Leather and steel~ [Cassius]

The armour was hot.

Hotter than it usually felt, although that was most likely due to how flustered he felt. It was one time, it should have been enough. One kill, yes he had relied on Morte to do it, but surely that was enough to satisfy his father. To show him he was capable on the outside of doing the job he'd given him. So why? Why was he being made to do it again? On an even grander scale this time. It wasn't just one victim this time; it was several. I can't do this... he thought, leaning against the wall of the mountainside, fists clenched tightly. He was trembling; he had to figure out some way to get out of this. Maybe he could beat them to a pulp and get them arrested by the police. But then that would involve a trace, plus Blanche had explicitly told him that this group were to be eliminated. But why? Why was it so important that they die? Were they sending some kind of message? But to who? His father's ambitions were so elusively to him, and Blanche never revealed anything more than she was permitted to. The woman was flawless in her execution.

He was closing in on them. He knew it wouldn't be far until he ran into the members of the 'Copycat guild'. He has been scouring the mountains and got a general layout of the terrain. There was just one region he hadn't checked out yet, which most likely meant that was where they were based. He took a breath; maybe he could come up with a plan the closer he got, manipulate them into taking each other out. He began to move once more, heading in the directions of the remaining area. He moved swiftly but as quietly as he could. Fortunately, his senses would tell him if he was getting close. So there was no chance of them jumping out at him.

It was because of this that it wasn't long before the scent of human hit him, in such a desolated area it was easy to pick out. He moved in towards the group, moving even more stealthily than before. The group were talking amongst themselves, Artemis stalked towards the tents.

Shall I do this?

Artemis tensed, he knew what the demon was offering. To kill them all and put Artemis to sleep so that he didn't have to watch. But he couldn't, that boy... his memories. Artemis had been haunted the past few weeks by them, that life he had quenched. A result of swallowing a soul, is you absorbed all of them. Including their life and their experiences. Morte relished in it, but Art. Artemis couldn't stand it. No, I'll handle this. He responded Morte laughed.

If you wish...

Artemis gritted his teeth, the demons amusement pissing him off a little. He opened his palm, his guild armour began to flex, making room for his thorns of purgatory. They crept forward towards the men getting in close before suddenly darted forward and wrapping themselves around two of the guys.

"What the fu-"

"We're under attack!" Artemis stepped out, launching orbs of darkness towards the men. Some of them hit, some were dodged. One of the men launched a club at him, Artemis ducked before releasing more orbs, they flew towards the group, smashing into them one by one.

You're holding back boy...

Shut up.


You need to kill them remember...

He did need to, but yet he was pulling his punches. He knew it; the orbs were at half power; he wasn't trying. Just let me do it...I shall make it quick... Morte whispered seductively, Artemis could feel his desire to kill welling inside him, the demon was writhing inside him, creeping towards the surface, wanting to take control. Should he do this? Would it be okay? If maybe just once more... he let him take-over. A man ran at him, throwing a punch, Artemis side-stepped him, swiping his leg under him. Knocking him to the ground, Artemis looked at him; this was the perfect chance to kill the guy. But could he do it? Artemis clenched stretched his palm out; the armour began to strip away from his hand magically. Revealing long black talons, he pulled his hand back. One quick slash across the throat, that was all it would take, he just had to do it. He went to strike, stopping mid-air, looking up in surprise. A new scent hitting him, moving towards the camp. It didn't smell human; in fact, it's scent was strange. All he could smell was leather and steel...

Underneath his armour, his red eyes would scan the area to locate the scent. It was hard to pinpoint with all the chaos going on around him. Artemis stood up slightly, raising her foot. He brought it down on the man's chest, pinning him in place. All the while looking around for the source of the new smell, he had a strange feeling, perhaps a hunch. The smell was growing stronger, as though moving towards them. Finally, his eyes locked on him, a being in armour emerging from the distance and moving quietly behind a girl who was viciously screaming at her guildmates to kill Artemis.

Her screaming didn't last long.

It was like something out of a horror film, an individual completely taken completely unaware as a bloodied end of a weapon carved through them and emerge from the front. "Oh fuck..." Artemis mumbled. Artemis heard the hoarse, almost hollow voice of the being as he spoke, or rather counted. So had he too been sent to handle this job? Or was he just here on a killing spree? Artemis instantly felt his guard go up, he had only intended on fighting this guild, but if this man attacked him. Things could get complicated. It seemed it was the redheaded woman's violent death that finally drew the attention of the remaining men. Who moved to attack the armoured person, Artemis who had been too distracted by this person arrived. Suddenly felt an agonizing pain in his leg. He roared in pain and looked down, seeing the man who had thrust a small switchblade into his calf. Of course, he couldn't forget he was still in the middle of this fight. He knelt down; foot still pressed down hard on the man's chest. He reached for the hand holding the knife. Artemis grabbed his wrist and bent it back hard. Relentless folding the wrists until the bone in the man's wrists cracked under the strain that Artemis was applying. He would scream in pain, writhing against his foot in an attempt to get away. With his free hand, Artemis reached around and yanked out the switchblade. He grunted in pain; this wasn't good. His leg was messed up; it would be harder to fight now.

Take my legs boy.

Morte ordered Artemis bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't like the idea of him having to shift so much of his body over to Morte so early on the fight. But it really didn't look like he had a choice in the matter. Morte's body would be able to manage with the wound much better than Artemis's wound. It was his only option until he had the opportunity to heal. He took a breathe, before allowing the gateway between him a Morte's magical store to open slightly. The demonic energy seeped into him, moving towards his lower half. The Hidden Blades armour would creak slightly as it updated to the magic change going on inside it. The metal would begin moulding and expanding as Artemis grew taller and the muscles in his legs thicker. Underneath the armour, a thick, coarse dark fur would sprout from his legs, and his feet would mutate, becoming a pair of thick hooves from the Demonic Capra he was taking magical qualities from. He would grow taller, now towering over the man from a great height. He raised his hooved foot and cracked it into the man's face with great force, to the man of the floor it would have been like being kicked by a horse, which is why it was no surprise when his eyes rolled back, and he fell unconscious.

You are still holding back boy, that kick should have crushed his skull, yet you are pathetically just doing enough to put him to sleep. It's pitiful. Look at that being, the way he relentlessly kills. You are an embarrassment in comparison.

Artemis looked up to where the armoured person who was cracking the skull of a man with his grip alone. The man seemed to begin to beg for mercy, only to be silenced by the guy in armour with a fatal clench of his hand. You wouldn't be so fond of him if he decided to do that to this body. Artemis thought in response, only to get a chuckle back.

On the contrary, I find the prospect exhilarating. I think he would make an interesting opponent.

Artemis felt helpless, he didn't know what to do, would it be worth even attacking the other member of the group. One by one, the armoured man was taking them out. He even shifted, taking on a new armour, the new armour was glorious and yet retained that ominous aura that he bore. Artemis knew he could get involved but something else come to mind. Morte who he could sense was getting irritable, calmed for a moment.

Oh... now that's an interesting thought... He whispered in the twenty-two-year-olds mind, with a deep malicious chuckle, Who knew you could be so calculating Artemis? Using this being for such a selfish agenda. Artemis scowled. Morte had sensed the idea before it had even formed. Artemis was ordered to go after this gang, and the order stated they had to be eliminated. However, the means as to how they were killed hadn't been clarified. This being, who was relentlessly taking them out without any remorse or hesitation could be useful. Artemis may not even need to kill anyone today, as long as the targets ended up dead. The job was done either way.

The only thing Artemis had to worry about was if the being decided to turn on him. He was hard to read, unlike most humans. There was at least something he could detect; their scent was often the biggest giveaway, the man could even determine their gender most of the time. Then there was body language, certain physical cues that the emotional beings that humans gave off. But neither of these were factors he could read on this individual, that smell remained the same. Artemis couldn't even pick up on perspiration as he fought, which a man moving this much would clearly exude. Perhaps he had some ability that masked these things magical, although there was something telling him. A hunch, there was more to this than meets the eye.

Morte, earlier you referred to him as a 'being' instead of a man or woman? Is he human?

Artemis could feel Morte's amusement, and the demon seemed to know something about the armoured individual that Artemis hadn't yet worked out. He certainly fought like a human, although he was especially skilled. Artemis watched as he took a headbutt, as though it had been little more than a high-five. Although he was wearing a helmet, even so, a normal human might have been at least a little rattled by the blow.

No, Artemis, this is no human. What resides in that armour, is much more interesting.

The demon purred, Artemis narrowed his eye slightly. So his suspicions were correct, but what was it then? Was it a fellow demon? Or something different. Artemis waited to see if Morte would elaborate, but he could feel the toying mannerism of the demon inside him. If Artemis knew the Incubus as much as he thought he did, it would be unlikely that he would reveal any information unless he felt like it was entertaining. He would likely relish in Artemis's confusion for as long as he could.

Oh you know me so well...

The demon continued. Artemis sighed, You could at least try to be useful. He thought irritably in response. Artemis saw the thing turn to him, gazing upon the unconscious man that lay at Artemis feet. Suddenly the creature dematerialized, reappearing next to them. As he raised his sword, Artemis leapt back, watching as he brought his sword down on the man Artemis had knocked out. He really was leaving no survivors. The being seemed to turn to Artemis, addressing him as one who was not his target in that hoarse, echoing voice. "Huh, Good to know." Artemis commented awkwardly. Not really sure how else to respond to this...thing.

Art's gaze was drawn away by the sound of the new voice, as someone climbed out of tent grumbling about the nice. Artemis almost felt pity for the unsuspecting man, knowing full well was going to happen next. And to answer his predictions, as it dawned on the man that his comrades were now dead, a sword flew through the air, burying itself in his chest. Artemis flinched as the sound, looking away. So the job was done, all the targets had been eliminated, and Artemis had barely done a thing. He closed his eyes for a moment, I'm surrounded by so much killing these days... He thought, feeling a little melancholy. His light-hearted carefree life was truly beginning to dissipate. His father had cured him to a life of bloodshed.

He opened his eyes; he reached to the side of his armour, where a small pouch had been attached to his hip. Reaching in, he pulled out what looked like an iLac. A burner phone provided by the guild. He pressed 'one', and held it to his ear. It rang once before it was answered. A familiar woman's voice was speaking.

"You've reached the customer helpline of Bellevue LTD. My name is Blanche. How may I assist you today?" Her voice was much more friendly and amicable than usual, but still somewhat robotic in nature.

"It's done." There was a pause before she spoke again.

"We thank you for your custom."  There was a click, and the line went dead. Artemis returned the burner into his pocket. He would return it to the guild for destruction later before picking up another. He looked over at the armoured being.

"I can only assume, we were unknowingly assigned to the same targets. I appreciate the help; I was... struggling a little." He said, in an uncertain tone. He could feel Morte's magic withdrawing. His body would shrink as his leg returned to normal. He hissed in pain as he remembered the wound in his leg. Oh yeah, I was stabbed. He tried to take a step but crumpled slightly as an intense pain shot up his calf. Fuck...what now. He thought for a moment; he had to get back to the base to get treated. He could fly, but that meant handing over more power to Morte. Who was acting a little too...suspicious? Something told Artemis that it would be best to avoid using his magic for now. The demon was in one of the moods if Artemis let him take too much control. He could take over completely, resulting in a mass killing spree.

He gritted his teeth, looking over at the armoured being. Well, the guy had come here to do a job right? Maybe there was something Artemis could offer. "Hey... think you could give me a hand. I just need to get back to town, and walking on this leg is gonna make it a little tough. I can pay you if need be?"

Non-human or not, It was worth a shot.

Artemis eyed the Armoured being through the holes in his helmet, waiting anxiously for his response. While he wouldn't blame the thing if it said no to him. After all, they barely knew each other and for all Artemis knew they wouldn't be swayed by money or wealth. Perhaps they had killed those men for a different form of payment. He really couldn't be certain. He could only hope that he would receive aid, otherwise, he was pretty much fucked. His fate would either result in him risking Morte taking over and going on a killing spree. Or, and this was debatably not the better option, calling Blanche for help. Something he really didn't want to do. He knew for a fact, Blanche still reported back to his father, and if his father found out, he'd gotten himself injured on a mission. Well, things would quickly escalate for Artemis, he would rather carve off his own ears than put up with that level of a lecture. Not after everything his family had already stuck him with. His patience was too thin.

He heard the armoured thing speak, repeated the word 'pay' in that eerie echoing tone. Confirming that they would help if he indeed paid. Artemis felt relief flood through him, so it turned out offering him payment was the right way to go. At least he could avoid the harsher fates, he had been concerned with. The armoured walked over to him, offering a hand, which Artemis quickly took. Wincing as he was pulled to his feet, although it didn't last long as the fellow used his shoulder to support him and shift the weight off of his injured calf. He would ask where to take him, which caused Artemis to pause for thought. He considered the best route, before addressing the man, thing...or whatever it was.

"I think Beanstalk Village isn't too far from here, I can probably get some first aid equipment there, which should suffice until I get home." He commented, once he got to Beanstalk village, he'd likely to be to get the means to fixing himself up before catching a lift to Crocus. It was better than nothing, at least if he got back on his own without requiring Blanche's help, his father would have less to judge him for. Which was a list far too long as it was.

The walk through the mountainous path was going to be a short one. Artemis released this soon, after a short time. As he limped along beside the armoured being, his senses were working hard in an attempt to figure out something about it, anything at all. But he couldn't, the scent of him remained the same. There were no obvious factors, from the look of his armour, he could assume it was male. But even that could be deceiving. He doubted he was going to get any more information from Morte, the demon just wasn't that helpful. Plus Artemis could sense that he enjoyed the fact that Artemis was clueless. Artemis sighed, before addressing the being.

"I can't help but notice... you're not quite like me are you? I mean, not to be rude but, you're not human are you?" He asked, hoping that they wouldn't be offended by the question. Although he really could tell, there wasn't any obvious behaviour that this being expressed. Just that it accepted money and that it was really good at killing. Not exactly reassuring factors, but well suited the job they had been assigned. A very skilled fight that showed little to no remorse over the death sentence it delivered to the now late 'Copycat gang'. It was the type of fighter Lucarius hoped Artemis would become, no doubt it was why he had been assigned such a job. Because the easiest way to adapt to death, was exposure. At least that's what his father believed. Artemis wasn't so sure.

Artemis couldn't notice the unique way in which the being spoke, the way he responded when Artemis had requested that he be taken to Beanstalk village. It wasn't exactly childish in nature, but it was broken down in an extremely simple and direct manner, which a pause between most of the words. His voice carried no emotion from Artemis could tell. All of this only aided in his suspicion that either this being did not speak the same language as he, or he wasn't well-versed in language at all. Still, Artemis would reiterate his offer to cement his intentions for the sake of the armoured person that was helping him. "Yes, for pay." He confirmed, hoping this would satisfy the agreement.

When Artemis had finally brought himself to ask the being the question about whether or not he was even human, he would receive an answer that alleviated a little of his concern. The creatures honestly were something Artemis would appreciate. As it turned out this being, Cassius, as they referred themselves to wasn't human. At least not any more. He would state that he was actually a wraith. This surprised Artemis, his eyes widening slightly under his mask. It shouldn't have been strange to the man really, especially to someone who existed in a world of magic and even had a contract with a demon. But even so, he had never come across a wraith before, ghosts were only beings he'd heard about in stories and even then he imagined them to be a little less physically present than the dude supporting him.  From what the wraith continued to say, Artemis could only deduce, how he'd become this way wasn't something that he could explain. Ruling out Artemis need to ask. But this didn't eliminate the reel of questions that floated in the man's mind.

"I see, Cassius is it?" He couldn't really tell, but it sounded like a male name to him. He didn't want to assume, but how did one really go about asking that question. It was a pretty sensitive one, Maybe later, if they ran out of things to discuss on the walk. Still, he would go on to ask something else, something that had confused him. "So, if you don't mind me asking...do you not have a physical body? I mean, you're wearing a suit of armour, how does that work? I'd always pictured ghosts as a little more... intangible. Wait, you're not a poltergeist are you?" He asked, a hint of caution in his voice. From the stories he'd heard, poltergeists were evil spirits, which the power to control and possess inanimate objects. Although generally, Cassius didn't exactly behave like Artemis would imagine a poltergeist would. But then what did he know, he wasn't even certain ghosts were real until just now.

It occurred to the red-head that he may have been a little too intrusive for the stranger. Having asked several questions in a single minute, he normally wouldn't have bothered to get to know the stranger. If it hadn't been for the way Morte was acting and the fact that he was just so different, to anyone he'd ever met. He let out an awkward laugh, before offering the wraith an apology. "Sorry if I'm asking a lot of questions, I've just never met anyone like you before. I couldn't help but be a little zealous in my curiosity." If the wraith told him that he didn't want to answer more questions, he was happy to stop pressing the matter. If they had to walk in silence for the rest of the way then, well dull as it might be, that would be fine too.

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Artemis winced as the pain in his calf seemed to be getting worse. Even with him resting a significant amount of his weight on the wraith. The wound needed to get treated sooner rather than later. But he couldn't risk healing himself here, allowing Morte to take over when he was so bloodthirsty. He needed to acquire a better means of healing himself. An item or something, some means of recovery that wouldn't mean subduing himself to the hungry demon inside. Perhaps he would look into it when he returns, look into the companies resources and see if the support department might have anything of use. After all, they were in charge of the medical bay within the guild.

Cassius would answer his question, explaining that despite not having a physical form, he was able to possess thing and control them. "So you picked an armour huh...makes sense." He replied, of course, it was the most discreet thing a ghost probably could move around it. If it hadn't been for him not being able to smell anything human about him, Artemis would have assumed that Cassius was human. The way he controlled the armour was convincing enough, he certainly moved and fought as a human would. Although considering how willing he was to tell Artemis this, Artemis wasn't sure hiding the fact he was a ghost was something that Cassius was especially worried about. It was more likely that the armour was a more convenient means of fighting, although Artemis couldn't be certain.

Following his lighthearted apology, Cassius ould ask if it was a lot of questions. It took a moment for Artemis to determine whether he was being sarcastic or if he was genuinely asking. It settled on the latter, somehow based on this guys manner of speech, it just seemed a little likely. "Only if you think so," The follow-up comment about him answering because well Artemis was paying him caused Artemis to nod. Pleased to have the spare pouch of jewels on his person. He was always carrying some cash on him, a perk of having plenty to spare. Artemis couldn't help but wonder if it was the jewel that drove the wraith, he certainly seemed keen on the idea of getting paid.

A stoic, almost emotionless being, not even human capable of taking out targets with ease without an ounce of remorse. Honestly, now that he thought about it, he was the exact type of the person his guild would look out for, even if he wasn't technically a 'person'. His capabilities as a soldier, and the way he was so completely unrelenting. The only thing that would perhaps need work was the 'clean up' duty that followed, but even then there was the support team that helped with that. Artemis felt himself mulling it over, he hadn't anticipated that he would find himself considering actually hiring the guy when he'd watch him carve up the bandits with ease. But now that he thought about it... wasn't he kind of perfect for it?

Recruiting even when it's not expected of you, anyone would think you were growing to enjoy your job. Morte's words broke into his thoughts, capturing the red-heads attention. He had a point, even if it was an annoying one. He'd noticed that lately, just how much his position consumed his thoughts. He was constantly thinking about the guild, and the elements that needed to be worked on. Even in his times of rest, it plagued his thoughts. Was he being to enjoy it? No, impossible. He never asked for this, surely not.

Can wraiths be trusted Morte? He would ask, attempting to grasp some kind of opinion from the demon considering how chatty he was. After all, Morte did many things, but lying was not one of them. The demon had no qualms about giving Artemis his honest opinion, even if it was brutal in nature.

There something amusing about how one of the greatest human stereotypes is to formulate and seek stereotypes about others. Your fear of the unknown, and desire to categorise everything into traits, tut, tut, such distrustful creatures.

Well...considering my experience with demons, I would say my caution is justified.

Morte chuckled, his laugh one of silky arrogance as though their history together was not more than a game to him. That's a matter of personal opinion, boy. However, in regards to your question. It is rather a subjective one, you assume that based on his species he may have some type of stereotypical nature in which can be expected, whereas in truth. Much like humans, it would depend on the individual. Artemis accepted this answer as the best he was going to get, it made sense, whatever Cassius used to be. He must have had a mind of his own at some point, it really would be impossible to predict whether he was trustworthy. It was just a risk the Chairman of Hidden Blades would have to take.

"I couldn't help but notice," He began, attempting to sound somewhat 'official' with his tone. Turning his gaze to the wraiths helmet, where he could only presume his face was, although he wasn't entirely certain. "That you make quite the mercenary, are you currently employed... because my company is looking for men...people... er...soldiers with your skills." He explained, something told him that he wasn't really selling this offer very well, he paused before something popped to mine. "You like jewel right? We can offer that... a lot of it. If you were willing to work for us. Would something like this interest you?"

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Artemis felt admittedly a little unsure if Cassius was going to accept his off. This had to be by far, his least impressive attempt. The fact that he'd gotten wounded, not killed any of his targets and had to be carried to the nearest village by a stranger. To then offer the guy a job, to most it might've almost appeared desperate, pitiful even. But still, The guy was skilled, it would be a wasted opportunity not to try and recruit him, even if it didn't shine him in the most impressive light. Even so, it would appear that the wraith was interested in the offer. He would reiterate the fact that that as long as there was good pay, he would be willing before cementing his interest. Underneath his mask, Artemis would grin, feeling a little triumphant.

"Great! We'll be sure you pay you handsomely for your work."  He told the ghost, it was strange to think that a ghost would be so motivated by something like money. It wasn't like he needed it to survive. Perhaps it carried some sentimental to the creature, or there was something in this world he valued that could only be achieved from earning jewel. Whatever the reason, Artemis was just pleased that he had managed to get the guy on board. In the distance, the village would begin to come into few. Had they really been walking that long? Perhaps they had been closer than he initially realised. Either way, it seemed the two would be parting soon.

Cassius would ask about his company, to which Artemis answered keenly. "We're basically mercenaries too, but we work in the shadows. We partake in jobs that people want to be done discreetly and without any traces to them. Because of this we are paid heartily by our clients, as will you, should you work for us."   As they reached the edge of the village, Artemis stopped, as they went to pass an abandoned cart. He reached out, resting himself against it, he moved away from the wraith. "I should be good from here,"  He commented, reaching into his pocket, he would pull out one of the pouches off jewels he had. Handing it to the wraiths, "Thirty thousand, for your troubles. If you really are interested, come to Crocus in two days. There's an investment company called Bellevue Ltd, when you get there, head up to reception, and be sure to say to them 'Blanche sent me here to collect some files.' I'll explain the finer details of our work then."  He explained, figuring two days was enough for both of them to get their affairs in order. "Thanks again... Cassius. And if you do decide to join us then well... I look forward to working with you."

END

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