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The portals have been open for three years, survivors are scarce and scared, or scarce and blood covered.

Multiple hidden strongholds for those that do not wish to fight have been established, although there are very few inhabiting them.



Icarus stepped around a large piece of rubble, his hyena jogging ahead. Readying his axe, he prepared to charge a two legged creature that was foolishly facing away from him.

The waves crashed upon the beach, the ocean spray drenching all those present in a shower of brine. A pink tongue swiped across cracked lips as Kanata basked in the sounds of his mother, the water roar a lullaby to his ears. Ritualistic chanting hummed in the background and Kanata turned around and opened his mouth. A enchanting siren song slipped from his vocal chords, floating high above the voices of those gathered. A familiar pattern overtook his body as Kanata began to dance, feet light against the slippery rock he stood upon as he twisted and bent himself, his own show of devotion to those who fanatically worshiped him. One figure broke from the mass of worshipers to step forward, and Kanata took the young girl's hand, leading her down the winding path towards a section closed off by jagged rocks. His voice remained strong and steadfast as the pair entered the inner sanctum. The small cavern was half flooded with water and Kanata led the girl into the water with him. As soon as the girl set a foot into the water, tentacles shot up to wrap the sacrifice in its poisoned appendages. No sound was made as the girl was dragged under the water and the unholy monstrosity that resided in these water rose out of the water to regard Kanata unblinkingly. The God stepped forward, feet barely making a splash as he reached up to reverently touch the monster's slimy skin. "Until next month, 'my friend'." Kanata hummed, lovingly stroking the beast before stepping back and letting the monster who protected them slink back into the cold watery depths it called it's home. A song rose in his throat again as Kanata returned to the stormy beach, proclaiming to his followers that yet another month of peace and protection was upon them.

Crouched over his music, Leo composed as if his life depended on it, giggling as the blank canvas of paper filled out into the beautiful melodies which resounded in his head, a symphony for the whole world to hear. A weight crawled into his lap but he didn't pay any mind, his beloved Nyaitsu meowing around him. If anything it only fueled his music composition craze as he laughed out loud, picking up his music and scattering it into the four winds. "Wahahaha!! Inspiration! It comes! Being around my Nyaitsu is the best!!" He declared, laughing without a care as he fell on his back, the winds picking up his music and sending it flying. Leo didn't care, he had so many songs trapped in his head he doubted that even his genius hands could write them all out. One of his Nyaitsu padded over to sit on his chest, kneading his tiny paws upon Leo's padded clothes before settling down to take a nap. Blinking, Leo let out another laugh and let his Nyaitsu cat pile him as he simply lay there, letting countless melodies fill his head

---

Luke is in the forest, sneaking up on a four legged creature. He loads his bow and arrow, then he aims and fires. He hit it in the shoulder. It felt it and came at him, then he shot it right through the moth and killed it. He heads back to where he set up a tiny camp in the woods.

*Radir was scavenging for goods that he could sell or use for his little hideout in the forest, his eagle Silver was flying high as he watch his partner back from the sky* There has to be something good around here...

---

Two men walk towards a bridge, which'll lead them onto the pathway towards one of the largest cities left standing. One looks confident, while the other looks nervous. "Didn't you hear? A crazed person of the name Nox makes people pay a toll to enter" the boy tells his companion nervously.
"I don't care... I dare this person to fight us" the other man responds. They pause in front of the bridge and glance towards the trees, where they heard movement. Nox hops out of the tree and easily lands onto the bridge. She slowly stands up, and regards the two with a distasteful glance. Her unnatural golden eyes seem to baring into their soul... or so she thinks. The confident looking man starts laughing.
"That's Nox!? That little boy? He is supposed to be feared?" He barks. Nox's jaw tightens, but other than that, she doesn't react to his words.
"Give us money if you wish to cross, or I'll spill your guts!" A voice behind the two demands. They turn around, fear flickering in their gaze. Was this an ambush? A raven sits behind him, she fluffs her feathers out proudly. This makes the first guy laugh even harder.
"Oh yeah? How much do you want?" He asks, his tone makes it sound like he is speaking with a child. "Listen boy! We are both dangerous men. You don't wanna mess with us. We will-"
"Twenty-five gold coins" Freyja interrupts.
"Twenty-five!? Boy that's enough money to last a few months of rent" the man growls. He grabs a gun and points it at Nox. "Enough games, let's just end this-" he suddenly cries out in shock. Freyja has just turned into a panther and leaped at his arm, which causes the gun to fly out of his hands. Nox slowly walks forward laughing a very feminine laugh.
I warned you she signs. She grabs her katana and stabs the man in the chest. She slices downwards, as promised, she spills his guts, and much more. The man crumples down to the ground with a scream, which she silences with a cut to the throat. She turns to the cowardly man, who opens up his hand, showing the handful of gold coins, which are neatly stacked into a small pouch. Freyja, who is now a raven, flies by and grabs the pouch. She seats herself on Nox's shoulders, who steps aside to let the man through. She loots the dead man, then makes her way into the city. Calmly leaving the dead man behind to be seen as a warning to any new travelers... Stay out of this city!

A few children are on their way home. Dirty from a day of hard work. Tears stream down the girl's faces. Their boss has an incredibly cruel man. Nox would kill him, but even she knows when a target is too big of a chew for her to swallow. If she kills him, there'll be too many unseen enemies to face, even more than she already has to deal with. Instead she does something better. They look up at her with horrified glances. Was Nox the terrible about to kill them? Instead she holds out her hand, which holds all the money she has stolen today. The kids happily take the money and run off. They'll hopefully get a new job or buy some food. No matter what it is, it's the push they need to leave their old job. All that matters is that it's less people working for that... Monster. Nox watches them leave with a smile, which is hidden underneath her mask.

Luke packs up the stuff he needs and takes it all with him, since nobody needed all that much. He had food, his bow and a big quiver of arrows, and a guitar on his back. He walks and finds a dirt road. He walks on it and crosses a bridge. He knew that someone named Nox guarded this place and only let you pass if you had money. The blue butterfly flies next to him and lands in his palm as he walks, holding his bow in case they attacked without reason this time. He sees the dead body. “Typical. Always underestimating.”

𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗛𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘
AND 𝗗𝗔𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗦

[ gender female - location city outskirts - age twenty years tags alone ]
xxxxxxToday wasn't one of those sunny days that either Eden or her spirit guide took for granted, and gloomy clouds hung low to block out the sun above. It was just as well. The ominous, deep, roar of Eden's black motorcycle ripped through the air; it would be the unfortunate death knell of her target today. Above her, a breathless, piercing screech cleaved the air beautifully, the sound echoing from a lithe dark shape gliding above her. She'd let Daedric out of his passive state from the tattoo on the back of her neck, and the wolf had gracefully leaped into his sooty owl form in perfect sync with his spiritual partner. They'd been that way for three years. Their speech, thoughts, and actions, in sync, in balance. The machete that she'd kept on her thigh seemed to tingle, purring silently in delight.
xxxxxxEden kept one eye on the horizon, which was slowly, purposefully darkening as a coming storm approached the mainland. If the information from her client was correct, then her assigned target would be dead before that storm struck. With any luck, she'd be back in the cabin with her spirit animal, perfectly dry after the kill had been complete, and they'd both made the long trip home. In any sense, she would recall Daedric back to passivity if they were deceived. Well, if they were deceived, the storm would be the least of their worries. If they were deceived, then Eden would have their head on a silver platter.
xxxxxxThere were very few blessings to being the predator on the hunt. Being a bounty hunter was a much more difficult life than she would admit to anyone. Not all clients were willing to trust Eden and for good reason. They were so rightfully afraid of her. Even when she'd sparred with the older trainees, they'd been ... less than her in some way she couldn't explain. A vicious pleasure coursed through her body, wicked as an electric shock and hastier than adrenaline. Daedric swooped in her peripheral; his sight merging with hers as she borrowed his rather superior vision. A questionable decision no doubt considering she was riding a motorcycle. Her gaze landed on footprints, the same ones that she'd been following. Her target was most certainly not prudent with covering up his tracks, that's for sure. Not that it mattered. Among the many things that were tacked onto her ruthless reputation, it was noted that she never missed a target. If you were unlucky enough to be her target, then you were a goner. She doubted this one would be any trouble, either.
xxxxxxShe parked the motorcycle in a rather unobtrusive grove of trees. With a click of her tongue and a flap of wings, Daedric shifted into his wolf form; two large dark grey paws thudding silently without a whisper of sound on the forest floor. Both of them turned their sights to the cabin; where their target resided. There was no questioning that their target was more than aware of her arrival, and was likely scrapping together what weapons he had. Daedric was growling with primal hunger, his lips peeled back to reveal white dagger-sharp canines. In the end, weapon or no, it didn’t make a difference. The kill was wild, bloody and quick; the target screaming for mercy despite the massive wolf’s jaws on his neck, before she struck the jugular. He bled like a stuck hog. Daedris purred, his voice practically oozing that sinister satisfaction… Activating a data-pad that she kept clamped on her wrist, she sent a quick message to her client to announce the deed was done.

A loud sound can be heard behind Eden. Her target had been on the very outskirts of the city, too far out. Nox had easily managed to find Eden... For once. She had spent days trying to track Eden. It pained her to imagine how many people may have wandered into this cutthroat city without an interruption from her. She has her foot on a fallen box, which is what made the sound. She turns her head, analyzing Eden. I have a job for you she signs, and Freyja repeats. There is a man... They call him Bear... I want him dead. She clenches her fists and huffs. He is a cruel man... Dare I even call him human? I'll pay anything this last part was a lie. She had no cash to offer, at least for today. But Eden didn't need to know that. I want him to be culled in the worst way possible she has no shame in admitting that, this man deserved nothing less.

Luke sits down by a tree, waiting for the group of assassins to come and ask for some of his money. He gets out his guitar and starts playing ‘Renegades’ by X Ambassadors.

With the last notes of his song being carried away by the howl of the sea wind, Kanata let out his breath ready to strip out of his ceremonial robes when the family of the sacrificed girl came up to him, both of the parents falling to their knees and bowing before Kanata. "Gracious God, thank you for choosing our daughter for the ritual." The father stated, hands trembling as he was graced with the presence of his all powerful deity.

Kneeling down, Kanata gently took the man's hand, pressed the back of it against this forehead. "Please do not 'bow' before me. It was your 'love' that gave birth to your 'precious' daughter. Because of that love, 'that girl' was a pleasing sacrifice." He murmured with a comforting smile, painfully used to this song and dance. "Tonight we host a feast in her 'honor' and you are our 'prized' guests. Stand with your 'head' held high." His heart ached as the girl's mother began to weep, her siblings beaming despite the tears streaming down their faces. In the face of their god's boundless grace and kindness, there was little they could do but cry at the love given to them by a existence that transcended their understanding.

"My Lord, thank you for your endless mercy." They family chorused together, as Kanata helped each member stand up blessing each of them as they left. His heart ached as he watched the family walk away with smiles on their face, loneliness welling up within him. The people who worshiped him treated him with respect and awe, giving him praise, love, and devotion, everything Kanata could ever want in return for his divine powers. He granted wishes, giving families what they desired and bestowing upon the people a reason to smile in these dark times. Yet, Kanata felt loneliness fill every crevice of his being, seeing a family that was truly happy together. He wanted something like that. Perhaps that was why he had befriended the monster who they relied on for protection, his own loneliness driving him to find company with something who could understand him. A God and a monster certainly didn't have very much in common yet Kanata could confidently call the monstrosity who lived in the dark depths his best friend, second only to the familiar who followed his every step faithfully.

As those who were present began to file out to prepare for the coming feast, Kanata made the lonely trip to his shrine, wooden sandals echoing against the wet stone.

---

*Radir kept scavenging as he saw some good items to take, Silver screech from the sky warning Radir of danger. Raidr went to hide in a closet as he preps his bow incase if they got close*

---

𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗔𝗛𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗘
AND 𝗗𝗔𝗘𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗦

[ — Location City Outskirts; - Feeling Irked; Curious; Wary; - Tags Nox/Freyja; - Profile; — ]
xxxxxxThe datapad buzzed; the little numbers at the top indicating her balance quickly increasing until they stopped. Seven gold coins. Just as agreed. No more, and no less. The ping also came with a message; a sensual promise that the two of them would be working again. Simple innuendos; about as visceral as it could get when these things were contained to electronic communications. Just reading it sent a jolt of ire down Eden’s spine, her lips curling. The bounty hunter didn’t even bother responding anything beyond a dry I look forward to it. Usually, when she said something of that tone, it usually meant the end of the conversation. She hardly checked her mail anyway and was prone to ghosting people. Most conversations were left unresponded to for months on end, if not years.
xxxxxxUnsurprisingly the fae did not whirl immediately when there was a loud thunk behind her. Neither did Daedric; if this was a scare tactic, she wanted to convey that it had failed. Not that she was in any way rattled. Eden merely turned to look at the fae over her shoulder, face a cold, stoic mask underneath the ebony cowl that hid her face. Daedric stood loyally at her side, regarding the raven with what Eden could only describe as a mix of derision and something approaching bloodlust. It'd been a while since the wolf had had a good fight, and he was all too eager. She could only hope the other spirit's shift was not feline, or else Daedric might lose all restraint altogether. Daedric seemed all too aware of the fae's presence even before she had aggressively stomped on the toppled box. The wolf’s sense of calm was the perfect twin to the outright aura of sheer menace that poured off every inch of Eden’s being. And for once, the other wasn't scared of her.
xxxxxxShe made a subtle hand motion to Daedric, Watch the girl while she focused the attention on the raven, Freyja, as she was called. The spirit may be avian now, but there was something feline about that gaze. I have a job for you. There is a man... They call him Bear... I want him dead. He is a cruel man... Dare I even call him human? I'll pay you anything. Oh, she'd heard of Bear plenty of times during her rare excursions into the city for supplies; a fierce snarl from her inner darkness swirled darkly around her and Daedric's mental shields. The brute immediately responded, mental talons gently caressing his partner's mind. But even a CEO boss would not be hard to track down nor kill. Eden crossed her arms across her chest, as she watched the female. For duplicity certainly. Because when a client said "I'll pay anything." it usually meant that they had no money on them at all. She fought the urge to scoff at that last bit. "When you say 'I'll pay you anything' I'm assuming you can afford my services?" She said icily, "I do not kill for free." Her bored facade was a mask; her mind had already started to plot the killing out. There was thought, art, that went into each of her kills, so much so that it might've been a game to the fae. She knew that Bear would wind up dead by her hand payment or not, but it was different if it was a hired kill.
xxxxxxShe was so caught up in her thoughts that she barely heard Nox's last words. "I want him killed in the worst way possible." The thrill was brutal and predatory; it brought a vicious smirk to her face. The twin to Daedric's face of lethal calm. "That, Nox, will be easily taken care of." Eden drawled, voice full of malice.
xxxxxxNo one could deny she had always been very...creative.

[ 639 words ]

(Aww heck I missed so much)


Icarus had decapitated the two legged beast easily, fortunately not attracting any on the four legged things. Since they hunted via sound, they were a pain to take care of. Now, he wandered as his Harrier flew ahead, alerting him of anything worth while. Dead man, bridge to your next left. Appears looted already. Icarus sighed. Another one? The mysterious gatekeeper of the area must have been busy. His axe hung quietly by his side, the bright blue blood of the beasts having stained the sheath a shade lighter. He kept walking along, not paying any mind to the gathering flies and spreading odor. The outskirts, one of the best places to find a traitor, somebody who killed the defenseless or enslaved to weak. He twitched a little. That "Bear" man was still hidden, wasn't he? Drawing his axe again, Icarus set his eyes on another two legged beast, or a Two Legger as he'd started calling them. A beast? In his beautiful sanctuary? He thought not. He rushed, the beast seemingly distracted by something nearby. His axe cleaved neatly through it, splitting it from the head to the sternum. He sighed, then wiped off his axe and sheathed it. Icarus. You're in for a surprise as soon as you round that corner. "Da** bird, can't you just tell me?" That would ruin the surprise. He sighed again, then continued o his little patrol.

Bundling up his Nyaitsu in his cloak, Leo sat up and gently ran a hand over his familiar's soft fur smiling. "Let's go, Sena." He declared, laughing rambunctiously as he staggered up to his feet. Ever faithful, his familiar trotted by his side, silver fur glimmering in the harsh wasteland they lived in. They traveled as they always had, just them against the world, against the storm the battered against Leo's mind breaking him down time and time again. Each time he scattered into a billion pieces, Sena was always there, patient and steadfast waiting for his wayward king to return. Leo hummed happily, fingers itching to compose his heart out, spill his brains out onto a blank canvas, when Sena growled, slamming him back into reality. The foul odor made him scrunch up his nose as he reeled back dramatically, crying bloody murder as his beloved Nyaitsu roused from the commotion. They too began to mewl and wriggle about, confused at the sudden panic their leader was exhibiting and only stilled when Sena jumped into Leo's arms, chest rumbling with his purrs. licking each member of Nyaitsu with exasperated rough strokes.

"Calm down, Leo." Sena grumbled, hopping back down to nudge at the corpse. "What happens if someone hears your screaming and we get attacked? So~o annoying." Nudging Leo with his tiny cat nose, Sena pushed the man he was bonded with across the bridge as the pair entered town with Leo whining about how they needed to stop, inspiration was welling up within him! He absolutely had to write it down, or else the world would be lost without such a masterpiece to guide them! What if the music had all the secrets to defeating aliens and monsters in them?! What then, Sena?! Humanity would be doomed to extinction without his music, he absolutely Had to write it down. Ignoring his familiar's yowls, Leo ran over to the nearest wall, tongue stuck out in concentration as he began to compose on the walls with chalk, music blooming over the drab landscape as he laughed. "Wahahaha!! Gnash your teeth, Wagner! Turn in your grave, Beethoven! Be envious of my genious! Wahahaha it's overflowing, it's overflowing! The music can't be stopped, I can't stop it!! Wahahaha!!"

---

Nox smiles in amusement, which obviously goes unnoticed to Eden. She extends her arm out, and Freyja moves across her arm and perches on her hand. She slowly strokes Freyja, almost as if she were a house cat and Nox were a movie cliche villain. You are cunning Stormhunter... so I suppose you know what you are about to get into if you accept the offer. Nox is once again forced to sign her words, so Freyja perches onto her shoulder. I would take Bear down myself, but I have nowhere to hide... expect my name, but not everybody is afraid of that. She slowly walks towards Eden, unafraid of the brute. Eden was obviously better in every way. Taller, stronger, and armed to the teeth with weapons she wouldn't dare buy, wearing armor that made her own weapons useless. Nox didn't show even an ounce of worry in her stone cold eyes. About the money, I was being serious about any offer. I have no problem obtaining money Freyja's voice suddenly because colder, my problem is who I give the money to... you better make every cent worth it.

𝐄 𝐃 𝐄 𝐍 𝐀 𝐇 𝐕 𝐄 𝐍 𝐆 𝐀 𝐑 𝐃 𝐄

[ — 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐬 - 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲; 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝; - 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐱/𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐣𝐚 - ]
xxxxxxDaedric couldn't help but shrug at the display in front of her, the lean grey-tan wolf's pelt rippling as he stood tall and regal at Eden's side, eyes perfectly calm. Eden could see the imagination radiating off her spirit partner in waves; what sort of brutality would spray the most blood while being the most covert. No question that Daedric himself wished to be executioner, but the wolf smoothed his pelt until he was slightly less menacing. Assuming that this mission went as smoothly as the others, Eden would grant her familiar his wish. Her face remained polished and smooth like marble, even when the fae started to speak again, lovingly stroking her raven for the sheer sake of watching the other squirm it seemed. Daedric reclined lazily at her feet, his legs ever so slightly positioned beneath him. Ready to leap between the two if needed.
xxxxxxAt the very least, she couldn't help but make the house-cat analogy. You are cunning Stormhunter... so I suppose you know what you are about to get into if you accept the offer. Eden nodded, the gesture more to herself than to the fae. Eden was only half-listening, though this was partial because she was for the most part out of harm's way. Her armor was strong by weapons when she'd bought it, but after the brute had sharpened and improved it with her own tinkering skills, it had become near impregnable. At least by the weapons, she could spy on the fae's person. You would assume with so many monsters around, the fae would be better armed, but no.
xxxxxxEden did have to give it to Nox for being able to track her here without difficulty. Rarely ever did people bother to track who they considered being a wraith. She was a malevolent specter on the media, darkly elusive. But that was not something she was about to admit.
xxxxxxHer attention was relatively diverted as the fae droned on; the assassin was not interested in the reasons behind someone's death unless it had to do with important information of her victim. Her black-gloved hands were crossed on her ebony-armored chest, the portrait of calm boredom. The assassin supposed that she should be paying attention, even if such pathetic reasoning was literally next to groveling in her book. Nevertheless, her eyes retained their intensity, especially when Nox padded closer to her; Daedric being the buffer. The wolf snarled softly in warning, feral alarm mixed with a slight fixation on Eden's safety. Eden knew that he'd leap to her safety without a second thought despite it being unnecessary. But her expression remained unruffled; just as Nox had reminded her, there were people who were not afraid of her name. Eden was one of them, and she let her storm-blue eyes betray nothing as they bore edgedly into Nox's gold irises. As if from a great distance, she could feel her gut prickling with cynicism, that this woman could not, and likely would not pay the price. It was to be a great price for sure, considering that Bear had many associates. The flinty ice in Nox's voice promised pain, but it only strengthened Eden's resolve; the assassin felt a deadly calm settle over her bones. High risk, high reward. She'd heard it from all her clients, and never had she failed them. "I've never missed a target prior to this one, Nox. I don't care how this person is. He will not be an issue.” The order to prey and predator was primordial, conceived long before man. He was her prey, and she was a predator; Bear, despite his name, would fall to her. Killer and predator were so easily confused at times.

[ 619 words ]

Excellent . She sighs dramatically. And how much will this cost? She glances down at Daedric, who looked ready to attack at any moment, she could sense Freyja was about ready and fight Daedric. She would have to hurry this up before one of their familiar's lost control all together. Nevermind that, we can discuss payment when the deed is done she starts to walk away, but pauses before she reaches the door. She turns around to say one more thing Should I expect you to find me when the deed is finished? Or will I have to track you down myself? She couldn't help but smile at this. There was an odd joy in puffing our her chest at this dangerous woman. She didn't know where it came from, but she almost wanted to prove herself to this girl.

𝐄 𝐃 𝐄 𝐍 𝐀 𝐇 𝐕 𝐄 𝐍 𝐆 𝐀 𝐑 𝐃 𝐄

xxxxxxEden couldn't help the amused smirk that played upon her feature as she watched the raven puff up its feathers when it noticed that Daedris was snarling at it. There was the tone of undeniable challenge within the brute's voice; the reason that he'd puffed up his pelt to at least twice its size. Come. Accept my challenge. What a pleasing little show of dominance; and the moment was even more so savored when she noticed that Nox appeared to be speeding up the conversation just because of it. So much for bravado. Eden mused to herself. Never mind that, we can discuss payment when the deed is done seemed to be the greatest proof of it. Daedris at her side looked to be somewhat disappointed that they were leaving so quickly, backing down from the fight offered to them. She didn't move from her spot as Nox strutted for the door...and stopped on the threshold.
xxxxxxShould I expect you to find me when the deed is finished? Or will I have to track you down myself? Eden shrugged half-heartedly, not missing the hardy bravado behind the words; and allowing for sarcasm to imbue her tone. She shifted the bag to her other shoulder, keeping her eyes pinned on Nox's enchanting golden optics. "I'll come to find you, Nox." Eden asserted to the female, her voice cold once more. "I'll see you tomorrow night at the latest.” Sardoniscm fluidly dripped off her tone, yet it didn't overshadow the undertone of cold, calm boredom that underrun most of her speech. Eden supposed that these kills were the only entertainment she had these days, the only way she could satisfy her craving for the crimson liquid.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
xxxxxxThe old city edge's ghostly atmosphere contrasted sharply with the roar of Eden's motorcycle, though it likely was worse for the brutes gathered there. This area was a wreck, and Eden could feel Daedric's virulent unease and disdain through their mental bond. Disembarking, Eden took a deep breath, getting a grip on her emotions. Holes like these weren't where you showed fear. She opened up her bag and put a lock on her motorcycle, ensuring that no thief would make off with the black beast. Daedric swooped down on her shoulder with a whoosh of wings, dark eyes narrowed menacingly as he waited with his spirit partner for the client.
xxxxxxThey're late. Daedris drawled to his partner. As usual. Eden grumbled, checking her watch. They'd better show up; Eden had not just wasted two and a quarter hours of her life for this. Just when she was about to send Daedric to fetch the goons themselves, heavy footsteps behind her made her turn

Humming out the music as he continued to compose, writing on the walls and between the surprised feet of those passing, Leo made for one strange sight. A orange haired man crawling around with white music following his every movement while a band of four cats padded after him. It was even more creepy when Leo burst into laughter, running off to find another blank canvas to spill his heart out on. In his composing lust, he didn't even realize where he was going, straying from the city to the outskirts. His hand wrote and wrote, his whole body flowing with unspoken wonders, music filling each broken crevice. When the chalk was reduced to a small stub, his fingers bleeding as he continued to scratch away at the rough gravel, Sena nudged Leo's hand and replaced the useless chalk with a better piece that would hopefully last through the random composing zeal that had overtaken the young boy. The trail of red speckled white music winded through the streets, laughter echoing off the walls, leading towards the bell tower in the distance as Leo ducked under a beam to write a trio of staccato notes, punctuating the next line with a legato held note. Ducking around another bend, Leo wrote out another staff of notes, letting his livelihood spill out of his hands. Nyaitsu trotted along side, occasionally batting away stray rocks or nudging Leo to move when space became scarce. Truly the five of them had fallen into a familiar rhythm of push and pull, looking after each other while giving the rest space to pursue what they wanted to. As the group ventured closer to the clock tower, a louder sound began to drown out the music in Leo's head and the young composer growled, snarling at the disturbance to his sanctuary.

---

The bell tower, no matter how decorated it became, still had little to no structural integrity. A support creaked ominously as Leo shifted, his relatively small amount of weight forcing the neglected supports closer and closer to their limits. The outer wall had been ravaged by the four legged beats, their tentacles impacting the tower many times whilst it chimed. As Leo was forced to make again by his company, something cracked down at the base, the concrete supports of the walls having rotted down in the first year of the terror that was the beasts and their apocalypse. One of the main supports in the walls splintered, others attempting to take the weight of their fallen comrade. The did so unsuccessfully, their own material too weak for even half of the weight that remained. The tower's walls started to crumple, the inner supports cracking as the massive clock in the top started forcing its way through the floor, and down the tall structure, shattering stairs as it fell.

...

Icarus heard a motorcycle in the distance, silently cursing whoever was foolish enough to be riding such a loud thing. The "surprise" that his creature had been a mugging, which he was fortunately able to stop and cast out the offender. He was still out on his little patrol, his mind wandering to all the drug lords and crime bosses he had yet to get rid of. He'd make this city thrive yet.