Hellfire [Open Event Thread]

[Claire]

The building had begun the night before and now, in the last moments before sundown, it was finally complete. The gallows themselves had been dwarfed by a makeshift amphitheater built in the middle of the third district, it’s tiered seating reaching up to nearly the tops of the ramshackle buildings surrounding it. As citizens began to file in and sit, their eyes first turned up to the shadowed figures seated within the box at the very top of the amphitheater, then finally down to the pit that had been unsealed in the center of the amphitheater.

The mouth of the pit glowed red from the jagged crystals clinging to it’s walls. From within, in the shadows and the faint red of the pit, something was moving inside. Noises like snarls and growls drifted up from the dark hole in the ground, causing a hush to fall over most of the attendees when it grew loud enough.

It was getting darker by the moment and at any time the prisoner would be brought to receive her punishment. The crowd was growing larger, filing into seats and crowding where they could, looking into the pit and then to the line of Fated in chains seated not far from the pit where they would watch their claimed conspirator die. It would not be long now.

[Deleted]

Kail had silently moved to the top of one home and was staying in the shadows. He was ironicly in the shadow of chimney and but his black cloak around him and blended into the darkness. At his side was his Mana Railgun and was waiting silently. His nerves were going crazy but this was a do or die time. The blond was going to help a friend that was being unjustly charged. Even then he wanted to give the old hag a punch to the gut. As it seemed that she had some kind of hatered for the Fated. He knew that most of them that were brought to this world were not evil. Perhaps the ones that were evil had smeared the rest of them as evil or a threat. He did help Serenity up and was close to him. Whatever this was, it seemed that they the fated were apart of something bigger. Kail wondered what this all meant to all of them. But right now he was going to consentrate on the matter at hand. He was going to shoot down things that Rivers and the others could not take down.

[Rivers]

Rivers had been making good use of time setting the powder barrels up in locations that would cause a lot of ruckus, but not hurt anyone. He positioned them near the pit, but hidden so that everything would be ready.

Then he watched through a tunnel and prepared to tunnel the group that was with him into the pit and grab Claire. Rivers had completely concealed his face with a mask and cloth and had told the others to do so as well, and to hide as much about their physical appearance as possible. No sense telling the world who they were.

He could feel small tremors of fear and anticipation flood through his body, the time was almost here. "Ready?" he asks the group with him.

[Deleted]

Chains, chains, guards, and more chains; really she was so touched they viewed her as any sort of threat….an amusing site seeing this tiny little red head done up in chains…no taller than most children and probably not even 98 pounds. She was a tiny little thing; however her wrists and feet were bound by shackles, along with a shackle around her neck that chained her to the wall of the amphitheater. Guards were posted around her; however if she was distressed she didn’t really show it. She shifted her weight onto one of her feet, the shackles clinking as she looked down at the pit….she could sense what was in it…the wrongness about it….so much like her basement back home… Arias bright blue green eyes shifted to the other fated who had been caught, wondering if they were in as many chains as she. She stretched her neck, the metal had long dug into it, her skin felt sticky from dried blood. She licked her lips, they were dry; she wasn’t about to trust food or water given to her in the prisons. Food she had been given last night had gone to the rats. Her eyes went back to the pit….it was a steep drop….one really couldn’t see the bottom….if Claire survived the fall at all there was a large chance she’d be injured…but she’d fight....she wondered if Claire had any magic in her….if she did well manna corruption waited her down there. Really she knew little to nothing about the woman.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity had not been far behind Kail on the roof, moving just as carefully and hidden in her dark clothing. She didn't know if she was ready for this, if Rivers lessons would stick, but she couldn't afford to fail. She didn't know the woman directly, but it was clear she was dear to many, and by the look of the man in front of her, prepared to jump in and save her, this mission was more than important. She would do as she was taught the night before, and she would pray to any God she could, that she doesn't screw it up. She was in charge of the tunnels Rivers couldn't take on, and now, she was just waiting for his command. She could do this- no, she had to.

[Deleted]

Séanait hummed the Thusend's battle hymn as she checked the straps of her shield, making sure they were secure. Her job was one of the most important, that of the first through the portal, and the shield was likely going to be her only chance of survival, since she'd probably be the last one back through the portal. The plan was simple in theory: Kail would do some freaky magic to disorient the guards, Rivers would cause a distraction and open up a portal to where Claire was being held. Séanait and Roxy would be the first through the portal and would try and force the guards back away from Claire and keep them at bay for long enough that Rivers and everyone else could get Claire, and any other captured Fated, back through the portal. In practice, the plan was probably going to fail. Still, but this plan than none at all.

After checking the shield's strap, Séanait checked her helmet strap. The spectacle guard and cheek flaps obscured her face enough that she didn't feel to do anything more to hide her face. Then, knowing that her helmet was in good order, she drew her langseax and ensured that it's edge was sharp and that there wasn't any rattle in the hilt. She didn't expect there to be, but it never hurt to check. With her spear she could have kept three men at bay, but the langseax suited the kind of fighting that she was going to face today. It was short, so she didn't need much room to use it, and it allowed her to use her shield as well. The spear and shield combo was fantastic in close formation, but it left something to be desired in a tight packed melee.

"Ready?"

Séanait felt the first flutters of fear in her stomach, as usually happened right before a fight, as well as the excitement that came from the same. She smiled her trademark wolfish grin at Rivers and answered with a line from the battle hymn.

"March, march to the west,
Fear not wound or death.
Those who live will die,
Those who die will live.
Death, death, death!"

[Claire]

Above the crowd in the royal box, a few nobles were gathered. None His Majesty, naturally, but several dignitaries lined the box, hidden in the shadows. Severine and Aveline were among them, Severine in deep discussion with a guard while Aveline sat near the back of the box, quiet and veiled, clearly not wishing to be there. She had never witnessed an execution before, but she could not refuse her mother. Not when she was in a spirited mood like this. She looked down, pushing aside the thick velvet curtain so she could look behind her.

The crowd was beginning to grow- when they could not fit within the amphitheater anymore they crowded under it and around it- seemingly all of Nova was coming to witness this. The throng was loud, chanting, climbing onto buildings and onto each other’s shoulders to try and get a glimpse of what was to come. Others peered through the wooden slats of the amphitheater bleachers, already beginning to creak under the weight.

There was a sudden cheer from the streets heading towards the castle, followed by jeering that began to grow louder and louder as the throng turned towards the calls, knowing the prisoner was coming. The steady beat of drums filled the air, followed by jeers that grew louder and louder.

“Bitch!”

“Fated whore!”

“Thank the Gods you’ll be dead!”

The drumbeats grew louder and the people within the amphitheater stood and turned their heads to the street to see the woman approach. There was a line of five fully-armored guards flanking the flat carriage that towed the woman through the streets. Two horses were in front pulling and a drummer walked in front of them, two behind the carriage. The woman kneeling on it was covered in chains, around her throat, her wrists and her ankles.

Claire tried to shut out the noise. It wasn’t working too well.

Her throat burned with every breath she took. They had not given her the dignity of bathing before they shoved her onto the carriage and into chains, leaving her in the same sort of squalor she had been in for the past two weeks at least. Her ashen-looking bronze skin no longer held the same luster it once did- it was streaked with dirt, her fingernails blackened and bloody from clawing at the walls of her cell. Her dark hair was matted, and the simple white shift she wore was the only clean thing she had been given to wear in weeks. The jeers filled her ears, so loud now after so long in the dark and quiet. Taunts and insults were thrown at her so casually as she was pulled through the crowd and she closed her eyes, trying to gather what little strength she had left.

Then she felt something connect with the side of her head, leaving it wet. It didn’t hurt, but when whatever it was fell with a splat to the wood under her hands, she could see that it was mud. Then something else smacked against her side, and it did hurt this time. More mud. The guards did nothing to stop the people as they tried to crowd closer to the carriage, throwing whatever they could get their hands on and attempting to grab at her hands or feet or shift. Claire huddled as small as she could manage so she could not be dragged from the carriage as it began to make it’s way around the amphitheater, nearly to it’s destination at the gallows.

[Rivers]

As Rivers watches the scene unfold he comes to a realization, there is a better way. Serenity would suddenly hear Rivers talking to her through the tunnel she was carrying.

"Listen close Serenity, I need you to make the tunnel for the barrel when Claire is walking up the steps near the gallows, we'll go in and grab her before they throw her in, tell Kail to use that darkness thing he's got to cover us and then to act as general support." Rivers instructs as he turns to the group that was with him.

His nerves were getting to him, but the adrenaline and excitement were also there. He breaks into a wide grin and says. "Change in plans, we get her on the gallows. I make the portal and hold off the arrows, the rest of you deal with the guards and grab Claire, I am not going to close the tunnel, so just drag her through. We'll do a quick in and out." He instructs, his voice had gain some strength and his eyes were wide giving him an almost predatory look.

"Well it's time to roll the dice eh? Let's hope their loaded." He laughs.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity looked up slightly, hearing Rivers voice in her head. She nodded along, taking note of what she had to do. When he changed his mind she groaned in frustration. He wasn't going to make this easy, was he? Mr. Lancaster, if I understand correctly, Mr. Rivers changed his mind. He's going to send people to grab her at the gallows, and throw her through a portal, in which I am to drag her through. I believe he hopes his luck will hold him up... Let's hope it does. Her voice was hushed, and her face was just behind him, leaning closer to as to talk quieter. She hoped she understood correctly, but she had a feeling Rivers would correct her otherwise.

He says for you to use your darkness thing, to cover them and act as general support. He will make a tunnel for the arrows, while everyone else deals with the guards. I believe that includes you. She leaned away from him, and shifted her position, her nerves bubbling inside of her. She knew that when the woman made it to the podium, her job began, and she watched anxiously over Kails shoulder until she saw her get closer. She concentrated hard, creating the tunnel she needed, and pulled out the explosive that had been previously given to her. All she needed to do, was light it, and hope to the heavens that it when to the right destination. She focused more on the tunnel again, visualizing at Rivers had taught her, creating the entrance right in front of her, and the exit above the pit as asked of her. She had a good feeling about it, but there had been many a trial and error with this the night before. With a deep breath Serenity lit a match, and lit the bomb with it, immediately tossing it through the portal, and snapping her head in the direction it should have landed. She couldn't close this tunnel until she knew for fact it had made it.

She held her breath, having had to lean over Kail again, and watch as the bomb fell from an invisible hole in the sky, and land precisely where she needed it to. She mentally applauded herself, and moved to close the tunnel, knowing she would need it soon, hearing a large bang when she looked away, and the bomb landed.

[Deleted]

Kail was infuriated at the site of Claire being paraded around. He heard some of the foul and just plain evil words being thrown at Claire. Then the flinging of mud and other things at her. It fueled his hatred and rage against the world of Nova. But swallowed it and was staying calm as if he did one thing wrong he would put Claire into even more trouble. Then hears Serenity speaking up as he hears her say the plan was changed a bit and gives a nod of his head. He reached into his bag and pulls up and orb and places it into the Railgun and gets into an odd postion with the weapon. As he gets on to his belly and takes aim. Trying to make himself less visable by everyone and to up his chances even more activated the shadow gem. The blond was ready to go at any moment "If we survive this......I want to get that damn old hag. There maybe more fated that come in.....I worry about there lives. Some might be like you. Who may not be able to survive....I mean you are now. But you understand what I am getting at" he said and then tries to clear his mind. Taking deep breaths almost as if trying to get into a meditative trance or something. That zen state where a sniper starts taking the shots and there all bullseyes.

[Claire]

Eventually Claire was pulled to the gallows and one of the guards climbed aboard the open carriage, unlocking the chains. The man pulled Claire to her feet and threw her off the carriage, onto the ground. A great laugh rose from the audience as she struggled back to her feet. She didn’t make it far until the guard grabbed her firmly by the arm and yanked her to her feet.

A steady chant of “kill her” and “fated bitch” filled the air as the guards bound her wrists with rope. Claire looked up to the crowd surrounding her, suddenly awed at the sheer number of people who believed this lie. The lie spread by the King. The lie about what happened that night.

They all wanted her dead.

Rage curled in her stomach as she was dragged, not onto the steps of the gallows but in front of it, shoving her to the ground once more in full view of the chained fated, the men and women in the stands, and the Captain of the Guard standing close by. Claire could hear something growl in the pit in the darkness beneath her and she looked back towards the Captain of the Guard. Her eyes went wide when she saw him- another phantom like Citlali. Not quite the same face and he was missing an eye, but they shared the same dark hair and pale skin. She stared at him, unable to think as a priest took his spot on the gallows above her. He raised his hand and a hush fell over the crowd.

“We are here to witness the punishment of this condemned woman. The Gods have found it just that for the crime of attempted murder against our great and noble king, she should die.”

There was a great cheer among the crowd, all impatient and eager for blood. Claire forced herself to her feet, looking down at the pit and then over to the man who looked so much like Core. She moved over, trying to speak with him. “Please-” in a hushed voice she tried to speak, her voice rough from lack of water. “-let me have a sword. So I can fight whatever is down there, please- you’re going to kill me anyway.”

The priest’s voice boomed overhead. “Do you repent?” he looked down to Claire. “Repent and go to the Gods with a clean soul-”

The the sky opened up and something fell through, directly into the pit. A concussive boom followed, leaving no time for silence.

Something black sprayed from within the pit, intermingled with deep blood red. A blood-curdling inhuman shriek followed and mangled limbs, bloody with flesh flayed from their bones, flew from the pit intermingled with sharp jagged edges of blood-red crystals. The mixture sprayed into the air, falling into the crowd in the amphitheater amid screams of terror. The crowd began to push it’s way forward, trying to get out as the unfortunate patrons covered in blood and viscera screamed, stepping over their fallen friends and loved ones who had fallen from a blow of a sharp bit of bone or a jagged crystal.

Claire shuffled back into the man she had been shoved towards, looking down at her bound hands. She looked over to Aria, then back to the man, eyes wide. “Help me.”

[Roxanne]

Roxanne had followed Rivers and Serenity to the Gallows where they already had a slight change of plan. Judging by this elaborate set up, it seemed like a good idea and she nodded to show Rivers that she was ready. She could see the woman they were after from here and the poor dear looked terrified. A second later and the red head could see why. A commotion started as the bomb fell into the pit below, spraying the closest people with blood and bits of flesh of bone. The half demon grinned beneath her cloak and mask, chuckling under her breath. Bunch of spineless cowards, served them right, she thought.

She had also noticed Aria chained to the wall and while she really wanted to help her, knew that they couldn't do both. She assumed she was part of 'the rest of them' that was supposed to help deal with the guards, but she wanted to warn Aria about what was going on. Then she remembered her hair pin. Roxanne concentrated on the magical gift, feeding it a bit of her energy. Aria? It's Roxanne. Listen, if you can hear me. We're going to rescue your friend but things might get confusing. I don't think we can get both of you though, I'm sorry. she said, excitement and guilt coloring her thoughts as she attempted to reach out.

[Deleted]

Aria watched as Claire was carted out; while her eyes tracked her Aria was pinpointing exactly what was below them…. They didn’t seem to be moving much. Almost like they were stuck to one place…She extended her range…this was a curious development. Then; all hell broke loose. Aria winced as the blast went off; her consciousness quickly retreating from below. Aria just barely moved out of the way in time to avoid being impaled by a shard; it buried deep in the wood behind her. These chains made it difficult. Aria looked around with horror filled eyes as the chaos that fallowed. Her eyes darting from the manna shards… the blood… the limbs…screams droned out her hearing. She watched people get trampled, old…and young….small hands unmoving. Aria backed up closer to the wall where there was some protection. Her eyes narrowing as a hard frown etched across her face; her gaze turning to Claire as she pleaded for help…..she played as much of a role in igniting this event as anyone else…As she gazed upon Claire her look was like ice. Really she was handling this all quite pathetically.

”Why don’t you do every one a favor and just jump in….”

Her eyes turned back to the scene; so many innocents…. When Roxy contacted her she would feel Arias anger and sorrow…disgust. This was their doing?? THIS! Arias emotions would slam into Roxy as she replied ’You’re all fools.’ Aria looked up at Garrett; and called up to him. She could feel some of the wrong points in the pit begin to move…further away. Whatever was kept in there was free now…

”Garrett; the basement’s been set loose…”

She needed to get out of these chains…

[Rivers]

"Alright, time to move." As the bomb attracted everyone's attention Rivers created a tunnel connecting where the group was to the area right behind Claire.

Without a sound he rushes through it, ignoring everyone else involved and raises his hands before him. As he does the wind seemed to gather around him and expands out creating a solid wall of wind to protect himself and those behind him from anything that might try to get to them.

[Deleted]

Rivers announced that the plan had changed, and Séanait nodded, ready to do her part. She briefly closed her eyes and pray to the goddess of this world that she had chosen to follow, just for luck.

"Helena, I dedicate the blood I shed today to you, may you grant me the strength to serve my friends."

Rivers must have given some kind of signal because there was a sudden clap of thunder - presumably the "bomb" going off - and then the screaming started. The fear and the excitement intensified and Séanait's smile threatened to split her face in two as Rivers opened the tunnel and the smell of blood wafted through. It was like being home.

The moment the tunnel was open, Séanait dashed through, just behind Rivers. While he did some freaky magic thing, she put her shoulder into the shield and slammed into a guard, knocking him over onto his arse. She turned and thrust at another guardsman, going low and taking him in the groin. She pushed on, counting on Roxy and Rivers to cover her flanks as she tried to make some room around Claire.

In the space of ten seconds, Séanait had taken on three guards - the one she'd shoulder charged, the one she'd stabbed in the groin and a third whose eye she had taken out - and cleared out a little bubble of space. The guards, already in confusion form the bomb, stumbled back and put some distance between them and her. The gap wouldn't last long, though. Already some of the braver - or more experienced - men were checking their flight and encouraging others to do so. Soon they'd make a concerted charge and Séanait would need to retreat or die.

Séanait smiled at the guards and licked her lips, trying to psych the guards out and buy them a little bit more time. She made her voice wilder and added in the accent of Werraland. Not only did it make her words sound more terrifying, but it disguised her voice as well.

"So, which one of you do I sacrifice to Helena next?"