Hunter's Eve 4.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

((Closed))

Present Day Althanas. CP December 18, 1806.
1:00 A.M.

Concordia by night. The darkness fell across the land signaling the realm of the Dark Mother. Lorenor moved swiftly through the trees practicing a new form of locomotion. Traveling through the branches of the trees like an ape, Lorenor swung carefully as he practiced his footing skills. This particular night was the time for another hunt. The pregnant moon lurked over head. Lorenor looked up but was not comforted by the familiar sight he looked for.

A lone red star oft signaled the current position of Lady N'Jal's cosmic prison in space. However, the red star was no longer there. Try as he might, the ghoul scanned the night sky. Familiar constellations greeted the ghoul's eyes by the red star became an enigma. It was no longer in the position in the night sky it should be. What once became a comfort to the ghoul, suddenly became a feeling of despair.

What could this mean for N'Jal? The acolyte of N'Jal continued to scan the sky for a moment longer in vain. Turning his head away from the suddenly empty cosmic blanket, the ghoul sighed. His position was roughly several yards above the surface of Concordia's floor. Wind began to blow across the land causing the trees to move with them. The sound of wind plants and tree leaves suddenly touched Lorenor's nears.

The sound became a new source of comfort as the ghoul relaxed. Other critters lurked about the various layers of the trees slothing their way about the amber-hued tree sap. Others were predators that hunted smaller creatures. Lorenor knew there were several layers to the canopy of the trees and he was hunting along the bottom most layer. A skilled leap down upon an unsuspecting prey would turn him into the proverbial hawk chasing a rodent.

Moving once more, the ghoul jumped to several more trees before something caught his attention. Voices. There were a lot of strangers in wandering about the depths of Concordia these days. Those fleeing the Civil War, and the Empire's wrath. Some were refugees from Raiaera and Salvar. Others just wanted to be left alone. Lorenor ducked down on a nearby tree and let the cover of the branches obfuscate his person.

He listened to the conversation. There was a group of four well armed strangers he never saw before. The strangers wore simple garb revealing their lower caste positions in the realm of society. Ducking low, Lorenor eavesdropped on their conversation. Only two of the four men were talking.

"So you hear what happened in Raiaera?"

"Yeah news travels fast. But what are you talking about? That shit up North in Salvar? The shit in Raiaera? Or the shit here in our own backyard? When we were working for the Bandit Brotherhood, things were much easier!"

"You always bring back the old days. True, they were your moment of glory, my old friend, but its the past. Yari Rafanas is gone. The Bandit Brotherhood is gone, just face up facts. The sooner you accept the truth the easier it'll be on all of us. Shit, its just like stabbing stares for daggers! But moving back to the subject at hand. I'm talking about that battle at Valinatal. I hear the whole place is just a mess right now."

Valinatal? Isn't that in Raiaera? Damn what happened now?

"I hear that bastard Xem'Zund's attacking Raiaera these days. Though the Radasanth Reader's publication is kind of limited for obvious reasons. You don't hear much out of Raiaera except word of mouth stuff."

"Don't even speak that name 'round these parts!" The second speaking interjected. "We don't want a devil of a Necromancer attacking Corone now do we? That guy, Morian, in Antioch is trouble enough. I tell you them damned Necromancers are troubles that we shouldn't be dealing with. Things are forbidden for a reason."

"The Magi don't think so. Necromancers are a huge help to their research you know."

[Enter here^]

[Exodus]

Darkness... it was comforting; like a mothers womb it providing everything for life that a Daemon could want. There was little of this world that Djinn could remember and quite frankly... there wasn't really anything that the prince could remember. Prince, what a funny word and how unfitting for the likes of the thinner Sang twin or spawn; which ever you prefer to call the Daemon mattered little to him.

For there were much greater things that troubled the mind of the young spawn of Titus Sang. The curse... two thirsts plagued their "father", blood and souls. With two sons it would only seem fitting to bestow upon each one of them a thirst of their own. Djinn had been blessed with the hunger for souls.

The crimson hued Daemon stood proudly his skin basking in faint amount of moonlight that managed to seep through the lush canopy overhead. Sang allowed his eyes to slip over the terrain that surrounded him in an effort to become familiar with his location. As his eyes scanned the damp forest Djinn’s eye took notice of something in the dark… it was metal and the weapon was winking at him with the aid of the moonlight above. Springing into his first true movements in this realm the Daemon started off with nothing but a shuffle of his feet. Bare and completely vulnerable to the exotic planets that lined the grounds Exodus’ feet were moving with caution. The only clothing that his “father” had provided him with were a simple pair of black silk pants, they were loose fitting to provide excellent mobility.

Upon reaching his target, the blade that had called to him, Djinn lowered his right hand and allowed his slender fingers to wrap slowly around the ivory bone hilt. As the weapon was pulled forth from the earth that held it… the Daemon began to speak,



"My past shall not be what defines me...
Thus I have cast aside any and all former knowledge to start anew...
I am a Ghost... I am the Night. I live for the screams...


If it has a heart... I'll make it bleed.
If it has a mouth... I'll make it scream.
If it has eyes... I'll make it blind.
If it has a soul... I'll take it."

His words were cold… swift… and devious. The funny thing about what he had said is that… he meant it. Though the odd thing was that the words seemingly had just come to him, as if the sword had spoken to him and had told the Daemon to say them aloud.

It was at this time that Exodus had truly begun to admire the weapon, its appearance was grotesque and seemed to be some kind of sword that was used mainly for torture. Along the long and severely devastating kinks in the blade two words were found etched into the mysterious metal… “Demon Feather”.

A look of shock overcame the face of the Daemon at first glance of these words, but as time passed one could tell that these words had significant importance to the Sang twin. A malicious grin spread across Exodus’ thin lips and some of his pearly white fangs were shown. Standing there Djinn proceeded to toy around with his newly found treasure, he moved with the grace of an Angel when he held that blade… his movements swift… and powerful. Something that wouldn’t be expected from a Daemon, as they are renowned for their wild and devastating attacks. As he danced with the jagged blade his crimson skin had begun to sweat rather quickly, no thanks to the incredible humidity of the rainforest.

Then it happened… the hunger took over his mind. With the eyes of a madman Djinn’s head jerked north and his eye sockets narrowed. The Daemon could sense them, five life forms… four humans and one unidentifiable suspect. This intrigued the Prince and had caused the twin to completely ignore his counterpart, Krayt Sang, who had run off in the opposite direction long ago. His bloodlust had already gotten the best of him.

Like a predator stalking his favorite meal the Daemon lurked through the darkness. The only thing that Sang could think about at this moment was the outcome of what was about to happen. The excitement never before had Exodus feasted upon another being’s soul… yet here he did want nothing more than to rip out these strangers life force. He maintained that gracefulness that he had displayed earlier with the Demon Feather, only now Djinn was moving at haste through the Forest. The soil beneath his feet proved to be rather soft from the constant rainstorms, the soggy earth at times gave better footholds but also left Exodus fighting to stay upright on hills. Though once he had passed the worst of it that menacing grin that once dressed the face of the Daemon had returned.

Djinn could see their campfire, but want interested him was that only four bodies occupied the logs surrounding it. The intriguing soul was lurking in the bushes just ahead of him, hiding within the tree line and completely focused on the group of four that were conversing. Had this strange being come to this place for a similar reason or was he some kind of thief. Either way… Exodus would investigate.

As he drew near to the hiding man that awaited ahead of him, the Daemon had managed to remain completely silent. That was until Djinn decided to step on a small twig.

“...crack…” The sound wasn’t all that loud but it was definitely audible. Now what Djinn didn’t know was if anyone would take notice of it.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

As Lorenor eavesdropped on the current events that the refugees did spake, the mutant suddenly felt a powerful presence fill the living forest. It was a mysterious thing, Concordia Forest, and in its depths lurked terrors that defied the imagination. At first, Lorenor ignored the presence that nagged at his mind carefully keeping himself busy with the task at hand. He didn't particularly like the flesh of humans, but his motive was different than feeding. He'd taken a noticeable interest in the group of humans, listening to their stories from within a three foot radius. He stood by a tree casually as he listened, the words of interest touching his sensory array.

Lorenor visualized what they were speaking of. Distant lands, wars that he would not take a part of. Tales of bravery and encouragement that made the ghoul's heart sing. His chest filled with pride as he listened to the stories being told from one particular voice. One man spoke of Xem'Zund's forces in Raiaera and the other spoke of Salvar's Civil War. That particular situation, Lorenor was familiar with indeed. As a Salvarn Lord thanks to his actions within the fold of the Church of Ethereal Sway, the mutant won lordship and a fiefdom of his own.

Feeling the weight of the tree against his back the ghoul studied the environment around him. The breeze caused shrubbery to dance ever so casually with its eternal partner. Trees were obfuscated by shadows. Branches stretched out in every direction to create the misshapen forms of grotesque beasts the likes of which Lorenor's imagination envisioned as dark forms. Forms he didn't want to think about that lurked in the dark.

Again.

That nagging presence.

A strange scent of brimstone, very subtle, touched the breeze. Lorenor didn't notice it at first but soon he was concentrating on the subtle scent. The brimstone was choking and made his skin crawl. He stared off in the general direction of the scent but couldn't find anything. With every passing moment, the scent came much closer. Lorenor saw a powerful glow in the distance that was just outside of his sensory grid.

The glow was information processed through the breeze and the wind. It appeared faded at first, but was moving closer. An epicenter was clearly visible within the glow's physically manifested presence. Lorenor felt the scent become stronger and just then he heard something snapping in the distance, not too far from his position. Lorenor's hand went immediately to the hilt of one of his swords. But what happened with the refugees was even more interesting. They stopped talking and moved to a more defensive position as they listened to the wilderness.

"What was that Jeff?"

"I don't know Marty. Could be another one of them monsters."

"Should we go investigate?"

"No fellas. It sounded too far off. Remain at the camp at all times."

But Lorenor was curious. He detached himself from the shadows and silently made his way towards the source of the sound moving like a specter in the night.

[Exodus]

"...Damn..."

The word escaped the lips of the Daemon with ease and yet it was spoken with certain reluctance. This was most likely due to the fact that Djinn had already broken the silent approach that he had so desperately hoped for, and to add insult to injury... he spoke.

Like of tidal wave of emotions Exodus searched for the proper actions to correct his faults, and after a few moments of looking like a complete imbecile the Daemon found his route. Ascension...

The Sang twin moved with the swiftest maneuvers as he leapt towards the nearest tree, sinking his deadly claws into the vulnerable bark of the trunk. With a couple of powerful strokes Djinn had reached his desired location within the treetops and was now looking down upon the scene that had begun to unfold beneath him. His ever-watchful eyes shifted from the two parties; the group of men that surrounded the fire and the mysterious creature that had started in his direction.

Humans... oh how the Daemon loathed them. They had this certain air about them that caused Djinn's nostrils to flare and mind to race, ignorance and pride. The two things that any human never lacked. This was apparent in the group below as they ignored the possible threat that lurked in wait and instead had decided to converse amongst themselves about current events. As he watched the Dark One could feel his hatred beginning to boil within himself, the urge that tickled the back of his mind was driving him to leap from the branch that he had perched himself upon.


Oh how sweet the taste would be...
To feed upon just two of thee...

The thoughts had come and gone in only a matter of seconds and the reason that his concentration had been broken was because that reclusive being was now only a few yards away. Thankfully the Concordia Forest offered up plenty of dense vegetation that could provide suitable coverage. As he straddled the limb that was proving to be his protection Djinn allowed his feet to dangle, almost as if he were enticing the unknown to take notice of him. Exodus’ eyes were carefully watching… trying to catch any recognizable marks that would give away the creatures identity.

Much like Djinn had done previously, the unknown being moved with the characteristics of a predator on the hunt. It was at this time that Exodus could place a name on the “thing”… long dread locks for hair and a ghostly appearance… glowing eyes and a small frame.


“…A Ghoul…"

Again… only a single word had decided to escape the thin lips of the Daemon. Only this time the words wasn’t out of hatred for himself, but instead was placed upon the dreadful beast that was slinking towards him. The ever-apparent hunger that had driven him to this location had once again consumed Djinn’s existence, washing away all reason in his mind and thinking solely upon the satisfactory that he would find after drinking the soul from the Ghoul’s body. Stretching his hands downwards and placing his palms firmly upon the tree branch that he was sitting upon, the Daemon braced himself as his legs swung into place and took a footing.

Standing proudly high within the canopy of the tropical forest, Djinn looked down upon his prey with a sinister glare and a salivating mouth. His heartbeat had grown to a rapid pace and felt as if it were going to bust through his chest cavity. Excitement… it had overtaken the hopeful Daemon and was forcing him to do things that was normally out of his character. Usually a tactical hunter, Exodus had abandoned everything that he knew about the hunt and relied solely upon instinct now.

Throwing all cares to the wind… Djinn took a dive. Bounding from his perch had caused the tree that he once resided into shake violently, which was sure to draw attention. Though that wouldn’t matter much due to the fact that Exodus was hurtling towards the damp and forgiving earth below. As he made contact with the ground the Daemon bent and lowered himself to reduce the shock the fall and as he rose his eyes held a malicious glare that was fueled by his murderous intent.


"Your soul is MINE!"

The result of his display surely wouldn’t go unnoticed… the strange creature was forced to take notice as Djinn had landed only a few feet in front of the undead. While just a few dozen yards away the collective group of humans had gathered their things and were now heading their way.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Responding to the sudden appearance of the stranger, Lorenor immediately drew one of the swords in his collection. He drew a second sword a moment later, standing in the position of a trained warrior. Both of his blades were pointed to the ground for a moment as he heard the cry of the stranger. He understood that the thing was a threat.

The trees danced around them, swaying from side to side with the brimstone scented breeze. Lorenor could smell the fire-like scent of a thousand infernos blazing from the beast before him. Standing just outside of his sensory range, the mutant perceived the outline of a powerful aura. It was wavy and filled with a tremendous energy that the mutant had never seen before. Somehow, the aura was familiar to the ghoul, but he couldn't place it. Lorenor felt the ground crushing underneath his boots as he walked closer to the mysterious assailant.

It had yelled a threat into the wind that clearly defined him as an enemy.

The mutant understood that the thing had showed up for his soul.

Whatever that meant, Lorenor was sure that it couldn't be a pleasant fate and he wanted to suffer it naught.

Lorenor walked over to the position of the entity. He finally covered the distance, quite slowly and with great care, between himself and the self appointed opponent. The mutant investigated the demonic entity with much more care as he approached him. He was trying to identify it based upon what he knew of such entities. Haidia. Antioch. Dheathain. These places were the places where such exotic creatures oft dwelt. The Concordia Forest itself contained secrets within its sacred places and it was possible that this...thing...was a native of the forest. The mutant saw vast elemental energies flowing from the creature of darkness. Parts of the creature reminded Lorenor of the demon kind of Haidia. But only parts.

He had close to a few moments to study his opponent before another move was made. Lorenor realized that he had the advantage of the initiative attack in this situation, but wanted to study his find a little more. As an industrialist, he was curious to see the creature up close. Moving up close, he identified the features of the creature, and felt himself drawn towards the power that the thing radiated.

"You want a soul, fetcher? Let's see if you possess the skill to come claim one!"

Lorenor prepared a tactic in his head. The creature was armed and possessed power that was probably unthinkable. Lorenor closed his eyes for a moment and the glow from their mysterious forms faded away leaving the ghoul embraced in darkness. The mutant gave off an air of darkness, the fact being that he was a creature of the night. Pointing the sword in his left hand towards the warrior, Lorenor continued.

"Prepare yourself fiend!"

And then the mutant lunged. Moving with a great degree of control of skill, Lorenor reached about three paces from the enemy and sent a twin striking attack towards the man's chest. The attack was aimed for the right pectoral muscle and meant to be a deadly piercing attack, if it connected. Lorenor struck with tremendous ferocity and control. His concentration at peak as he prepared to attempt to make short work of his opponent. He fell back to his deadly swordplay skill hoping that at least a portion of his two-pronged attack would connect.

[Exodus]

Temptation... for some reason...
it consumes me... it controls me...
Addiction... sounds more familiar.

His mind was like a spider spinning its web constantly leaping from strand of thought to another and never stopping until he had reached an ending. Exodus didn't fight that lust that had taken over his soul. He knew there were be no victory of something that was compelling him to kill senselessly, without regard or concern for his life. Djinn wasn't thinking of whether or not he could handle his targets... not at all.

Instead his mind was clouded with hunger... the satisfactory of the kill and of the hunt. No, life wasn't on his brain but the ending of lives definitely was. A sadistic and vacant look plagued his face; the crimson eye color was clashing with blood red hue of Exodus' skin and only intensified his crazed expression. Sweat had began to form on Djinn's brow... the adrenaline had swept over his body and made his essence begin to boil.

The Ghoul had started towards the Daemon and the combatants readied themselves. Exodus had only a single hand upon the bone hilt that remained in the reverse grip that he had locked in earlier. It's jagged and kinked blade shone brightly in the faded light that danced over the warriors that stood anticipating each other’s actions. The host of the magnificent soul, that Djinn desperately wanted, had decided to dual wield a pair of swords... something that intrigued the Daemon greatly.


What beautiful weaponry...
I'll just have to add those to my collection...
Along with that wonderful soul of course...

Then his opponent had begun to jabber on... nothing interesting to say the least.


Who would have thought...
A Ghoul with a bit of pride...
What a shame to waste such a... heart.

The Ghouls' words were like the short breeze that had came in went, they meant little to the Daemon. For nothing could intimidate Exodus by this point and any attempt to do so would only prove fruitless... his madness wouldn't allow anything else.

The initiative strike was something that Djinn had hoped the undead creature would take because he knew that his swordsmanship was lacking... and that he would need any advantage he could get. The element of surprise had been compromised, thus the Daemon had to resort to alternate techniques. So he waited.


"Gotcha."

Exodus had expressed his thoughts in the best way he knew how, with reluctant lips. With a mind such as his, the Daemon had to watch what he said because of all of the insane and provoking things that speed through his chaotic thought process. That single word, Gotcha, which had escaped his mouth in a whispered tone, resembled what he was thinking as he watched the Ghoul leap into action.

The creatures ghoulish flesh reminded Djinn of some of the terror demons that resides on the 8th level of Hell, ugly and fiendish beasts that had been drove to the brink of insanity from the constant torment at the hands of the Greater Daemons. With both swords slicing through the air with devastating force and accuracy, the Daemon relied upon the one thing he could always count on. His instincts. And right now they were telling him to side step this filthy bastard and drive the Demon Feather deep into its intestines.

So... he did. Exodus never showing a sign of fear could only feel the emotion of sheer joy right now, the hunger was giving the Daemon an almost euphoric sensation as his adrenaline raged. Shifting his weight to his left foot Djinn was able to lift and relocate his right foot to only a few paces away in one powerful stride. The soil beneath his foot providing loose traction at the moment, which the Sang wasn't particularly to fond of as he found himself flat on his back... and in perfect position to counter the Ghouls assault.

Still relying heavily upon his instincts the Daemon quickly raised the Demon Feather up to his chest still holding it with a reverse grip. This allowed the blade to now stand erect and to support the blow that Djinn prayed for; his left hand lifted and met his right. Intertwining his fingers and gritting his teeth... he waited.


Meanwhile...

The collective group of four humans had gathered their weapons and rushed out of the clearing that they were camped in... the sound of combat had peaked their interest and similar to Djinn, a hunt was on their mind.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Connecting with naught but air, the mutant kept his cool. The main difference between the elemental and the swordsman was that Lorenor had adequate training with his weapon of choice. He was certain his skill level would provide the necessary advantage. Lorenor allowed his fluid movement to complete itself, and his forward momentum to do its thing.

The ground beneath him was moist with the constant rainfall of the jungle. The mutant felt his clothing sticking to him with the sweat and humidity within Concordia. He was used to fighting in harsh temperate zones. His fighting in Salvar's cold winter north lands secured that he was able to move and function regardless of the environment around him. Low hanging vines provided adequate tools for survival for the mutant as he prepared his next plan of attack. The mutant could sense everything that his opponent was doing thanks to his close range and his supernatural sensory array. Lorenor could visualize his world with an advanced degree of accuracy. So advanced in fact, that he never had to turn around in order to sense the four that were just coming within range of his sensory array. His opponent erected his sword in some sort of weak combat gesture, and the mutant ignore it for the time being. He finished his movement, spun on his heels and turned to face his foe for a moment. People were rushing towards the fighting duo. Lorenor felt four distinctive presences come against his sensory array.

Four beating hearts. Four more victims to add to his growing list of dark accomplishments. The world needed men like Lorenor. He took a few steps away from Sang. The demonic entity was his target, not the humans. Humans brought with them too much misfortune and chaos. Lorenor quickly stole a glance from Sang to the group approaching him. They drew weapons, lances, swords, and one man had a flintlock pistol. The mutant spotted the Alerarian technology immediately and frowned deeply. "Shit!" The ghoul cursed.

Lorenor saw the glowing infra-red outlines created by the heat that the humans gave off. Their various implements of death were not remarkable to the mutant, but he wanted that flintlock. It seemed masterwork in quality and make and was made with excellent parts. The wielder of the gun had already loaded the weapon with a bullet and was preparing to fire the gun right at one of them. When Lorenor saw that the man was aiming the lethal weapon right at him the Spider Magi suddenly dived in the exactly opposite direction, at an angle.

"Fuck me its moving!" The man said. He was a short stocky fellow who had the classic Coronian physiology. Brown eyes and brown hair, the clothing of a commoner. The most remarkable aspect of the individual was that gun from Alerar. Only the All-Thayne knew how the man could've gotten such a weapon in his possession and Lorenor wanted it. With shaky hands, the man aimed towards the darkness in Lorenor's general direction trying to pick the ghoul off quickly.

"I can't get a clear lock!"

"You're making too much bloody noise Marty." A name. Lorenor had a name now. The gun weilder's name was Marty. "Damn it Jeff. Spread out. Get the other one. Lucas, load your crossbow!" The sound of a crossbow loading filled the air. Lucas moved forward and took quick aim at the Djinn's shoulder.

With a flick of the firing mechanism, Lucas launched an bolt through the air that would hopefully connect with the Sang twin. The bolt was made out of oak wood and tipped with a vicious looking steel barb, all masterwork quality.
Lucas clearly had a large number of the ammunition ready and waiting at the moment.

Lorenor heard the sounds of the fight but was moving through the underbrush towards the swordsman. The man had a masterwork steel broadsword. Coming within a few paces of the swordsman, Lorenor leaped out of the grass and swung both of his weapon towards the man's general directly. The mutant let out a war cry as he performed his majestic maneuver. Turning towards the Spider Magi, the human swordsman prepared an attempt to counter Lorenor. But it was already too late. Lorenor's skill with the sword was vastly superior to the man's current level of combat training.

Lorenor's swords moved right towards the man's chest. He screamed as he attempted to bring his sword up to meet at least one of Lorneor's twin blades of damascus. But alas, it was to no avail. The mutant brought his weight down as he fell upon the swordsman, the dual weapons prepared to claim first blood for the night. Lorenor kept an eye on his surroundings at all time ensuring the fact that he wasn't the target of the gun wielder.

Lorenor felt his weapons impact against the man and pushed with all of his might. They dug in deeply into the man's chest. Blood sprayed into the air as the man faced his destiny. He collapsed weakly against Lorenor. The mutant had not wanted to kill these individuals, but they brought it against themselves. He soon removed both of his weapons from the man's body and prepared to move against the lancer who was also moving against Lorenor.

Lucas, the gun wielder, shot a bullet at Sang's general direction. Ka-Bang! Ripped through the air and disturbed the local wild life.