The Raven

It's Midnight, as we gather in a warehouse. All those loyal to me, that serve my faction or owe me a favor. Those that fear me, hanging in the back of the crowd. I stood at the top most part of the warehouse, looking down at all the men and women before me. Some monsters, bonded with their Tamers. I had the Eds stalking around the hole, and I was rather surprised by how relaxed the security was there. It meant that no one was paying attention to the next few days, or what was about to happen. Even the Seers I had asked, weren't able to make heads or tails of the disturbance tomorrow.

It meant that today's plans were to go smoothly, but that was no reason to relax or let up. It would be through diligence that we made it happen, and through the same, we'd succeed. The people and creatures below me were clamoring, and talking. This was probably the last moment of peace I could have before everything was set into motion. I raised one hand, waiting for the people to notice. As the noise died down, I spread my cloak to remind them who I was. Everyone became silent, as I looked across the sea of faces.

"The Raven brings death. From the ancient texts this has been an omen for misfortune. Yet, where there is death, there is life. It is from the ashes that a Phoenix will rise. It is from the ashes of past civilizations that new empires stand, built upon the bones. I will die, you will die, every single living creature will die. So to, will their offspring, and the offspring after them. Yet we struggle." There were hushed whispers, as I brought my fist to my heart with a thud that echoed to quiet them all once more.

"We struggle, not because we fear death. We struggle, because we enjoy life! Struggling is what gives life meaning, and it's what keeps us going. We may die during this raid. I will understand if any of you choose to leave. If you will go out with a whimper in the night. I do not need cowards that refuse to struggle, that refuse to live. If you want, the person right next to you, will happily slit your throat." Most of the crowd laughed, and I let it go for a few seconds before holding both hands forward. The feathers on the cloak making it seem like wings.

They are silent once more, before I continue. "I am the Raven, and I bring death. You are my flock, and we will murder the idea of peace and safety in this city. For too long have we endured down here. For too long, do we scrape, steal, kill, and frame to survive. The people above us believe themselves better then us. The children do not remember the terror of the hordes when this city was founded. Their parents tell them sweet lies, that everyone above is safe. Those that have struggled down here know the bitter truth." There were a few 'yeahs' coming from the crowd.

"Only when a man is not afraid of death, can he change the mind of those around him. I have come close to death many times, and I have come out stronger. It broke me, and the husk I was had two options. I could go out with a whimper, or I could struggle. I do this not out of hatred for those above. I truly long for the day when we can see each other as equals. That said, this will never happen if they cannot understand us. They must know that death comes for us all, that any one man with the commitment or anger, can and will tear down our wall and leave us with those same two options. Struggle or die! Now I ask you, will my flock move to violate this city's idea of peace and safety? Are you willing to get your hands dirty, for a better tomorrow!?" The crowd began to cheer my name.

I raised a fist into the air, as they followed, hollering and hooting. Then I spread my fingers and brought it slowly back down to my chest. To quiet them one last time. "Where we raid today, has been deemed impossible. That every one of us will be marked as a criminal. Half of you already know of this place. I invited you to my gang, since you lost someone. My most loyal came to me, because I promised I would make the impossible possible." I spread my arms out once more, as the entire room was silent.

"Today, we raid the Hole." Everyone seemed to gasp at the same time, as I grinned. I could see some faces light up with hope. Others with confusion, some with greed, and a few more with fear. "The same Hole they put the leaders of past gangs. The same Hole they hide away monsters to experiment on. You can't tell me they do not experiment on prisoners as well. It has been years, since I made the promise to some of you. I have not forgotten for even a second. The Raven makes good on his word, and that's why it's worth gold."

The crowd was starting to get excited again, "When we do this, I cannot protect you. Some of you may die, others will be tortured, and we will not be able to come back to this city again. We will all be exiled, or executed. The ones above us want us gone, and I will accept that. We will reunite families, and those broken gangs with their leaders. We will take everything in the hole, and make our way out of this city. We will head South East, and make our village and town. The King himself would not be able to chase us there. The Raven as a gang will die after today. We will head out, and create a new home in the wilds with all the talents and individuals in the Hole."

One of the members would speak up, "Can't we just take over everything underground!?" It was good that they were voicing their doubts.

I smiled in the general direction of the face, "We cannot. The Minotaur would meet us, and leave us weakened for Mal to take us out. If we fought Mal, he would drain us of resources until we were too weak to fight the Minotaur when they saw us as an easy kill. Those two can have their fight, they can kill each other over the underground for all I care. This is not our home however, it never was. I spent the past few months gathering resources and sending groups out to a scout areas. There is a spot that we will need to clear out, or tame. I have spent time thinking about this. Testing where things can work, and might give. The Raven and his flock will die as a gang, and be reborn as a town. Some will stay here to see what happens in our absence."

Another voice spoke up, "What about our families!? Do you expect us to take them with us!?"

I gave them another smile, "You may, or you can leave. I would suggest defecting to Mal, or the Minotaur. Though I won't give you a recommendation, since you are leaving us when we need you most. I have the important stuff already moved out and built up by Allen. There will be homes, shelter, water, and food. If anything it will be nicer than living here under another gang in the same half broken homes we live in already."

There were some whispers, as a few of them had wondered what Allen was up to these past few months. Finally an older voice spoke up, "What about the other gang leaders you are saving? Won't they fight you for power? What's stopping us from overthrowing you at this little spot?"

I grinned towards the old gang member. "Any gang leader worth a damn will realize they have a few options. They can wait in the cells and not be rescued without changing a damn thing. They can follow us, and work with us since we saved them. Eventually they might try something stupid, but we're outside the walls with no one able to protect us, but each other. If we fight, we might all die. Though I will happily crush and make examples out of any gang leader dumb enough to fight me. I'll crush their spines and drink out of their skulls if they piss me off enough."

The same voice spoke up once more, "Makes sense, but why do this? What's the end goal?"

I clapped my hands together, "We're reminding this city that the people underground can ruin it. That they need to work together. We're getting allies, and anything else hidden away in the Hole. Which means unique monsters we haven't seen, or monsters with talents as well. Something most of my Tamers would adore having. We're also giving ourselves true freedom here. A fresh new start, to build from the ground up. I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of the kingdom of Fire. We're still part of Eclipse, and we're expanding the borders of our kingdom. Which lets us dick both kings."

Another voice spoke out, "Oswald's supposed to die soon! Won't they attack us!?"

I put a hand towards the person, "Yes, which is why they won't attack us. Who cares about some town with Tamers, and monsters? We're out of the way, and we'd wear their armies down. If the Kingdom of Fire attacks, they're going for the heart. Not some little side town, and if they do. Well we give them a proper gang war welcome. We'll have strong people, strong monsters, and whatever other fancy shit is in the Hole. The fact that Oswald is apparently dying, just means the King can't send him after us. It'd be stupid and suicidal to send the Count or Wyatt after us when the Fire Kingdom could attack at any time. This is the time to do this!" I slammed my hand on the railing in front of me, mildly denting it.

This seemed to sway the more reluctant members. I took a deep breath before leaning a little forward, "If any of you have questions feel free to ask them. I have lied, I have cheated. Though I ask you to name a single man or woman here, who hasn't? We do what we must, because we have to struggle to survive. This is the best way of ensuring as many people survive as possible. If you are worried that it might endanger those above us, I say it will not. If you ask if the Minotaur and Mal will fight. I doubt it, but that is possible. Which is another reason for not defecting now. Even if you did, the fact that you didn't tell the guard my plan means you're just as likely to end up in the fields or in a stronger Hole. You can tell them now, but who would believe you? Everyone knows it's stupid to raid the Hole, and that's why it shall be done by us."

The crowd started to cheer again, and I spread my hands out to calm them once more. "I do not need cheering for this. I do not need hot blooded temper, or the flushing heat of youth." I touched my temple with one finger, tapping it. "I need you to think, and do what's best for this plan. Everyone that is with me, please proceed to the monster house. Everyone that doesn't want to come, just walk away on the way. I won't come for you, unless you betray us. I have made it a personal skill to evade the guards, and I will annihilate anyone that gets in the way of my flock."

Everyone silently held a fist up, and I raised my own. "Today we raid the Hole! Today, we make history, and become a new town for Eclipse! Hoo-Rah!" The crowd let out a single Hoorah in return as we all started to file out of the warehouse that served as our base. To my surprise, only fifty out of my five hundred people left. I grinned, before giving them all their orders. My closest were handling the more common orders, but the people that specialized. I had to give them specific orders for what came next. We would attack and secure the place as the bells rang. The next few hours were simply far too busy.

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Edna, The Banshee

It had been days since I followed these two around. More trouble then they were worth, if I were to be asked. Alas, I was more frustrated that I was spending more and more time away from my beloved. I for one, am certain that the swirling soul (Mimi) knows of my presence. Though they have made no attempts to communicate with me. Perhaps it is because they are always reaching outwards, trying to connect with others. Though the majority seems to be aimed at myself. Alas young one, I have pledged my very being to my beloved.

The two souls flew above the trees, but still I was able to follow within the shadows they cast. It was much easier then following their scent through this forest. What made this unfortunate, was that the two were slowly approaching the bond my beloved held with the weeping raven. It meant that they saw, or understood what was coming. I felt exhausted, and sluggish from lack of sleep. The morning truly wasn't a grand time to do this. Surely they held no intention on trying to fight the creatures.

It was not to be, despite my deepest wishes. The two fools decided to approach the large amount of souls, that were coming towards them. I came out of the shadows, to observe as best I could. I could feel the sun had already risen. As the two souls I needed to protect fought, I saw a few of the other souls falling and passing on. Not much, but then I heard the sounds of screaming and panic. The sweet tragedy of the swirling soul sacrificing itself to save the idiot captain. The same rising high, as I screamed to harm the very souls of this pack. To ward them off, and save the swirling soul. The idiot immediately flew off in the direction of the city. Something that should have been done, rather than attacking an entire horde.

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I could sense the swirling soul reeling from my scream. It was strong enough not to be harmed too much. Though it seemed to be struggling with something. It laid on the ground, clutching something to its chest. Ah, the bonds were severed, because of my scream. The tiny little souls that kept those connections, were now dead. Just like a few of the pack that heard my scream before running. It was unfortunate, but it had to be done. Still this was not a safe place for you to be.

I softly walked towards the swirling soul. "Fear me not, for I have come to save you. It is most unfortunate that your connections were severed, but I will let you join with me for a moment. To help guide you from this place to safety." I spoke calmly, to show I meant no harm. Though the soul in front of me barely reacted. Then I felt the connection with my beloved sever. I tilted my head, doing a light twirl to see what was around us. I smelled nothing, just this soul and myself. Then I felt it, the oppressive feeling of the abyss.

Something was here. Many souls crying out in suffering and pain. A feeling I felt only once before, but once was enough. A demon was making its presence known. One with such force that the other I had felt before was like a newborn babe. I quickly moved towards the swirling soul. It rose to my height, trying to connect with me. I allowed it to feel my fear in this moment. That we might be eaten, to join the dark choir of screams if this continued. We needed to move, and hopefully the shadows would hide us. I quickly embraced the swirling soul, only to be held back by them.

It wasn't my scream that chased away the pack, but the presence of this demon. I tried to pull the swirling soul, into the darkness with me. To hide with it, to save it from the demon. Then I remembered the dark bond. It was still there, unsevered by my scream. Some form of unholy connection. Through sheer strength, the swirling soul held me from retreating into the darkness with it. I tried to push away, to retreat for only myself, but I was lifted to no longer touch the ground beneath us. I attempted to scream, only to have my neck torn into.

I could no longer cough, or breathe. I was to be eaten, and devoured by this swirling soul. All because a demon set its sights on it for some unknown reason. I was able to ignore the actual pain of being eaten, letting the soul connect with me more fully this time. I could feel its anger, its rage. The basest desires of eating, killing, and claiming. The basest feelings of a monster, that those black thorns spur into our being. The orders of the monster king, coming so naturally from this innocent soul.

My body ceased to be, but my memories were taken into this being. I awoke restrained in some kind of stasis. Unable to move, but able to sense I was inside the swirling soul itself. It felt unnatural, being unable to pass to the next life. To be robbed of the choice, but I had to hold out hope. Once this soul finished it's rampage, I needed to explain what I knew. Even if my body was no more, and I was unlikely to come back from this.

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The Raven

I felt it when my connection to Edna was severed. The pain in my heart, and feeling through Edgar confirmed my worst fears. Edna was slain, her body being eaten by whatever the hell Wyatt was with. I would repay this at a later time, but it was pointless at the moment. Still the loss of such a deep bond wounded my heart deeply. I flexed my hands, feeling what little strength she gave me, leaving me. Charlie hugged me from behind. She didn't like Edna, but she accepted her as they both accepted each other. Though she would never admit it, she felt the same pain I did at her passing.

This was her first time outside the room in so long. Her existence was hidden from just about everyone else, save for those I had bonds with. She was nervous and I could feel it. We had to slay her father, at the very least before we left. My men moving around the area. Most of them were watching, while others moved in discreet groups to capture the few guards around here. They were better off alive, and as hostages. What was important, was making certain that the bells were not to be rung. Thus my flock moved slowly into the walls, wearing recruit armor. Once we had the bells secure, we could actually start the raid. Though we would be found out after it was over.

Signals were given to let everyone know the status, and the plan itself went off without a hitch. It was mildly annoying with how impossible this place was supposed to be for raiding. Yet, we were about to walk in with little more than a few scrapes and bruises here and there. It gave off the very real sensation of walking into a trap. Though that would mean someone knew about our plans before I said a single word to the flock today. Another signal was given, and my men rushed inside. Half the group stayed outside lingering, to delay and restrain guards and others. The bells were captured, and the patrols around the place were subdued.

I heard no screaming, or yelling. Only the slight scuffle here and there, but to my surprise we vastly outnumbered the guards in this area. As if they were all moved away, leaving just a skeleton crew. Out of my flock of five hundred; fifty secured the bells, two hundred fifty were now roaming inside the hole itself, while the rest stayed outside. The hole was an impressive piece of work. From the underground it stood as one of the supporting pillars. Something to keep the roof from coming down on us. A large circular thing that was larger than other pillars build under the inner walls. With warehouses, barracks and other things connected to it via tunnels. Which made it all the more important to keep word from getting out. It was probably easy enough to break in for this exact reason. We'd be instantly surrounded if the guards were alerted to what we were doing here.

Still, as I stood with Charlie, by an abandoned warehouse. I was given the signal that the first floor was secure and it was safe enough to enter. I entered the warehouse proper, and found the hidden room that led to the one of the tunnels. The guards disguised as civilians were hardly even a threat. Between Charlie and myself, they were knocked out, bound and gagged. All within mere minutes, which had me scowling. I continued down the tunnel, Charlie at my side, when her ears perked up. Torches lit up, with an ethereal blue flame. A soft blue light softly flickering as we continued to walk forwards. I saw a table with three chairs, a man sitting on the one opposite from us. He clapped loudly, and slowly as we made our way towards him.

The man himself was wearing a top-hat, with a jester mask covering his face. He continued to slowly clap his leather gloves together, with thick forearms. Something that a blacksmith might have. He appeared to be smiling with only his lips revealed from the mask cover. The rest of his body was obscured by a cloak, but I felt this man was a Dwarf. As we got closer to the table, he finally stopped clapping. Leaning forward on the table with a creepy grin. He spoke in a deep voice, like someone that smoked way too much. "Welcome, welcome! A masterful performance, sir Raven. Sadly, I could not allow you the struggle you so desired."

I narrowed my eyes at the strange man, "Who are you, and why are you here?"

He held up a finger, waving it back and forth. "Tsk, tsk, good sir. Your plan will succeed because we want it to. Our great king, has decided it is an acceptable loss to just let you walk away to establish that town you have your heart set on."

I gritted my teeth, balling my fists. "How did you find out."

The man held both hands up to show they meant no harm, "Now, now, sir Raven. Please take a seat with your missus. We both stand to suffer losses if we were to fight. Though, I can assure you that I will win." The blue flames all went out, before returning as a warm purple. A sweet scent filling the air.

"You are a pyromancer? Who do you work for exactly?" I reluctantly took a seat in front of the man. Charlie sitting beside me.

They placed a hand on their chest in an exaggerated fashion. "Me!? A pyromancer!?" He started laughing, "No good sir. I am so much more. This is merely a peek behind the veil that keeps this kingdom running. Just like how the princess is able to use all sorts of magic. I am blessed by the king himself to perform such spectacles. I appreciated the speech you gave around midnight. Truly inspiring."

I balled my fist on the top of the table, waiting for him to continue on. Then he pulled a sealed envelope from his sleeve, sliding it towards me. "The fuck is this?" I reached for it before opening it.

"Inside is the listed terms for you to accept. You are free to kill this body, but I will just move to another one. This body is also included in the overall number of people prepared for you. I entertained the idea of coming behind you while clapping after you killed the father of your missus. Though I felt you would be rather upset if I were. More so, then just appearing before you like this."

I quickly scanned over the list, finding it rather generous. Especially considering that everything was hinging on this man not alerting the guards. What surprised me the most, was finding the King had signed the document himself. Which meant he was aware of what was going on. I laughed a little, "It seems to me, that you knew about my plans even before I knew about them. Why is that? Why go through all of this?"

The man leaned back in his chair, "Honestly? It's because the Queen is sleeping. It's the only time she's not in any pain. I'd prefer to let her continue her slumber for as long as she is able. You also aren't trying to ruin the kingdom itself, and we could use a new town where you plan on setting up. You have the will and resolve to make a move like this, and that shall be rewarded. You want to survive, and while I can't give you a struggle here. You will have plenty to endure while making the town you want. Plus the princess is starting to get bored with you. Giving you the resources to succeed at something which will ultimately help us, is much better than putting you down."

"You're a baby sitter then? The Warden of this place?" I double check the list, frowning a little.

"Not even a Warden, but yes I am a baby sitter. My job is to keep the princess occupied and happy at all times. As well as making certain this place is safe for the Queen. My time is valuable however, and I'll take the fact that you haven't crumpled the paper up, or torn it to be a sign of your acceptance." The man started to get up.

"Who, or what are you exactly? I thought the Queen was dead." I watched as the pushed the chair back under the table.

"We are Mal. The father of your missus is in a sound proof room, so feel free to take out all your frustrations on him. His talent has been removed, so that will not be inherited. For what it's worth, your plan was well thought out, and it could have succeeded in any other kingdom. We just have Chronomancers and know what to look for after playing these games for centuries." Their body slumped forward, as I got up from the chair. "Oh! Welcome to the big leagues kid. Pay your taxes, and we don't give two fucks what you do in your town. This body's name is called Dave, you saved him from his cell. Good blacksmith, and he can craft runes. He will be very helpful for you. Toodles."

Charlie and myself both got up, as the table and chairs disappeared. The flames returning to their normal orange color. I handed the paper to Charlie, who looked it over and frowned herself. The whole situation was awful beyond words. The catharsis of raiding the unraidable. The desire to overcome a challenge. All of that vanished into thin air, just because the king wanted his Queen to rest. I looked at Charlie, asking if she still even wanted to kill her father.

She looked at me with a bitter expression, before nodding. The mood for this whole raid was gone, but we could at least enjoy making someone suffer for what they did. The flock would see me as a mastermind that did the impossible, earning respect at least. Even if it wasn't properly earned. It made my stomach knot and roll on itself. The alternative wasn't much of an option. If the King knew, then the second we deviated from what he wanted, was the second we were going to die. I had to accept this loss with grace, to strike back another time.

Dave rubbed his face, as the mask disappeared. "Where the bloody hell am I!?" He looked around angrily, before spotting us.

I loomed over the man, "You are in the Hole, and were rescued by the Raven. My men are currently running around and freeing other prisoners. You can stay here, or come with us." I walked past the Dwarf, "I don't care what choice you make at this point, but if you are with us, then continued along this tunnel until you see more people. Free everyone in the cells and retreat when I give the signal."

Charlie followed after me, her ears low as she sulked. The Dwarf followed after us, "Thanks I guess? I'll get whoever I can, but why are you doing this?"

"I'll explain it all later. Right now I have something important to do." It would be better to explain this to all the captives after we got them out. We can't really steal anyone else, since they all had a pact with the king. One that was severed by me accepting his 'generous' proposal. It really was a fool's errand attacking this place, but I couldn't understand the scope before. The three of us walked until we saw the my flock. Where Dave went to join the rest. One of my more loyal men came to me for directions. "Free everyone on the first floor and leave. Things are going too well, and the last thing we need is to be pinned down in here. I'm heading to the second floor to decide if we should try to raid it or not."

Thankfully they left without asking any questions. My pride burned, and I felt a very sincere pain in my chest. Today was a complete and total loss, where nothing truly mattered. We were literally handed everything we wanted, just because we might be useful as a town. The guards around this place were likely just recruits made to wear the better armor. Even Edna was killed and eaten today. Still, it could have been much worse, given that the king knew everything from the start.

Reluctantly, Charlie and myself made it to the second level. Going underground as the floors descended. This floor was colder, with larger cells. Names scrawled on the doors that were enchanted with runes. There were no signs of life here, save for the dried bits of blood from people being dragged to their cells. We found the one with Charlie's father, and made ourselves feel a little better by torturing the bastard. With that behind us, we just walked back to the group and left with everyone we were given. No guards came to stop us, the fact that the bells on the walls were ringing meant nothing. I sent a few people to tell my men to just prepare to leave this city. We got what we needed, even if it wasn't how we wanted to get it.

I needed to pay the king back for this, and I would later. I made a few more mental notes, and after everything at the town was up and going. I decided I would come back to get my revenge for Edna. Even if it was going to take the rest of this season and potentially the next.