Futuristic An Agent of Maniacles

[Darkling0096]

When they arrived at their destination, Sam's drones flitted up and scanned a parking space. The bike and drones beeped simultaneously, and the bike parked itself. Sam was telling the bike where to go if she exited the range of the tracker. If something happened and she sent it away, it would come back here.

She laughed at Denton's " But this is a way different ballpark then the Pests." Of course it was a different ballpark! It was a god this time, not whatever the hell a Pest really was.

"Oh, so we're not shooting people for the crime of existing this time?", Sam said, mocking shock. "What else could we possibly do?" She smirked a bit at the end. "But seriously, it's a vineyard and the god of booze and parties, their monsters are from an era when brass kicked ass. How bad could it be?" In the back of her mind, she almost wished it was Hephaestus instead.

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu smiled at Sam, enjoying her jabs at Denton, but something felt off with him. More it was in him. Internally. But he let it slide for now. Decided not to think about it. "I've seen those drones and the way your bike has weaponry. It ain't your forté, but I'm sure you'd be able to design something like this. If not, maybe that uh, that blonde chick you see, the mechanic can." Kotsu said, thinking back. He'd been spying a bit on everyone using his reconnaissance skill set. But they didn't know that, and if they did, they may have had a vague realization. Vampires we're good at being one with the shadows. Helped when you could whip yourself up a building and out of sight.
Kotsu felt his blood starting to pump in his body. It was the feeling of excitement similar to his first mission. "I figured that it was a Greek God, but the big D? Heh. This might actually be a pretty fun party. You're still on my shit list, Denton. Maybe I'll even turn you one day and have you eat any people you care about." Kotsu said coldly.
What? What are you saying? Seriously, you're beginning to become no better than him.
Kotsu shook his head. "Nevermind. Forget it." Kotsu said, smacking the side of his head. "This'll be fun. Being muscle. Means I get to kill anything in my path. But that's why the Maniacles have me for, ain't that right, Denton? Just an attack dog."

 

[mmarage]

The twins went into the back of the limousine and looked around. It... seemed like a really fancy vehicle. Should... they act thunderstruck or something...? Or just act natural...? It... probably didn't matter. They just stared out the windows at the scenery. They were a bit surprised at seeing the men drinking, wasn't it kind of early...? They once again shrugged it off and continued to watch the scenery pass by.

Once they arrived at city hall, they filed out and looked around. They felt... lost. They were used to being in the confines of their concrete room. Being outside felt... strange. In the heat of battle, they had little time to really think about it all. They stayed close together and followed the others into the building, their heads bowed down, staring at the ground.

They only really looked up when Denton told them what would be going on. "Muscle...? We'll... have to hurt... people...?" 01 asked apprehensively.

"I... hope that it won't have to come to that." 02 piped up, both of them looking from Denton to each other. A pest was one thing, they were monsters that killed people. But a person was something completely different. They also felt kind of apprehensive at the idea of dealing with a god. Could it really be a god...? Maybe just someone who took on the name of a god...? Either way, they knew that they had to stay on their best behavior.

Though that train of thought was interrupted as they listened to the man, the vampire from their first mission speak. They flinched at his words and couldn't help but take a few steps away from him. Would... someone truly do something that terrible...? Why did he hate Denton so much? Did... he do something bad...? They didn't voice these questions as they gave a fearful glance towards Kotsu.

 

[Freikugel]

Fizzy Roy smiled at Sam's reply
Score! Thought

While he had his own car, Roy decided to took the same transport as everyone else save Sam. He took his moments to gauge each one of his new comrades, he focused on Owl and made a thorough check as he did with Sam, the girl didn't notice as she was facing at other side at that moment. Next target was Kotsu, the imposing figure caught his attention, he seemed calm yet fierce, Big guy huh? Thought. Then he continued checking each member one by one.

He came as a replacement for what was briefly labeled as "The defective vampire", the man had worked with Denton before, often getting good results, he had confidence on him, he knew how to do a job correctly. There was another mission though, he had to "keep in check and investigate his new comrades", sure Maniacles had more than enough information of each one, but a direct eye in the field could be more useful. The three he studied first were those of major interest, in particular their animosity toward their captain.
Owl's figure was captivating, an intercourse with her was out of the question though, Denton had a certain suspicion on her touch having a magical unknown effect, it was also part of his task to find out the nature of her skills.
Next option was Vivian, she hadn't show any sign of rebel behaviour, instead she showed signs of good bed behaviour, Fizzy Roy was enjoying his mission already

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu held out his hand to Fizzy Roy. "Name's Kotsu," he said briefly. "You're chummy with Denton. Means you're probably a shit person, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now. Cross me like he did, well. You're my peer. He's my commander. We can scrap. I can't clean his clock just yet without them taking away my blood supply for a week."

 

[Kinggunlucky]

"There's no telling yet," Morgan said to the Joes. "It's been pretty rare we've had to deal in fighting other people rare lately, but you never know. I've never done a job for anything claiming to be a god, though."

She'd been quiet since leaving the airport. No reason to talk if there wasn't anything worth saying. Also Denton had been kind enough to warn her about Owl's ability, although neither were sure on its exact nature. It apparently had to do with touch.

Morgan was hoping this job would go a tad more smooth. Fizzy Roy should have no issue in helping her keep the rest of the crew in line.

***

The Satyr, Mr. Prune returned, motioning for the team to follow him. They entered a large office room, as if it were doing an impression of the Oval Office. Pictures on the wall were nature based, although a few had people in. A large old man pictured with the mayor, the president pictured with the mayor, and the mayor with his arm around several young women. The smell of grapes, wine, and perfume covered the

The mayor himself, the god, sat behind a large oak desk, hands clasped. He was young looking by mayor standards, at least in his early twenties. A pretty man, not the kind of pretty that you would mistake him for a woman, but just features so youthful you'd never be able to imagine a wrinkle. No facial hair. A crown of grapes covered a mop of orange hair. He wore a tight fitting polo shirt, showing off a sturdy frame, gold bracelets hung loosely from his wrists. Then there were his eyes. They weren't...right. They far to deep to be the yes of a mortal. So deep they practically consumed Denton and his unit, keeping them all from approaching to close. They were frenzy of colors. You wouldn't know it unless you examined close, but yes. Dionysus's eyes were changing constantly going indigo, purple, green, black.

Several glasses sat on the desk as well as a bottle of fine wine.

Dionysus stood. He was average sized.

He spoke with a voice so light it could have been mistaken as coming from a woman or a kid. It could have. But it wouldn't be. The voice of the god traveled through the room, into the souls of the Maniacles agents, sending a mildly warm euphoria through their bodies briefly,

"Mortals!" He spread opened his arms. "Quite the collection the Mancles organization has sent me, hehehe."

The Satyr bowed. "I believe they are called Maniacles, my lord."

Dionysus raised an eyebrow. "Ah, was that it?'

Denton cleared his throat. He felt slightly uncomfortable in this thing's presence. The power radiating from him was unreal. "Yes, we're Maniacles. You hired us. I'm agent Denton Fisher. This is my unit."

Dionysus laughed. "I did indeed. Forgive me for my ignorance. Names often of mortal organizations often slip my mind when my servants don't remind me. Mortal groups behave much the same as mortal lives. They flicker wild and free for only a moment before being snuffed away. May I offer any of you refreshments?"

 

[Exzalia]

Owl begins her recon,

First she casts true sight looking through the clothes of the new comers for any, items or trinkets worthy of note. Specifically any electronic gadgets they might have, phones, laptops, anything she could hack. She had yet to use her extensive hacking knowledge and predicted she could steal; a few electronic secretes as well as digital ones.

Then she looks through the walls and floors of the office peering at barrels of wine and other mundane objects. She had seen the Sytre but as a mage her self she was used to the supernatural, although she was suddenly very curious about the nature of this supposed God.

Did her magic work on him?

Should she try it?

She raises her hand. "I would like a drink, what would you recommend?" She asks stepping forward.

 

[mmarage]

The twins looked at Morgan... really looked at her. She seemed... familiar. They could feel the foggy memories hiding deep within them stirring once more... but nothing. Just bits and flickers of images rising to the surface, before they were quickly washed away. They quickly averted their gazes, not wanting to seem rude. "That... I see... I hope it stays that way." 02 said quietly. 01 remained quiet as he ruminated about how they possibly knew Morgan.

They would walk behind the rest of the group as they entered the mayor's office. They glanced at the man and tilted their heads. He... was quite pretty. His voice was rather... soft. Like it could have come from a child or a woman. This... was the last image that they had in their heads when it came to a god. 01 wasn't able to get a good look at his eyes from where he was, but with 02's enhancements, he could see that they were constantly changing, shifting from color to color. When he finally dragged his gaze from the apparent god's eyes, he noticed that when the god spoke, the others seemed to react to it physically. It was slight... but it was definitely there. He could even see that Denton was quite uncomfortable. He wondered why... he'd have to talk to his brother about it later and see if he had felt weird.

The two shook their heads when offered drinks. "No thank you." They said politely in unison.

 

[Darkling0096]

Sam refused the drink as well. It was too early, and she probably had too much caffeine in her for alcohol to do anything but lead to disaster. She was fairly certain she was close to overdose, she had to be hallucinating to some degree for Dionysus to look that... weird. She'd heard the term "galaxy eyes" used to describe eyes that seemed to change colors, but Dionysus' eyes both looked like they were changing colors and also not. She had to look away before it gave her a headache, blinking as she did so. She almost wished her eyes were false as well, maybe hardware would be resistant to such supernatural influences. Maybe later, she had her visor for now.

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu nodded toward Dionysus. "I'll take the stiffest drink you got. I'm already dead. No alcohol poisoning thankfully." Kotsu said with a chuckle. "So let's talk rewards. You're obviously the real deal. Golden Drachmae, ancient weapons of mass destruction? A satyr servant that can be drained of blood and reanimate?" Kotsu said licking his lips. He was doing this on purpose to further the point of how Denton thinks of vampires as just rabid attack dogs. It irritated him, especially since he had more morals than him.

 

[Kinggunlucky]

Dionysus smiled at a Owl. It was genuine. Not hint of malice. The god's hand picking up the bottle of wine, and pouring a glass. He offered it to her. "We have whatever you want. Think it and it will be in the glass."

Owl takes the cup making sure her finger just barely nudges his own, she casts mind delve and steals a memory. The room blurred, literally blurred, as if the walls and the people were suddenly in a moving picture by the world's worst photographer. Then the room and everything around it collapsed. Even the god vanished. Owl stood alone in a black nothing. A great void.

Two eye gigantic multicolored eyes opened in front of her. The eyes of Dionysus. His body slowly came into being around him. Orange hair, pretty face. No clothes, though. No sex either.

Owl noticed beneath her feet, what she was standing on was the god's now gigantic hand.

"Is this...a memory?" owl asks hesitantly to no one in particular, it didn't feel like one.

"It isn't," the god replied. "You're a curious one aren't you? A mind mage it seems." It wasn't a question. "A brave move mortal. You should have more care about who's mind you attempt to invade, though."

Owl looks up at him wide eyed, and gulps trembling slightly. "I'm sorry, I did not do it out of Malice I was just so curious. I mean, a God. What amazing secrets the mind of a God must have. How could I not do it? Oh my, this is turning out to be a terrible apology."

"Tell me woman," the god said. "Did you know that besides wine that I am also the god of madness? It wouldn't take much. I could inflict hysteria on you, rage, make you one of my Maenad. The party of life never stops. I could curse so you danced until you dropped dead. Would the answers and knowledge you seek be worth those punishments?"

Owl strokes her chin pondering his words for a full minute. "That, would depend on the quality of your secrets god of madness." She says with a grin, though inwardly her heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest and her palms were slick with sweat. "You see the thing about losing ones mind is, You are not sane enough to miss it."

Dionysus laughed. A great and thunderous one. It boomed in the eternal darkness. "You have spunk mortal. I like spunk. I like you. If you wish to know things then all you need is ask." He smiled down at her. "Some questions may require a price, some may not, but ask first and if I name a price then it up to you if you wish to press on."

Oh man the secrets Owl wanted to ask him. Was there life after death? was Jesus real? Whats the meaning to life? Did Micheal Jackson really touch kids?

But she stays focused. "I have been snooping around many minds, I cam across one were a golden haired man was speaking to a young woman about casting a spell strong enough to wipe out everyone but Denton, Morgan, and him. Do you know anything about this spell? Or any spell like that?"

The landscaped changed again. Altered. Owl found herself standing in an infinite library. Walls to walls of books and scrolls stretching in every direction. The giant Dionysus was gone. He stood human sized again, clothed, standing next to her. "Welcome to the Akashic Records. If I wish to know something all I need do is come here. Of course knowing does not mean implementing. I am limited. Even more now then I was once." The god frowned. "So woman...do you wish to know the spell itself? That will require a price. The knowledge of the event itself I will provide for free."

"Whats the price?" owl asks eagerly she was like a puppy about to be fed a treat, her eyes wide with anticipation. "And yes I would like to know about the event."

Dionysus held up his hand. A book appeared. It had no cover. He opened it. Read it for less then a minute. "Ah, yes. I'm somewhat familiar. A known incident among your kind. Mortal users of magic. A mage known as Ace Stardust attempted a spell on the Island of Gotha. The man seemed to think it would give him the power to be eternal, immortal, and to reshape the world in his image. He wanted to impose his will upon what he saw as a disorderly world. The cost would have been all life on the North American continent. Curious isn't it?" Dionysus yawned. "This Ace seemed to have a small cult to him. I saw a Morgan mentioned among them. No Denton."

The god put the book on the shelf. He gave an Owl once over. "Yes, the spell. I'll teach it to you for a price. I'll give you two choices for payment. If you agree we will be bound together by the spirit. First, I'd like to offer you a chance to be my champions. One of my Manead. They are women of the frenzy. Intoxication. You would be bound to me yes, follow my orders, an instrument of my will, bound to do as I commanded but you would find your physical skills to be more then a match for any vampire, you would have the gift madness in battle, and wine would be oh so sweeter. Second, we are currently in my domain. No time has passed outside of here. As far as your team is concerned we are standing in front of them. So, I ask you mortal woman with spunk. Stay here with me for one year's time. Let me adorn you with pleasures, love you, give you the gift true of true ecstasy. Those are my offers."

"This first offer, would it interfere with my mission to expose the truth about...well, my employer?" Owl asks. "Are you allies with him?"

"I am at the moment. Tomorrow I might not be. It depends on who or what displeases me. So I can make no promises I will not force you to raise a hand on those you consider friends. Or that your mission wouldn't be effected." He smiled. "I'd most certainly like your presence, though."

Owls mind turns, everything in her being screamed at her to refuse. But...getting a God on her side, getting a God off the side of Denton, and getting the power to brute force her way through combat as well as her mind abilities. Whats more refusing may anger the god may make him expose her.

She ignore her better judgment.

"I'll take the first option."

Dionysus clasped her hands. "Excellent."

Owl felt a surge of euphoria adrenaline. It spread through her. Her head, toes, teeth, all of it humming with a haze of intoxication.

***

Reality snapped back into focus. Dionysus was in front of her. Owl collapsed backwards. Everyoned backed away from the mage. He crouched next to her. "Oh how fruitful that was."

So let's talk rewards. You're obviously the real deal. Golden Drachmae, ancient weapons of mass destruction? A satyr servant that can be drained of blood and reanimate?"

The god looked up at the vampire. "I'm afraid not even I have the power to reverse death.The golden dracmae is certainly doable, though"

 

[Freikugel]

Fizzy Roy handshaked Kotsu, "Cool, nice knowing you want to betray the commander" His grip was strong, not enough to hurt a vampire, yet strong.
"We'll be in touch Kota"

As everybody else, Fizzy Roy was taken aback by the supposed god.
Atonished he could't doubt he was a god just by his presence.... however that's because he put the fact in doubt even more

 

[KotaKotsu]

"The name is Kotsu," Kotsu said, squeezing his hand in a firm manner, he didn't hurt the man's hand in front of him, but it was a squeeze to let him know that he didn't care about what he thought.

 

[mmarage]

The twins blinked as they saw the woman suddenly collapse. They rushed forward without thinking and knelt down next to her on either side of her. "Miss, are you alright? Are you hurt?" 01 asked as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Is there anything we can do to help you?" 02 asked, both of them seemed quite worried about the woman's well being. They cursed themselves for not bringing any medicine with them, even if it wouldn't have gotten through airport security in the end.

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu looked worried for Owl himself, but thanks to the sunglasses he wore inside, feeling more like a douchebag per second, he could stare at people without them noticing. Except for the God himself. "Golden drachmae sounds nice. But I do hope that you haven't hurt her. I'm afraid if you have, I'll have to have a sparring session with a God. I'll lose. I have no chance in hell and I know that."
Kotsu said, starting to prepare himself and leaning forward with his hands resting behind his head casually. "But I'm afraid I've come to the realization that I care about these people. And caring about people makes you do stupid shit." Kotsu said, glaring at the God.

 

[GamerCarrot]

Vivian followed along with the group until they met the god known as Dionysus, she polietely refused any drinks knowing all to well what she was like if she even got a taste of alcohol. She was quietly listening to everyone talk amongst themselves, looking around the room as if she was interested in the decor when in actuality she was trying to see why exactly they were called here. She then heard someone collapse to the floor, looking back at the group she saw Owl had collapsed and two men where now around her. She looked back at Dionysus trying to figure out what the hell he had done to her in order to make a mage collapse like that.

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Aria​

Aria took one of the nourishment glass. Think it and it will be in the glass he said. Aria was wondering what kind of drink she should summon. She stared hard into the glass, ignoring the commotiom about collapsing Owl. Owl's fine, her heart still beating, faster than ever actually.

Don't trust god. Don't drink wine in front of him!

Aria summoned blood into the glass. It's blood, but not any human's or animal's blood. It's just... blood. A sip was enough to sent her into the land of bliss temporarily. Closing her eyes, she just savored every drop of it slowly.

R-refined blood! Even Alucard was surprised at the drink, while he was sounding a bit desperate when giving Aria warning before. He sounded more envious at the drink now.

 

[Kinggunlucky]

"Kotsu," Denton said. "I'm honored you would be willing to put your life on the line for me." He clamped the vampire's shoulder. "Lets keep a cool head, though. Yeah?"

Denton couldn't piece exactly what he happened. He'd noted Owl and Dionysus made contact, but surely she didn't try to do whatever it was. No, she certainly did. Risk takers don't shy away from oppurtunites. How did Denton know? If Dionysus was his enemy he would have attempted to spy on the god.

Dionysus helped Owl to her feet. The woman was clearly dazed. He was smiling at her and then spoke to Kotsu. "No harm as come to her mortal. It was a private matter."

Denton stepped forward. "A private matter?"

"Yes."

Don't engage the god, Denton thought. The risk might not be worth it. What happened between him and Owl could wait until later. Not to much of course. The fact Owl only tapped him and she ended up flat on her back she wasn't a good sign. He decided to keep focused on the mission. The god still hadn't informed them of why they were here. It was about time. "Dionysus with all due respect. You asked for services of Maniacles. We are here. What's the problem?"

The god made sure Owl could stand on her, once it was shown she could, he walked to his desk, and sat back down. He stared at the group with his strange eyes. "Yes. I have three problems actually. Three enemies have been making trouble here in the Vineyard. Disrupting my territory. I want them gone."

Morgan spoke. "No offense sir, but you're a god. I mean we're good. If you can't deal with these problems. I think we're probably pretty outmatched."

Dionysus nodded. "Oh I could. I've already prepared to fail safes to handle the issues should all fail."

"Then why are we here?" Denton asked.

"Maniacles heard of my troubles and made an offer to me. They would deal with my issues for me. In return I'll assist them in their war against the mage Roosevelt Taylor."

There we are. Okay. So that's how it was. Denton would have liked to know that from the start. He could have perhaps used the knowledge somehow. A continued way to keep the group in line. Hell, he may have even declined. Ward wouldn't any of that, though would he. "Okay...so...who are these enemies?"

"A young magus from the local high school has been using mind spells to compel students at the school and locals to do his bidding. Mostly pranks, humiliation, a chance to look at boobs. I've had my servants keep an eye on him for several days. I'll provide you with his address and the school. The boy is very green. He should be no problem. Normally I wouldn't care but the locals are beginning to notice the odd behavior in people. There is also the problem in the forest."

Denton's eyes narrowed.

"Locals. Children and the elderly in particular have been going missing, followed by two houses getting blown down. It's happening at least twice a month. The Big Bad Wolf."

"A werewolf?" Denton asked.

"No. The literal Big Bad a Wolf. A manifestation."

Here we are. A problem I've never dealt with, Denton thought. A manifestation. Or as Maniacles called it, a case 9. They were rare, low probability of happening, but the greater story or idea the chance of one occuring increased. Stories, the oldest, had lives of their own in a way. They have lasted centuries, some even more. If certain conditions are met the story can take shape in reality. The Big Bad Wolf, huh? So maybe three fat brothers all decided to build homes of out different materials out in the woods or a young girl in a red hoodie went off the path while on the way to visit her grandmother. Something. The closer to the story ...the better odds of a manifestation happening.

"And the last?"

Dionysus scowled. "The island has an infestation."

"Pests?" Morgan asked.

"No. My crops have been rotting, destroyed. I sent three Satyrs to investigate the issue. One was cut in half, the other aged into near death, and the third atomized into near nothing. The one who was aged lived long enough to inform me of what was happening. Someone summoned a demon here and bound it to eradicate all that I've built. To challenge me in my domain. The matter of who remains of mystery, but the issue to handle first is the creature. It is known as Andras in mortal tongue I believe. So yes. Defeat my enemies, cast them down in defeat, and you will have riches and Maniacles will have my support."

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu quelled his anger upon seeing everyone was safe, picking up a cup to drink blood that was rich in flavor to his pallette, then wanting to drink the best wine he could handle. Sucking it down, Kotsu felt his cheeks grow rosey. "That's actually pretty good. Anyway, you got yourself a deal in my opinion. This doesn't seem too hard. Scare a punk, kill some shit. Easy peasy." Kotsu said, drinking another glass of blood.

 

[Freikugel]

"I wasn't deployed here to do the work of police officers" Stated Fizzy firmly

"I propose we deal with the real issues first hand, that's the manifestation and the demon"

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu had a small chuckle. "Kill shit it is. I like your style." Kotsu said, downing more alcohol. Kotsu was trying to dull his body to prepare himself for what he wanted to do.

 

[Freikugel]

Kotsu had a small chuckle. "Kill shit it is. I like your style." Kotsu said, downing more alcohol. Kotsu was trying to dull his body to prepare himself for what he wanted to do.

..."Thus if the kid matter is that important, we should send the male vampire, that would give him a nice scare. Then rest of us can do the real job" Finished

 

[mmarage]

The twins made sure that Owl was fine on her feet, before regarding the two speaking, for now, staying close to her to ensure that she had someone or something to grab onto if she was still unsteady on her feet. "Well... the thing is our possessions are being sent over. We will be useless in a combat situation until they arrive. If we want to try and fight something like a manifestation or a demon. I think that going after the mage would be the best use of our time, it's better to nip it in the bud before he gains power and loses control over it. It might be better to deal with the mage and use today to plan the best means of taking down the other two targets." 01 said as 02 merely nodded. They hadn't even introduced themselves properly to the group yet, but they wanted to make sure that this was known before anything else.

 

[KotaKotsu]

Kotsu looked at the twins. "That reminds me, you two. We need to talk. I wanna know how you two got so strong. But I agree with you." Kotsu looked at Fizzy. "Look, I just got ready to defend us against a God." Kotsu said pointing at Dionysus. "I didn't see you get up. So how's about you sit down since I'm probably more qualified than you?" Kotsu said, raising his neck up, glaring down at Fizzy.

 

[Spoiled Bread]

Aria​

Dionysus finally revealed the jobs, three of it. It sounds like the mage was the easiest one, followed by the wolf then the demon, but Aria wasn't sure whether she got the difficulty level right since she never met a manifestation before. Hence she turned her head to face Denton.

"Denton. Order?"