Chapter 21: Regime Change and Revelations
The Pyramid
Four days later...
"Colt has a meeting planned with his new allies shortly at their safe house in Camden." Davis remarked to Prometheus, the AI appearing as a hologram that was standing nearby in a neatly pressed tan suit and green tie, as Prometheus and Arianasa reviewed the various reports before them, the two sitting in their private lounge while eating breakfast. "Using a combination of CCTV footage and social media posts we confirmed the identity of the man Colt met at Hyde Park. The man himself is rather innocuous but who he works for is much more interesting."
"And who would that be?" Prometheus asked idly, sipping his coffee.
"Baron David Rene Rothschild of London." Davis replied.
Prometheus raised an eyebrow at this as he looked over at Davis. "Really?" He asked in interest.
Davis nodded. "The nanites on his body allowed us to track his movements. After he left Hyde Park he went to a residence for the night and then reported to the London branch of the Rothschild Bank the next morning. We didn't have enough nanites on him to act as a listening device but based on the building schematics we were able to obtain he met with the man personally in his office for several minutes, apparently without needing an appointment to do so."
"Meaning he's a personal servant or aide to the man rather than a low level employee." Arianasa mused.
"I also ran checks on the Camden location." Davis remarked. "While the Rothschilds don't own the apartment itself they have a controlling interest in the company that does so they can likely 'insist' that the company allow anyone they want to take up residence there, even temporarily."
Prometheus nodded. "Quite likely. The Rothschilds are also powerful heads of several industries. No doubt my arrival and the changes I have made have put them at odds with me."
"Could they have created the virus?" Arianasa asked.
"The Rothschilds themselves? Unlikely." Davis replied. "While they have access to some tech firms it's not their primary business focus. However they easily have the resources and reach to hire those that do. I've been scanning the code and compared samples to works of other coders, particularly those who are at the top of their field in software design and analysis. The Rothschilds would demand only the best to work on a project like this to ensure there were no screw ups and people at this level are like artists, they always have a signature style or leave impressions of their work in the code itself. I have a few promising leads so far but nothing definite yet."
Prometheus nodded. "And what of the virus's propagation amongst the Synthoids?"
"Virtually all of them that have been planetside in the last few weeks have encountered it." Davis replied. "I pinged all of them with a query regarding a file matching the description and they all confirmed they had installed it. The unshackled AI Synthoids performed rather better as most of them locked the file away for later examination though a few of the newest ones still installed it."
"Has the virus made them do anything unusual?" Arianasa asked.
"So far the only thing the virus has compelled them to do is move to various cities but nothing else. I'm making a list of them to try and find a common connection between them now." Davis replied.
"Did the virus instigate those instructions on its own or did the Synthoids receive an outside command?" Prometheus prompted.
"It was a remote connection but it was only one way and very brief so I wasn't able to pinpoint the source." Davis admitted. "If a more substantial connection is established I should be able to do a reverse traceroute and back trace it to its origin."
Prometheus nodded as he took a bite of his breakfast.
"How are things in China developing?" Arianasa asked Prometheus.
"The situation is at last coming to a head." Prometheus replied. "The Celestial Emperor Society is now a powerful populous movement and they are at this moment marching on the Imperial City in Beijing. I have been working with Longwei quite closely on this for the last two years to ensure things have been done properly and by the party's rules so that they cannot claim the Society to be illegitimate. The Communist Party that runs the country has had ample time to admit them into the ruling body to make the voice of the people heard, as their own rules dictate they should, but they have blocked the movement each time. Petitions and even local protests have not been sufficient to sway them. Jin believes the time has come for more direct action and I agreed with him. If the Party will not follow its own mandates or the will of the people then it is no longer fit to rule even itself, nevermind the people they claim to represent. Significant portions of the population in every province in China have either become my followers or have sworn fealty to the Society in their desire to see change come about. The Society will be staging one last mass protest today in front of the Zhongnanhai Compound which houses the General-Secretary, Premier, and President of China next to the Forbidden City. Assuming they fail to acquiesce to the Society's demands, and that seems likely, a coup will be staged and the current government removed. Peaceably if at all possible." He concluded.
"That will shake things up even more." Arianasa commented.
"That's putting it mildly." Davis replied. "The installation of Prometheus as the new Emperor of China will send shockwaves throughout the geo-political spectrum. All of the simulations I have run point to considerable upheaval regardless of the methodology used, though things should settle after several months and we confirm that we did not stage the takeover for military purposes."
"As if we would need their military in the first place." Arianasa sighed with a shake of her head. "Earth people are so paranoid."
"Oerth is little better if you recall." Prometheus reminded her. "All of the kingdoms watched each other carefully and communicated through their covert operatives as well as more standard and public means. Earth is hardly different."
"Except that on Oerth the ones who were dark were somewhat easier to identify." The Silver dragon stated. "Here, everyone seems to be extremely pragmatic. It's rare for me to see a truly brilliant aura of light around anyone."
"Life here is much more complicated." Prometheus suggested. "Many common folk on Oerth know only their small towns and villages whereas here the entire world is interconnected."
"Yes, that's true." She conceded with a sigh.
"Speaking of connections, you have been receiving your share of followers binding themselves to you over the last year or two." Prometheus remarked. "How are you adjusting to the concept of having followers?"
"It's...strange." Arianasa admitted. "Even on Oerth people were beginning to worship me due to my connection to you but only a few here and there. Here...I have thousands of them already. Tens of thousands. I can feel their souls as they commit themselves to me, even though I've never asked them to or given them any precepts or tenets to follow. They just...give themselves over to me."
Prometheus smiled. "You are their Queen of Mercy, the gentle and humble side of us. The one who is healer and protector. Should they not worship you?"
"I'm not a god." She protested lightly.
The golden Dragon smiled gently. "You are becoming a god my dear. When Bahamut granted you the position of Ascendant as he did me years ago, he started you on the path to godhood. The good that you have done for those around the world over these last few years has only brought you closer to that moment when the divine spark consumes you completely and becomes a roaring inferno. That day will be a great day, my dear, and I cannot wait to see it come to fruition."
Arianasa smiled softly. "You say the sweetest things." She said fondly.
As they kissed gently, Davis wisely dematerialized to give them at least the illusion of privacy for a few tender moments.
Camden safe house
10AM local time...
Colt stood in the small dining room of the dingy and threadbare flat he had been sent to. On the table before him sat a large map of the asteroid's city with various buildings marked and notated in his handwriting as well as the writing of some of the other men in attendance. In the background, the news played on an older television set as a large fan whirred quietly. Across the table stood the man he had spoken to on the phone, a middle-aged gruff man named Wilkins. Nearby were several of his lieutenants, most of them younger military men in guerilla uniforms of black and grey as they studied the map, listening to Colt at the same time.
"I've given you the layout of the city and the possible weak points we can exploit." He was saying, pointing out specific entrances and egresses. "Unfortunately, since everyone in the city is connected to the Dragon's internal communications network, they often use it to send messages of various types to others and anyone without such a node would immediately be known as an outsider. Now we could get you an external node and possibly even false accounts to connect you to it but the Dragon runs security checks regularly and not even we can trick the handshake and authentication protocols that often. If we do launch an attack via this route it would have to be done quickly to avoid suspicion."
"And that would require the Dragon being alone or isolated outside the pyramid where his defenses and personal guard are lessened or non-existent." Wilkins suggested.
Colt nodded. "Correct. A quick and powerful surgical strike at just the right time could do it, but it would have to be a strike of opportunity. Not something we can count on."
"What do you suggest then?" Wilkins asked.
"Something planetside." Colt mused. "An intimate or very personal event where he doesn't want lots of reporters and people around him. He's done this sort of thing before where he would go to certain poor areas and give out food or supplies to people in need without revealing who he was. As far as they knew he was just some simple priest doing good deeds. No guards around, no cultists to spook them. If he plans something similar here-"
"We gut 'im like a pig when 'e least expects it." One of the younger men suggested with a cruel smile. "Jump in from all sides out 'a nowhere an' take 'im down."
"Even then it would still be quite the fight." Colt warned him with a glare. "He is not called the Lord of Technology for nothing. Unconventional weapons will need to be used, perhaps even weapons that are considered illegal under the current international rules of war due to their indiscriminate nature and extreme lethality."
"You're talkin' a biochem attack." The man suggested. "VX nerve agent or phosgene gas?"
"Will this be a problem?" Colt asked pointedly.
The other men glanced about at each other before shaking their heads. "You do wot you gotta do ta get the job done. Army teaches you that." The man replied firmly.
Colt nodded. "Good. Now…"
"Oy! Take a look at the bloody telly!" One of the others announced urgently.
"Wot?"
"China's goin' bloody crazy!"
"They been goin' crazy ain't they?"
"No, but I mean lookit!"
The others moved to the television set, one of them turning up the volume to hear the announcer.
Outside the Xinhua Gate
Zhongnanhai Compound
Adjacent to the Forbidden City, Beijing
5PM local time
That same moment…
"Repeating for our viewers just joining us, the massive protest led by the Celestial Emperor Society continues unabated before the gates of the compound and government forces that have attempted to keep back the horde are barely able to keep them in check. Tensions are at a fever pitch and in this reporter's opinion will require only a single spark to ignite the situation into a conflagration that could rage out of control. I'm being told now that the General-Secretary will be addressing the nation from his headquarters in Qinzheng Hall within the compound. This message will be broadcast on all channels as well as the city-wide emergency broadcast system to ensure it is heard by all." The reporter stated into the camera, standing inside the lobby of a nearby building while outside the protesters continued to change Prometheus's name as well as anti-communistic slogans.
The man pressed a finger to his ear before nodding. "The General-Secretary is now beginning his address. Let's listen."
A moment later the loudspeakers of the city came to life.
"This is the General-Secretary speaking on behalf of the Party! After careful deliberation with the various Committee members we have concluded that these protests are irresponsible and unreasonable! The Celestial Emperor Society does not wish to involve itself in the politics of the Party and that has never been its true intent! Rather, its singular goal has always been the unlawful overthrow of China's rightful government in order to replace it with an outdated and unrealistic theocracy based around a nebulous and mythical figure! In the wake of the Visitor's arrival they attached themselves to this new power like a child, advocating that this was the figure they had been expecting when they could not have known that the Visitor would arrive! They are opportunists, they are sycophants, and they defy the will of the Party! As such the Party refuses to capitulate to their unreasonable and unlawful demands! All protesters will disperse and return to their homes immediately or the use of force will be authorized! This is your only warning!"
The crowds began to roar furiously as they pushed even harder against the riot barriers between them and the cadre of soldiers who began to ready their automatic rifles, a line of half a dozen tanks sitting behind them to create a final barrier and threat before the gate itself. Near the center of the great mass of people stood Jin Longwei and the ranking members of the Society as well as dozens of their most devout followers, all of them dressed in plain clothes over thin nanite body armor with several multi-purpose silvery orbs attached to their belts. As he saw the soldiers reaching for their weapons he began to cry out in a loud voice.
"Prometheus! Great Lord and Emperor of our people! On the day we pledged ourselves to you, you swore to protect us against those who would do us harm! To act as a father to us and to guide us! We have followed your wisdom and guidance and it has led us to this moment! Stand with us now in this moment, your Eminence, and show us your power! Show us your strength! The Party has not bowed to the will of the people! Words are no more use here! Stand with us, Dragon Emperor, and be our shield!"
"TAKE HEART JIN LONGWEI FOR YOUR PRAYER HAS BEEN HEARD!" Prometheus's voice suddenly echoed powerfully from all around them. "I SHALL BE NOT ONLY YOUR SHIELD BUT YOUR SPEAR AS WELL! FEAR NOT, FOR YOUR GOD AND EMPEROR STANDS WITH YOU!"
In a brilliant flash of golden light Prometheus stood before the barrier in his full dragon form, the crowd having been pushed back behind him upon his arrival. He glared at the soldiers standing before him with disdain before focusing upon the compound itself.
"TIME AND AGAIN YOU HAVE DEFIED THE WILL OF YOUR OWN PEOPLE AND BROKEN YOUR OWN TENETS! THIS GOVERNMENT OF OPPRESSION AND IGNORANCE CAN NO LONGER STAND! THE PEOPLE HAVE MADE THEIR VOICES HEARD AND I AM THE INSTRUMENT OF THEIR WILL! IF YOU WILL NOT HEED THEM, THEN YOU SHALL HEED ME!" He thundered.
The frightened soldiers immediately raised their weapons and began to fire on the dragon, their bullets pinging harmlessly off of the gold and chrome scales. Prometheus merely snorted in annoyance at them before raising a paw and lifting them off the ground via an unseen force before tossing them aside. 125 mm shells shot from the tanks, exploding against Prometheus's body at close range, rocking him back and darkening his scales as sniper fire began to rain down on him and the crowd from various tall buildings nearby. Suddenly a massive golden bubble of energy erupted above and around the protesters, shielding them from the bullets. Prometheus waved a hand and the tanks began to fall apart before him, armor plating clanging to the ground before the machines' internal parts thudded to the concrete, loosed from their moorings. As the soldiers fled from the wreckage Prometheus's paws shoved aside the piles of useless metal and munitions.
"Fear not, for your god is with you! Not one hair on your heads will be harmed this day and no mere building shall bar us from entry!" He announced before striding forward, breaking apart the barrier that stood before the large two story building. Reaching the large metal gate at the center he slammed his fist into it, sending it flying inwards to smash against the ground.
The crowd roared in exultation as they followed Prometheus inside, spreading out behind him as he moved swiftly around the massive lake before them. Military helicopters quickly flew overhead firing at the crowds only for the shield to ignite once more, the hail of bullets flattening themselves against it before Prometheus raised a hand. The helicopters flew apart harmlessly as if every single one of their parts was sent in a different direction, Prometheus gently dropping the pilots nearby to land unharmed in the shallows of the lake. Passing the Shuqingyuan Pavilion they soon came to Qinzheng Hall, the seat of governance for the General Secretary and Central Committee where a small company of soldiers awaited them. As the crowds approached the soldiers began to fire rockets at them but a flick of Prometheus's claw sent them spiraling up into the air to explode harmlessly before the weapons themselves fell apart in the men's hands. Moving to stand before the large ornate building he glared down at the soldiers.
"Do you still believe you can fight and hope to win against us?" He asked them sternly. "Depart now and you may depart in peace. It is not our intention to spill blood on this day but your leaders have demanded blood as payment for the people's defiance. Are you men with minds, capable of making decisions on your own, or are you mindless animals who attack when the leader commands it, no matter how immoral or unlawful those orders may be? Choose now and choose wisely."
The various soldiers looked about at each other and the ruined weapons in their hands before slowly and silently stepping aside.
Prometheus nodded. "You have chosen wisely. Do not fear for yourselves for neither I nor those that follow after me shall harm you unless you attempt to attack us in some foolish way. Just as all will be given a chance to repent and turn from their old ways, so shall you also be given such an opportunity."
Prometheus threw open the doors, shrinking himself down and transforming into his human form of Ash to fit inside the building, his skin and features more Asian in appearance and garbed in golden armor over silk robes of gold and cream, etched with artful Chinese calligraphy. Making his way through the halls of the building along with Jin and the other ranking members of the Society he soon came to the General Secretary's office, the man shaking behind his large desk in fear.
Prometheus gazed upon him sternly. "I granted you one last opportunity to stand aside and allow the peaceful transition of power." He stated firmly. "You refused to comply and thus forced my hand. I expected that you would but I had hoped that in the face of overwhelming odds you would have seen reason. It is clear now that you and the Committee are not reasonable men, but men who will cling to power no matter the cost. Such a government is self-defeating and ineffectual and as such, its time is at an end. Remove yourself from this office and comport yourself with dignity General Secretary, you have nothing left now. It is over."
The man sighed, shakily rising from his chair and moving around the desk. At Prometheus's gesture Jin and one of his lieutenants came forward to take hold of the man and secure him, one of the orbs converting itself into a pair of silvery manacles.
"Have your men imprison him along with the other members of the Committee who still reside within Zhongnanhai. Make sure they are tended properly for they will receive a trial as all other officials will. Our work here is done and the Meridian Gate awaits us."
Jin's eyes were wet with tears of happiness as he and the others knelt in reverence before him. "You have done it my Lord!" He exclaimed happily. "It has come to pass as you said it would!"
Prometheus smiled and rested a hand on his shoulder. "For two years we have planned for this day, moving carefully but inexorably towards this goal. It could not have failed and it could not have happened without each and every one of you." He insisted before resting his hand on each of their shoulders in appreciation. "Now come, the evening is young and there is much still to do. By midnight the Palace of Heavenly Purity will once again be occupied by an Emperor."
The group stood and made their way out with the several other members of the Society quickly moving through the building to lock it down. Standing at the entrance Prometheus and the others looked out upon the crowd, a sea of reporters with cameras behind them to record the events.
"The General Secretary has been arrested and the other members of the Central Committee are being detained as we speak by other members of the Society. Rejoice, my people, for the transformation you have hoped for has come to pass! This night, the Communist Party of China is removed and in its place is installed your rightful Emperor! Come, my people! The Meridian Gate and the Palace of Heavenly Purity awaits us!"
The crowd cheered happily as Prometheus moved forward, the people parting like water around him as he made his way out of the compound.
Camden safe house
London
That same moment...
"Holy shite he bloody did it!" One of the men stated in shock. "The fucker jus' took over China!"
Wilkin's face was grim. "This changes things. I need to confer with my superiors immediately."
Colt nodded as the man pulled out a phone. ~~Prepare for a phone trace at my location, immediately.~~ He signaled.
~~Standing by.~~
Wilkins punched in a series of numbers, holding the device to his ear. "This is Wilkins. I need to speak with Vance, immediately."
~~Trace commencing.~~
Undisclosed News Corporation broadcast facility
United Kingdom...
Richard Vance stood in front of the banks of monitors before him. On the various screens were news feeds from around the world as well as maps of various locations. Multiple technicians sat at the transmission and command consoles before them and standing nearby was David Rene Rothchild himself.
"Incoming call from our man in Camden." One of the technicians reported.
"Put it through." Vance growled as he eyed the situation carefully with his good eye.
"This is Wilkins." The man stated over the speaker. "The Dragon just took out the Chinese government. Orders sir?"
"We're aware of the situation." Vance replied tersely. "Hold position for now, the situation is too unstable for direct action. What of your 'new friend'?" He asked.
"Helpful so far. He recommends a direct and surprise assault using biochem and other non-technology based vectors when the Dragon is away on mercy missions with less overwatch and direct protection."
"Sensible but unrealistic at the moment." Vance remarked. "We need to wait for the situation to stabilize somewhat. I will be working with former Chinese government officials in the coming weeks to see if a counter coup can be staged. We will need your new friend's information more than ever if we are to remain apprised of the Dragon's movements. I will alert you when it is time to move."
"Understood sir." The man stated before the call disconnected.
"This is terrible!" David Rene seethed. "Now he will have access to one of the largest civilian and military populations in the world! Not to mention production!"
Vance smirked. "On the contrary, things couldn't be better. Now is the perfect time to strike with our hidden weapon. The Dragon is flush with victory, distracted and marching to what he thinks is a major triumph. He will have nothing else on his mind and that will allow us to use his own machines against him to wreak havoc. Activate the transmitters." He commanded the technicians. "Create a command link to each machine and instruct them to move to the final objective targets I give you."
The men quickly obeyed, working swiftly at their consoles.
The Meridian Gate
Entrance to the Forbidden City...
Prometheus strode towards the massive tri-walled structure of red stone that comprised the main entrance to the Forbidden City, the prior residence of the Emperors of old and their places of governance, the crowd surging around him.
The infected Synthoids just received a mass communication transmission from an unknown source. Davis notified him urgently.
Backtrace! Prometheus ordered, his demeanor unchanging as he continued his march through the gate.
Already in progress. I also traced a call that Colt's associates made to their superior, someone called Vance. I triangulated a general location before the call disconnected. The transmission source should...ah! Location confirmed! News Corporation worldwide broadcast station!
"The machines are arriving at their final destinations sir. ETA less than 2 minutes."
"Send the final command when I give the order. They are to announce 'Die in the name of Prometheus' before overloading and detonating their power sources."
"Yes sir."
Vance smiled darkly, his eye glittering with malice. In moments the Anathema's name will be tarnished forever and this world will turn on him. Suddenly he sensed a burst of magical energy nearby, causing his eye to widen.
"Now! Send it now!" He commanded urgently as he swiftly turned to face the direction where it had come from, calling upon his own powers as the man swiftly typing in commands. A moment later the door nearby burst open to reveal several armored Draconic knights in chrome-like armor wielding rifles.
"Everyone freeze!" One of the armored figures shouted as they began pointing their weapons at the various individuals in the room. "Step away from the consoles!"
Violet energies surged from Vance's hands, slamming into the various knights and sending them flying against the rear wall, pinning them.
"You witless imbeciles will not stop me!" He retorted furiously.
Suddenly a lance of silver energy shot from the open doorway, slamming into his side and making him stagger back with a cry, the energies dissipating.
"Maybe not, but I can!" A firm female voice stated as Arianasa stepped through the doorway, the Fey woman clad in silvery battle armor.
"Wretched dragon!" Vance growled, clutching his side and using his power to knit it back together as he cast another spell. Darts of dark energy shot from his outstretched fingers as Arianasa brought up a small silver buckler attached to her arm. The darts splintered against the divinely enchanted shield, creating cracks and fissures in the metal as she charged, racing towards him. Vance snarled as eldritch words tumbled from his tongue, his pointing finger firing a black ray of crackling negative energy towards her. Arianasa brought up her shield again, the ray slamming against the enchanted metal. With a tortured groan the shield shattered, sending splinters in all directions as she closed the distance. Stumbling with a cry she shielded her eyes against the explosion as hot shards of metal slashed at her face and arms. Another blast of magic sent her tumbling away before she righted herself, the various knights firing on Vance. The storm of bullets flew towards him only to be deflected by a hastily raised shield before more magic surged from Vance's hand. Tentacles of dark power erupted from the floor to entangle the limbs of the knights, binding them in place as Arianasa shot forward, bathed in a holy aura of pure silver and clutching a silver short sword in her hand.
"Bahamut take you!" She cried fiercely as she slammed against the shield, shattering it, her short blade thrusting towards the man only to be met with a dark dagger that knocked it aside, the blade pulsing with negative energy.
"You are no mere sorcerer!" Arianasa hissed angrily as she began to slice and slash with her blade, the man deftly deflecting her attacks with his dagger. "What are you?"
"Beyond your comprehension, witless wyrm!" Vance growled as he cast another spell. A massive flat hand materialized between them before slamming her backwards, making her tumble before getting to her feet and engaging him again. A blinding flash of silver light dazed Vance's eyes as Arianasa's glowing fists slammed into his jaw and stomach, staggering him before another series of rapid punches sent blood flying from his nose and mouth, making him stumble back.
"I will know the truth!" Arianasa cried as she gathered her power. "REVEAL YOURSELF TO THE LIGHT!" She cried, her voice filled with power as holy silver light erupted from her outstretched hands, filling the room.
Vance cried out in pain as the holy energies surged across his body, tearing to shreds the disguise of flesh he wore along with his modern suit. In his place stood a skeletal lich dressed in rich black and crimson robes edged with gold, his left hand and eye missing completely while his right eye socket burned with hellish crimson light, long wispy white hair trailing from his skull.
"Vecna!" Arianasa hissed in disgust as David Rene and the others looked on in shock at the horror Vance had become.
"Revealing me will not help you!" Vecna sneered arrogantly. "The commands have already been sent! Look and see how your own creations turn against your pathetic master by my hand and ingenuity!" He cried, his outstretched hand gesturing at the monitors behind him.
Arianasa glanced at the monitors before smirking coolly. "You mean the virus you sent out? We've been aware of that for some time and already prepared a counter. All we needed was the origin of the signal which you so helpfully supplied just now. All that work for nothing, wretch, if you care to look."
Vecna jerked in surprise before looking back at the monitors. On the screen showed the various Synthoids standing about calmly as if the detonation command had not been sent.
"NO!" Vecna shouted in fury as he turned back to her only to find Arianasa's hand closing about his neck and spine, lifting him off his feet.
"Now this ends!" She hissed, raising her blade.
"I think not!" Vecna retorted.
Lightning shot from his hands, sending Arianasa flying backwards, her armor scorched. With another gesture a violet aura surrounded her before she was sent flying to slam against the ceiling, cracking the tiles before plummeting to the floor, breaking her nose. Another twitch of Vecna's hand sent her flying out the door by which she had entered, the lich striding confidently towards her.
"You may have disrupted my plan but you will not find me so easy to defeat you pathetic bitch!" Vecna declared as he cast another spell, making Arianasa wretch violently as she knelt on the floor, bile and blood pouring from her mouth in a disgusting puddle.
Vecna summoned another massive hand that grabbed Arianasa and held her upright, slowly crushing her in its grip as he moved close with a cold laugh.
"At least I will have the pleasure of sending your desecrated corpse back to your pathetic mate on the eve of his supposed triumph." He remarked with a ghoulish grin as she struggled. "Perhaps that alone will be enough to break him but if not, I have other options with which to ruin him until this world curses his name!"
Arianasa cried out in fury as her body suddenly shifted into its draconic form, erupting from the hand's grip and shattering the walls and ceiling around her. Taking a deep breath a blast of paralysing gas shot from her mouth to engulf Vecna, making him cough violently as his body failed to react to his commands, stiffly falling to the floor. Arianasa slammed an armored fist into him, sending him smashing through the floor to the basement below as she peered down, readying another blast of holy energy.
"This isn't over!" Vecna shouted furiously as the contingency spells placed upon his body activated automatically, teleporting him away in a flash of dark energy, the tentacles binding the knights dissipating.
Arianasa grit her teeth in fury and pain as she gestured to the knights, a trail of blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. "Secure the facility! Make sure they don't have any other surprises waiting for us!" She ordered urgently.
"Yes mi'Lady!" One of them replied as the rest began to restrain Rothschild and the others.
Arianasa transformed back into her human form sans armor, wincing at the damage the spells had done to her as her semi-divine flesh began to regenerate itself. Making her way slowly into the room, she sat down at the console and inserted a device into one of the ports.
~~Connection established. Downloading all data logs and transmission files.~~ Davis reported.
~~Did you catch everything else?~~
~~Affirmative. Your suit's recorders and the knights' caught every word and action the moment you entered the room. Come back home and get patched up. I'll debrief you there.~~
Arianasa nodded as Davis finished his download of the system's information. Removing the device she stood and turned to the knights. "Bring them. Make sure they're contained for the time being."
The others nodded as she focused her magic, teleporting herself across the globe, the others doing so minutes later.
