Prologue: Gathering Force

The wind blew with a slight brisk breeze, thankfully giving a traveling group a bit of relief. During the day they had been trekking through the unbearable heat of the Genoipan Desert, while also trying to keep their time frame. They were on a mission and nothing was going to keep them from completing it or at least that was the mindset of most of the group. Five members of the group were soldiers following the disguised trio ahead of them. Each fighter wore an insignia on the shoulders of their uniform with a gazing eye over a DNA helix strand. The DNA helix was white while the background was white and the eye was a red orange.

"How close until we reach the den," A male with a gruff voice asked. 

 He alongside the other Splinter Foundation sliders were dressed in desert colored clothes. From their pants, to their shirt, vests, and boots. They were ready for an ambush attack if given the order to do so.

Yet one of the three disguised people stopped and glanced at the other two individuals. 

"I'd say we're a few yards out, lieutenant." A female voice called.

 She glanced at her companions. She reached into a white lab coat and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. She placed it between her lips and began to search her pockets for her lighter. 

As she did this the closest figure to her sighed and extended his left arm. In his pale hand was a zippo lighter. The female leaned forward and inhaled as she lit her cigarette. Once it was lit the male repeated this process causing the last hidden figure to step away from him. 

"Fret not lieutenant," A low and cold voice called. "We are but a few feet away from the den. I suggest you and your soldiers make sure your weapons are loaded with Dr. Lance's special rounds." 

"And remember people," The leading figure spoke with a rifle in hand, looking ahead with a hybrid scope. "We're limited in supply with the cure. Don't pray for Ceiridwen when you spray." He looked back at the group, "Make sure you're close enough to the target and when you have a clear line of sight, shoot."

 He looked ahead to see a rock valley and in his sight was a cave. 

"I have eyes on the destination. I don't see anyone nearby or around the area. Can you confirm?"

"No sign of enemy personnel or occupation, Ace." One of the soldiers noted as they looked around, scanning the vast sands around them. The man was dressed in all black casual clothing. Simple dark jeans, a matching shirt and of course a cloak-like jacket. 

"Hush your mouths," the male closest to Dr. Lance growled quietly. "Stop here and prepare for battle." The group stopped and immediately dropped to their bellies.

 They crawled up the sand dune they were on and began to peer down at a large rock cave in front of them. 

"You all wait here," The man mumbled from under his hood. "I'll handle a majority of the pack, you all simply handle the stragglers who run." 

Before the lieutenant could respond, Dr. Lance spoke up quickly.

"We'll give you thirty three minutes Styx. If you don't contact us by then you'll be, assume KIA and we'll move in from there." 

"I look forward to proving you wrong Emily," The man mumbled. He looked over at the other figure and said, "Ace, do make sure Dr. Lance stays safe. I am charging you with her safety." 

 Before the other man could respond Styx slid down the sandy hill heading toward the cave. 

The Splinter Soldiers quickly dropped to their bellies and found themselves staring down the hill. Dr Lance sighed as she tossed off her makeshift cloak and eyed her troops. She was dressed in simple khaki cargo pants that were tucked into brown and tan hiking boots. She unbuttoned the top three buttons on her red orange button up t-shirt and exhaled a puff of smoke.

 "So, Ace I hear you're supposed to be a new leader within Pariahs. Tell me are you scared or more excited than anything?" Emily asked, as she found the young damon fiddling with a necklace locket around his neck. 

"Just a little bit nervous with the mission but we're more than capable of handling it." Ace responded, "As far as the leading thing goes, pretty damn overwhelmed. I didn't exactly ask for the promotions, I just wanted to get the jobs done in the best way possible and get everyone home right after even if I have to carry them back myself."

 As he said this they could hear snarling and howls coming from the cave below. Emily drew two custom made bowie knife wasp knives; that held cures for the infected individuals. 

 She took a fighting stance but casually said, "So you're one of those soldiers." A cruel smile curled on her lips as she aimlessly asked, "I wonder if you'll truly be the one to make a real difference."

"Eyes up we have hostiles,'' the lieutenant shouted.

 His daemon tail quickly wrapped around his waist as a large werewolf bursted from the cave. It sniffed their air frantically before locking into their direction. It rushed forward causing the man to open fire. Alongside him was Ace who helped put a second round of cure into the creature. It howled in pain but crashed to the ground just inches from the group. 

 Yet before they could rest a wave of ferals poured from the cave. About eight feral Lycaons rushed forward. Each rushed for the waiting group that quickly opened fire on them. Immediately each began to empty clip after clip as they found themselves engulfed by the ferals. 

 The lieutenant growled as he focused his magic and swiped at the on coming wave of ferals. Soon the six remaining ferals were covered to their waist in a thick layer of ice. 

"May you be at peace,"The man mumbled as he quickly fired six rounds from his rifle. Each found their mark and embedded themselves in the heart of the enemy. 

 The creatures snarl in pain but soon slumped forward. Yet this didn't mean the fight was over. He turned and found Ace firing his rifle at the two who had broken the line. One werewolf managed to bite a soldier while the other had ripped the head off another man. Ace shot both but it was the lieutenant who walked over to both corpses and shot their hearts. 

"Keep your eyes up," The lieutenant growled as he quickly looked down his scope. "If you're supposed to take the spot of Styx then I expect someone who is alway alert. Not some passive hippy dreaming of a peaceful tomorrow." 

"Easier said than done when you're trying to take down werewolves of all things." Ace pointed out.

 He ejected his magazine and put a new one in with haste. He put the previous magazine onto his belt as he listened closely to the area around them. Waiting if there were any other ferals that would make themselves known with his finger on the trigger. 

"Emily, are there any other ferals that are unaccounted for in the cave?" He asked Emily as he looked over to the injured soldier on the ground. 

 He approached him as he saw the bite marks on the front of his uniform. They didn't seem to be too deep but he knew better than to take this as them being fine. He helped them up to their feet as the soldier winced while Ace checked along the back of his uniform.

 "I don't think you got bit, but Emily will have to give you a full scan just to be sure."

"I can walk, sir. I'm not incapacitated." The soldier pointed out, pulling away from Ace as he held his chest groaning. He looked over to see the headless corpse nearby. "I wish I can say the same for Kieren."

"Your plates took the most of the brunt," The lieutenant muttered. As he examined the man's wound. "Alright drink this and you should be fine. It's better to be safe than sorry." He stood up then walked over to Emily. "I'm no professional but I don't think a scan is necessary when we have the cure with us."

"He's right Ace," Emily replied with a musing smile. She reached into her lab coat and pulled out a vile that had a dark green liquid in it. "Drink this and you'll be fine," Emily promised with a reassuring smile. The guard took the vile and began to drink the liquid. As he did this Emily walked over to the werewolf corpses and eyed it.

 "Lieutenant, call for a chopper to take these two corpses back to base; alongside you all."

"And what about you ma'am," The lieutenant asked as he eyed her curiously. "Don't tell me you'll be waiting here alone." He added as he titled his head to the right slightly. His gray curved horns seemed to glow within the moonlight as his red-orange eyes eyed his employer. 

"Alexander I'll be fine," Emily said with a reassuring smile. 

 She brushed her hair back a bit revealing a smaller set of horns that curve inwards. Like Alexanders her horns were on her forehead but hers were more narrow. 

"Besides I'll have Ace here with me."

Alexander scoffed as he eyed Ace. "That doesn't reassure me, but you will have Styx here as well." With one last glance at Emily Alexander radioed for their waiting pilot. 

 He then ordered his men to quickly wrap up the corpses of the Lycaons, and their fellow soldier. 

Once done he walked over to Ace then muttered, "Keep her safe at all cost, understand?" The old daemon growled in a low tone.

"The day I joined I vowed to keep you all safe." Ace pointed out. He looked over to the corpse, exhaling through his nose, "At least I do my best to keep you safe." He added with a low tone.

 Before Alexander could respond a new voice called out from behind them. 

"Emily, Ace, the cave has been purged. If you want answers now is the best time to get them." 

 Emily's face practically lit up with excitement as she skipped over to Styx.

 Alexander sighed relieved when saw the darkly covered figure. As if to aid with his relief the sound of an approaching chopper could be heard as well.

 "Alright men, let's get this done and head home to debrief." The remaining Splinter Foundation men shouted back in agreement. 

 Ace exhaled as he glanced at the soldiers one last time before joining up with Styx and Emily.

 "So what exactly is the plan here Doctor?" He inquired as he slung his rifle over his back. 

"Are you looking for more ferals to take in for research purposes or is this another 'act now questions later' deal?"

"No, Styx most likely killed all the ferals so what we need is leads," Emily answered as she reached into her coat and pulled out a box of cigarettes. "Vae, all empty." She stuffed the empty box into her pocket. 

"Styx~" Emily cooed as she skipped to the front of him. "Do you have any cigarettes?" 

"I do, and I assume you want one?" Styx asked as he reached into his coat and pulled out the small box.

 Emily nodded eagerly as she clenched both her fists tightly, practically bouncing with anticipation.

 "Very well. Though you will owe me later." Styx sighed as he opened the box. 

 Emily excitedly took one of the cigarettes and lit it. Styx did the same before inevitably leading the group into the cave.

 The trio entered the cave finding a large path of carnage, bodies of both male and female laid slashed to pieces, Others were impaled by large icicles while some were simply ripped to pieces. The stone walls were dark and gruesome painted with crimson splats alongside man made lights leading from the mouth of the cave to the heart. It was here they found two male scientists frozen up to their necks. It was also here they found a makeshift lab of sorts, full of tools used for surgery and implantation. Emily quickly examined the room causing her tail to swing back and forth rigidly

"I don't need them alive to know what was happening here," Emily muttered darkly. She took a puff of her cigarette to calm her rising emotions. "It's clear Vera's planning something. Their notes will tell me everything." 

 Styx nodded as he went to move towards the two scientists. Without any words he swiftly ended their lives then turned back to Emily. 

"Let's regroup and debrief with E," Emily and Ace nodded, then began to leave the way they came. 

 As they did Emily made sure to take up the rear. Once they were out of the cave she sighed releasing a cloud of smoke. Ace looked from her to Styx wondering how the two were so warm to one another, yet cold to all outside forces. 

"So anything I should know or…" Ace began only for Styx to glance at him with his left eye. 

 Or more correctly his only eye. His right was covered by a simple black cloth that he had tied and rucked under his hood. 

"What you should do upon returning is train," Styx ordered." Lieutenant Maxwell will give me his report. I do hope you performed well while I was away." 

 Ace felt his skiing tingle and crawl as a cold chill slithered down his spine. It was times like this he wondered why Styx chose him to be his successor. His skills were above average when it came to hand to hand combat, while his magic and marksman skills were exceptional. Yet he found himself unsure if he could ever numb himself to Styx's mental level.

"Ace, let's go," Emily called, shaking him from his thoughts.

 He quickly jogged to the others and found they had regrouped with the other soldiers. He quickly looked over the soldiers and found two were wounded while one had died.

"They've been given the cure," Alexander reported sternly and clearly. "We waited for you before calling for evac." He added before moving to click his earpiece. Yet Emily quickly held up her hand and smiled warmly.

"No need to let me get us back safely and quickly," She focused herself and exhaled, causing a swirling red orange portal to appear before them. "Come on, let's get these men to the medical room for a speedy recovery." 

 Without another word both Ace, Alexander, and the other soldier began to take the men through the portal. Once done Styx and Emily entered, finding themselves in a long hallway, by the medical room. Multiple people moved about; some in white lab coats while others wore tactical clothing like Alexander.

"Come," Styx murmured as he began to walk. 

 Emily sighed as she followed after him, annoyed he wasn't willing to slow down. The two went to the end of the hall and began to walk down a set of long and winding stairs. Finally after three floors they came to a large opening. It looked like a basement that was turned into a makeshift briefing room. 

 It was here they found a towering man clad in black with their back to them, eyeing a large map of Ciona. The ebony clothes hugged his body tightly showing off the muscles that laid beneath. His lower half was covered by tactical trousers and matched by matching black boots. On the board in front of him, were red lines of thread alongside white lines of thread. Some had photos of people thumb tacked on them while others had sticky notes. Emily cleared her throat causing the man to turn sharply. 

"Relax E, it's us." Emily said in a friendly but low tone.

 The man exhaled visibly and relaxed, like his body, his face was covered and hidden away by black fabric. Today or tonight his face was hidden away by a simple all black balaclava that hid all of his lower face. The only thing left his upper face exposed showing off tan skin and neatly short and cropped obsidian hair. Alongside this was a spirit of piercing yellow eyes that studied them as they approached him. 

"How did the operation go?" E asked, turning back to the board.

 He eyed a yellow thumbtack marked: Genopian Desert. Tied around the thumbtack was a red piece of string that connected to three other pictures of people.

Emily sighed as she tapped the ash from her cigarette into a nearby ashtray. "Well it's as we thought. They were snatching up desert travelers and turning them feral." She sighed deeply as she held up the notebook she had taken on their way out. "This will tell me what they were putting in them."

"While you do that I'll contact my informant inside the Genopian Hunters. Takeda's been getting boulder. I think its time we remove him from play," Styx muttered as he eyed a picture on the board. 

E nodded in agreement. "If we're taking him out then I suggest we try killing two birds with one stone." He tapped a photo of another man next to the one listed Takeda. "Sebastian would be charged with taking his place. If we're going to strike then I suggest we take them both out at once."

"Why not in the coming days," Emily asked as she quickly skimmed the pages of the notebook. "We're…I'm supposed to show up to Minu for a charity event. Why not strike then while we have someone else got for the other target," 

"The question is whom shall we send," Styx asked as he pushed his cigarette out into the ashtray. "I can accompany you to Minu, E, I believe it wise for you to remain here, no?" 

 The large man eyed Styx for a moment. In comparison they were so much, E was five inches taller than Styx, while also having a large muscle mass. He dressed more tactically while Styx seemed to dress with a strange style. He was dressed clad in a black gothic coat, black gothic cargo pants, and gothic shin high boots that had three buckles on the sides. 

"You are correct in that," E agreed. He turned his yellow eyes to the board and glared daggers at a specific photo labeled Rain. "It's too soon for me to be seen, so I suggest we send Jackal and Specter. They've yet to let us down." He added with a pleased tone.

"Then it's settled, Emily, Ace, and I will head to Minu," Styx began as he turned to the female daemon. "Once there we will bide our time until we have the target in our sights. Knowing Takeda he'll be too caught up in maintaining his public image."

"He won't see us coming from a mile away, "Emily agreed with a crooked smile. The three nodded then began to make further preparation. 

 It seemed in their chaotic world of Ciona disbalance brought more than ferals. Monsters wearing the mask of humanity were infiltrating the likes of civilization. If they were to be stopped then they would dawn their own masks and enter this dark game of shadows and ghosts. After all to kill a monster all one needs is a worse monster to place in their path.