Hardfought stood quietly in the catacombs beneath what was once paris. It was a rather dismal place, lined with bones, and directly matching the old streets above. An eerie glowing fungus lined the walls-the effect of a local Epic by the name of Corruption, and this fungus provided the main illumination. It was seen above ground, of course, but down here, in the dank waterways of New-France, it thrived. His armored boots destroyed patches of it with every step, leaving a luminescent trail behind him.
He stopped at a corner on the walkway. A canal drifted past him, ornate bone archways passing overhead, and waited. It didn't take long.
"Ah…." He breathed through his helmet.
"You are late, Starfire."
The high epic turned, his armor scraping slightly, and set a hand on the Katana at his hip.
Before him stood a rather tall epic, roughly six foot, who gritted his teeth as he bowed.
"Truly, your senses are miraculous, Hardfought."
The high epic knew that Starfire, a powerful illusion epic, would be unnerved that he had been detected-not after a while, or when it was desired, but as he arrived.
Hardfought grunted. "I assume you have some other purpose in summoning me here to this dank city than to flatter me."
Starfire swallowed. Hardfought figured that Starfire had not encountered many high epics other than Darkstorm-who was in charge of New France now, and Damnation, who Darkstorm had overthrown. Both were showy types, fond of flattery. Hardfought was not.
"Darkstorm, has a proposition."
"And why should I accept her propositions?"
Starfire swallowed. "She is most willing to accomadate your requests, Hardfought."
"Very well, what request has your mistress sent you to beg me for?"
Hardfought was growing impatient.
Starfire responded quickly, wringing his hands.
"She merely requests that you delay your assault on New-France, seek out other lands, other empires, first."
"And what price is your mistress willing to pay for this? Capturing this City is the fastest path to my goals."
Starfire sensed his peril as Hardfought strengthened his grip on his Katana. It clashed, with his european armor, but rumors of his abilities had reached New France once the conquest had begun.
"Anything- item, or commodity- you request."
Hardfought relaxed his grip on the blade as he thought.
"I require only two things."
Starfire did his best not to relax.
"yes?"
"I require the finest quality European Greatsword, and a Slave."
"What manner of slave?"
Hardfought paused for a moment.
"The most beautiful that you can find. Or the city is mine."
There was a clap of thunder, and a brief flash of light, and Hardfought was gone-teleported back to his Forward camp.
Starfire sighed, picking up a radio.
"He's agreed."
"And?"
"Hunt the streets. Find the prettiest girl you can."
"we're on it."