Animi Motus

16: Ira

Tribus appears in the doorway again. This must be his fifth attempt to get inside. I'm pacing in a capacious room with white walls and floors, bright lights shining in my face. Tribus, as he introduced himself nearly an hour earlier, is annoyingly perseverant. When the malefica first got me, they stripped me of my armour, ring and weapons, then wheeled me down here. Tribus walked in to fasten me to a sketchy looking chair, which I was not having. So I lit him on fire before he could tie me down. Needless to say, I was left on my own for a little while after that. It seems like these guys don't have any idea what our powers are.

Tribus returned about a half an hour later, this time in full armour. He walked into the room, and opened his mouth to say something. I guess I'll never know what it was, because I threw him into a wall before he could spit it out. It took more energy than usual. Something about the room limits my abilities. This thing with Tribus has been going on for the past three hours now. He walks in, I demolish him, and he bolts out to rethink his strategy.

The heavy door clicks open, and Tribus stalks out for the fifth time. He's not wearing any armour, save for a strange black headband. He looks a little beat up, and the look on his face does not inspire confidence.

"Tribus," I say with a cold smile. I debate how I'll dispel him this time. Torrent of flames? Or thrown into a wall? Or maybe I'll reveal my anti gravity ability!

"Do not fight me," Tribus says. It's not a request. His voice isn't what I expected. The english is poor, like it isn't his first language.

"You know what, Tribus? Fine. I won't come at you. Say what you need to say." He looks at me with wide eyes. Clearly this was not the response he expected.

"I am Atrocitas Tribus," he begins. My eyes go wide. He's a legatus?! No, one of my legatus! I try to hide my confusion.

"Legatus Atrocitas Tribus?" I inquire. "Secundum Legatus to Primus Legatus Ira?"

"No," he growls. "Just Atrocitas Tribus." There's a long pause.

"Well, is that all you had to say? What the hell do you want Tribus?!" I holler at him. He takes a step back, and reflexively reaches for his headband. "What's with the head gear?" He regains his composure, and drops his hand.

"It is so you can not influence me, because you are Ira and I am Atrocitas," He explains. Hmm. Mental note to self. The headband keeps him from doing what I say.

"Fun stuff," I mutter, gazing absently at the floor.

"Do you know why we are here?" He asks curiously. I look up.

"If I guess it right will you let me go?" Tribus is unamused.

"We are creating a new era, and we are open to you being apart of it. Join us, submit your loyalty to Atrocitas Unum, and you will live." I don't move. Then my upper lip starts to tremble with rage.

"I don't know Atrocitas Unum, but it's really nice of him to offer me a spot in his dynasty," I say, feeling my eyes start to glow red with anger. "Unfortunately, I would rather die than be apart of your stupid plan. Get out!" I demand, with no further explanation. Tribus doesn't leave. He looks down, and I think I see him frown slightly.

"Consider the offer rescinded. In the new era, you primus are no longer necessary. We five Atrocitas will become the new primus. Malefica Altissimum already made us a spell. Once we have all six of the primus, we will use your blood to transfer your power onto us," He says. I look at him sharply, my playful facade gone.

"Why don't you just take my blood and kill me now?" I challenge.

"We need fresh blood from each primus at once, or believe me, we would've killed you already. We'll get your blood, then become primus," Tribus declares.