The Order of Things

[HelixCube]

An animalistic, guttural wail roared out from behind the hunter, boxes crashing and shrieks of the more normal variety ringing out from the square. Luckily for the many bystanders, the towering creature that loomed in the cobbled plaza was focused on only one man. Unfortunately for this man, the very same creature seethed. One eye bulging from its massive skull, the other but an empty socket. Blood pouring in large amounts along the Chimera's matted mane and tattered carcass. Front hooves settling on the rigid stone, another roar escaping it as it looked to William. He was the creatures only point of interest it seemed, which was more than acceptable considering he'd taken its eye. Many of the passers by had already vacated and there was little left to be seen besides the unknowing traveler that came by or the two locked in their gaze.


William almost marveled at the beast, noting the smooth transition between each portion of its body. The soft, long locks of hair that made up the creatures mane covered its neck almost entirely. Basically blocking any view William could of had to see where the massive thing shifted form. Nonetheless the steel rifle let out an echoing click as another metal ball was loaded into its chamber. William had the intent to kill this Chimera not only for the reward but for personal contentment. However, the Chimera had more than recognized the weapon after the first time it had been used, completely ridding it of one of its precious eyes. In another moment, William raised the rifle, only for the Chimera's tail to strike forth and rip the weapon from his hands. The scaly appendage snapping into rifle before Halving it completely between its pointed, venomous teeth. If not for William's quick movements, he as well would have been devoured by the large monstrosity. Almost back peddling into a wall before narrowly twisting his body, sliding his way through one of the back alleys in a full out sprint.


Without a ranged weapon, William could do little more than run at this point. Legs pushing so hard off the path, that if he'd put any more pressure on it he would have stumbled over face first. William for the most part kept control of his movement, the heavy thud filling his ears as the Chimera neared closer. It's goat like hooves carrying it far more quickly than William could even hope to go. Luckily the narrow backstreets were full of corners, undoubtedly he could lose the beast somewhere through here. His eyes gazed through the many intricate details of the city, trying to distract himself from what was to come. Of all times, now was the best possible time to note the intricate details that accompanied english architecture. His thoughts even wandering to that of England's many spire like cathedrals. With a shake of his head, he came back to the matter at hand. If he couldn't lose this thing...it would surely mean his death. Lids widening at the thought but he simply smirked, plan slowly beginning to form in the hunter's already active mind. He still had weapons, most of which would work well in such close quarters...but up against such a large danger was a different story.


So with a slide of his feet, he pressed his back against another quarter. Head quickly pivoting in hopes of scouting out the Chimera, he could still hear the many footsteps.... In the spur of the moment, William withdraw a decent sized, curved dagger. Quietly taking it into his palm, fingers gripped tightly around it. He had very little chance of succeeding...but if anything he would rather die fighting. So with that, the Chimera finally bounded around the corner, sliding to a stop as it scanned the area for its prey. Large snout sniffing at the air, almost aware of William's presence as it slowly stepped forward. He'd certainly gotten himself into a mess this time...but what else was there to do?

 

[Prize Fighter]

"When the two chemicals combine, BOOM! No more Chimera, and we can go home and finish our game of chess." The mans words were rushed, excitement evident in his unusually high pitched voice. In his badly shaking hand was crudely built, metal sphere that contained two extremely volatile chemicals. Luckily, the only thing that had been lost due to this unstable little device were eyebrows and beards. Those could be grown back. Limbs? Those, not so much. He watched the scene bellow him nervously, adjusting his lopsided glasses several times, unsure that the man bellow could survive much longer. Especially not when he only held a dagger. No, no. That would not save him; at least not in this case.


Kiara simply rolled her eyes at the idea of such measures. They were too extreme even for her liking...which was saying a great deal. Without a word she loaded her M84 Marksman Carbine with a single bullet, setting her sights on the Chimera's head. Once she was satisfied, she began pulling her long auburn curls up and out of the way. They could be such a bother. The beast bellow was beautiful, nothing but muscle and rage. The blood that soiled its coat almost made it more beautiful, but then again...Kiara thought every creature she killed was beautiful in its own twisted way. She shook her head, trying to free herself from these trivial thoughts. A man was about to die! There would be time to admire the creature once it was dead. A flash of light caught her eye, forcing her to turn her head. "What the--" Tinker's device was sailing towards the creature, almost moving in slow motion.


Dammit, Tinker.





The device hit the alley floor with a loud, metallic thud causing both Kiara and Tinker to flinch. Surprisingly, though, the device did not go off.


"Well there you have it, Tinker, it only goes off when you don't wan--" Kiara's words were cut short by the deafening sound of an explosion. A wave of heat rushing past them. Had they been any closer, their hairs might have been singed off by the heat. For such a little thing, it packed quite the punch. Perhaps Tinker wasn't dreadfully useful after all. The scene bellow was exactly what one might expect. Blood everywhere. Flesh dripping down the bricks of the building. Bone scattered across the alley way. It was horrific to say the least, though Kiara could not help but be impressed with what she saw. "Hello? Sir? Are you still alive?" She was hoping the Chimera took most of the blast, and the stranger had been decently far away. Decently if you used the term loosely.


"I'll be damned..." Was all Tinker could muster. He was lying flat on his backed, scared so much by the explosion that he fell backwards.

 

[HelixCube]

Perhaps it was fortune, perhaps it was fate, or perhaps it was simply science that Will had survived the explosion. Eyes glazed over as he rested against a nearby wall that laid across the small path that had harbored the explosion. Dust beginning to gather around his form as the small crater that had been left in its wake slowly smoldered. Blood and entrails splayed along the ground, quite a bit of it on himself as well. He'd been thrown quite a few feet and his body surely felt like it, both of his hands settled on his knees. Slowly coming to a stand before he began to stretch his blood soaked arms, dirt and various sediments covering his face and body. Will couldn't help but grin at the bloody mess, admiring the sheer power the explosion had demanded. It wasn't often he got to see such magnificent displays...but when he did he knew it had to be the Order. They always had the best in advanced technology wise and it certainly showed. Regardless...it seemed Will didn't have a head to supply to his contractor. Being alive was enough for him at the moment and with a shrug of his shoulders he picked up on a voice.


Apparently the one or ones, who had saved him were close by. An older gentleman and a decently young woman. Both of which had been much farther than he had from the devastating explosion...probably due to knowing what it could do. Unlike him, who was simply clueless about the technology. Simply preferring the gadgets he made himself with some old equipment his father had given him. Will ran a hand through his thick black locks, quietly blinking the dust from his hazel eyes. It was about time he met his saviors, whoever it was they may be. Quietly stepping forward, he nodded his head in the girls direction, signaling that he was in fact ok. His hands playing at the buttons of his jacket before quietly buttoning it back up. White undershirt providing a good contrast for the black vest he wore over top of it. Hopefully he looked like a businessman...someone important. That was what he'd been going for...and even though it wasn't true he preferred to look like it than act like it.


In any case, he extended a hand to the two. A smile forming across his face, ignoring the blood and other dirtied remains that lined his features. "Afternoon you two, the names Will. Call me what you like considering you saved my life back there. Dangerous creatures those Chimeras. Anyway, from that extravagant explosion I can assume you two are from the Order! Funny story that, my father used to be one of you before he passed! Name was William as well." Will said rather confidently, almost questioning them. Eyes looking between the duo, almost examining both their features and what weaponry was visible. It may have been a bit odd...but he was curious.

 

[Prize Fighter]

Tinker and Kiara exchanged glances, though they both meant entirely different things. The young woman looked entirely bored with the current situation, while her older counterpart looked absolutely thrilled. It was difficult to tell if he was pleased that his device exploded, or that William wasn't harmed by said device; one had to assume that it was a mixture of both. Both being exciting occurrences indeed. "Yes! Hello, young man! My name is Tinker, and this is my associate Kiara." He motioned towards himself and Kiara as he spoke, his motions rather jerky and his voice excited. It was almost as if he was a puppy finding a new friend. Kiara merely nodded as she gave William a once over, adding in another when she thought he wasn't looking. He was handsome, and had more or less held his own against a Chimera. That was impressive by anyone's standards. Being attractive only helped his case in her eyes. Whatever case that might be.


"You father was one of us, you say?" Tinker muttered to himself, adding a few other unintelligible words before he realized he was being watched. He smiled sheepishly, offering an apologetic shrug. "Have you thought about joining yourself? We could always use impressive young men like yourself, and if I remember correctly...Kiara here is painfully single. Aren't you, Kiara?"


"I wouldn't say painfully, Tinker...but thank you for sharing that obviously needed information." If Tinker were not a well respected member of the Order, Kiara would have gladly smacked him for being so rude...but she knew that hitting him would not end well for a multitude of reasons. Despite his appearance, the older man could be dangerous if provoked. Somewhat like an old sleeping bear that shook profusely.


"Of course, my girl, just trying to help! So, William was it?" He turned his attention back to William, "What do you say? Join us?"