Hosrius Camnus "The Dark Angel"
Job Log ###
“Chri-stmas. Christm-as. Christ-mas.”
The word was strange on Hosrius’ tongue as he repeated it a few times. He’d read it on banners and posters, lacrimavisions and posts on the Lacnet. Upon looking it up, he had discovered that it apparently was a yearly tradition that celebrated the yuletide season. People would invoke the spirit by the exchanging of gifts, the singing of songs called ‘carols’ and participating in different traditions. And apparently on the chosen day, a large man called ‘Father Christmas’ would visit every home and deliver presents to families which usually consisted of toys and wanted material objects.
It was a very strange practice, Hosrius couldn’t deny that. He understood the basics of holidays and even Jirians had their days that were sacred but this particular holiday was odd. Why would anyone want to celebrate a large, elderly man breaking into their homes and leaving wrapped boxes under a tree? And it wasn’t like the tree was moved inside for the sake of keeping it alive -- it’s entire purpose was to sit, dressed up in lights and ornaments, until the holiday was over and then it was discarded. It was a terrible waste of natural resources. But to each their own, he supposed; there was no point in overthinking a celebration that wasn’t his own. The humans seemed to greatly enjoy it so who was he to judge? And if anything, it provided an ample opportunity to learn more about the culture.
So Hosrius had taken a carriage out from the Neutral Grounds and ridden it to the outskirts of Hargeon. It was the closest city to his base and he heard that it had quite the festival going on. He paid the driver the jewels required, dwindling his accumulated currency to the barest of bones. Then he set out, walking down the path that would lead him to the portside city. It was only a few mile walk, nothing he hadn’t done time and time again.
And yet, something was off. He could feel it in the air; while winter had certainly brought a hard chill to the world around, Hosrius could sense something even colder. His gait slowed to a careful walk as his eyes narrowed, glancing about the area for some sign of whatever was tracking him. Had his target already discovered his arrival and decided to take him out first? He came to a complete stop, his arms slighting bowing out from his body as he got into a fighting stance. One hand slid back onto his utility belt and pulled out what looked like a tablet, just about the size of his palm.
But before he could do anything else, a small, specter-like girl materialized in front of him. Shocked the appearance of the ghost, he was frozen as she reached out and planted her hand against his forehead. His vision clouded over and suddenly he was thrown into a gallery of moving images, each one a memory from his past. His head swung around in all directions as visions from his former missions and bounties played out, somehow the reel managed to play the ones that had always left a blemish on his mind and soul. He gasped softly as he took in the sights of his worst deeds, his mind trying to rush and catch up with what was happening.
“Cem eh u vyugseh,” he cursed in Jiri as his hand flexed. He managed to press the button his thumb had been on, depressing it. The box in his hand opened up quickly, plates sliding over one another as the weapon within opened up. His rail sniper rifle formed in a manner of seconds and then, somehow through the vision, Hosrius managed to find the trigger and pull it, letting off a blast of compressed energy into the ghost. It vaporized the being instantly, releasing him from the trance. He stumbled backwards, shaking his head frantically as he brought his rifle up into position, the barrel swinging around in case the spirit returned.
MEL @ WW