CHPT 562: Even…. Off Kilter?

Monday Early Morning, April 5th. 2241. Location, Ra Stadium. Three Days Until the Execution of Samuel Leon….

Life was on a tight schedule since making it back to The Sunlands. Worldly events were stacked back to back like playing cards in a casino.

Claude's hand was up. And there were dozens in the background, watching…. Waiting.

And the prize wasn't money. No, it was something immaterial and far more expensive. Something cathartic. Something the world would benefit from if he did his math correctly.

"[But it would be foolish to say this endeavor is… selfless, would it not?]" Arne budged his way into Claude's passive thoughts as he put on his gear in his room.

"No you're right….. I told him what it was before he threw me in that tower. And since this place is still standing, his Vampires haven't come to check yet. We've pushed it far enough. Todays the day." Claude tied his pauldron over his spear dominant shoulder as the final piece of gear.

His back itched from the stiff fabric of the cloak covering his exposed back. It was better that way. Gil and the Phantom Wolves had a clean exit. Same reason he was missing a gauntlet and shoes. His strength demanded exposure and embrace in a number of ways.

"Claude when people are being silent, especially your friends, you're supposed to know that means we're brooding and waiting for you to talk to us…. You know, to fix it?" Warren said as he sat on his bed between Ursula and Maris.

"And do I fix your problem with all this by letting you come to the coven raid?" Claude grabbed the green cloth at the foot of his bed beside Isaac.

"Yes." Warren quickly replied.

It was almost surreal considering only a few months ago he left them all at the sight of a Plated Snake.

Claude tied the green cloth bandana over the top of his head, tying down his long hair and centering the stitched in Druidic symbol he made himself. The sizing was wrong, causing the cloth to cover his eyebrows and make him look sort of insane, but oh well.

"Then I have nothing else to say to you guys." Claude replied to Warren.

"Is this not what we've been training for?" Isaac whispered.

"I have no idea… I wasn't here."

They cringed.

"All I know is, my own actions are why we all were in a Gold Tangent fighting Orcs. Students died because of it. They signed on for things like that— but that doesn't mean things like that HAVE to happen. Same applies here. You know what else applies?"

"Revenge." Isaac replied, catching Claude off guard, "Ursula says you have a thing for that….. Maris too."

"Who wouldn't. The others do. I owe it to them as much as I do myself. Plus, we do this coven raid in the sun. And when the suns up, you guys are students."

"You say that like you aren't?" Ursula commented.

"Because to them I'm not….. I'm dead."

Ursula stood up and got close enough to him for their chests to touch.

"Don't make it a reality." Why did she smell so nice? Why did her freckles stand out in such a dark room. Even though she was mad, he felt infinitely better to see her— to see that she didn't—

"Don't plan on it." He forced a reply.

Ursula covered his eyes. Isaac and Maris covered his ears and Warren pinched his nose, allowing for a somewhat senseless group hug without the pack sensing vulnerability in their alpha.

He disconnected. "I won't say a time I'm returning. I'll be back when he's dead. Maris…. Be sure you know you want th—"

"It's already mine."

"[Oh that's a queen alright.]"

"Looks like."

"[I can see the crown already!]"

"Slow down man."

He walked over to her and held his hand out.

She took it and shook, trying her hardest to squeeze until it broke. The human girl challenging the Lupine Alpha. Her aspirations would fit her power soon….

"We've come a long way, you know."

Claude nodded, "It's not over."

"Good."

Maris moved to let go. Claude held on.

"I made sure you met all the Vampire Coven leaders in power. But do you know enough of Rupont?"

Maris looked him in the eye, "Do any of us?"

Claude didn't like the question or his answer. Too much was still uncertain. But the forward motion continued regardless.

"Maybe you'll learn something fighting alongside him…. Seriously this time." Ursula added.

"Maybe I will."

ZWWSHHH!!

A portal opened behind them, swallowing the barely rising sunlight peering in through the dark windows.

Warren dusted off his sweaty hands, "Well, that's us."

"I'll see you…."

They all left through the portal and suddenly Claude was alone.

"Well what do you want to know? I'm an open book, Claude. You just have to read between the lines."

Nevermind.

"You ready for war?"

"Yea."

Rupont giggled and kicked open the door, giving way to a room entirely too full of murderous inhuman beings loudly meandering about the bar and dance floor.

All wearing battle armor fit for their forms and functions with upgraded weaponry and items. Rupont was styled as usual, like he had a runway to walk instead of a battle to win. Only this time, he wore less jewelry.

Adjua and Abina were dressed like twin battle maidens in black with swords and knives holstered everywhere another weapon wasn't. They abandoned the braids and tied their hair up in fluffy pig tails…. Which somehow fit the aesthetic.

"We hear you fought Sgt Bertrand?" Adjua asked as he left his room.

"Damn right! He came to us looking half dead on arrival." Tom commented from his table as he held Sloane in a hug.

"What did you learn?"

"He likes explosives."

"Is that all?" Abina questioned while checking her nails.

"No. Is your brother coming?"

"We'll be stopping at our true Coven grounds before reaching our true destination." Rupont answered. "Speaking of, let's get moving Sloane."

The WereWolf was up and working her magic in seconds as the Shifters around her hooted and hollered like students before a sporting event. All except Marcel.

Claude pushed through the crowd as the Portal spun into existence.

Marcel kept his eyes on the floor as he sat at the back table behind the bar. Out of sight from most everyone else.

"Marcel.... I'm not really sure what to say. You don't communicate. I don't know if you're simply feeling loss or if you feel something worse…. For me. Either way, I hope what comes next can bring you closure. Don't make this something it doesn't have to be. Work with me, let's get even together."

Marcel looked up at Claude. The wounds in his face melded with metal almost looked rotted from the caked sweat and dirt lining the once red scars. He smelled of hate….. what Claude looked at behind the mess of black hair and assassin armor must've been what Det.Cyrene saw when she looked at him. Not a good sign at all.

He nodded, "Sure, Claude. Even…. Together."