Watcher did as he always was told, he watched. That was his job as Evie's loyal goon. Keeping an eye on what interests her. Unless she planned it herself, he ensured that nothing bad happened to her interests. Though he was still a person who respected the value of a life. Watcher wasn't a cruel man. Every kill was a merciful one. He was better than Hound. He remembered the days when he was paired up with Hound on a few missions. He detested the man's methods. Saw it as unnecessary violence. Upon discovering that Hound was still alive, his only desire was to complete the task his master had begun.
Yet, when he met him. Watcher saw someone else.
In some other time-line, maybe the two would've been good friends. As Nathan was someone Watcher would respect. Regretfully, they were on opposing sides of the board.
He was aware of their current situation, but he felt no need to inform his master of it. For the first time in ages, Watcher was hesitant. It was information that Evie would undoubtedly find useful. But he kept his tongue and looked away. Perhaps there's some honor left within him.
Now he wondered what Nathan was doing back in the apartment. Both he and his partner Bianca waited just outside.
Bianca, the human whose theme was based on warriors from Earth. Evie always enjoyed dressing up her followers and giving them silly names. The woman in baggy robes was just as silent as him. Both worked well together that way. An unspoken communication between the two which made them a powerful duo.
As Bianca waited, she fiddled with a strand of her dark hair. Eyes locked onto a cloud in the distant sky. Although she might appear vulnerable to any attack, Watcher was aware that she was always prepared to defend herself. He checked his revolvers as they waited for Nathan. These weapons were specially crafted by Evie. A deadly weapon that only he could use.
Forged with a metal from a distant planet. Heavy to many, yet light within his hands. It clicked as he turned the cylinder. The Apex checked his ammo and made sure it was full.
The apartment building's doors suddenly flew open. And Nathan's gang flooded out and hurried to Ivory's van.
“Welp, guess we will have to follow.” Watcher informed his partner as they watched the van speed away.
“Excuse me folks,”
Both froze just before they could even take a step.
“Officer Jimmy,” A man in uniform flashed his badge at them. “Can I ask some questions? If you don't mind, that is.”
“Officer,” Watcher greeted calmly. “We do mind, actually. Have business to attend and what not.”
“Just a minute of your time.” Jimmy said with his eyes sharpened. “You see, there's been a lot of commotion in this town recently. And I don't think I've ever seen you two before.”
“We're just here to attend the House of Adam's charity event. Nothing special.”
Jimmy then chuckled. “Oh, that's right, how can I forget. Those folks sure are an interesting bunch. Kind and generous. I honestly thank them for giving this town of mine a chance. Guess I'll be on my way then.” He turned his back to them, but kept his eye on the strange duo. “Oh, one more thing. Could I ask what you two were doing last night?”
Watcher was silent for a moment. Then he answered. “Cain's Diner, a nice place with an amazing owner. When it closed, we then spent our time loitering outside the diner.”
“Yeah, Scratch is an amazing cook.” Jimmy agreed. “My wife can't get enough of Scratch's Eden pie. It's the only place where you could find them in this town actually. Anyway, guess I'll leave you both be.”
They watched as the cop walked away. Watcher noticed how close Bianca's hand was to her sword. He mentally listed off Jimmy as a threat. Someone they needed to avoid at all cost.
Sadly, there was one more issue. He lost sight of Nathan and his group. The cop managed to hold them off long enough. But he wasn't shy about it. Watcher pulled out his phone and told Evie about his issue as soon as they were certain Jimmy was out of earshot. It won't be long before she sends someone to track Nathan down. But a part of him wanted Nathan to be left alone long enough to cure whatever ailment Gluttony had.
*****
Nathan sat in the back of the van, Gluttony held within his arms as they made their way to Midas City. Sally was sitting between Jonah and Ivory. Abe couldn't come along as he had business to attend to.
He wouldn't be much of a use anyway. Abe had zero connections in the city, and was a proud pacifist.
So now it was up to the four to find a way to help Gluttony.
Our hero worried for his partner. Through thick and thin, they always had each other's back. No matter the problem. It pained him to see her so lifeless. He started to miss her jokes. Both the bad and good. Heck, he even missed her nasty ones. A foul mouthed puppet. But that was part of Gluttony's charm.
Within the spacious room of the van, Nathan sulked against the wall. His hand caressed Gluttony's cheek. Her wooden exterior was cold against his palm. Then he pressed his hand on her chest. The beat of her heart made him feel at ease. She was still there. Still, there was hope.
“You must be starving,” Nathan muttered. “Been minutes since you ate anything.”
“Minutes? Feels like days!”
“Wait, did the Gluttonous Maw speak!?” Jonah exclaimed.
“Sorry,” Nathan was quick to apologize. “That was me, I didn't mean to cause everyone a heart attack.”
Ivory glanced at him through the reflection of the rear view mirror. “You can mimic her voice?”
“Yeah, I'm a ventriloquist.” He said proudly. “I can throw my voice. But not just that, I can even… speak like Jonah.” And just as he said, he mimicked Jonah's voice perfectly. As if the gunman was the one who spoke.
This of course surprised Jonah. He couldn't hold back his smile after he heard his own voice coming from Nathan. “Yo! That is awesome! Why didn't you tell us that you can do this!?”
“If you two showed up for our performance at the park, then you would've known.” Nathan said with Ivory's voice.
The Sentinel nearly pressed her foot on the breaks. “That… that is quite a trick.” She herself doesn't know if she gave a compliment or not. It was clear she was a little disturbed by his skill.
“Oh, do Abe!” Jonah requested.
For the rest of the trip, Nathan entertained his friends with a series of voices they requested. Their little fun was short-lived as they soon approached the checkpoint into Midas City. Cars lined up, but they were lucky it was a short one. It wouldn't be long before they get through. As they waited, Nathan took note of the new things he discovered. It was his first time visiting this place. Or to be correct, his first time in this life. Surely Hound once had been to this city. A man like him would've fit well.
As he stared ahead, the massive and imposing statue of Queen Midas stood at the center of it all. Said to be made with pure gold. Her arm raised to the heavens as she touched the skies itself. Fingers that caressed the clouds shined brightly like a beacon. Somehow, the sun does not reflect off her golden exterior. Instead, it seemed to channel the solar light into her fingers. It was an awe-inspiring sight. More so than when he saw it in the distance. A massive statue built in the goddess of greed’s honor.
What Nathan noticed next was a list of names on the checkpoint. All in bold letters and easily read with pictures of grotesque demons. One in particular was his friend, Abe. When he brought it up to his friends, Ivory was the one who answered.
“They're banned from entering.”
“But isn't that Abe?” He pushed the question further.
“Redeemers aren't exactly popular with people, especially to most gods. Despite the fact these gods value their support.” Ivory doesn't seem to be bothered by the fact. If anything, she seemed so happy with the idea. “See, they're still demons, in and out. Especially when they invaded Earth during World War 2. Most of Asia lost their lives when they ripped open a portal in Japan.”
“But they're trying to do good?” Nathan tried to argue.
“There are a total of 56 Redeemers at first. Then they lost two. Wanna know why? Because the two demons showed their true colors by opening a portal in Eden. I won't be surprised if the rest of them start wreaking havoc.”
“Guys, we're next.” Jonah told them.
They pulled into the checkpoint and paid the entry fee.
The city is by far different from the little town they lived in. Everything was far more lively. An ocean of people crowded the sidewalk. It would be easy to lose yourself in the current like one would in a raging river. Their previous conversation wasn't forgotten just yet, Nathan still wondered why someone like Abe could be excluded from this city.
Sensing the inner conflict, Jonah chose to bring up a question of his own. “How come we don't get jobs from this city? I mean, it is big enough that some people can be causing trouble somewhere.”
“We aren't part of the local mercenary company yet, but I did send out our resume to them. Thing is, HIVE hasn't really gotten back to us, and it's been months.” Ivory explained.
“Lame! We literally have the best marksman in the galaxy, a Sentinel, and a ventriloquist! We should be hitting the right requirements for them to hire us.”
Nathan chuckled. “Yeah, I'm sure they need an entertainer more than cold hearted killers.”
The rest of the ride was silent. Nathan took note of the city and how much advertisement covered the place. Everywhere you looked, you'd see billboards and screens which showcased their products. The sidewalk is even littered with vendors that were selling all sorts of stuff. One even tried to sell Jonah some “religious” trinkets. When they parked the van and continued on foot, they were swarmed by vendors trying to make quick cash. They had run away from the hungry salesmen and women. They even almost stole Sally due to her small size.
Luckily, they managed to lose them when something else caught their attention. Nathan's view of this place started to shift further worse as the day continued. People were so persistent. Their deals sounded reasonable, but they knew not to fall for their traps.
The city was as lively as they've witnessed. There times they nearly lost each other due to the hundreds of people walking about. This concrete jungle was certainly a new experience for Nathan. Somehow, Jonah was the only one that seemed to be in tune with the city. No matter how many times he separated, he always found his way back. As if the man was in his element. He even caught Ivory off guard, his short height helped keep him hidden amongst the crowd.
As they traveled through the city, Wicked, the Champion of Umbra watched from the towering buildings. Her one single eye locked on Nathan.
******
They looked upon the map provided by Sally's memories as she perched herself on Ivory's shoulder. It seemed that they finally reached their destination, but they only found themselves at the entrance of an abandoned docks.
“So, what exactly are we looking for?”
“Hound was looking into Star Forged weapons. If we want help with our current problem, we need to find out what he knows. Anything.” Ivory said.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Nathan looked down at his partner. “And if we don't?”
“The Bloody Tyrant is our only hope.”
An idea they all detest. They wouldn't beg for her to kill them. Calling her their last hope is unfitting. She was the plan at the bottom of the bin. So Nathan best pray to the gods that Hound would have the solution to their problem.
The docks were walled off completely. Graffiti covered the surface as far as they could see. This place must've been a good spot for the unruly kinds of people. They walked around and sought out the entrance. But Nathan couldn't help feeling that they were being watched. As they approached the gates, he stopped in his tracks. Jonah armed himself with his rifle as Ivory gently placed Sally on the ground. A fight could be brewing, and they needed to prepare for it.
Suddenly, heads started popping out from behind the tall walls. People armed to the teeth with all sorts of guns. Jonah couldn't help but smirk at the idea of “liberating” these weapons from these thugs.
Nathan couldn't help but feel powerless. All he had on him was his pocket knife and it seemed that this fight was unavoidable.
He counted them. There were a total of fifteen gunmen. However, there was something at the back of his mind that gnawed on him. As if he knew them somehow. Nathan took a moment to find out why. Like a flash of lightning, he realized why he felt as he did.
“The owl gang!?”He exclaimed.
“I got eyes!” One of them shouted as he focused his scope on the four. “A Sentinel, a white guy, and an Asian!”
“Nathan is Asian?”
“Jonah, you're Asian. Specifically Korean.” Ivory informed him.
“What!? I thought I was human!”
“Shut up, the both of you!”
Every gun clicked as they aimed at them.
“Hold up!” A feathered hand raised in the air. All heads faced an owl-person. Despite the sense of respect these thugs had for this owl, he himself exuded a calm and relaxed aura. Or simply someone under the influence. “Boss, is that you?” The owl asked Nathan.
“Huh?”
“Boss!” He smiled as he rushed down to meet Nathan. But everyone else had changed in emotion. At first they were ready to kill, but now fear filled their eyes as they realized Nathan was who they were about to shoot at.
“Hi…” Nathan greeted the owl as they took his hand in theirs and shook it. “You are?”
“Cooper! Or feather brain, like you call me most of the time.”
“Cooper, can we talk somewhere private?”
“Sure thing, boss! We kept your room… untouched.”
Cooper led them into the compound. The owl gang members started to scramble around to make themselves presentable to Nathan. An action he found a little embarrassing knowing this was due to Hound's cruelty.
“You have no idea how we missed you, boss! Everything was quiet, sure, but not much has happened ever since you left us a long time ago. Where did you go anyway?”
“I'll explain everything later.” The four followed Cooper deep into the heart of the owl gang. A group Nathan had thought long extinct. Yet here they were, treating Nathan as if he ran the place.
Despite the warm treatment, none of them lowered their guard. Jonah kept his rifle close, while Ivory watched out for the first sign of danger.
Once they were in what they assumed was Cooper’s place, Nathan was quick to tell the truth. He explained everything to the owl, from the day he woke up with Gluttony, up to the moment he fought Evie’s lackeys.
As he recounted his experience, Nathan couldn't help but notice how much he grew as a person. He didn't let his past weigh him down. No, Nathan used it as motivation. The decisions of the cruel man he once was only bolstered his determination to do good. Lessons Abe passed down to him. Wisdom and understanding.
What pushed him to be better was Abe.
He remembered when they first met. Just to be in fact, Nathan wasn't one for religion. He didn't care about worshiping or following the ideals of gods. But he enjoyed hearing Abe during his sermons. Back then, when he first met him, Nathan thought the man simply looked odd. He couldn't understand why Ivory was so antagonistic toward Abe. Even now as well. Abe was one of the many people that helped build up Nathan into the man who he was today.
And as Nathan ended his explanation, Cooper looked as if he was sober. The owl’s eyes were as wide as dinner plates. As if he was as shocked as a thunderbolt.
The gang member took a glass of water shakily and sipped. “So… the Bloody Tyrant, huh?”
Seemed like he was traumatized. Made sense when she herself delivered the message, if memory serves right.
“Didn't think… didn't think you worked for her. Especially when you came out of nowhere to help us out.”
“What did I do for you, bunch, anyway?”
His friends listened closely.
“Boss… I mean, Nathan. We didn't do much for you. All you wanted was us to visit every corner of the world for every popular museum location. Gave us plenty of allowance too. After we were done, he started making us do a delivery business in Midas City. Owl’s Pack and Parcel. Invested in it as well.”
“Don't get it.” Jonah scoffed. “Why did he even keep you guys around?”
“Money,” Sally suggested. “Seem like OP&P are very successful.”
Cooper chuckled. “Sure is!" Then his shoulders slumped. “Well, he also liked to play pranks on us.”
The door flew open. “Pranks!?” A man marched in as he revealed that the other gang members listened. “Nathan didn't do pranks, he was a sadistic monster!”
“He liked hurting us. Making fun of us.”
“Nathan knew we couldn't fight back. We were and still are too weak.”
“Cooper only says that he did pranks because Cooper took the least punishments!”
Nathan winced at every word. It felt like a knife on his back. And with every new complaint, the knife was twisted.
“I'm just… not trying to hurt Nathan's feelings.” Cooper argued.
“It's fine.” Nathan's voice silenced the complaints as they took a step back. It seemed that they still feared Hound despite being long gone.
He rose to his feet and bowed toward them.
“I apologize for what he did, but I promise you that I'm nothing like that man. All I ask from you is to continue doing what you do and commit no crimes.”
They were taken aback by his apology. What they thought to be the monster they feared was a man with humility and kindness. With his words still lingered in their minds and hearts, they looked at each other and wondered what to do.
Should they accept his apology and move on? Or hold onto a grudge for a dead man.
Instead, they chose to say nothing as they left one by one. Seemed like they felt regret, or simply knew that their hatred was pointless when there was no one to direct it at. The man who kicked down the door stayed, he said no word as he leaned against the doorframe.
“Cooper, there's something I need from your boss. He was researching Star Forged weapons and we are wondering if you know.”
“Sure! Your old room!”
With that, the stand-in leader of the Owl Gang- now formally known as the Owl’s Pack and Parcel- led the four deeper into their hideout. Or the office.
Despite looking as if it was abandoned, this docks turned out to be an actual office and warehouse. As they walked deeper, they could see how their business functioned. Dozens of gang members turned employees worked as hard as they could to keep the system flowing.
There were some who glanced at Nathan warily here and there.
It surprised them that they had such a complex and well working business. But that begged the question: Why need all those guns?
As if he read their mind, Cooper spoke. “It's because we have competitors. Yes, I know you're wondering why we all are so armed. Living in Midas City is one thing, but having an actual business here is like going to war. Every now and then some rival delivery company hires a different gang to ruin our business. You think we were the ones who painted graffiti on the walls? No, those were the Spider Gang.”
Jonah scoffed. “Wouldn't your boss have done something to scare them off?”
“When he was around. But they know that he's gone so they try their luck. Back then we wouldn't be worried much since Nathan would… make an example. Then that's it.”
They entered a room with a metal door. The door looked like it would better fit a bunker. A single red light on top glowed ominously. The wheel at the center had some black paint pattern of sorts.
“This was his room. No one can get in but him.”
“Great, a dead end.” Jonah groaned. “Nath, go check if it's one of those eye scanner things. Maybe a thumb print one.”
“It's the best idea we have for now. Unless Sally can hack into it.”
Sally shot a glare at Ivory. “I may be a robot, but I'm not a technomancer. Stop assuming I can do all kinds of robot tricks!”
Nathan walked up to the door and inspected it. As he reached for it, he heard a whisper. “Don't touch it…” He pulled away as quickly as he could.
“Something wrong, Nate?” Jonah asked.
“Right, I'm so out of it that I almost forgot. The boss didn't like people going through his stuff so he trapped this door to deter us. But he honestly encouraged us to try.”
“You know what? I'm sure a jerk like him would do that.”
“How do we proceed?” Sally asked.
“Left frame…” The voice whispered again.
Nathan ran his fingers down the side of the door. He felt something jutting out so he gave it a press. The whole door surface came alive with a layer of electricity. Nathan didn't flinch unlike his friends. Despite holding one part of the door, it seems that Nathan was safe. So he held down the button longer until the red light on top went out.
Now it made sense. The black paint on the wheel at the center of this door wasn't painted at all. No, it was soot. Someone who was unaware of the trap must've touched it. Now their palms burned onto the metal completely.
Once the light vanished, Nathan checked to see if there was still some electricity left. Thankfully, it was out of juice. Now the lock was left.
Seemed like Hound was a man of puzzles. The lock looked like it came out of a video game and anyone with a brain could solve it.
Sally came in handy as she finished the puzzle instantly.
Only to find out another puzzle.
An hour went by as Sally finished the last puzzle. It seemed to be purposely made that way in order to frustrate whoever wanted to go in. They would've tried to pick the lock, but Jonah was electrocuted as soon as he pushed his gun repair tools into it. Once again, Jonah cursed Hound in his grave.
The door opened. Cooper and the gang member watched in awe as they finally could see what was within.
Everyone cautiously entered, knowing there could be a final trick.
The room itself was surprisingly decent. Unlike the apartment back in Titus, this place was in better condition despite three years of neglect.
There were knives on display, books on the desk, and a fridge full of lemon blast. The bed, though dusty, was covered in expensive sheets. Jonah was quick to fold it up for him to take. Whether or not he was going to sell it, it was up to Jonah. Some spare clothes in the dresser. And a strange suit in a glass display.
The suit seemed to be skin-tight, a series of sheath for knives all over. It was completely black. One might confuse it as some superhero's tights.
“Pretty sure these all still fit you, Nate.” Jonah commented as he began taking some clothes.
“Stealing is wrong.”
“Nate, it is all technically yours.” Jonah argued.
Ivory hummed. “Didn't expect him to wear something like this, though.” She said as she eyed the one in the glass display.
Sally grabbed a knife. “It seemed to be that he favored the blade. He must've been some kind of assassin then.”
“Knowing that jerk, he probably likes to keep it quick or slow.” Jonah said as he noticed some jewelry.
As they looked around, the gang member was trying to open a safe while Cooper stared at the pictures on the desk. There were only pictures of everyone in the Owl Gang. All of which had some kind of ranking.
“Cooper, help me with this!”
“Leave it alone, Jared. We don't know what he keeps in there, and I would rather not find out.”
“It could be loaded with cash!”
“Maybe. But it might have some dirt on us.”
Jared glared at Cooper. “That's why we need to get it! Nathan probably knows where we're all from.”
While this happened, Nathan and his friends were gathered around the books. Each of them was searching for anything that could help. Sally skimmed through the books easily.
Nathan walked up to the safe as the two members of the Owl Gang argued. The safe was locked with a keypad which had numbers and letters on them.
As if the voice returned, Nathan recalled something from his dreams and Hound's apartment. Conquestum, sanguinem et potestatem.
With those words in mind, his hand moved instinctively as he typed in the words.
Everyone froze as the safe hissed as it opened.
All it contained was a collection of discs. In one neat stack was the name of various Owl Gang members. In the other was a series of dates with very interesting titles.
“You got a TV around here, Cooper?” Nathan asked.
Everyone was back at Cooper's office. Nathan placed a disc that dated close to his awakening. Two years before he woke up as a new man. As the tape came alive, they were greeted by Nathan.
He was different, one could tell easily. Now they saw how he carried himself, the way he stood. Hound was walking around in that same suit from the glass case, but paired with some cargo pants. Covered in knives as well. Best of all, his face. Compared to Nathan's relaxed features, it seemed that Hound’s brows were locked in an eternal scowl.
As Hound finished his short task, he faced the screen with a mischievous smile. “Today, my oh so powerful mistress, Evie, is giving me two jobs. I must travel to Titus and seek out a potential ally to the cause. The other one is just research. As if she doesn't have those scientist class clones running around.”
The group listened intently.
“Bella Smith.” He showed the camera a picture of a teenager.
She looked nothing like Siren. The girl in the picture seemed more like someone you'd see only in the background. Just another face to ignore. It seemed that Siren grew more throughout the years.
“This kid looks like that loser you'll see the popular kids would pick on in those trashy movies.” Hound chuckled to himself. “But that's the reason Evie wants her. Part of the experiment. Sometimes I don't understand gods. But even they get bored I guess.”
Hound pocketed the picture and played with a knife.
“Other news, Beatrix requested a change of partners. Now I'm paired up with some chick named Jackie. Frosty, as Evie named her.” Hound tossed the knife at a target behind him. A frightening accuracy that hit the target dead center. “An annoying fangirl of Justice. Ironic, fire and ice. Guess she's stuck in her own little fantasy.”
“She's a fan of Justice too?” Nathan gasped.
Jonah snickered. “Before you, to be in fact.”
“Ridiculous. She even flaunts that damn card Justice signed. Makes me want to steal it and write my name on the card just to spite her.” Hound reached over to turn off the camera.
“This doesn't help! Next one!” Jonah said.
This time, it was a familiar scene. The apartment back in Titus. Hound was stacking books around. “Right. I've made contact with the kid. She's worse than I thought. Total doormat. Her peers just push her around like she's nothing. Makes me a little mad. Only a little.”
“Guess he does have a heart.” Ivory commented.
Hound pulled out a strange syringe filled with a strange liquid. “Tomorrow, I'll inject it into her arm. This is the next phase of the experiment which Evie entrusted me with. This little thing is apparently a mushroom. Made by she who is evil.” He sneered. “Anyway. This thing will travel to Bella's heart and grow on the outside. It'll either clog up her veins with spores, or her body adapts to it like a symbiote. What it does, Evie hadn't really told me. But I assume it'll help our little wallflower here to bloom.”
It ended as soon as it started. A quick recording.
“Spores. That's what happened!” Nathan concluded. “Siren uses spores to control the boys at her school. But she must've lost control of them and the incident happened.”
“Then they disappeared.” Sally finished.
“Yeah…” Jonah said as he stared at the screen. “Note to self, don't go near her.”
“When she tried it on me, I wasn't affected. Maybe I have immunity.” Nathan said.
They placed the next disc which took place back at his room. “So the spores. They attack the brain and connect it to the fungus in Bella's chest. Creating some kind of hive mind. Fascinating, that's for sure. In other words! I've found it!” Hound was happy with himself. His pride brimmed brightly as he smiled viciously at the camera. “When the whole thing went to chaos, I snuck into the school library and stole it!” He showed the camera a red rotary phone.
“That looks awfully familiar.” Jonah told them. “Like I've seen it before.”
“Just look like an ordinary phone.” Ivory argued.
“If it's important to the boss, then this must've been something magical.” Jared said.
“This little gem is the Voice! There were only two ever made. And its purpose is to call the one and only Star Forger! Funny, a god that can be reached via rotary phone. This is going to help me with my next research. Only issue is… it seems to be out of power.”
Hound gently placed it on his desk.
“Evie is entrusting to me the Gluttonous Maw, her father’s weapon. To a mortal, this weapon is like a cancer that slowly takes your life. I've seen the corpses left by these Star Forged Weapons. All dried up husk of what they used to be. Not only do they consume the essence of life. But these weapons consume the soul. My exposure to these things must remain minimal or else I risk dying to it. No different to my current situation. Other news, I'm stuck with Bella, now known as Siren. Great. I rather not have her spores control my mind.”
“That's it!” Nathan shot up from his seat. “This is what we needed!”
“So Evie trusted Hound enough to let him do such an important job? I thought I was dumb!” Jonah smiled mischievously.
“We need to watch his research.” Ivory ordered as she placed the next disc.
For the next few hours, they watched Hound ramble on and on. Sometimes he talked about his distaste of Evie's lackeys. Seemed like their hate for Nathan was warranted. As they went disc by disc, they finally reached what they were looking for.
“I did it!” Hound cackled. “I found out how to power the Voice! Everything led up to this moment! I am Nathan White! Greatest man in the galaxy!” He cleared his throat as he fixed his appearance. “Let me explain. See, these weapons are made from a fraction of a god’s soul. What some don't know is that it becomes an altar of its own.”
Ivory would've arched a brow if she had one. “It can do what now?”
“With that said, you can practically pray anywhere and give offerings. But… instead of the offerings giving power to the gods themselves, the weapons store it. I've already tested it a dozen times on the Gluttonous Maw. I was able to erase more than I should've. Such power. All you need is the proper ritual and the right offering. You can't just throw a bread roll at a weapon and ask. You need to do it right. With this research, I'll be able to contact the Star Forger and find out where Man's Folly is!”
Though they were concerned about that last part, they were ecstatic about their findings. Something to help bring back Gluttony.
“So that is it. We have to perform a ritual. But, how do we do one for Kalasraast?” Jonah questioned.
Sally tilted her head. “No clue. I haven't really thought it'd be important. And worse of all, Kalasraast isn't exactly one for followers. Especially when he lost them all when Evie took over Stalfos.”
“We will figure it out. Best get started then.” Ivory told them as she led them out of the room. “Best start with the library.”
As they walked out of the building, they noticed a strange gathering of the other members of the gang. They noticed something was frightening them. With that said, Nathan and the others rushed through the crowd to find out what made them restless.
Standing at the gate was a woman in strange clothes. It was as green as Nathan's sleeves. Her face, only half-visible, was extremely pale. Bug-like eyes served as lenses for the mask she wore. Despite sending fear through the Owl Gang, she herself shivered in fright.
Jonah growled deeply as his eyes turned white. “She has traces of godly magic.” He informed them as he gazed upon her soft glow with his altered vision.
Nathan took out his pocket knife and Ivory cracked her knuckles.
As the three prepared for a fight, someone else was interested in them.
As this happened, a figure back in Cooper’s office picked up the most recent disc. About three years ago. The moment Nathan experienced his change. This stranger placed it into the player and watched.
“Gods be damned!” Hound rushed around the room and gathered up the discs into the safe. “Evie… Evie knows! She found out I have been selling information to the GCC! My connections with the Immortal! Smuggling weapons to Venus 1! Everything! She knows that Tempest sent me! Whoever finds this, please, give it all to Crow, Champion of War! And please, tell dad I'm sorry for being such an awful son. I'm sorry, but I doubt I'll make it out of here. And Tempest?” He grinned widely despite the situation he was in. “I proved you wrong! I have Man's Folly!”
The video ends. The figure hurried to gather up the important discs but left the ones about the Owl Gang members. Thanks to the commotion outside, her thievery was effortless.