To be fair, for parahumans more than just about anyone else, Silent hill is the worst sort of nightmare fuel. Pyramid head was a manifestation of guilt and a desire for punishment. Since the parahuman power isn't really great at finding out what is causing the stress of the trigger it usually just lengthens the trauma (or makes it worse on purpose); Coupled with the conflict drive of natural capes it keeps them in a spot where they will make decisions that will haunt them. Cauldron capes miss on the usual issues, but the stress of keeping the conspiracy alive (they have to know after thirty years of it not being leaked that Cauldron kills people before the secret gets out. You're dead the instant you decide to reveal it.) Coupled with the stress of Cauldron favors means that there is wayyyy too much guilt for any human to be cool with Silent Hill. Purgatory has got to be better than horrific fear and suffering.
Foundling (Worm/Silent Hill OC)
- Thread starter akatoshslayer
- Start date
-
- Tags
- silent hill worm
clonezero
Is it a bad thing if my t read list keeps growing?
I think of Silent Hill as a Lovecraftian Elder God's take on Purgatory.
Lurking_Badger
Cheese Enjoyer
- Location
- Wisconsin
I think this is probably correct based on stuff in game. The cult in Silent Hill constantly talks about creating Paradise by bringing back their God. According to some in game lore, God died before finishing Paradise after over exerting herself making other gods and some angels.
My theory is that God built up the Purgatory part before Paradise and then died. That left a place to test people for their past sins and regrets, but with no payout. Of course, the payout may not be worth it because it is an strange alien god making everything. I mean just look at the angel Valtiel.
Oh boy it's actually accurate and it's also even worse if you had read the silent hill comics in which there's a being in it that destroy, restore and reshape the universe, yes the whole universe, that god like entity is even more powerful the Zion and I'm not even joking. That god like thing is the one that created paradise(a heaven like afterlife) and hell, including many other things. The Silent hill lore it's even more deeper then you realize after researching about it.
Aurora Raven
(Verified Bird)
- Location
- Surrey, UK
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Maybe Marquis, he stuck to his principles and rules even in the face of the Slaughterhouse 9.
I can't think of any other parahumans who resisted Jack getting into their heads.
- Location
- England
The phrase is 'made do'. For some reason it's a super common mistake.
- Location
- Philippines
@akatoshslayer
Hmmmm wonder if Walter Sullivan gonna pop up? Though they could think the older one is the projection of the younger or vise versa
Hmmmm wonder if Walter Sullivan gonna pop up? Though they could think the older one is the projection of the younger or vise versa
I am leaving Silent Hill villains out because they are all located in Maine. Earth Hades is largely the result of the Order "winning" and now everyone over there is stuck in a hell of their own making. I don't know how much in detail I will go into the ramifications of an Eldritch 'God' claiming ownership of a planet, but suffice to say no one is calling it Paradise.
clonezero
Is it a bad thing if my t read list keeps growing?
Thinking about it, with Caroline likely being someone high up in the Silent Hill food chain, will Valtiel show up to serve her when needed? Maybe he'll end up jealous of Colin as Caroline favors him.
Edit: I did not see the author's comment above mine XP.
Edit: I did not see the author's comment above mine XP.
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I might not post for a couple of days. A mix of RL stuff and lack of inspiration. Nothing life changing going on, I am just helping my parents move out of their house so I will be busy.
Great story. Great posting rate from you. Hell of a concept
. Lovely to see some good armsmaster. A few grammar mistakes here and there but understandable with the rate you churn out words. And much to few comment, 22 marked posts by you and only 8 pages, this deserves at least 5 times that.
Biggest problem is I think the name. Doesn't really wake interest and I only clicked on it by mistake. the lack of a visible summary hurts you here. Don't know if you already cross posted but I think it would spread better on fanfiction and AO3.
. Lovely to see some good armsmaster. A few grammar mistakes here and there but understandable with the rate you churn out words. And much to few comment, 22 marked posts by you and only 8 pages, this deserves at least 5 times that.Biggest problem is I think the name. Doesn't really wake interest and I only clicked on it by mistake. the lack of a visible summary hurts you here. Don't know if you already cross posted but I think it would spread better on fanfiction and AO3.
DareusX
The Not-So-Good H҉̝̫͍̫̺͕u̮̱͜n͓̪̝̙͉ṱ̦̜͍er̶̥̞̦͓̦̤̜
- Location
- Alleys of Yharnam. Sometimes behind you..
Iiiiiinteresting. Watched.
This. I was scrolling through wormstorysearch and happened to middle-click it by accident. Decided to read it because why not, it was already open in a tab. The summary seemed...only somewhat interesting but didn't leave me expecting much. Imagine my surprise when I found myself really immersed in the story. Colin here is far deeper character than in the most fics.
This. I was scrolling through wormstorysearch and happened to middle-click it by accident. Decided to read it because why not, it was already open in a tab. The summary seemed...only somewhat interesting but didn't leave me expecting much. Imagine my surprise when I found myself really immersed in the story. Colin here is far deeper character than in the most fics.
- Location
- United States
I hadn'e expected a Silent Hill story to have fluff, and yet, here we are! A solid order of psychological horror on the side, of course, because it's SH, but like others said, I really appreciate Colin's character development and him just adapting to suddenly being the guardian of a little girl with a power that seems to frighten everyone else. And if no one else was going to be rational and do the right then, then he'd be the one to do it. Perfect point of divergence. Then it's just a case of watching the cosmologies clash and see the aftermath.
Chapter 16
Chapter 16 – Cascade
April 18th 2011, 6:35 AM
- - - - -
Collecting their luggage Colin and Caroline found themselves inundated with early morning tourists at JFK airport. It was something he was used to, although Caroline seemed to try her best to hide behind him. To be fair he found a large amount of onlookers had stayed much farther away than their usual behavior in such situations. Still if any word could be used to generalize cape followers it would be reckless. It was why so many pushed past their initial impression of Caroline's fear aura to get an autograph from Armsmaster.
He found the situation humorous. Normally strict instruction was needed to maintain order at a public tourist location when a major Protectorate member was in uniform, but the fear aura did all the work for him. It didn't make the job of the PRT officer sent to retrieve them any easier as instead of a mob a dense circle of people surrounded them.
Sighing his little shadow tiredly let out. "A trip called short would be for the best, but an order supersedes order."
"Why would the trip be cut short?" Colin asked ignoring the questions from the crowd.
"Plans in motion determined to be set. A final piece played so that there is no going back."
Colin paused on that one. Perhaps something occurred because she entered the city that wouldn't without her being here. It wouldn't surprise Colin that her leaving was leaked. The PRT held onto information like a colander.
"Lets talk more about this when we get to the Protectorate building okay."
Another tired nod answered him as the PRT agent finally made it through.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 7:44 AM
- - - - -
"Hello Poltergeist, it is nice to meet you in person." Legend said before the room of gathered heroes.
"Likewise Empty Light. Your past and future echo greatly throughout the dark."
Colin found her respect strange as he distinctly recalls her more blasé attitude in their last encounter. His introspective was interrupted by a look of slight disappointment with a hint of amusement from Caroline.
"This one strives to be better as the past mistakes have consequences."
"What do you mean?" Legend asked.
Colin felt that Legend missed to obvious answer that she was trying to be better with the public, but decided against speaking out as it may embarrass the poor girl. Still he looked out at the gathering of local Wards and capes and saw their clear aversion to Poltergeist.
"Thank you for meeting with us. I feel it is best to discuss the specifics in a more secure location." Colin said to the still confused man.
"Oh right," A charming laugh broke up his previous expression. "We really should make sure everything gets set up."
Turning to his right he calls out to a young cape who was standing behind him. "Prism, can you escort Poltergeist around so she gets an opportunity to introduce herself to the present heroes while I speak with Armsmaster?"
Colin watched her try her best to maintain a appearance of civility at the order.
"Yes, sir." Prism gave a stilted smile. "Hello Poltergeist, I am Prism."
"Thank you Child of Three, but this one must reject the generous offer. Events in play demand immediate action which you can not provide."
Colin saw her sigh in relief at that. The earlier conversation he had with Poltergeist still needed to be addressed and he understood the seeming importance of urgency in this case.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 7:57 AM
- - - - -
"Everything is secure, can you tell me why it needs to be though." Legend asked even as he gave off the impression that he was expecting the conversation to go in a specific direction.
"The Monster sent me here today." Caroline says with a quiet voice.
"I was unaware of the specifics, but I did notice the sudden urgency in getting you out of the city." Legend said dropping into a mood Colin wouldn't hesitate to call depressed.
Colin felt the attitude did not match his impression of Legend and would have never expected to see it on the man.
"When the Mad Bomber strikes you must send aid. The Monster does not understand the forces in play, thus is playing against herself. She swiftly brings her own doom as the False Angel's machinations unfurl. The price asked is too heavy for this defeat to occur."
"What do you mean?" Legend asked in shock.
"The False Angel has a thousand plans with a thousand victories. Every false defeat a gain on another plan. The Monster plays into far too many in her attempt to stand against them. The False Angels chosen champion against the Mad Wyrm needs conflict to grow. Conflict which the Monster desires to create."
Colin was shocked to hear that Caroline was seemingly trying to save the Monster, but the repeated warning of the Mad Wyrm confused him. Twice now she said the moniker, and both times in Legend's presence. The fact he seemed to recognize the title even on the first time hearing it shows that wasn't a coincidence.
"Does this champion win?"
"A thousand plans, a thousand minor victories only for the False Angel." Caroline said hinting at something Colin was unaware of.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 1:36 PM
- - - - -
The press briefing and PR engagement went off with only a few minor incidents. No new triggers and only five vague prophecies of doom. Though saying 'Alice's Rabbit seeks the end of all, the World quakes at her plans' seemed to leave many confused. Colin found it similar to the first end of the world prophecy she gave in March. Unlike the first time where not a single person even knew who she was, for some reason several local Ward's reacted to that name.
The aftermath of what Colin figures is Caroline's technical debut had them sent off to the local prison. They arrived and were escorted inside immediately. It didn't help that they were over 20 minutes late, but traffic in the city seemed to have a mind of it's own.
"For confirmation you are capable of securing the prisoners even when they are behind bars." The local officer said as they were being escorted through the secure area.
"Yes, Poltergeist's powers are proximity based and not dependent on line of sight." Colin answered the question with a repeated measure as he found this asked far too many times within the last three months.
"Good. We have been having worries about transporting them as the Teeth had already broken them out of containment before." The now much more relaxed man said.
Honestly Colin thought a PRT agent would have been the one escorting them in the prison, but it did make sense that a regular NYPD officer would instead. The PRT dealt with official transfers but the police still maintained control over the states prison system. At least it was better than some states where the prisons were owned by companies. The fact that it was revealed that one such prison was owned by a villain who later was placed inside it made the private prison industry lose all trust in most states.
"They have begun." Caroline stated succinctly.
"Are you sure you want to continue with this then." Colin asked.
"It is not in our hands. The Empty Light must make a choice. The first of many."
Colin sighed as he reached up to adjust his helmet to switch to Brockton Bay channels. His secure communicator worked off a tinkered cellular signal unlike the standard radios. As such he was able to access the city from New York.
While no one currently had the full picture he heard reports that a large explosion took place in Medhall. Further reports indicated smaller explosions over town. The Mad Bomber has seemingly started her revenge.
- - - - -
Note: I have been quite busy recently so I have been unable to write. I am helping my parents move out of their place which has been owned by them for close to 20 years. As such I have been helping pack, move boxes, paint, and fix small issues around their house. I don't know how long this will end up taking and I also have a job so my free time is even more limited outside of that. On an aside I recently found this awesome video which I have the need to share.
April 18th 2011, 6:35 AM
- - - - -
Collecting their luggage Colin and Caroline found themselves inundated with early morning tourists at JFK airport. It was something he was used to, although Caroline seemed to try her best to hide behind him. To be fair he found a large amount of onlookers had stayed much farther away than their usual behavior in such situations. Still if any word could be used to generalize cape followers it would be reckless. It was why so many pushed past their initial impression of Caroline's fear aura to get an autograph from Armsmaster.
He found the situation humorous. Normally strict instruction was needed to maintain order at a public tourist location when a major Protectorate member was in uniform, but the fear aura did all the work for him. It didn't make the job of the PRT officer sent to retrieve them any easier as instead of a mob a dense circle of people surrounded them.
Sighing his little shadow tiredly let out. "A trip called short would be for the best, but an order supersedes order."
"Why would the trip be cut short?" Colin asked ignoring the questions from the crowd.
"Plans in motion determined to be set. A final piece played so that there is no going back."
Colin paused on that one. Perhaps something occurred because she entered the city that wouldn't without her being here. It wouldn't surprise Colin that her leaving was leaked. The PRT held onto information like a colander.
"Lets talk more about this when we get to the Protectorate building okay."
Another tired nod answered him as the PRT agent finally made it through.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 7:44 AM
- - - - -
"Hello Poltergeist, it is nice to meet you in person." Legend said before the room of gathered heroes.
"Likewise Empty Light. Your past and future echo greatly throughout the dark."
Colin found her respect strange as he distinctly recalls her more blasé attitude in their last encounter. His introspective was interrupted by a look of slight disappointment with a hint of amusement from Caroline.
"This one strives to be better as the past mistakes have consequences."
"What do you mean?" Legend asked.
Colin felt that Legend missed to obvious answer that she was trying to be better with the public, but decided against speaking out as it may embarrass the poor girl. Still he looked out at the gathering of local Wards and capes and saw their clear aversion to Poltergeist.
"Thank you for meeting with us. I feel it is best to discuss the specifics in a more secure location." Colin said to the still confused man.
"Oh right," A charming laugh broke up his previous expression. "We really should make sure everything gets set up."
Turning to his right he calls out to a young cape who was standing behind him. "Prism, can you escort Poltergeist around so she gets an opportunity to introduce herself to the present heroes while I speak with Armsmaster?"
Colin watched her try her best to maintain a appearance of civility at the order.
"Yes, sir." Prism gave a stilted smile. "Hello Poltergeist, I am Prism."
"Thank you Child of Three, but this one must reject the generous offer. Events in play demand immediate action which you can not provide."
Colin saw her sigh in relief at that. The earlier conversation he had with Poltergeist still needed to be addressed and he understood the seeming importance of urgency in this case.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 7:57 AM
- - - - -
"Everything is secure, can you tell me why it needs to be though." Legend asked even as he gave off the impression that he was expecting the conversation to go in a specific direction.
"The Monster sent me here today." Caroline says with a quiet voice.
"I was unaware of the specifics, but I did notice the sudden urgency in getting you out of the city." Legend said dropping into a mood Colin wouldn't hesitate to call depressed.
Colin felt the attitude did not match his impression of Legend and would have never expected to see it on the man.
"When the Mad Bomber strikes you must send aid. The Monster does not understand the forces in play, thus is playing against herself. She swiftly brings her own doom as the False Angel's machinations unfurl. The price asked is too heavy for this defeat to occur."
"What do you mean?" Legend asked in shock.
"The False Angel has a thousand plans with a thousand victories. Every false defeat a gain on another plan. The Monster plays into far too many in her attempt to stand against them. The False Angels chosen champion against the Mad Wyrm needs conflict to grow. Conflict which the Monster desires to create."
Colin was shocked to hear that Caroline was seemingly trying to save the Monster, but the repeated warning of the Mad Wyrm confused him. Twice now she said the moniker, and both times in Legend's presence. The fact he seemed to recognize the title even on the first time hearing it shows that wasn't a coincidence.
"Does this champion win?"
"A thousand plans, a thousand minor victories only for the False Angel." Caroline said hinting at something Colin was unaware of.
- - - - -
April 18th 2011, 1:36 PM
- - - - -
The press briefing and PR engagement went off with only a few minor incidents. No new triggers and only five vague prophecies of doom. Though saying 'Alice's Rabbit seeks the end of all, the World quakes at her plans' seemed to leave many confused. Colin found it similar to the first end of the world prophecy she gave in March. Unlike the first time where not a single person even knew who she was, for some reason several local Ward's reacted to that name.
The aftermath of what Colin figures is Caroline's technical debut had them sent off to the local prison. They arrived and were escorted inside immediately. It didn't help that they were over 20 minutes late, but traffic in the city seemed to have a mind of it's own.
"For confirmation you are capable of securing the prisoners even when they are behind bars." The local officer said as they were being escorted through the secure area.
"Yes, Poltergeist's powers are proximity based and not dependent on line of sight." Colin answered the question with a repeated measure as he found this asked far too many times within the last three months.
"Good. We have been having worries about transporting them as the Teeth had already broken them out of containment before." The now much more relaxed man said.
Honestly Colin thought a PRT agent would have been the one escorting them in the prison, but it did make sense that a regular NYPD officer would instead. The PRT dealt with official transfers but the police still maintained control over the states prison system. At least it was better than some states where the prisons were owned by companies. The fact that it was revealed that one such prison was owned by a villain who later was placed inside it made the private prison industry lose all trust in most states.
"They have begun." Caroline stated succinctly.
"Are you sure you want to continue with this then." Colin asked.
"It is not in our hands. The Empty Light must make a choice. The first of many."
Colin sighed as he reached up to adjust his helmet to switch to Brockton Bay channels. His secure communicator worked off a tinkered cellular signal unlike the standard radios. As such he was able to access the city from New York.
While no one currently had the full picture he heard reports that a large explosion took place in Medhall. Further reports indicated smaller explosions over town. The Mad Bomber has seemingly started her revenge.
- - - - -
Note: I have been quite busy recently so I have been unable to write. I am helping my parents move out of their place which has been owned by them for close to 20 years. As such I have been helping pack, move boxes, paint, and fix small issues around their house. I don't know how long this will end up taking and I also have a job so my free time is even more limited outside of that. On an aside I recently found this awesome video which I have the need to share.
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Hey that's a Ward reference involving March.
I will honestly leave her out of the story, but I felt the need to throw it in there as it seemed appropriate. I haven't read Ward and everything I get from there will be a result of the Worm Wiki.
- Location
- Canada
too
too
I see what you did there.
I bet more than one mastermind would try it. Not only so they can escape but also recruit the useful prisoners.
Wait, what? Can you provide evidence to explain that conclusion?
EDIT: Wrong post! I meant to quote this one by @meloa789:
I think it's supposed to be Zion
- Location
- United States
I'll admit I don't always understand Caroline's 'prophecies', but that's because I can be rather literal minded. As long as it becomes clearer in hindsight what she's talking about, it's not necessarily a negative of writing styles or choice. That being said, kudos to the girl for prodding Legend's conscious enough that he's deciding that he's had enough of Cauldron's BS. Now if only anything he can do will actually stick...
Also, False Angel is Simurgh, right? Is "a thousand minor victories only for the False Angel," indicating her tail end plan during Ward? You don't have to confirm, I just know some of the nonsense that happened in later stages of Ward concerning Contessa and Simurgh. If Caroline's gonna throw that silliness out of the window, then there'll be no complaints from me.
Also, False Angel is Simurgh, right? Is "a thousand minor victories only for the False Angel," indicating her tail end plan during Ward? You don't have to confirm, I just know some of the nonsense that happened in later stages of Ward concerning Contessa and Simurgh. If Caroline's gonna throw that silliness out of the window, then there'll be no complaints from me.
With Legend being the more moral member of Cauldron, I thought it was a given.
Chapter 17
Chapter 17 – Expected Outcome
April 18th 2011, 7:24 PM
- - - - -
Thirty eight confirmed dead and dozens more in critical condition. The fact it was an active hit on multiple suspected members of the Empire did nothing to make Colin feel anything but sheer hatred toward Bakuda. The unconfirmed status aside, those men and women had been in civilian settings. The total dead shows that the bombings were more generously given than needed. It angered him on a fundamental level that she would go to such lengths to attempt to gain control of her pathetic gang.
"She is holding the city hostage Colin. I have been ordered not to interfere." Dragon said after she gave Colin an updated report.
"Are they seriously going to hand over the city to a mad woman just because she promised to blow up a hospital?"
"The city can't afford to risk the patients. Even without the hospital she said that there are bombs surgically implanted inside of multiple peoples heads. Unless we can identify those who underwent the operation than any attempt to stop them will just end with more people dying." Dragon said repeating the justification for her forced non-interference.
"Than that is even more reason for you to be there. The sensory equipment on your drones is more then enough to detect the signs of surgery needed to implant the bombs."
"I am sorry Colin, my hands are tied still." She said with a forlorn sigh.
"My request to cancel the tour and return to the city was denied. The only tinker in the city worth anything is Kid Win and no one is going to send him out to look for bombs. We need a tinker in the city or at least a thinker who can detect . . ." Colin paused at the realization.
"Are you about to suggest using Tattletale as a blood hound?" Dragon said noticing where he left off.
"It should work. She is still in the city and probation status allows field use of Wards in dangerous situations."
"Colin she is a known flight risk and sending a minor into a known dangerous situation would require permission from the Protectorate headquarters."
"She won't flee. It would mean she lost."
"What are you talking about." She asked.
"Thinkers have an ingrained sense of superiority, being beaten by Caroline would make her want to show off her ability as the better of the two. The only reason she hasn't agreed to be shipped out with the rest of the Undersiders is her need to gloat and prove Caroline wrong."
Dragon gave Colin a flat look which he couldn't understand. His behavioral algorithm had been improved greatly recently but something Dragon was trying to convey in her look was lost on Colin.
"I will push your suggestion along." She said still giving him that weird look. "I wish you were there to help. The city needs you Colin."
- - - - -
April 19th 2011, 6:18 AM
- - - - -
Having arrived in Houston earlier in the morning Colin escorted Caroline to the local Protectorate building. Unlike their last greeting they had been flown into a military base only to be met up with a couple PRT agents. Upon arriving at the rear entrance to the building a local hero named Dispatch met them inside a small room.
"Greeting Armsmaster. I have been instructed to ensure that you two have everything you need before heading out to the FDC building."
"Our itinerary seems to be missing the specifics for this morning. What should we be expecting." Colin asked the same question he had back in New York before they left.
"Since you are here I am allowed to inform you that Poltergeist will be collecting a prisoner. I apologize for the secrecy, but it can't be known that you arrived in the city. You will take the prisoner and immediately be sent out to Ellington before being flown out to Vegas."
"This one requires the presence of the one whose name can't be said." Caroline blurted out after Dispatch finished his seemingly rehearsed speech.
"Who?"
"Poltergeist requests Eidolon." Colin said in clarification.
"I am sorry. I have been instructed to ensure that this" Dispatch started before being interrupted.
"This one needs to inform him of what needs to be done."
"You know what, I'll try. Just don't expect anything."
"He will come." She said with absolute certainty.
Colin largely ignored the call Dispatch made. He was busy reviewing the latest information from the Bay. He found that 4 members of the Empire 88 had not been seen since the attacks started. It wasn't confirmation, but it went a long way into showing that Bakuda didn't strike at random.
What everyone back at headquarters was talking about was the one confirmed death of an Empire member. Max Anders, the CEO of Medhall, father of the young man and baby girl who showed up at the building this morning, was Kaiser. The fact the cities most successful man was a Nazi was a surprise as Colin had met him far too many times to count off the top of his head.
Colin didn't know how to take the revelation combined with the fact that their newest wannabe Ward came with a worse history attached than the Undersiders. Perhaps the city was cursed into accepting only the most messed up Wards ever since Dragonfly triggered.
His search into the city was cut short by the door opening and Eidolon walking in.
"Please make this quick. Your mission in the city is of vital importance and no one outside can know you were here." Eidolon ordered.
"This one despises you." Caroline happily let out to the arguably most powerful man in the world. "Your death twice foretold is one with consequences too great to allow. Thus a warning must be given to save you."
"If you just want to give me a prophesy of my death than hurry it up. I have important matters to attend to." The man angrily spit back at the child.
"Silence is needed so none other than you can hear it. Your prayers will go unanswered otherwise."
Eidolon seemingly changed out his power until both Caroline and him were in some form of a shimmering field. Colin watched the man's posture change as she spoke. General anger was replaced by a glare, than a surprised motion. Colin could see him yell through the power even as nothing was heard. It was less than a minute before he watched the man press himself against the wall.
Tears visibly poured down the man's face even behind the veil. As it dropped Colin heard the most miserable sound he never could have even begun to imagine. Eidolon wept openly as Dispatch ran up to him.
"Ha, Dispatch." Broken sobs interrupted Eidolon's words. "I quit."
Colin watched him disappear into the dark place.
April 18th 2011, 7:24 PM
- - - - -
Thirty eight confirmed dead and dozens more in critical condition. The fact it was an active hit on multiple suspected members of the Empire did nothing to make Colin feel anything but sheer hatred toward Bakuda. The unconfirmed status aside, those men and women had been in civilian settings. The total dead shows that the bombings were more generously given than needed. It angered him on a fundamental level that she would go to such lengths to attempt to gain control of her pathetic gang.
"She is holding the city hostage Colin. I have been ordered not to interfere." Dragon said after she gave Colin an updated report.
"Are they seriously going to hand over the city to a mad woman just because she promised to blow up a hospital?"
"The city can't afford to risk the patients. Even without the hospital she said that there are bombs surgically implanted inside of multiple peoples heads. Unless we can identify those who underwent the operation than any attempt to stop them will just end with more people dying." Dragon said repeating the justification for her forced non-interference.
"Than that is even more reason for you to be there. The sensory equipment on your drones is more then enough to detect the signs of surgery needed to implant the bombs."
"I am sorry Colin, my hands are tied still." She said with a forlorn sigh.
"My request to cancel the tour and return to the city was denied. The only tinker in the city worth anything is Kid Win and no one is going to send him out to look for bombs. We need a tinker in the city or at least a thinker who can detect . . ." Colin paused at the realization.
"Are you about to suggest using Tattletale as a blood hound?" Dragon said noticing where he left off.
"It should work. She is still in the city and probation status allows field use of Wards in dangerous situations."
"Colin she is a known flight risk and sending a minor into a known dangerous situation would require permission from the Protectorate headquarters."
"She won't flee. It would mean she lost."
"What are you talking about." She asked.
"Thinkers have an ingrained sense of superiority, being beaten by Caroline would make her want to show off her ability as the better of the two. The only reason she hasn't agreed to be shipped out with the rest of the Undersiders is her need to gloat and prove Caroline wrong."
Dragon gave Colin a flat look which he couldn't understand. His behavioral algorithm had been improved greatly recently but something Dragon was trying to convey in her look was lost on Colin.
"I will push your suggestion along." She said still giving him that weird look. "I wish you were there to help. The city needs you Colin."
- - - - -
April 19th 2011, 6:18 AM
- - - - -
Having arrived in Houston earlier in the morning Colin escorted Caroline to the local Protectorate building. Unlike their last greeting they had been flown into a military base only to be met up with a couple PRT agents. Upon arriving at the rear entrance to the building a local hero named Dispatch met them inside a small room.
"Greeting Armsmaster. I have been instructed to ensure that you two have everything you need before heading out to the FDC building."
"Our itinerary seems to be missing the specifics for this morning. What should we be expecting." Colin asked the same question he had back in New York before they left.
"Since you are here I am allowed to inform you that Poltergeist will be collecting a prisoner. I apologize for the secrecy, but it can't be known that you arrived in the city. You will take the prisoner and immediately be sent out to Ellington before being flown out to Vegas."
"This one requires the presence of the one whose name can't be said." Caroline blurted out after Dispatch finished his seemingly rehearsed speech.
"Who?"
"Poltergeist requests Eidolon." Colin said in clarification.
"I am sorry. I have been instructed to ensure that this" Dispatch started before being interrupted.
"This one needs to inform him of what needs to be done."
"You know what, I'll try. Just don't expect anything."
"He will come." She said with absolute certainty.
Colin largely ignored the call Dispatch made. He was busy reviewing the latest information from the Bay. He found that 4 members of the Empire 88 had not been seen since the attacks started. It wasn't confirmation, but it went a long way into showing that Bakuda didn't strike at random.
What everyone back at headquarters was talking about was the one confirmed death of an Empire member. Max Anders, the CEO of Medhall, father of the young man and baby girl who showed up at the building this morning, was Kaiser. The fact the cities most successful man was a Nazi was a surprise as Colin had met him far too many times to count off the top of his head.
Colin didn't know how to take the revelation combined with the fact that their newest wannabe Ward came with a worse history attached than the Undersiders. Perhaps the city was cursed into accepting only the most messed up Wards ever since Dragonfly triggered.
His search into the city was cut short by the door opening and Eidolon walking in.
"Please make this quick. Your mission in the city is of vital importance and no one outside can know you were here." Eidolon ordered.
"This one despises you." Caroline happily let out to the arguably most powerful man in the world. "Your death twice foretold is one with consequences too great to allow. Thus a warning must be given to save you."
"If you just want to give me a prophesy of my death than hurry it up. I have important matters to attend to." The man angrily spit back at the child.
"Silence is needed so none other than you can hear it. Your prayers will go unanswered otherwise."
Eidolon seemingly changed out his power until both Caroline and him were in some form of a shimmering field. Colin watched the man's posture change as she spoke. General anger was replaced by a glare, than a surprised motion. Colin could see him yell through the power even as nothing was heard. It was less than a minute before he watched the man press himself against the wall.
Tears visibly poured down the man's face even behind the veil. As it dropped Colin heard the most miserable sound he never could have even begun to imagine. Eidolon wept openly as Dispatch ran up to him.
"Ha, Dispatch." Broken sobs interrupted Eidolon's words. "I quit."
Colin watched him disappear into the dark place.
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