Plasmatropolis (Un-cursed) [OLD]

Predator Turned Prey

Krista stepped around a bush, the clearing which William Lothan's factory resided coming into view. The Felina skirted the clearing, heading as fast as she could through the forest toward the Droug portal. She did not want to disturb the false Droug guards however, and when the concrete warehouse was behind her, the orange glow of the portal ahead, she ducked behind a bush. The purple guards stood rigid and stared with blank eyes. She carefully stepped behind the portal into the thicket of trees, trying with every fibre of her body not to accidentally brush up against some dried bush or dead patch of grass. The guards didn't bat a robotic eye.

Some degree of unease flickered in Krista's heart, but she ignored it. A flash of glowy blue flitted through the trees furthest from her and she tore her attention back to the portal. The guards were standing at the base of the stone stairs, perfectly still. Scanning the stairs again, she noted how they spread outwards, like the tail feathers of a peacock. She took this realisation, drew her dagger, and broke cover. Her lithe build caused little disturbance to the bushes around her, but it was still enough for the Droug to turn, their purple lights flaring up momentarily. But she was too fast. They fell before her as she reached them, her dagger buried in their skulls, lights fading out.

She hadn't wanted to kill the soldiers, but their weapons were drawn, and they would've killed her. Unfortunately, this would alert William, so she ran as fast as she could through the portal, which was still lit with the portal key from before. The Droug must have not taken it out. But why? She decided to figure that out later. Bursting through the other side, she found herself facing a number of Droug soldiers, orange ones, They held their weapons at her for a moment before recognising the Felina.

"Captain Adek! The Felina, Krista Droughunter is here! Are we to enter the portal now?"

The silvery Droug soon came through the ranks, examining Krista as he slowly came fourth.

"Krista, what is the state of the other world?"

"Our allies are to attack William Lothan soon, and will begin their assault as soon as you enter the portal," Krista explained, "They will be fighting the Droug from every direction except yours, as they hope to use you as a temporary distraction. With the element of surprise, we ought to eliminate their forces in no time! I must warn you however, it isn't just Droug you'll be fighting this time, Captain Adek, for he has allied with the Sendaris Ardoni who are free of The Madman's control."

"Ardoni? The ones he hates? And who is this Madman you speak of?"

"We do not know why he has formed such an alliance, but I have little time to explain. I will say that the Madman I speak of is Thalleous Sendaris, the serial killer and terrorist who started this entire conflict."

"This madman, Thalleous Sendaris, I am guessing is an Ardoni."

"That is correct, and he is identifiable by the diamond greatsword he wields. I warn you and your soldiers to not confront him, and instead simply avoid him. You all will stay at the portal for five minutes, then, if there is no one there to challenge you, make your way forward towards the warehouse. Now, we must go immediately!"

They turned back and charged through the portal, surprising the two replacement guards that stood on the stairs. Adek quickly took down one while another grappled with the remaining one.

As per David's orders, Krista yelled a hasty farewell to Adek and began running south to Knight's raiding party, as she was the one who first found the factory. Krista found him hiding in a bush, not too far from the clearing, several hundred warriors behind and around him. The fact that so many fighters were positioned so well and effectively was a demonstration of the skill that Black Plasma had as commanders in war as well as animators.