*EOTA* I get to go into work later than usual today, hooray! So I am able to write a little bit first. Though I have to wait until after work to post…
*Red Hood* Do I get to see this church you keep promising?
*EOTA* Maybe if you do the disclaimer.
*Red Hood* Why do I always have to do it?
*EOTA* Because if you don't, I'll force you to fluff.
*Red Hood* NO! ANYTHING BUT THAT! Eye of the Abyss owns nothing!
*EOTA* *Evil grin* I knew you could cooperate…
Bludhaven – Old Library
"Spread out, you're looking for anything on the abandoned churches. Pay special attention for the Mark of Scath, since this building itself is old enough to have been built by the Cult." Richard Grayson, now transformed once more into the Red Hood by the helmet on his head, said calmly. Each of the men accompanying him nodded before vanishing into the shadows. Omar alone stayed by the Red Hood's side, walking a few steps behind him as he entered one of the rows.
"So Omar. Tell me. Do you believe I am crazy?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm currently browsing ancient books to locate evidence that a demonic cult may have built a church here. Many would think that intentionally looking for such a place qualifies as insanity."
"In all honesty, the Lady al Ghul thinks you insane, and hopes that you shall return to her when you fail to find this cult. I myself have no opinion."
"I find your honesty about her refreshing, and your dishonesty about yourself amusing. Speak your mind, I am unlikely to shoot you even if I dislike what I hear."
"That doesn't fill me with much confidence for some reason."
"And I find your sarcasm to be entertaining."
"Then I shall strive to continue to entertain you sir."
"Ha! A genuine joke! I am far less likely to kill you now than I was five minutes ago."
"I'm thrilled to hear that."
As they browsed through a particularly musty section, Omar's communicator buzzed. "Hand it here." Red Hood said, holding out his gloved hand to receive it. "Report." He said quietly. "Sir, I have located a book with the mark you mentioned."
"Bring it to me."
"Yes sir."
He returned the communicator to Omar, and they started walking back the way they had come.
"Still think I'm crazy?" Red Hood asked pointedly. Omar heard the smirk in his voice and decided the best response was silence.
"Fascinating. This book contains the exact location. A miracle that the place hasn't been found before now. But then, not many people have been through here, and the ones who have obviously didn't know that they were looking for the Mark of Scath." Red Hood said as he glanced through the book. "At any rate, I know the location, and that's all I really need. Let's go." The Red Hood and his ten followers faded into shadows as they left the library.
Bludhaven – Abandoned Church
"Spread out. Find the Mark." Red Hood ordered simply. He had no desire to mince words in this matter. He could practically feel how close he was to his soon-to-be home. Omar once more stayed by his side as he walked down the main aisle, towards the altar. "The stained glass in not traditional." He commented idly as he glanced up. Each window was a mosaic of reds, yellows, and oranges that formed a distinctly sinister pattern of triangles. Merely looking at them caused a man to shudder. It was clear that nothing holy had ever touched this place of worship. Omar grimaced, "I had noticed."
"Are you afraid that this place is as demonic as the cult that built it?"
"No, but the place is unnerving."
"Fear not. Once I have access to what lies below, Talia will be more than happy to accommodate my plans to renovate. I'll likely have the church torn down and rebuilt as a far more pleasant building, perhaps a public library. Though I do like the windows. Those will stay part of the design. Perhaps some gargoyle statues added to the exterior."
"Whatever you say sir."
"A mansion would be too obvious as a location for a base. Whereas a new public library, easily hidden from a global eye with bribes, will not draw the same attention. Talia will provide the requested resources if I agree to her proposal. Hell, she'll likely provide the requested resources either way."
They were standing next to the altar now, and Red Hood could clearly see a small symbol etched on the side. "I believe I have found the door handle." He said calmly, pressing the symbol. There was a loud grinding noise as a circular chunk of floor slowly lowered and slid backwards, revealing a staircase. "Whelming."
*EOTA* There ya have it! Warning: Timeskip in the next chapter. Six months in total, since I mainly want to show the completed renovations.
*Red Hood* And then I get stuck with the demon brat, right?
*EOTA* Right!
*Red Hood* I hate you sometimes you smug son of a –
*EOTA* Language! Just cause it's rated T is no reason to go abusing the readers' ears. You need to get whelmed!
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