Hiya!
Finally, we get to this part! Originally, I had about five different ideas on how to do this part, and I ended up writing each and everyone out just to see how they all would have looked, and I finally decided to go through with this one.
So, without further ado-
Amy: Now hold up just a minute!
Me:...Fuck.
Amy: You better believe that I didn't forget about that last chapter!
Erin: She's dead set on this whole sequel thing, Crim; she made us go and get pitchforks and torches and everything.
Lilith: If you ask me, someone's been watching too much "Beauty and the Beast".
Amy: Shut up, Lilith! Now, Crim, hand over the sequel plans, and no one gets hurt.
Me:...ONWARDS!
Amy: YOU CHEATING PIECE OF-!
"You're sure that Marax said today, right?"
Once again, Shax sighed, filling his personal backpack with things he'd need. If everything were to work out, he decided that the whole team deserved a nice bottle, "Yes, I know that today is the day, Abraxas."
To that, the younger brother grinned, the two packing stuff up in the bar, as footsteps came down the stairs, "Won't lie, as much as I love this place, but I've grown addicted to the fresh air up there."
"Something you've made quiet damn clear as of late." Vale said, stepping out, before tugging at his coat, "Shax, what do you think?"
Shax gave his oldest friend a look over. Vale wore a red suit with black dress pants. His face was covered with a simple black mask, a red star over the left eye. With the mask on, there was no way to tell who he really was.
"You look like an honorary member of Bloodbath." Shax said with a nod
"I never thought that connections to 'Lucky Luciano' would do me any good; but then again, that was before Analiuz went missing."
"We all know what that really means, don't try to sound so cool, Vale."
Shax looked up in time to see Sarlea, who had just came down the stairs.
She was dressed the same, only her mask was more grey then black, "Now, we remember the plan, yes?"
"Sarlea and I will go to the meeting and help convince the other gangs to attack. Once that's done, I drop off Sarlea and pick up Zagan here, before going to meet you guys at the other side of the gates. That's where Marax said he'd be, right?"
"Correct." Shax nodded, "And once we meet you guys there, the attack should already be under way, and we'll have Kuro out of here before we know it. Then, we make a break for the Rift, use Vale's angelic relic on it, and we'll get out of here once and for all."
"From there, we find the nearest human bar and try out what they have, eh?" Abraxas said with a large grin, elbowing Shax, "Bet you that they're not half as good as this place, eh, big bro?"
"We'll have to make it out of here before we can test liquor." Shax sighed. He grabbed a rather large leather bound book, thinking for a moment, before keeping it in his hands. If everything went sideways, as it always seemed to do, he'd need every last word in this book.
Finally, Zagan walked in from the kitchen, a small amount of soot coating his hands, "I take it that we will be leaving soon?"
"Indeed." Shax said, going through his mental checklist, "Did you burn all of the books?"
"Just finished." Zagan nodded.
"Alright, any last minute reminders?" Vale murmured, looking around.
"Everything is a time crunch. The sooner we get out, the better; but if we trip up, we're as good as dead." Abraxas offered.
"That's common sense, you dolt." Sarlea sneered, ducking when the follower of gluttony chucked a jar at her.
"We can use the comms, but keep in mind that we'll be in the Capitol district; there's a chance that others may be peering into our conversations. So, either keep it quick or coded."
"Easy enough." Zagan murmured, rolling his neck, "Gotta be honest, if all goes well, this coat may just stay on!"
"What?" Sarlea said, confused.
"Let's just say that you never wanna catch this guy with his coat off, that's when shit get's nasty." Abraxas said with a grin, as if remembering "fond" times, "But other then that, I think we're set!"
"Good...Well, I do believe that we're ready to put all of this into action." Shax murmured, looking over the plans on the table one last time. Nothing ever fell into place this nicely, something was always out of place. From the dates not matching to someone not being able to go, now it was all fine and dandy.
Must of meant that it would all go to-
No, Shax shook his head. He couldn't think like that. As cliché as it sounded, this would be the last time. After this, there would be a better future, for all of them, he knew it.
"Alright, all of you get ready. The moment everyone meets up at the gate, we make a run for it. No looking over the shoulder, no turning back."
Kuro pulled on a black tank top, shorts and her red jacket.
Finally, a way out of here.
Corvus had left in the morning, saying that he was needed for a meeting. If the attack went off at the right moment, that gave Kuro enough time to get out.
But, as soon as she walked out into the hallway, she sighed.
She was so close, but...It didn't feel right to just leave. There was something she's been avoiding, something she really didn't want to face, but still...She hated herself for thinking it, but it was the right thing to do.
Kuro crept down the hall, in the opposite direction of the meeting area. The attack wasn't supposed to go off just yet, so she still had time.
Finally, Kuro came to a stop outside the door. It took a lot not to just run in the other direction. Who knew what he thought of her after that fallout? Kuro always knew Corvus to be rather scary, but that...That was a whole new level.
If that was normal, she would hate to see the two brothers fight.
Before Kuro's hand even went for the doorknob, the door was pulled open for her, golden soulless eyes daring to glance back at her, "...I heard you outside."
"How'd you know it was me?" Kuro asked. He must have had his curtains drawn, since she could only see a dim outline and, of course, those golden eyes.
"I'd like to think that I know you quite well at this point in time." Arc said, standing aside so that Kuro could walk in.
Once the door was closed behind her, Kuro cleared her throat, "Look, Arc, we need to talk-."
She was forced to stop when Arc tore the drapes open, the sudden blinding light made her squint, before they widened in horror.
Arc's face was covered in purple welts, with a red slash mark right above his left eyebrow. He still looked as emotionless as ever, but Kuro could see the slight limp in his step, especially when she walked over, "Holy shit, are you alright!?" Kuro exclaimed, immediately taking his face into her hands, only to have Arc wave her off.
"It's only a dull throb now, there's no need to worry." Arc insisted, holding her hands in his own, before pulling away, "Now, you're here for something, yes?"
"I...I just wanted to talk to you." Kuro insisted, looking around. She had to admit, his huge triple king-sized bed looked nice, both other then the bed, everything else was basically like Corvus' room, "And I wanted to apologize."
"You do not control the actions of my brother," Arc said, waving it off before going to sit down on his bed, patting the space next to him, "As he does not control mine. I do appreciate it, you willing to be the bigger person in his place, but it is not you I want to hear it from."
"I...I understand." Kuro murmured, before sitting down next to him, pulling at her fingers. She didn't think it would be this awkward, really. She thought that it would be a quick in and out, one question with a simple yes or no answer, "...There's...Something else I want. Er, something else I have to ask of you."
To this, Arc seemed to perk up, just a bit, "Yes?"
"...If I were to leave, would you come with me?" Kuro asked, unsure how else to say it. She just...She didn't want to think of what would happen if she left him here, alone. If Kuro weren't to come back, what would Corvus think?
Surely, he, as well as the king, could have Arc put to death, easy. She just didn't want to put Arc through it, was all. Honestly, right next to Vanth, she probably trusted him most, closest thing to a friend inside the walls.
"Of course." Arc said, insistent, "I'd do anything to protect you, Kuro."
"Aww, thanks big guy." Kuro said with a grin, playfully nudging his arm, before clearing her throat, "So...Jeez, I don't know how to ask this...Umm-."
Kuro was forced to stop when Arc sprang upwards, his expression one that was alert, "Are you...Are you asking me to...Be with you?"
"What?" Kuro murmured, before shaking her head, "No I-Well, yes to a point, but not...Not like...Argh." She shook her head, before smashing her forehead into the palm of her hand, "Look, I'm...Planning on leaving."
Arc gave her a look, "...What do you mean by that?"
"I just...I got a few friends," Kuro spilled, before taking his hands into her own. They were ice cold, but she ignored it, "They're getting me out. I want you to come with. We'll both be safer, I know it-."
"No."
That stopped Kuro real fast, "...No?"
"No, I won't leave the castle." Arc said, shaking his head, before standing up, "This is the safest place for me; for us."
"Aranea, it really isn't." Kuro sighed, shaking her head, "Look, if you won't come with me-."
"No, you don't understand, you have to stay." Arc said, shaking his head, before giving her a look. He almost looked...sorrowful, in a way, "You have to stay here, where I can keep you safe."
Kuro almost wanted to laugh, "Arc, I doubt that you can-."
"No, you listen to me." Arc said, holding his head, before grabbing her hands, almost possessively, "Stay here, I can prove it to you, you know?"
"Prove what?" Kuro said with an awkward laugh.
"I can prove that I'm better for you."
With those words, the room went cold. Kuro suddenly felt very VERY unsafe. She could see it, if she looked deep enough into those golden eyes.
He was dangerous.
"Arc, please, you know that...That's not something in my control."
"But you still have a choice." Arc said, holding her hands, "I won't force you, but I can prove myself. Please, just...Everything I've ever wanted has gone to my brother. I don't want the one thing I need to go to him too, someone who doesn't even appreciate you and what you do."
Kuro wanted to turn him down on the spot. He didn't know how Corvus was beginning to change, slowly but surely. He was beginning to be more liberal, understanding. Of course, it's been trial and error, but he was getting better-
She stopped when she felt two hands grasping her shoulders, looking up into Arc's cold gold eyes, "I know you want to leave, I know you feel safer, but...You'll be hunted down. You'll be found and killed."
Kuro could only shake her head, trying to get out of his grip. For as lanky as he looked, he was surprisingly strong, but after watching Corvus throw him around, she just assumed it to be a royal bloodline thing, "Arc, come on, let go."
Arc looked as if he were about to lose it, before finally letting go, "...If you insist on running away...At least run away with me."
It was like everything she thought he was melted away. She always assumed that he was the opposite of Corvus, unable to really show emotion, but could prove it through actions, unlike Corvus who would act the part, but never mean it.
Now that she was taking a step back, she could see that, honestly, he was just as bad.
Kuro backed up, almost crouching. She went into fight or flight, ready to grab anything as a weapon, as Arc advanced, "That could be our compromise. I can still provide for you, I know it, but if you go, you'll be hunted-."
"That's a chance I'm willing to take." Kuro insisted, slapping his hand away when he tried to hold/grab her. She was honestly getting really sick of this "You-can't-handle-yourself" bullshit. It was too the point where she wanted to do it just to spite him.
Before Arc could go on, he doubled over, coughing. It was hard to tell due to his shadow, but Kuro was pretty sure that she saw some fresh blood on the carpet.
Taking this as her chance, she threw the bedroom door open, dashing out. She took one last look over her shoulder. With this visit, she had destroyed whatever good image Arc had left in her mind. That first impression, that assumption that he'd be different...Somehow…
She shook her head, leaving the spider demon in his coughing fit, unable to look at his writhing form any longer, "Goodbye, Aranea." Kuro muttered, before closing the door, shaking her head as she walked away, the sound of his coughing haunting her, just lingering for a moment too long.
It was another ordinary day for Vanth.
Being how there was to be a sort of gathering for some of the higher-ups, Ms. Sarai wanted her as far away from it all as possible.
From what she understood, apparently, she was the most problematic of a lot of the servants.
With a sigh, she pulled her hair back once more, tying it back with that oh-so-special purple ribbon, before going back to laundry work.
That was, until she heard the loud crash.
To this, she looked up, confused. It came loud and almost thunderous, and being how the current area she was in was close to the front of the castle, it must have been from or around the main gates.
Curiosity filling her head, she rose, brushing her dress before walking out of the basement-like area. One peek, that's all she wanted. One peek to see whatever was going on.
How she wished she hadn't.
The moment she got close to a window, her eyes went wide.
She's seen a lot during her service, and only more when she became the personal servant to Kuro. But never in her life did she ever think that she'd see an assault on the gates.
It was scary, to say the least. Having seen the Rift as a younger, tinier Vanth, she'd seen gang fights before. But never in a million years did she think she'd ever see all of them teaming up to achieve the impossible.
She could see the main gates, bending inwards on itself as demons climbed, stabbed and trampled their way over. It reminded her of an overflowing bucket, with the way that the Rifter gangsters were practically pouring over the gate. The guards looked as if they were stuck in the same stupor she was, the only difference is that they were quickly knocked out of it by murderous intruders.
Vanth was thrown out of it when heavy marching steps came, a huge battalion marching right past her. She did what she could to push herself into the wall, waiting just a while longer ever after they were gone, just in case.
She watched out the window as the new battalion, easily at least 50, ran out to help the easily overwhelmed gate guards.
It was kinda trippy, in a way.
"What are you doing here!?"
Vanth nearly folded in on herself, before swinging herself around, hands instantly going to pull at her fingers nervously, "I'm sorry, Ms. Sarai, r-really, I am, I just...I heard the fighting."
"Well, it's nothing of your concern." The elder demon scoffed, shaking her head, "You need to get back to work, young lady!"
"But what is that a-all about?" Vanth questioned, only to regret it when Ms. Sarai shot her a cold glare.
"You're a lowly sanitation maid, you don't get to know." Ms. Sarai hissed, eyes narrowing.
Maybe just a bit too much of Kuro had rubbed off on her, or maybe she was, what did Kuro call it, "sick of this shit"? Either way, she almost had no control over her following words, as if they spewed forth much like the Rifters over the gate, "But what if I want to know?"
That, as per usual, was enough to earn a free slap to the face. Maybe Vanth was really just that fragile and tiny, but it was enough to force Vanth to the ground, Ms. Sarai, as per usual, leering over her.
"You think that that tone is going to fly with me, little girl?" The older maid spat, scowling. It was something Vanth was use to at this point, and in a way, she understood. Being head maide was stressful, and sometimes there weren't other ways of getting around it.
Vanth closed her eyes, expecting another punch, kick something...Only to be kept waiting. When she looked again, she nearly squeaked, her boss was slumped over, and irritated Kuro standing behind her, "If I had time, I'd throw her out the window just to make sure she doesn't get back up, but with the fight out there, best not to attract attention."
Vanth nearly threw herself at Kuro, hugging her tightly enough to make Kuro wheeze, "Well, if you're this happy over this, can't wait to see your reaction when I explain."
Kuro looked like she was about to go on, only to stop when she looked out the window, jaw dropping, just for a second. She then shook her head, before grabbing Vanth by the wrist, pulling her up and away, "I'll explain on the way, but it looks like I've been running out of time for a while now."
Vanth only nodded and followed, still a bit dazed but sure. If Kuro was telling her to do something, even while ignoring her current position, she'd do it.
"No way for me to lay this on nice, tried that out already and...Well, shit got ugly." Kuro muttered to herself, before shaking her head, giving Vanth a huge grin, "So, kid, you ever seen the surface?"
Vanth could have sworn that this question had been asked before, "No."
"Well, you wanna?"
Vanth sighed, shaking her head, "I'm under contract to the castle, I can't even leave without the permission and presence of a royal."
To this, Kuro's grinned widened, "Well, I'll be that royal. I hereby order you to come to the Surface with me and a few friends, we're breaking out tonight."
Vanth froze, almost unable to move. All that worked were her legs, which seemed to be coaxed into moving thanks to Kuro's tugs. There was no way that could be possible. Freedom was nothing more than an ideal from the outside, it was almost cruel to say the word out loud.
So, of course, when it was dangled before her, Vanth reached out to grasp it, "Yes." She said, voice cracking as she nodded, "Please, get me out of here."
To that, Kuro threw her head back, laughing, "No problem." She said with a grin, before running faster, basically towing her through the air almost.
Yep, Vanth thought with a small smile, just another normal day.
Leaning on the gate, Shax sighed, looking around, "Where is she? The fighting started at least ten minutes ago, we're wasting time."
"I'm sure she's hauling ass, big bro." Abraxas murmured. As per usual, he had his sniper over his shoulder. Not that it would be easy to use while running, but he could manage.
They were right outside the back of the castle. Being how the fights were drawing out all the guards, added to a meeting of the royal of royals, now was the perfect time. But every second was another missed opportunity.
Not to far away, but within the gate, Marax stood, keeping a lookout. He stood in his armor, helmet letting no expressions out, as he leaned on his haliberd, alert.
Finally, he seemed to perk up, weapon at the ready, only to stop when Shax shook his head, "I take it that the negotiations went well, Vale?"
The demon of Greed nodded, stretching, "Zagan is on his way, making sure to say his final goodbyes to Sarlea back at the bar."
"Never thought the big guy would care," Abraxas laughed, "I mean, dude's been irritated with her since way back when."
Shax only shrugged, before looking back up to the window. From what Marax had said, she'd be jumping out that window with...someone, Shax didn't know yet, and they'd run from there.
Of course, the second person could be a problem, but as long as Kuro trusted them enough to be taken along, he could agree to it.
"About time." Vale muttered, looking up at the window.
Sure enough, Kuro was throwing it open, taking a moment to look out the window, before jumping right out, landing on her feet.
She looked no different then she normally would have, ratty old-looking red hoodie, ruby ring, her hair even looked as if she didn't bother to do it, too lazy to bother.
Yep, good old apathetic Kuro.
She shouted something up to the window, and within seconds, a ratty maid-looking girl jumped out as well, screaming out before Kuro managed to catch her.
She then shot all of them a grin, "Sorry took so long. Won't lie, took some time looking over the mess you guys made out there. Great work, really. Looked like zombies trying to take over out there."
"Shut up and get through the fence, you lazy dimwit." Vale scowled, as Marax helped both girls over the gate.
"Better that over a greedy info-broker." Kuro shot right back, landing right next to him, before helping out the maid girl, "But we can argue about this AFTER we get out of this, well, hellhole, don't you agree?"
"I can agree to that notion!" Zagan roared happily, a large smile on his face.
To this, Abraxas slapped his back, "Good job, buddy! You're using decently bigger words now!"
"Much proud." Kuro grinned.
Finally, Shax sighed, shaking his head, before looking around, "We really should be taking our leave now."
Vale nodded, pressing on, only for Marax to clear his throat, "You all go on, it'll look odd if I have my men attacking and I'm not there."
Since Vale didn't really have the capacity to feeling anything, this was probably the closest he'd ever get to looking just...broken, "...I presume that this is where we part ways then."
"It seems so." Marax nodded. The two stoic men just looked at each other, the action almost enough to make both Abraxas and Kuro crack up, "...Well, will you do me the favor of saying hi to my little sister for me?"
"Of course." Vale insisted. More silence followed.
Finally, Marax nodded to all of them once more, holding out his hand to Shax, "It was an honor and a privilege."
"The honor was mine." Shax insisted, shaking the hand.
Marax nodded, an action he seemed quite fond of, before clearing his throat, "I'll be off then. Best of luck, to all of you."
And with that, Marax dashed off, to the front lines.
Abraxas offered a pat on the back, his hand slapped away before it could come anywhere close to Vale's head, before Zagan sighed, tugging at his coat, "Let us be going, yes?"
"Yes." Kuro said, catching the bow that Shax tossed her, as well as the quiver from Abraxas, "Knowing what's going on out there though, I doubt the worst is behind us."
"We do as we always do then," Abraxas grinned, cocking his sniper, before turning to Shax, "Fight, bleed and crawl our way through. No stopping till we reach that damn finish line."
"I'd drink to that." Kuro grinned, laughing as they group marched on.
"...Ever wish we did that slow motion thing? All of us, as a big group?"
"Shut up, Kuro."
Aranea doubled over once again, coughing hard as he pressed on. He was so close to the meeting room, only a couple more steps and he'd be homefree. Once he got there, the doors still wide open, he peeked in, undetected.
It seemed to be one of those "keeping-up-with-the-people" meetings, with many common rats, also known as nobles, filling the room.
He did a quick scan of the place, before sighing with relief, Corvus stood off to the side. Apparently, he didn't have to constantly be the center of attention.
Aranea walked over, ignoring all those who gave him flirty looks and suggestive winks. After all, he had his eye set on one demon and one demon only.
"If you're planning to sneak up on me, I'm afraid you can't do that correctly either." Corvus said right before Aranea could clear his throat, before turning to face him, a grimace on his face, "Have you no decency to clean yourself before showing up to a public assembly? If father could see you at this very moment, the shame would be enough to drown all of us."
"As much as I enjoy this back and forth, I do have something of importance." Aranea said, practically wheezing out the words.
"Oh? Do you? That's new."
The Spider Prince scowled, he knew where Corvus was trying to take this, "It has to do with Kuro."
the moment he saw the expression on Corvus' face, he held back the sneer. If it meant he could keep her, snatch her from under his brother's nose, it would be all the sweeter.
He could let her go once he was sure she'd return to her, after all.
"What. Have. You. Done. With. Her?" Corvus said through his fixed smile, as to not alert anyone within their vicinity.
"I've done nothing, dear brother." Aranea rasped, adjusting his glasses, "You should be asking what is she trying to do right now?"
To this, if he had blinked, he would have missed Corvus walking out the room, "Do I have your attention now?"
"No games, tell me this instant." Corvus nearly growled. Aranea took a moment to take in the shadow behind his brother with a small grin. After all, while younger, he always had a better control over his outwards apathy expression.
He couldn't help but wonder what would happen, if he told. Much like himself, Corvus hated getting his hands dirty. Bu what was he willing to do for his "sweet, little Kitten"?
Or rather, HIS sweet, little Kitten?
Before he could go on, both brother's had their attention captivated by the window, or rather, what was taking place outside.
Aranea almost laughed, what kind of laughable assault was this? "I see now why the assembly is taking longer then expected."
"Our King is doing his best to keep his subjects from panicking. While I don't agree with giving them the illusion of nothing happening, it seems to be working at the moment." Corvus sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, before shaking his head, giving Aranea a look, "Stop averting the main subject, what happened to her?"
Aranea sighed. He could imagine Kuro right there, asking and even pleading for him to stop. How she'd do anything to make sure that Corvus didn't know.
Aranea couldn't lie, the idea was...a bit more than just "desireable".
"I'll tell you, but I advise that you hurry, I don't know how far she could have gotten by now..."
Alrighty then, that happened, I hope you guys enjoyed and-
Amy: Nope, not this time, not again!
Me: God damnit.
Amy: You think you're so smart, oh great and powerful author? A king is nothing without their subjects!
Lilith: She's gone from Disney to wannabe Shakespeare. God help us all.
Amy: You will not take our right to sequel! Hollywood is nothing without the actors!
Me: Okay, do I look like Michael Bay to you? I'm not going to give you five and more stories just because explosions, alright?
Erin: Jeez, they're both so damn dramatic.
Amy: You're suppose to be on my side, Erin!
Erin: The only side that I'm on is my own.
Lilith: Great, the histrionic tendency is spreading.
Me: Okay, you know what, I'm willing to strike a deal with you guys.
Amy:...I'm listening.
Me: After this story, I plan to try my hand at another Overwatch fic.
Erin: Cause we saw how great that went last time.
Me: Shut the hell up. Anyway, after that Overwatch fic, assuming that I don't end up cutting it short for reasons, then I plan to do a sequel.
Amy: Yes!
Me: I never said that it would be for you.
Amy: FAQ!
Erin: Well, who else could it be?
Me: I'll tell you...In the next chapter!
Amy: Don't you dare!
Me: Hope you guys enjoyed, I live and breathe for reviews, and I'll cya next chappie!
Amy: Crimson, I swear to anything holy-
Me: Till next time, bai bai!