: we can't really trust what the demons say without confirming it from other sources. We'll learn everything they have to say; propaganda or no. And then we'll see what Drake has to say. If...there are still gaps, we should hear things from the angels' point of view."

 

Ceri felt bad about leaving Dameon, and she didn’t agree with all of Skraal’s ultimate goals, but she just couldn’t bring herself to stay here any longer than was necessary. There was something very off about Jacqueline and her story, and the distrust Ceri felt crawling under her skin was on the edge of becoming panic.

She followed the others back to their things, half carried by Ben. Her ankle was now constantly throbbing, each step sending pain shooting right up her leg. Catching sight of Madeline glanced back her, Ceri gave an exaggerated grimace and then smiled, hoping she could reassure the others that she wouldn’t be too much of a liability.

The first obstacle to overcome, however, was how to get out.

“We go down if we can,” Madeline said, “Even demons must need to use the toilet.”

Ceri wrinkled her nose, and judging from Dora’s expression the curly haired girl felt much the same. “Isn’t there any other way that’s less … icky?”

Ceri couldn’t help herself; a nervous giggle escaped her lips.

Luckily that plan didn’t seem viable. After trawling the corridors for half an hour, they were forced to admit that there were no obvious routes out other than the doors. Ceri couldn’t stop herself feeling a little relieved.

“We’ll have to get out through that door we saw,” Madeline said. “As soon as we can. We won’t win a fight like this. Does anybody have any ideas on how to distract them?”

“Do we have to?” Ceri asked, “Jacqueline said we were free to roam around the city. They shouldn’t have any reason to stop us.”

 

Madeline shrugged. 'Maybe. I just had the impression that the polite offer expired when we made it clear what we thought of her. She didn't seem happy with us when she booted us out of the office.' She almost laughed. 'I don't know why they bothered locking us up in cells. This place is a prison in itself.'

 

I smiled up at Cassie. "Thanks." I said appreciating her complement and her advice. I stepped back to the door and entered the commanders office. "Their is three of us who will stay for a few days." I told her, she could see through the door and spotted Si and I noticed a smile spread on her face.

"I'll have a gaurd take you to your quarters shortly." She said and waved me off, picking up some strange object on her desk and then talking into it. I closed the door behind me and in only a few minutes a gaurd came, smiling and begging us to follow him. We did.

He lead us to a strange machine, he pressed a button and some lights lite up and then the door openned. He stepped in confidently and I followed a bit worriedly. Once we where all inside he pressed another button and suddenly the floor dropped down and I gripped the wall frightenly. He laughed to himself, and it quickly stopped and the door opened.

We stepped out into a cavern. Gigantic. It spread out for miles under our gaze. Light came from the ceiling which was at least 200 feet up, the city spread before us from atop the hill covered in grass. Trees, green and bright grew along the many roads that spread before us.

"If you think this is impressive wiat until you see inside the biuldings." The gaurd half said honestly and half teased me.

 

Skraal moved swiftly through the long corridors passing other demon people who stepped a side for him.

Once he reached the main door he stopped. After a moment he took a deep breath and left the door entering a large courtyard. Soldiers here guarded a singular building near the far wall.

Skraal instantly knew that was to be his destination. He strode across the yard ignoring the nods from others. He reached the tall door it was closed and two guards stood on either side.

Skraal smiled.

“I need to be in there.” He said.

The guard looked at him for a moment.

“Why?” The guard said.

I am leaving and need some things.” Skraal answered

The guard looked at the other guard and stepped in front of the closed door.

“Not without me receiving clearance first.” He explained.

Skraal head butted him then brought of his knee to slam in the guards forehead knocking him out on his way down.

The other guard stood a moment in shock before reaching for his sword. Skraal slammed his elbow into the warriors face then raised his right hand palm open and slammed it into his nose. Blood fell and splattered down his chin. Skraal again head butted the other guard. Once both men had fallen Skraal opened the door.

Inside was dark with no light and no windows.

This was the armoury. Skraal took a rucksack fro a shelve and collected two revolver pistols and one longer gun. This was a two handed gun with a back loader for the magazine. Skraal liked this gun. The rack said SA-80A2 Skraal collected the gun and two clips. He took a bludgeon and two other swords. He stopped to glance over at what looked like metal pineapple looking things they had circular pins at the top. Skraal wondered what they were so took a handful and placed them in the sack. He decide to not be greedy after all the others would disagree. Sat on a shelve was a series of maps one for the city and one for outside. Skraal took one of each.
Skraal placed the rucksack on his back and left.

Outside one of the guards moaned Skraal kicked him in the head to knock him out again. After a few minutes Skraal was headed for the Medical centre. The others would need medical supplies and ben would be grateful of the additions so with that Skraal entered the medical centre.

A man in a white coat stepped up to him as he entered and asked if he needed anything.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” The man Asked.

Skraal snarled.

"I need medical supplies for injuries and something for pain relief." The man obliged and gave Skraal what he needed.

Skraal was more shocked than anything but felt he was been co-operative because he feared for his life. So with that in mind Skraal head butted him knocking the man out cold.

It never entered Skraal’s thought pattern that the man was been genuine.

Skraal opened the map he took of the city and looked for the quickest route to the Sewers once happy he headed for the sewers. Well what was the sewers after all this place recycled everything Maybe it was an underground river. Skraal hoped the others would be out by now with Soujio waiting by the hatch for him this lot was heavy and he longed for his other sword back.

 

Ben heard what the others were saying and it seemed like the sewer was not a popular idea and so far they hadn't been able to find any sewer any way.

"How about we just try the door we are near and see if they really will let us walk out."

No one objected so, Ben walked up to the door with the others that were willing to try the door. The two guards opened the door for them. One said, "You better put on your masks before we open the outer door."

Ben nodded and said, "Thank you." He put his mask on and walked through the inner door. After everyone was inside the chamber the inner door closed and then the outer door opened.

Everyone walked out and headed away from the dome.

 

Dora didn't like deviating from Skraal's plan even more than she didn't like the idea of the sewers.

"Guys," she hissed for the third time as they smiled and nodded their way out through the gates," this is NOT the plan!"

That was just about the time when one of the guards saw Soujio carrying the weapon.

"HEY!" The guard's voice was no longer mellow, it was thunderous and unfriendly, "Stop, you scum! We have some questions for you."

"Dammit, RUN!" Someone in the group said it and they all lit out like rabbits for the misty trees.

Something sailed through the air near them and impacted with a 'whomp' and a gout of flame. There was more yelling and the pounding of huge footsteps.

The small group ran like mad as the fog began to get thicker.

"Where is the hatch?" Dora asked anxiously, "We were supposed to meet Skraal there."

 

Cassie looked curiously at every device they used: the small, sleek object that Jacqueline spoke into; the panel of buttons; and the shifting room. She was no longer awed speechless over these things, but still she desired to know how each of them worked and functioned. These next days of rest would see a lot of learning for her, and it excited her; even through her sadness.

The doors of the shifting room opened into a massive cavern, dozens upon dozens of feet high. Light spilled down from above onto long walkways and avenues flanked by green trees and beds of flowers arrayed in luminescent colors. Before them was a road that led down from the hill on which they stood; a bridge over a sea of lush, vibrant grass.

Cassie had thought she had gotten used to the magic of this place. But now she stood awestruck once again.

Cassie smiled. It would have to be impressive indeed to match this. As they descended down the hill by way of the road, they entered into the grand city. It was even more beautiful from within. Green, bright foliage, flowing fountains and channels, and beautifully-carved statues. People walked the streets, and they eyed her curiously. She looked down and realized that her long robe, staff, and leather bag didn't exactly blend in well. She'd have to change into more appropriate garb when she had the chance.

She quickened her pace and fell into step next to their guard.

"Is there any chance that I could get a map of the city? I'd like to explore while I'm here."

 

Madeline had thought that the plan was going too well, and sure enough one of the guards spotted Soujiro's weapons.

'Dammit, RUN,' she said, grabbing Ceri's other arm and helping Ben drag her along.

Footsteps thundered behind them, and heat seared the back of her neck as the fog flashed brightly for an instant.

They stopped and hid behind a knot of twisted trees, panting and not daring to speak until several minutes after the sound of footsteps had stopped.

'I don't know,' Madeline looked around. She had forgotten just how thick and opaque the mist really was. The mask felt awkward and restrictive around her face. She chewed her lip. 'We should probably just circle the base until we find one, hope it's the right one, and then wait there. He'll find us surely?'