Death's Gift [Thine Gods Do Answer 3/4]

Artemis was strutting along the Rose Garden path, typical black leather jacket and jeans on. Trainers padding the ground at a leisurely pace, a bit of a bounce in his step. For the most part he had had a very good weekend, so good it seemed like something bad must be on it's way, to counter all the good karma he was getting. Of course, he didn't care to fear this karma, it would arrived when it wanted. He was inclined to enjoy himself until it did. As he reached the door to the guildhall, he pushed it open. So far, he was really enjoying his transfer to Black Rose, the guild suited him so much more than Silver Wolf had. He almost felt like he could fit in, almost. At the very least he could dissolve under the scrutiny of the higher ups in his family. If he was busy playing a good boy in a guild, they couldn't badger him with tedious malarkey.

He pulled the door to the guild open and stepped inside, heading straight for the bar. He ordered himself a beer, leaning against the counter as he waited. He heard voices talking nearby, a group of guys talking amongst themselves. Normal folk might not be able to hear their conversation, but Art had heightened hearing abilities. So he picked up every word.

"Earlier, did you see her-"
"So hot, those legs though-"
"I don't normally like tall girls but man she was something else."

Art raised a brow, scanning the room, there were a few lovely ladies in the room, but none of them were especially tall. Maybe it was someone that had come and left, or maybe they were in another room. The lads conversation made him smirk as he began to think of the taller ladies he had pursued. Being shorter than a girl often made it harder to win them over, but Art's charm usually prevailed. Well, except with one girl. The image of her came to mind. He picked up the cider that had been placed on the bar next to him, taking a sip. He wondered what Amora was up to. Looking down at his pint, he licked the foam off his lips, Maybe I should call her... He thought.

Artemis had finished about half his pint when the sound of footsteps moving across the room caught his ears. Most definitely coming towards him, he glanced in their direction. Only to see the same little lady he had been thinking about. He stared at her in surprise, Now that was an eerily coincidence, He thought. The exact person he had been wondering about was now making her way towards him. His face lifted into a smile as she came closer, he quickly noticed that she looked as hot as ever. "Hey Amora, fancy seeing you here." He said silkily. She responded, quickly reeling off a greeting followed by the quick offer of a job. He stared at her for a moment, surprised by the sudden request. He had done a fair few jobs, but all of them thus far had been solo. For the most part he didn't really work with people, he wasn't quite sure about using Morte around others. The very idea of it made him uncomfortable. Yet he knew if he were to progress as a mage at all, he was going to have to start sooner rather than later. Less he remain the unstable wild child of the Dagger family.

He felt the slight awkward feeling when she brought up Silver Wolf, of course Amora was one of the few people that knew he used to be a guild member there. He shrugged nonchalantly, "Let's just say there was a difference of opinion, I'm much more suited to Black Rose." He told her simply, deciding it was unnecessary to elaborate further than that. He didn't really fancy telling her how he had tried to play nice and found the only way not to pummel a certain arrogance little shit was by walking out completely. It was been an easy quit, but one he didn't regret at all.

Amora began to lead him away from the bar, sighing he finished off her beer. Placing the empty glass on the counter as he made his way after her. He should atleast just listen to what the guy had to say, maybe it would prove interesting. He listened to Amora, raising a brow at her description of the guy in question. So far, this wasn't sounding like something he wanted to do. He didn't fancy sitting alone in a room with a guy if he was only going to be a stiff. But as he looked at Amora's pretty face, he found himself unable to deny her. Nodding at her with a warm smile, he stepped inside. He looked over at the 'partner' only to be mildly surprised. He'd seen this guy before around the guild. They'd never really interacted, but he'd heard about him in passing. "Ah, so you're the mystery mentor, Verus right?" He said, well this proved interesting. If he took the job, it meant working with another member of his guild. That would be good for status, as well as experience. He wanted to integrate himself as a part of Black Rose. It was just a little difficult. He took a seat opposite the guy, leaning back in his chair.

The conversation however did not take the turn Artemis expected it to. For the most part, instead of actually discussing the job, it was actually a lecture on Art's behaviour a few weeks ago. Art's expression turned into that of incredulous surprise.  Artemis had somehow walked into the type of conversation he would have with the father of a girl he was dating. But the stickly was, he was actually dating Amora. Not even a little bit, Art couldn't believe what he was hearing. He raised his hands to his temples, rubbing circles on the sides of his head. The joke was, he hadn't even been that flirty with her, it had been unbelievably tame all things considered. 

Then as Verus offered a threat, his eyes popped open, a dangerous glint to them. Art did not take threats lightly, he straightened up in his seat. The light and easy going demeanour he had when he walked in now gone. This was really starting to piss him off, why couldn't he join a guild where he wasn't judged the second he even spoke. He wanted to storm out, to tell the guy to stuff his job where the sun didn't shine. He would not allow himself to be spoken to like that, he didn't care who he was. There was just a level of decorum about such things.  Yet, he knew if he did that it would not benefit him at all. He would affect his reputation in the guild and curb his own potential. The first thing he needed to do was correct this guy, who was making him sound like some kind of sexual predator.

"Listen, You've majorly got the wrong end of the stick. I don't know, nor do I care WHO you are to this girl. But it was a lunch, not going to lie I'm a flirty guy, If I see a hot girl I'll test the waters and see if there;s chemistry. But with Amora, the most that occurred was that I probably called her beautiful a couple times. Which if you've got eyes you'll know is true. However you're sitting here talking to me like I humped her leg and salivated on her. You don't know me, and you really shouldn't presume to know me. I don't take advantage of women, not unless they beg me to. So how about you take your little threats and put them back in your pocket until you actually can say you know a single fucking thing other than my name. " He said, his red eyes cold and stony. He was really sick of all the judgement, people trying to tell him how to be him. Why couldn't they just let him live his life, like was it so hard. "As for the parties, if she had come, all she would have had was a good time. Some socialising, some dancing, I wouldn't take such a pure girl to a dive club. It would have been pointless. You think it's a bad thing to introduce the girl, who grew up in outside of social norms to events where she could learn about social interactions and maybe make a few connections. There's being protective and then there's being controlling. Pick your flavour."

Letting out a breathe, Art really wanted another beer after all that. He sat back in his chair, "Now despite this ridiculous insult of a greeting you've given me, call me crazy, but I'm still intrigued about this job. So we can either move forward or if what I've said doesn't sit with you. Then I'll just walk out right now, I don't fancy spending more time around folk who turn their nose down on me cause of shit they've heard."

Although he liked to feign the hard nonchalant exterior he portrayed, for the most part. Art was just really done in with the judgement that seemed to come to him just for existing. So what he enjoyed women, so what he liked to party and drink regularly. He was only twenty-two, what was so wrong with a guy his age living his life. People expected so much from young mages these days, fight monsters, put your life at risk, kill bad people. It was just so intense, he didn't want to waste his life not enjoying his time, so he would continue to enjoy the moments her could. Cause they could disappear in a instant, and the next thing you know. You're a bitter old codger with a superiority complex, bullying his grandchildren into submission.


Most importantly though, Art was a pretty simple soul. He had half expected the guy to lose his temper at Art's rather volatile rant and kick him out or attack him. Instead the guy remained completely calm, listening to his word and much to Art's surprise he even offered Art an apology. Art blinked at the guy in surprise, his shoulders relaxing as he leaned back into his chair. It had been the first apology he'd got in well...forever. Even if it was in regards to a misunderstanding, it still shook him. He felt his temper seep away as Verus spoke of only wanting the best for Amora. He nodded, "I can see how you'd want to ease her in." he agreed, his demeanour returning to normal, no longer hostile. As Verus offered to explain the mission, he nodded. Listening carefully, from what he could make of it, there were taking on some kind of evil cult. So basically, this would involve a lot of whoop ass. "I'm down." He told Verus.

Moments later Amora joined them, he offered her a polite, but in no way flirty smile. He wasn't in the mood to get into again, that last rant had used a significant amount of his willpower. He listen to them discuss the strategy, taking it in. Standing up before addressing them both "I guess we should head out then." He pulled out a little hatchet than had been dangling off his belt. Spinning it in his palm, the hatchet transformed in a large iron axe, bright red crystal glowing in the centre of it's blades. "I'll be relying on Red Dwarf here for the most part, my magics a little temperamental, so It'll be more of a last result." He explained.

Art listened, taking in the information they were giving him, he wasn't exactly great at strategy when it came to group fights. In fact, he only ever fought solo, and tended to come up with things more in the moment more than anything. It was effective and for the most part harder to predict. At least that how he saw it, but if they wanted to share techniques and plan, he couldn't deny them.

He sighed at Veru's question, he could've predicted the guy would want to know more, honestly he couldn't really blame him. He was trusting a stranger to join him and his mentee on a mission after all. "I'm combat trained so I can do a fair amount without using magic regardless. However if I do have to resort to it, my main concern in a certain change in personality that tends to occur. It's a little... intense. However the magic itself is reliable enough to get the job done." He glanced at Amora before looking back at Verus, Verus wouldn't be the one in danger if Morte lost it, that was for sure. "Don't worry, I'll keep it in check. Any issues, I'll give you a heads up." He told him, he wouldn't allow Morte to control him today, if he could somehow get through this relying on Red Dwarf only, things would move much easier.

Art made his way out of the room, hearing Amora's comment, he pondered for a moment. He would be facing someone like himself, "Demon takeover huh? Interesting." He had plenty experience with that, maybe this meant he'd have a good chance against the girl. He'd be able to predict her moves at the very least. Although he didn't really like fighting women, demon or not. They made their way to the location of the Art kept quiet, not wanting to divulge information. He had a feeling that Morte would definitely be making an appearance. This didn't exactly sound like an easy job. He would just have to stop him from going all on, fighting the urge to kill was not an easy one when you were borrowing the magic of an evil incubus. But he was also very determined to prove to Verus that he wasn't some flake.

Art nodded at Verus, "I have a passport," He told him, he had had a passport since before he could remember. It was pretty standard in wealthy family that being able to travel across to different countries was a necessity. Even for the children, who were made to attend the dullest and more menial of negotiations. Art had been no exception, as the heir of the Family business, he was required to attend every single one. In his families hopes that he may 'learn' a thing or two about running their faction.


He listened to the explanation about Verus's soul So that explains it. Since having walked into the room, something about the guys energy had felt all over the place. Shifting from strong to weak and all the in between. Hearing the mention about the potential murderous explosion, Art raised his brows in surprise, the guy was shockingly nonchalant about his own death. Art didn't really know how he would handle the situation, obviously he wouldn't allow Amora to get hurt by the guys explosion but, to let him just die. Even to Art that seemed a bit, harsh. Verus then proceeded to explain about the magic ban, that didn't bother him. He preferred not to use magic anyway, so that wasn't going to be a difficult task.

"Right." He said simply to it with a nod, he turned to look at Amora as she addressed him. He took a moment to wonder what he had been up to, there was the woman, but he couldn't exactly discuss that. Especially not following his chat with Verus. Then there was the fact he'd got arrested for starting a major pub brawl injuring several men in the process. Although he had only got off with a fine and a smack on the wrist. Although following that he had a brutal run in with his grandfather who gave him the scolding of the year. He sighed, he didn't really feel like bringing up any of it. "Nothing especially exciting," He lied casually, "You?"

~Bosco~

The journey to Bosco had been a pretty quiet one, aside from the small conversation he had share with Amora at the start about what she had been up to. They hadn't talked much, he just didn't quite feel relaxed anymore. With Verus's eyes constantly on him, and the anxious feeling that he was going to have to use his magic. He didn't care about the cultist so much, although he desperately hoped he didn't accidently kill anyone. It was more his two temporary comrades he was concerned about. He sincerely Morte didn't come out too strong later, or there was the likelihood that Amora would never speak to him again. Not to mention his reputation in the guild could be magically tarnished based on what Verus fed back to them later.

He glanced at Verus when he told them they were being watched, nodding, he figured as much. Three foreigners entering their precious city. Of course eyes were going to be on them. Art tilted his head from side to side, clicking his neck. As they walked through town, Art looked around taking it in. The city was majorly ahead of it's time, everything looked so advanced and up to date. There was a lot of people too, all dressed in the highest quality modern fabrics. Art would've normally taken a look around, but they had a job to do.

He noticed they got a few glances their way. Amora being the babe she was was undoubtedly catching the others of men and even some women. Then there was Verus, the ominous character that he was, Art watched in amusement as people stared in both uncertainty and a little fear. Then there was himself, he was pretty normal looking to be fair, he had returned Red Dwarf to it's normal hatchet size so he didn't stand out. The only reason he really got paid attention to was from the occasional glances of women. Intrigued by the attractive outlander, If only I had the time ladies... He thought amusedly. He stopped in his tracks, listening to Verus, he nodded. "Scout the scene, got it." He replied simply.

Amora's words provided a small sense of comfort, he offered a smile in return. Despite his arrogance, he was not so self-absorbed as to not notice the act of kindness. He could tell she was trying to make him feel at ease, It was nice of her. It only proved to confirm the acknowledgement of how pure she was, too pure for the likes of me. He thought offhandedly.

He listened to the options Verus offered him, a small smirk pertaining to his lip. Yes, he was very much gifted with the ability to talk, "I'll see if I can collect some information, don't worry. I shan't stray too far." He turned, his red eyes scanning the area around him. He needed someone with a loose tongue, the likelihood was the people of Bosco would most likely be tight-lipped. Unwilling to share any information with a stranger like himself. He spotted a gaggle of ladies, probably in their early thirties. He noticed the boisterous nature, their freshly preened hair and skin. His eyes scanned their hands, no ring on the wedding finger. Single older ladies out on the town, perfect. His smirk morphed into a grin set to charm as he waltz over to them. Running a hand through his head, a tall blonde caught his eye. She was pretty albeit for the excess make-up. Also her hair was clearly bleached within an inch of it's life. She nudged the red-head next to her and it was long before they were watching him confidently stride in their direction.

"Afternoon, Ladies." He began, before setting into play a stream of narrative, about how he was visiting Bosco with some friends. Practically oozing with charm. "Rumour has it, there's something spooky going on in the city. My friends and I love a good ghost story, I don't suppose you would know of anything worth checking out. Other than yourselves that is." He offered with a wink, earning a chorus of blushes and giggles. These women were too easy to read, desperate to marry before their biological clocks failed them. A petite brunette leaned over,

"Well, I don't know if much spooky stuff happens in Bosco." She offered, her tone sugary and light.

"I mean, I suppose there's that place, you know the one we were talking about yesterday" The blonde replied looking over at the red-head.

"What you mean the alleyway, I don't think he wants to see that." Art stepped closer to her, reaching forward he brushed a strand of loose hair on her face behind her ear.

"Consider me intrigued." He told her softly, he watched as her cheeks became flushed, gazing deep into her eyes.

"Umm, well there's this weird alleyway to the southwest of here, near Smythson's Weaponry store... and I guess it's a little spooky."

"You totally get a weird feeling when you go there," The blonde continued, angling for Art's attention. He glanced over to her, "Plus sometimes you can see these weird guys leave, they're so pale and freaky looking. I'm pretty sure I overheard them muttering to themselves in this weird dialect." He smirked, bingo.

"Thank you ladies, I think my friends and I will check it out. Who knows, we may bump into each other later, at least." His gazed returned to the red head, "I hope so." He whispered with a wink. Although the likelihood he would see these ladies again was very slim, who knew how long this job would take. Turning on his heel and heading back in the direction of Amora and Verus. When he reached them, his flirtatious charm had gone, replaced with completely seriousness. "There's an alleyway to the southwest, near to some Weaponry shop named Smythsons. It sounds like it could be an entrance."  

As Art listened to the back and forth between the mentor and mentee, he deduced how much of a good pair they made. For he was much more of a jump in and wreck it kind of guy, these two were really into planning and strategizing. working out what angles to go from and the possible outcomes. He listened quietly, not saying anything. It occurred to him how invested they were in this mission, he understood it sort of. But He couldn't help but if they were truly prepared for the likelihood that it could all go completely wrong and they would fail. The blasé way they had talked about Verus exploding and killing them all, it just seemed so tunnel viewed. Did beating these guys really matter that much if it meant dying for it. Didn't it makes more sense to live on and try again another day. He considered what Amora was saying about covering the entrances, it seemed so simple, yet they didn't know enough to say that it was full-proof. He sighed, deciding he may as well weigh in.

"If tonight is supposed to be as big a deal for them as you suggest, then I doubt they'll be many willing to miss it. They'll probably have a few sentries looking out but probably not more than one or two. I doubt it'll be anyone high in command either, the likelihood the head honcho or whatever will be prepared for a possible attack and will have his closest men close by. There's three of us right," He kneeled down, reaching out, he began to draw a diagram in the dirt. Making a point in the centre, then drawing three points that represented each of them. He connected the three points to make a triangle, this was to show the range of attack they each had. "See if the leader is in the centre, they'll probably be several of his strongest fighters in his inner circle. The rest will most likely be dispersed amongst the weaker guys. We could try and form a triangle around the mass and attack from each side, blocking an entrance each. However this could be problematic depending on the lay out of wherever we are, because if there are several entrances, then they'll just pool out through those. Plus although mowing down the weaker guys probably wont be hard but if they're enough of them, it could use up a great deal of magical energy . Which really you wanna save for the big guys, cause that's were the hard fight is going to be. Ideally we want to take out the weak ones in an quick and easy sweep."