Chapter 13 - The Plan-Hatching

"And your [Charm] is now capable of turning people into mindless puppets?" Meda asked me harshly. I guess she doesn't really know of my [Temptation], now does she.

"Yeah, well, turns out it's not actually a Charm," I started to explain. I don't think she'll just believe me at face value, "Did you notice anything strange, with the eyes of the guards?"

"They had a weird tinge to them, I guess," she replied.

"Well, that tinge is part of my ability," it's weird how she didn't mention anything about the haziness, but she probably just didn't pay enough attention, "It's called [Temptation]. Apparently, it's one of the strongest [Powers] in the world."

"Oh yeah, and you just have it. Come on Danny, don't try to be someone else," she said slightly condescendingly, yet she seemed somehow concerned.

"He's telling the truth," Francis intervened, "A relative of mine also had it. I know the [Power] first hand," he explained. Although I knew that what he said was a stretch.

"That's right, Miss. He truly is the Godly One," a fifth voice said from behind us.

We all insinctively jumped back a bit, readying our Powers. Meda's claws were out, Francis took a weird pose, and Baulder had his arms reinforced, slightly standing in front of me. I already had my binds ready, if needed.

"Hey-! No need to be agressive, I'm on your side," he said, revealing his identity with his phone's light. It was-

"Inspector," I said, "Long time no see."

"Indeed, Godly One. As always, I'm deeply humbled to be in your presence," he said, while kneeling down in front of me, still lighting his face.

"O~kay. So you're trying to tell me, that you somehow managed to pay off the Inspector?" Meda looked at me, then back at him, understandably confused. Same as everyone, except for me.

"No, not really. He's part of a cult of sorts, as far as I know," I started explaining.

"Exactly. I'm one of the Five Precincts of the Cult of the Seven. You could say I'm a leading officer," he continued my explanation, "We have devoted our lives to the service of the Godly Ones."

"Wait, you said it's called the Cult of Seven. Wasn't there Fourteen of us in total?" I asked, slightly confused, and I could see Francis was on the same note.

"Yes, in a way you're right. But there really isn't a difference between each and every Coin. Each pair of the Fourteen are just the different and opposing sides of a coin, hence the name."

"Alright. If you're so much out for our service, could you help me out here?" I asked him directly.

"Of course, how may I help?" he bowed slightly.

"Could you prove to Meda here," I point at her, "That my Power is actually Temptation?"

"My word should suffice for that. Indeed, his power isn't [Charm], as percieved by others, but [Temptation], one of the [God-Tier] Powers," he explained to her.

I could tell she had a hard time dealing with this new information, but we couldn't just dwell on that. We have a plan to discuss.

"Okay. The plan," I started, but then I looked at the Inspector, with a slight amount of discomfort in my eyes, he nodded, and so I continued, "It's simple. We need to create diversions," I looked at both Francis and Baulder, and they seemed to understand, "One in both mess halls. We know for a fact, that the Vice-Warden is dispatched if there's a ruckus going on, so we're aiming for that. That way we can deal with him. We'll need to hide for the ruckus, so I'm going to use my Power for that. We'll just have to lay in wait."

"Why do you want to deal with the Vice-Warden?" Meda asked.

"Two reasons. Reason number one, if he's not around, he won't be able to hold us back at the later stages of our escape. Number two, personal vendetta," I explained plainly. She seemed to understand. Reason number one might be legit, but my real reason is just revenge for being a dick to me.

"I didn't know you were aware of it..." the Inspector said.

"Aware of what?" I asked back, puzzled.

"That Russel is the father of your classmate, Claire."

Now the entire story just jumped ten fucking levels. Is this why...?

Nevermind that, not the perfect time for that issue, I'll confront him about it once we're at that stage.

"For that fight, could you please tell us about Russel's [Power], Inspector?" I asked.

"Well, he's Power is called [Nerve Toxin], it's a nerve gas, as you have already experienced," he looked at me and Baulder, "He produces it from his mouth, so he doesn't like to be seen when he does it. It can be countered, if you just cover your mouth and nose. Not deadly, if you know what to do."

"That's easy then. What happens if I cover his mouth?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, but I don't actually know," he apologized.

I assume that he has other ways to fight, if his [Power] can be so easily dispelled. I wonder if we could just take him by surprise, and time him up.

Then I proceeded to explain the plan afterwards. If everything went smoothly, then approximately ten minutes after the whole ordeal, we could be running for the entrance. There's the problem.

"I assume there are snipers stationed somewhere around the entrances. We have to take them out before leaving through the gates," I said.

"I'll deal with them," Francis said, "Don't forget, I used to be a sneak. I can take out a few guards," he smiled reassuringly.

"Got it. You deal with them, ask the Inspector for details, if he has any," I ordered. He nodded, and turned to the side, to talk to the informant.

"All that's left is a way to secure our way out. Guards shouldn't pose much of a threat, worst case scenario, I'll take control of them," I said, "Any questions?"

Everyone stopped for a second, to think. Finally, Baulder raised his hand.

"What happens after we're out?"

"Very good question. The answer is, I don't know. We barely have any intel on the area we're in, heck, we don't even know which country we're in. We'll have to figure everything out, after we left," I answered, with a slight bitter taste in my mouth.

"What about Russel? Can't you use your power on him?" Meda asked.

"The thing is, I don't really want to. Unless it's necessary, of course. I'm still unsure about certain elements. Besides, it wouldn't be that much fun, would it?" I replied, with a probably crazy looking smile.

She nodded, and smiled as well. This sure brings back memories.

Soon after we headed out. We decided to hide in a utility closet again, but in one that's way closer to the mess hall. Now all that was left, is to wait for breakfast time.

And it sure came fast. While waiting, I grabbed a few strong looking inmates, and brainwashed them quickly, while also instructing them to start a fight once there was a lot of people in the hall.

It was all set out, and glory was waiting.

Before setting out from the previous room, the Inquisitor left to 'get prepared' for something he wouldn't tell us about. I just hope he'll end up as our deus ex machina at some point.

We were all set, and ready for any fight that was to come. I just hoped that nothing bad would happen, and that our plans would go as smoothly, as possible.

"Hey, do you think we'll be okay?" Meda suddenly whispered into my ear.

"Yeah. Don't worry, we've got this," I replied.

"If we get out safely, can I tag along?"

"Why couldn't you?" I looked back surprised. She was smiling. That's rare.

Before long, we started hearing some shouting, and things breaking. This was our signal. Not to actually leave, but to get prepared. I opened the door slightly, knowing that all doors in the facility would be locked, if a fight broke out. I put my right foot between the door, and the lock, and waited for the emergency locks to activate.

That's our true signal to leave the room. If that happens, Russel is on his way to the Hall.

LOCK

I kicked the door to the side, and waved the guys into action.

This is it.

Plan is in motion.