Chapter 40: Gaze of the Gorgon

Huh, I expected the air to stink a lot more.

For the average citizen, this surprise would have likely been a welcome one, even if the circumstances surrounding it were less than ideal. Vraska, however, was instantly disquieted by the unforeseen neutrality sweeping in with the errant wind. Ravnica would always be her home, leaving her with a baseline expectation for what her honed assassin senses would experience. She expected overturned soil and roiling smog and moldering stone and fizzling magic. She expected the smell of a city full of life. Now, as she sniffed at the air and held up a few fingers to get her trajectorial bearings, she realized that the normal scents of her home had been practically scrubbed away.

Vraska pushed herself farther against the eaved rooftop, as finding a comfortable surveillance position was proving difficult. Though she knew the traditional fungal dress she now wore was better suited to this type of maneuvering, she had unfortunately grown accustomed to the swarthy fabric of her captain's uniform. She still wore her heavy leather boots, the sturdy soles grasping to the shingles beneath, but all this did was make her regal attire feel even more ill-fitted. The sting of the woven spores rubbing against the scar that Ral had carved into her clavicle also proved less than helpful. It all culminated in leaving her with the inexplicable sensation that she no longer felt comfortable dressing like the queen of the Golgari.

As these thoughts arose, she flicked them away with the discipline of her profession. There is no time for such idle thoughts. Not when there is work to be done.

Once Vraska found a suitable position against the slatted roof, it took no effort to pare her thoughts done to the needed razor's edge. She had been an assassin for so long, had doled out so many servings of deserved justice to the myriad blights of this city, that such mental preparations were beyond her notice. Though, as reticent as she was to admit it, she had never faced a target quite like this one.

Throughout her years in Ravnica, Vraska had assumed that she had borne witness to the worst the city had to offer. Corruption, fearmongering, subjugation, these were the jagged pieces of personal hell that had made up the mosaic of her life with the Golgari. But not even the harshest taste of the Azorius jackboot could have prepared her for the illimitable darkness that Nicol Bolas had brought to the city.

To think I ever even considered siding with that malodorous dragon, Vraska internally recoiled. The reminder of her past was enough to raise the venomous bile in the pit of her stomach, but she quickly tamped it down before it proved to be a proper distraction. Bolas' charms of the mind are difficult to dissuade, even the sharpest of minds can fall under his power. Her serpentine eyes narrowed across the horizon. Though it is only those minds that are beyond repair that remain under it.

While Vraska's own tenure in Bolas' clutches dredged up a bevy of muted shame, she held only the purest contempt for the subject that held her gaze. She had finally fallen into a workable enough position on the rooftop, one of the few remaining structures at the heart of the Tenth District, which now afforded her a clean line of sight to the front of the monolithic citadel that still served as Bolas' base of operations. From her vantage, she could see everything, from the streets filled with the continuous clashing of the Eternal troops and the rallied Ravnican forces, to the blackened skies diffuse with swirling motes of light that flew to an afterlife that would not come, to the citadel's roof in between, where the Elder Dragon himself, now dark and cold as the stone fortress on which he perched, presided over the heaven and hell of his own twisted design. While all of this filled Vraska with an indignant rage, she forced it all into the edges of her periphery. She was here, after all, to observe a specific target, and aside from the chaotic swarms of ravens that occasionally flew through her vision, nothing could remove her sights from the female figure staring out from the citadel's edge.

Liliana Vess, Vraska sneered, so you're Bolas' latest lapdog. As her eyes adjusted across the vast distance, Vraska took note of Liliana's appearance, her mind already at work assembling a profile of potentially useful information.

Violet magic churned at Liliana's hands and feet, billowing the hem of her flowing purple dress. Runic light split her skin, inscribing every inch with intricate patterns. Her face, however, was completely obscured by a veil of golden chains that burned with purple energy. What surprised Vraska the most was that, while she had expected Liliana to be standing tall in Bolas' shadow as she directed his Dreadhorde, she instead noted a definite slope to the necromancer's posture and a decisive lethargy in her commanding movements.

Hmm, not exactly as high and mighty as I thought you would be, mused the gorgon. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you look almost reluctant, like a child who's parents are forcing her to tidy up when she'd much rather do anything else. Is there something else you'd rather be doing, Vess? Or has the weight of your actions finally started exacting their physical toll?

Unbeknownst to Vraska, her teeth had clenched and lip raised into a loathsome grimace. Upon noticing the tightness in her jaw, she forcibly loosened it, letting out a light sigh as she returned to a state of relaxed alertness.

I suppose it does not matter either way. Whether you are still a willing participant or not, Vess, your death will be a blessing upon this city.

Cold resolve coursed through Vraska, setting her scaly skin on edge as the churning winds from the citadel blew over her. Instinctually, she reached a hand to her waist, her fingers itching to wrap themselves around a blade that would soon stain red with a job well executed. There was a brief disconnect, however, when her hand closed around the short hilt of her queenly dagger rather than the hearty grip of her captain's cutlass.

Right, of course. I left my cutlass back in my chambers at Svogthos. It wouldn't do well for guild morale to have their leader galivanting around dressed as a foreigner. It's not like this mission requires a weapon anyway, let alone one so much more unwieldy. I just haven't had time to readjust from Ixalan. It is truly of no consequence.

For some inexplicable reason, this final sentiment rang hollow in Vraska's ears. She could easily accept the barefaced truth of it, but the instinctual thought's appearance at all was what gave her pause. Before that first guild summit, in her preparation to kill Isperia, she had no problem slipping comfortably back into the life of the Golgari's monarch. The same had gone for her recovery on Ixalan, where her persona as captain of the motley crew of The Belligerent was as natural as drawing breath. Why now, then, were these two aspects of her life so muddled in her mind? Was it simply the all-encompassing chaos of Bolas' assault, or was there something more specific that had wormed its way into her psyche and set about dissolving this barrier?

She did not know, a thought which itself was enough to crease her statuesque brow. This question was quickly done away with, though not with a proper answer, as Vraska felt another presence in her head, silent at first but eventually speaking up with a voice that projected an acute exhaustion.

Alright, I've finally made it to my post. Establishing mental link now. Vraska, can you hear me?

Before he had spoken a single word, Vraska recognized Jace's psychic projection. Despite the formality of his words, his tacit interjection carried a light touch that was instantly familiar. While she had seen Jace force his way into the deepest recesses of others' minds, his connection with Vraska never felt intrusive. Though she had never asked it of him, he always kept a palpably respectful distance from her thoughts, only boring as deep as necessary for communication. It nearly brought her mind back to Ixalan, yet she refused to take her mental guards down.

You're coming in clear on this end, Jace, Vraska responded, making doubly sure that her mental voice was properly stabilized. I'm only sensing you so far.

There was a brief pause, and Jace's voice came in again, the mind-mage having seemingly gotten his ragged breathing under control. Okay, that's good. Mental sweep is all finished. If anyone was listening in, I'd have rooted them out by now. Either Bolas really did lose track of us or he's masking his presence in a way I can't find.

I suppose it doesn't matter either way, then, she sardonically responded. We haven't really the time to worry about that potentiality, do we?

On the other end, she could hear Jace fail to cover up a surreptitious cough. Uh, yeah, I guess we don't. How was securing your position?

No problems on my end. This district is well mapped, and the Eternals no nothing of its intricacies. I've secured my position at the citadel's twelve and established a vantage for our target. How was securing the spot at the citadel's two?

Not bad, they still can't see through my illusions, though that didn't stop some of the Eternals from just leaping into my path unexpectedly anyway. Avoided detection, and I've found a sheltered patio overlooking the square. Even if I don't really need to see everything, I can see everything.

Vraska felt a twitch at the corner of her mouth as her lip fought to turn into a spontaneous smirk. She silently quashed that reaction, keeping her face, and subsequently her thoughts, stony. Good, that's at least two footholds we've secured. Find the others and add them to the mental link. We haven't time to waste.

Jace seemingly straightened at her authoritative tone, his voice going rigid in an instant. Of course, I'm on it.

He momentarily went silent, searching across the vast cityscape for the other planeswalkers who had been conscripted into this mission. Though he did not speak during this lull, Vraska could still sense his presence, which set Vraska's tendrils on end. Since their reintroduction in Niv-Mizzet's aerie, she had sensed a peculiar mix of emotions radiating off Jace. Despite his best efforts to hide them beneath his twinned hoods of fabric and stoicism, she had plenty of experience in reading people, and even more experience with reading him. She noticed the shift in his tone when he spoke either to her or about her. She saw the covert glances in her direction that no one else could see. She felt the anxiety he held about the possible failure of his plan, along with how it seemingly paled in comparison to his anxiety of simply standing in her midst.

The assassin skillset is widely applicable, she glibly thought, tucked far away from Jace's eyes, even if she knew they were anything but prying. Still, even the greenest of Ochran could see what he's trying to conceal. Does he think me so lost that I would not notice such obvious signs? He truly must be troubled to hide himself so sloppily, and the gods only know what help he would need to be done with it.

Vraska paused, struck by an odd warmth that seemed to lodge itself at the center of her chest. She recognized it, but it still caught even her prepared senses off-guard.

Sympathy, for Jace? After all he did to me, leaving me here to fend for myself, to fall back into Bolas' grasp and help send this city into the war that's tearing his own mind apart. What sympathy have I for him? I suppose it must be residual, but it's been a lifetime since Ixalan. We've both changed, gone our separate ways, done things we never would have back when we were trapped. Of the things he has been trying to cover up, any sympathy for me is not among them. If he can treat me with such distance, why should I not do the same for so much less deserving?

The warmth had left her chest, but she now felt it creeping up towards her face, undoubtedly poised to shade her cheeks a deep ochre. Fortunately, she was pulled away from this secluded corner in her mind by Jace's reestablished voice piping up once again. It gave her a bit of a start, but she quickly refocused her mind on the incoming projections.

Okay, that should be everyone, Vraska. I'll focus my attention on monitoring this connection to make sure we remain undetected.

Vraska nodded, settling back into her normally cool composure. Very good, Jace, but be sure your ears are still open here. I may be the one running this mission, but it is ultimately your plan that we are following.

Understood, Jace responded, his voice carrying an unsettled edge. Vraska chose to ignore it, keeping her attention on the work that still needed to be done.

I am sensing the rest of you here now. Status reports, everyone. Have you secured your position, and have you encountered any notable obstacles we may need to plan around?

Vivien Reid was the first of her allies to speak up, which came as no surprise to Vraska. From their initial introduction she could tell the woman was fiercely dedicated to her cause. Even with her overt disdain for Vraska's checkered past with Bolas, the fearsome woman was pragmatic enough to listen to commands that would lead to the dragon's demise. More than anything, Vivien appeared as simply impatient for her chance to finally confront Bolas herself, a sentiment that leeched into the curt, soldierly manner of her projected speech.

Vivien Reid reporting in, commander. I have secured the rooftop of an abandoned structure at the three position of the citadel, as requested. I believe I have avoided all detection thanks to your warding, Jace, as the mechanical pests buzzing over me have yet to make a move. If they do, I'll gladly tear them apart. Horrid facsimiles of nature's grace, they do not deserve to share the same air as these noble ravens.

Vraska was not entirely sure how to respond to such strongly expressed scorn. It reminded her of the Gruul, though Vivien showed far greater aptitude for restraint, subtlety, and hygiene. Though the bow-wielding warrior seemed anxious to attack, Vraska knew she would only do so at her word.

Very good. Keep your position, and unless you are actively attacked, do not fire a shot. If we draw any attention to ourselves, this plan is over, and that bow of yours is the least stealthy item in our arsenal. Oh, yes, and I'd prefer you not refer to me as "commander" for this mission.

Vivien nodded. Very well, but know that though you lead us now, I will not call you "queen."

That would be far worse than "commander," trust me. Vraska sensed Vivien's understanding, though her conviction did not wane. With no desire to push any further, Vraska opted to simply move on. Alright, Vivien, sounds as though the citadel's three is secured. How are things at its nine?

Holding strong so far, came the breathy, somewhat viscous voice of the merwoman Kiora. Like Vivien, I managed to get through the streets and scale up to this roof without being seen by any of the Eternals, though this would have been far easier were they any available water on this plane.

Vraska fought the urge to roll her eyes. Yes, far be it for an industrialized city to not also exist within an ocean. Had Bolas set up his operation closer to the Simic, perhaps you would not have had such a struggle.

If Kiora detected any of Vraska's innate derision, she did not show it. Ah, that would have been ideal. Our brief talk with Prime Speaker Vannifar has made me most curious about all the Simic have to offer in this fight. I took note of some of the larger aquatic creatures I observed, perhaps they will be useful.

I see no use that can come from such disturbances of the natural order, huffed Vivien, though Kiora was unflappable even in the face of this denouncement.

I also acquired a comprehensive map of the city's dam structure. If the city cannot move to the sea, I have a few friends who could definitely bring the sea to the city.

Sensing the excitement in the merfolk's airy tone, Vraska quickly stepped in to snip it. Flooding the city should only be a last resort for dealing with the Dreadhorde, and it most assuredly will not help in our current mission. Understood?

Yeah, totally understood. Just offering other ideas, which I already know for a fact will work. Before the meeting, I'd already blasted through one of the reservoirs outside the Combine with a Therosian leviathan, swept all the Eternals away in the current and ate the ones in the sky.

Vraska was swiftly losing her patience. Need I remind you of your duty in this endeavor, Kiora?

No, I got it, I got it, Kiora responded, her dismission of the group's power dynamic clear in her psychic words. I may not care for dry land, let alone at this altitude, but I'll hold the nine position and wait for the signal. My bident is at the ready.

Despite her intonations, Vraska felt her shoulders palpably loosen as Kiora concluded her report. Good. That leaves the six. Is it secured?

A languid pause filled the mental air. The others fell silent as they waited for the final report. Vraska's brow furrowed, for she could sense their obvious mental presence among the others. Worried that this could mean their position had been compromised without their knowledge, Vraska spoke up again.

Hello, is the six position secured? Ashiok, please respond.

At this prompting, the nightmarish strands of their ally's mind flared to life. Their voice soon crackled into Vraska's thoughts, sending an involuntary tremor down her spine. Hmm, is it my turn to report? My apologies, I didn't want to interrupt any of the truly scintillating conversation coming from you all. Truly your mastery of telekinetic communication is unmatched.

While Kiora had already prompted Vraska's face to shift into an annoyed grimace, Ashiok instantly solidified this transformed countenance. From their first introduction, she knew she did not like them. She found their aura not simply off-putting but intentionally so, their comments needlingly invasive, and their motivation utterly self-centered. They remind me far too much of the Dimir for my taste, she had thought. I'd wager they would be just as likely to side against us should Bolas make them a cruel enough offer. Still, since she required only the strongest and most precise long-range planeswalkers, her rationality forbade her from acting on these misgivings. This did not mean she had to like working with Ashiok, but it did mean she must tolerate them until the job was complete.

We haven't the time for nonsense, Vraska brusquely responded. Have you secured your position or not?

Who was speaking of nonsense? I was simply allowing Kiora the time to explain her potential plan. I agree it is unwise to begin flooding the streets. After all, who knows how many civilians are still walking around that could be swept up in the current? Or those shepherded to your stronghold, Vraska, they would be even more likely to face the flooding. Though drowning may be a more pleasant death for them than at the Eternals' hands. After all, who knows how long your fortress can hold?

With every word Ashiok spoke, Vraska could practically feel her mind being swallowed by the illimitable darkness emanating from their thoughts. She could tell it set the others on edge as well, especially Kiora, whose consciousness unmistakably stiffened at the mention of the drowned citizen. It was at this final question, which seemed to bore just a bit further into Vraska's own subconscious fears, that she felt she had enough.

The Golgari's defenses are of no concern to you, she harshly replied, concentrating her natural venom as best she could into her thoughts, nor to this mission. You are on this mission, you are under my direction, for a specific purpose, one that furthers your goals just as well as the rest of the current inhabitants of Ravnica. It took considerable effort to make this appeal to Ashiok's motives while suppressing the bile it provoked, but Vraska had plenty of experience in getting monstrous individuals to see things her way. It would do you well to remember that, Ashiok. Now, I'll ask again: have you secured your position?

Despite her acerbic decree, Ashiok's first response made no sound, but their considerable ability for psychic projection allowed everyone to feel the smug smirk that formed on their bare lips. Oh, I haven't forgotten my position in this operation, nor the importance of its expedient completion. I want nothing more than to see this invasion done with so I may escape this most pedestrian plane, and I will not trouble myself with caring whether you believe me or not. Yes, I have secured the position I was given, and I have avoided detection as well. While I had little need for your additional protections, Jace, your mental abilities are most impressive. It is not often I meet a mind to rival my own.

Thanks for the compliment, Jace blankly stated. I can't say I feel the same way. I don't know about the others, but if you ever want to stop trying to break through my mental barriers with your powers, be my guest.

What was clearly meant to be a surprising revelation by Jace did not seem to faze Ashiok at all. A small chuckle slipped from their mind, one laced with subdued menace. If your powers are so strong, then you should have nothing to fear.

I don't have anything to fear, certainly not from you.

From me, perhaps not, but to say that you have no fear is something I doubt even your considerable mental faculties would accept.

I…

Jace managed to choke out this initial sound, poised as if to continue arguing with the nightmare's provocations, but his voice quickly left him. Vraska, who had been listening intently in case intervention was needed, felt another sudden pang of sympathy echo across her hardened chest. Before the awkward silence could weigh further on Jace's brow, she stepped in to succinctly shatter it.

Jace, Ashiok, I'd say that's enough from the both of you. Remember that we are working together on this mission. We are a team from now until Liliana Vess is dead and Bolas' schemes are put to an end. This mission, more than any other that is being carried out by the other planeswalkers, required unwavering cooperation. Were I able to do this alone, I would, but I cannot. So, put aside this battle of wits for now and focus all that mental excess on the task at hand. Am I clear to everyone?

Indeed, said Vivien promptly.

Yeah, understood, came Jace's muted response as he noticeably retreated back a bit more into his own mind.

Mm hmm, nodded Kiora, no issue over here.

There was another pause, though not as lengthy as the previous, before Ashiok answered with a hiss: Of course, I understand completely. Please, Vraska, what are we to do next?

Despite the sinister candor in their voice, Vraska sensed nothing disingenuous from Ashiok's response. She trusted her ability to read the intent of others, but it seemed she could do nothing more than simply taking Ashiok's commitment to their cause at face value, a much more difficult feat Vraska knew than it was for others. Though she knew better than to fully trust one so selfishly driven, it only meant that she would need to monitor them even closer as their mission commenced. Altering the plan at this point, she knew, was out of the question.

Alright, she sharply addressed the others, it seems we've succeeded in establishing our positions, at least for the time being. Now is the time for all of you to prepare your spells, as we'll need them deployed as quickly and as synched as possible. While you do that, I will go over the plan one more time to remove any confusion over what you all should be doing. Remember, this is a delicate mission, one where even a split-second difference in our ability to act could mean failure. Is that understood?

No psychic voices rose to object, the planeswalkers simply sending the impression of their nodded agreement along Jace's telepathic line.

Good. While you all prepare your attacks, Jace and I will continue observing the target from our positions. You will not release any magic until I give the signal that our target's position is unchanged and unobstructed. Is that clear?

Another round of muted telepathic nods.

Once I give the signal, you three will unleash your attacks from the three, six, and nine positions. Kiora's kraken will appear at the citadel's side, ready to attack Liliana and draw both her and Bolas' attention. Vivien's arrow will aim for Liliana's other side, either piercing her as is or shifting into some formidable creature.

It will be a Skallan grizzly bear, Vivien confirmed, a brutal hunter that should make quick work of that frail witch.

Though I do not doubt the beast's strength, do not underestimate the target. She is a planeswalker like us, yet her spark's power has eclipsed ours with Bolas' help. That is why we must be precise with our attacks. The moment we lose the element of surprise is the moment their defenses become insurmountable.

Without changing her psychic countenance, Vivien yielded to Vraska's point.

That is also why we attack from all sides. If Kiora's kraken or your arrow are not enough, we also have Ashiok attacking from behind. If they can reach her mind, it will no longer matter what state her body is in.

I look forward to the attempt, Ashiok rasped. The fear emanating from the citadel is most curious, and I must assume none of it belongs to Bolas. If I am successful in infiltrating her mind, I must be sure to take note of what I observe.

If you get to that point, I would not care if you simply lobotomized her. Her mind is undoubtedly a horrid place, and it is more than worth razing for the sake of the city.

To Vraska's surprise, Jace's voice floated in. Yeah, at this point, most likely… His words were so quiet that she wondered whether he had meant for this thought to slip through to the others. This doubt was enough to tell her it was not worth calling everyone's attention to it.

So, she continued, you all understand your assignments. A three-pronged attack from the left, right, and back, using the strongest long-range attacks at your disposal. If Svogthir sees fit to smile upon us, those attacks will be enough. If your three attacks prove insufficient in killing her outright, they will still serve a secondary purpose of cutting off her routes of escape. She will have no choice but to advance forward, toward my direction, putting her within range and line of sight of my petrification.

At that point, the mission is over, regardless of whether we succeed or fail in bringing Liliana down. As soon as you unleash your attack, you are to evacuate your position and head to the predetermined rendezvous spot. Jace will maintain his illusory protections, so make as much haste as you can. Once these attacks enter Bolas' perception, he will know where we are and why we've come, and I doubt he has any intention of showing mercy. Always remember, this is not a murder, this is a tactical execution.

Vraska knew she was being blunt, perhaps unnecessarily so, but now was no time to allow any lingering apprehensions fester. She focused on the emotions radiating out from the four other planeswalkers. Vivien was steadfast, wholly consumed by a righteous anger that would serve as ample artillery for her bow. Kiora's mind had shifted as she channeled her behemoth-bound magic, projecting an oceanic calm so forceful that Vraska swore she could smell the salty sea air. Ashiok still kept their thoughts well-hidden behind their nightmarish strength, but she thought she could sense the vague specters of conviction just beyond the barricade. It was only Jace who gave her any true pause, as his thoughts, guarded as they were, felt more depressive than usual. She could tell something was weighing heavily in his head, perhaps many things if even she could sense this moroseness, but she could make no interpretations as to what it all might be.

It is of no matter, she told herself, quickly returning to the secluded pocket of her mind. Even if it were deserved, worrying about Jace will not help the mission. He is maintaining his illusory wards at the moment, and he is not under the timing constraints that the others are. Until the group's safety is compromised, he is best left to his own devices. It is how he prefers it. She paused as an unseen current of sadness suddenly sluiced across her thoughts. Even if I offered my assistance, I doubt Jace would accept it at this point…

Vraska allowed this thought to trickle off, not even attempting to grasp at it before it fell through her fingers. She knew it would only dredge up more thoughts, ones that she had long concluded were best left buried. Eager to leave those stones unturned, she resurfaced from her private mental quarters and addressed the group once more:

For now, hold tight to your positions, ready your spells, and be prepared to unleash them on my mark. Lay as low as possible. We should keep this psychic channel open to avoid any delays, but do not speak to it unless it is vital to the mission at hand. Is that okay with you, Jace?

Hmm? Yeah, I'll keep everyone connected and make sure no one intercepts the signal. So far there haven't been any attempts, but with all the other missions underway, we don't know when a change might come.

Vraska nodded. True enough. I'll continue watching the citadel for any changes that may come about. Once I see a secure window for the attack, there will be no hesitation. Is that understood?

Understood, said Vivien.

Mm hmm, hummed Kiora.

Indeed, I shall be ready, hissed Ashiok, though it is certainly not the three of us whose state of mind should be your concern.

This final comment caught Vraska by surprise, enough that she had to pause, her unvocalized words somehow catching in her throat. She had been actively attempting to acclimate herself to Ashiok's perpetually cryptic and unsettling manner of speech. Most could be brushed off easily, with both her tenure across the multiverse and her upbringing in the Undercity allowing her to accept that, though they often sounded sinister, there may not necessarily be any intent behind their distinct voice. This time, however, felt different. For some reason, their comment seemed to drill deeper, prodding around the dark recesses of her mind with a miasmic curiosity. It seemed to get at something which she had done everything in her power to keep hidden from everyone around her. Though it was just a short sentence, it set her nerves alight more than any part of this mission could.

With no proof of malicious intent, however, any accusation from Vraska would act only as a groupwide confession. The only thing she sensed from Ashiok's mind was the ephemeral determination to see the mission completed and their own objective progressed, leaving her with little recourse. She shifted uncomfortably on her stomach, trying to recapture her previous position amidst the messy tangle of Ixalani leather and Ravnican mycelial fabric, before letting one last communication through.

Everything involved in this mission is my concern, as it represents the fate of Ravnica and all of you. Nothing matters now except the death of Liliana Vess. Keep that at the forefront of your minds and we will succeed. For now, stay silent, summon your spells, and await my signal.