Plasmatropolis [OLD]

Friends and Foes

"Ardoni! What are you doing here?"

"Greetings, William Edward Lothan," Ria addressed, "I am not here to fight. I am here to form an alliance with you and your forces against the Sendaris Madman, Thalleous."

"Bah! I would never ally myself with scum like you!"

"You should at least listen to why I'm offering an alliance." Ria told him. "My father, Osivian, was killed by Thalleous. You don't think so highly of Thalleous either, I would believe."

"You have guessed right about that, but how am I supposed to know that you grey-skinned, broken glow sticks aren't going to stab me in the back whenever you have an ample opportunity?"

"Do not insult your potential allies, nor my race!" Ria took a deep breath, then released it in a long sigh, "Despite this I must calm myself, because the point is that we have a common goal. This doesn't mean we have to be friends. I hate you with a fiery passion, don't get me wrong. But I need your help, as much as you need mine."

"You make a point, though I am not prepared to just forget our rivalry so fast. We do have an alliance, but do not expect it to last."

"Never did," Ria said nonchalantly.

She held out her hand, which was taken by William, who was shorter than her. It was amusing to see such a short Ardoni still towering above an average heighted human. They shook, and stepped back.

"I will begin tracking down Thalleous tomorrow, and when I find him, I will contact you."

A brisk nod was the human's response.

*****

"David, I've noticed a most curious thing."

"What is it, Sam?"

"I've heard from the police officers at William Lothan's territories that there has been a party of Sendaris travelling to and from his headquarters!"

"Wouldn't William have killed them already?"

"I would've guessed so."

Sam took a chair and sat opposite to David who was sitting in his office chair.

"But David, what's most curious, is that the leader appears to look like Osivian, by the shape of her horns and the placement of what markings I can see."

"Does she wield an iron spear?"

"How do you kno-"

David winced, "She would be Ria Sendaris, daughter of Osivian."

They sat in silence for a moment, before Sam spoke once more, "Do you suspect that the gang might be reforming?"

"Possibly, considering the things that have happened to the Sendaris clan in general, I wouldn't be surprised if it has happened."

"Aye, though the real question would be if the other clans will be reforming too. Ingressus certainly won't be, and Tygren is dead."

"The other clans don't seem like they're about to reform, though, they have no motive nor anything to gain."

"But we still need to keep a tab on them."

"I have a feeling that they wouldn't appreciate us keeping an eye on them at all times."

"It is still necessary."

"You make a point, though do you have the means to?"

"I do not. Perhaps we just have to rely on luck this time, then."

David sighed, "May good fortune rule over you, then, Sam."

"Good luck with your next course of action, David."

*****

"Aevatros! What are you doing here? You betrayed me to Thalleous!"

"That was before I knew that you were reluctant to do so. Even if you have shed blood on your hands, I still want to keep you safe. I've brought a few more potions, as well as some food to keep us going while we travel."

He took Ciantrius' hand, tugging him with expertise through the city. They threaded through the streets until reaching the original headquarters of the Sendaris gang.

"Aeva, why are you taking me here?"

"Don't call me that, you know I hate it," He retorted, "I'm taking you to Master Ria. She needs a healer and she's allied with William."

Ciantrius stopped in his tracks, "Ria? She, WHAT?"

Aevatros sighed, then continued tugging him over, "I said, Ria is the new master of the Sendaris clan."

"But they disbanded!"

"And reformed. Come on, I expect you want to live off wild game as much as I do."

He sighed as the door ahead of them was barred by a Sendaris with an iron spear, his face a smooth mask.

"Who goes there?"

"I am Aevatros Sendaris, and this is the Assassin Healer, Ciantrius. I found him and I have brought him to consult with Ria Sendaris."

The guard lifted his spear, though the mask of his expression didn't. The two Sendaris entered the building and headed towards the room where the previous masters had held their audience, which had two guards standing outside. One hefted his spear and pointed it at Ciantrius and the other drew a longsword from his side.

"Your names?"

"Aevatros Sendaris."

"Ciantrius Sendaris."

The guards glanced suspiciously at the doctor, "You're the assassin."

"Aye."

"What is your business coming here?"

"I did not intend to come here, it was Aevatros who suggested I worked here as a healer."

"How can we ensure that you are not in fact a spy for Thalleous?"

"I literally killed his most loved one, do you think he'd want me around after that? He was a few hours away from executing me."

He took out the bloody scalpel. Something told him to keep it. It was a gruesome token, but it was enough to convince the Sendaris guard. He replaced it in his inventory and walked into the open door. Ria was sat atop the makeshift throne in the center of the room, and two more guards stood on either side of her.

"Aevatros Sendaris, why have you brought the Assassin here?"

"Master Ria Sendaris, I have been noticing how there is a lack of healers, and Ciantrius was a loyal agent to your father, Osivian Sendaris. I am here to request a place for Ciantrius as a healer, and for me to continue my role as his assistant."

Ria rotated the haft of her engraved spear in her hands. From what Ciantrius knew, it had been a gift from her adoptive brother, who had commited suicide long ago. She prized it above her own life, and could be seen just about nowhere without it.

"This is a tempting offer, and I need time to think over it. Ciantrius, you may stay in the medical center, though you are not to use any of the resources there," Ria asserted, "I will give my decision tomorrow afternoon. Aevatros, take him to his temporary quarters and continue your work."

"Yes, ma'am."

Aevatros lead Ciantrius away from the oppressive presence of Ria, and began updating him on all the happenings.

"You see, Thalleous planned on executing me along with you. I do not want to die, and so I escaped just moments after you did. After listening to the news and guessing your path, I came here to the headquarters and asked Master Ria for a role as a healer, or healers' assistant. Soon after I gained my role, I came to find you."

"Very heartwarming, Aevatros."

"Whatever, just go have a rest."

"Sound advice."

Aevatros glanced at the door as he turned away, glancing back at the doctor with concern.

"I hope you'll be okay, see you tomorrow, Ciantrius."

"See you tomorrow, Aeva."

"Stop calling me that."