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Prologue:[]
- 791
Details the events of the year X791 most notably the Tartarus arc which is a direct play off of that
Chapter 1: Reasonable Doubt[]
- ---two Months after the fall of Tartarus---Year X791
Dust and faint breaths of air echoed and reverberated around the enclosed cave that surrounded the individuals who were standing in the center piece of a deformed rock. Hidden in the shadows, five surviving members of the once famed dark guild of Tartaros stood. Defeated, humilated and their reputation ruined the remnants of the guild stood comtemplating their failure to defeat fairy tail and their future from this moment forward. "I don't think I need to mention the utter failure of our last chapter. Operation: Face failed horribly and the story of removing magic power from this continent is now closed. Master E.N.D. is missing and.. and.Kyouka-sama is dead". Sayla said containing her emotions to keep them from boiling over. Her inability to defeat that white haired human left a bad taste her in mouth. "I was bested by a mockery, a human with copied powers". Sayla thoughts ran rampant in her head as the events played back over and over. After giving Kyouka her curse powers she passed out and awoke to find they had failed and nearly everyone was gone.
"The Cube, Hell's Core, face, our resources, personnel and all my collected souls".Franmalth listed as his rage rose in his voice. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH THAT WILL COST??!!! HOW MANY SOULS WILL THOSE FAIRIES BE REQUIRED TO PAY!!!! ESPECIALLY THAT FIRE BREATHING ONE!!!!!." He ranted on and on. Stuck in the mushroom form which he obtained by having that blue cat absorb some of him. Franmalth lamented on each of the collected souls he lost especially his treasured one of Hades. "THERE ISN"T ENOUGH SOULS IN THAT GUILD TO PAY THE DAMAGES!!!" He bellowed once more, his voice shaking the caves slightly. He started hyperventaliting at the pure absurdity of it. "We had everything right there in the palm of our hands we came so close to reviving Master E.N.D and it was taken from us. This will cost more than a pretty penny oh no this will cost them five hundred thousand souls". Franmalth said attempting to calm his nervous outbreak some by thinking of exacting revenge in the worst way once he got his body back.
"I've got a bone to pick with the fire breathing punk too, that bastard beat me back in the town where I had everything running smoothly till he started eating my curse. Then before I get my hands on him I get beat by the dumb blond bitch and some weird ass spell she casted". Jakal said his anger seething through his teeth as he balled his fist up. "She literally pulled that spell out her ass and next thing I know im waking up and it's all over. Oh I can't wait to find them and blast them all straight to hell. Ima teach them a lesson and have some real fun with them". Jackal said more focused on the personal vendettas rather than the bigger picture. "By the time I am done with them they will be counting pieces of their flesh in the wind for what they did to me.... and our guild too". Jackal said adding te finality of his rant.
"Our reputation has been sullied and our dignity been trampled upon. This could have been avoided Jackal if you would have killed that girl early on quit playing. Then again I can say no different the human wielding iron beat me in my own domain where I had the upper hand. I subjected him to the depths of the Tenchi Kaimei and he still bested me. However my head is bloodied but unbowed. We shall regain our honor and dignity as true Demons of the books of zeref and banish the fairies to the depth of the underworld". Torafusa stated kicking rocks and dust nearby his foot. Though his battle was an honorable one he was still beaten and his curse was overcome by what he saw as last minute heroics. He had the iron slayer beat and out of nowhere it all changed before his eyes and he was beaten. That didn't sit right within his mind and given a second shot he would indeed finish the job.
"They destoryed my labotory and everything in it. it was the bitch with the pretty face and white hair," Mira I think it was Lamy said her face twisted in anger for a split second. "Oh im gonnna make her so ugly even her shadow will get scared and run, but first we must repair and rebuild to become stronger". She said placing her arm to her forehead as if she was straightening her gaze. Her flaky attitude and jump from anger to silly made her hard to take serious in such matter. "First thing we mst do is get some guys that look attrative this time around. Like how Tempesta looked after I fixed him. Damn did he look good. Hey can even look Kawaii like jackal does oh just thinking about gets me-
"Cut the shit!!" Jackal said cutting her next sentence short and glaring angrily at the small demon who was side-eyeing him. "I thought I made it clear none of that goofy shit when I blew your face off last time. Or maybe it wasn't strong enough for ya.. ya need a bigger one don't ya". Jackal declared as a sadistic grin came over his face. Slowing reaching out for Lamy who quickly used hr sliding curse to avoid being touched.
"Lamy is actually correct on part of her statement, we all carry contempt and new conviction to hunt down fairy tail and put an end to their saga. However, we don't have the means needed to fully end their story, we need to repair and rebuild immediately". We need new personnel and numbers to increase our strength. These new numbers can assist in gathering resources so we can begin the repairs for the new cube and then bring Hell's Core back online". Sayla said tapping her fingers on the deformed rock that rested in the center of their gathering. Her thoughts we're weighed down heavily by the loss of Kyouka. Among the former members of the Nine Demons Gates Kyouka was the closest to her heart, and while she held great respect for her guildmates, she did not have the same chemisty for them as she had for her. Vengance would be exacted and paid in full one day, but that day was not to come to pass today or anytime soon.
"If we are to truly start fresh on a new page we first must come to grips with the realization of what happened. We underestimated the fairies greatly and paid the price for it in the longrun. We must simply scrape our old story and cast off our doubts. Remember the taste of this failure, this humilation and savor it. Let it feed to the cinders of rage that boil deep witin us for the ones responsible. It is from those flames the underworld shall be revived, better, smarter, stronger than before and armed with the conviction to finish what we have started. Fairy Tail will pay." Saylas said feeling the angst rise not only in voice but in feelings. She was determined to take this loss, their loss and use it for new purpose and this time see it through to the very end.
"Uh Sayla thats all fine and dandy, but how the fuck are we suppose to go about recruting people. Where we gonna find people thats even good enough to join us. We can't just go scrapping at the bottom of the barrel to find new members". Jackal said already getting skeptical of this plan. Easier said than done was cleary the case here and Jackal didn't wanna be apart of anymore foolishness. "After what we did in that town we would be lucky if we don't get spotted and ratted out to the magic council".
"Worry not Jackal-san I have already researched a few individuals who have the qualities we need to join the netherrealm. It's just a matter of me swaying them to join us in writing our new chapter. They just need the right incentitive and they will gladly join our ranks. Of course they will not recieve full membership until they have propely been tested to ensure we can trust them". Sayla finished off turning her back to the rock and slowly walking toward the exit, the sunlight waiting to bath her skin and horns it's embrace.
"Jackal is right Sayla-san. Do you know how much it would cost us if we got caught in such a crucial stage such as this, our entire reconstruction operation will go under." Franmalth delcared in a way to remind his fellow Nine Demon Gate to remember what was at stake and the cost of reckless actions, namely looking at Jackal when he mentioned this.
Sayla stopped just short of the exit and smiled to herself concerning Franmalths comment. A former sense of arrogance rose within her bosom and seeped out into the rest of her. She then immediately remembered it was this same sense of arrogance that cost her before. Calming her mind and nerves she turned to her fellow Etherious. "The idea of a good sequel is that it learns from the mitakes that were uncovered in the first book. I do not plan to make the same mistake twice". Sayla said with great resolve, turning back toward the exit and proceeded with finding new recruits. The First two on her list was an interesting pair that she had been keeping tabs on for quite some time.
Chapter 2: Draft Day[]
Even today Crash I gotta admit, I never expected this outta you. Sub-Zero said still admiring the beauty of the Nakkai Islands. The last few months have been crazy as hell, firat I get kicked out the guild and branded a traitor for doing my job as a mage and now I discover that the daring disaster has been protecting and island. To top it off she comes here seeking peace and solace. At this rate we will run out of surprises, tell me Crash who else knows about this get away spot of yours. Subzero questions raising ihs eyebrows in the pure amazement of it.
"Very Few know of this island and it's going to stay that way Raido. Not like you can tell anyone now since you have been excommunicated, but you spill the beans on this place and I will spill your blood. Don't forget you still belong to me". Crash Bonnet reminded Raido of their fateful encounter just a few years ago. The hunt that led to Human and Etherious linking up to make an uncommon team of a sort. In the months we have been here tell me, have you come to grips with the reality of our situation. Crash asked the Ice mage as she stopped just before him within the sand. Having been walking on the coastline the two stopped and gaed at the scene of the rising sun in the east, dawning the start of a new day. This day brought much confusion but much insight.
"Its hit me like a ton of bricks and all at the same time. It was like watching a building come apart and just fall all over the place. First the little girl, the dark secret the council tried to erase off the records. I take it out with information detailing its appproval and I get branded as a criminal and dark mage by the same guild I helped and country I once protected. Then I get kicked out and find my partner this entire time neglected to tell me she was a demon from one of Zeref's books". Subzero said ending his tirade in a long exhale that summed up the sequence of events mostly. "Beyond the bullshit of everything else, you could have said something. I dont care if you were an Etherious you had my back all this time, hell when I got excommnicated you hung in there with mewhen everyone else branded me a traitor". SubZero said picking up a rock into his hand and skipping it across the water, his eyes on the ripples that spread out upon the rock impact on the water.
"Well know you know what I am, I am an Etherious, a demon from Zeref's books. The daring diaster to the world, but Nature Maiden Goddess here. Anyone can get a fresh start and its was here I saw myself as more than just some demon from the books of some dumbass who wants to kill themselves. Besides me telling you what I am wou"- Crash stopped abrutly as she sensed the prescence of another that was slolwy walking to them. Her hunting senses were keen and sharp as a tact as she turned toward the direction of the figure. I sense Zeref's magic within them but who, and how the fuck did they find this land. Crash's thoughts were running a mile a minute as the figure began speaking in it's slow steady approach.
"You two are writing quite the tale. The story of a human and demon who have developed the us against the world attitude. Their backs to the wall as an entire country and guild hunt them down as rabid dogs for their crimes. One half we have a human who is becoming what he once hunted, his life pulled by strings he could not see, the events all planned out. On the other a demon from the one of the books of our lord Zeref who sought and lived for the thrill of the hunt yet now she wishes nothing to do with our lord. As fate would have it your tales would be intertwined and now you two have combined for your own chapters. The voice came from the figure that soon appeared from the thick underbush of the tree. her horns and red eyes coming into view as she moved closer toward the light
"I'll be damned its only one person that I know that speaks like that. Long time no fucking see Sayla, clear moon sky Demon". Crash said placing her hands on her hips and leaning back slightly. How the hell did you know about this island I never mentioned this to anyone". Crash was wholly confused as to how Sayla found the island, and even more curious as to why she was here. She couldn't put her finger on it but she could feel something within her got excited. Seems once again action found its way back at their feet.
It is nice to see you as well Daring Disaster, it wasn't easy but I have my sources still despite some setbacks. Far as my business here it actually concerns the both of you. Sayla said calmly sauntering toward Crash and Subzero's spot by the edge of the coastline. Her stide was equally as calm as the aura of her approach. I bring news that the netherworld has need of your talents, you both fit the requirements needed for its revivial and restablishment. After our battle with Fairy Tail Tartaros was left in ruin, our members cut in half, our resources gone, our home gone. Sayla said as she caught herself before she went any further. She was to keep personal feelings out of the recruitment process. Her crimson red eyes darted over to both Crash and Subzero as she awaited an answer. Will the two of you be joining the underworld. yes or no?.
Subzero thoughts hit him like a runaway train, a dark guild, joining a dark guild. This wasn't even a question, it was a joke a bad one too. However things had changed recently. Sayla's eyes darted back and forth among them, while Crash stared at Raido awaiting his answer. Subzero would have thrown up in his mouth at the thought of allying himself with a dark guild, especially one as infamous as Tartarus. However, in light of the recent events that unfolded with him in the center his faith and trust in legal guilds and the council was broken beyond repair. The lies, coverups and even making him the scapegoat was still fresh on his mind. The betrayal was beyond forgiveness and he made a promise to the little girl he would bring down every single person remotely involved. A process made easier with the help of a group like Tartaros. Though his humanity was telling him no as loud as an alarm clock in the morning, another part of him felt thrilled at what awaited. He could finish what he set out to do, for the girl, to his father and that research, everything could be nipped in the bud.
"I've been branded as an enemy to the same country and guild I once stood for proudly. I ain't got nothing to look forward to and no where I can call home but this island. I go where I am needed and if the Underworld needs me, then im here for the ride. Ive got some scores to settle, and Tartarus puts me right where I need to be to get it done". Subzero said fixing his shades on his face. There was a time he would have rather rolled in his grave than ever join a dark guild, he would never. Well theres a reason they say never say never as now a dark guild was the only place Raido could go beyond this island that could help accomplish his goals. Where some say he would have fallen so low, he only saw the rise that awaited in him the form of a one word answer.
"Fuck it im in as well". Crash said, her elation written all over her face. She just knew the appearance of Sayla meant something exciting was bound to happen. No less than she expected Subzero seemingly was once again going to be at the center of the action. After a series of boring hunts its would be her running across of all things a Devil Slayer that brought her the thrill she sought. She smiled as she chosen her running mate well.
Sayla narrowed her eyes at Subzero, after hearing the truth about Silver she was determined to keep an eye on this one. Though the circumstances were different he was still a human and a Devil Slayer at that. Though she could see he was undergoing some changes due to the nature of his magic, he would have to earn her trust through action not words. Shifting her eyes over to Crash she noticed Crash seemingly followed the Devil Slayer and stuck to him, something drew her to him and though she couldn't put her finger on it right away, she was content to know they would join the underworld.
"Come then, we have much to do and other members to recruit if we are to restablish the Cube. I will give you the coordinates of the location we are using to mask our movements. Once I return I will give the both of you the full brief on our goals as a guild and everything else". Sayla delcared handing each of them folded up pieces of paper she held in her sleeves.
Looking back toward the rising sun which signified the dawning of a new day. All of a sudden this new sunrise had far more meaning and symbolism to it than ever before. More than just the start of a new day, but the beginnings of a new path. A renewed sense of purpose now awaited those very same horizons that Subzero once could not see over. Now with the invitation to Tartarus, it seemed as clear as it ever has.
Having successfully recruited the Etherious known as the Daring Disaster, and her running mate Devil Slayer. The first portion of her mission had been completed. This operation would need to be carried out delicately in order to stay out of the council's sight long enough to recover fully. Before Tartarus was known for it's ability to move in a clandestine fashion and stay off the radar. A form they would need to return to for the time being. As she rummaged through the thick lush forest seekin her escape from the isolated island she reminded herself that once she made it back to the mainland she was to send a message to a certain someone. Relaying the message that the underworld was on the move once more.
Chapter 3: Arid Winter[]
- Location: A few meters away from Black Vox Prison
Surrounded by the arid drylands of the desert the vast land seemed to stretch on forever as the sand piled high in the distance creating a horizon which reached out toward the sky. A few meters in the distance a large cube like structure hovered in the air rotating slowly undisturbed. The area around the cube showed next to no resistance. Sayla, SubZero and Crash ducked behind one fo the many large plateau's that were huddled around the area.
"Though the two of you have been deemed members of Tartarus you will be required to earn your keep within the guild. That keep will be the prologue of the story you write with us. Your mission is simple. With the specific skill set the both of you possess it should be easy for you both. The mission is simple a few meters ahead is the famous Black Vox the two of you will come up with a plan to storm the prison and steal the information on the technology they use to create the their cubes. With that information in our hands we can immediately get started on repairs to our island". Sayla said softly, laying out the foundation of the mission for her two operatives. "If you succeed this will be your true membership into Tartarus as one of the New Nine Demon Gates should you fail.... well then you two will not be worthy of the underworld and you both will be left to rot here". Sayla said her eyes cold and unforgiving at the thought of their failure. She quickly headed off leaving the two to their own devices.
"Alright this is where you, your tactics and all that other planning shit you do comes in handy because clearly we ain't getting in doing it my way. I thought we would be able to just storm the place steal the schematics and be out, but nooo these retards just had to build a fucking prisons that opens from the inside out". Crash lamented as she was more so interested in the fun that awaited her on the inside, rather than the plotting to get in. This was more Raido's thing. "Tell me you got some good news you know how I like it too so what you got for me". Crash said enticingly licking her lips near the crouched Raido's ear, she could barely contain her excitement, within her it boiled as a cup ready to overflow
Sub-Zero mainstained his crouched position as he ran his eyes over the cube, equations appeared in his head as he studied the structure and environment. Behind the dark shades that rested on his face his eyes were hard at work his thoughts slowly forming. If it good news your looking for I got just what you need. It's a risk, but with our situation its go hard or go home. We can use our status as criminals to gain entry, ill create the handcuffs to bind us both and create the ice clone in the form of one of my old guild members to present us as prisoners. Since we both are wanted criminals they will be more than happy to take us in. The moment that cube opens it's game time, we strike hard and fast. Ill help with the initial attack but also use my Super Archive to do a quick scan of the area and break their decryptions so I can hack it and get us out. Raido said finally putting the plan in words for Crash to hear. Using his Ice Devil Make: Forge Master. Raido created a pair of icy handcuffs that materialized out of thin air with great detail within their design. They were made in the image of the magic sealing ore cuff used to imprison mages. Don't be shy now love, try on your new bracelets and see if you like them. Raido joked seeing Crash's reaction to him creating the handcuffs and holding them before her gaze.
"Oh I knew you had a kinky side to you, this giving you any ideas Raido cuz I got a few of my own I didn't know you looked so good in cuffs". Crash said raising her eyebrows in a enticing manner at Raido. After years of working together and being there for each others best and worst moments the two had incredible rapport among each other. There humor knew no bounds between each other. Raido simply laughed and shook his head at Crash's revelation as she was prepared to place her cuffs around her wrist. The cold stung her wrist as this was still Devil Slayer magic, but the slight sting was something she could bear.
"Cuffs, check now to create the clone who will kindly see us in. Ice Devil Make: Mock Clone." Raido uttered as he created a body of ice that took on human shape and form. Using his ability Cryokinesis he shaped the ice to resemble that of his past guildmate Raizo Ozunu and quickly worked on the features to make it appear as life like as possible. he could mentally control the clone for a short time and that was be all the time they needed to start the storm on the prison. After securing his cuff and Crash did hers the Raizo ice clone held them both by their ice magic ore cuffs and escorted them to the direction of the cube Where a small screen appeared to screen and check out those who ventured close to the cube. Game time was about to commence.
'*** ELSEWHERE, SOMEWHERE NEAR MAGNOLIA ***
A young boy with a tail, and a young girl with a little blue dragon on her head walked towards Magnolia, both looking gleeful, when all of a sudden, the boy stopped dead in his tracks. Giving a quick glance to the side, before turning to the girl who is inquiring what he's doing. "Er, I gotta go do something, personal matter. Sorry, Yui. I'll see you later!", the boy says before dashing off in the opposite direction. "Mar Avus.", he says as the spell gives him a pair of space-matter wings and he takes into the sky at impressive speed.
Soon, the boy arrived at an eerie, death-ridden location, and he dispersed his wings. " 'Bout time you sent that signal, Milady.", he whispered to himself as he walked towards the entrance, his tail swinging side to side. He walked into the cove, and let out a roar to let the lesser demons (those that survived, anyway) that he had arrived, and dark pillars leading to a throneroom lit up with dark blue flames at their tops the entire way there. Reaching the make-shift throneroom (carved out of rock, until the new base is secured), Tsukisasu inhaled, and sighed eerily. Moving to his designated throne beside Master Sayla's, he made himself comfy and snapped his fingers. A man who looked to be barely in his Mid-20s scampered over with shacked hands, and only a tiny, torn, tattered loincloth keeping him decent. His face was handsome, yet so beaten and bruised at the same time. "Bring me my wine, now.", Tsukisasu hissed as the man scurried off to do so, and afterwards Tsukisasu looked around him at the empty rock thrones. "Soon...soon Tartaros will be back...and stronger than ever. We will have Fairy blood running down our throats by the next full moon.", he chuckled as the slave returned with his wine, giving it to the demon. Tsukisasu scowled at the slave. Sipping it down in one go, tossing the cup at the man's face with a clang as he just stood there. "The wine was adequate, barely. You? YOU WEREN'T FAST ENOUGH!! I GREW IMPATIENT, FOR THAT YOU WILL BE PUNISHED, YOU PIECE OF DIRT SLAVE!!!", Tsukisasu roared out as he grabbed the human's throat and activated his King of Thieves Curse: absorbing every ounce of life-force, soul, Magic power as the man screamed in absolute agony, until there was nothing left. The man decayed to a skeleton in just seconds, before turning into dust. The Blue Blade of Death lived up to his name.
He sighed in agitation, and thought to himself as he leant back in his rock throne, "Milady Sayla...we will avenge your Kyouka-sama. I will have Titania's head in my hands...and her under my boot. She must pay for her actions. The Fire Dragon Slayer...the Celestial Mage...the pathetic Devil Slayer...and the little brat, they will all make for good toys for me. Or statues, either works. Tartaros is a force to be reckoned with. The true power of which cannot even be fathomed by the sad little mutts they call "Mages". It's only a matter of time...until our True King arrives home to play. The reign of END will come, just you watch Fairy Tail. Just you watch!!", he continued as he looked towards an opening leading to a high clifftop, and proceeded to cackle with such a tone that it sounded ecstatic, psychotic, and satanically wild at the same time as it echoed around the cove and unnerved every creature and slave present.
'*** Meanwhile, BACK AT BLACK VOX ***
A dark figured appeared on the screen before them silently, scanning the situation over and made no sudden movements. He was shrouded in darkness so his face was well hidden behind the dark embrace. One of the smaller cubes orbiting the much larger cube seemed to come down to the surface level to get a better view of the situation. After much silence and scanning the figure finally broke silence with simple yet reassuring words. "Let them in"
On the surface side of the cube directly in front of them a square like opening grew large to omit all three within the interior of prison itself. Once inside the square immediately closed and within the cube the two could really have a chance to see first hand the atmosphere. The are within the cube was a gargantuam white room filled with a vast amount of smaller cubes which floated aimless in the air all over the interior. The room appeared to be an endless abyss, white and endless stretching on for seemingly forever. A place of true nothingness meant to inspire despair and discourage the chances of escape.
"Bring the prisoners to the central control tower where they can be processed and placed in their holds. I want this done quickly my shift is nearly over". A voice boomed over what appeared to be a central audio system as a free floating platform appeared for thenm to stand on. This would carry them over to the central tower where a handful of guards stood prepared to greet them at the central control tower. The central control tower was much like other structures within the cube and was a cube shapes entity, though much larger in contrast with the black cubes which seemed as functioning prison units. It had a myriad pattern of lines that held no true functional value nor made out any paticular shape, however just as the platform made it's way to the edge of the tower Raido and Crash both noticed a control node computer. The node stood erect behind the guards with one person operating it, as he did two smaller black cubes came to life and began drifting to the edge of the cube where the two would be forced into for their confinement.
"Looky here, looky here former Nemean Lion Sub-Zero and his little demon bitch from the books of Zeref. You two don't look so tough". One of the guards said with a smug sounds voice. Their faces were protected comfortably behidn their veiled white uniforms. The veil much like the uniforms were mostly white with intricate rectangles going down the center, taking on the appearance as buttons which fastened their coat. As the platform carrying all three occupants was brought to the center of the guards right before the panel the rest of the guards were laughing and cracking jokes at the expense of both prisoners.
"Looks can be deceiving, but then again your height you probably already knew that, a boy who tries so hard to be a man. Subzero said as he smiled showing his unnatural sharp canine teeth looking over at the guards and back at Crash who was equally smiling. The moment she waited for was finally on hand. Standing at 6 ft 5 Raido stood head and shoulder above the guard who spoke first to them. Which began Raido's first target as he returned the insult to the guard.
"Huh?? Fuck you just say to me?? You're an arrogant one aren't you. You are in no position to crack jokes here fool". The guard spoke behind his veil, the wind from his breath slowly lifting the veil from his face. As he looked around for confirmation his retort as witty for at least a laugh or snicker from his peers. "Besides your the one standing in the bad spot you and your little whore here will be spending the rest of your life in prison". he said snickering at what was momentary satisfaction.
"A life which for you... ends... NOW!!!!. Raido bellowed as he and Crash both crouched as fast as the both of them could. Using this low center of gravity Raido relied on his techings of capoeira of the negativa to get as low to the ground as possible. Using his gifts of cyrokinesis and Ice Devil Slayer magic Raido balled up his fist which set off a violent explosion from the ice clone from the waist up that was crafted in the image of Raizo. The sudden explosion sent massive ice shards flying off in every direction. The shards sailed over the heads of the ducking Raido and Crash and immediately struck and impaled each of the guards that encircled them in the in random body parts. Shards struck faces, throats, midsections and even crotch area , quickly penetrating their flesh and enlodging deep within them. The force from the impact of flying shards sent each of the guards backwards in their respective directions, blood slowly spiling out from the serious wounds and even killing a few of them immediately. He stood up and simply broke free of the cuffs as did Crash who joined him in rising to her feet. LETS MOVE!!!!! Crash bellowed as she immediately went on the offensive while Raido went straight for that computer node.
"We got nothing but space and opportunity so lets fuck shit up". Crash said with great exhilaration in her voice. All to excited to be given this opportunity to cut loose. Some of the guards who weren't killed in the shard storm got up wounded but still willing to fight as more platforms of guards platforms came rushing over to quell the insurrection orchestrated by the two new residents. Crash then leaped into the air and prepared her Rumble Spell began enveloping her lower half in a powerful tornado which extended to the ground below and slammed into the platform of guards with a force so great it smashed completely through the platform. The guards didn't even have time to fall as they were trapped within the winds of the tornado, and strung about within it's powerful grip, as Crash only spun the wind faster. Suffocating them slowly and then tossing them about into another oncoming platform which scattered even more of the guards tossing them off their platform harmlessly into the abyss of the white room below. More guards and platforms piled onto the central control tower and despite the numerical superioty Crash was excited her blood rushing to the surface of her skin as she felt it the lust for thrill course through her body. A feeling she so missed and once again Raido provided her with. This thrill seeking had become a drug for Crash, a high she could not find anywhere else but in wrecking havoc on her targets of choice.
Holding her arms in the air Crash wraped them both in power winds that soon enevloped her upper body adding to the speed and wind index of her lower half twister and she began to "Bounce" her tornado around the area slamming into ground where guards and soldiers where landing on the control toward and smashing into them violently. Throwing them about with such force in all directions that a few of them went flying into the direction of her working partner Raido. Who was being shaken from the effect of Crash smashing into the ground with her tornado powers. She lived up to her name as of the Calamity, wrath of nature. YEAH!!!!!!! Crash laughed and yelled inbetween each slam she had into the ground using her tornado as buoyance device to bounce.
"With Crash looking out for the guest of honor Ima slide through here and check out what's on the menu on the terminal." Raido said placing his large gloved hand over the computer. A large holograpic screen appeared underneath Raido's hand, complete with a screen interface and a keyboard. Putting his Super Archive magic to work to hack into the computer and begin the three step plan. His Hi-Jack Encryption Key spell would help him quickly hack into the system and do a reverse information transfer. Remember the plan. Step 1 Deal with the guards and personnel and beging the sequence of operation Shut down any and all line of communication with the magic council or outer forces.. Step two: Gather any and all source of important information pertaining to the cubes systems, functions, structure and intergral schematics. Step three: Leave no surivors. As of now everything was going according to plan. Subzero said amongst his thoughts, his fingers typing on the holographic interface at light speed to quickly move. Within Moments a holographic medium size globe appeared above the hand of Raido which he grabbed and move to the outside and clicked it. Pressing it started a countdown with numbers on it which quickly began counting upwards from 00 to 01. The number rose slowly and steadily as Raido smiled with great satisfaction. He turned only to be greeted with a guard sailing through the air toward the direction of his face and control node.
Coating his arms with a sheet of ice beneath sleves Raido held his hand forward to catch the flying guard. Raido's wide hands caught the guard directly in the center of the spine. Planting his Foot Raido used his center to withstand the force and simply resist the moment with his own superior strength. Upon contact The guards was flash frozen over and landed on the ground with a thick thud. Looking over at Crash he could see and hear her elation to be in the midst of combat and putting her curse powers to work. He then noticed more platforms rushing over to the control tower carrying them them much bigger and more imposing armed guards. Looking back at the time from his magic which was decrypting the control panel he saw the number 23% completes which slowly rose to 24. Another pair of guards went flying overhead his side of the control as a large smashing sound went off behind him, screams of agony and pain rang off into the air behind him. However he was more focused on the gaurds now touching the platform rushed toward him and the computer node he was hacking. Walking in front of the computer and standing before it and the incoming guards Raido fixed his shades and squared up getting in his Cryomancer Silat stance slowing prepaing his offensive.... "Time to start putting guards in body bag" Raido said as the cold vapor radiated from his mouth and arms.
*** BACK AT THE COVE ***
Tsukisasu sits on his rock throne, tapping his longer nails on the armrest boredly. Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap. Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap. Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap.. "FOR THE RAGE OF SATAN, WHAT IS TAKING THEM SO LONG?", yelled the impatient Demon as he rose out of his chair. He walked to the cliffedge and let the sea breeze flick his hair and tail in the wind. Sighing in irritation, he turned to one of his human slaves. A woman. "You. Go to the Vox and see what is taking Master and her new pets so frickin' long to wipe out a bunch of humans and break someone out.", he said to the woman with a stern tone, before she nodded and moved to the exit, however she could not flee for her life - a set of Organic Link Lacrima cuffs can kill her instantly if she tries to break them.
Tsukisasu returned to his throne and slumped into it. He glared at multiple servants around the room, and upon snapping his fingers, a man and a woman approached him and began to amuse him with various actions. Comedic acts. Sensual dances and movements. Before he promptly orders them both to sit on his lap, which they do, warily. However, as soon as they do, he ignites their bodies on fire, and laughs wildly as they run around trying to stop the flames from hurting them, slapping his knee and nearly keeling over. He then gets bored again and makes the flames disperse, leaving them burned horribly, barely standing. He walks over to the woman, and uses his Stone Eyes Magic to turn her into a statue. He then proceeds to do the same to the man. He punches through the petrified man, shattering the stone object into dust. He then walks back to the petrified woman, and lifts the statue with one hand. He proceeds to turn her back to normal, but he is holding her by the neck. He runs his free around around the more private areas of her body, but seemingly disapproves. And so, he throws her off the cliff to meet her end, down towards the rock layer below. He moves to his temporary chambers to be alone, uninterested in anything else. He flops down his bed and stares at the ceiling, and then looks left. He gives a devilish smile to what he sees. Multiple, worn-out slaves chained to the wall. Again, a man and a woman, and he gets up...and walks over to them. Minutes later, their screams, thuds that sound like heavy impact against rock, and Tsukisasu's growls and snarls echo throughout the cove as the other servants try to ignore it and go on with their business, all of them nervous for the return of Master Sayla.
*** BACK AT BLACK VOX ***
A monsterous cracking sound was unleashed on the Control tower as Crash punched the grwound causing it to open up like a flower as a large number of gaurds were flung liek rag dolls from her immense strength. Looking up she saw another few foot soldiers preparing what appeared to be a unision raid to strike from a long distance. Placing all her weight on her dominant foot she launched herself forward ABERRANT INFERNO!!!! Crash exhaled meteor-sized sphere of flames that lit the area on her side up with a red glare and a huge explosion ensued as the even the the control tower beneath her side slowly cracked under the immense pressure of the blast. The ground was charred black from being exposed to such high indexex of heat. The guards once rushing her side rediced to charred remains that simply crumbled among itself. Man I haven't felt a rush this good since before we got on the island. You sure know how to show a girl a good time Raido, I enjoyed our little warm update. Crash said kicking the ashes of her once enemies off the edge of the control tower. Their dust fell much like rain harmlessly into the all white abyss deep below.
Raido balled his fist and shattered the guard he recently froze that he touched who came the strike earlier, having shattered him the other guards stopped their rushing approach and went for a circle like atmosphere to use their numbers to corral the acrobatic style of fighting but also be wary of getting touched by him. Looking over the Control panel he saw a few aimless guards tryin to destroy the node rather than let him take it over. Reading the screen he saw 92% soon moving to 93% and decided since the time was nearly up, so was theres and this little game. Ain't happening. Raido said flicking his right arm and wrist which w causing a small sound of wind to release from the movement. He invoked the Instantaneous Freeze' spell. Immendiately the guards circling him were flash frozen encased in the ice alive. They looked like sculptures each crafted with their own stance, pose and caught in some form of motion.
"Business before pleasure ladies, so just sit back, chill out for a moment and we can finish this discussion later". Raido said walking up to the control panel laughing at the predicaments of the frozen guards. As he approached the panel he saw the 99% finally make it too 100% Decryption complete. Touching some of the buttons on the holographic interface Raido saw that he now had full control of the Cube's systems and began to sever all communications lines, links, and other security systems that could be used to deter their mission. Crash sauntered over and looked over his shoulder to see get a better eye on the situation and then to Raido for confirmation of a complete mission. He simply nodded and and made preparpations to contact Sayla to inform her of the status.
"Sayla, Sub-Zero here. There's been a change of plans, Crash and I decided we would bring you a nice house warming gift so here it is, not only do we have what we need to make our own cube, but we have taken this one over as well. The current personnel here has already been wiped out and dealt with. Ive severed all lines of communication from the cube to the Magic Council of Both Neo Arcadia and Fiore. We have complete control over the structures systems, gravity transportation as well as it's outer defenses. Welcome home". Raido declared as he pressed a few button on the interface which caused the same square like opening to once again reveal itself, a square like platform appeared from thin air and rushed to opening to bring forth Sayla into the cube. SLooking around she took in the cube and was impressed not only with the size bt the substitute they would have for the rebirth of Hades island.
"Nicely done and even above my expectation", this is a good first start, not only did you complete your missio but you covered yor tracks and made alterations to it". Sayla said her head turning in all directions looking at the mess that remained. Dead bodies litered all about, frozen body parts scatter all amongest the top of the control tower as well as a few frozen guards that were left. Though impressed Sayla was not fully convinced on the Devil Slayer just yet, after all Silver played his part well and still was determined to bring forth judgement on tartarus. For now he earned his keep but her eye was going to remain on him.
"We left you a few guards to brighten up the place, they wont be going anywhere at all". Raido said looking at the handy work of his powerful freezing abilities. His Ice Devil Slayer magic lived up to it's claim and he lived up to his codename of SubZero.
"Congratulations to the both of you, you have cemented you place as members of the underworld and the new Nine Demon Gates. However our work is not yet done, this vicotry here was but us turning over the next page in our story. The next chapter is where everything truly begins. Contact the rest of the members and give them the coordinates here". Sayla said as she gave the place another look over. It had potential but a series makeover would be needed to truly revive their home. For now they had the blueprint to bring forth Cube II....
*** AT THE COVE ***
Tsukisasu's face lit up when he finally received some interesting news. The new base was ready, one of them anyway. "Finally. Hey, HUMANS!! Listen up. I've received co-ordinates for our new, soon-to-be-better base. Time to go.", Tsukisasu says as he raises a hand. Using his Territory Magic, he warps the slaves in a large orb of the spacial matter to the new base, while he remains where he is. "Now to make sure no one ever knows we were here...", he snarls as he looks around. He removes his sword from its sheath on his left hip. "Mar Avus", he continues, forming a pair of wings made from spacial matter on his back, and he flies out onto the cliff, and onwards. Turning to face the cove as he raises his sword above him, his body surges with Magic Power. His sword increases to ten times its original size: its real size. As a result, Tsukisasu's power is amplified wildly. His sword begins to shimmer. "Meteor...", he says as the sword shines with a bright, golden light, "BLADE!!", he finishes with as a humongous pillar of light emerges from the sword, and he brings it down on the cove, completely obliterating it and any evidence that Tartaros was even there in a colossal explosion. Chuckling at his work, he shrinks and sheaths his sword once more, and submerges himself into a warping orb of spacial matter, teleporting himself to the new base
Appearing in the Black Vox, Tsukisasu (still in Etherious mode) walks towards Sayla with a dark grin on his face. "Love what your new pets did with the place, Milady.", he chirps. "It's almost as stunning as yourself.", he smirks at her as he walks past his Master slowly, his scaly tail swaying gently left and right behind him. He walks up a set of stairs, and observes the view from a higher vantage point, looking around him, somewhat (but not entirely) impressed. "Got enough ice in here?", he sarcastically asks. His gaze turns to the newbies. "So this is them, huh?", he says, "Hm. I don't care enough to see what they can do for real, but maybe in the future I'll catch a glimpse.", he ends his sentence with.
Behind Tsukisasu came Jackal, Torafusa, Lamy, Yakigdora who carried Franmaulth on his back. Tartarus, while not a full strength had the full brunt of it's members here. Their home right now was in it's raw form and had plenty of work to do but soon with some work could resemble everything that the original Cube had but better.
For years I had demons like them for lunch, dinner and breakfast, even came back for a snack. Yet here I am in a room full of them and they act just like the guild I left. Same circus different clowns. Raido said rummaging through his thoughts. He observed the rest of his guild and studied them closely. Well Crash guess this is our new home away from home now. Till we get started on the repairs of everything. Subzero said looking over at Crash who largely seemed disinterested in the situation around her.
"Ah so you two are the two new members of Tartarus huh? Well Its always good to meet a fellow Etherious, but let me make something perfectly fucking clear to you "Devil Slayer". Jackal said pointing at the the man dressed in all black. Last time we had a Devil Slayer here and A hybrid they both betrayed us. You happen to be both. Now I will admit you did a good job here with this shit, but if I find out you got some plan to betray us like Silver or Minerva did I will personally make sure you dont live to see the end of it, you got me?" Jackal said with a menacing voice. "I aint fucking around here I mean it". Names Jackal by the way.
Jackal have some dignity do not judge someone based on the actions of others. "I am Torafusa, forgive my friends stubborness and cruelity. However he does make a point, the sting of their betrayal still resonates with us deeply, you being a Hybrid demon and a Devil Slayer of course we have our doubts about your reasons for joining the underworld. However in time we shall see where your loyalty lies". Torafusa said in an elegant manner.
"Damn Honey, you look good, smell good and even dress good. I gotta say the shades and that scar is really turning me on to you. Lamy said sliding up and around Subzero checking him out all over. To think I was once sad that we lost a hunk of a man like tempesta after I fixed him, yes it hurt, but Now after seeing a man like this... this Subzero. I can now work knowing I have a piece of candy to look at". Lamy said placing her forearm to her head and looking far into the distance. To where she was looking the world would never know but whatever was over there she seemed to see it.
Raising his eyebrows Subzero looked at the rest of his guildmates after Lamy's outrageous declaration. "Is she always like this or is this something only I will have to put up with. Anyway let me break the ice here. One I joined Tartarus for my own reasons, none of which has anything to do with betraying any of you, you guys aren't on my radar. Two Jackal do me a favor don't threaten me with a good time. No offense, but all of you are small fries compared to what I have danced with before I got here. What matters is that im here for the ride and I got nothig against any of you. Simple as that." Subzero said in a calm, cool collected manner. The vapor that escaped his lips from when he spoke soon withered and vanished.
Crash was mostly uninterested in the conversation much less the fact she was surrounded by fellow Etherious, it was no different from her time with her Sister in a guild full of demons. She joined in for the sake of the thrill and was not fully interested in introductiosn to begin with so she decided to make it short. "Names Crash Bonnet, I'm an Etherious just like most of you and I came along with Subzero. Nuff said". Crash spoke not even making eye contact with any of her members, her intro was short and sweet and directly to the point. She never was one for big conversations and often said little to people. That same sentiment went for own people as well as humans.
"Um, hello? The original hybrid standing right here! Easy on the stings, dickheads.", Tsukisasu barks at the other Etherious from his perch. Afterwards, Tsukisasu casually danders down the steps towards Master Sayla. Stopping by her side, he hung his thumbs in his belt loops, and looked to her. "How goes progress with the island, Milady?", he asks her with quite a suave tone to his voice, as usual.
He turned his steely gaze to the other Etherious squaring up to the two new members, and sighed to himself. "Idiots.", he mumbled to himself, before turning his focus back to Sayla. His scaly tail swayed gently around in the air, and his blood-red eyes shimmer gently in the growing darkness as evening approached.
Chapter 4: Hades Island[]
- ---1 month after Black Vox Raid---Year X791
"Lord Sayla all plans of repairs are going according to plan, using the ice wielders Super Archive we were able to double our speed at planting the islands on the cube as well as our HQ itself, the HQ will be rebuilt in the course of the next few months and then we can focus our attention on Hell's Core". The worker said clutching his clipboard tightly repoting to Sayla.
"Excellent, Hades Island will need to take to the skies soon before The Magic Council begins to grow suspicious of Black Vox. For now we have managed to abate them by accepting prisoners as we would normally masking our members as guards. So long as we keep up this charade we should be in the clear". Sayla said removing herself from the control center and going near the control panel where Sub-Zero and Crash Bonnet both stood. Rubbing her chin Sayla noticed that this pair wasn't just mostly near each other. They were always together. Where Sub-Zero was Crash was not to far behind. Something about the man intrigued her fellow Etherious but she herself could not identify it. Not that it mattered.
"Sub-Zero how goes the search for the new recruits, did the code words I gave you help make the search for new members of the underworld easier". Sayla questioned, her eyes on the large globe that hung over his head as a reticle moved over and over the surface of the interface. The Super Archive was an incredible tool that made searching, gather information or locations much easier.
"So far everything is running smoothly on this worldwide scavenger hunt, using the directives you gave I found two Etherious that you mentioned having interest in and I've isolated their location and we can move out whenever". Sub-Zero turning his back on the panel and placing his hand in his pocket. The one named Selebus hasn't moved for quite some time, this other one I know personally.. Naazarine. Sub-Zero as he felt disgust rise in his stomach for a moment. He and her had a very troubling past. Crash's eyebrows raised slightly upon hearing her fellow maidens name.
"Then you have your mission Devil Slayer, go and recruit both members and bring them here. There isn't much work for you here since it would be a waste of your charisma to be used to repair the island and HQ. You both are wanted figures now so I dont think I need to tell you both to practice discretion and caution on the way there."Sayla said in confidence that the Slayer would once again come through for the sake of the guild. Though this Devil Slayer was working much like anyone else she did not place anymore trust in him then she had too. Knowing Crash would be by him she made sure to address her as well.
"Say less im on the move then". Raido said clicking the button on the control panel as he headed toward the opening the door on one of the square platforms, moving beside him was Crash. "I'm coming too, if I stay in this cube in longer I might just lose my damn mind, aint nothing to do in here and I need some fresh air". Crash stepped up just behind Subzero's shoulder in stature she was much smaller, but equally as powerful. Though it was only a recruitment mission she would rather do something that didn;t involve standing around doing nothing. Ater the platform dropped them down on the ground outside the two began to comtemplate how to travel there...
*** 136 MIles Away - 3:01am ***
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Master Sayla observes a guild hall from a near by cliff, her presence only known by one person, the one who was partnered with her for this - Tsukisasu. "It seems there are some drunken stragglers, Tsukisasu. This shouldn't even take us both to do it.", the new Tartaros Guildmaster spoke aloud, however without turning to face her fellow Demon. A simple mumble came in reply, and Sayla turned, giving a sigh similar to that of a bothered mother. Tsukisasu, meanwhile, was laying, au naturale, in what seemed to be a small, natural hotspring that would burn the flesh off of a normal person, with his clothes laying in a heap on the edge. "Heh. Not that it's ever difficult for us to take down even a populated guild in the first place, eh, beautiful?", he chimed out to the female demon, who responded with a sigh, "Also I do NOT suggest coming near me unless you want to see all'a-dis'", he said with a playfully smug voice. "Tsukisasu, this is not the time to mess around. Put your clothes on and go and take them out. Now.", Sayla ordered as she marched over to him, not even caring about his clotheless, shameless state. Tsukisasu groaned like a child being told it's time for bed, and climbed out of the spring. He left his clothes for now and walked to the edge of the cliff, with his feet slapping gently on the rain-soaked rock that made it, assigning his target. Collecting his clothes and putting them on, he did the 'trying-to-get-the-shoe-on' dance...and he ended up on his face, with his tufted tail going jagged from the impact.
After getting back to his feet, he crossed the distance of multiple miles in mere seconds with his incredible speed, and lurked just outside the door of the guild. He kicked the doors open and put his hands towards the ground. "Black Hole!", Tsukisasu roared as darkness poured like a river out of his hands, merging with the floor of the guildhall. This darkness started to suck every member present -- and that was practically all, it was a small guild, but still big enough to be problematic -- into it, never to be seen again. Only the Guild Master and what felt like an S-Class Mage remained, and Tsukisasu gave them a fanged smirk. Closing the distance between himself and the S-Class Mage, he constricted her with his tail, holding his sword to her neck. The Guildmaster went to charge, but Tsukisasu nicked the girl's neck, causing a small trickle of blood to run free, and the man stopped. "Good dog.", he growled as he threw the S-Class aside, and blurred over to the Master. Grabbing the middle-aged man's collar, he brought his sword down across his arms in a single, swift movement, severing the Mage's limbs as he cried out in agony. After, Tsukisasu simply used his Stone Eyes Magic to turn him to stone, and turned to the female S-Class Mage. "You might as well get SOME fun before you perish.", he smiled eerily as he grabbed her by the hair and threw her into another room. Following, he got to work, and 'played' with her, and at the end, he walked out with an unsettling smile, and blood-stained lips and teeth. "Hmph. Time to go night night.", he growled at the statue he left, and flicked a small, amber flame from his Rainbow Fire Magic onto the wooden floor, setting it alight as he happily pranced out of the building, and blurred back to his Master, Sayla.
"I see you had some fun while you worked, Tsukisasu.", she said mysteriously, while pointing as his red-stained face, "Next time, have the manners to clean yourself up after a snack.", she continued, as she turned and walked in the opposite direction of the blazing building, with a giggly Tsukisasu following shortly afterwards.