Genesis, The Lab [Job, Private]

Markus’s face was stoic as ever, he kept his eyes to himself, and his head down, he listened to the sounds around him, the people in the streets, animals, the air itself. He was making certain he was not being followed. Glancing around he made sure to look in the shadows, down the streets, in the surrounding windows, and through the alleys he passed. as far as he could tell there was no one in sight. Markus walked slowly, his pace measured, his gait calculated. He stuck to the shadows nearby, as to be certain he was harder to see at a glance, and impossible to detect without magical powers above his own.

With no one around to worry about, he looked to the left, and then to the right. Adjusting his hood, in such a way that his face was concealed in the darkness, he turned down one of the many alleyways within Magnolia. It took him some time to determine the location, and even longer to get it set up with his network. As always he was certain to do things in measured steps, even if it meant missing out on a job.

Markus was checking in with one of his dead drops. It was starting to get late in the day, and he was still unsure whether or not he could trust his Fairy Tale guild mates, he told no one where he was going, and was pretty sure none of them knew he lived off the streets, and if they did this would look just like a normal night. With his mistrust he had decided to keep his mercenary… acquaintances close at hand, making sure if there was any other types of work, he would be certain to still get it.

Once he arrived he saw what he was looking for. On the ground in the alleyway was a simple folder, hidden next to other various garbage items. Markus did not stop as he reached down to pick it up, leaning down he made sure to glance down both alleyways, checking to see if he was being watched.

In a few minutes Markus found himself in a different location, far enough away to not cause attention, one of the many parks with large enough trees for him to lean on. He planted himself down, sitting crosslegged and glanced at his shadow, a tick he had developed since meeting his companian. Feeling reassured he opened the folder. The list was small, not many letters or notes, and less jobs. Glancing threw he saw a lot of the usual, mostly people looking for less savory characters for a job, or bodyguard.

However, Markus found something interesting. It was a note a letter, it looked relatively new, no aging to the paper, it really did not look like it belonged…

Letter wrote:"Hey... um... Look, my name's Lexa and I need some help. I was checking around the Ancient Ruins after one of my jobs, and I found.... something. I can't go through the tunnels on my own because the enemies are a bit much. So if you'll assist me in taking them out I'd be sure to give you something!" ~Lexa Grimoire

The letter was scribbled, fast and in great haste. The script was nice, probably female, it looked mostly generic. The letter did not use his alias, meaning it was probably generic, sent to dark and light mages alike. This meant he would most likely not be working alone, while that was a hastle he was starting to get used to it, and it definitely had its perks. He hoped whoever he met would be useful. Markus grinned, his eyes narrowed as he thought... he didn't have anything better to do and Ancient Runes was always an interesting voyage, and the mission seemed.. Interesting. Even if there was not much detail.

It did not take long for Markus to decide.


After a small voyage Markus found himself within the mountainous forests which surrounded the ruins. The mountains towered over him, dagger-like as if piercing the sky. The trees swayed in the wind casting strange shadows and intricate designs. The breeze felt good on Markus’s face, the clouds above added to the shadows of the trees.

Markus had told the guild he was leaving on a job, which was true. He even told them where he was going, and informed them he had it handled.. Not many questions were asked, there was no reason to he assumed. Logically Markus saw no reason to hide details, other then how he got the job.
In addition he decided to accept the job above board, without his alias, after all it was not of illicit nature. In addition it could in fact cause problems if he did.

Walking forward he let his scarf trail behind him, swaying in the wind. It did not take long for him to find the location the letter had addressed.

Markus was certain to approach slowly, keeping to the shadows, as usual his abilities kept him hidden from sight and detection. Upon arriving he saw a small female, she adorned a black miniskirt, sleeveless grey shirt, and black accessories. She was young, looking far younger then he had expected, still a teenage or close enough.

Currently he did not see anyone else, though he decided to step forwards anyways, his form appeared from the darkness of the trees. The woman walked up, seeming cheerful and chipper. Markus signed to himself, she was a lively one.

“Hey! I am so glad you got my letter, I was hoping for some help!...” She said, her voice seeming generally happy to have aid, she was smiling. “Lets wait a few minutes to see if anyone else shows up.“

Markus had no issue waiting, he took a breath and took a step away, glancing into the trees making sure they were not being stalked.

Word Count: 926 | Total: 926 | Goal: 3,125

Markus enjoyed Forests. There was no shortage of shadows, of darkness, even in daylight. As he was watching the forest he felt it, the pull of magical power, the whisper of danger, the hint of excitement. This feeling he has gotten used to, and come to enjoy. This time, it warned him just before someone new entered the clearing. Surprisingly, the woman made no sounds in the brush.

Markus cocked his head slightly, almost imperceptibly a movement so small he probably did not even know he did it himself. The woman's tone was quiet, but not in a way he was expected to. She was not shy, she was not scared, in fact as far as Markus could tell, her voice held no emotion at all. This more than anything else intrigued him. This girl was going to be interesting, and much to his pleasure she was straight to the point.

Markus’ gaze turned towards Lexa as she spoke. As usual she was excited, and all smiles, it was almost nauseating. Markus watched as the woman started to glow, those markings upon her seemed to come to life. It was certainly interesting, surprising even. Markus signed, he didn’t need the light, but he didn’t argue either, he knew not everyone could see in the dark.

As Lexa turned around, preparing to lead them into the opening Markus turned to the other woman, and nodded as he pulled down his hood. There was no need for it. “The name is Markus”, he said his voice cold, calculated, direct. “If there is a chance we die together, I feel I should at least know the name of my partner.”

It was not long before the group entered a large foyer, much of which was now covered with debris and ruins, collapsed at some point in the past. The place would have once been of great value and splendor. Though dirty Makrus could make out the white walls, the white floor. Even the grime could not take away the feeling of this place… Was this place once a hospital? A lab?

Markus was not sure, but the group continued on. In front of them seemed to be a way through, though the path was collapsed they could fit threw if they went one at a time.

Markus, needing no light to see felt it only logical that he go first, and offered as such before continuing forward not really caring if they agreed or not.

He could hear a ticking in the distance, through the path. He was unsure what to expect, machinery, monsters, enemies.. He did not expect the answer to be D, all of the above.

As he made it through the pathway he moved out of the way, making sure the others could get out. As Lexa entered the room her light shined through, they were once more in a large room. At one time this one was probably smaller than the foyer they had left behind, however time seemed to have been kinder on this room. It was damaged for sure, but the room itself had not collapsed yet, and was square in shape, the ceiling towered above them, taller than it should have been. Along the walls were windows, dark, grime had made them impossible to see through.

Markus realized what this room was, it must have been some sort of central chamber. He took a couple steps forward, he could see two directions they could go. To the left was a half open door, the kind of which that opened on its own, the mechanics long broken. Across from them, a larger door, almost like a blast door it was heavy made entirely of metal.

Markus was unsure why, but his instincts were on fire, the metallic ticking noise had gotten louder, it seemed to bounce off the walls source-less.

The mage paused, before taking one step forward. The clicking got louder, and all of a sudden Markus realized what the source was. On the ceiling, almost 8 meters above them, hanging upside down was a creature like which Markus had never seen.

The creature… machine was large, far larger than it should have been. All at once circuits on the creature sprang to life, glowing a bright yellow. It looked at them with eight glowing red eyes, its body was sectional, the front was smaller than the back, both however were almost three feet wide, eight metallic legs sprawled out from the center, the sternum... two wicked sharp fangs dripped some sort of green liquid.

All at once the large body moved, it was slow but that did not stop it from falling to the floor, it clicked at them. Markus wasted no time, and asked no questions. He could learn after it was dead if it was friendly.

Markus took off, running to the left of the creature. As he did he clasped his hand in front of him. Dark magic flowed into it, and started to curve its way around his arm. The energy formed itself into a thick, black vine, a void of space by no means botanical in nature, sharp thorns pierced through the wrapping around Markus’ arms. Markus had intentionally run away from the light of Lexa or the creature, his abilities worked far better when he was covered in darkness.

Without hesitating Markus launched his whip forward, aiming straight for the body of this creature. Markus was surprised however to see the whip bounce off, causing no damage. The circuits around where the attack hit glowed far brighter, Markus realized they repelled his attack.

However, before he could try something else the spider sprang into action, it turned towards Markus reeling back. Its fangs seemed to widen, a hiss came from the creature, and all of a sudden a large white sticky web launched at Markus, who was lucky to jump at the last minute, hitting the ground he was unable to react.

That however did not stop his shadow from springing into action. As Markus jumped to his left, one would observe his shadow seem to move on its own, grow, transforming. Black fur replaced the blankness of shadow, white fangs and red eyes looked onward. Hela had shown herself, a large wolf, and Markus’ closest companion.

The wolf almost seemed to grin, intelligence far above that of a beast stared down the monster. All at once, its jaws opened. Markus could feel his mana drain as Hela activated their link. A black ball of chaotic energy quickly formed in her mouth, she was using one of his spells.

The ball suddenly launched forwards, becoming a beam of dark energy. Hela had been watching from the shadows, planning. She knew what she was aiming at as the beam connected with one of the creatures legs which cracked in the impact. The spider lurched for a second, Markus realized this was how they were to destroy the beast.

Word Count: 1,157 | Total: 2,083 | Goal: 3,125

It did not take Markus long to stand, with Hela and the female mages intervention, he got to his feet and prepared for his next assault. Observing her, he made sure to gage how his ‘partner’ responded, and more importantly, how she used her magic. He knew they were both mages, and it was entirely possible that one day they could be enemies.

Markus watched as she proceeded with her attack. First striking with a sword she produced seemingly from nowhere, that was certainly a good thing to know. Though, that was nothing compared to what he saw her do next. Suddenly, after cutting off one of the spiders legs, she proceeded to eat the metal appendage, devouring it like it was nothing. Although Markus kept his face in the same neutral expression, acting as if nothing bothered, he was actually quite intrigued.

Markus realised, she must have been some sort of ‘slayer’... he had heard of the magic before, but never seen it in action. He was certainly impressed, and knew without a doubt that she would be useful as an ally, and terrifying as an enemy.

Markus was preparing his next attack when suddenly eight metallic tentacles burst from the ground damaging the remaining limbs, and immobilizing the creature.

Markus did not hesitate when he hear his ally speak up, suddenly his eyes burst with a purple energy. Primordial forces flooded into his body boosting his magical powers. His eyes remained a purple hue, slightly glowing. The only sign anything was different.

Looking at the appendages Markus lifted his hand. His thumb was raised upwards, two fingers facing forward, the others were closed... His hand resembled a firearm. In rapid succession Markus shot 6 small beams of chaotic energy, one at each of the attached appendages.

With Markus’ increased powers, and the damage already done each shot of chaotic energy severed the remaining legs. The spider suddenly collapse, the light produced by the circuits on his back slowly died, and the creature was no longer moving.

The black clad mage turned towards his female partner for a second. His eyes, still glowing with chaotic energy, observed her, studied her. His face was neutral, and he did not say anything. These was much to be done, and as he expected this job would not be simple, even if it was D-Rank.

Their companion on the other hand, the female who had revealed herself as Lexa spoke, as chipper as ever. “Well, that was scary!” her voice held no fear. “I’m glad such strong mages answered my call!... Soooo, which way?” She asked.

Markus knew they were probably going through the broken door, at least, he had no way to open the other. Unless the other female mage had some other skills he did not know about which were useful in this situation.

Word Count: 474 | Total: 2,557 | Goal: 3,125

Markus listened passively as the two spoke, he wasn’t surprised the client was pretty useless here. Many jobs seemed to be as such, not enough intel, incorrect intel, unexpected variables. At least she did not seem to be a hindrance to combat.

‘7’, it was interesting for sure. He assumed it was a nickname, maybe she was part of a team, or maybe her guild used code names in the field. Though, Markus did not see any guild mark on her, that did not mean much his own mark was always hidden under his coat.

“You never get to choose when or where you die.” He responded. He was never really afraid of death, and had said the remark only in offhand. He did agree with the rest of her stamens however, after the spider he was not worried. Glancing at the door, he concurred with her other statement. In addition, having no way through the door he nodded at the female, agreeing.

He followed her as she went through the other door, Hela was at his side, her hair standing on end. Seems he was correct in this being a lab of some kind.  The strange creature behind them hinted as much, and the destroyed lab equipment made it all but certain. Like everything else they had seen up to now, the room was a total mess.

The center of the room was clear, intintionaly. This time, Markus was prepared when their next test revealed itself.

Bursting from on of the doors in the end of the room, a giant dog, a rottweiler, ran forth. This beast stood at least four feet in height on all fours, it snarled a deep rumble. However, before Markus could react the other female mage responded.

Markus’ eyes opened wide, which for him was as much as an cry of excitement, or an explicative of worry. So he was correct, she was a slayer with the signature roar to prove it.

Markus wasted no time reacting while the beast was confused. His eyes still glowed with chaos, his magical power was still increased. Markus held up his hand, his palm pointing forward directly at the dog, his fingers were spread outwards. He knew the animal was already damaged.

Four orbs of chaotic dark energy formed around the hand, spinning using his palm as the centerpoint. The animal started to stand, it growled once more and took a step. That was when Markus released the magic, the orbs launched forwards. Each of which different directions, spurred on and controlled by his mind the four orbs curved around, and hit the animal from all sides.

With a flash of dark magic the orbs finished the work his dragon slayer friend had started. No sooner than it ended did the other door slowly open.

Where at first there was darkness, and silence it was quickly replaced. A low chuckle rang out, and stepping forward was a large man. He stood about 6 feet in height, and was bald. His eyes were hollow, and might have as well been lifeless.

The man, if it could be called that, looked at them and smiled far wider then should have been humanly possible. His body was covered in circuits, just like the other creatures. Over his shoulders was a tattered and warn lab coat. In his right hand he held a scalpel, razor sharp it flashed with light from the circuits on his body. In his left hand was a bone saw, rusted with age and chipped with use.

Markus pulled his hands up, he had a bit longer with his rose whip, the dark enemy he had summon on the spider. He launched forward, the whips reach clearing the room. As it hit, cutting into the scientist leaving a mark upon the creatures body. The man only laughed, a wrong evil laugh which held nothing of the human he once was. The scientist took a step forward, preparing to attack. Hela rushed to the mans left, preparing to attack.

Word Count: 671 | Total: 3,228 | Goal: 3,125

As Markus took a step back, his whips magic fading, he contemplated his next attack. He could tell, this scientist was not going to go down easy. As Hela ran to the left, Markus took the right.

He watched as his companions 7 and Laxa follow thru with attacks of their own. An impressive display of magic mastery, both of which using some form of teleportation or translocation.

Suddenly, Markus heard that laugh once more, right as the two female mages struck. The follow up was almost too fast for Markus to track, whatever magic the two used was returned to them, at a much more rapid pace.

This gave Markus pause, his magic was not returned. What was different? Perhaps it had to do with element… Timing maybe? Markus knew there were a multitude of explanations, and reasons as to what could have happened though he did not have time to contemplate them. Not in the middle of battle, the group would have to determine its cause senstimaticaly

As always Markus and Hela worked in tandem. Hela, her speed boosted rushes forward, narrowly ducking the scientists wicked blade. Markus brought his hands together, an orb of darkness forming between his fingers. Suddenly, Hela spun on her heels, only a couple meters behind the scientist. As she spun, her head whipped to the side.

A wave of dark energy expelled itself from her, hitting the scientist in the back, the man laughed, always laughing. However, Markus saw his coat rip, his footing was lost. Upon seeing this connection Markus followed through.

The orb in his hands sparked, and launched forward becoming a beam of energy. Markus watched, the incessant laughing continued as ever. Suddenly, the Scientists circuits sparked, the light almost seemed to mimic his magic. Too late Markus realised what has happened, the beam launched itself back at the black clad mage, far faster then he had launched it.

He could feel the bite of magic, the cold kiss of darkness, the sting of chaos. Taking a step back, his rib and arm tingling, he tried to figure out this secret to this man’s powers.

Word Count: 356 | Total: 3,584 | Goal: 3,125

There was one think Markus learned on dangerous jobs, a very specific, and important thing. No matter how you feel, no matter who you trust, when your ‘partner’ says duck, you duck, when your ‘ally’ says move, you move. Or you die. As such, as soon as the female mage spoke, Markus did not question, he called his magic to him and in a ‘flash’ of black light and chaotic energy Markus appeared at the doorway, behind the emotionless mage.

Markus was passive as the female took down the scientist, understanding full well now why he needed to be out of the room. If it was not for the walls protection, there would have been a very good chance a stray bullet would have found its way into Markus’ shoulder, and he hated getting shot.

Markus turned back around the corner as 7 spoke, he was curious to the exact same thing, yet Lexa’s reply did not surprise him, she had been useless up till now, why would that change. “I am good, just a flesh wound.” He glanced at her, the damage, he knew she had taken at least some. “Yourself?” He asked quietly.

Glancing about, Markus’ eyes shot up as the door finished opening, seems it did not really matter if either of them were ready. With a click, heavy and solid the door finished its path. The inside lit up, waiting for the mages to enter.

Markus did not hesitate, walking forward with Hela at his side, the mage looked about, passing through the entryway. Lining the walls were armors, gear, defenses. At spaced intervals, every 8 or so feet apart Markus could see various vats  of liquid, each of them seemed to be empty excluding one…

Inside of which, Markus saw Lexa the same hair, the same form, the same body. She was identical in every way when she opened her eyes, looking at the intruders. Markus watched this as he heard the door behind the group close entirely, locking them in.

Suddenly, the circiets along the seconds Lexa’s body flared, and she vanished, suddenly appearing in front of the group. She looked directly at Lexa, ignoring the other mages. “Big Sister, it is good to see you well.” She was chipper, her mannerisms were exactly like the Lexa Markus had been working with.

However, Lexa, the Lexa Markus knew, looked completely confused. “I am SO glad you could make it!” The other Lexa said.

“Wha… I… Are… Are you my sister?” Lexa asked, “I… I have a twin.” Lexa looked even more confused.

“Of course!... It is SO great you could stop by…” She said, as if this entire thing should be a well established fact, as if the group had been invited here. “Unfortunately… Papa ordered you dead.” She said, as her circuits began to glow, a deep golden color.

She was entirely different, suddenly her cheery nature was completely serious. She looked ready to kill. “Lets get this over with…” She held her hands up, her hand was almost like a fist. Her middle and thumb pressed together.

Suddenly, she snapped. Her fingers clicking… Markus watched as two large circles appeared, at the ceiling, and floor, covering the entire room. Markus wasted no time waiting to see what these circles would do, he reacted instead. Luckily for him, the room was small, and the other mages were close by. He clenched his fist, putting his arms at his side and called dark energy to him. As the second Lexa’s spell activated the shadows solidified, spinning at a rapid pace around their group.

Markus watched as the shield cracked, hundreds, maybe even thousands of swords and weapons crisscrossed around the room, rocketing from one summoning circle to the other. Luckily, Markus’ shield was strong enough to hold…

“Oh dear…” The other Lexa said, “You survived.”

Markus looked towards 7. “Tell me when, and I will end the shield.” He had full control over the darkness, and could end it as soon as he could start it, or he could leave it up till the durability ended.

Word Count: 682 | Total: 4,266 | Goal: 3,125 | COMPLETE

Without hesitation, when the female made said the words Markus dropped his magic, letting the shield fade and die. Markus still found himself unbelievably curious about the two ‘sisters’, however he knew now was not the time. He could always ask after the one they were fighting was dead.

Suddenly Markus watched as 7’s clothes changed with a spread of metallic fibers, leaving her now in a red unitard. Markus expected it was some form of requipt, or battle ‘armor’, and his suspicions were at least somewhat confirmed when the Slayer shot forward at an enormous speed. 7 began her onslaught, and Markus glanced over, gaging the room.

It was safe to assume the other Lexa had the same teleportation abilities of her ‘sister’ however, if she was limited to the room like the rest of them, it would be of no use. Markus’ attack would find her.

Markus held up his hand, his palm facing the fast moving lexa, his fingers outstretched with the middle facing upwards. He would follow the fighting females as the moved around the room at high speeds as four orbs of chaotic dark energy formed themselves around his hand. Slowly, they started spinning using his palm as the focal point.

Markus thought for a second, he was unsure of the other Lexa’s health, or durability. He knew he needed to be certain. Suddenly there was a stinging pain in his side, the chaotic forces damaged his life force directly as four more orbs were summoned circling around the first set.

‘That should do it’ The black clade mage thought… he waited, slowly, planning his attack. Then, in an opening Markus released the magic. The orbs rocketed forward at high speeds, however their paths were not strait, each of them curved a different direction still heading towards the second Lexa.

One of the orbs rocketed quite close to the female 7, missing her only narrowly before connecting with the others at their destination hitting the ‘Lexa Clone’ with a resounding crack and flash of dark energy.

Suddenly Markus watched as she went spinning landing on the other side of the room, unmoving. He waited… as a few second past, just as he started to feel certain the job was done, her circuits sparked to life, and she stood, slowly, using her hand as support.

“Weeelllll! That was fun!... I guess big sisters are made stronger…” The second Lexa said, before looking towards the group and vanishing with a flash. Suddenly, the other Lexa walked forward, to where her ‘sister’ had once been.

“Wellll, Thank you!” She said cheerfully as ever. Markus had walked up to stand next to the female mage 7, he would attempt to look her in eye eye, and raise an eyebrow, wondering if she was any more in the loop then him, though he very much doubted it. “I have been watching you guys fight!” She says walking up to the wall, “letssssss seee.”

Markus turned towards 7 and held out his hand. “I am not sure what is going on, but it was good to have such a useful ally.” He looked at her. “We should do this again.”

Suddenly, Lexa reached up, and grabbed a set of braces before throwing them at the black clad Mage. “I think those will help you! It is the best I can do to repay you after all…” She continue walking, completely ignoring the black clads mage expression. “Noww…. For you” Lexa said looking at 7.

Word Count: 682 | Total: 4,266 | Goal: 3,125 | COMPLETE