Zaelynir led the other three through the busy streets of Dis, buying time for Lance and Wake to visit whomever they needed to...but also, because they were in desperate need of supplies. Splitting up wasn't something that they had to do often...they'd worked together long enough to know that their skillsets only compounded when working together. However, the city of Dis was massive to the point of absurdity...if they were to cover ground quickly, it could not be as a group. Sending Stones would be the least of their worries...they'd plundered Alvesari quite well after its downfall, a hoard of wealth that they had few outlets to spend on. Dis would perhaps be just what they needed to gain the edge against Empyria.
The group wandered from stall to stall, looking at the various wares that were offered. Some were more mundane - foods, supplies, gear, something that the Syndicate had no issues with. Others, however, were of a notably higher magical affinity. Potions lined the back shelves of some stalls, others carried glinting weapons and armor that practically pulsed with magic. One could spend an eternity here searching for exactly what they wanted...which was the entire design of the city.
"See something you like, lass?" The incubus turned around, finding Phyrra being drawn into one of the stalls, an imp fluttering about within the space. Zaelynir walked back to join the group, eyeing whatever wares might have been inside...there wasn't much of note. A few items that seemed to be scraped out of the sewage, miscellaneous magical refuse that the greater devils had no interest in keeping hold of. It wasn't that it was weak...just that its presentation was far from appreciable.
"Um...do you have a pair of Sending Stones, perhaps?" Phyrra eyed the rest of the goods, not seeing much...she wasn't the one in charge of the Syndicate's funds, that role being left to Maul, and thus far this had been the only shop she knew would fit their price range. Next to her, the warforged stood nigh-motionless, observing the bustling world around him.
"Sending Stones...yeah, I'm sure I got one of those around here." The imp ducked backwards, flitting through the cramped stall as he rifled through items in his shop, a few strange moments going by until he surfaced, holding in his hands two stones. Each was etched in similar markings, markings that matched the pair of Stones that they had. "Sending Stones...anything else?"
"And are they a matched pair, imp?" Shavvir had finally taken interest in the situation, coming in just as the imp was trying to sell his wares.
"Course they are...if I gotta prove it, I'll prove it!"
Do so."
The imp immediately lost color from its face, holding out the other Sending Stone to the shadar-kai. It was clear he wasn't confident that they were a matched pair...but was willing to try. Shavvir grasped the stone and held it up to her ear, glaring at the imp. "Speak."
"Uh...yeah. Sure." Shavvir eyed the imp as it did so, seeing his hands move, small flecks of magic dancing off of them, low muttering in infernal she could only assume was the castings of some spell. The imp then held the Stone up, speaking out. "I told ya it works."
Shavvir heard the voice from the stone, immediately slamming the rock on the table with enough force to draw the attention of bystanders. "Without magic, filth! I know a cheap illusion when I see one. Find the pair." Shavvir tossed the Stone back into the stall, letting it fall amidst the other refuse before looking at the group. "I think we're done here. Someone in this damnable place will have what we're looking for, but not this wretch."
"And that someone would be me, madam...please, follow me." Shavvir turned around to find an overly-dressed tiefling, fine clothes that tread the narrow line between flamboyant and gaudy adorning his body. "I assure you I have everything that you could be looking for...and plenty more that you aren't." He winked at the shadar-kai, turning around as a billowing cloak spun to trail behind him.
"I...and who are you?" The question was spoken to deaf ears, the strange tiefling already nearly lost within the crowd that surrounded them. Begrudgingly Shavvir started to move after him...if he did have what they were looking for, now wasn't the time to pass it up. If he didn't...it wouldn't be the first tiefling to be claimed by Everlife. Shavvir pursued, the others quickly moving after her as they all left the imp in their wake.
"Next time dearie, try not to get distracted...you're fortunate that that imp was a blundering fool, others would have had your coin purse turned inside out within seconds."
Phyrra nodded, reaching down to her side to make sure that belongings were actually still by her side. "I just glanced in one spot for too long...an accident, nothing more. Let's be on our way...perhaps our second visit will be more profitable than our first."
"Yes...for both parties, likely." Shavvir soon stopped outside a stall that was thrust out in front of everything else, glittering wares of all varieties on display for all to see. The shop was equally as flamboyant as its owner, mismatched bright colors that had to have been purposely done solely to attract as much attention as it could. However, the wares within were expertly put on display, the more valuable among them even held within glass containers that no doubt had numerous wards placed on them.
"Come, come, to Rahaji's Marvelous Wares. What is it that I can interest you in my fair madam...certainly a woman of your refinement desires more than mere Sending Stones, no?" The tiefling, likely Rahaji himself, was already trying to entrap Shavvir within his folds, pointing and showing off the artifacts that he had collected, hands dancing over swords, shields, and scepters that all had to carry immense magical potential within them.
However, Shavvir had none of the ruse...she had her mission, and no amount of flattery and praise would divert her from it. "No...simply Sending Stones, if you will. I am in a hurry...provide them now, or I will find a far less disastrous of a merchant to procure them from."
"Fear not, fear not, Rahaji has what you seek right here!" Instantly in his hands was a set of the Stones, extending one out to Shavvir, holding another out to Zaelynir. "Test them yourselves, verify they are exactly what you wish! Satisfaction is always guaranteed...please, go ahead."
Zaelynir spoke softly into the one, Shavvir nodding as she heard the incubi's voice on the other end coming through clearly. The shadar-kai took the two and placed them on the table in front of her. "Acceptable. What is your price?"
"Oh, not much for trinkets such as these. Are you sure I cannot interest you in anything else? I have the finest selection of swords in the entire plane. I can tell yours is quite special...but perhaps you can do even better?"
Shavvir's passivity instantly dropped, her knuckled white as one hand clenched the table furiously. "Question the power or graciousness of my Queen again and the it shall be the last thing you ever do, merchant. Speak to me your price our business here shall be abandoned."
"I...very well." Rahaji's confidence faltered for a moment, his business composure immediately returning after a sharp breath. The two discussed price, Shavvir agreeing and handing over the necessary gold to the tiefling, performing one final check to verify that the wares they purchased were sound before departing.
"And you, miss...is there anything that catches your eye?" Rahaji immediately turned to Phyrra as the other two stepped away, having noticed that she had been eyeing many of his finer quality goods while her comrades were shopping.
"There is one, yes. That bow in the back...what is special about it?" Phyrra pointed to a bow in the far corner of the shop, oddly different than everything else Rahaji sold. The bowstring itself glittered with a brilliance to it...but the bow itself looked to be little more than simple wood.
"Oh, this? My, my, you have an eye for quality, lass. This bowstring here can enchant an arrow once per dawn, blessing it with quite the feat. The arrow can slip into the Ethereal plane as it travels...no walls, doors, or barriers can block its path! Even greater than that though, it places a mark upon whichever target it hits, allowing the wielder to know exactly where they are at all times...with certain, lenient rules being applied, of course. It is excellent for a tracker...is it perhaps for a special someone of yours?"
The drow immediately felt blood rush to her face, shaking it away. "Oh no, nothing like that...simply a travelling companion, nothing more." Under her breath, she repeated the phrase once again. "...nothing more."
Snapping to, she looked back up to Rahaji, eyeing the bowstring once again. "He has no need for the bow itself...but I would be willing to purchase the bowstring from you, if you would be so kind. Is there a price in mind?"
"For this...I do believe twenty five thousand gold pieces would be a suitable trade, do you not agree? For a tool of this power, this utility, I think that that is more than a fair price."
Phyrra's eyes widened...that was substantially more than she had on her person. "Oh. Well then, I apologize for wasting your time, I do not carry such funds with me at the moment."
As she started to turn, she heard the tiefling's voice from within the stall. "I am willing to compromise, of course...every good businessman is willing to see reason. Name your price, fair lady...perhaps Rahaji is feeling generous today."
Cautiously, Phyrra opened her coin purse, sifting through the coins that she kept on hand. Alversari's funds had lasted them quite a while, but they were starting to get depleted. However...would there be a use for gold for the rest of their journey? Perhaps the Shadowfell would care about currency, but not the extreme degrees here. Carceri, the Abyss...they were lawless places. Material wealth had no power there.
Phyrra tossed the pouch on the table, a few glittering pieces of platinum spilling out as it impacted. "That is my offer...that, and any one fact that you might wish to know, any fact written within a historical text either found or forgotten. It is all I can offer you, but I am willing to do so. Ask a question, however...and I will consider that my payment has been accepted."
Rahaji quickly scooped up the coins, counting them to much disappointment...it was only a couple thousand, far from what he had asked. However, the other half of her payment was quite curious...so many possibilites. Would it be worth enough to counteract the low funds, however...there was no way to know. However, the upper limit...it could potentially mean he never had to sell anything for the rest of his life. "Where is the deepest platinum vein in all of the planes?"
Immediately, Phyrra's eyes glowed brilliantly as the Font of Knowledge took over her, the otherworldly presence speaking for her once again. "Great mines of platinum have been located in Mithardir, the third layer of the outer plane of Arborea. The mines are located far to the north, several miles deep under the white-hot sands there. The veins have been rumored to be littered with all manner of priceless artifacts from heroes of ages past."
Phyrra came to, hands clutching the table with a white-hot sweat. She looked up to see Rahaji smiling from ear to ear, the silvered bowstring already held out in front of him. "I thank you very much, miss...that was quite the profitable exchange. One bowstring, as promised."
"Thank you, Rahaji...good day to you." The drow tucked away the string, prepared to deliver it to Wake when they next met. She turned around to see Shavvir giving her an odd look, Zaelynir simply standing idle, as if actively not paying attention. "Is there something you wish to say?"
Shavvir shook her head, glancing down at the pocket the bowstring was stored in. "I believe it would be unnecessary...now, let us find where Lance and Wake have wandered off to, and get back to our search."
It didn't take them long to be found - as they were leaving Rahaji's stall, they could see the heads of both half-elves hurriedly bobbing through the crowd, their rather humanoid appearance actually a benefit amongst the bizarre and diverse group of fiends present within the bazaar. Wake came to a stop in front of them, quickly nudging them to find a silent corner amidst the crowd, a place where they could speak a bit more freely.
"A contact of mine said that operatives from Empyria arrived here not long ago...I think that that's the group searching for Zariel. We need to mobilize, and quickly. We know we're probably looking for denizens of the Material plane...that is, unless Empyria has stretched its reaches and found support even here. I doubt that, but we can't be too sure...I'm surprised the 'bastion of good' would duck so low as to even set foot here." Wake shook his head in anger, continuing. "Nevertheless, we need to find them before they find her. Shavvir...I know you made a deal with Tiamat, and I know that you said you must follow through with it...is there any chance that that potentially can be put on hold until we've dealt with this?"
Shavvir shook her head. "I am sorry, but I cannot...I know that that is troubling to you. I cannot knowingly disobey what I have said. I will seek information for Tiamat, but if it is something I must do alone given the changing circumstances, I am more than willing to accept that."
"No." Phyrra shook her head, moving to stand closer to the shadar-kai. "I know that we do not agree on much...but on this, I think we can. To go against one's deity...whether or not they are the right one...is foolish. It can be a death sentence for those and everyone around them. I know that following this course of action potentially puts us in that situation as well...but not following it makes it far more likely."
Wake sighed. "I can't say I agree...but I am not a follower of any deity, so I admit I do not understand. Go, then, both of you. Take a Stone with you, and stay in contact. Lance, Zaelynir...do whatever you have to." Wake continued, directing himself to Zaelynir and Zaelynir alone. "And be whomever you have to be in order to do so."
"Loud and clear, darling. We'll be on our way." The group split up the Sendings Stones, Wake and Maul each carrying one from each pair while Phyrra and Zaelynir took their twins. With that, the duos got ready to split up in search for whatever morsels of information they could find.
"One last thing...before you go." Wake turned around, Phyrra fishing for something out in her belongings. "I found this for you while we were searching...I believe it may prove useful. It was said that it can fire through objects, and it allows the bearer to track whatever it strikes. I was told it could be used only once a day...I hope that you find a suitable target for it."
Wake accepted the bowstring, holding the shimmering string in his hands. "And were you told how to activate such a power?"
Phyrra froze, quickly shuffling through her memories in an attempt to recall everything that Rahaji had said to her. "I...I was not, no."
Wake smiled, shaking his head. "Then I will have to figure it out quickly. Thank you for your graciousness, Phyrra. I will not let it go to waste." Wake directed his attention back to the group, continuing. "One final note before we part ways. Empyreans have advanced technology, likely what we saw headed to the Underdark. Be wary."
As the duos split up, Wake heard a voice in the back of his head. "Please tell me you will thank her properly when we reconvene, darling. She did hand over all her gold for that for selfless reasons, after all…"
Wake shook his head, responding to the incubus. "Nonsense. It is a tool for tracking and hunting. Phyrra does not show affection, if that is what you are presuming...and neither do I."
"Honey, I'm an incubus...but you're free to make whatever presumptions you wish."
Lance & Maul
The duo departed, heading out of the marketplace as they began exploring the massive city around.
"What is the intended operational order, Wake?"
The archer was cut off by the sudden shift in tone, remembering the conversation he'd had with Maul not but a few days ago. "Empyria is around here somewhere. We can only hope they don't know of our location. Our best plan is to find one isolated from the others and subdue them. I don't care if it gets messy after that...they'll tell us what they know.
"Understood. Where will we likely locate them."
Wake shook his head. "Good question...they likely have had plenty of time to gather information. Whatever move they intend to make, I believe today may have to be the day, especially if they wish to return to Bel in time. Let us keep an eye out...but in the meantime, we can head to populated areas. They will stand out here...and when they do, I will ensure that we do not lose sight of them."
The archer looked down at his weapon in hand, the bowstring in the other. It thrummed with power, power he wanted to trust...a gift like this was not something Phyrra could afford on a whim. It was thought out and planned, much like the woman that purchased it...it would be a waste if he did not put it to use. As the duo walked he strung the weapon, stowing away the tried-and-true string he'd used for ages. The bow seemed to greedily accommodate the modification, the bowstring practically being absorbed into the pliable wood. As soon as it was attached, the half-elf held the weapon up, notching a bow and pulling the new string taught. It reacted almost identically to his old one, the muscle memory he'd spent years perfecting not lost.
Now...how to activate it. Wake muttered a few words under his breath, attempting various words he thought might activate it. "Seek." "Track." "Hunt." "Target." "Follow." All words he thought would trigger some sort of response, but each time there seemed to be nothing. He cursed, attempting the same words again in Abyssal, Infernal...whatever place this bowstring had been crafted, it clearly wasn't of the Lower planes.
"Is there an issue?"
Wake shook his head. "Whatever method activates this tool, I have not found it yet. It will take time...but it is nothing to lose hope over. There is a large promenade not far from here...let us continue on."
The two kept going, the roads filled all sorts of strange creatures of all races filling the busy streets as they went. Soon, the promenade approached, the tight streets opening up into a grand courtyard with towering buildings on all sides. Wake took one step in as his honed senses sweeped the area, immediately grabbing a hold of the warforged and throwing the two of them back and out of sight.
"Group of them to our hard left. I don't think they noticed us. We can get the jump on one of them. You knock them back, I'll jump in and take one of them...I trust you can make it out with little difficulty?"
"Affirmative. Support unnecessary but advised."
"Let's go." Wake didn't wait, immediately turning the corner...the group was gone. Wake fired an arrow out of reflex, jerking his arm up at the last moment to avoid hitting an innocent. Immediately he felt a sharp snap to his right thigh, immediately notching another arrow as he swept the area...not only had they been noticed, but Empyria had immediately offensively mobilized. A small barricade had been swiftly erected in the middle of the promenade, a repulsive barrier repelling the arrow that he launched at the enemy behind it. The reaction time...something doesn't feel right about it, but now wasn't the time to think about it.
Maul rushed forward, shield brazenly held forward as the Empyreans launched strange projectiles from their crossbows...if they could even be called that. It was some advanced form of technology, something that could only come from dwarven engineering, gnome cunning, and elvish magic being consolidated and weaponized for extended periods of time. Whatever it was, they held no power against the warforged's highly augmented shield, Maul running into the barricade before slamming his shield onto the ground and activating his own repelling field. The massive wall slammed into the barricade, the two repelling forces fighting for dominance...the twin cores of Bastion and Aegis sent the barricade flying backwards and into the group behind it.
Wake capitalized on the commotion, launching an arrow that found its mark, sinking into a skull as the body hit the ground. As Wake started loading another arrow, however, a cloud of smoke erupted from behind the upturned barricade, the arrow harmlessly flying into a far wall. He loaded another arrow, keeping it held taught as he simply slowed down, allowing his elven senses to spot each and every abnormality in the scene before him...they would not escape here
He saw a flicker far in the back, an invisible shape within the smoke cloud that was out of place. He let the arrow fly, the invisible figure immediately reappearing, several far-more-frantic shapes bolting away from the scene. The one remaining held up its weapon, taking another few shots at Wake as the strange ammunition took a chunk from his shoulder, Maul's reaction just too slow to block the projectile. The Empyrean immediately dropped the weapon, running where the rest of the shadows departed
Wake cursed, the elvish of his upbringing slipping from his tongue. "You think you can run...I will find you! You will never escape!" As he held and drew another arrow, he didn't notice the shimmering of the bowstring in his hands, hatred fueling his actions as he let the arrow fly. What he did notice, however, was how it phased through several bystanders on its way to its destination, the arrow eventually slamming into its target with a force far greater than expected, sending the Empyrean staggering forward. Even still it escaped, sprinting away and turning a corner out of sight.
Wake looked at the bow, nodding. "Ah...you are of the fey, then. Very well...I believe we will get along far better than expected." Stowing his weapon, he walked towards Maul, as he did, he felt a ping within his mind...he knew exactly where this target was, the distance and direction constantly updating in his head as they continued to flee. Escape was not an option...even if he could not reach the target, he could certainly guide one of his flying compatriots as necessary. "We have done all we needed to do...They have run, and we have a location. They will no doubt act quickly now that they know of us. Let them go...we will use that to our advantage."
"Understood. Operational plan changed. Awaiting further orders."
Wake nodded, reaching and grabbing his Sending Stone. "Phyrra...are you there?"
There was a pause, a voice eventually coming through. "This is Shavvir. What's your status?"
"We were ambushed by Empyrean forces. They're heavily armed and extremely dangerous. I'm tracking one...you can thank Phyrra for that. If you can see the tower in the distance, that's where they're headed. I have reason to believe they're going to act now...head over there and you might get a better lead...for Tiamat, of course."
"Yes, for Tiamat. I will see what I can unearth."
"On that." Wake paused...yes, it would be for the best. "I have a contact not far from the market, a Horned Devil named Alza'kul. He has ways of getting you around the city quickly...pretty sure he owes me a favor at the moment. Feel free to make use of it if you wish."
The line was empty for a bit, eventually returning, now the voice of Phyrra coming through. "Anything we need to mention, or is your name enough?"
"If he needs a reminder, simply bring up the City of Chains. Should jog his memory. Oh...his common isn't the best. Just a warning."
"Okay...thank you, Wake. Stay safe."
Phyrra & Shavvir
"I expect the same of you."
Phyrra stayed attached to the Sending Stone for a few more fleeting moments, listening to Wake describe Alza'kul's location for them. The devil was no more than a few streets away, from the sound of things...it was certainly reasonable to see just what this contact could offer.
"Shall we?" Shavvir seemed to have already made up her mind already, and for good reason...she had the hardest task out of anyone. Not only did she have to worry about Zariel, but also her standing with her deity, something the drow had a long history with.
"Yes. The sooner we can gather information, the better. I am...surprised you are so adamant about staying on this path you have chosen."
Shavvir frowned, starting a brisk walk. "And why is that? Would you not do the exact same should Lolth be commanding it of you?"
"Yes...but that is because I know Lolth is a true deity." Phyrra couldn't hold back her smirk. "I jest, of course...I've seen the devotion you show to your Queen. Such devotion can only be born from the grandeur of true devotion, or the manipulation of a weak heart. You are far from that...which leaves only one option."
"I'm surprised to hear something resembling logic from a spider-worshipper. Still, I feel I can say the same of you...especially as I have now seen Lolth firsthand. They are certainly two different deities...I doubt my Queen would ever show herself, if she even possesses a physical form in the first place. However, both are undeniable in this world. Now, let us to this devil. I have no qualms extorting favors if it means I will satisfy my agreement with Tiamat."
The two continued speaking as they went, coming to terms with the other's religion - it had always been a strong point of contention between them, but in dire times like these it was something the two could set aside their vast differences and even bond over.
Soon, they made their way to the back alley that Wake had directed them to, each and every doorway tightly barred and locked, filth lining the alleyway. Not a soul dared be outside...it was only then that Phyrra noticed they hadn't seen anyone or anything for several minutes.
Shavvir knocked on one door, a heavy iron clasp sealing it shut while iron bars blockaded any access to the small peephole. They waited for nearly a minute, Shavvir raising her hand up to knock again until she heard a thud on the far side. What followed was a low, guttural noise, likely something in a language the shadar-kai couldn't hope to understand.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. We just have a quick question, and then we'll be on our way."
The door remained closed, silence following for several heart-stopping seconds. "What want?"
Phyrra responded. "I believe we have a mutual friend, Wake Silvershadow. He said you knew a way to get us around the city quickly?"
Immediately the door flung open, a confident devil behind it with rippling muscles adorning every facet of its body. "Come." A heavy hand grabbed Phyrra and pulled her into the house, Shavvir darting forward, shutting the heavy door behind her. Alza'kul locked it behind him, the two women finding them in a dingy, ill-lit room with what could only be paraphernalia for substances they hadn't heard existed.
"Where want?"
"There's a tower not far from here, to the north east. Take us as close to that as you can. Quickly."
"Why should?"
Shavvir scowled. "I'd have thought you'd know better than to ask questions in this line of work. Smuggling, isn't it...doesn't seem like the type of trade where the goals of your clients should matter. You'll take us there because Wake said you would...does the City of Chains mean anything to you?"
Alza'kul's eyes widened momentarily, deepening to an even deeper scowl than what Shavvir currently bore. The devil shook his head, reaching behind his back and unveiling a small, handheld weapon. It was identical to what Wake and Maul had seen in the promenade, but to the two women it was an entirely foreign piece of equipment. Alza'kul pulled the trigger, firing a round at the back wall as the weapon silently discharged its ammunition. "Not get. Why should?"
Immediately Shavvir snapped her fingers, Alza'kul's body immediately stiffening as paralysis seized him, the shadar-kai's demeanor immediately changing as she predatorily circled the devil. "Because we told you to...and you can't hope to run from us, so don't bother. Now, this is a fascinating little trinket you've gotten your hands on...let me guess, Empyria?" Shavvir snatched the weapon from his hand, aiming it at his head. The mechanism, while complicated, wasn't difficult to figure out. There was a trigger and a small bore...the rest could be figured out. "We don't need you for this, you're just a convenience we're making use of. Now that we're having a nice chat, however, let's keep this going. You know of Empyria, and likely their mission. We seek information on Bel. Anything and everything we can use to undermine him. You will tell us what you know, or you will find your life to last much shorter than you'd like."
Shavvir dropped the holding spell, Alza'kul falling to the floor in a heap. When he looked up, the firearm was still pointed directly at his forehead, Shavvir all-too-eager to pull the trigger and see just what it was capable of. "I speak...I speak."
A blast flew from the firearm, a bullet lancing past the devil and into the ground. "Yes, you will. If you must write down what you know to convey your thoughts, we will translate in due time. Whatever it is you intend to do, however...you can do so from right there." Shavvir held the gun firm, Alza'kul unwilling to move beneath its barrel.
"Bel betrayer. Demon deals. Secret talks."
Phyrra stepped in. "One moment, Shavvir...perhaps it best if we all speak on equal terms here." Phyrra cast a short spell, putting a hand on Shavvir's shoulder and then her own. She turned back to the devil, speaking in a completely foreign tongue she didn't know...and yet, it seemed Alza'kul understood it. "Speak in your native language, devil...we can understand you now."
Alza'kul nodded, the language of devils flowing from his lips. "Bel has been secretly working with the demons. He's rigging the entire Blood War...his own stronghold never gets touched, but he cares little about the rest of the plane. He's used demons to build some of our tools...every soldier I've talked to has said fault equipment is almost expected at this point. He's selling out the entire plane...all while he gets richer on the side."
"And what steps have been taken to remove him from power?" Shavvir was unsurprised by what she'd just heard...demons, devils...while mortal enemies, she expected such degeneracy from them.
"I know of none. He is an art of his craft...if the other Lords of Hell know of it, they have not risen to action."
"Do you have any proof?" Shavvir eyes were laser-focused...this was the crux of it all - how they could unseat Bel.
"He's far too good for that. I think the only one with proof would be him or one of his direct subordinates...not that you can get to any of them."
"Do not underestimate us...it is inadvisable at best. You have given us more than enough information. Take us where we have requested, and it will be the last that you see of us." Shavvir had never lessened her stance with the gun, still aiming the fantastical implement at Alza'kul's head.
The devil begrudgingly nodded, scrambling back away from Shavvir, holding his arms up as he finally rose back on his feet. "Come this way. I'll do what I can."
Alza'kul led them to the rear of his house, carefully walking while Shavvir kept the firearm leveled the entire time. The devil opened the rear door, popping open a manhole just behind it. When he opened it up a blast of searing hot air erupted towards the sky for a few seconds until it was covered once again. "Air tunnels...keep this a secret. Take two rights, and hold your hand up to catch your exit. If you miss, veer left and you'll catch a loop. The exit is hidden, like this...you won't have to worry about being seen."
"And why should I trust you when you pointed an Empyrean weapon at my mere minutes ago? You're in league with them...who's to say we're not already compromised here?"
"Furthermore, why are you aiding them? What have they offered you?" Phyrra asked the follow-up, staring intently, unwilling to leave until an answer was given.
"They know all of you...knew who you'd try to contact. They paid a lot of people off, armed everyone you might know. I'm in no position to make this statement, but you can't trust anybody you, or Wake, know."
Shavvir glowered. She spun the gun around, rotating the weapon to hand it back. "We never showed up here. You never saw us, nothing happened. If we're sold out, this building will be nothing more than a smouldering pile of rubble, and your corpse nothing more than ashes scattered in this forsaken plane. Are we understood, or should I give you a demonstration?" Shavvir's hand started to drip with necrotic energy. "This building can come second."
Alza'kul stowed the firearm, backing away. "In this business, I don't see anyone. You can leave...send Wake my regards."
For once, the shadar-kai smiled. "Gladly. Many thanks, Alza'kul." Shavvir turned back to the air vent, Phyrra opening the grate once again as air blasted out. "Let's go."
Phyrra jumped in first, immediately being sent hurtling forward by the supercharged wind streams, pitch black surrounding her as she was sent flying through the tunnels. Behind her she could hear Shavvir follow, the sole source of light waning as the cover was reapplied. The sound was almost deafening as they hurtled onwards. Phyrra saw the first split, the wind tunnel splitting in two in front of them in the darkness. She leaned to the right, trying to force her way over into the correct passage.
Behind her, Shavvir was holding the Sending Stone, communicating with Wake once more. "We're moving into position. Empyria is here and they're compromising us in every way they can. Don't trust anyone you know here."
"What happened. I hear everything worked out satisfactorily, at least."
"Alza'kul pulled some sort of weapon on us, probably Empyrean. Gave me the information I need, but I don't trust him. He let us through...rather, we forced him to let us through. Be on guard."
"Did you keep the weapon? The blacksmith...can't be trusted either. Understood. I will tell the others. Update me as you have more information."
Shavvir closed the line, swerving to catch the second turn they had to make. Up ahead, Phyrra had latched onto the exit, holding out a hand to catch Shavvir as she hurled on down the pipes. The two caught on, Phyrra nearly being pulled from her handhold by the force. The drow forced the hole open, the blast of air thrusting her out along with Shavvir. They came out in another back alley, oddly reminiscent of the one they'd just left. The two snuck out, finding a gap in the traffic to slip into the main thoroughfare unnoticed. Up ahead, they could see the tower that they'd been travelling towards. Neither of the women knew just what they were searching for...only that they'd know once they found it.
They continued forward, approaching a gap in the bustling streets, a sprawling bazaar opening up before them. This was different than the one they'd been at previously, the shops all more gaudy, the clothing more ostentatious, the wares being sold far less useful for adventurers, and far more useful for stuffy nobles at formal dinner parties. It was nothing the Syndicate wanted anything to do with
"Wake, where is the target?"
Shavvir heard the answer back. "Still headed north. I'm trailing at a safe distance...if you departed the tunnels where I expect you did, not far away."
Shavvir nodded, sliding up against a wall and slowly floating in the air - not high, but high enough that she could see the heads of everyone in the bazaar. "Wake, there's fifty people here that don't look like they fit in. We need to move...and we need to do it now."
"No. Let Lance and Zaelynir do their job. I'll get Maul to contact them, tell them to get in position. Stay out of sight, but be ready to run...either in, or away."
"Do we know where they're going yet? This is a busy place. Could be any of the surrounding buildings."
"No...it's the tower. That was my fear from the start, but I think there's no denying it now. Dispater himself lives in a much grander tower elsewhere in the city. However, these spires grant him and his subsidiaries direct access to other parts of the city. I feared Zariel might be looking to get good with Dispater in order to prove her case against Bel, and it seems that was her play."
Phyrra moved over to the stone now, Shavvir dropping back to the ground. "So what does that mean for us...for Lance?"
"Well...nothing...it just means that the penalties are far more severe if they mess up. Dispater's...well, protective is certainly a word for it. If he catches either of them with Zariel, I doubt we'll ever see them again. Let's...let's not worry though. Let's let them do their job, the same way we've done ours."
Lance & Zaelynir
The two heard their directions from Maul, Lance giving his understanding through the Sending Stone before stowing it away. Based on the changing circumstances, it would likely be the last time they'd be able to use it until they were out. They'd been getting updates for a while now, Maul directing them onwards, but now their final destination was upon them. The two had been circling the bazaar for a few minutes now, Zaelynir paying mock interest to the worthless baubles that were being thrown in his direction.
"Well, boy...what say you to some fun? Who knows what we're going to find in there...but we're not going to want to be seen, whatever the case. Best get handy with that blade of yours, in the event that my ploy doesn't play out as expected."
"How are we getting in?"
Zaelynir laughed. "Simple...we walk in. I'm going to need you to play the role of a servant, however...I do apologize."
"Why's that?"
As Zaelynir continued to speak, his patterns shifted from the playful teasing that Lance had been used to, sounding more and more proper as it went on. "I've been a lot of faces, and they each have a different history. Some of them...a very storied history. I'm going to need you to do as you're told, and trust me when I say I have your interests in mind as well as my own."
"Okay...and what should I call you?"
Zaelynir smiled. "For now...Belgleth." As he finished speaking, Lance watched as changes wracked the incubi's form...but this was far different than any of the other faces he'd seen Zaelynir wear. It looked almost unnatural, the similarities...a rounder face, a thinner waist, wider hips, sloped shoulders...by the end Belgleth was undeniably a succubus, but she looked uncannily similar to her incubus counterpart. "I know what you're thinking...don't speak of this." "Or this. Please." The final words were in his mind, Belgleth's mouth unmoving.
"Okay."
"That's 'okay mistress' to you, slave. Now come, we have business to attend to." Belgleth's clothing had also changed, now brazenly similar to the stuffy nobles that the duo had been mocking mere minutes ago.
The two reached the base of the tower, two towering guards barring the way. As Belgleth approached, however, weapons were drawn to the side. They spoke in the language of demons...something Zaelynir knew all too well, and Lance enough to get by. "Belgleth...you've finally returned. What business do you have with our Lord's representative?"
A coy smile danced upon Belgleth's lips. "A gift, as it is...I found this one wandering and lost months ago, but it turns out he's very good at infiltration. I don't suppose there's need for such a useful tool, is there? I'm more than happy to keep him myself...but I felt it necessary to ask. He's quite an obedient little dog too, isn't he?"
"Yes mistress." Lance hung his head low, accepting his position in the situation. It was demeaning, bordering on demoralizing...but if it was their way through, he'd play along...for now.
"See...quite an obedient mutt. Rather easy to look at too, for a mixed-breed." Belgleth smiled...she was enjoying this, watching Lance struggle to keep his composure amidst her chastising. The succubus was simply trying to earn the guard's trust...in truth, she was surprised it was taking even this long.
"Very well. Lady Zariel will deem the quality of your offering. I'm sure you know the way...see yourself in."
"Many thanks." Belgleth did a short bow, the two servants opening the gated black-steel door, granting entrance to the cozy passage beyond. The succubus led Lance inside, still keeping a firm grip on him to continue the illusion they'd set. Once inside, the innards of the tower were filled to capacity with all manner of haughty devils, each one vying for their place within the strict hierarchy they dwelled within. "Come along, slave...our business lies higher up."
Belgleth led Lance higher, a massive staircase encircling the entire tower. As they rose and came to the landings of each floor, Lance noticed the number of demons dwindling - the status of each individual seemed to rise, the tower itself a physical representation of the strict devil hierarchy. Soon, they came to the very top, the stars coming to a grand set of double doors. Belgleth advanced, gently rapping on the door as the sound seemed to magnify tenfold on the other side.
"What is it?" A sonorous voice spoke back from the other side, a sharp contrast to the guttural devils they'd interacted with thus far.
"I wish to speak business, my Lady. I need but a moment of your time." Immediately, the doors flung open...and there stood Zariel in all her glory. A fallen angel, her wings were stained black and crimson from her descent into hell, her flesh a charred but ghoulish white that almost made her look undead. A ring of fire adorned her head where once a halo would have sat, and black robes fully covered her body. She was notably smaller than all of the devils in the room that served as her personal bodyguards. Still, that did not diminish the power that she exuded - Zariel ruled this small domain without saying a single word.
"Ah, Belgleth...or so I've heard, I suppose. I have not had the pleasure. You wish to speak on business, yes? I suppose this has to do with that mongrel you've brought with you?"
Immediately, the poise and posture Lance had noticed from his ally was notched even further, this time showing a level of sincerity and respect she had not given to the others. "Yes, my lady. He is the finest servant I have acquired during my travels, and I wish to discuss terms of his deliverance. I assure you, he is a most useful tool."
"The fragile ones always offer something unique, don't they. Very well, I have uses for slaves such as him...and if he does not cooperate, I am sure some imp will enjoy their freedom from the assembly line. Tell me what makes him so special, and I will tell you what it's worth to me."
"That is the thing, my Lady...I believe it may be of use to have this discussion in private. He specializes in infiltration...skills like that should be heard by as few ears as possible, do you not agree?"
Zariel paused, eyeing the succubus intently. Angelic scrutiny poured from her...but in the end, she nodded. "Very well. Guards, you are to remain outside. Jexerah...you alone shall remain."
A single erinyes remained, the rest of Zariel's guards shuffling out of the room. The doors slammed shut, Zariel's attention returning to Belgleth. "This has nothing to do with your servant here, does it. What have you come here for?"
Belgleth actually raised her eyes in surprise. "Very perceptive, my Lady. Yes...let me not mince words. I believe there to be an imminent attempt on your life. You have heard of the rogue nation known as Empyria, yes? On the Material plane?"
"Indeed I have. You have come all this way to tell me pathetic mortals think they can overpower me?"
"We have seen that they have spread seeds far before they intend to strike. It is very possible some of your guards were contacted by them, if not bought. They are moving quickly, and will be here within minutes. I think it best if we evacuate at once."
"I do not wish to repeat myself, Belgleth. I do not fear mortals...I rule over them. They can try to stop me, and I will cut them down like wheat in a field. What makes this a worthy threat?"
Belgleth paused...and as she did, the form of Zaelynir returned. Zariel gripped her sword, frowning disapprovingly at the transformation. "I apologize, my Lady...but I felt I should be my true self for this. I am one of six seeking to end Empyria...Lance here is another. Bel himself has mobilized this force against you. They have resources and contacts beyond simply mere mortals. We believe Bel sees you as a threat to his power, and is seeking to make that no longer the case."
Zariel shook her head, turning to the side and looking at her guard captain, Jexerah. "Do you have any intel that would support these claims? Surely something of this magnitude does not go by unnoticed."
To her surprise, the erinyes nodded. "I do, my Lady. I thought not to tell you until the time was soon, lest we spring their trap early. As is, - "
As fast as lightning, Jexerah pulled a spear and lunged at Zariel. The two were barely a second apart from each other, the spear quickly striking the fallen angel. In her other hand she pulled out a strange firearm, pulling the trigger once, twice, three times, each time sending a small orb of metal flying into Zariel's chest.
Immediately Lance reacted as fast as he could, grabbing Blink and sending it hurtling through the air. Within moments it was upon its target and he teleported to it, reappearing just above Jexerah. He used the devil as a springboard, both feet squarely planting themselves on her face as he pushed off, leaping through the air and back onto the ground a short distance away.
The distraction had given Zariel enough time to recover, and the fallen angel's retribution was swift. Zariel's sword appeared in her hand, a gleaming beacon of power that stayed pure despite Zariel's fall. The angelic sword was thrust forward, splitting Jexerah's midsection easily as the pulsing blue glow burne with radiant fire, smiting the devil away in the blink of an eye.
Zariel turned to the duo, her wrath and anger subsiding. "You have my attention. Let us go."
This took a long time to produce...I'm sorry. I'm really struggling with motivation and inspiration for this story for whatever reason. Definitely still intend to finish this, make no mistake. Just might take longer than I had anticipated.
