TW: Gore

They were quiet throughout the ride towards the casino where their raid takes place. Anthony and Aegir were sitting together on the backseat of the car while Saint, the owner of the car they're riding was on the front seat with the driver.

Anthony's sweat was palpable, his hands were wet and his brows were dripping with perspiration. The car was fully air-conditioned but Anthony felt suffocated. He was nervous. It wasn't his first mission and he should be okay with it now but he just couldn't. His heart was beating loudly against his chest.

He took a deep breath, his eyes rested on the new ring placed on his middle finger, it was a simple ring made of silver, a single red stone lying in the center. All who took the mission had similar rings - it was the device made by Cross designed to mask their presence and to teleport. The rings were supposedly for the others who will join the raid upon Anthony and Aegir's signal but Cross chose to make one for them too, including Saint; who forced Cross for it much to the blacksmith's chagrin.

Once the red of the stone faded to white - it marked the end of its capability to teleport that's why they needed to use it wisely. It can only be activated by magic so it's practically useless for Saint who can only enjoy the perks of masking his own presence.

They already talked about this but Anthony was still feeling uneasy as if there was an anvil dropping on his stomach. His mind just couldn't stay still. He wants to save others but he also wants to stay alive with Aegir. His eyes went into the person by his side - Aegir whose hands on his chest and face were a little bit paler than normal.

They knew that they might encounter Hale and even with his uncle Trace's help, they weren't sure they could withstand Hale's power.

With a voice almost a whisper, enough for Aegir to hear, Anthony spoke, "Promise me that you will be okay. " His eyes were laced with worry as he took Aegir's cold hand. Aegir swallowed his saliva, his fingers were now grasping Anthony's own. He slowly nodded before he tilted his body to face his master.

The expression on his eyes matched Anthony's but there was also courage deep within his forest green eyes. He is scared but he wants to trust their plan. He wants to be optimistic that nothing bad will happen tonight. "Master, we will be okay. We just need to do our best. " His voice was slightly trembling, his jaw in a tight tension - a way he could think of to push his courage even though deep inside he felt like crying.

Aegir smiled a little, in times like this; they only need to console themselves. "Do you remember the first time we encountered enemies together? " he asked, reminiscing about the moment where they were both cowards and were only able to escape by chance because of Vin's help.

Anthony sighed, closing his eyes; trying to think about the memory that Aegir talked about. A small smirk crept on Anthony's lips. "You slapped me that time because I couldn't comprehend the situation. I just couldn't think straight that day. " Anthony remembered how he always forced himself that he was just dreaming. That it was Aegir, even on the verge of crying, had done something so they could have a little chance against their enemies.

A soft chuckle erupted on Aegir's throat, shaking his head. "You're an idiot that time but I guess we're just both lucky. " Anthony nodded his head in agreement. Aegir's smile never faltered and his tone was gentle as he uttered the next words, "But before we knew nothing, there were no other people supporting us. But this time, master. We have the power to fight. We have the chance. " Aegir raised one of his fists, showing his conviction.

Anthony could understand Aegir's sentiments. He's not that weak anymore - he could protect himself now with his power but the hesitation in his eyes never left as he replied towards Aegir, "What if... " his words were interrupted by Aegir placing his index finger in between Anthony's lips to silence him.

But Anthony could still feel that he's not yet refined. What if even in his state... he's still powerless against their foes?

Aegir hushed him. "We're not alone, Master. You're not alone. We need to trust ourselves. We have a plan, right? We couldn't say we had failed unless we tried it. " Anthony reluctantly nodded. Artemisia had thought this thoroughly. Maybe it's okay to be a little confident. Maybe Aegir's affirmation would work.

They would manage to fool their enemies tonight. It's the last thing they should do.

Artemisia had divided them into two groups using the information his uncle Trace had provided, the other group consisting of Artemisia, Alucard, and the others would attack one of their enemies' bases this would redirect their attention away from the farm and that would allow them to conquer it.

Saint was just listening to them, quite envious of the strong bond they have. It's something he didn't have all his life and he doesn't really hope that it'll be given to him. With a smile on his face, he tried to be part of their conversion - clearing his throat to catch their attention.

"We're near, remember to act dignified or else they'll be wary of you. " He reminded them. He already told them this before but he just doesn't know what more to say to start a topic. It was Aegir who replied to him with a cold voice - rather different from the tone he was using to Anthony.

"We already know, we'll keep our act together, so must you, " Aegir also reminded him, it was a threat rather - that he mustn't act impulsively that can cause their mission to be jeopardized.

Before this day, Aegir talked with him personally and he never felt threatened all his life but that day. The cat-person told him that if he really insists on throwing away his life - don't cause Anthony any trouble. Aegir told him that Anthony was worried about him and if he did anything rash that could affect Anthony - Aegir promised to make his life not easy.

Saint found it amusing but the look that was thrown to him that day was feral and he couldn't lie that he didn't feel scared. Honestly, he doesn't want to go back there anymore - to that dreadful place but he also felt responsible for those victims and he wants those horrible people to be punished. He wants to witness it with his own eyes.

And...he just couldn't stop himself from involving himself in something that would ease his boredom. It made him feel something.

Vin was getting irritated by his behavior but it was an addiction for him that he couldn't stop.

He wouldn't let them discard him after this mission. He wants to feel needed so he could still be part of their world. A selfish wish for a human but he'll make sure to achieve.

-

The door hissed open, revealing a world that was a grotesque inversion of reality. The air was thick with the stench of fear and decay, a huge difference to the glitz and glamor of the casino above. Anthony's breath caught in his throat as his eyes adjusted to the dim, crimson light that illuminated the cavernous space.

His hands were trembling with mixture of anger and being terrified of the thing his eyes were witnessing.

It was a spectacle of horror. In the center of the chamber, a colossal, circular arena was dominated by a grotesque dartboard. But instead of numbered sections, it was a grid of human-sized, empty circles. A cold dread seeped into Anthony as he realized what was happening. Those creatures were the target as if they were not a living person.

Beyond the arena, a macabre menagerie of beings was caged. Cat people like Aegir were there, their bodies scarred and bruised, they were locked in tiny enclosures. Slender, ethereal nymphs, their beauty marred by chains and collars, were forced to perform degrading acts for the amusement of elite spectators.

The sight of it all was a brutal assault on his senses. His body felt like ice, his mind racing to comprehend the inhumanity before him. Yet, he forced himself to maintain a facade of composure. He needs to act that he is glad to be here for the sake of their mission.

A man in a black suit, his face concealed by a mask, stepped forward with a huge grin. "Welcome, Mr. Carson! We're glad that you chose to be part of our mayor's noble cause to punish these monsters. Enjoy the night!"

Anthony managed a weak smile in return, his stomach churning. His gaze was drawn to a nymph being whipped by a burly man. The creature's eyes were vacant, devoid of any emotion but a profound, soul-crushing resignation to despair.

Anthony's heart felt heavy. The foul odor of death was present in this place. He felt it. Those people who have that empty eyes were waiting for their deaths. They already gave up on hoping for the day that they were saved.

Aegir was at the back of Anthony, gripping the helm of Anthony's cardigan. His eyes were twitching, trying his best not to stare at what was happening. He could hear the groans and grunts of pain as well as the cries of women in the place. It's making his head pound and hurt. His eyes stung, fighting his best not to shed any tears.

The man who was talking to Anthony earlier took notice of him with suspicion, "Who might this be? " Aegir trembled a little when the man tried to reach for him. It was Anthony who shielded the man's hand away from him.

"He's with me. " Anthony's voice was cold, the man smiled apologetically and replied, "I'm sorry, master, " the man mumbled with false humility. "He looks so delicate that this place doesn't fit him, "

Aegir gulped a lumpful of his saliva and mustered a tough face, he shook his head. "No, I enjoy these kinds of things. '' Aegir pushed his mouth to say, his voice was hoarse as his lips smiled as cruelly as he could act just to convince the man. However, his eyes betrayed his lie, Anthony could tell. It was pleading for help.

Anthony fake chuckled, thinking as fast as he could just to save Aegir. "Yes, you told me that you want to release some steam, didn't you? " He smirked, his eyes blinking slowly as if urging Aegir to follow his lead.

Aegir caught what his master was doing, he took a fan from his pockets and unfurled it enough to cover his nose and lips. He fanned gracefully like how Vin taught him to act; sophisticated as possible like some sort of a model.

Aegir laughed, his voice vibrating on his chest. "Certainly, I thank you for suggesting this place to me. " Aegir looked around, acting like he was satisfied with the place but the truth was his heart wanted to jump out of his chest and his stomach churned with anxiety.

He hoped that this man would stop asking them anymore.

The man smiled at them and offered his hands to guide them towards the dart board. "Why don't you try it now? We also have some private rooms to ease your desires and pick our women here. " The man was grinning, making both of them more nervous.

The words they had to say were stuck on their tongues. They certainly don't want to hurt other people tonight except for these evil perpetrators.

It was Saint who saved them, talking with the man, "They would want that but I also want to tour them first. They're new here. " He winked at the man who nodded his head, believing that Saint was already a regular there and knew what he's saying.

Anthony and Aegir breathe a sigh of relief.

-

Hale, or commonly known as Dr. Gregory was boredly watching the scenes unfold. He was tapping his foot on the bloodstained floor, his hands clutching the leather arm rest of his chair. His eyes narrowed, unimpressed while watching the Mayor killing his prey. The Mayor held a bloodied knife, clumsily stabbing a naked nymph on a steel bed who were screaming intensively. The sound of the chains clang on the room - an evidence of the pointless struggle the victim has made while being bound.

The white polo the Mayor was now covered in blood, his eyes filled with mirth and his lips etched with a wide grin.

"You're taking your sweet time, aren't you, Mayor? " Dr. Gregory's voice was cold, making the mayor jolt, his knife caught in mid-air, ready to stab again. The mayor laughed nervously and replied, "I'm just trying to enjoy the moment you have given me. " His voice was trembling, his grip from the knife loosened as his heart beat erratically, in sync with the whimpering from his victim's lips.

Dr. Gregory stood up from his seat, his eyes painted crimson. In a matter of seconds, the knife the mayor was holding now rested on the Doctor's hand. The Mayor stilled, shocked at what happened - his heart was palpitating especially that the smiling face of the Doctor was now face to face on his own but he could tell by his orbs that he wasn't happy - in fact, it's something terrifying. The mayor had seen it before when the Doctor killed his staff the first time he was here.

Dr. Gregory's voice was in a sing-song manner but it felt like a horror lullaby for the Mayor, "You're too shabby, Mayor. Hit the vital points. " Upon instructing, in a swift moment - the knife made a hasty slice towards the nymph's neck - bursting open her carotid artery; blood burst like a fountain - coloring the white tiles red. The Mayor stood there in silence, bathing in the nymph's blood but there was fear in his heart - his body ran cold to the possibility that he might be the next one to die.

Dr. Gregory was someone hard to read and everyday the Mayor was gambling his life for the taste of power. He couldn't let go of him even though he's the epitome of evil - the Doctor can give him the control he seeks over the people and mask his crimes that he had done and continues on doing over the years.

The victim's eyes gape open, her mouth bubbling with fresh blood, coughing repeatedly. A satisfied smirk crossed on Dr. Gregory's lips watching his victim's body convulse until the light from her eyes died out, her blood dripping from the steel bed down to the welcoming floor, resembling that of a rain shower.

Dr. Gregory brought the knife closer to his lips, slowly, he licked the blood coating the cold metal - savoring it. The Mayor's head hung low - terrified of his own life's safety.

Dr. Gregory's crimson orbs settled with the Mayor,  pronouncing every syllable slowly to mark it on his head, ”Do you get it? ” The Mayor could just nod his head in fear. His surroundings started to be hazy and his mind wandered ceaselessly.  He was close to fainting,  he could feel it.

Dr. Gregory chuckled,  enjoying the submissive behavior of a person worshiped by his citizens.  When life and death is in the question not even money,  fame,  or power could escape its clutch.

Dr. Gregory turned his back towards the door,  throwing away the knife on the floor with a loud clang.  He was in the good mood for sightseeing,  maybe there were new clients joining in the fun of his farm and he could manipulate them next until they go... mad.

It's his stress relief,  to make him forget of all the problems Artemisia and the Raven had caused him.

He slammed the door shut.  It was also that moment when Gravitas appeared before him - face pale and trembling.  He gave Gravitas a sour look,  his knuckles in a tight grip,  with a spat;  he told him,  “Why the heck are you here for? ” Gravitas jolt,  voice shaking in terror;  replying in a low voice, ”Master!  Artemisia was attacking one of our fortresses! ” Dr. Gregory's eyes widen,  his lips in a tight frown.  It took a matter of a few seconds for his eyes to turn bloodshot - veins popping on his forehead.

A tremendous aura had shaken the place - creating various cracks on the walls.  Gravitas was thrown violently on one of it - the intensity of it made a huge crack on the cement.

”Useless! ” he yelled in wrath,  soon;  his large bat-like wings sprung from his back and his claws turning sharp like razor blades. 

A dark red light danced on his body until it engulfed him - transporting him back to the place where Artemisia was.

He never knew that it was already a planned outcome and the moment he stepped foot on the decoy place - the Raven was there on his farm to reclaim it.

-

All hell broke loose.  The moment Artemisia had sent a signal that Hale was already spotted on the other place - it was the time for Anthony and Aegir to let go of their acts. It was swift for Aegir who immediately summoned his gauntlets and slammed it on the face of one of the helpers - the one who made him uncomfortable earlier.

Anthony sighed,  with no words because of what Aegir has done.  Aegir,  upon sending the man out cold on the floor - looked at Anthony with a 'duh' look on his face.  ”What? I've been patient with this bastard! “

Shaking his head,  Anthony called forth his shears when he saw a group of people with their weapons and manas unleashed running to their direction with hostility.  It must be Hale's minions.   ”Be careful,  they're here. ” He reminded Aegir who just in turn moved his body towards the direction and launched his pink mana,  seconds later - it was those people against their own fighting and Aegir just watching them.

Aegir yawned and pointed his hand at them.  “Master,  the man drained my energy,  can you finish them for me? ” It was not a request but a command,  Anthony could tell.  Aegir was really petty when it comes to things he doesn't like and he was willing to heed Aegir's words.

He was also annoyed with these people anyways.

The rich elites scrambled during the commotion.  They were trying to leave the room - finding their exits but it was too late,  the reinforcements that were on Anthony and Aegir's side appeared one by one from various magic circles.

It was also that moment when Gravitas appeared face to face against Anthony and Aegir,  promising another fight.

The fighting scenes will be next chapter.  I'm so busy this week.