Hunting Criminals

Cetus sat at a table, flipping a knife back and forth in his hand. A few people glanced at him. However, the mask concealing his face kept them from saying anything. It was interesting how every town seemed to have someone who liked to attack him. That was where the knife had come from, and the gun tucked in his waistband. Everyone took him lightly. He couldn't say why. Kicking away from the table, he decided it was time to start his investigation. There was a group of criminals the police force and the Rune Knights couldn't nail down. A few officers had disappeared and the authorities wanted them found. Cetus wanted to know if the organization was related to the Law of Order. If not, he'd have to decide whether to carefully dismantle them or join them. Any protection against the cult was good protection, wasn't it?

The shark man had picked one dossier at random. It had led him here. Hans Shoffel, a Rune Knight whom had gone missing, was last spotted in Cedar. There was a trail. All he had to do was follow it. The witness had been rather forthcoming with information. Apparently she was against being cut to ribbons. Cetus wondered at that. Pain was easily overcome. It was merely a warning of the body. Then again, Cetus didn't feel much of anything. Stowing the knife, Cetus started toward a seedier part of town. He expected someone to attack him. The shark man was a tempting target. He was only wearing a white dress shirt, black pants and his mask. It made him look eccentric, not dangerous. Cetus grinned mirthlessly beneath his mask. Let them try.

Mr. Shoffel had been left in an alley. His wreck of a body had been dragged to the wall. Cetus looked him over with a cold eye. The ex Rune Knight was breathing. That was something. As the shark man crouched down, a bloodied hand gripped his collar. Hans' good eye fixed on Cetus. "Police force....corrupted...Did this...to me..." The man rasped with some difficulty. Cetus simply stayed where he was. This was too easy. Hans was handing him everything he needed to complete the job. "Chief... involved... interrogate... her...put her....outta....commission." That was all he had in him. The ex Rune Knight slumped against the wall, relaxing into unconsciousness. That was fine by Cetus. He'd gotten the information he'd come for. There was no obligation to save the ex Rune Knight. Of course then the question became would he be allowed to continue his investigation into the organization if he didn't?

Better safe than sorry. Cetus heaved Hans into his arms. The man wasn't exactly light. Cetus could feel his muscles strain under the dead weight. Then there was the problem of the blood. Having it this close made Cetus' mouth water. The rage swam beneath the surface. Luckily, most of the blood was dried. Dragging Hans through the streets was an option. Unfortunately, Hans would probably die as a result. Cetus sighed heavily as he began to lug the moron toward the main thorough way. Right as he was about to bring the injured man into the light, seven shadows surrounded them. "'ey man. We was told ta make shuh he no' come outta theyah. Why don ya put em down and waltz away?" Cetus very carefully put Hans down. Not because he was told to but because he wanted to have some fun. These punks needed to know the difference between power and weakness.

Cetus let the power of the White Court flow through him. It wasn't to enact a spell. Merely to make them feel it. Several of the gang members paled and two took a step back. "First, drop the fact accent. You're a terrible actor." Cetus said calmly straightening his shirt. "Second, don't ever assume you're better than your mark. The most unassuming people usually have the most surprises" To emphasize his point, Cetus whipped his pistol out. Bang. Bang. Two head shots. Seven dropped to five. The gang members around him moved restlessly. A few even took out weapons. Cetus chuckled without humor. His mask muffled the sound making it sound sinister. "Try me. This lacrima pistol has five more shots left in it. I only need one for each of you." One of them took a step forward. Cetus swiveled. Bang. Another down. For good measure, Cetus squeezed the trigger twice more. Bang. Bang. "And then there were two." Disappointing really. They'd counted on numbers to make up for lack of fighting ability and will. The shark man calmly killed the last two members of the gang. They'd started running so he shot them in the back. He wasn't above taking out his opponents in whatever way possible.

Throwing the spent pistol aside, Cetus carefully lifted Hans from the pavement. "Lets get you to a medical center." He murmured to the injured Knight. Cetus stepped out into the light. He was covered in blood and carrying what looked like a body. It should have been expected that people would scream at the sight of him. Cetus sighed behind his mask. It'd be a long day from here.

WC: 865