The Devil In Detail

[Terra]

Searing 1st

The world itself had changed dramatically for the former soldier,. She had fought so hard against the darkness of magic until the fear became a hatred that had consumed her. And for what? To be passed over and cast aside or left neglected over racial politics.

Myles only promised her those sweet sweet sticky buns and coffee when times got ugly, she'd never forget how he saved her from witchcraft but now his name and memory were as shallow and empty as the banner he flew. Terra understood that she deserted her post, and as stray fingers caressed the slick of polished ash that made the stock of her rifle. She mediated for self confirmation within that she would do what was necessary to further Frankies agenda even if it meant pulling the trigger if it came to it.

She loved Myles for everything she hated him for.

Franky however gave the girl a purpose and even if he was some sketchy goblin fuck she found herself warming up to him, maybe he was a good guy or just heavy handed with his pours. She hadn't exactly figured him out yet, just that he saved her when everyone else had been content to just throw her away. And maybe she was being emotional but that meant something to her, the world really.

There was a laughing devil cackling with melodious glee behind sapphire blue eyes as a toothy grin unveiled itself. Lost in a blissful daydream as the battlefield to come danced with cordial decadence in her mind over and over again. When motherfuckers started dropping like flies on shit from a mile away they'd know who it was they trifled with. There was no room in her heart for justice anymore only revenge. To be acknowledged for her accomplishments to be decorated for her achievements and bravery in the line of duty. The small things that could have been but never materialized, she was a woman scorned and she believed in scorched earth politics salting the soil where she was left abandoned to die alone.

Sprawled out on her mattress she stared at the ceiling living in some sick and twisted fantasy while her flintlock musket she nick named kindness her only real true friend kept her company as she giggled while evaluating a caster shell that twirled capriciously within the span of nimble fingers. Her sky blues fixated on the gentle glowing pulse emmited from the smoothly polished dragonshard orb. Her mind was contemplating how far she could stretch one of these force bolt bullets in terms of accuracy and distance, she had a feeling she'd be leaving holes in people the size of an orange. Serious firepower, serious distance, serious mage killing potential.

An actual caster slug instead of a lump of lead a true game changer for her.

And the miracle drugs those muscle relaxers a true epicurean delight, as she let the potency of the pill pump through her veins. She felt calm, cool and collected they made everything that much better as the edge was grinded clean off into a smooth finish. She'd developed a taste for them while being in the care of Franky and company at the knob. Medical supplies had been left haphazardly and the girl found herself with a bottle.

What was the harm she doubted anyone had noticed anyway.

She'd been awake for a little while now she was still tired and weak, but she was feeling better unaware of how long she'd been under.

[Franky]

Another day began at the Hobbled Gobbler, but this time, for the first time in a long time, the sun fully rose. Light streamed through the unboarded window of the second floor, shining in over a desk where two ledgers were opened before the mottled owner that peered back into the sunshine, absorbing the warmth. A subtle nod, another problem abated, thankful that he didn't need to be the one to handle it this time. The bed creaked and gentle footsteps gently made their way across the creaky floorboards, before Dalma settled herself in Franky's lap, draping her arm around his neck.

"It's a good sign that the sun broke free on the first day of Searing."

Franky smiled a bit, "It certainly is."

She leaned into his body, his hands gently sliding down to rest upon her hips, "It's time for you to claim your role."

Franky didn't respond yet, this had been a prevalent topic as of late, "Again, the flames showed a path, one that gives the people here, our people, the strength to rebuild. But your leadership is the only path that won't lead to another calamity." She gently turned his face to hers, looking him in the eyes, "You didn't get where you are by being a hard worker, business savvy, or lucky. You're a leader among men, and people respond to you in ways that others simply can't invoke. You gave up everything to be what you are now, everything." There was a stifled sob in her voice, they had lost children and grandchildren during all of this, "You need to go to her."

Franky scoffed, "She's not ready."

Dalma kissed him on the pointed ear, "Soldiers are never ready until their commanders make them so."

Franky shook his head, "She's unstable. Rash. I had to have Merielle pretend to leave out painkillers just to shut her up. She'll only bring about pain and loss." Dalma smiled, rubbing her nose into his neck, "Pain and loss are abound here, we must use the tools we have available to us. Point her in the right direction, give her purpose and guidance and you can craft her into a weapon of your own. It's time, we have much work to be done."

Franky sighed. He knew she was right, she was always right. After all, she was blessed by Galetira, thanks to a deal he himself carved out. Fine. Things were improving, even if ever so slightly, in Zaichaer, and likely the rest of the world. That was a bad sign. That mean the downtrodden, the raiders and gangsters would be a bit more emboldened to step up their attacks.

It was time to crush them and seize control of Zaichaer's true power. He looked out his other window, eastward, eyes passing over the distant Grungeworks, where no smoke had billowed out for a long, long time. The city of industry had long since been ground to a halt, the factories claimed by the desperate and the scared. He knew what to do, and how to use the lass, but first, some preparation, and some testing. She needed put through her paces, to his standards, he could feel that she needed to earn, to take what would be hers. It was why she would only steal the drugs and swat them away when given.

He could work with that.

"There he is," as she leaned into him, nuzzling his neck. She looked out at the fully risen sun, her eyes black as the new moon that hung namelessly in the sky, "Always with a plan."

~~~~~~~~~~

A sharp rap on the door, followed by it opening, and Franky strode in. He was wearing his mortal face, as always, the grizzled old hobgoblin. He stood quietly there, just inside the doorway, as he looked around the room that Terra had. She'd been in a coma for a long time and only recently came out of it. Now that more of the Knob had been reclaimed and secured, people began to spread out a bit within the Upper Knob, claiming old buildings as new homes. So Terra was able to have the room to herself.

And it was messy.

He let his stern eyes fall upon each obvious lack of cleanliness, from the pile of dirty clothes to the collection of flagons to the dusty window. A sneer grew on his face, "I have a task for you, something important, that will put your skillset to work." He continued to look around at the filth, "It's time to do more than simply survive." He cast his eyes upon her, "Get this filth cleaned up, then come down for breakfast." He turned to head out, "It's disgusting."

~~~~~~~~

Downstairs, the tavern was no longer a stronghold outfitted against monster and demon and other horror being attacks. A small measure of safety had been established in the Knob, or at least parts of it, so it was now returning back to the tavern of old. There were a few people there for breakfast, for Franky made sure that everyone here would have something to eat. He sat at his spot on the bar, an empty bar stool with a bowl of unflavored gruel next to him waiting on Terra.

She needed targets, she needed her limits tested, and she needed discipline.

Franky could provide that. Now that he was committed with his new course of action, the rest of the decisions came easy. He drank the strong, foul brew that was currently being supplied, goblin piss stored in hawthorn barrels. Absolutely disgusting brew, but it had a kick to it and was a good morning pickmeup. One sat with Terra's gruel as he waited for her. This in and of itself was her first test, he figured she was just as likely to throw a racist little Zaichaeri tantrum as she was to clean up and show up.

The die was cast and now it was simply time to wait for the outcome.

[Terra]

Great the goblin king was going to tell her how naughty she was. Terra wasn't going to fight or argue in a manner that would be overly disrespectful, her response was something equally measured. Her free hand snatched the blanket and dragged it over her head concealing herself under the fabric as she rolled to the side giving Franky the cold shoulder with her back . A leave me alone of sorts as Franky retorted that her room was disgusting, silence could be a strong answer. While it may have looked like a cataclysmic event had happened and as sure as honey was sweet this girl knew where everything was and could navigate the danger zone with relative ease. Everything had a place and everything was in its place, except for herself.

The glow of the marble esq object beneath the sheets illuminated the darkness in a soft pulse of blue. There was time to reflect, Myles had replaced and abandoned her for some freakshow magic girl with a crystal growing out of her face. She felt discarded like dirty socks in the hamper over and over again, maybe it was jealousy or envy anger or rage prompting such a dark thought but maybe just maybe she should have put the kid down. And when she had the chance to snap him out of it and secure her rightful place at his side and make him love her the way he loved that abomination. It wasn't worth dwelling on such a poisonous mind set, he made his choice and she was given no other option but to accept and respect it.

A new opportunity was present and it wasn't a surprise he brought up her skill set. Franky was going to use her to kill people, it's what everyone expected of her. As an index finger rolled the magic ball around Terra took time to evaluate her thought and intent in comfort and privacy. The deserter concluded being needed even for just a little while would be better then not at all, and when she was inevitably left behind she'd turn her sights to the Imperium with whatever resources she was lucky enough to get her hands on.

The time came to face reality her room was in fact dirty and her linens unfurled as she got out of bed, the laundry could be collected and put in the hamper. And shed collect the empty cups the rest of it was her room and it was how she liked it. She could make sense of the chaos and it was her room it was an attempt at a compromise he could take it or leave it.

She opened her drawer and pulled out a white tank top and some black military pants belt and laced her combat boots before absconding from her safe space. Her descent down the stairs was had with dirty dishes plates mugs and silverware that clanked and jangled with carefully silent steps.

After she dropped off her garbage she made her way too Franky wiping her hands as if she'd made some sort of accomplishment before taking a seat. The drugs running through her system made her a bit more complacent and tame, she wasn't going to spout xenophobic remarks because that wasn't this girl's truth. She'd often overcompensate to fit in with the boys, but now that her regiment had been stricken off the status quo she was left with a painful quandary or two that she began to fixate on as she was waiting Frankys big reveal his ta da moment where'd he'd pretend like she was something special and how he needed her. It was all uncessary bullshit and the deserter didn't want to overcomplicate the business arrangement.

"What mess do you want me to clean up for you? What am I to you? Some kind of murder maid?

The marksmans was keen with sapphire eyes to stare into Frankys affirming gaze trying to detect inconsistencies in his body language in there conversation. Even if she knew the truth however she'd allow the goblin to pull the wool over her eyes,.

if only to hurt Myles. It had seemed the girl was never meant to be his friend.

She would wait to be served her foul breakfast, and maybe she might be thankful for it despite not being a pastry or tart. The world had fallen. Into disarray that slop and piss warm ale it was probably far more then most were receiving so she knew best to be thankful. Terra was surprised famine and food shortages were not a rampant problem, her look of hunger may have been a tell of her inner musings on the subject of frankies breakfast spread.

Please, and thank you!

The best words she had for the goblin as she asked when he was going to fucking feed her. As her stomach groaned Terra would occasionally break eye contact for the bowl and return to his visage.

[Franky]

Franky didn't respond to the girl's questions. Sarcasm was always bait, one he used often, to pull out a laugh, though she was seeking something more. And she clearly liked to think herself so smart, because she'd managed to survive this long, but the archdemon knew that rarely mattered in life or death. Peons could be the smartest people in the world and still find themselves incinerated in an instant from a random explosion, from a Kalzasern retaliation, from the will of the Emperor. No, the normal person was insignificant in most aspects of their life.

Until it was time for one moment, one shot, one opportunity.

Franky had already taken his, beating all of the odds, somehow getting the highest of gods on high to hear him, to put an end to this. But it was Searing once more, almost a year since this had all begun, and he knew the ticking clock was about to stop. He had failed to keep up his end of the bargain with Malgar, and soon, the rift would unfreeze, and this land would become overrun. The military was scattered, the militia was too weak and unarmed and untrained, the city would be lost. The fact that they had made it this far, this long was nothing short of a miracle, but it wasn't sustainable.

Too much damage had been done, too much needed repaired. Perhaps it would be better to cut the limb to save Karnor. As he had done a year ago, time to get what people out he could, and maybe he could push the envelope just one bit more, to protect Karnor for longer, once this battle was lost. If this was inevitable, look to the next.

Nodding at the gruel before Terra, signaling for her to eat, and more importantly, listen by keeping her mouth busy. "You're not here to clean up a mess of mine, not yet at least, Terra." He sipped from his foul brew, "You're untested but capable, you lack discipline but carry drive, you're a fighter without a fight." Criticism and beneficial feedback given in tandem, truths that Franky believed in what little he knew of the lass.

"The mess for you to clean up is yourself."

He pulled a coin out of his pouch, setting it on the counter between them. It was heads up, his own demonic visage, the one that Terra had not yet seen, was upon it. "What is it you truly want out of this life of yours, Terra? It's not your next meal, it's not a desire to hurt and shoot and live among the chaos of violence. Your eyes are always hunting for something, on behalf of that heart you've buried deep down in there. So what is it?"

His eyes grew shrewd, his lips twisting into a grin, revealing the beginning of his sharp, goblin teeth, "And what are you willing to Sacrifice to get it?"

The world around them seemed to get a bit darker, the world pulling in around them, the demons that were the tavern and Franky himself waiting as his domain opened itself up, an offer of Sacrifice on the cusp of being born. "I can give you what you need so that you may take what you want."

He slid the coin closer to Terra. It was brimming with power, with anticipation, "All it requires is for you to know what you want, and what you will give."

He leaned back away from the soldier, taking another draw on his brew, "If that's something you're interested in, then I do have a task for you."

[Terra]

"What I want is simple, Justice
I want to slaughter mages for everything they've done. I want those with arcane power to be as helpless as I was when the city detonated. My heart aches for revenge and the power to exact it. There is no sacrifice that I wouldn't commit to, an eye a tooth a finger my voice my emotions my mortal coil my soul all of the above there is no limit to what I'd personally sacrifice to finally strike terror into there hearts as the tools they used to cow and subjugate the masses are stripped from them.

Look at this place Franky, my home it's a fucking smoldering hole in the dirt because of magic. I'll never forgive or forget that!

When do we get our justice?

Was this Talons idea of Justice?"

As she looked at the coin her right hand reached for it and dragged it closer to herself as the room grew dim, there was no limit to what she would give to satiate her overwhelming rage over the matter. This, like all major catastrophes that plagued ransera were brought about by magic, was a wish to have the capacity to vanquish those that abused such power an absurd thing to ask?

She felt the request of the coin reasonable, whatever it wanted for whatever it could provide. That was the bargain she'd make with the devil.

In her minds eye the the deserter viewed herself as an instrument of justice, every bullet and every mage she put down was just a stepping stone to her path to purge what was left of this world from the filth. And while figures such as Talon held dominion over such a concept like Justice she seemed to think that his justice swayed heavily towards mageocracy else if he'd truly been for justice the thousands lost in this city could not have gone unanswered. Justice was supposed to be blind yet time and time again those within his fold would get a free pass for the atrocities they committed in the name of the greater good.

In truth the young soldier never met him, but part of her believed that this was Kalzasis doing as there was still no clear definitive answer to what exactly happened that fateful night.

"Do you think this was Talons doing?" It was a pointed question

Terra wasn't so bold to think she could defeat a demi God, but she was clever enough to know that she could hunt down the ones he loved and take them from him in the same fashion that he had taken the things that she cared about from her.

She was a petty bitch, with nothing to lose.

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[Franky]

Franky listened quietly. A very pointed weapon, this lass was determined to be. She was only mildly useful now, but the willingness to sacrifice anything meant she could certainly be honed and shaped and molded into the most lethal of tools. Reckless though, and certainly should never be in charge of herself, making incredibly poor decisions such as this.

Franky withheld the smile.

Through the coin, he demanded her Sacrifice, he demanded her Free Will. It was a powerful sacrifice for any mortal to give up, so he knew it would pay out heavily. The coin drained Terra's Free Will into itself, swirling red and black. Terra would be able to feel memories and emotions shifting. All of her past memories, of taking orders from others became tainted, replaced with an absolute disgust of following orders given by anyone other than Franky. Every standing order she still had, every bit of societal decorum, law, military code, all of the things that allowed others to govern her life were now shattered.

Terra was now entirely obedient to Franky.

This was not a prison sentence, not a kidnapping or enslavement. Terra would have no desire to resist Franky's orders, for as he would give them, it was as though she herself were giving them to herself. To follow his orders was to stay true to herself, at her most core of self. To follow his orders would give her fulfillment, pleasure, satisfaction.

Franky reached across the bar, gently taking the coin from under the girl's fingers, sliding it into his coin pouch. She had asked him a question, and he intended to answer. It was pause for thought, but he shook his head, "Not fully. This was not caused by Talon's own hand, nor by his desire. There were many hands responsible for this." As he spoke, names, true names began to form in his mind, of the many that were behind all of this. He did smirk now, as his own name came with the others. Well, there would be one revenge she would never get.

"However, Talon's very existence, a god among mortals, one wielding so much power, standing above men as he does... that invited the events that led to this hellscape around us. He may not have chosen this, but his mere presence in the mortal coil means he is not innocent of it either."

Time to test out this power over this girl.

"I now know those responsible. We will get your revenge, together."

Time to make his contingency plan, and she would facilitate it. He thought carefully how to put this in place.

"You will never communicate my name, my likeness, or any details of me to anyone, by any means. You will not think my name, you will not think anything about me. My orders are all that you will know about me, nothing more. You will not follow the orders of anyone that I do not allow. You may do anything you wish, so long as it will not violate any of my orders. You are a tool for me now and will begin strengthening your body and mind so as to serve me better. You will no longer poison your body and mind with chemicals. You will not allow a god to take you into service, and you will not accept magic into your soul. You will remember every name and every conversation you have and hear, and will report this information to me whenever I ask."

That would set a good base he thought, "You will leave here now, and make your way to the nearby township of Weissberg. There, a man named Hector lives, with a skillset similar to yours. You are to find him and you are to kill him, without being discovered. You are then to take up residence in Weissberg, and hold the position there until I come for you with more orders. You will secure a means of travel to the Imperium, and supplies for the journey, for yourself and me."

Satisfied that was enough for now, "Go."

[Terra]

A moment had passed and Terra blinked half wittedly expecting her bid for power at the price of her free will to unveil a fabulous prize. She didn't feel any different there was no burst of anti magic power, or maybe that was the true extent of this power of nothing across the board.

Franky executed his commands and Terras eyes seemed to go blank like she had been left in some kind of hypnotists trance. There was a lot of issued orders that were falling on at first glance deaf ears, until of course she snapped out of her lull and began rubbing her eyes.

Back to trying to unlock the power of the coin as she was all but unaware of the conversation, like a hard reset the dictations had become part of her core tenets. No drugs, don't use Frankys name, etc etc.

There was a caster shell she fidgeted out of her pocket, she'd squeeze and think about about how much she disliked mages but no result, but maybe there was. It was hard to tell if her imagination was playing tricks on her, but she was expecting something from the exchange.

So for my sacrifice what did I get, exactly? Was the line of thought that she had.

It hadn't yet fully dawned on Terra that she had been duped into a one sided deal, her sacrifice intended nothing for her but rather unbeknownst to herself information to be yielded at Frankys discretion and whim. This wasn't exactly the deal she'd pledged to that coin, but then such was the fate when making pacts with arch demons.

Her demise was all but sealed as Franky said "Go!" she was borrowed time now.

With a nod of her head she took the bottle of pills and left them nonchalantly on the table she knew she wanted those badly and the crash was going to be a real bitch but for some odd reason it felt great exhilarating even there just wasnt words for it,

Her mind preoccupied with the intent and resolve to kill her target

[Aegis]

REVIEW TIME

Terra
Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points: 10 exp, may not be used for Magic

Skills Used Eligible for Expert/Master Progression: N/A

Lore Development Opportunities: N/A

Comments: Franky is dead dead and retired. Terra will be released from the contract at the time of his death.


Franky
Loot: N/A
Injuries: N/A

Points: 10 exp, may not be used for Magic

Skills Used Eligible for Expert/Master Progression: N/A

Lore Development Opportunities: N/A

Comments: Franky was there.