The Monstra
The Monstra is a legendary Grimm on earth...which is irrelevant in this case. In another world, there is another Grimm with the same name and while not considered legendary, it is just as threatening as it's earth counterpart.
The Monstra is a whale-like Grimm, however it has Gravity Dust embedded in it; allowing the Grimm to fly in the air instead of being in the sea. It is described as a mobile fortress due to it's interior having the shape and form of what one would see on warships such as platforms and rooms inside. What makes the Grimm truly terrifying though is its immense size.
Where regular whales can be as big as 100 feet, the Monstra dwarfs even that and can be considered larger than whole towns and villages. In Remnant, it is compared to the city of Atlas and is 1/20th of the city's size, featuring it's gargantuan state. Not to mention the Monstra can spew Grimm liquid that spawns many Grimm.
It is considered very dangerous by those that saw it, and is stated that it should be killed through a powerful bomb or attack from the inside as the outside hide is so dense that ordinary weapons wouldn't even be able to affect it.
It was almost time. The battle in Nowhere would soon happen for those aligned with the Grimm heading toward Nowhere. A battle that would definitely be quite dangerous for all involved. Still, it'll take time for that to happen, and as such those onboard Sammael's ship took that time to prepare, train, or just do whatever. For Sammael's case, he spoke to Moloch, who was rather upset about a recent development Sammael told him.
"Why did you have Edel reveal the existence of the Gem of Heart to her?"
Sammael remained silent, sitting in his cabin aboard his Galleon as it continued its flight to Nowhere. The Fallen leader was paying more attention to the book in his hands than Moloch who had appeared in the shadows of the room.
"You had to know she wouldn't resist sending someone to observe what was going to happen. At this critical stage, when the shadow of Bill Cipher, Van Kleiss and GOLB looms over the horizon you pick the moment to...hold out another worm on a hook to these interlopers. You always liked playing with your food sometimes but I worry if you have gone too far this time." Moloch stated.
"Ha." Sammael closed his book. "And you would have me let her skulk around in the shadows, forgotten by the rest of us? Is it not more advantageous to have her do something predictable?"
"What do you mean?"
"Yes, I had Edel reveal the existence of the Gem of Heart to her but I am not worried about losing it to her. Even if she has brushed up on all the legends and theories surrounding the Spiral Gems she does not have what is needed to get past the powerful forces protecting the Gem of Heart. That is our advantage." Sammael placed the book on his desk. "I wanted to gauge her reaction and see what she would do when discovering an object of great power will be at the center of the coming battle."
"She could try and steal it for herself." Moloch pointed out.
"That's not the order she gave her minion, as Edel told me. She's more interested in Van Kleiss' portal machine and observing the coming battle. That is what I was hoping for. Her reaction to Edel's reveal has given me a clue to her intentions." Sammael explained confidently. Having learned much thanks to Edel and her spying. "Even if her minion reaches Nowhere before us he won't be able to enter Van Kleiss' lair. At least not until it has been forced out into the open."
"By which time the Hunters will be assembled and make their move." Moloch caught on.
"And when that happens he'll be working hard not to be caught up in the battle. Under normal circumstances he might try and take a quick shot at either side but fulfilling the wishes of his mistress is more important to him. And Van Kleiss has no idea the location of the sanctuary hiding the Gem of Heart." Sammael continued.
"And what happens when the knowledge Van Kleiss has amassed has fallen into Salem's hands? You may have accounted for Nyx but you still took a gambit in letting her know what was is going on." Moloch pointed out.
"True but I consider it less of a risk to have her do something that is easily predictable rather than forget her in the midst of battle and let her focus on something else." Sammael smirked.
Moloch's eyes widened in realization. "So that's why you wanted her to know. You wanted her to react so she wouldn't be left to completely plot behind everyone's back."
"Exactly. I don't want her sitting back and enjoying the fireworks from a distance. I want her to see it up and close where I can keep a close eye on her in return." Sammael chuckled. "Be it one minion or more we know she's now interested in what will happen and her interest in the portal machine tells me that she hopes to build one of her own, likely to return home."
"So why not just let her? Be one less obstacle for us." Moloch mused. Also rather tired of the constant dimensional interlopers, even if this one was a Fallen seemingly.
"And let her go without measuring the full potential of her possible use to us? By entering this world she has taken a spot on the board. All that's left is to determine her worth as a fellow warrior...or just a mere pawn." Sammael turned to the board on his desk, conjuring a chess piece that resembled Salem. "And we'll see her reaction to what appears beyond the horizon."
Especially when others may come to her.
To enter the enemies lair through normal means would be stupid and dangerous. There were cameras and guards looking out for any uninvited guests, and Roland knew he couldn't just enter the ducts or the usual break ins. Which is why he used a special skill he has, teleportation. One where he enters through a special plane in an alternate reality and leaves it to enter back into the real world.
It wasn't all safe of course, using that power. But it was useful for moments like these, and Roland teleported into the enemy's hideout like so. Exiting out of the portal and into what is clearly a lab judging by all the tech here.
Where Roland took a good look at what appeared to be some kind of mechanical construct of sorts. It was far from finished, but it looked to be being built quite fine even with some parts still being missing and the fact it wasn't powered. Even so, Roland knew one thing.
'A portal.' For many years the last Gunslinger used special portals to escape his enemies in the Darklands. The Gunslinger knew what a portal was, and he was looking at one even if it was unfinished. Not that he knew the reasons for it, but considering this thing was being built by people working for a Fallen, safe to say not for good reasons. Even more when Roland saw some kind of sphere full of sparkling energy.
What was more concerning however is another matter.
As a wielder of Gans great power, Roland has gained many unique abilities. Abilities that were very versatile in danger, and useful for different situations. In this case, Roland can make portals, create weapons of light, protection, and in this situation, sense dark things. To be specific, the Light of All can tell Roland if there is a being or item that utilizes abilities. This allows Roland to sense Grimm, Fallen, or perhaps demonic entities itself. Right now, Roland can sense that there had been a dark presence here, and up above from where's he's at he can sense a being full of taint.
He'd have to be very careful now. While his powers allow him to handle a Fallen, that doesn't mean he should just fight one. Better to first observe and see what was going on here, and maybe screw any plans the Fallen had over. As such, Roland began carefully walking around the lab. Thankfully, there didn't seem to be any traps around here and no cameras. Judging by the lab's state, it seems to be just recently set up, so not too much security.
'But what about digitally?' Roland walked up to the computers. He was no expert on them, but he knew enough to turn it on and maybe see if he could get any information. Roland's luck unfortunately ended there as he needed a password now, and he couldn't hack into it obviously.
The man looked around more to find any more hints, and found a tablet. Grabbing it, Roland discovered it was still on meaning he didn't need a password at all. The screen showed numbers of sorts with words involving 'energy transfer', 'catalyst', 'siphoned' and other stuff. From the looks of it it involved the strange energy in the glass.
Smirking, Roland then put the tablet in his satchel. He didn't have time to read it let alone understand it, so he'd give it to someone who can. Roland then went to see if he could grab anything else, but either it was too big or it'd be useless to take. Such as the crates of Dust nearby or metal parts that were heavy and tall. For a moment Roland considered grabbing the sphere full of energy but decided against it soon after.
It seemed to be attached to some wires and who knows what the consequences could be on taking that. Could explode for all he knew, or even send an alert. So the Gunslinger took pictures of the lab from the consoles to the portal, anything that could be useful to help understand.
'Sebben would be the best bet to tell this to.' The Wildlands is close to GrimmFall after all region-wise. Yes Sebben was busy, but the mayor of Grimmfall would certainly want to know there's a Fallen nearby with sinister plots.
Roland then heard some footsteps coming down, and quickly he went to hide behind some parts. He took out his gun, and prepared for the worst. Peeking his head out a little to see what was up, and then saw a man with dark skin and a mustache walking in. Staying silent, Roland heard the man speaking a bit.
"Right. Almost forgot." He said as the stranger then walked up to the console and pushed some buttons. Nearby, the glass sphere cackled and dimmed a bit, then seemed to brighten up again before dimming once more. "There we go." The man said while grinning. "That should ensure it doesn't blow up for many days at the least."
So it is volatile. Good to know.
Roland then looked hid his head when he saw the man turn around. Hearing his footsteps and then stopping. A grunt then came. "Strange...I could have sworn I put it there."
Roland realized that the man must be talking about the tablet. It was the only thing here that could be picked up. Roland heard the man scuffling while cursing.
"Shit. I couldn't have misplaced it. Is Tyrian fooling around again." The man muttered as he then walked close to Roland's position, but not enough to see him let aside know Roland is there. "Damn it. That thing has all the information on the current progress. Where did I put it?" After a few tense minutes, Roland then heard the man going back upstairs fuming.
'Seems I did get some good stuff after all.' Roland thought as he then stepped out. Still, he had to decide now. Should he stay here and try to continue finding more information, but at the risk of getting caught. Or, he can leave right now with all the information he has at this moment. It was a tough call, but Roland decided to leave. No need to put things at risk, especially since he has the information he needs here in that tablet.
Roland then decided to teleport out of here, when he suddenly heard breathing from behind him.
Click.
Roland had taken out his gun and turned until his gun pointed at what was behind him. Even so, Roland's eyes slightly widened when he saw just what was behind him. It was no person at all.
"You're not from here, are you?" It took the form of a little girl with dark eyes and equally dark hair and gave off an unnatural feeling. She looked like a Fallen, but she's clearly no Fallen but must be associated with one and gave off a taint of sorts. The same one he felt earlier. All this, Roland realized in two seconds.
On the third second he instantly fired a bullet of light from his gun.
On the third second the 'child' dispersed into black smoke before the bullet could even hit her.
Realizing he had been caught, Roland prepared to escape and teleport away. Instead, he felt his aura being drained and felt the girl's presence return. She had a small pearl that glowed in her hands, and Roland realized she was draining away his aura. Quickly Roland put up a thin barrier around him using the Light of All, cutting off the girl's draining ability of his aura.
Roland then prepared to fire when suddenly a tentacle wrapped itself on his hand. His head turned and he saw behind him was none other than a Seer. "So this was the disturbance Edel told me."
The Seer tightened its grip and raised all of its tentacles. Despite their appearance, Seers could indeed kill a person. Particularly with those sharp end points at the tips of their tentacles. Not that Roland would give it a chance as he then raised his second gun at it and fired.
"This is troublesome." Salem had been told of no intruders here, and only knew of this man because Edel apparently sensed something and went to check it out. Telling Salem of this who sent a Seer and now sees this strange man she didn't even know who he was. Other than him being dangerous if he could get here undetected and killing her Seer already.
Thankfully, she had other killers here.
"Hazel." Salem then spoke through her Seer. "I need you and the others to do something for me."
Roland teleported out of the lab, back outside where he originally was. He then ran out into the alleys with both guns out. His eyes wander for any potential threats and his guard up. While many might ask why he couldn't just teleport away, the truth is his teleportation is still a new skill that he's still mastering, not to mention it held its own risks for long-distance transportation. As such, it is better to use it as a last resort-
"Gra!" A Beowolf then came in front of him with teeth out and ready to bite.
Bam!
-especially since the threats here right now weren't all that great.
The Beowolf fell dead before disintegrating. Roland kept moving without even batting an eye. However Roland did sense more were coming, and from the rooftop he saw some bandits holding guns and firing.
Roland just rolled his eyes as he fired back. His aura more than tough enough to tank the bullets while his own shots either killed the bandits or sent them back as they cursed with the new hole in them. Roland firing mainly at their hands to ruin their ability to even shoot.
Not all of them had guns though, with a few landing in front of him. They were clearly trained a bit, as they caught up to Roland so fast. "Better put those hands up, bastard. Or you're gonna get hurt."
Trained, but not very smart. Roland then waved his hands and then fired at all the bandits in front of him. Firing in quick short burst intervals at the bandits legs with precise firing. Before, this would have been tough or outright impossible to do. The injuries he once held before, while doing little to slow him down, ensured he couldn't fire his shots at his best. But thanks to Gan's power, healing him perfectly, Roland regained his former skill again.
"Ahh!"
"Shi!"
"My legs!"
For his enemies, that was a bad thing as they all then fell down cursing and screaming in pain. An Ursa then came from behind, and tried to charge at Roland.
Bam!
It's head flew off easily enough.
Roland then easily reloaded. I mean, yes he could always use Light of All to fire unlimited bullets, but he didn't want to rely too much on that power for everything. In the end, while useful, it was just another skill for his arsenal.
Either way, Roland easily dealt with these people and moved on again. Those that tried to meet him were mercilessly shot down, with Grimm vanishing away. The last Gunslinger was just to good, and any resistance he met fell as easily as bowling pins. Suddenly, a flash came and Roland twisted his head, avoiding an arrow that nearly hit his eye. He fired back only for the bullet to be hit by an arrow with both falling down.
"Oh." Seems there was someone with decent skill here. But they weren't alone.
Slam. Landing numerous meters behind him, Roland felt a rough but strong presence. On the roof was a woman with a glass bow smirking, the one who clearly fired at him. Further behind her was another man, the very same man from the lab. East Roland sensed that false little girl, clearly there to probably put him off guard.
Then there were Grimm along with who he recognized as Bandit Princess. Though the aura around her felt off, especially the lack of aura around her legs. Strange. Still, the one thing that did interest him was the archer up top, focusing on the Grimm hand.
"I assume a Fallen is here?" he then asked aloud. Though instead of chuckling or smug looks, he briefly saw confusion in his enemy's eyes. Strange, they were working for a Fallen, were they not? Otherwise how else would the archer have such an abomination on her body.
"We don't care for such things." The big lug of a man then spoke, stepping forward. He didn't seem to have weapons, but then again he clearly didn't need them. The muscles on his arms were proof enough he could tangle with just his bare hands. "All we want is what you stole, and your surrender."
"Surrender?" The woman with the bow smirked. "Are we certain it wasn't an extermination?"
"Same here." Bandit Princess grinned while Roland saw the archer also thinking like them. The mobian then looked at Roland's way and said, "So why not give up here, and maybe get let off easy...Maybe."
Roland rolled his eyes, but gave no reply. Why bother with garbage like her, who clearly got upset when he didn't bother responding. Either way, he then took notice off al his enemies that surrounded him.
They weren't high-level Satyra members, criminals with absurd powers, or Fallen for the matter, but he can't let his guard down. Even if he has faced tougher, Roland wouldn't underestimate them and would continue on like any other day when he's about to fight. With both guns in his hands, he then narrowed his eyes at them all. The villains also got ready, to fight him here and now with intent to either kill or capture him. Just another day at work he supposed.
'Then let's get started.'
And it's all been set-up. Roland vs Salem's inner circle aside from Tyrian who's gone. Oh sure the group might get a few hits in on Roland, but that's about it. Because once this Gunslinger starts fighting, his enemies come out either dead or really beat up.
And it seems Sammael has revealed his own intentions while he's heading towards Nowhere. To see if Salem can be useful to him, or if he should just be rid of her later.