Epics of Noche 2, DeathTech

EON CH 28 - ACT 21, THE VULTURE

ONE'S A FAKE.

1774, NOVEMBER 28th, MONDAY 12:36 am.

For the past ten minutes, Noche and co made their way across silent halls full of putrid gasses and dripping green liquids. This was Vulture's floor — the bird of death whose DNA lead to the creation of all DeathTech soldiers. A creature whose flesh could mold itself into any form it desired; a creature that could not die.

It didn't take long to encounter the vats. Big glass tubes full of dough-like flesh which moved in ways more akin to clay than man. Creatures that ranged in development from fetal to full-grown adult — DeathTech soldiers. All floating in glowing blue liquid.

"Bruh. What is this stuff?"

"Grim gel," Boots said. "Some sort of super medicine — heals the body real fast."

Mary's eyes widened. "A super medicine? I could use that."

"Never... heard of it," Alice muttered.

"Makes sense. Once Noche's grandpa invented it, Edward kidnapped him."

"There's so many vats," Noche said. "I feel like we've encountered one in every hall now.

"Because we have. Edward's been gestating soldiers by the dozen," Boots said. "I don't know how long it takes him to grow a new one — but from how many I've encountered, he doesn't have many."

"With how powerful they are, he better now have many," Noche said. "Even I'm struggling to kill them... If he had a bunch we'd be screwed."

"I heard something," Vida said.

Everyone hushed. There was a long pause of silence interrupted by the dripping of a liquid.

"W-What was that?" Tak whispered.

"Footsteps," Vida said. "Getting closer."

"Everyone hide," Boots said.

The party moved into the nearest room and closed the door. Tak peaked out the crack and waited. He was motionless for a long time before turning to the group.

"I-It's the anglerfish soldier," he said. "He's back — and roaming the halls."

Noche frowned and swallowed.

"Bruh! Why won't he leave us alone," Mary said in hushed tones.

"He really wants to kill Noche," Vida nodded. "Understandable."

"Hey!" Noche shouted at hushed volumes.

Boots grimaced. "If the anglerfish soldier is back — it'll head straight for Vulture's room."

"We need to cut Ang off then?" Jack asked.

The orange-haired boy nodded.

Tak slid the door open. One by one, the group left. All except Noche who frowned at the hallway. Her form shook a small bit; Jack turned back and his eyes softened.

"It's ok Noche," he said. "We're all here with you. Ang won't get you."

She closed her eyes, grit her teeth, and took a trembling step into the hall. Tak paused; his eyes lingered on the two.

"I don't need your help," she muttered. "I'm fine."

Her eyes fell on the floor and she stared beyond it.