“What are you doing?”
“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to.”
“You know what I meant.” Dark eyes panned over the pair hidden behind sunglasses. “Why are you here, Famulus?”
“Don’t ask questions you already know the answer to,” the other repeated, much to the first speaker’s irritation.
Annoyance was promptly replaced by a devilish smirk as the first speaker turned to the fair-haired member of the party. By the time green eyes drifted towards the one in sunglasses, the smirk had become a full-blown grin before arms were wrapped snugly around their waist.
“Sai–!”
“Tell Famulus to leave. We can handle this without him.” The smile broadened as the next words were whispered into the captured member’s ear. “It’ll be more fun with just the two of us out here, Jayden.”
“C-cut it out, Sairix!” Jayden griped, face reddened as he shoved the other away.
“Oh, c’mon,” Sairix teased as he eased forward to be by the other’s ear once more. “I’m waaaaay more fun than Famulus there.”
Jayden shoved the other back once more before rubbing his reddened ear. “Knock it off, Sairix! You know I hate that!”
“Your face says otherw–”
“That’s enough.”
“Famulus, shut up. No one was talking to you,” Sairix replied as he started to make his way towards the flustered man.
“Stop calling him that,” Jayden griped as he took a step back. “His name is–”
“Famulus.”
“Stop calling–!”
“Both of you, knock it off!”
Jayden scowled. “You seriously can’t be ok with him calling you that! You should get angry or something, Runihura!”
“Getting angry wouldn’t change anything,” came the response as the dark gaze slid from the blonde to the one in sunglasses, “and that’s what he wants anyway. As long as you don’t use it then I really don’t care.”
“Runihura…”
“Hey, I got stuff to do, things to eat.” Sairix stated somewhat impatiently as something caught his attention. “You lovebirds done?”
“We’re not–!” Jayden whipped his head towards Sairix until Runihura patted his shoulder. “Tell–!”
“Jay.” The man huffed as he folded his arms. “Sairix, do you know what your assignment is?”
“Yeah…”
“And the level restriction?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he replied as he waved a hand dismissively at Runihura. Sairix then turned his attention to the newer reaper as he took a step towards him. “Hey, why don’t we reschedule our playdate for a later time? I’ll show you real fun when out in the field then.” An impish smirk then appeared on his pale face. “Or back at Central.”
“As much fun as that might be, it’ll be a hard pass for me. I’ll stick with Runihura,” Jayden replied.
“Booooooring,” Sairix griped as he combed a hand through vibrant red hair. “He’s the least entertaining person I know but whatever.” Something piqued his curiosity before he circled past the pair. “Anyway, I like to build up an appetite so make sure he stays alive, Famulus. You should at least be able to do that better than last time, right?” Runihura glared as the departing member winked at the blonde. “I’ll see you later.”
Watching the man depart, Jayden turned his attention to the hand on his shoulder as it tightened subtly. “Hey, Ru?” Green eyes met the brown pair before shifting back to the hand. “You ok?”
Following the gaze, Runihura dropped his hand back to his side. “Yeah, sorry,” he replied as he watched the man that was walking away before quickly heading in the opposite direction. “Let’s just get going.”
“What he just said before leaving… are you ok?” Jayden asked as he chased after his partner. “Ru?”
“I’m fine, Jay.” Seeing the next question in Jayden’s gaze, Runihura mustered a smile. “Stick to the task at hand.”
“But–”
“Let’s just get started,” he said. “Omega is going to want a report on what we find.”
Walking along the dark expanse known as Rift, Sairix had been whistling to himself for almost two hours. There had been something that had managed to grab his attention when he was with the others some time ago but with how the presence kept wavering, Sairix started to wonder if it was even worth his time in the end. Whatever it was had managed to bring him all this way, but it also hadn’t bothered to show itself in the time that he had been by himself. With that in mind, the man sucked his teeth in disgusted boredom as he turned to head back to Central before the idea of messing with a certain blonde reaper came to mind. He then came to a stop as the once faltering presence became more concrete.
Sairix looked over his shoulder to be met with what appeared to be a silhouette rising from the ground. He turned around completely to face it when two golden eyes seemingly blinked into existence before the entity bowed slightly at the waist.
“And here I thought I’d have to go home bored,” he mused aloud. “So, I’ve been tailing a Four all this time?” A slight smile then pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Cheeky bastard. I’m actually impressed a Four would even coordinate such an attack on Central but –”
A shadowy hand came up to interrupt the man. "Forgive the interruption but I must stop you there, Sairix.”
“You… know my name?”
“It would be in poor taste not to know how to address the one I’m approaching,” came the response, “though you do have quite a few monikers.”
That made Sairix chuckle. “I see. So, what, you gotta name I assume?”
“Indeed.” That piqued the man’s interest. “My name is Gideon.”
“Gideon, huh?” Sairix rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So, you’re a–”
“Five, yes,” the one dubbed Gideon replied, “though it was quite rude to assume anything less.”
“You should be the last person to call someone rude after leading them by the nose for almost two hours.”
“I suppose you’re right,” the Five conceded. “Thank you for your patience.”
“Let’s drop the formalities for now, Gideon. You led me all this way so what do you want?” Sairix scoffed soon after. “Surely not to talk.”
“Actually, that is what I had in mind,” Gideon confessed. “Do you mind walking with me for just a bit longer?”
“Seriously?”
“I do apologize if that causes an inconvenience for you.”
The other sucked his teeth before looking at Gideon. “Fine, but you’re gonna have to drop the exterior.”
Gold eyes dropped down to view what was mentioned before the dark coating flaked away like ash. A pale hand, almost ghost white, stood visible amongst the dark backdrop prior to brushing the last bit of the covering from the shoulders of what appeared to be a well-tailored suit. Fixing a black tie, Gideon then combed his fingers through equally dark yet neat hair before his odd-colored gaze focused on the unflustered man.
“Better?” He received a one-shouldered shrug. “Shall we?”
“I guess,” Sairix replied as he walked ahead. Several minutes passed before he glanced at the Five walking at his side. “What was so important that you needed to bring me way out here? I was kinda in the middle of something, you know?”
“To have a conversation about what transpired.” Sairix slowly tilted his head. “I would also like to make a proposition,” Gideon added to receive the same gesture as before. “Forgive me but it’s difficult to determine what exactly is going through your mind. Could you… remove your sunglasses?”
“Why?”
“It would be polite while having this conversation.”
“It would be best to focus on what you want to say rather than formalities. Time isn’t exactly on your side, Gideon, so why not start with the attack on Central? I’ve never seen so many lower levels attack in such a coordinated manner. It definitely was an unexpected surprise.”
The Five faced forward as he cleared his throat. “It was quite difficult to round up that many Umbra and it took even longer to get them organized.” That earned a chuckle from the other. “I’m glad you find that humorous.”
“What I find humorous was that you thought that would work.”
“Oh, no. I knew sending in a plethora of lower Umbra would have no real effect on Central if there was enough capable reapers present,” Gideon confessed. “I just needed to lure out two particular individuals.”
“Who?” Sairix asked before seeing the Five looking at him. “Oh, I’m flattered; however, your little stunt has upset my boss. I don’t like dealing with him when he’s mad. Have you met Omega? He’s a pain in the ass when he’s mad.”
“Omega…” Gideon mused momentarily. “Sairix, how would you feel if I said I wanted you to assist me?”
Said person tilted his head again. “Why?”
“Because I believe your talents are wasted,” came the reply, “and obviously you’re not being used to your fullest potential.”
“Go on.”
“You’re not like the other reapers and I believe it’s probably safe to assume that you’re under a lot of scrutiny,” Gideon mused. “Instead of working with them, wouldn’t it be better to take down Central? It shouldn’t be too hard and doesn’t the idea of being free sound nice?”
“You make it sound like I’m trapped,” Sairix replied in mirth, “but tell me, if I decided to play along, what would you have me do?”
“For starters, I would need you to bring the second individual to me. My associate refers to him as Animae and he’s very adamant in seeing him.” Sairix tilted his head slowly. “It shouldn’t be too hard for one such as yourself. You know Central’s layout and where to find him I’m sure. If you’re confronted, I know you’ll figure something out.”
“Is that so?”
“You’re a capable individual. We’re the same after all.”
“We’re the same, huh?” he repeated with a slight chuckle. “Say I bring you this Animae, what’s in it for me?”
“How about starting with the destruction of Central?” Gideon suggested. “There wouldn’t be any reapers standing in our way. Wandering souls would be lost and free for the taking. Your boss would be powerless to say the least.”
“You’re underestimating Omega,” Sairix stated dully.
“You’re underestimating us,” Gideon countered as he faced the other. “Do you believe your boss could stop both of us? Once Central is fallen, what’s stopping us from raising an army? What’s stopping us from running Rift in general? There’s no reaper strong enough to oppose a Five.”
“Is that so?”
Gideon simply nodded, watching as the man continue ahead. “I have no reason to lie to you. All you must do is trust me. If you do, everything will fall into place and you will no longer play the role of Central’s lapdog.”
Sairix sighed as his pace slowed to a halt. “Imma have to stop you right there.”
“Pardon?”
“You almost had me intrigued up until that last comment, Gideon,” Sairix replied as he dug a finger in is ear. “For starters, I couldn’t bring you Animae in the first place. His name is Jayden by the way. Also, his damn partner is more of a nuisance and acts like a bodyguard to the newbie.”
“You can handle them I’m sure.”
“Well, yeah, but if anything happens to the guy, I’m suspect number one.” Sairix made a face as he flicked away a bit of earwax. “Trust me, I would’ve eaten him a long time ago otherwise.” Sairix then turned to face the suit-clad Umbra. “Second, don’t you think I would have taken Central down if I wanted to? It’s insulting for you to even think I may need help. Aside from it being obnoxiously bright from time to time, I have a place to stay and liberties to do as I please as long as I play by a few of Omega’s rules.” He then snickered. “One of those rules are making sure that no such army is created.” His snickering then turned to derisive laughter. “You think those lil’ shits are smart enough to organize themselves? Any level capable of doing so gets wiped out by me anyway!” His fit of laughter then quelled. “That goes for a Level Five as well and, trust me, you’re the first I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“No, what’s unfortunate is that you thought you could sway me. You try to tempt me with pretty words then you want me to trust you? If we’re the same as you claim, you should know that trust isn’t a thing you give the higher you get up the scale.” A slight frown marred Gideon’s expression. “I can only imagine the poor fool that would trust anything you say.” Gideon’s brow furrowed slightly. “Lastly, I’m not Central’s lapdog,” Sairix remarked. “I’m the attack dog and despite how condescending you try to make that sound, I like my job. I get to be apex with no competition. With that said, this conversation is over.”
“No competition?”
A grin split Sairix’s face. “Food doesn’t get the classification of competition.”
“Is that your final answer?” Gold eyes watched as the man removed his sunglasses to reveal piercing turquoise eyes. “I see,” Gideon said with a frustrated sigh as he raked his fingers through hair, “and here I was thinking I had found a reliable ally. That truly is unfortunate, but I suppose there can only be one apex.”
Seeing the challenge in the man’s gaze, Gideon lowered his hand slowly as his new opponent rushed at him. Taking a step back as the other attempted to make a grab at him, Gideon watched as something black snaked around the man’s wrist before it used the moment to swing the man to the ground. Once Sairix was down, the Five took off across the expanse, dragging the man into the ground to leave a trough in their wake. Skidding to a stop, Gideon used the momentum to hurl Sairix several meters away. Watching as he rolled to a stop, the Five slowly flexed his fingers as Sairix climbed to his feet. Though there was distance between them, the lilting sound of laughter started to fill the field. By the time it had, Sairix was already charging at the Umbra again.
Sneering at the repeated tactic, a dark tendril shot from behind Gideon to ensnare Sairix though it was dodged. A second shot forward before it too was dodged, leaving the Five to throw a punch. Sairix countered with one himself, causing a shockwave to separate the pair. They collided several more times before grappling into a stalemate. A headbutt from Sairix’s end had the two separating.
“That’s rather barbaric,” Gideon griped as he retrieved a handkerchief to clean his nose. He then noted the black stains on his shirt. “This is going to take forever to clean.”
Sairix laughed more so to himself. “It’ll be in shreds soon enough so let’s do away with formalties. You said we’re the same, right?” he asked before surging forward. “Show me what you got!”
As Sairix went to throw another punch, Gideon caught it before the third tentacle pierced its opponent’s neck. Gideon allowed himself a small smile as is opponent staggered to a halt. Watching as an oily substance started to leak from his mouth, Gideon scowled when he heard a gurgled chuckle. The chuckling then mirrored that of the laughter he heard moments earlier before Sairix pulled the tentacle out. As the hole to throat closed, Gideon noted two tendrils creep forward before a third shot from the ground to grab the Five. The first two then shot forward to be countered by Gideon’s before two more sprang forth to capture Gideon’s arms. Retaliating two more of his own, Gideon broke free before using the tendrils to keep Sairix momentarily at bay.
“My, aren’t you just full of surprises,” he commented as Sairix steadily made his way back over.
“You said we’re the same yet you’re holding back,” Sairix pointed out as walked over. Pale fingers flexed before being held up to reveal blackened claws. “Are you taking me lightly?” He then tilted his head as a smirk twitched at the corner of his mouth. “Or maybe you’re all talk? Nothing but a silver tongue in your mouth, huh?” He then sneered as he sliced the tentacles to take a swipe at Gideon. “If so, you shouldn’t call yourself a Five.”
Holding up an arm to block, Gideon watched as the claws scraped dark patch spreading along the Five’s forearm. Deflecting another attack, Gideon grabbed Sairix by the arm before swiping him across his face. Watching as the man came to a halt, Gideon remained on guard as Sairix turned to show a dark patch spreading over the assaulted area. All too soon did a tentacle sharply swipe at the Five to rid him of his eyesight.
Growling under his breath as he pressed his hands against his eyes, Gideon took several steps back before feeling a tentacle pierce one of his legs. He took another step back before stopping altogether as it grew silent. He then tensed before holding up an arm to deflect a tentacle tat took a shot at his unguarded side. Turning his head in that direction, he took a step back before deflecting another tentacle. He jumped out the way of the third that shot through the ground before another grabbed him while in the air. As it squeezed, Gideon swung downwards to rid himself of the appendage before rushing forward to swing at the man.
He then stopped as he heard something swing past him before surging forward again to take a swipe at the air. He growled under his breath when he didn’t his mark before pivoting to block an attack. Another attack caught him in the leg making it buckle. Swiping at the tentacle lodged there, Gideon covered his eyes again as he heard another tentacle whipping towards his face. Catching it as it wrapped around his wrist, he pulled on it to draw Sairix in before delivering a swing of his own. Feeling the blow connect, Gideon proceeded with the onslaught even as a warm, oily liquid dripped from his claws. Kicking Sairix away, Gideon shrouded himself in his tentacles before trying his eyesight. The test was cut short, however, when something pierced the wall blocking the outside world.
Blurry lines came into focus before Gideon saw the gold eye staring at him through the damaged tentacle. Withdrawing the tentacles to lash out again, Gideon stepped forward as the dark coloring encasing his arms stretched to cover the rest of him until only his eyes could be seen. Charging forward to lash out with a barrage of swings, he caught Sairix with a hook before swiping at his face again. Running at him to swipe again, Gideon had to jump back at the last second as two tentacled shot from the ground in attempts to grab the man.
Narrowing his eyes as Sairix straightened, he was given full view of sharpened teeth as the man fixed his torn jaw. Black patches covered where his eyes once were before two gold orbs blinked into existence. The rest of the covering covered the man’s body before Sairix surged forward. He clashed with the Five before a grin broke through the shadowy exterior.
Opting to make the first move, Gideon clawed at Sairix’s face without much result. Swinging his leg to catch him in the side, Gideon chased him down with tentacles spearing around the man in attempts to pin him to the ground. Dodging one of the tendrils himself, he launched another to spear through Sairix’s throat before it widened and withdrew.
Observing what looked like an axe head at the end of the tentacle, Gideon used another to tap Sairix on the forehead. Watching as the head slid off his neck, Gideon went to cut the thing in two though the bladed tip was intercepted by several tentacles. As two lashed out to keep him at bay, another two lifted the head to set it back into place. Another sharp-toothed grin was flashed as the man surged forward with a clawed hand raised.
Gideon swung the bladed tip to cut the hand off. He then swung at the man’s neck again, nearly taking it off his shoulders, before being speared the chest. Staggering to a halt to address the hand lodged there, he narrowed his eyes at it then Sairix as his grin grew. The hand pressed further before it broke through the back.
“Hey,” Sairix began, “where’s that core of yours?” He pulled his arm back as he felt his other hand being sliced off by the bladed tentacle before observing the stubs. “Not in the talking mood yet, huh?”
Bringing the bladed tentacle forward, Gideon snapped it off before the appendage fashioned itself to resemble something like a battle axe. Taking a swing at Sairix only proved to spur the man as the other simply smiled at his endeavors. Noting the patterns, Gideon stabbed a tentacle into the ground before waiting for the precise moment.
When Sairix was in position, the tendril shot out to impale him from behind. It then doubled back to spear itself through his chest before wrapping around the rest of Sairix. Gideon at least expected that grin to falter but received the opposite result.
“Hey,” he began, “where’s your core?” Sairix slowly tilted his head before wincing as the tentacle tightened. “Don’t like it do you?” Another tentacle came up to rid Sairix of his vision as Gideon approached while the axe in his hand began to reshape itself into a new weapon – a scythe. “I’ll give you a fitting en—”
A low chuckling had Gideon growling under his breath prior to swinging the scythe. The curved blade clashed with another dark tendril before several other shot out to bind the Umbra. Jumping back to avoid being grabbed, Gideon watched as the tentacles then encased Sairix. Scowling at the barrier, Gideon jabbed the blade into the dark wall before running around it.
All he had to do was pop the top and finish Sairix off.
Digging the blade in deeper with each round, he finally pulled the scythe out to slash the top off. More laughter had the Five bristling as he swung at the enclosure. His charge was halted, much to his annoyance, as several tentacles erupted from the ground to parry any attack.
“You’re taking this much more seriously now.” Gold eyes blinked from the shadows before the barrier fell away. The tentacles retreated as well to allow Sairix to step forward as he ripped the remaining tentacle from his back. “That almost got me,” he admitted.
“Perhaps you shouldn’t take me so lightly,” Gideon suggested as he redirected the scythe. “There can only be one apex after all.”
Sairix’s head tilted before giving Gideon a full display of sharpened teeth as he grinned. “We’re the same in that mentality.” He stepped aside as Gideon charged him, swinging with the intention to bisect him. Avoiding the scythe as it swung again, Sairix distanced themselves before letting the Five get a fix on his position again. “Now I’ll show you why we’re different,” he said as the dark started to flake off.
The remnants of the covering were combed from blood-red hair before pale hands brushed the remainder off the red duster. Gold eyes transitioned back to the piercing turquoise color before being hidden behind the cracked frames of his sunglasses.
The ever-present smile stretched across the redhead’s lips before he snapped is fingers. A flame danced along the tips before the man clapped his hands together, filling the area with a small burst of heat. Rubbing his palms togethers as he began to walk forward, Sairix gradually separated them to show a black staff starting to take shape. He then grabbed a hold of the five-foot staff to give it a twirl.
“A stick won’t help you,” Gideon stated as he swung his scythe.
The blow was blocked by the staff though the force of it caused Sairix to slide back a few feet. Repeating the action a few times, the Five relented as Sairix swung the staff to counter. Two tentacles blocked the assault from the front before a third came from the side to spear into the reaper’s side. The first two tentacles then took residence in Sairix’s stomach and leg. As they drove deeper, Gideon stepped forward before the tentacles retracted suddenly. Looking at the smoldering ends, Gideon’s attention went back to the man that observing the black liquid running from his wounds. Swinging while he was distracted, the scythe struck the staff. As the two collided once more, Gideon sneered as he stared at his reflection before pushing Sairix back. He pressed forward to have the ground splinter beneath them. He repeated several times until a small crater was made.
“Keep. That. Same. Energy.” Bracing himself at each hit, Sairix finally swung to knock Gideon back several meters. “Remember how you said that there was no reaper capable of taking on a Five?”
Gideon narrowed his gaze as the redhead took a deep breath, twirling the staff overhead. Flames then spouted forward took place at the end until a pale hand swiped over them to give way to a blade. Residual flames licked at the edge of the blade before going out as Sairix twirled the newly crafted scythe. As the last ember died away, Sairix was already barreling towards the Five.
Running forward to meet him, Gideon jumped balanced on the edge the man’s scythe before kicking him square in the jaw to send him back to the starting part. Stabbing his blade into the ground, Gideon watched as spikes erupted towards the reaper before they were singed with a single swing. Repeating the action, Gideon sprang forward as Sairix went to counter in a similar fashion.
As he swung, tentacles grabbed the scythe to wrench it away from its owner. As the weapon was tossed into the Five’s hand, Gideon snarled before dropping the scythe. Looking down at the scorched covering on his palm, he glared at the man that held up his hand.
The discarded weapon broke down into flames before jolting to life in attempts to snag the Umbra nearby. When they missed, the flames snaked their way back to the redhead before hovering around him. That cheeky smile was back again as he signaled his opponent forward.
Picking up his scythe, Gideon pointed it at the man before charging at him. The flames hovering shot forward to counter though they were dodged to swing at the man. Sairix pivoted to deliver a roundhouse kick. Countering it with a kick of his own, the shockwave of it was enough to extinguish the flames before they sparked to life again with intent on grabbing Gideon who had swung the scythe again.
The flames licked at the Umbra’s scythe before pulling it towards the reaper. Using that momentum, Gideon flexed a clawed hand then delivered a slash to the man’s face. Releasing his weapon in favor of slashing the man’s face again, the next swing rooted his hand into the man’s stomach. When he heard a gargled but irritating chuckle, two tentacles shot from behind him to pierce his stomach. The flames extinguished themselves as Sairix was hoisted into the air before being thrown to the ground. This happened several times it was quiet. Gideon then hoisted the man into the air before the tentacles impaling the reaper began to separate with the intent of splitting him in two.
“There’s no reaper that can take on a Five,” Gideon growled as he lifted the scythe he had fashioned. “Especially not a traitorous lapdog like yourself!”
He bristled then bristled at a sigh before shirking the tentacles back as they burned. Seeing how embers were eating away at them, Gideon ripped them away as Sairix slowly sat up. Jagged claw marks ran across his face though thin wisps of smoke was expelled as the injuries closed themselves. As he stood, Gideon got to see how the hole in his abdomen was closing before the embers intensified to create the flames from before.
“You’ve honestly dug yourself a grave, with the fucking lapdog comment” Sairix uttered as he raised a hand over his head. The flames gathered to create his scythe before he pointed it at the Umbra. “I’m usually fine with eating my food raw seeing how I like listening to the screams –”A small fireball appeared “–but I’m thinking of having you well done.”
Sneering at the comment as he rushed, Gideon raised his weapon to swing before watching as the fireball suddenly expanded to block his view of the reaper behind it. As it shot forward without warning, Gideon slammed the blade into the ground to erect a barrier before using it to enclose him as the flames wrapped around to get to him.
Stepping back from the main point of the barrier, Gideon looked around to see the walls starting to gain a red hue before cracks began to appear. The air within heated to almost stifling and dangerous levels leaving the Umbra to make another barrier around himself just as the walls collapsed. Several moments passed with nothing happening. Fashioning a new scythe before lowering the barrier, Gideon was met by Sairix standing with his scythe pointed to the sky. Looking up slowly, Gideon took a step back when he saw what could’ve been likened to a small sun hovering high above.
Retreating several more steps as the reaper took one forward, Gideon braced himself before surging forward. The closer he ventured, the hotter it became before the man was forced to veer. Sairix turned to face him before pointing at the Umbra. The fireball flared up in response before the reaper flinched. As the fireball pulsed again, Gideon noted how Sairix had yet to release the blaze. Opting not to try his luck with trying to deter something that large, Gideon took a step back before dropping the covering from his face.
“Sairix.” The reaper narrowed his eyes at the Five. “You seem to be having a bit of trouble,” Gideon pointed out as he glanced at the small sun. “Why don’t we conclude for the day?”
“What, not scared of dying are we?” countered Sairix as he took a step forward.
“I have too many plans to even consider the thought,” Gideon replied as he watched a flare shoot off the fireball. “Let’s be honest though, you’ve never seen a Five and if we destroy each other today, you never will again.”
“Mutual destruction?” Sairix snickered. “That implies that we’re on equal footing. Food isn’t competition, remember?”
Gideon held his stoicism before erecting a barrier as when one of the flares lashed towards him. When the flare managed to destroy the pillar, Gideon was much further away than before.
“We’ll meet again,” he called before giving a polite bow. “Until then, be a good lapdog.”
Feeling his eye twitch, Sairix released the fireball. It decimated the area, leaving nothing but smoke and rubble. When the cloud settled, he saw the remnants of a barrier but no Gideon. Perturbed as he lowered his scythe, he retrieved his sunglasses to put back on his face before sighing as one of the lenses fell out.
Combing a hand through his hair, he sank to the ground before falling onto his back to stare at the black sky as annoyance gave way to exhaustion.
He never had to put that much effort into a fight but this was different than his usual assignments.
He hadn’t encountered another Five before. He did well at making sure that he kept any viable prospects from ever reaching such a level. This was something new entirely. As irritating as Gideon was with his mannerisms to pretentious attitude, Sairix concluded that it would be worth it once he managed to devour the Five. With that in mind, he closed his eyes for several minutes to rest before finally sitting up.
Stretching out stiff limbs, Sairix concluded that he’d do a full examination of himself to ensure all injuries had been thoroughly healed. He then scowled at the idea of having to make report to Omega after a two-hour trek back to Central. The thought of lying to keep his activities a secret came to mind before he shook the idea away. He rather not deal with trying to explain the singed landscape if an investigation was done. It was more trouble than it was at the end of the day. Scowling at that, the idea of teasing Jayden then had him smiling after licking his lips.328Please respect copyright.PENANAfiUqpMy4WI
Humming to himself as he reached the door they used hours before turquoise eyes scanned the horizon impatiently for any sign of movement. Leaning against the entrance as he toyed with a lock of hair, his attention then darted towards the speck he saw in the distance. Running out with full intentions of pouncing on the new reaper, disdain crossed the redhead’s face when he saw an injured Runihura walking towards him.
“Where’s Jayden?” he questioned as he walked past the man to see no one else present. His lip curled into a snarl before he rounded the other reaper. “What the hell happened, Famulus? Where is he?!”
Runihura moved around Sairix to hurry to the entrance. “I don’t report to you,” he snapped back as he opened the door.
“I swear, if you let something eat what was mine– !” A khopesh pointed at the redhead’s throat before Sairix knocked it aside, sharpened teeth bared. “Where is he?!” Dark eyes hardened before looking away soon after. “Where… where is he?”
Runihura grimaced as he touched the bloodied side of his head. “I… I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know, Famulus?!” Sairix growled as he grabbed the man by the front of his shirt. “He was with you!”
Runihura knocked the hand away. “We were ambushed, ok?! There were so many Umbra then something hit me in the side of the head and –”
“I can fucking care less about your goddamn injuries,” Sairix interrupted. “How could you fucking lose–?!”
“For starters, I would need you to bring the second individual to me. My associate refers to him as Animae and he’s very adamant in seeing him.”
Remembering what Gideon said, Sairix bristled before punching the door. “He fucking baited me,” he growled lowly as he punched the door again, cracking the frame. “He brought me all that fucking way to–!”
“Sairix–”
Gold eyes snapped towards Runihura. “What?!”
“We need to report to Omega.”
Snarling under his breath as Runihura entered the facility, Sairix looked back at the dark expanse before catching a figure in the distance. Taking a step forward as a clawed hand flexed at his side, he bristled as the figure disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. The calling of his name then pulled his attention to the open door. Giving the horizon one more glance, Sairix growled again as he entered before slamming the door shut behind him.
ns 172.70.127.162da2