The Nightmare of Hallowton(Open)

[DC Comics]

Meanwhile in an undisclosed location in Hallowton Bane and his men were also infected by the strange plague that hovered over the city. Those under him already kneeling over and allowing death to take them, or at least they would have allowed it to take them if the Nightmare hadn't already infected their bodies prior to such an epidemic. The respirator on his own mask was already helping with his breathing as his eyes went down his skin seeing the boils. He popped one on purpose, watching the blood run down his arm soon after. Though you couldn't tell by looking at him, the pain was enormous and the fact he was even capable of standing still was a clear sign of his resolve.

Bane worked to stop the bleeding on his arm and then grabbed one of the men who was grounded due to his own pain. Bringing him up onto a wooden table in the room and ripping open the front of his shirt. Holding him down as he squirmed under him. It was time to break this plague down to a science. If he was going to continue his plans it did him no good to be sick. The sound of a saw came to the weakened man's ear and then the screams echoed across the room as Bane went to work.

[Saephara]

Progress came to a halt as Sebastian ran into yet another person. It seemed as though he knew this woman and she decided to stop and crouch, listening intently to try and catch parts of the conversation. The two conversed and nothing really hit her radar until the woman stated that Integra had been moved safely. Saephara sighed a breath of relief at the news, unsure of why she did so. But as she observed the butler she saw something change in his stance. It was so slight that if one hadn't been paying close attention, they would have missed it. He was more rigid in a sense as that bit of news ran through him, then relaxed as he put on what Sae now recognized as a facade. His tone of voice seemed catty to Sae as he spoke with the woman. More like spoke to, for as soon as he had said his piece he began to walk away yet again.

'This man...no...not man...butler...he never stops. What is he searching for and what is he hiding?'[/color] The thoughts circled her mind as she rose to follow him again, continuously watching him carry on. It wasn't too long before he stiffened once more and tightened his fists. She was certain that the knuckles beneath those gloves would be pale white. "I know where you are now..." It was all he said aloud before taking off with an ungodly speed. Saephara didn't even try to follow. She knew instantly that she would not be able to keep with his speed even if she wanted to. Her body was not trained enough to be able to withstand such speeds. If only she had...

The thought was knocked from her head immediately as she turned and sprinted from roof to roof trying to get back to her bike. A quick glance to the sky indicated that the clouds grew denser as the day continued, growing heavier with that cursed acid rain. She retraced her steps bound by bound and eventually made it back to her beautiful motorcycle. Saephara's spirit was saddened as she looked around, tugging on her jacket again and pulling the helmet over her head. Quickly she kick-started the machine and spun her bike towards the direction of where Sebastian had headed. She needed to keep following. The more she investigated, the more she discovered. Sebastian was a demon...and from the look of it? A very pissed off demon. But something just wasn't right about him. Something was playing with him...She applied more gas and sped down the road, following that distinct trail of his.

[Legion]

As Sebastian entered the alleyway he would see in the shadows the figure of a small child running out in front of him. Coming out of nowhere from the left and disappearing to his right before he could get a good look at her face.

But the hair, dress and overall figure that could be made out in the darkness would have been familiar to the demon butler. It was the exact same figure of the one who had caused that wound in his chest. Just the mere sight of her appearing and vanishing again was enough to cause that wound to burn like a thousand suns. But how could Legion have gotten here so quickly and undetected in a city filled with supernatural beings that could sense a power such as hers? Was she even there at all?

The wound would not heal. He knew something was wrong but could not place it. He had been irritable with the people before. Not able to keep his story straight. Things that imperfect humans would have done when they were guilty of a crime. When he finally did look up, he would see more than just a wall.

He saw her!

[sebastian]

________________________________
The Persian-red singing [voice] slowly
dyes your chest the same [color]
[as if

[/color]] it's an eternally yearning
swiftly dispersing...
[Melody[/color]][/size]

________________________________

[/center]

He was cold... Or was it even that? Cold was not something he had ever felt before, so he wouldn't know. But when humans were cold... Their bodies would shiver and minuscule bumps would show up all over their flesh as the hairs reached for warmer air. And he was shivering now, a complete mess simply huddled up against a wall in a filthy alleyway; struggling to process what was going on. Lost prey... Wounds which wouldn't close... Something like fear... Whatever was happening right now, he was feeling less and less like the demon he was. And it was time that he changed that. No matter what was going on, no matter how... Human... He felt right then... He was a demon. He didn't care about reality, the world, or life itself. He was a creature which had no purpose, it simply ate and lived; even if the way he chose to sustain itself was different from other demons. He had lost his precious contracted soul, and he had unleashed his displeasure upon the city. He would entertain himself with that suffering as it persisted. And now he would move on, simply continue to hunt and survive. He would find another soul, retreat into the shadows from whence he had come until he recovered from these strange effects. Everything was meaningless, existence itself was nothing.

It was then that he felt that familiar presence, that sense of foreboding... And that intense surge of temporary hatred. But it was an empty rage. He had been ordered to kill Legion by his deceased master. And the fact that Integra was dead made that order null. He was no longer under any obligation or control of anyone. He had no need to kill Legion, and he honestly didn't want to; she was too intriguing a specimen. He was Sebastian Michaelis... No... No he wasn't; not anymore. The master who had given him that name was no longer bound to him. He didn't even know why he had clung to that name for so long. He was the Crow Demon, an entity without name or bond; a powerful creature of Hell which cared nothing for anything. And Legion was little more than yet another strange being which truly activated the curiosity of the said demon. He felt much calmer now, even his wounds had stopped bothering him, though blood continued to sluggishly flow. Then the pain in his chest erupted yet again as the presence grew stronger, and Legion came to stand before him. Despite that white hot agony, not a twitch or blink of an eye would suggest he felt anything at all. He felt robotic almost, not really alive either. He did't even feel disturbed anymore. He felt strangely detached from reality in a way, and he was content.



Slowly, the demon shifted his feet back under him, and rose from where he had been slumped against the wall. He was a real mess, he knew it, and it didn't matter. He didn't blame Legion for Integra's death, or he would have been vengeful toward the demon child. He didn't know how Integra had died, and he still didn't care. She had been little more than yet another human. No, he only blamed Legion for this strange wound which wouldn't close upon his chest. His slender figure straightened up, and the gaze locked on the child standing before him, no longer dulled by confusion of agony. The pain continued to burn through him, and strangely... A smile curled those lips, fangs gleaming in the dim lighting of the alleyway. Pain... He enjoyed pain, it was proof that he was... In a way... Alive... He raised a gloved hand to his face and wiped away the smeared blood from his head injury, feeling relaxed and expressing nothing but a polite interest in Legion. "If you would be so kind... Tell me, Legion... What exactly have you done to me?" He trailed a hand down the length of the diagonal blotch of red across his chest. "You left this mark on me... And I lost some of my abilities. I assure you, I speak only out of mere curiosity. I have no quarrel with you, I never did. I am quite the pacifist. Your power... Your very being... They are rather fascinating, unlike anything I have ever encountered in my long existence. I can grant respect for that much at least."

The Crow's mind felt clear now. There was the dull reality he had lost that precious soul; but there would always be another. His disappointment and rage had simmered down to a carefully kindled fire, and he would move on as before. He was no longer leashed, this Plague was proof enough of that, and freedom pleased him. There was the pain from his injuries, the head wound one he had inflicted on himself in his mad dash to this alleyway. Pain was irrelevant, and easily ignored. There was only the cold hard fact that he was now facing the one who had struck him in a way that could harm his kind... The main focus of his curiosity; as very few things could bring about such damage to his kind. There was a flutter of wings, and a large black bird alighted on his forearm; its taloned feet latched around its perch. It turned a beady black eye upon Legion, as curious as its demonic incarnation. "Though I must also wonder why you would even bother to show yourself to me again." The demon stroked the bird's head with his bloodied glove hand, though his crimson gaze remained locked upon the child in interest; waiting for an answer.

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]________________________________
In the [stillness] of the shining sky
is your [home] of return
Beyond the [darkness[/color]][/size]

Thoughts ► "Why are you here...?"
Feelings ► Composed and Curious

[/size][/justify]
Where the [moon sinks[/color]][/size]
is a narrow [path[/color]] that leads you[/size]

Muse ► Great!
Tags ► Hallowton
Notes ► None
Music ► Si Deus Me Relinquit
Credits ► Aurion!

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]
Back to the [beginning[/color]][/size]
________________________________
[/center]

[Legion]

Legion's eyes practically glowed as they met the gaze of the demon butler, noting the smile on his lips and the fangs in his mouth. Where horror would have normally been was only a profound curiosity as he struggled to understand how the child before him inflicted such a wound, not just against himself but his species. A rarity among his people.

“We will indulge you...”

Her voice filled the air in the alleyway, though only Sebastian could see and hear her. Had anyone else showed up they would see the sight of the butler talking with himself. Only further conveying his own madness that was already present. But whether she was reality or illusion remained to be seen. Presuming either or led only to disaster in the end.

“The Essence has consumed you. When we inflicted the wound on your chest The Essence went inside. Planting a seed within you. A seed that continues to grow at this very moment. It is not bound by the same laws as man. Even the gods fear The Essence. It is that which breeds nightmares to all things of existence. It moves from world to world, like a plague that cannot be stopped.”

While Legion gave Sebastian her explanation, she turned the doll that was in her arms around. Showing the front. Though it was bald and ragged, the face of the doll was identical to the butler. But the most noticeable similarity between them was the gaping hole in the doll's chest, imitating the cut on his. Just like that of a voodoo doll.

“And The Essence will continue to grow. It will use you as a vessel. It will spread to those who come in contact with you. No matter their resolve. No one is safe from The Essence. Not even a Faustian.”

[sebastian]

________________________________
The Persian-red singing [voice] slowly
dyes your chest the same [color]
[as if

[/color]] it's an eternally yearning
swiftly dispersing...
[Melody[/color]][/size]

________________________________

[/center]

He listened without interruption, continuing to stroke the sleek feathered of of the massive bird on his arm. Its beady eyes had closed in content, and it ruffled its tail feather soundlessly as a soft cooing noise sounded in its throat. Observers might have thought he was talking to the bird itself, rather than the child he was facing. He couldn't be sure if she was truly there anyway, he knew nothing about her. The demon's eyes never once shifted, nor blinked, as they continued to watch the child. There was no trace of fear, there never had been. But the anticipation and confusion had faded, and he continued to smile as if this was just an everyday conversation; a conversation with one who had nearly ended him. So... These unhealed wounds were like an infection in a way... Not all that different from his own Plague. Speaking of plague, he couldn't bring himself to believe that Legion's choice of words had been a coincidence. She had very clearly described this... Essence... To be like a plague.

As she revealed her toy, he couldn't help but chuckle. He apparently found the doll to be amusing, it reminded him so much of something in the past. Particularly the part about the spreading to those who come in contact with him... That was enough to make a new light of interest glint within the crimson depths of the eyes. "Not even my kind..." He tilted his head as he sized her up, and the large crow mirrored his movement; cocking its head at Legion. She knew what he was? No surprises there really. "You know what I am... So you know I shall enjoy it..." The voice had shifted into an almost sadistic hiss as his smile widened. He chuckled quietly again. "But that still doesn't explain why you have come before me. Surely you didn't come all this way simply to tell me that..."

There was something pleasing about the fact he was apparently a "carrier" now of the "Essence" she spoke of. He was experiencing the nightmare for himself, his own vulnerability and lack of regeneration was bad enough for him. And now... He could watch those he contracted with in the future writhe and experience the Essence as well. No matter what happened in a Faustian Contract, the demon was still technically in control... As it was the demon's contract in the first place. With Integra, he had lost that control, he had submitted entirely to her will like an obedient dog, out of sheer respect. But now... He had a new thing he could utilize as a weapon... The knowledge of that new control, new power almost... That sent a thrill of pleasure through him, even as the wounds burned in pain again. Oh yes... His eternal existence had just gotten far more interesting, far more entertaining... That was why he had chosen to contract for his food in the first place... For entertainment...

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]________________________________
In the [stillness] of the shining sky
is your [home] of return
Beyond the [darkness[/color]][/size]

Thoughts ► "How interesting..."
Feelings ► Curious

[/size][/justify]
Where the [moon sinks[/color]][/size]
is a narrow [path[/color]] that leads you[/size]

Muse ► Good
Tags ► Hallowton
Notes ► None
Music ► Si Deus Me Relinquit
Credits ► Aurion!

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]
Back to the [beginning[/color]][/size]
________________________________
[/center]

[Cap'n Failz]

The goings-on of the area were of mild curiosity, at best. He could, as always, feel more and more dropping dead from the disease. But he could also sense more than he had expected still up and active, either immune to -- or somehow avoiding, like was the case with himself and the Jedi healer -- or fighting through the virus, not yet quite succumbing to its fatal effects. He could also sense some....unrest from the man with the strange aura about him. Was he the source of the intense rage he had felt...?

Possible.... A curiosity to look into later.

What was of more interest was the words he overheard. Hidden as his expression was behind his mask and robes, his curiosity and mild confusion at what unfolded went unseen, even as he carefully listened with the aid of t he Force, amplifying his hearing so that he could as easily hear all the was said as if he were right next to the speaker.

So...the oddity of a man was wounded, and it would seem quite badly. He was not familiar enough with the area and its people to understand fully most of what was said. The names and such t hey spoke of were lost on him. So deep was his focus and concentration on trying to pick out what he could to make sense of, the man's sudden disappearance took him by surprise. He could vaguely sense it was far from an actual disappearance, feeling his distinct presence rapidly race away with a speed impossibly faster than any human.

Even more curious.

He dismissed the apparent demon for now, turning his attention back to something that mattered. "Now then....Wakanda, was it?" He had overheard the sword she towed along speak her name, and felt it more prudent to address her by name. "I apologize for my distraction. To your question in regards to a hospital..." Again he turned his attention elsewhere. Those sensetive to it would have felt him reach out with the Force, probing at the minds of those present. Within seconds his presence was gone, retreating back to the veiled aura about his person. "...I believe there is one not far from here."

It was perhaps a bit rude to rip such information from the minds of those unaware and without defense, especially without warning. But it was far quicker than the alternative.

---

It did not surprise him that he was unrecognized by the Hellsing butler. He was, perhaps....still just another figure. But for now....all he could do was continue his own business. And to such an end, he turned on one heel and swept away, his stride echoing before and behind him as he disappeared amongst the buildings littered with the dead and dying.

[Ayen]

"A mere error on my part, Miss; one I will not make again. I would appreciate it if you didn't rub it in. My injuries are superficial enough to not be considered as being 'hurt' at any rate."

“You seem irritated.”

'He said something different to another person a moment ago, I believe, concerning this Entegra.'

Maricul spared a glance to Wakanda after she spoke in her mind before looking back at Sebastian. Why would he change his story?

"You know full well I am a demon, Miss. My sense of smell is much stronger than your own. Daikus made a point to tread near the corpses, knowing his scent would be well masked by the stench of dead and the illness. But I always smell such things, it is an easy matter for me to separate his scent from the rest of the... Common... Scents I pick up wherever I go, simply because of what I am."

“I don't know how vampires work in your world but once I catch a scent it stays with me. If Daikus had gone through here I'd be able to smell him.”

"Right now, I need to focus on apprehending Daikus. The master knows what she must do to summon me if it is an absolute necessity to see me now, but the perpetrator will be lost in the process. I am quite certain she would rather I catch this man first, before returning."

“Integra orders were clear. She wants to see you now.”

"I would be ever so grateful if you could pass on to her my apologies for vanishing without warning, though. I should return within a couple days at the most, hopefully with Daikus in chains behind me."

“Goddammit, Sebastian! Get your ass back here!”

Sebastian vanished but that didn't matter. She could still smell him. All she had to do was follow her nose and eventually she found him. Unbeknownst to her she phased right through an image of Legion as she now stood between the two.

“Thought you could get away? Perhaps next time you shouldn't underestimate my nose. Who were you talking to?”

[sebastian]

________________________________
The Persian-red singing [voice] slowly
dyes your chest the same [color]
[as if

[/color]] it's an eternally yearning
swiftly dispersing...
[Melody[/color]][/size]

________________________________

[/center]

The butler raised his eyebrows as he smelled Maricul's approach, and she stepped right through Legion. And judging from her words, she hadn't the faintest idea that the demon child was there. And yet she had talked about how great her nose was. His grin became more bemused as he looked her straight in the eyes, his emotions unreadable. "Your nose is apparently not so great, seeing as you are standing right where Daikus was." He chuckled, stroking the great bird's head again as it turned that sharp-beaked head to gaze at the vampire. "You sound as if you think I am running from something." He closed his eyes slightly as his head shook in contempt. "Who do you think I was talking to? It's not as if I don't have a large crow perched on my arm." He pointedly shifted his arm some, and the bird spread its wings slightly to keep its balance on his arm. "I am The Crow Demon, my dear; these intelligent creatures serve me and aid me in my hunts. For example, in my hunt for Daikus now." The large black-feathered bird opened is beak wide in a loud cry, apparently disturbed by the presence of the vampire.

The demon took a moment to remove his left glove with his teeth, and tucked it into his chest pocket. He rested a forefinger against the crow's chest and made a soft cooing noise in his throat, and feathered being snapped its jaws shut and closed its eyes in content. He turned his attention back to Maricul, who apparently wasn't nearly worth the same amount of attention as the bird was. By now, she would see a strange light in the glare, though what it meant would be unknown. He raised his left hand so that she could clearly see his mark, dark against the skin, and the crimson gaze would flicker to fuschia once again; irises apparently shifting constantly as the pupils narrowed to cat-like slits. "Just as you are bound to Sir Integra by that seal on your neck, I too am bound to her. I act strictly by her orders alone, as that is my duty as I serve her. I hear her commands clearly in my mind, and she doesn't need to speak them aloud to me." Maricul was now the only one; apart from Legion, Tyrion and Integra herself, who had seen the symbol or even knew it existed. Her own ties to Integra would ensure that his own "Alchemic Pentagram" remained a secret. A sardonic look entered his gaze then.



"If she chose not to share everything with you, then that is your own fault for not earning her trust. But I can tell you now... The task she has set me does not concern you in the slightest. And I carry out my orders by any means necessary; whether it involves lying, hunting, cheating, stealing... It matters not. So unless you wish to risk her displeasure..." He turned his attention back to the great bird. "Then you will return to her now and leave me to do the task she set me." Yes... Maricul apparently really believed Integra was still alive... Well fine... He would play this game with her. And he had pulled the card he hadn't wanted to. Maricul knew all too well he had never left Integra's side. Out of every being which had served under her, he was among the most trusted and acted directly on her orders; and only as a last resort. So he would continue to act as if he were carrying out some secret mission for her. He pulled the glove back onto his hand to conceal his mark once again.

The demon allowed the slightest trace of sorrow into his voice as he spoke his next words. "Much as I wish Sir Integra was willing to inform you as she does me, I'm afraid I cannot tell you anything about her most recent command; as she has obviously not already told you. I mean no rudeness, Maricul, I truly don't. But you are holding me up in my task now, and I must continue my pursuit." The head tilted as he considered her, wondering what sort of nightmares she'd endure, should he chose to test what Legion had told him on her. But no... Maricul was unworthy for such a test, his pet on his arm was worth more than she in his eyes. "I can assure you my pursuit of Daikus and the reasons behind it isn't a lie, but everything else... Well, I'll let you decide if it's the truth or not. But the cure for this plague lies with Daikus, and that is enough of a hint as to what my task is. I can tell you no more." He turned to walk deeper into the alleyway, once again murmuring words to the bird in what sounded like some other other language. Let her believe what she wanted. He'd certainly given her plenty to think about. Hopefully, those lies would get her off his back. If not... Well... He might have to get violent and strike her down to keep her silent.

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]________________________________
In the [stillness] of the shining sky
is your [home] of return
Beyond the [darkness[/color]][/size]

Thoughts ► "Be on your way now..."
Feelings ► Serious

[/size][/justify]
Where the [moon sinks[/color]][/size]
is a narrow [path[/color]] that leads you[/size]

Muse ► Good
Tags ► Hallowton
Notes ► One hell of an actor...
Music ► Si Deus Me Relinquit
Credits ► Aurion!

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]
Back to the [beginning[/color]][/size]
________________________________
[/center]

[Ayen]

"Your nose is apparently not so great, seeing as you are standing right where Daikus was."

“Sticking to your story I see.”

"You sound as if you think I am running from something."

“It certainly seems that way.”

"Who do you think I was talking to? It's not as if I don't have a large crow perched on my arm."

“You talk to crows? Who are you Brandon Lee?”

"I am The Crow Demon, my dear; these intelligent creatures serve me and aid me in my hunts. For example, in my hunt for Daikus now."

“I don't believe Daikus collapsed the manor. And I think you know who did.”

"Just as you are bound to Integra by that mark on her neck, I too am bound to her. I act strictly by her order alone, as that is my duty as I serve her. I hear her commands clearly in my mind, when she needs not even speak them aloud to me. "If she chose not to share everything with you, then that is your own fault for not earning her trust. But I can tell you now... The task she has set me does not concern you in the slightest. And I carry out my orders by any means necessary; whether it involves lying, hunting, cheating, stealing... It matters not. So unless you wish to risk her displeasure... Then you will return to her now and leave me to do the task she set me."

“Then it's clear her usual means of communication with you isn't working for whatever reason otherwise she would not have ordered me to find you. Nor would she have sent me after you if she already gave you an order.”

"Much as I wish Sir Integra was willing to inform you as she does me, I'm afraid I cannot tell you anything about her most recent command; as she has obviously not already told you. I mean no rudeness, Maricul, I truly don't. But you are holding me up in my task now, and I must continue my pursuit."

“You're lying.”

"I can assure you my pursuit of Daikus and the reasons behind it isn't a lie, but everything else... Well, I'll let you decide if it's the truth or not. But the cure for this plague lies with Daikus, and that is enough of a hint as to what my task is. I can tell you no more."

Maricul opened her mouth to say something else but that pain in her lungs whenever she breathed had finally caught up to her. She clenched a hand to her chest as she groaned. Powering through, the vampiress went after Sebastian and reached a hand out towards his shoulder to turn him around.

“I'm not done talking to you!”

[sebastian]

________________________________
The Persian-red singing [voice] slowly
dyes your chest the same [color]
[as if

[/color]] it's an eternally yearning
swiftly dispersing...
[Melody[/color]][/size]

________________________________

[/center]

What a stubborn woman. It was proving to be rather taxing for him to control himself. Well, that was fine; it made the game more interesting. He ignored her words and continued to walk, until the footsteps followed. The moment the hand reached toward his shoulder, he would spin around in a whirl of black; and his hand was now gripping Maricul's wrist. He could have torn it off right then, or snapped it at least. But no... He would keep up his act. His hold on her wrist was firm, but gentle; no intention of harm. However, the bird apparently didn't like the appendage being so close. The demon's eyes flashed and he hissed a single word as the crow's head flashed forward to close that strong beak on the fingers. "No." The beak snapped shut loudly mere centimeters from Maricul's fingers, and the restless creature hopped onto his shoulder with a loud caw. "She is not your enemy." The feathered head tipped slightly, but it made no more ruckus.

He sighed in exasperation, as he looked deep into her eyes, releasing her wrist; and there was gleam of what might have been genuine apology there. "I will not tell you what to believe, or not to believe; that is not what I was commanded to. But did it not occur to you that it took you quite some time to locate me since Sir Integra sent you out to find me? After your departure was when she contacted me; and things were explained, so her order for me changed. Changed to what, I cannot tell you. And before you say she would have summoned you back had there been no need to find me, I assure you she did. That is why I was quite surprised to see you in town... But I didn't tell you she wanted you to return, because I couldn't be sure if she had sent you out in person to do something else. But now I know why you came for me despite her command to return. You are tainted by the Plague, I can smell it on you, and it is weakening you. You must not have felt the summons over the pain." Concern seeped into that silky voice, as if he gave a damn about her well-being; simply because she was another servant of Hellsing.

"Return to Sir Integra, you are in no state to be out and about when you can't sense her commands clearly. I have my orders, and I will follow them; or I will die in the process. You, on the other hand, are under no such obligation as of right now. As you can see, I am unaffected by the Plague, demons do not fall ill in such a way; that is why I am the one on this task rather than another." He stepped back from her and turned to take his leave. The crow resumed its perch on his forearm, and he was speaking to it again. She may not be done talking with him, but he was. He had very little patience remaining. In a smooth motion, he would leap high into the air, seemingly taking flight, and he landed awkwardly on a roof. He stumbled for a moment from his own wounds, and then leaped along a few more roofs; before dropping down into another alleyway. He still didn't know why Legion had approached him, but it didn't matter. The demon child would most likely follow if she had something more to say to him. Right now, he was more focused on getting Maricul to stop following him.

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]________________________________
In the [stillness] of the shining sky
is your [home] of return
Beyond the [darkness[/color]][/size]

Thoughts ► "Enough.."
Feelings ► Exasperated

[/size][/justify]
Where the [moon sinks[/color]][/size]
is a narrow [path[/color]] that leads you[/size]

Muse ► Good
Tags ► Hallowton
Notes ► Logic!
Music ► Si Deus Me Relinquit
Credits ► Aurion!

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]
Back to the [beginning[/color]][/size]
________________________________
[/center]

[Ayen]

Maricul heard a pop when Sebastian grabbed her wrist. He had unintentionally caused one of the oversensitive boils on her wrist to break and bleed. The blood dripping down her arm where he held her. Or maybe he meant to do that, at this point the vampiress was unsure. She only spared a moment's glance at the crow before tending to her wrist after Sebastian released her.

"I will not tell you what to believe, or not to believe; that is not what I was commanded to. But did it not occur to you that it took you quite some time to locate me since Sir Integra sent you out to find me? After your departure was when she contacted me; and things were explained, so her order for me changed. Changed to what, I cannot tell you. And before you say she wouldn't have summoned you back had there been no need to find me, I assure you she did. That is why I was quite surprised to see you in town... But I didn't tell you she wanted you to return, because I couldn't be sure if she had sent you out in person to do something else. But now I know why you came for me despite her command to return. You are tainted by the Plague, I can smell it on you, and it is weakening you. You must not have felt the summons over the pain."

Maricul wrapped a white cloth over her broken boil to stop the bleeding, her own regenerative abilities being damaged by the Plague but she presumed it was a bad idea to put the blood back into her body and close the wound even if she could. Doubt began to enter her mind after Sebastian spoke. Had she really been that badly affected by everything? Maricul started to run a finger over her throat where the pentagram was. Careful not to break anymore boils as she tried to see if she could sense anything from Integra.

"Return to Sir Integra, you are in no state to be out and about when you can't sense her commands clearly. I have my orders, and I will follow them; or I will die in the process. You, on the other hand, are under no such obligation as of right now. As you can see, I am unaffected by the Plague, demons do not fall ill in such a way; that is why I am the one on this task rather than another."

“This is no ordinary plague. If it was I'd be immune just like every other vampire and undead thing in the world. Why aren't you infected?”

But by this point in time Sebastian was already walking away and she decided...

To give him a five minute head start before she continued to track him down like a bloodhound.

[Marvel Universe]

Upon hearing that the Queen wanted to see him Tony Stark left his office with Jarvis and made his way to the throne room. On the way one of his boils decided to pop on the side of his neck and ooze on down to his shoulder.

"Oh, great. Pop on your own, don't let me stop you."

Tony grabbed a tissue from his pocket to catch the oozing, keeping that with the intent of running it under a microscope later as he finally made it inside the throne room and guards escorted him into the Queen's royal chambers where she was stuck to her bed with nurses and a oxygen tank nearby.

"My Queen."

Tony bowed his head in respect, waiting for Lori to speak.

[Cazador]

Relampago entered the city's hospital to be met with an unsurprising scene. The lobby was littered in corpses and there were no doctors or nurses in sight. He could sense the panic and confusion all around the building. Those that weren't infected were hiding in clean rooms while others were left dying in hospital beds. The doctors and nurses who were brave enough to leave any air purified clean rooms to help were helpless to the plague. At least now that he was at the hospital, he could help those that were still alive. First thing was first though. He needed to find himself a working space and unfortunately, some test subjects as well. It was unethical, but these people would die either way if he did nothing. It would be impossible to save them all, but at least this way only a few would perish.

As Relampago would say, it was a necessary evil. It wouldn't be the first time he did something like this. Back in Skyrim, when the land was engulfed in Civil War, he allied himself with the Empire to quell the rebels. He knew if the war would continue that both sides would be weak against the true enemy, his own people, the Thalmor. Relampago understood why the people of Skyrim wanted freedom, but it just wasn't the right time. He couldn't allow Skyrim to secede so in the end the rebellion was halted and the Empire was allowed to stay strong against the Aldmeri Dominion. The end justified the means. His work on finding a cure for the plague was no different.

He ventured through the hospital and set up multiple cots near a lab. He placed some of the barely alive living on the cots. They were too weak and incoherent at this point to even know what was going on. These men and women would be his test subjects and hopefully one of them would be the first to be cured. It was time to get to work. He cleared off a few tables inside the lab to make room for his work. Alot of the supplies he was going to need were already there. Microscopes, syringes, IVs, glass bottles, and more. He drew blood from several plague victims and placed a sample of one under the microscope. Even with his gifted sight, Relampago still needed the aid of a lens to see something that small as a virus.

He already could feel Sebastian's energy coming from the virus, but he needed to see it for himself just what it was made of. There was some kind of corrupted kind of dark energy coursing through the virus along with Sebastian's. It felt so familiar. As the microscope zoomed in on the plague, Relampago caught a look at what was making the Butler's energy so very twisted. His eyes widened and what he had just seen. Relampago had seen this destructive force before. He stepped back with sweat dripping down his forehead at what it could mean.

"Legion... Here? In Hallowton. That can't be!"

He knew the demon child was rampaging in Isafaro. Relampago had come close to engaging the monster once before in order save Cazador's life. So what would she be doing here? Or was she even here at all? He could sense no attack on the populace except for the plague in the city. He needed to stay focused and concentrate on one problem at a time. The cure needed to come first. Then he would find Sebastian to get the answers as to what was going on. Now that he had seen the virus's effect on the blood and what it was doing to the body, he could start brewing up some kind of potion to counteract the plague.

[Integra Hellsing]

"Sebastian."

At the end of the alleyway, half shadowed by darkness was Sir Integra. Boils covered her face, they popped. Blood dripped down her cheek and was left unattended. A cigar hanging from her lips and the smoke drifting through the sick air. Though it pained her to breathe in and out because of the plague that didn't stop her from taking a puff of her cigar. A gloved hand coming up to her eye patch and lifting it up to reveal the Faustian symbol that rested underneath. Proof that their contract was still in tact. That she was still alive. That she was still his master.

"Explain yourself at once."