Fall of the Heroes: A Tale of Detroit

Chapter 11: The Eye of The Storm

Kendar leaned against his blade as Flea-bitten worked at his wound. The Theurge clucked his tongue a few times as his hands started to glow with a sickly green radiation. Bile-of-Black returned from his hunt of Dominic, he shook his head slowly. The Shadow Lord had been moving so as to throw off trackers, finding him would take too long. Kendar frowned, and then snarled slightly as Flea-bitten pressed his glowing hand against his wound. There was a sizzling noise as the radiation burned away the silver taint and sealed the wound.

Mine all got away, I have trackers working on it. Kendar glanced up at the voluptuous figure in a worn leather jacket who called to him through one of the holes in the ceiling. Gorefist dropped lightly off the edge and landed amongst some of the shattered machinery of the room. Her good eye squinted in the unnatural and bright glow of the sunlight that filled the area. He noted the bloodstains on her hands and the slight limp in her usually sensuous walk. A couple injuries, and three dead. We didn't claim a single kill, she grumbled. Around her the other Dancers all hissed in soft agreement, though they quickly fell silent as Kendar glanced towards them.

It will not matter, growled Kendar, soon the great master Tyranthraxus shall again rise forth from The Pits to lead us to glory. What difference can these six make?

What difference did the eight make, chirped Flea-bitten as he pulled back his hands. Gorefist turned towards him and snarled, the Theurge quickly fell back. She walked over to Kendar and ran one of her soft hands over his hard, leathery, flesh.

We could continue the hunt. She grinned eagerly at the thought, the corners of her mouth lifting. The action making the livid scars across the left side of her face twist and contort into more horrid patterns. One more chance is all we would need to finish them.

No. It is no longer a concern. Tomorrow night shall bring the reawakening. We shall be needed for the ritual. Let Dominic believe himself strong. Let them have their victory of fleeing like scalded dogs. We shall soon possess this entire city and they shall all be ours to kill. He raised his blade and swirled it slightly, the haunting wail drawing the attention of all the Dancers in the area. We return to The Hive! The time of the ritual has arrived and soon all of Gaia's servants shall know our might!

Gorefist's voice made him pause in his departure. She motioned around her at the vast warehouse. What of this place? Kendar's lips peeled back from his fanged maw as he eyed the still blinking lights of the damaged nest of the Weaver.

It is a place that strengthens our foesburn it.


Smoke filled the sky as the Dancers poured out of the warehouse and down the alley. Their mad yipping cries and yells echoing eerily in the darkness as they abandoned the burning structure. The flames danced skyward. Bright streaks of amber and red against the black sky. The Dancers then rushed off, looking to flee the city to the north, abandoning their hunt for the Garou. On a nearby rooftop two figures watched it happen. They heard the distant wail of fire engines. They watched the last of the dark shapes disappear into the narrow back streets.

sighed Lord Cruss, that's all you need to see.

I told you, finders keepers! Cruss glanced over at Puck, who sat happily watching through the spyglass in her hands. He just shook his head and smirked at her.

You can have it for all I care. He pulled his black cloak in around himself as he turned away. I've been up for twenty-four hours, I'm just happy to get away from you and go home to bed. Farewell Puck, I wish I could say it has been a pleasure.

I really liked having the spyglass this time around, said Puck quickly. Cruss only half listened as he walked across the roof towards the fire escape. He fully intended to order his servants to allow nothing to wake him until sometime next week. He wondered how long away from Puck it would take for his throbbing headache to pass. He noted that she still had yet to shut up. After all, with you hogging it back when they attacked the apartment I didn't get a chance to read their lips.

Mmmm, that's nice. He reached out for the railing of the fire escape when suddenly a small silvery disk collided with his face. Cruss snarled in irritation as his hand snapped out to grab the missile before it could drop. He looked down at the tiddlywink with bloodshot eyes and frowned deeply. His fingers slowly closed around it as he squeezed his hand into a tight fist and turned around. You want me to kill you, is that it?

I want you to ask me what they were talking about, said Puck with a grim face. Cruss stood silently for a few moments. Unsure how to react to Puck acting serious. Finally he shook his head and figured it was just lack of sleep making him delusional. He flicked the tiddlywink back at her and turned around to leave.

I don't care.

They plan to awaken an evil monster and destroy the city! Cruss paused. He glanced over his shoulder at her. Her face remained in a serious cast, her gaze steady.

Are you serious?

Do griffins eat horses? She hopped to her feet and walked over to him, her normally dancing eyes now calm and steely hard. If this ritual happens a bunch of very bad things will befall every innocent person in this city. I don't know about you, but that sort of thing bothers me. So here's what we're going to do. I'll follow them, and figure out where they're going. You go back to the freehold and alert the nobles. Gather everyone you can and meet me in the glade to the north of town where the childlings like to have picnics. I'll be there at sunset.

Cruss could only nod in flabbergasted surprise. Somehow Puck seemed to have transformed into a capable and dynamic leader. Her swirling colored eyes seemed to have grown deeper, containing in their depths an inner fire. Her voice was no longer musically child-like, but instead the music had become harder, more forceful. She nodded back to him and patted his side as she quickly turned and ran behind a large AC unit. As soon as she was out of sight Cruss seemed to return to his senses, why was he listening to her? It was a mad plan. Utterly mad. She could be found and killed, or worse. And there was little guarantee a group of Kithian could do anything to stop the Spirals.

Hold on Puck, he muttered as he stormed over to the AC unit. I think maybe both- Suddenly a peacock sprang out from behind the AC and landed upon it. The peacock's wide tail flared out around it in a wild pattern of blue, green, gold, and shades of purple. It cocked its head as its bright eyes peered at him over its blue beak. Cruss sighed and shook his head. Very well, get going or you'll lose them.

The peacock let loose a little warble of joy as it turned to face after the Spirals. The plump bird seemed to take a few deep breaths as it eyed the edge of the roof. Then it started forward with a waddling gait, its wide wings held out to balance itself as it leaped off the AC unit and started to flap madly. Cruss stood quietly as he watched the wildly fluttering and ungainly bird slowly coast out across the city after the Spirals. He shook his head as he placed his hands on his hips. As his hands met his waist he felt a bulge and quickly looked down. He smiled slightly as he pulled out his spyglass from where she had returned it.

Utterly mad, he sighed with a slight chuckle as he turned to head for the freehold. He'd have to move fast and talk quicker if anything was to be accomplished. The nobles were not in the habit of making quick decisions. He could only hope Puck knew what she was doing. But, she had seemed to have grown serious then, to put aside random foolishness. Perhaps he had somehow misjudged her. Perhaps the idiocy was all an act to hide her true cunning nature. He reached for his pouch to put away the spyglass. His eyes narrowed as he clutched at the empty spot on his belt where his pouch had been but moments before. That little bitch!


Dominic stood in the darkened alley. Behind him Jo sat upon a bent I-beam that lay in a crumpled ruin against the wall. He finished writing out his instructions on the papers and nodded to himself as he read them over again. He tilted his head back, feeling a constricting in his throat as he transformed his vocal cords into the throat box of a wolf. He howled up into the night sky. Jo listening intently to the wolfish howls.

Hear me king of the night, master of intrigue, lord of all that is hidden in darkness. I call to you Thunder, I, your humble servant. Give unto me of your power that I might use it to crush those who oppose me in your name. If you do not, I shall crush them anyway, yet learn to oppose you in my power.

You Shadow Lords really have an interesting relationship with the spirits, don't you, she asked with a smirk. Dominic glanced over at her as he allowed his vocal chords to return to normal.

It is the way to get things done. Thunder respects strength and will. Even the other tribes negotiate from positions of strength. It is the best way. Jo shook her head at his comment and rolled her eyes. Dominic crossed his arms and frowned. How do the Corax do it then?

Have you ever just tried asking nicely? Jo suddenly paused as she felt the faint rustle of wings seem to brush across her insides. He's here, I suppose I should go. I'm better at stepping sideways then you. She hopped off the I-beam and reached out her hand to Dominic. He handed her the note and motioned to a nearby broken sheet of glass he had polished up.

Hurry, we need to get moving soon.

Yeah, yeah, she muttered as she turned and looked deep into the reflective surface of the glass. Her image looked back at her, slightly silvery in shade due to the sheen of the glass. She looked not at her reflection, but choose to look as her reflection, peering outwards. She felt the slight sense of vertigo that always followed her when she stepped sideways, and then she was the reflection. She stood in the silvery world of the Penumbra. Dominic could be faintly seen, a scowl of angry impatience upon his face. Now that she was sure he couldn't see her Jo sneered back at him. What am I, your errand boy? You're lucky I stick with you despite your oversized ego and your undersized di-

Jo bunched her shoulders in surprise as she half jumped, and half spun around at the loud caw. Perched upon the ghostly remains of one of the trees that had been chopped down to build the factories sat a large black crow. The bird was sleek and muscular, its black eyes glinted with a distant reflection of lightning deep within the dark recesses. Its sharp and powerful beak glinted dully in the dim moonlight as it glared down at her. Jo let out a sigh of relief. Jeez, you stormcrows need to learn to relax a little.

Jo quickly raised her arms to ward back the stormcrow. Its eyes glared menacingly at her as it slowly furled its wide black wings in around itself. No need to get worked up. I just came to ask you to do a little favor for-

Again the large black wings snapped out as the spirit turned to lift into the sky.

No? Wait a damn minute! The stormcrow flapped its wings once, there was a small thunderclap and a powerful gust of wind that caused Jo to stagger back. The black bird rose effortlessly into the sky. Of all the stupid, muttered Jo as she watched the spirit rise. Hey! If you leave, Dominic will kick your ass! Literally kick it all over! The stormcrow paused as it glared down at her. Jo sighed and pulled out the letter. He orders you to take this to Charlie Blackmuzzle', Galliard of the Get of Fenris. He'll be in this city somewhere. If you don't Dominic will kick your ass! Jo paused and watched the silently hovering stormcrow, as though it still wasn't sure, she snarled and shook the note violently towards it.

Order? Threat? Thunder fears him not! Its cry was like a rumble of a thunderclap, Jo felt her hair whipped about in the violent wind caused by the crow's angry flapping. Yet Thunder knows his cause. His plan is well chosen. Thunder shall aid him in his needful weakness! There was a sharp crack of noise as the stormcrow dove in a black blur. Jo jerked her hand back in fear as its sharp beak snapped closed around the letter and tore it from her grasp. The bird again roared into the night, its loud cries echoing back to her. Tell him! Tell him we aid his weakness!!!

spat Jo emphatically as she took a step backwards. The air rippled around her like a disturbed pool of liquid. She stepped through the ripple, and reappeared in the alley next to Dominic. She glanced up and nodded. It took the note. Now can we get out of here?

Dominic turned and shifted forms, his body shrinking down to a rough black furred wolf with a tufted white belly and ears. He snarled as he turned and sprinted down the alley on all fours. Jo also shifted, becoming yet again a sleek raven as she soared after him.


The Black Spiral Dancers descended through the winding passageways of stone and steel. Their lair deep within the sewers surrounding them with the usual comforting smells and sounds. Kendar walked along slowly, his eyes slightly downcast. He had suffered a costly defeat against Dominic. He would have to watch for challengers to his position now. Gorefist more then likely would test him out, she desired the position but still knew he was strong. Of more possible danger were some of the younger and more ambitious leaders. Like young Stinkface, who had partly commanded the attack on the Glass Walker, and who had successfully defeated Pugdog in single combat. Already Kendar had heard some of the others muttering about the battle prowess of the young warrior. A pup who had failed to best a faerie in his first hunt!

I hear stories of a battle with Dominic, and of a defeat of the great Kendar. The whispered words hissed almost into his ear. Kendar snarled as he spun around to look upon Endelon. The assassin's black robes were drawn up around him, his fanged maw twisted into a smirking grin. But his deep blue eyes just watched Kendar carefully. Is this all true?

It is, Kendar snorted in annoyance. He knew admitting the loss to Endelon was no danger. Though amongst the most capable of the tribe, Kendar knew his old friend didn't desire any type of leadership. He was more canny then I suspected, but it was only by a trick he bested me. If we meet again I shall take great joy in ripping him apart like the insect he is. Endelon only nodded his head in acceptance of the words. As he shifted Kendar noted the slight figure standing behind him, he grunted in curiosity. Who is that? I know her not!

Be at ease great warrior, I am a friend. The woman glided forward easily, her movements fluid and as flawless as her features. Kendar felt a not so subtle rumble course through him as he eyed her over. The firm swell of the breasts against the ragged blue dress. The gentle curve of her shapely legs. The exotic cast of her face from the long white hair that swept around it. Her eyes met his for an instant, a deep gleam of interest and acceptance within their bewitching depths.

She aided me in the attack of the Glass Walker. Fer-guath says she is a gift' from the master. She is here to help make sure the ritual goes as planned.

A gift? Kendar growled in eager anticipation as he grinned at her. And just what is this gift for besides watching over a ritual or two? Kendar thought he saw Endelon shift slightly at the comment, the assassin's eyes narrowing in anger. But he suspected his friend was only showing his distaste for the whole mating issue again. He almost laughed, how sad to be so skilled at so much, yet be unwilling or unable to find pleasure in a vision such as this. But Kendar thought it was just as well. After all, if Endelon had been interested in that sort of thing he would have had first sight claim on her.

You think too highly of me lord, she said with a slight nod of her head. Her wild white hair cascading across her smiling face. Kendar snarled as he reached out and grabbed at her delicate seeming wrist. Perhaps he had found a good way to take his mind off his troubles.

Come wench. I will tell you of the battle against Dominic and you can speak of the slaying of Argent. My chamber is this way. He dragged at her arm, obligating her to follow him down a curving side passage. A few moments later a dark shadow trailed after them.

A shadow with dead, angry eyes.


Dawn.

Charlie sat on the park bench in his tattered slacks and watched the sun slowly climb over the horizon. The golden orb rose majestically up, washing the city in its bright aureate glow. Charlie closed his eyes as he allowed the warmth to flow over him. Letting it wash him of the pains and fears of the dark night. They had run far and fast, leaving the horrified motorists behind them. Finally they had found this park, a small bastion of peace and quietude within the bustle of the city. They had all collapsed gratefully within the protective cover of a ring of pine trees.

There was a slight yelp of greeting as Leona slipped from behind the trees and out into the park. The light of the sun struck her soft tawny fur and seemed to transform it into a mantle of gold. She leapt lightly onto the bench and lay her head upon his lap. Her fur bristling against the bare skin of his belly.

So how are you feeling Leona, he asked softly. She hunched her shoulders slightly in a wolfish shrug. He grinned and looked back at the city. The morning mist still hung in tangled tendrils through the air, the droplets of moisture catching the light and twinkling like small stars. You know, I think the Glass Walkers may be right. Leona lifted her head sharply from his lap and looked at him oddly. He grinned. Look at it, she turned to regard the city, it's beautiful in its own way. It is still a part of Gaia if not of the Wyld. He sighed and rubbed a hand across his face, his fingers catching at the rough stubble of beard now forming on his chin after two days on the move. He smiled at Leona as he rubbed his chin. Actually, todayI think is the most beautiful day I've ever seen.

That's stupid, growled Leona, Charlie easily understanding her wolf-speak. You almost die last day. You maybe die soon. Why that make day beautiful?

That's exactly the reason, Charlie said fervently. Leona twisted her head about as she seemed to consider the concept. Charlie sighed slightly, the lupus were not known for their philosophers. It's like, he started, struggling for words, it's like I didn't appreciate it. Gaia's splendor. But then, when I almost died half a dozen times these past few days. Itit sorta put it all in perspective. So I could enjoy it.

Last week had better sunrise, barked Leona quickly. She turned to stare at his eyes, arguing the point with a low growl. I say it much better for pretty day.

You're missing the point, snapped Charlie as he met her gaze. Look, don't you ever just feel glad to be alive? Just happy to have what you have. Aren't you just glad you're here this morning to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise?

Rather have meat, grunted Leona with another wolfish shrug. She stared at him a bit longer and then slowly turned away. Pretty is stupid, pretty stupid.

Forget about it, grumbled Charlie as he turned back to watch the rise of the sun. Leona contentedly returned to resting her head on his lap, occasionally nuzzling against his belly.

At least now you not useless pup.

Huh? Where the hell did that come from?

Better that you're strong wolf then weak human. Leona turned and hopped off him then. Charlie was about to demand to know what she was blabbering about until he spotted the ronin and Snapback also emerging from the trees. The ronin still wore his coat, though the tough material now had many tears and jagged rips in it. His worn brown pants were also splattered with a few dried brown patches of blood. Snapback, despite his hunch, seemed the most presentable of them all. His jeans and shirt still clean and in good repair.

Aww, little Leona was cuddling with the pup, grunted Snapback in his deep throated voice. Ain't that a Kodak moment? Leona bristled at his words and growled. Snapback sneered slightly at her, turning his steady gaze to lock with her eyes. Leona yipped a few times in frustration, but slowly twisted her face away, unable to match his stare. Charlie shook his head, Leona had to learn not to bother challenging the more powerful metis. She always ended up backing down, and always seemed to feel bad about it. Of course, he always backed down in stare challenges, so perhaps he wasn't the best judge.

So what are we going to do now, he asked as he turned to the ronin. He paused as he noted the drawn and tired look on the warrior's face, so different from the calm certainty of his gaze from last night. Then he had seemed so capable and deadly, now he just seemed beaten and worn. The ronin looked up slowly, apparently surprised they all seemed content to follow his lead.

This is not a good thingyou should all return to the caern for instructions from the elders. The ronin's head slowly dipped forward as he seemed to smirk at some private joke. I'm sure they'll know the right thing to do.

What about you? The ronin hugged his box to himself gently, as though cradling a child.

I'll head back home. This is not the way, this is not my place.

What wrong with red hair, snarled Leona in confusion. Snapback was also watching the ronin, a look of bewilderment on his narrow face. Charlie realized neither of them had dealt with the ronin before he had snapped out of his dispirited state. However now it seemed he had slid back down the slippery slope again and returned to the depths of his own self-loathing and despair. Even as he prepared to argue the point there was a sudden crack of thunder. Charlie paused in wonder, the thunder seeming strangely out of place in the peaceful dawn. Then the folded up piece of paper fell from the air and bounced off his shoulder.

What the heck, he muttered as he grabbed the note. What's this?

whispered the ronin darkly as he looked to the uninhabited sky. Has to be a message from Dominic, probably nothing but trouble. Charlie scowled at the ronin's grim predictions as he opened the note. He read it over, as he did he felt the strength flee his arms, and the color drain from his face. He shook his head slowly, as though he could deny the words.

What is it, growled Snapback anxiously. Leona whined as she wagged her tail and watched him. The ronin simply looked at Charlie's face and nodded knowingly.

It's the plan, hissed Charlie. Dominic is telling us to flee back to the caern quickly. He's going to speak with the elders and convene a war party.

What do we hunt, snarled Leona.

Tyranthraxus, the Dancers are going to bring him back! Even the ronin seemed shocked by that news. Charlie looked up at them slowly. The tribes are going to have to stop the ritual again, and we have no time. The ritual starts tonight, and shall end at midnight.

The ronin slumped slightly, his face having gone ashen, his hand clutched at the scars on his neck. Leona whined again and twisted in agitated circles. Snapback grunted as he turned away.

We should get going then, it's a long way back to the caern.

Yeah, it is, muttered Charlie as he looked again at the note. Dominic will really have to move to get there, gather the warriors, and get back in time. Charlie looked back at the sunrise. Around them the city was slowly coming to life. Unaware that their world would come crashing down around them at midnight. Helpless, unknowing, with only Gaia's chosen to protect them. Charlie looked around at his frightened fellows and snarled. What's wrong? You think this is the end? I for one don't intend to give in.

You should, muttered the ronin, you have no idea. You may fight now, last a day or a week. But against the dark power

Damnit, stick with me, snarled Charlie as he reached down and grabbed the ronin's shoulder. There was a sudden snap of motion as the ronin lashed out for his wrist, but Charlie managed to barely twist out of the way. The missed move forced the ronin to stumble back to his feet as Charlie continued to snarl at him. It might be a fight for only a day or a week. But a week's worth of sun is better then nothing. Would you have me do nothing? Would you hand the Wyrm Gaia's heart? The ronin turned away, apparently unable to stand the words. I don't know about you, but I plan to fight this, and not just by running back to the caern. I plan to go to The Pit

Leona's yipping cry sounded fearful and worried.

Think about it. Organizing the tribes could take Dominic too long, and you said Argent was worried about the council. They might be slow to respond. It might not work! The ronin slowly turned to look at him, his features shifting to shock as he caught onto Charlie's plan. Someone needs to go there and make sure. See if they can slow things down, just in case.

Boy, are you mad, snarled Snapback as he spun around. We were ordered back to the caern, that's where we shall go!

Charlie spat out the word loudly as he whirled about and glared at Snapback. Don't you see? We have to do everything we can to help. Dominic won't be able to sway the council any quicker whether we are there or not. We'd be no help, we wouldn't matter. But if we go there, if we can slow the Spirals even ten minutesthen we'd make a difference!

You are a pup. Leona is barely better. And he, Snapback waved derisively at the ronin, he is some disgraced urrah. What do you propose we do? Take on all the Black Spirals ourselves? You are a fool! Snapback glared back into Charlie's eyes, the two men locking their angry stares.

The stare down; oldest and surest method of dominance within the pack. Charlie had never truly won one of the contests. Snapback had bested many. His fearsome appearance and victories in battle seeming to add weight and power to his dark gaze. He snarled slightly, bright teeth bared and ready to tear into any who opposed him. Charlie met Snapback's eyes easily, far easier then he could have imagined possible. It seemed not so great a test after all he had been through with Dominic and Jo.

All of the world seemed to slip away. All that was left was watching those angry eyes across from him. Ready to fight, ready to destroy. Charlie felt an ancient and primal call flow through him as he looked at those eyes. In that instant he knew, clearer then he ever had before. He knew who he was, and he knew what he was doing. He was Garou, and he was defending Gaia. Charlie's eyes seemed to burn with this realization.

Then, his face twisting in surprised frustration, Snapback took a step backand glanced away. Very well, we go. Charlie was pack alpha now. But you are still a fool boy, Snapback sneered. None here know the way to The Pit, how will you find it?

The tales, stuttered Charlie, unprepared for that question. The songs do mention some of

Snapback turned his back, you have no idea, we cannot go, we know not the way.

No, you don't. They all turned at the voice, a voice once more full of power and control. The ronin stood with his back to them as he watched the rising sun, his eyes narrowed and hard, his hair dancing about his face on the brisk morning wind. But I do, I remember the paths into the heart of darkness. I have tried to forget them, tried so hard He turned towards them, his eyes sparkling with the golden fire of the sun. But that is not the way. Evil triumphs His voice faded off as he seemed to look within himself, and not at them. No, it won't! I know the way. He looked back at them as he held out a hand. Are you brave enough to walk that path with me once more?