The tavern shook as the train whistle tore through the night. Some Dust fell from the rafters, and for a moment, none of them spoke. Outside, the world seemed like it was collapsing. Inside, the two turned towards Eryndor, waiting.
"So what's this big plan of yours?" Riven asked, moving to lean against the tavern wall.
The train whistles again, making the group fall silent for a moment.
"Well, here's the idea."
The group listens closely to Eryndor's plan, having mixed emotions about it, while remaining alert to their surroundings. The distant howls of clashing filled the quiet air outside.
"Some plan, and you really think that would work," Riven says, questioning Eryndor's.
"You all heard that whistle, yes? It must be Shinori guards coming in to help reinforce the sector. Which means it will attract a lot of unwanted attention their way."
"It's not bad, all things considered. Liora mentions, pulling out a weapon from her cloak, and inspecting it.
"It's a horrible plan, and we'll all be killed if we try it." Riven slings his weapon
"This is a once-in-a-million opportunity; if we don't act on it, we'll all just slowly die here," Eryndor says, inspecting his arm.
The distant train whistle's once more, this time longer than the previous time. The dust in the tavern falls from the vibration of the whistle.
"Well, that's our cue to move," Eryndor says, tilting his head, looking out the windows. Seeing the grey and orange look of the outside world.
Riven looks visibly annoyed, looking down at the ground, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Fine, but if anything goes wrong, we book it out of there."
Liora nods, and Eryndor does too.
"Did you always have that?" Eryndor asks Liora. Standing up now to head to the door.
"Sure did, the dominion sure does have some nifty toys to use." She says playfully
Riven stands up as well, heading to the door.
Liora follows the two, standing behind them.
Eryndor moves the chair, opening the tavern door now. "Let's move."
Eryndor and the others rush out of the tavern, heading towards higher ground in the chaos of it all.
Commonwealth sector, region south, smolder-002
"Sir, all the men have exited their designated carts and are now awaiting further orders."
"Good, then have the men split into groups of 10 and split into delta formation. We'll sweep through this area in no time." The man's cloak breezes in the wind, revealing the cold black and purple colors of the hood.
"Yes, sir! The man turns to run around the corner in a hurry.
"Garrick glanced at the ruined streets. "I wouldn't have to be here right now if it weren't for you rats. I'll make sure to put you in your place soon enough." He turned, stepping back onto the train.
"Sir Garrick, how's it look out there?" A noble ask. Holding a glass of wine with shaky hands.
"Filthy, my lord, no man such as yourself deserves to see the rotting world that is the smolder."
"Then hurry and finish up here so we can get a move on!" The noble declares, his body trembling slightly.
"Of course, my lord, we'll be out of the station in no time." Garrick gets off his knees now, "That is all I have to say, my lord."
"Good, now get going! Kill all those peasants if it means we can get out of here quicker!"
"Yes, of course, my lord." Garrick turns to leave, putting on his mask before finally stepping out.
Damn, noble, you're just a pain in my side.
"Sir Garrick, Forgeling have been spotted in the city just as you said. Shall we take formation alpha?" The guard reports.
"Negative, we'll continue to search the area for now."
"But sir—"
"Theirs someone who I've been dying to meet in this district. Now's my only chance to do so."
The guards stands next to Garrick, nodding before leaving.
That's right, I've been looking forward to our reunion, Eryndor Draemont… tonight I will finally drive your family to extinction! The man smirks ominously.
"Dammit! Do these forgelings ever give up? Riven yells, glancing behind him.
"Well, what do you expect? They live to kill!" Liora says, shooting behind her with her weapon.
"Where'd you get that anyway? I thought only the Shinori were allowed to have steam-powered weapons!? Eryndor asked, while continuing to run.
"Haven't I told you? In the dominion, we get our hands on anything we want! She laughs while blasting the forgelings behind them
The screams of the creatures echo in the air from the shots of Liora's weapon.
"YES! YES! SCREAM FOR MOMMY!
Riven and Eryndor look at Liora, creeped out by her insane side.
"You're enjoying this way too much, Liora." Riven fixes his face, looking forward now.
"Can't a girl not have a little fun around here?" Liora turns the corner while the other continue to run forward.
"I'LL MEET YOU AT THE STATION LIKE WE SAID! DON'T DIE ON ME NOW!" she says, attracting some of the forgelings after her.
Eryndor glances behind him, seeing her leave with some of the forgelings with her.
Good, that's phase 1 over with, now we need to head to high ground. He looks at the sky for a moment before looking back in front of him. Smoke? This is far from the station? That must mean—
ERYNDOR! CHANGES OF PLANS, WE'RE RUNNING STRAIGHT INTO A GROUP OF GUARDS. WE SHOULD DIVERT A LITTLE BIT! Riven yells, unslinging his weapon as he runs.
"NO, DON'T, JUST KEEP RUNNING." Eryndor glances behind him, hearing the screams of the forgelings not far behind.
HIT THIS NEXT CORNER HERE! AND HURRY!
The two rush around the corner, the screams of the monsters and the blood-filled path being the only thing they hear and see.
THERE'S A PLACE I KNOW JUST HERE! Eryndor screamed, his boots creating dust behind him.
"FOLLOW ME! AND DON'T HESITATE FOR A SECOND!" Eryndor rushes towards the distant building.
Riven follows closely behind him, trusting Eryndor.
Eryndor hopped over the destroyed glass, hiding behind the half wall where the glass used to stand.
Riven follows closely behind, making it in time not to be seen by the Forgelings.
Eryndor and Riven both hold their breath, letting the horde pass by.
The two sigh in relief when they pass; however, Eryndor's arm glows faintly again.
"Right, we should be getting close to the supplies now." Eryndor stands, walking deeper into the building.
"What is this place? You said you remembered it or something while we were getting chased."
"This is where I was raised," Eryndor trails his finger along a table, cleaning off the dust that follows it. Shame that this place turned out like this." A stray pipe hisses in the background.
"As cold as this is going to sound, we don't have time to hear your sob story, at least not now." Riven brushes his trench coat, clearing off some dust from it.
"Now come on, we're close to the station." He says, hopping over the wall.
"Yeah, you're right, I'm right behind you," Eryndor says in a calm and sad tone, before regaining his confidence.
—Break—
"Commander Garrick, we got reports from groups Ex-007 and Ex-013 that they have spotted people in white cloaks."
"Is that so?" Garrick crosses his arms behind his back.
"Yes, sir."
"What kind of group are they I wonder, taking over the peace we so graciously gave them." Garrick looks to guard now. "Any other reports from Ex-007 and Ex-013?"
"None, sir, we're afraid they might have been taken out." Garrick sighs, "Then end the recon campaign and regroup at the station right away."
"Yes, sir." The guard holds his finger to his ear as he begins to head to the train, saying something inaudible from the loud engine of the train.
Where are you, I wonder, Eryndor? Are you the cause of all this? Sharing the same foolish idealism your parents had?
"There," a girl points, looking over the train station. She turns around, looking back at the group of what seems like hundreds of people in white cloaks.
"You've done well, little Nyla." The man in the white and gold cloak states, patting the girl on the head.
Nyla closes her eyes, embracing the pats. "You're gonna ruin my hair if you keep doing that!" she says, her voice squeaky.
The man laughs and kneels to the girl. "How could I not? You're just so cute, now, stay here and give us an update like you always do, k?"
Nyla nods, looking up to the man.
"Good girl," the man says, now standing up, looking serious. He turns to the group of people in white cloaks, most of whom are scattered across buildings. "It is time we show the nobles the power of the dominion."
The man raises his fist in the air, leading out a chant to his men.
"FORGE THE WEAK, AND BURN THE STRONG, THE DOMINION GUIDE IS THE ONE AND ALL!"
The group let out a roar of passion and confidence, chanting the words.
FORGE THE WEAK, AND BURN THE STRONG, THE DOMINION GUIDE IS THE ONE AND ALL!
"NOW, ATTACK!!!"
The men in white cloaks drop down from the buildings and make their way towards the train station at a rapid rate.
The guards stationed at the train begin to panic, scrambling for their weapons. Under the roars of the Dominion.
"SIR! A SWARM OF THOSE WHITE CLOAKS ARE COMING!"
Garrick's eyes narrow, and he begins to step inside the train.
SI-SIR? WHAT ARE YOUR ORDERS?
"Defend the train with your life," Garrick says coldly.
"YE-YES SIR!" The guard runs to find cover.
Garrick enters the train now.
"WHAT'S GOING ON OUT THERE!?" the noble yells, his jewelry clanking against one another, his voice shaky.
"Oh, that? No need to worry, my good sir, it's just a few rebellious commoners."
"THEN GO AND TAKE CARE OF THEM! NOW, YOU IDIOT!"
"Don't go telling me how to do my job, I hate it when people like you do that." Garrick reaches into his waistband, pulling out a steam-pistol.
"Use this only when you have to," he says coldly before walking back outside the cabin, seeing the Dominion clashing with his men.
"HEY, DON'T JUST LEAVE ME HERE! AND DON'T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT EITHER YOU IDI—"
Garrick closes the cabin door behind him.
"You can die for all I care, you pig." He mutters under his breath. Before taking off his cloak.
"NOW! LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!" Garrick says, smiling in enjoyment.