Savage Depths

Returning from his hibernation he underwent contemplate his nature and his ways, Yasei returned to his old guild of Savage Skull. Entering its doors once again, as it opened with a creak, the members would stare at the half-man, half-wolf creature who casually walked in. Apparently they heard rumors about his old days here. That he would rip apart any who pissed him off. It seems they are surprised to see that this isn't happening right now. For as unbelievable as it may be, he has learned to contain his feral instincts and direct them to situations that need it. Still, there was rage and death in his eyes that none can deny so they thought it would be best to stay clear of the monstrosity.

His intentions for being here was that a messenger had come to his lair to deliver a letter. Unfortunately he was not educated regarding animal life, that you must not disturb a hibernating creature. And although he reluctantly handed Yasei the letter, he calmly received and read it... Before tearing him apart for disturbing him. And now the skull and bones have been used to mark his territory in the dark forest.

The letter said that there was a new master of the guild and he wished to see the strength of the beast that was him. And as such, he was invited to join him in searching the catacombs of the hall. As menial as the task may be, he still had an obligation to fulfill to these beings, if he is to gain their trust and rule them someday.

Making his way down the winding stone stairs with quiet feet, Yasei would snarl in anticipation of the things to come. And as he reached the bottom where the entrance lies, he looked around while sniffing about, searching for the man who was supposed to join him in this little... Exploration of theirs. And as it would appear he was the first to arrive, he looked for a good sturdy wall to lean back to. Which proved to be difficult in this old dusty place. He even found that fact annoying, so much so that he growled Gggrrrrrr.... it echoed softly and slowly in the catacombs. Until finally he found on in an area unlit by torch light, and conveniently near the stairs.

He had his arms crossed in front of him as he waited, hoping that the waiting won't be longer than the actually job they were going to do....

For years he had served the guild. From the time he was a young man, with a thrill for adventure. To the point where he was now. And old man, ripened and experience, now serving the darkest of guilds as the household servant. He was Viktor R. Albeit, currently the oldest, according to normal human lives, member of the guild. A man who was above all an enigma when it came down to his presence in the unholy halls.

Yet despite his age, and current standing. So every now and again, a rather peculiar job would come his way. One that didn't necessarily meant serving the mages of the dark guild directly. When this happened, Viktor gladly accepted the opportunity, as nostalgia often got the best of him. It was a moment that he longed for those younger days, and the adventures that came with it.

The job was simple. Underneath the darkest of guilds, in its undercrofts were the famed Catacombs. An extensive web of tunnels, dungeons and caverns that goes one for miles in all directions. Some corridors in those very halls is to be said to even allow access to places that were not of this world. An access point towards realms and even nothing at all. Either way, it goes without saying that these catacombs were largely uncharted, making it even for the Savages unexplored and even dangerous territory.

For that reason alone, Viktor decided to call in aid from a rather peculiar member. One that had been a member of dark guild for a long time. One that could prove more then useful when it came down to mapping another uncharted part.

As Viktor ventured his way through the guild. Walking around corridors and even down the very stairs that would bring him towards the entrance to those ominous undercrofts, he could see him. Leaning with his back against the wall, looking as beastly as ever.

'Ah mister Raion' he proceeded to say 'Glad to see you have found the time to join me'

Impressively enough, the person who had called for Yasei's assistance arrived merely seconds after he leaned on the wall. He could his steps. Smell his scent. Which was very old and fancy for someone in Dark Guild. Hhhrrrrmmmm... An old man...? Interesting... he murmured and thought to himself as the steps grew louder and louder. Nearly echoing through the dark tunnels they sought to venture in. And as he appeared before him, Yasei couldn't help but raise a brow. The man looked like more of a butler than a guildmaster. Even went as far to pull himself up from his leaning position and eye the man from top to bottom with squinted eyes.

As old as the man is, he can tell from his body than he has been through a lot. Besides, he wouldn't think that Savage Skull being the most ruthless and merciless Dark Guild in all of Fiore, and most probably the only Dark Guild he knows of, would accept old men into their ranks. He would most probably been in the guild in his younger days. Yasei sighed and thought Yeah that must be it..

"You know me, but I don't know you." he replied with a snarl and tone of discontent. "Grrr... Arrgghhh... And you don't look like you can handle going in these tunnels. With that old man butler get up of yours. Don't expect me to babysit you in there, old man." he added as he shook his head and walked towards the mouth of the entrance. "So? You're coming or what? Or would you rather stay here?" he snarled turning his head looking back at the old man. It was true that Yasei didn't know who he was. He was supposed to be the master but he didn't look and feel the part. In his mind, the wolf-man knew this guy had ways to go before he earned his respect.

Viktor's response was nothing more then a simple smile. Not a fake one to mask anger or ones true self. But a real, genuine smile that could only be considered as kind. Which was rather conflicting considering where they were.

That kindness was actually real. Not fake, to conceal ones real intentions or personality. But it was a real character trait that belonged to Viktor. Similar to some members had this childish playful personality, which was also real yet a tad more devious. Considering the fact that that very playfulness often revolved toying with victims. Similar as a cat would do with its meal. Yet Viktors kindness wasn't anything devious of any sorts. No, in his heart he was truly a kind soul, especially towards his guild mates. Yet that doesn't mean he had any other traits that could be considered flawed in normal society.

'Off course, just lead the way... oh and if you are in need of addressing me. Viktor would suffice' he said while following the man. Through the mouth of the entrance, and into the darkness of the vile Catacombs that even frightened some of the Savages.

It wasn't such a surprise that Yasei never heard or even met Viktor before, considering the butler was always considered a secondary type of person. A man not worth noting off, so that made Viktor invisible at times. In fact, Viktor was even sure that Yasei was unaware of him even existing in the guild. Even though he was there during some events. Always in the back ground, always ready to serve.

[4]

Yasei grinned his teeth, growing more irritated and perplexed about the old man's very existence in the guild. He appears to be so kind and happy, Yasei couldn't think how he was able to fit in. But perhaps this is all comes with the duty of being a butler? He wasn't sure, and it bothered him. All the more when he replied to him in such a way only a gentleman would. "Hrrrmmm... Viktor, huh? Well whatever argh. I don't even think you would could stay alive for a minute or two in here." he snarled back, sniffing at the air afterwards.

Yasei caught numerous scents, coming from every direction within the tunnel walls. Each passage way stretches out for miles... he thought as it would appear that he had begun mapping the catacombs with his nose. "I haven't been here before but I can tell this place is huge. We'll start here." he said plain and cold without a hint of care as he pointed out to the east with his left hand. This was where Yasei was confident they wouldn't run in to much trouble, at least until he could perfectly adapt himself to the atmosphere of the catacombs, and to sample all the beasts it held within its hallowed halls.

"Just stick close and follow my steps. Get that pen and paper ready too so you can record all this stuff. 'Cuz I'm pretty sure you're important around here. But you don't look like a Master to me." he commanded as he waved his arm to the front, from the back, gesturing the mysterious man to follow him as he began to walk in the direction he pointed out earlier.

The walls were moist and slimy... As with the floor. It seems Yasei wouldn't have to adapt hard as he thought. For it felt somewhat similar to a swap, a landscape he once ventured on in the wilds, and every mile or so, he would spot coffins encased in stone. Their markings having slightly faded away from weathering due to the humidity in the area. He could even hear water dripping down from the ceiling, only to join the puddle it made under it, as a result of what must have been months of dripping water. With that being the only sound, Yasei couldn't help but feel that there is something out there... watching...

The catacombs were probably a cleanings lady worst nightmare. A place filled with moisty walls, dust and god knows what more for filth. There was even the occasional human remains that would stink up the place. Yet what was even worse then dampening moist, was the internal impenetrable darkness that shrouded the very halls. That took away any possible sight you could have. Even with a torch lit, you could only see for a meter or two ahead. Making every corner a dangerous endeavor, for you would never know if something would lurk around it.

'Not that important' responded Viktor 'At least not when it comes to governing the guild. You can say my daily tasks consist out of making sure the mages are tended to.'

Compared to Yasei, Viktor looked fragile, an old man even with nothing to add. Which in a sense was true, Viktor was old. Even he felt the aspects of old age so every now and then. But he was far from weak, and he was surely certain that if it came down to it, he would last far much longer then most of the people down here. In fact his presence in the guild was more then prove to that fact.

'So tell me master Raion, what has brought you back to Savage Skull?'

Yasei wondered on as they explored the cavernous deeps of the abyssal tunnel system underground their guild. How was it that this man got to stay how he is if he has been here for years? Furthermore, the more Yasei stayed with him, the more he is convinced that he really was just a butler. And if it were to come down to it, he wouldn't be of much use in a fight. He was annoyed at the thought. So annoyed that his emotions had physical manifestations in a form of two balled fists and grinned teeth, bearing the fangs of the wolf, while he took erratic breaths, trying to control his anger and not tear the old man to shreds.

"Not important and tending to the needs of those low lives?! Are you for real?!" he asked albeit a little outraged with annoyance as he has always been. More so to the fact that he doesn't know what this man can do.

The length of the tunnel doesn't help either. Yasei has been leading Harrigan in a straight line ever since they started walking along this path. The darkness made it very difficult to see what lies ahead, but Yasei had keen enough senses to determine this was just a boring walk on a dark canal of who knows what.

In about 25 meters after Yasei's last words, they came across a right turn they didn't see soon enough because of the dim lights. Yasei even nearly bopped his nose on the wall. Luckily he was able to step back and look to his left and walk toward that direction while he shook his head. It was at this moment that Harrigan talked to Yasei again, even as to calling him "master". Yasei gestured a facepalm. It was confirmed. He was a butler. Gahhhrrrr... Oh man... he murmured under his breath at hearing the question. "Hrrrmm. It's very simple ac---"

He was about to answer the butler's question but he heard moaning in the distance. The sound echoed around the walls and it seem to grow stronger with each passing second. Yasei held out his hands in a readied stance. His fingers were arched, bearing his readied claws. The sound was getting closer... Coming from in front of them... The footsteps can be heard now... Now metal being dragged behind it can be heard... It's eyes glowed in the shadow in the distance... It will step in to the light... It was! A zombie... Slow and fragile... Not really worth the time. Yet it made Yasei curious what Zombies can be possibly be doing here.

Yasei was ready to attack it. But then he noticed an... anomaly in the ground a few meters in front of them. A cobweb over a tile on the floor seem to flutter upward with the wind. Meaning there was an opening in that area. A trap maybe? Whatever it was, the zombie was headed straight for it. They only need to wait for it to step on the tile.

As impressed as he was with himself, Yasei saw the zombie be impaled with large spikes that protruded from the ground. It was indeed a trap and now the zombie was twitching and moaning under its undying breath while its green liquid guts and rotten flesh spilled out from the holes the spikes made.

It was quite the sideshow but then its time to move on. Yasei continued to walk but he heard another sound in the distance. A girl's screeching. And it seemed to move faster than the zombie...

In mere seconds, a banshee also emerged from the same darkness the zombie did. There was no time think, they had to act. He hurled a simple fireball at it, only to see it go through. His eyes widened in disbelief. His power of fire was useless against it. Then perhaps darkness. He was readying himself to use Shadow Word on it, waiting for it to get closer...

The member 'Yasei Raion' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

'oh dear'

It was a blessing that most lesser undead were nothing more then mindless ghouls. But never the less, despite that a zombie was nothing more then a pale reflection of who he used to be. Seeing it impaled from the trap in front of them, was still a horrific sight to behold. Within the moment of a single second, the spikes would emerge from the ground and rush straight through the frail zombie's body. Tearing apart its limbs and leaving big gaping holes. From where a green liquid would spoil.

A faint scent filled the air, that gradually grew stronger as the zombie bled out. Its guts spilling all over the floor, and eventually turning the faint scent in a strong putrid smell that could only be described as utterly disgusting.

Before any of them could even say anything about the situation another surprise emerged from the darkness itself. Yet one that was far more deadly then any zombie. With a shrieking sound that would send chills to a mans very core, a banshee appeared. Emerging from the dark halls with incredible speed.

His partner in this endeavor, Yasei, acted immediately. Summoning the power inside himself and threw a fireball straight at the banshee. But without avail. The banshee herself seemed invulnerable when it came to the sheer strength of fire. A magic that was often considered one of the strongest when it came down to impact and strength alone.

This was quite problematic to say the least, as Viktor didn't had any spells in his arsenal that could do some damage. Well he had, but in this kind of environment it would only mean certain death for the both of them. Well he had his other magic, not that it would do much, but maybe it could provide Yasei some assistance in some sort.

"I guess there is no other choice' he said, while he stretched out his left arm, which then pointed towards the banshee. 'marked for distortion... lockdown!'

For a moment a small magical pentacle appeared in front of Viktors hand, one that slightly rotated slowly it seemed. Yet somehow the pentacle itself didn't do anything, it just floated there. Nothing came from it. No sphere, no beam, nothing what could be considered an attack of some sorts. But nothing was farther from the truth then that.

Unbeknown for the banshee, a mark had appeared on the side of her neck. And just in time, as she seemed to increase her chest capacity, taking in a deep breath ready to attack in some way. Yet when she tried to scream, nothing happened.

'I've locked down her magic for now. Care to finish the job?'

Yasei anticipated what the banshee would do next. Switching to a more defensive and reactive strategy than the last one. For it was evident that no force of flame will harm the being before them. And since he draws forth his power from the infernal depth of Hell, he could not see what he can do from a safe distance as it would appear foolish to engage it up close, especially with the power it is currently displaying such as its speed and strength. Though Yasei does have the dexterity of wolves, he believes spirits would out match any wolf.

Perhaps this was the time for his so called "partner" to demonstrate what he is capable of. Although he does not expect Harrigan to engage in direct combat, surely there is something he can do. Yasei bent his knees, and stretched out his hands in a readied stance. Pinning all his hopes of survival in this wretched place on whatever it is Harrigan can do. The banshee was drawing nearer and Yasei would grin and snarl harder and louder as the banshee was nearly in point blank range. He was ready to think that Harrigan was as useless as he was old. He nearly plunged his claws on his back to relieve him of the burden of bringing Harrigan with him. That was until he cast a spell that made the banshee's powers uncastable. Impressed. But only for a short while, Yasei charged into the banshee as he thought it was safe "About time! Grrraarrrrgggg!" he announced. His claws doing whatever damage he could, despite knowing he won't be able to do much to fleshless spirits. But he had no other choice. "Hey! A little help over here!" he called out. Because as much as Yasei's attacks look to only deal less than the damage his claws usually does, every strike from the banshee felt so real.

But there must be another way to do this quickly. For his wolf ears hear more steps and screams coming towards them... Quite the welcoming party if you ask him...

The member 'Yasei Raion' has done the following action : Dice Rolls

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'Monster Dice' :

'As you wish sir' responded Viktor

Knowing that this could become quite the predicament if they both wouldn't act a bit faster, it left the old man with no choice, but to access his secondary magic. A magic that he had adopted after serving the guild and the crawfords for so long.

As the halls started to fill with more unholy growls, coming from nothing but the decayed bodies of those pesky ghouls they had witnessed before. Viktor summoned a rather unconventional kind of weapon. With the snap of his fingers, a large metallic weapon would materialize in his hands. Large enough, that it needed some sort of handles to carry it well. And when it finally fully requiped itself, it showed to be a devastating weapon. A Gattling Gun.

'Sir Yasei' Said the butler kindly 'I'd might advise for you the stand aside'

Viktor waited for Yasei to jump aside, so that his targets would be everything but him in this long narrow hallway. And the moment he did, Viktor unleashed hell upon his opponents. Rapidly the barrels of the gun started to turn. And the whipping sound of his gun filled the catacombs as the bullets rained on the enemy. Piercing through the banshee and ripping apart the ghouls that still scuffed forwards from in the shroud of darkness.