As the gears and Draku walked through the base, Draku noticed that people were glaring at the gears and calling insults.
" here piggy piggy, your Cog bullshit won't help you here. Draku grunted at this and shook his head.
" excuse me Marcus, but is there any reason why these people look at you like this. Marcus grunted as they walked and shook his head.
" bunch of assholes holding a grudge is all. Draku snorted at this and shook his head.
" where I'm from assholes with a grudge don't last long. Baird chuckled at this and patted draku on the back I like your style. Kim sighed at their behavior and rolled his eyes before straightening them out.
" as annoying as these people are stay frosty, we need to pass through this area. The group then walked towards a trio of men with Dom in the lead. As they got closer the man turned and greeted them.
" hey Santiago whatchu doing here? No news on your lady yet I told you I'd tell you if I heard anything, I don't want people seeing me with you its bad for business. Dom ignored this and narrowed his eyes.
" give me your junker Franklin. Franklin tilted his head and laughed at what Dom said.
" what? Come on get real. Dom glared at this and took a step forward.
" come on man I'm serious we need it. Franklin sighed and shook his head.
" sorry to hear your having problems Dom but I'm not giving you my ride. Dom growled at this and poked franklins chest as he spoke.
" come on man you owe me one I'm calling in the favor. As Dom did this, the two men at franklins side stepped forward, but before they could raise their guns, draku sliced them in half making the two men jump turned to look at draku in shock and his eyes widened.
" who the fuck are you? Draku growled as he put his sword to Franklins throat.
" a man you don't want to piss off. Franklin raised his hands up in surrender as this happened, and tossed Dom the keys.
" fine take the car, but I get these three as collateral. Dom nodded at this and smiled as he,Marcus and draku began to leave. As they did Franklin called out to them.
" hey Santiago this is the last favor for you asshole and keep the iron giant away from me. Dom rolled his eyes at this and followed behind Marcus and draku. Baird meanwhile complained to them over the radio.
" man Dom your plan fucking sucks hey don't touch my shit agh- Baird out. Draku chuckled as they walked down the street and passed through a building.
" colorful bunch of people aren't they? Marcus snorted at this and shook his head.
" that's putting it lightly- wait hold up. Marcus then raised his hand, and stopped the group until the sounds of boots could be heard.
" get to cover ambush. Draku ran forward and took the initiative, catching a thrown grenade in his hand and lobbing it hard back into its sender, sending him sprawling to the ground as an explosion soon followed. Following his example, Marcus and Dom fired from his sides, killing the other three locusts that attacked them.
" well that ambush was rather small. Marcus chuckled at this and sighed as he looked around.
" don't get comfortable there's always more. Draku nodded, and kept his hand on his sword as he followed Marcus and Dom down some stairs to a gondola. As they boarded the gondola, more locust quickly showed up and Marcus began to turn the wheel sending the gondola forward as Dom and draku handled the locusts with bullets and magic. As they crossed over to the other side it began to get dark and the locusts bats known as kryll swarmed out of the buildings. Draku eyes narrowed at this as he followed Dom and Marcus, and lit a fire in his hand.
" those creatures look to be afraid of the light stay by me or get to light when you can. Draku then fired his flames into the air allowing some lee way as they ran forward towards a lamp post for safety shooting at the kryll as they ran.
Once the kryll were dealt with and it seemed to be clear Marcus radioed in.
" Anya we crossed the river. In response Anya answered back right away with the beep of Marcus's communicater.
" good checkpoint one should be straight ahead. Dom on the other hand contacted Baird.
" hey Baird how's it going? In response Baird sighed through his com before speaking.
" oh it's bullshit somebody here figured out Cole played thrash ball and everyone's going all fan girl on him where the hell are you guys. In response Dom smirked and chuckled.
" we're working on it sit tight smart the group walked up a set of stairs they were met by two men hiding behind a sandbag.
" hey you three stay there were coming over stay in the light. As the one man said this though the streetlight they were under went out and Marcus and Dom cursed raising their weapons, even as the kryll swept towards the two men. However, the kryll never stood a chance as a fire ball hit them burning them and causing light in the process allowing the two men to safely make it to the trio. Draku chuckled at the two men who stared at him in awe and blew his finger to put out a whisp of Fire.
" you two are welcome, maybe you should stick with us until morning? The two man vigorously nodded and turned to Marcus and Dom.
" where the fuck did the COG find a guy like this and where can we get more like him. Marcus cracked a smile at this and Dom laughed as Draku answered for himself.
" I'm Afraid other then my son I'm unique to this planet there will be no more like me until my death. The two men wilted at this but, this bit of information peeked Marcus interest and he pounced on the opportunity for answers.
" you have a son and you say he's like you despite the fact that you have to die for that to happen.
Draku nodded chuckling as he leaned against a wall before, taking off his helmet to meet Marcus eyes.
" indeed what happened to me, is a special case and is a rather long story perhaps I can start to tell you of it? Marcus thought about this for a moment and nodded setting his gun to the side as he sat down on a boulder.
" make a fire and we'll take a quick break. Draku nodded lighting up a fire ball and putting a bit of magic into it to persevere it before setting it down keeping a steady stream of light going.
" before I start may I get the names of the men I rescued. The two guards from before stared at Draku amazed that he actually wanted their names.
" why would you need that? Draku chuckled and shook his head pulling out his own necklace given to him by the wizard before his possession.
" names bring about companion ship, friendship, and remembrance, it would make me feel better to know that I'm protecting real people and not just robots willing to die for the cause. The two nodded and smiled before the older man stepped forward giving their names.
" My names Pops Sparrow and the younger lad here is my grandson Nelson .Draku nodded then smiled looking down at the fire before he looked back up.
"Nice to meet you both speaking of which none of you actually know my name and what better to start my story then with my name, I am Draku Blood Dragon a pleasure to meet you all. With his name now told Draku chuckled with a bit of mirth at his theatrics and continued talking.
" now if it wasn't already apparent I do not come from this world mine is a world of magic and myth, and at one point in time I was just a simple man. Marcus and Dom exchanged looks after this sentence already knowing where they thought Draku was going.
" but that changed when the overlord came about the first real overlord anyway, he slaughtered innocent people and was purely an evil man so, I and a few others became heroes and rose up to fight the overlord and his minions. Draku then waved his hands showing the images of his life and fights in the fire before speaking again.
" we achieved what we thought was a fatal blow against the overlord and in a way we had, but on top of that we damned ourselves at the same time, at the time when the overlord stood back up and cast his spell I thought he was aiming for the wizard. As Draku said this, his point of view played out first person in the flames as he continued.
" he was my mentor and our leader I couldn't let him be slain by that monster so I made my choice and sacrificed myself instead. Drakes audience gasped as they watch this sequence play out with Draku tackling the overlord out of the tower and sending them both to their deaths.
" by all means I should of died, but I didn't the mud and the overlords magic kept me alive and as I lay there broken I heard my friends leave me for dead at the urging of the wizard.
"Quickly we must leave him the tower is first to speak after the wizard was sir William more curious then worried as he spoke.
"Is he dead? Surely no one could have survived that fall!Oberon the elf spoke next not willing to leave and not as effected by the spell as the others.
"We must help him! He fought beside us. There may still be a scoffed at this shaking his head and looking around.
"No! We gotta go, take what we can and get outta here!Sir William nodded watching as the tower crumbled next to them before speaking again as he took some gold.
"He's right. We've vanquished the Evil. He has earned his rest. Leave him!. Draku paused at this moment allowing his betrayal to sink in before speaking again.
" Oberon did not deserve the fate that followed him after that day none of them did no matter how much I hate the rest of them, the overlord was to blame despite the wizard being the one to urge them on because, in actuality the wizard was dead and gone by the time the overlord stood up, he switched bodies with my mentor the moment I tackled his vile body off the tower causing me to kill him. Again Draku looked down and he grabbed his necklace of protection tightly in his palm before speaking again.
" From there the overlords minions saw potential in me as the new overlord and they saved me though it took years I came back to life to a world ruled by heroes who had turned into villains so I embraced my destiny and became the new overlord. Silence filled the air and as Draku opened his mouth to continue Dom realized his com had been on and Franklins voice came through.
" uh hey man not to interrupt that story but it's getting darker out and more kryll come out the darker it gets you should hurry, hey man check those lights damn it be safe ya assholes and uh overlord I apologize for any offense you might have taken from us. Draku chuckled at this and stood up his fire returning to his hands as he put his helmet back on.
" we can continue my story later I know you didn't get much but it's enough for now come group then keep walking coming up to and going through a building and coming out on the other side, only to be caught by a surprise growl of the locusts as they jumped out of the shadows firing at the group. Seeing this, Draku waved his hands and using his magic, threw Nelson and Pops into cover to protect them, as Marcus and Dom rushed forward engaging the few locust that attacked them. Draku smirked seeing the locusts and brought up some fire balls in his hands.
" we need light gentlemen then allow me to light the way. Grinning under his helmet, Draku casually lobbed the fireballs at the locust turning them into living candles as they fell thrashing, burning,and screaming to the ground. Gesturing to his allies to move forward Draku took point as a living shield and walked forward until his eyes widened in shock.
" Pops,Nelson move! Draku then extended his arms shielding the less armored men as a trokia opened fire on him. Marcus and Dom took cover as well, trying in vain to take out the gunner until Marcus spotted a long shot. Stretching out his foot, Marcus kicked the long shot over to Draku.
" Draku catch! Drakes eyes shot open as well as his hand shooting forward as he snatched the long shot out of the air, the gun changing shape and form as his magic activated. Taking aim Draku fired and a concentrated bullet of fire shot out of the barrel of the long shot crashing into the trokia and causing it and it's shooter to explode killing a few other locust that had joined the fight. With them dead Draku turned to his allies and looked at Marcus.
" go on ahead Marcus I'll follow up the back the fire from the trokia exploding should keep the kryll away. Marcus nodded and gestured for the men to follow him and he led the way as the group came to a building on the left side back at the end of the street. As they approach a closed doorway in the next room, a Wretch burst through it latching onto Marcus but, it didn't last longer then two seconds as Pops shot it off of Marcus and Nelson finished it off by firing a boltok pistol into its face. Dom chuckled as Marcus grunted and kicked the corpse of the wretch.
" not bad for a couple of grunted in agreement, as he pointed forward and Dom nodded rushing forward breaking through the door. This revealed a cramped area, along with showing locusts to the right a small distance away. Marcus rubbed his chin as he saw them and shook his head.
" nobody fire,we can't get a straight shot on them, and we definitely can't nail the emergence hole from here let's look around. It took a few minutes of searching but eventually the group of five found a passage to flank the locust they had seen a few minutes ago. As the group moved through the passage, Marcus raised his hands as he heard the sound of dirt being torn up.
" wretches incoming stay close everyone. As Marcus said this five wretches rushed at the group and were quickly dealt with either being shot down or cut down. With the wretches dealt with Marcus nodded to the group and they continued walking until they reached a corner. Peaking around it Marcus confirmed the emergence hole and at least a dozen locusts before turning back to the group.
" alright here's the plan, I'm going to nail the emergence hole with a grenade, Draku you go out first and get them to shoot at you while their distracted the rest of us can rush out and take advantage of them shooting at you and take them out. Nodding at this in approval the group got ready to move as Marcus unhooked a grenade from his belt.
" Go! With that shout Marcus tossed the grenade into the emergence hole destroying it and startling the locust that were outside of it. This gave Draku the perfect opportunity to rush forward, shooting fire balls at any locust that was to stupid to not take cover after the destruction of the emergence hole. Marcus, Dom, and the others followed behind Draku shooting and charging aggressively at the locusts and taking them by surprise easily dealing with them. The area now secure, Draku looked around at the carnage and whistled.
" Good plan Marcus that went pretty easy. Dom chuckled at this and shook his head in agreement before speaking.
" don't know if you noticed Draku but your a big part of that being a bullet proof juggernaut after all. Draku chuckled at this and shook his head as he started to walk down an alley way.
" don't be so sure about that, my armor does have weak points in it and believe it or not bullets do hurt me I've just been through so much shit I don't care any-. Draku however was cut off, as a grenadier burst out of a door and shotgun end him in the chest causing him to skid back a few feet with a fist sized hole in his in anger at being caught off guard, Draku pointed his hand at the grenaider and a bolt of lightning arked out of his palm striking the grenaider and causing him to explode in a shower of gore. Grunting in frustration,Draku fished out a potion and drank it down healing his wound, before he used his magic to fix his armor.
" being taken by surprise for example is a good way to hurt me if I had my minions that would not have happened, perhaps it's time I crafted minions here. Dom tilted his head at this confused as he walked forward.
" minions what do you mean? For a moment Drakus eyes filled with confusion and then he laughed as he remembered something.
" oh that's right you didn't get to see my memories of them yet, to make it short minions are like goblins and come in a variety of four, the Browns stupid but perfect for melee and swarming. The Reds good at lobbing fire and putting it out, the blues magical healers but they can be useful at attacking, the greens immune to poison and excellent assassins, and the rare grays smart and intelligent minions usually second in command to the overlord. Marcus eyes narrowed at this as he stepped forward to look Draku in the eyes.
" so you can provide us with backup? The overlord stayed silent at this for a moment before shrugging.
" it wouldn't be minions I'd be summoning minions were unique to my world and in this world the locusts are unique. Dome eyes widened and he step forward as well to look Draku in the eyes.
" using locusts are you crazy? Draku stayed silent at this for a moment, before he chuckled and shook his head before speaking.
" the locusts I make will be solely loyal to me, they will have no loyalty to the others and they will not attack you on top of that I shall fashion a set of armor for my troops as well. Marcus thought about this for a moment before nodding.
" alright do it. Pops looked between Marcus and Draku with disbelief in his eyes glaring as he spoke.
" are you crazy didn't you just hear him he wants to keep locusts like their pets it can't be done. Marcus grunted at this and shook his head.
" look old man the overlords saved my ass more times then I can count recently and his magic sure as hell comes in handy I might not believe it all but if he can turn these Grubs against each other then I'm more then happy to allow him to do so, that leaves us with less Cogs and Civies to bury. Pops fell silent at this and Nelson nodded silently in agreement rage in his eyes speaking volumes of what happened. Nodding in understanding, Draku closed his eyes and for a moment a red pulse surrounded him before disappearing.
" very well then I channeled a spell through the tower heart in a few hours locusts seeking power and opportunity will come to me. The group nodded in acknowledgement and with the area now seemingly secure Marcus tilted his head and the group moved forward. Further ahead, the group reached yet another street with a Trokia gunner at the far end. Taking cover behind a cart the group slowly pushed it forward shooting at any locusts that ran at them. After a certain amount of time they came to a car that was close to the Trokia so Draku rolled over to it, and threw it at the Trokia destroying it with an explosion clearing a path to an alley way that was behind it. Smirking to himself, Draku turned around to declare the area clear when he noticed a light glint in a building near by. Acting quickly, Draku ran forward pushing Nelson out of the way as a long shot round pierced his eye sending Draku to the ground and knocking his helmet off. Time seemed to freeze for a moment as Marcus turned to look at Draku before his eyes filled with anger despite this, Pops reacted first rushing over to Nelson and making sure he was alright. Marcus and Dom on the other hand were quick to enact vengeance spotting an abandoned boom shot near by, Marcus grabbed it and as Dom laid down cover fire Marcus shot an explosive round into the building killing the sniper. For a moment everyone was silent then, to the surprise of everyone Draku stood up holding his head and cursing.
" Son of a bitch I forgot how much it hurt to lose an eye! Leaning down to pick up his helmet, Draku downed another potion his eye growing back before he turned, looking at his stunned allies.
" I enchanted my helmet to make sure anything that hits me in the head will only stay where it hits if it can even penetrate my helmet, I'll have to design a faceplate but I digress, in the case of my left eye you've all seen magic before get used to it. Shaking his head at this Marcus walked up to Draku and punched him in the arm.
" Don't scare me like that you asshole I actually thought you died. Draku shook his head at this laughing as he helped Nelson and Pops up.
" trust me when I die my death is going to be far more explosive let's keep moving. The group then headed down the alley way the flames from the destroyed car protecting them from the kryll as they came up to and entered another to come out through the other side a few minutes later, directly into a battle as the locusts ambushed them once more. At first, it seemed easy enough just to pick the two locusts that were there off but, that was only the beginning because as soon as the two were dealt with, an emergence hole opened up on the far left side of the courtyard. Thinking quickly Marcus shouted out orders as everyone took cover.
" Dom and Nelson take care of the left side, Draku, Pops, and I can handle the right side move! Following orders, Draku rolled to cover, pulling out his augmented long shot, he began to fire at and take down the locusts that were the farthest away, making sure to take down any other snipers. With no worry of snipers, Pops and Draku used this privilege to push forward taking out the locusts that were closest to them. Dom and Nelson followed their example the two working together and eliminating the Grubs on the left side before tossing a grenade to shut up the emergence hole stopping any more locusts from coming out and letting the two focus on the few locusts that came out before they closed the both sides clear the group now continued to split up and move forward, Marcus's eyes narrowed as he noticed the building they were coming up to.
" shit there's a spotlight here but there's no way to move forward down the street I should have sent you with Dom Draku damn it, pops make your way back and go provide back up, Draku can provide cover while I move the light,Dom come in. It took a moment and after a bit of gunfire Dom answered his com.
" what's up Marcus? Marcus answered back quickly as he and Draku ran up the stairs.
" there's a spotlight here I can use to keep you safe from the kryll I'm sending Pops back to provide back up Draku can cover you while I control the light. Dom nodded peaking up from cover to draw the fire of the locusts as he heard the footsteps of Pops coming near.
" roger Pops made it, I'll try and look for a way to turn the streetlights on after we make it across the street. Marcus didn't back instead he focused on keeping the light on the trio making sure to keep it moving to keep the kryll back. Draku on a similar note picked off multiple locusts both with his long shot and with his fire, making sure to provide extra light in case the kryll got desperate to drain something. Eventually, the trio reached the building at the far end of the road. Going inside, Dom turned On some street lights and quickly activated his com.
" Marcus the ways clear. Marcus chuckled at this and turned to Draku.
" you heard him things are clear let's move. Staying still for a moment, Draku took a look around for a moment checking for any snipers before nodding and following Marcus to meet up with the others. From there, the group continued across the newly lit street and follow it until, Draku stopped them raising his hand. It was good that he did this as Just ahead, another emergence hole opens up. However the locust that burst from the emergence hole, seemed to be fleeing as they left the underground, only to be gunned down from below as they exited the looks the group stared at the dead locusts before turning back to the hole.
" what the hell do you think did that Marcus? Marcus grunted looking at Draku out of the corner of his eye.
" I have some ideas but stay alert it's not anything Cog down there. Inching forward slowly, the group was surprised as four larger then normal locusts emerged from the emergence hole each one staring intently at Draku. The one that seemed to be the smartest stepped forward kneeling in front of Draku.
" Master, we have answered your call. Draku looked down at the locusts in surprise before looking at Marcus.
" in my defense I'm new to this recruiting races thing so I had no idea when they would show back to look at his new locusts he tilted his head with curiosity.
" What are your names and are their any more of you. The first locust that spoke,leader of the group nodded looking up at Draku.
" yes master our tribes await our orders in special structures we had designed to keep away from the false queen and corruption. Draku opened his mouth to speak but then stopped himself filing away the mention of corruption for later, Draku nodded looking over the chieftains gathered before him.
" so you swear loyalty to me even though I'm helping the so called accursed ground walkers. The first chieftain snorted standing up as he looked over Marcus and the others.
" my brothers and I have put the past behind us, it's been far to long to come up to the surface now we've evolved to underground living the vile false queen makes many promises to enrich her "people's" life on the surface but that won't stop her problem. This time Marcus was the one who caught mention of this and unlike Draku brought it up.
" so this queen is trying to keep the other locusts safe, from some form of corruption you were talking about earlier right? That's why she started all of this? The locust turned its silver eyes from Draku to Marcus its eyes locking upon him for a moment.
" yes Marcus you are correct and before you ask, I heard the master speaking about you, the corruption can not be stopped wether we conquer the surface or not a cure must be found. Draku nodded looking towards Dom and Marcus before speaking.
" right so does anyone have any idea what he might mean? Dom and Marcus both shook their heads no with grimaces on their faces and Draku sighed.
" alright then we'll have to investigate later one thing at a time as the first to provide me with something of value you shall receive your name and ranking first, from now on you shall be known as Grimore the Grey. Waving his hand over Grimore, the locust was then gifted both with knowledge and a unique set of armor looking somewhat similar to the overlords. Placing his fist against his chest in honor, Grimore stepped back and another locust with red eyes stepped forward. Draku looked over this locust and smiled to himself nodding as he looked him in the eyes.
" very good I see the flames of war in your eyes, you shall be known as Hakar the red. Much like Grimore before him, Hakar gained armor of his own though his was much more based around fire, a flame coming out of the top of his helmet and a black faceplate covering his face. Unlike Grimore though Hakars skin changed becoming tinged with red allowing him to survive fire and high back after his blessing,the next locust stepped forward to be named and Draku examined him as well.
" hmm your intelligent as well but also somewhat more caring then the others as much as a locust can be anyway, very well I dub you Aquarius the blue. Much like Hakar, Aquarius had a custom set of armor looking very aquatic like, along with growing gills and a slight blue tinge to his skin. The last locust remained still and silent and Draku walked over to him right away.
" silent and attentive impressive for a locust, Ventarius shall be your name. Waving his hand once more the final locust transformed blades coming out of his palms, a custom armor set giving Ventarius the ability to blend in, and a green tint to his skin. Now all named and equipped, the locusts gathered behind Grimore and Draku turned to look at him.
" each of your respective tribes shall share your traits except for Grimores your tribe shall remain much like normal locusts until you die but, do choose an apprentice and train him in your ways it shall help the process along now you may all go but, Grimore before you do here. Draku then handed Grimore the tower heart to take with him, said locust along with the others staring at the object that called them.
" master this orb is yours it is extremely precious to you. The overlord nodded smiling with pride as he looked at Grimore.
" which is why I'm giving it to you, should I have the need I can transport myself to your base it will come most in handy and, don't be alarmed but your underground structures shall change drastically to protect the tower heart fear not though, your tribes shall be safe you may go locust leader pounded his chest in agreement before jumping back down the emergence hole and closing it behind them. Turning back to the others Draku smiled at their shocked expressions and picked up a lancer from one of the dead locusts transforming it to suit him better.
" well what are you all waiting for? We have a ride to catch.