Primo Victoria

**Primo Victoria** is the fourteenth episode of Season One of *The Demon's Light*. It is the first part of the season finale.

## Synopsis

Team Demon Light (which includes Richard, James, and Akumi) and Levi Graham set out on a mission to attack the Demon's Fortress and destroy Xeren once and for all.

## Prologue

While the deaths and terror that ensued as a result of the Angels could never be undone, it could be said The City of Silver Lights was now in a better state three months later. After the event, the City of Silver Lights experienced many days of walk-ins, protests, road blockings - calls for government transparency. Though considering this was the routine, people's lives returned to where they were three months ago. Now under tighter, proper protection from a combination of militant groups and military soldiers; people continued through their lives hoping for a better future.

Xeren, meanwhile, had shut down the Arsene location in Gladea after numerous riots resulting in civilian casualties. Xeren moved the newly-renamed Xeren Corporation to the Demon's Fortress indefinitely, with a period of radio silence from the company. For a period of weeks, people had reported sightings of violence nearby, but nothing was confirmed.

The destruction of Xeren would come very soon - at least, as far as Graham was concerned. Graham had spent the past three months training his "recruits" - a group of uncertain teenagers and adults partaking in what most call a suicidal pact. While the man's exercises and instructions on the utilization of weaponry were not easy; it was a breath of fresh air most within the group.

Within The Laboratory of the Unexplainable, Chase, James Morpheus, Messenger, Michael, and Tessa Lancaster had their own home, of sorts. Not having to worry about any significant dangers for some time, Chase began to understand the world around him better. After being instructed by Graham, he began utilizing tactics; rather than relying on his abilities. James had spent his time with his new girlfriend - Beth, as he and his sister grew closer. There was always a sense of anxiety within Messenger - but she knew she would never "surrender to Xeren", as she would describe it. Haptic found employment in *Plant Empire*, with the oddly gratuitous Quinnithy Gunderson.

Korra had went elsewhere.

Korra had begun a relationship with Akumi Cane and the two had moved into an apartment of their own. When not working in the lab, Akumi spent her spare time working on her pottery and painting skills, and became a lot more experienced with the former. She began selling her paintings, pots, and vases in order to make more profit and would sometimes even utilize them in their home. After being instructed to use a fake alias by Graham, Korra got a security job at a warehouse.

For a bit of time each day, everyone would meet Graham at several locations throughout the city for training and exercises. And soon - it would be time to strike.

## Narrative

### **The protagonists**

"Do you ever regret taking up Graham on his offer?" Chase asked Messenger as he walked into the Lab's living room and took a seat.

Messenger plopped down on the couch next to Chase, looking over at him. "No. not really. My only regret is we didn't get to share this time with Baroness Lagamorph."

"It's best you continue living your life to the fullest, we really need to value the present and not the past," Chase said, placing his hand on Messenger's shoulder.

James walked into the living room and scanned for a place to sit, before placing himself on the old tattered leather couch across the room from Messenger and Chase. "Don't worry, Messenger. It won't be long until Graham contacts us to start the mission, then Xeren will pay for all they have done to you guys."

"That's a relief to know," Chase said, as he looked around the room. "Where's Richard Sanchez?"

Graham, in The Laboratory of the Mind, sat across from Richard at a small table. By now his injuries had healed, leaving him scarred but no longer deformed, and his missing eye was replaced with a prosthetic. In his hand he rolled two six-sided dice, dropping them with a clattering noise.

"Two sixes." Richard looked at a nearby piece of paper with various tally marks. "Luck is on your side, my friend. Let's hope we have luck in the near future - and the future beyond." Putting down the scoreboard, Richard raised his hand slightly. The two, small dies rose. Turning his palm over, the two cubes deconstructed themselves; their pieces rotating through the air. Seemingly directed by the clenching of his hand, the two dies combined into one, intricate twenty sided cube.

"I'd say it's time that we begin today's work." Richard said, with a smile.

Graham nodded silently and slid his hand across the table, numerous blueprints and folders appearing from thin air and sitting as though they'd been on the table for weeks. In one hand he summoned a mug of coffee, and in the other, a small phone of sorts. With the press of two buttons, he held it to his ear awaiting a response from one Chase McFly.

Chase picked up the phone and put it to his ear. "Hello, Graham," He noticed a somewhat perplexed look on James and Messenger's faces.

"Would you mind contacting the other recruits, Chase?" Graham said, politely. "All of you are needed at Richard's. It's nearly time."

"Of course," Chase replied. "You're calling a bit earlier than usual, but that's alright. I'll tell Messenger and James about our lab trip," He looked back at his friends. "You guys coming or what? I know we haven't been on amicable terms with him lately, but I'm gonna call Korra. This is rather urgent."

"Um, of course, did he say why we were needed?" Messenger asked him, before hearing the last part of the android's sentence. "Korra..? Are you sure that's wise?"

"Graham said something about it being time, so yes, we really need Korra," Chase replied. "You guys go ahead, I don't think Dr. Sanchez's around," Chase then dialed Korra' number.

Sunlight poured into the small apartment, illuminating the room. Korra sat at the small dining table with his girlfriend, Akumi. They were both enjoying grilled chicken sandwiches for lunch, which they had got from town. Korra bit into his and chewed before speaking. "This sandwich is delicious."

Even though it had been over a month since the two had moved into their apartment, Korra still hadn't adjusted to the quietness of the place. Used to living with his group of friends, the silence that followed as he awaited Akumi's reply filled the air and hung over them.

"It is really good, isn't it?" Akumi smiled. She had enjoyed life living with Korra and having his company. Living with her parents was often a bother as they would often nag her about work. She continued eating her sandwich until the sound of Korra' phone ringing snapped her out of her thoughts.

Pulling his phone out of his pocket, Korra motioned for Akumi to pause and quickly answered it. Hearing the words from Chase, he glanced at the girl before replying, "Yeah, I know about our plans. But things have changed since then, are you sure it would be okay for us to show? Things aren't exactly great with Michael currently."

"Look, this is important, you have to come," Chase said, frustrated. "Messenger and James are already on their way, and I'm gonna call Michael. Is what you have with Akumi more important than defeating Xeren. Corp? My answer is no. I know Michael's been mad at you lately, but now we'll all be back together in accomplishing this task. That's gotta count for much more to Michael than petty grudges. Just get to where Graham is, quick."

Sighing softly, Korra replied. "Yeah, sure. We'll head over soon."

With that, he ended the call and got up from his seat. "We gotta go," he said to Akumi. "Graham wants to meet us again."

Graham paced around the Laboratory of The Mind. His prosthetic eye rolled around erratically as he walked without touching the ground.

After Korra had hung up, Chase tried reaching Michael at work, but he wasn't in. Chase decided to leave a message. "Hey, Michael, it's Chase, wanted you to know Graham's big thing is today and you need to come and meet him,"

The phone rang. Gunderson dropped his broom and ran to get it.

"Don't," Michael said.

"Why? Do you want to answer it?"

"No, I don't want to talk to them."

Quinnithy Gunderson listened to the voicemail.

"Michael, they need us."

"Yeah? Well I don't need them. Korra just ran off with his little girl friend. Why should I bother?"

"We need to stop Xeren. If we do not do it, who will?" Gunderson recited. "Yu and Da can care for Plant Empire while we are gone."

Michael became silent and thought about Li's words carefully. 'If we do not do it, who will?' He has a point. They do need us.

"I'll go," Michael said, defeated.

"I see that you have at last arrived. We - well, Graham has been expecting you all." Richard looked at the recruits who had arrived, once again, to his laboratory. They sat themselves in the table where Graham had first explained his Operation. It was not common that they would be called here. The last time the man remembered a significant meeting with this group was upon their first entry to the building, those months ago. Just by taking a brief look at how everyone interacted, you could see which relationships developed - and which were fractured.

Akumi looked at the people around her, getting dirty looks every once and a while from Chase, James, and Messenger. She hadn't talked to them much at all within the few months, and whenever she tried they seemed to be apprehensive. She got lost in her thoughts as they waited for Graham to show.

"Let's get them something nice, okay, Michael?" Quinnithy Gunderson said while driving to the Laboratory.

"Fine."

As Chase cast a disapproving look towards Akumi, he noticed Michael wasn't there, but decided it was best not to talk about it. He was glad Korra made it, at least.

Quinnithy Gunderson opened the door while Michael brought the food in.

"Is anyone even here?" Michael said, not looking inside yet. "We brought fo—"

"Oh."

"You're late. Though your courtesy is most appreciated. We have seats for you." Richard said, as he examined the two as the laboratory's glass doors closed.

Michael brought the food in and set it on the table.

"We got some food from Frog King," Michael started, slurping on a milkshake and unloading the various food items from the bags. "Soup for James, a few Froggers for everyone else, some fries, and a—"

"I'm going to pass on touching that," Chase replied. "The smell is already pretty bad..." He continued to wait in his chair, really wanting the conversation to get back on topic.

"I shall abstain well. I would recommend something more nutritious for the task at hand. Suit yourself, Haptic." commented Richard, pushing the wrapped, greasy food towards the middle of the table.

Feeling uneasy and wanting to end the meeting, Korra spoke up. "So, where is Graham?"

Almost as though he was magically summoned, Graham walked out of the kitchen carrying a plastic bag. "Glad you all could make it. Don't worry, there's no training left." He placed himself on a generic folding chair as he poured featureless white cubes out of the bag onto a coffee table.

Michael picked one up.

"What the fuck are these? Malura cubes?"

Quinnithy Gunderson hesitated to answer.

"No, Michael. These are— I honestly have no idea what these are."

"My field was never nutrition... are those edible, Graham?" James said, as Michael's generous delivery of food remained untouched.

"Xeren's nutrition cubes. This is all you'll get to eat before you set out for the Demon's Fortress. They have no taste and will give you all of the vitamins that your body needs, they're used for Xeren soldiers." Graham explained. "Eat nothing else from the kitchen or otherwise, understand?"

"But my milksha—" Graham shot a glare at Michael, prompting the boy to leave the milkshake on the table.

"Why can't we eat anything else?" Akumi spoke up.

"Simple, it wouldn't be healthy." Graham tossed her one of the cubes, which felt strangely soft like a marshmallow.

"Where's that chicken sandwich when you need it..." Akumi mumbled to Korra, staring at the squishy and extremely bland cube.

Messenger looked at the cubes. "I think I'll stick to eating real food, thanks."

Picking up a cube, Korra examined it before placing it in his mouth and chewing. As he expected, the cube tasted just as bland as it looked. Once finished, he decided to get to the point of the meeting. "Graham, what have you called us for here today? You mentioned there's no more training left, is it time to..." Korra paused, fully aware of the weight of his question. "-launch the plan?"

Messenger shook her head in disgust as Korra ate one of the cubes. *He really will eat anything.* She thought and turned back to wait for Graham's reply.

Graham tossed a cube in his gloved hands, nodding. "Today's the day. I would have hoped you'd all be prepared at any time... For goodness sake, Messenger, eat the cube."

Messenger smiled. "Say please and I *might* eat it." She said crossing her arms deciding to be difficult today.

"Enough games, alright?" Korra shot towards Messenger. He turned his attention back to Graham. "If it's time, where do we go from here? What is the next step?"

"Don't ever try to tell me what to do Korra, you are not my boss, *alright.*" Messenger stated angrily .

Graham responded to Korra, ignoring Messenger. "Me, you, and Michael go through the tunnel. Only kill when necessary, and never fire a shot. We'll work our way up to deactivate the water defenses and I'll have a boat arranged for the rest of you. After that, just follow my orders, okay?"

"You're planning your gargantuan operation, yet here we are playing common child games." Richard responded, quite surprised at the lack of shock or anxiety from those at the table. Three months was not a small amount of time - but had their training effected them to this extent? "Shall we go to the Armory?"

"Yes, of course." He smiled at the recruits. "I think you'll like what I've gathered these past months."

Richard placed the white, holographic keycard into the basement door reader. Accepting Richard's key, the metal door opened wide automatically. Prior to Graham's explanation of his operation, the basement of the laboratory was seldom used. He found new usage in it - storing the new weapons that would be bestowed onto the group. He entered, and everyone descended down the dark staircase.

Arriving at the dark, large room at the bottom, Richard flipped the switch on.

Following behind him, Korra walked into the room and was awed at the sight around him. The room was somewhat small, but sizable enough for everyone to fit in comfortably. Tables and shelves draped in green cloth lined the room, littered with weapons - guns, knives, grenades, and other warfare.

Chase was amazed at the items in the room as well. "So are we going to bring those guns on our mission? I think that would be more efficient than my sword."

Graham crossed his arms. "Now, since you've all trained with these, you're free to pick whichever you want, just be responsible. Try not to lose any limbs."

Messenger's eyes lit up as they scanned over the weapons, she walked over to the knives laid out. "Are we only allowed to take one weapon?"

"As many as you can carry. Just don't point them at each other." Graham looked around at the weapons, making mental notes on each of them.

"If we intend to be smart with this operation, clear the shelves." Without another word, Richard walked over to the leftmost corner of the room. Before he intended to "clear the shelves" of the generic selection of weapons, he opened a dark, metallic case that lay on the floor.

Walking over to the shelf next to Richard, Korra began examining the guns - this weapon type had quickly become his favorite over their training sessions. Wrapping his hand around a Five-seven, he pulled it back and began to examine it before noticing Richard's action.

"What's in that?"

Richard examined the weapon within the black case. In the case, a long-barreled sniper rifle - coated in a black carbon fire. Handcrafted with the help of a blacksmith some time ago, the weapon was capable of firing laser-powered bullets from miles away. He picked it up, examining the sharp, smooth corners. Richard looked towards Korra. "An art project."

Graham picked up two bulky metal cases. "I've made you something personal, Chase." He opened it, revealing a strange replica of Chase' entire left forearm. "This should be easy to install..." In a few seconds, Graham had replaced Chase' forearm with a new one.

"Why are you doing this, exactly...unless this is some kind of weapon?" Chase asked Graham as he put the new arm on.

"You'll see. I took the pleasure of handcrafting the software myself, in fact, and it should download into your central processor soon." Graham said. He did not pick up a weapon, strangely enough, but he did still hold one of the two metal briefcases..

Suddenly, Chase' hand popped off to the side, and the head of a gun popped out where Chase' hand had been. "This is cool, thanks, Graham," Chase said. "What's in the second briefcase, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Something a bit more personal to me. It's my weapon I'll be taking to the Demon's Fortress."

Akumi looked over the weapons before spotting a revolver in the corner. While not one of her most favorite weapons, it would have been the most practical for the journey and her own self-defense. She picked it up and gazed at it for a bit.

James looked around the room to see what weapons remained before grabbing a pair of 9mm pistols and a belt of grenades. "Hey, you may never know when you need a distraction and an explosion could just do it," he said.

Messenger picked up a small shotgun and loaded it, she walked over and looked at the knives trying to think of what would be most useful. She saw a tactical knife with a leg holster and smiled picking it up. *This will come in handy.* She thought kneeling down to strap it to her leg and covering it up with her pants leg. "Well I have my weapons now." She announced.

Haptic himself started stockpiling weapons. He grabbed a lighter and shoved it into his shirt pocket. He then took several small explosives and inserted them into his socks. Michael turned to the guns and grabbed a holster and two pistols: one named "Deference" and the other "Integrity." He spied a small butterfly knife and grabbed it as well, inserted it into his pocket.

Meanwhile, Quinnithy Gunderson admired a fine Halan Dao before attaching it to his waist. He glanced over to Michael.

"That'll do, Michael. That'll do."

Richard examined the small room, watching as each person selected their tools of destruction. "You may come back for seconds if you wish - our vehicles have quite a bit of storage."

Adding a second five-seven gun to his holster, Korra looked around the room. With everyone having gathered all the weapons they wanted, he nodded and spoke towards Richard. "I think we're good, where do we go now?"

"You probably wouldn't want to be seen on the streets with what you have now. The van is parked in the back of the building." replied Richard. "We won't leave yet - if you wish for more weaponry, I'd absolutely recommend coming back here for more."

Everyone began pouring out of the room, taking a mental note of Richard's words. Few had embarked on a mission such as this - yet, even after being told today was the day, they remained confident.

As Chase climbed into the back of the van, he noticed he didn't see Korra anywhere. "Anyone know where Korra went?"

"Looks like James isn't here either." Richard commented. "Should've been back by now."

"Korra?" James called out to Korra as he was preparing to leave.

Still in the armory, Korra turned towards the entrance when he heard James calling out. "What is it?"

The boy walked over to Korra. He intended to speak quickly. "It's just - Well, I intend to keep it quick. You're 17, right?"

"According to Chase, yes, I am. Why?"

James began speaking slowly. "Smart. Now, I'm sure you know your . . relationship with everyone is not the same it was three, well; even perhaps two months ago. I'm just asking, are you sure it was the best decision to live together with Akumi? You're young, and everyone's reaction to your move has not been the best . . . "

"Can we just focus on the mission?" Korra replied. "Akumi and I made our choice, we're both old enough to care for ourselves. The rest of you just need to accept the choice we made and focus on completing this task."

"If you wish. I don't want to seem like I'm pushing you around - but think about it once in a while, you know?" replied James.

"Again, we've already made up our minds. We're not going to change our dec-" Just as Korra began talking, he felt a sense of nausea pass over him as the scene of the room changed.

*He was suddenly in an industrial area lined with broken glass walls, flashing red lights covering the scene. In the middle of the area, he could see James standing over an unidentified man. As James pointed a gun at the man, speaking loudly with inaudible words, he cried out in pain as a large fist burst through his stomach, spraying blood over the scene. With the young man falling over to the ground, dying, a tall figure could be seen standing in his place, the shadows hiding their identity.*

Suddenly, the scene faded away and Korra was back in the room with James. Looking at the man, he could barely manage to find words, shocked by what he had just seen.

"You alright, Korra?" James asked.

"You were mid-sentence, then blanked for a second and now it looks like you have seen a ghost."

Korra stared at James, still at a loss of words due to what he had seen. He knew exactly what it foretold. He had been having these visions for the past two months, and they always came true. The visions would manifest at random times when he looked at certain people, he seemed to have no control over it or even an idea of why he started having them.

The first vision was a random shopkeeper in Silvia, who Korra saw gunned down in a robbery. A week later, the vision came true. Then his coworker at the warehouse, who had a heart attack. And many other people, so many that he lost count.

But this was the first time he had such a vision about someone he knew personally - and he was unsure of what to say about it or what to do. No one else knew about his visions, he kept them secret out of worry of being seen as weak or unfit for the mission.

Blinking, he looked at James once more, deciding to think over his options instead of replying to the man. Slowly, he turned away and walked out the armory, in the direction of the others.

Sweat poured down Michael's face—partially from the hot sun and from the anticipation of the upcoming events.

"What the hell is taking those two so long?"

Port City was always a fascinating place on the continent of Thales. Not for its boisterous community of sedentary fisherman, but the ability to see the soldiers of Xeren first-hand. One of the city's most defining features lay near its border: a magnificent, aging bridge. Most bridges of such caliber were destroyed in the war - the bridge's protection under Xeren allowed it to stay standing. Soon, Korra, Michael, Graham would head for the sewers - and the others would go onto the bridge.

Richard looked out into the gray salt-water of the pier, smoking a Malura cigar in his leather gloves. Elsewhere, his and the other's weapons would be an alarming sight - but since Xeren was seen here quite often, nobody thought much of it. The man sighed, before looking back at the talking recruits.

"Let's get a move on. You all remember what to do, yes?"

"No, *please* tell me what we are supposed to do. I completely forgot," Michael shared sarcastically.

"Let's hope Levi and Korra serve you well, Michael." replied Richard, displeased. Richard looked to the group that would be going with him. "Quinnithy Gunderson, you'll drive, correct?"

Messenger looked over at Akumi. "Are you sure you are capable of handling this sort of mission?"

Gunderson walked up to Richard and smiled.

"I am sure I will. Back when I was younger, I used to work for a taxi business. I am an experienced driver."

"And does your *taxi* skills entail evading potential gunmen and bombers?" asked Richard.

"Of course I am capable," Akumi replied. "I've been training along with all of you for months. What makes you think I'm not?"

"I'm sure it can't be too hard," Quinnithy Gunderson chuckled.

"Because the only thing you seem capable of is making out with Korra, you are *just* the girl from the strange lab after all." Messenger answered.

"Stop this ludicrous arguing!" Chase demanded. "When we offered to join this mission, I was under the impression we would continue to be friends. But right now, we're not acting like it."

Richard sighed at the android's outburst, as he looked towards Messenger and Akumi. He took a hit of his cigar. "Please take into account that your mortality will absolutely depend on each-other. Now, it's time to stop horsing around. Quinnithy Gunderson, get the car going. Time is of the essence." Quinnithy Gunderson smiled, and approached the black van - this time preparing to drive it.

Richard looked to Levi, Korra, and Michael. "With Graham in your group, I am sure you will know what to do. We will see you soon."

Akumi huffed, walking off towards Korra as he loaded his guns. She gazed at him for a second, realizing that this moment was quite likely to be one of their last moments together.

"Hey." She spoke softly. As the anxiety of losing him began to set in, Akumi grabbed onto Korra' arm, pulling him into an embrace.

Dropping his weapons to the ground, Korra wrapped his arms around the girl, placing his hand against her back. "It's going to be okay. Try not to worry? We'll both be fine, just make sure to follow what we trained."

Akumi placed her hand on his cheek, giving him a gentle kiss on the lips. "You know it's impossible for me not to worry, honey. Just be careful, okay?"

After kissing back, Korra began pushing away from the embrace. "I know, I know. But we have to do our best. It's time for me to go now, take care of yourself. We'll most likely meet again after this is over."

"Alright." Akumi replied, staring out in the distance as Korra picked up his guns and walked off in the opposite direction with Graham and Michael.

### **Task Force #1**

Levi Graham looked solemnly over the bridge at the small island on the end, if it could even be called an island. It resembled a large gray oil rig with bright golden lights and massive featureless statues of the human face situated around all four corners. At the end of the bridge stood two large statues of human-like snake creatures, each wielding a spear.

Graham adjusted his gloves, both bright red, and walked towards a nearby sewer grate engraved with intricate designs and a large A. "Michael, Korra, let's go."

Michael and Korra followed Graham to the manhole cover. Engraved in capital letters, it read:

*Keep Walking*

*Xeren Corporation*

Michael looked down and saw two holes. He inserted his fingers into the holes and lifted the cover, pushing it over to the side. The black haired boy looked to Korra, and then to Graham.

"Anyone wanna jump into the unknown? I don't want to be the first to die."

Graham pulled a small flashlight out of his coat, shining it into the sewer. "I'll go first, just follow me." With a thud, he dropped into the dark, still carrying his weapon in its case.

Without a word, Korra dropped down into the hole, landing behind Graham and glancing around at the sewer interior. Once adjusted to the small place, he pulled one of his guns out of the holster and held it at his side. "Never know when we might need to defend ourselves."

Michael climbed down the galvanized ladder down the hole and into the sewer.

"Korra, you dead? Ew, it smells like something died."

"It's a sewer, of course it smells bad. Just stay focused, this isn't the time to mess around." Korra said, following behind Graham.

"C'mon, you two. There should be an opening somewhere around here that'll drop us right into their tunnel network." Graham said, examining the floor with his flashlight.

"So..." Michael started, trying to break the awkward silence that followed. "How's it going with that flower chick?"

Graham chuckled. "Aren't *you* the biggest flower chick here, Michael?"

"Do you even care, flower boy? Last time we talked about it, all I heard from you was shit about how I had abandoned the group," Korra said, glancing at Michael as they walked through the dark.

"You didn't just abandon the group, you abandoned *me*." Michael kicked a carton of milk to the side. "Don't you remember when I was shot? When you helped me walk when we crashed, when we met that demon? We walked all the way to the City of Silver Lights together. We robbed a café. We sat in an alley thinking we would be fugitives for the rest of our lives. We shared a hospital room together. But the minute you saw that chick - you ran to her and left me."

"What the fuck? Akumi and I being together had no effect on our friendship, you did. Like what? Did you think you and I were-" Korra began.

"That's enough," Graham said, trying to remain stern through suppressed laughter. "You two can settle this later."

"You're lucky old Leviny boy stopped you from finishing that sentence, Anoethite," Michael said, gritting his teeth.

Ignoring Michael's words, Attcus quickened his pace to get a distance between him and the other boy. After the group took a turn, Korra began down the next tunnel when he noticed a piercing green light far in the distance. The rest of the group stopped and gazed at it for a bit, when all of a sudden a loud rumble, similar that to a train, could be heard.

"No, I'm *obviously* deaf," Michael responded snidely.

"The train." Graham gritted his teeth. "I suppose," he spoke quietly, "this is our only option. Put on your game faces, boys, and act natural. We're getting on it." He continued forward, describing the situation. "Up ahead, shouldn't be too far, there'll be a small station. The underground train system goes back and forth from there to the Demon's Fortress. Just don't cause a commotion and we'll be fine."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Korra asked as they walked further towards the light. "They might recognize us."

"Don't worry," Graham smirked. "I planned for this."

Korra' fears were not assuaged, but the group carried on.

As the group continued to walk forward, they soon came upon a small train station, the source of the light. Discovering a large large crowd of Xeren soldiers gathered before the stop, the two boys stalled in their walking and seemingly froze at the sight. "We're dressed like them, they won't notice a thing if you keep your faces down - and holster your gun, Korra." Graham whispered behind them. Following his instructions, the three blended into the crowd.

With a loud screech, the train pulled and eventually came to a stop. Due to the doors automatically opening upon stopping, the crowd poured into it, pulling them forward. "Just find a place to sit where we won't find attention." Michael grumbled.

With that, Korra sat in a seat in the back of the train, with Graham and Michael following. The seat was secluded from the others on the train, allowing them to have privacy. Slowly after the train started to chug forward, Korra closed his eyes, feeling tired from the long walk, but unable to find the rest he wanted. His mind kept replaying the vision of James's death.

*I never got the chance to tell him...if something happens, will it be my fault? Did I have a chance to change this? And who are the others there?*

The thoughts continued to swirl in his mind, until he heard Graham barking out directions. "Lionel! Stop daydreaming, the train has came to our stop."

Due to recognizing his alias, he quickly opened his eyes, noticing the train had indeed stopped. Standing up, he started forward before Graham stopped him.

"Now, once we leave this train, we'll be on the inside of the Demon's Fortress. We've made it this far. Now make sure to get your tasks done, failure will mean death."

### **Task Force #2**

As the gray, dilapidated arches of the bridge came into view, as the waves of the shore could be heard through the tinted black windows, Richard could remember when he rode through the streets of the City of Silver Lights within his mind.

They had been driving for time now, weapons in hand. Quinnithy Gunderson and Richard sat in the front-seats, the others in the back. While they had trained months for this, and Graham had told them not to expect anything - some were still anxious.

With the anxiety of the mission racking up, Akumi dwelled on her past as she stared out the back window of the van. She had thought about what lead up to all of this, with all the training that felt useless combined with the sudden nervousness. Akumi had never done well under pressure, and the pressure levels were currently extremely high.

The silence between the group drifted throughout the car; a pin could be dropped and nothing would be heard. Akumi took a deep breath and remembered why she was doing this - for a better life for the future generations of Euclid. She looked up at the towers of the bridge as Quinnithy Gunderson drove the group down it. Korra' words echoed through her mind. *We have to do our best.*

Messenger watched the bridge as she checked to make sure her gun was fully loaded before speaking. "Don't you guys think that this area is a little.. too quiet?"

Quinnithy Gunderson chuckled from the front-seat. "Trust me, nobody is here." Quinnithy Li's words settled in, slightly easing the tension. "Just a straight drive."

The two camouflaged snipers of Xeren sat high atop the bridge. To a common onlooker, they would be completely invisible. From their point-of-view, they eyed the road through their rifle scopes. They began speaking, their visors allowing them to see each-other.

"Nobody is fucking here. What is the -"

"You complain about this daily." the other commented. "Focus and do your job. Look, something is passing now."

Annoyed, the man looked through the scope of his rifle, zooming into the mysterious black van that passed at a steady pace. A technological marvel, the man could make out quite a bit of the vehicle's interior.

"Never knew we hired soldiers that old." The invisible man carefully looked at the men in the front-seats. He briefly looked in the passenger seats. The other watched. "Where the hell is their uniform? Are they even old -" a revelation passed the man. He peered in closer, examining those in the vehicle. Familiar. he thought.

"Hey, take a look at this. Quickly, before we miss their faces." the man said, frantically.

"Never as much of a sight-seer, but let's see what you are going to show me." The man looked to his rifle disinterestedly, examining the passengers.

"What? I'm pretty sure we recruit as low as fift -" As the vehicle passed below them, he saw it. He saw what would grant him a large bounty, personal of Xeren himself. There would be no need to tell his partner what was so interesting about the passengers - those informed of the actions of Messenger Deception and Chase McFly would recognize them anywhere.

"Fire!"

Chase heard the patter of bullets hitting the roof of the van. "It appears we're being shot at."

"Floor it, old man!" Akumi shouted at Quinnithy Gunderson, startled by all the bullets. "We need to get out of here!"

Hearing the gunshots Messenger grabbed her gun tightly looking for where the shots were coming from. "Get away from the windows! Gunderson you need to pull over somewhere so we can get out of the line of fire." She said.

Ignoring the brown haired girl, Gunderson drove faster, dodging the obstacles that lie in the road ahead.

"I'm doing the best I can at this moment!"

"I agree with Messenger, Mr. Gunderson, we really do need to stop and save ourselves," Chase pointed out, "The fact is, being in such a fast car could cause us to crash,"

"Gunderson pull over! This will just cause a car accident we need cover!" Messenger shouted

"Messenger, are you crazy?!" Akumi replied erratically, "We'll be sitting ducks if we pull over. We need to get the hell out of here!"

"Listen guys, Akumi is right!" James shouted. "We need to get out of here now and right now this van is the best and safest way!"

"If we keep driving their bullets will pop the tires causing us to crash which will most likely kill us all!" she told them.

"Well it looks they're getting fuckin' -"

"Shoot! Fucking do something, fuck!"

Eight rounds of high powered ammunition, a pause. Each man unloaded a repeated pattern of four sniper shots into the car - releasing a reign of bullets unto what they considered criminals. Unfortunately for the men and luckily for those in the car - they had not taken their chance to shoot from the front. They could now only aim from the back.

Messenger continued to plea, as the car swerved widely. Then, at once - the backseat windows of the van shattered, sending glass onto the road and into the car.

"What happened to this being bulletproof?!" Akumi turned around, the shimmering glass laying around her.

"Bullet *resistant*." commented Richard, unfazed by the situation unfolding. "Just keep driving for some time, then stop. They're immobile, certainly - we will out-range them soon and get our bearings."

Quinnithy Gunderson nodded, his shaking hands continuing to steer the car. *Let's hope this doesn't end badly.*

The snipers continued to shoot - but now, their bullets were futile. Outranged by a moving target, their bullets could now only graze the back of the car - before eventually becoming inaudible to those inside.

"Hmph. Pathetic!" Both men threw down their rifles onto their small bay in annoyance, angered at their failure.

"Dammit - they're an interesting bunch. Heard they stole quite a bit from the corporation some time ago. Guns, money, jewelry, plans, androids, schematics - a vehicle. Terrorists. Who the hell are those people they are with?"

"Just... doesn't matter. Fetch Nabi. Schedule said she's passing today - give her something to do."

The other man nodded, taking out a silver tablet to contact a nearby friend.

"Looks like we're out of range now. You guys okay?" Quinnithy Gunderson said looking back as he slowed down.

"Yeah, I think I'm okay..." Akumi looked down, realizing some of the glass pierced the skin on her arm. "I have a few cuts, though."

"I don't really see how that's okay, but suit yourself, Akumi," Chase said, as he looked to see the others were okay.

"Perhaps we should stop, now." added Richard. "Are you sure we're good to keep going?"

"I'm fine." Messenger said looking over at Akumi's injuries. "Need some help with that?" She asked.

"Why do we need to stop?" Gunderson questioned Richard.

Continuing to look at the building that awaited them, Richard responded to Quinnithy Gunderson. "Bullet-hell rained down on us. Check the tires. There is a spare in the back, it is better to be safe than sorry."

"Yeah, I think I could use some help with the cuts, thanks." Akumi replied.

Not wanting to drive a damaged car, Quinnithy Gunderson obliged. "Alright - but let's be quick about it." Stopping the acceleration, Gunderson parked the damaged van near the green-tinted seawater. He unbuttoned his seat-belt, and stepped out into the empty road.

Richard got out of the car, stretching his arms and keeping his weapon in his seat. Forced to situate himself within the City of Silver Lights for protection - it was something unique as the smell of sea-salt flooded his nostrils. The statues at the end of the bridge loomed over him, as if they were the eyes of some god. He looked around the vehicle, carefully examining each tire.

"I'm pretty sure a car as advanced and well-equipped as this would have a first-aid kit," Chase said to Messenger and Akumi. He started digging around in the seat pockets, and was relieved to have found some suitable materials. "Will these do, Akumi?"

Akumi took the pack and examined it and its contents for a moment before deciding it would work. "Yes, thank you." said Akumi, pulling out a a pair of tweezers, a few bandages, and a few alcohol swabs to tend to her cuts.

"Let me help." Messenger said as she pulled up the girl's sleeves to see the wounds better, seeing a few pieces of glass buried into her skin. "Can I have the tweezers?" She asked.

As Richard examined each tire - he saw a small gold-plated object ever so slightly pierced into one. Carefully, he removed it - holding it up. "Ha." As he looked at the islands of trees in the distance, Richard threw the bullet over the bridge and into the waters.

Akumi handed Messenger the tweezers before stopping to look at the girl's arms. "Messenger..." Akumi started, "You have a few cuts there yourself."

James stepped out of the van to help evaluate any damage from the shooting. "Other then the few windows and that one tire, this van doesn't look half bad after that hellfire of bullets." "And see Messenger," He called out through the window, not noticing the current conversation, "I told you that would be the safest thing to do."

Ignoring her brother, Messenger looked at Akumi as she took the tweezers. "Where? I don't see or feel any."

Akumi pointed down the girl's arm in various areas. "All over here, don't you see them?"

Richard examined the black van, removing shards of glass wherever possible. Knowing that it wouldn't be wise to remain stopped at the bridge, Richard called out to everyone. "We need to get going, best not to be imm--"

A loud sound of shattering glass was heard, loud enough to contrast the sounds of the pleasant sea. The group perked up, unsure of the sound's source. Before Richard could provide an audible reaction, a cacophony of inhuman screeches began to approach. An engine could be heard roaring in the distance. As Richard nervously looked down the road - he could see a brigade of Artificial Tieflings approaching.

"Now, car, go, hurry!"

Hearing the loud screeching, Akumi jumped up in her seat, feeling a sense of extreme unease wash over her. Looking up at the front of the van and through the window, she noticed the swarm of beings rushing towards them and couldn't help but scream: "WHAT the hell are those things?!"

Forgetting the injuries, Messenger up looked to see what Akumi was talking about. She saw the beings and she knew instantly what they were, but they looked different from the creatures she knew. She could see they had robotic limbs, and crude implants. What the hell? "They are demons...but something's wrong with them." She said with her voice full of worry.

James looked at the demons inbound for a brief moment, before jumping into the van, and slamming the door behind him. "Well, let's get out of here! The demons were bad to deal with before and now they have got upgrades." He shouted as he got in the back seat of the shot up van.

"Who cares what they are we just need to go, go, go!" Quinnithy Gunderson spoke frantically as he slammed on the accelerator, skidding slightly.

"Why are we driving TOWARDS the crazy demon things!" Akumi exclaimed. "If we're going to continue down the bridge, we need to swerve around them. They could kill us!"

“Akumi, keep in mind we have weapons,” Chase pointed out. “I’m sure we’ve become skilled enough to deal with such threats,”

"Chase, we've been shooting at targets. Inanimate, round targets that look nothing like that! Our best bet is to just get out of here." Akumi replied, in distress.

“I suppose you’re right,” Chase realized. “But we should continue driving to the Demon's Fortress, this time we could really put the training to the test. We shouldn't leave."

Their nails skidding on the surface of the bridge, the creatures dropped to all fours and began sprinting. Upon closer inspection, they didn't resemble demons at all. Rather, they appeared to be human- Twisted beyond natural limits, but humans nonetheless.

As one lept onto the windshield, so too did another shriek like a banshee, and they began punching it with their metal fists, one piercing the glass.

As the strange creatures jumped into the vehicle, Quinnithy Gunderson punched the horn.

"You rat bastards! Wretched...uh, oh...things!"

Gunderson flipped the windshield wipers on, though this had little effect on the demon-like beings.

The skinless creature lept back at the noise, clutching its head in pain. More inhuman screams echoed from its throat, as the others stepped back as well.

The older man started swerving back and forth, hoping to throw the beings off of the van.

"Let's see how you like this!"

Chase got his hand into gun mode, then shot at one of the creatures through a smashed window, but only succeeded in hitting the ground. The creature began to climb the door, so Chase hit it with a glass shard, causing it to yelp with pain.

Richard peered out the window, aiming his rifle at the strange creatures. While their agility caused him to miss several shots, he closely attempted to pinpoint what was their "vitals" - their flesh, or their mysterious mechanical implants.

Akumi bit her lip nervously. "What are we gonna do if they get in the car..?"

"You *die!*" shouted Richard, responding to Akumi's statement, as the man continued to shoot at the beasts.

At once, one of the creatures maneuvered towards the back of the van. Taking advantage of the shattered glass, it trusted its mechanical arm through the back of the car, barely touching the backs of those in the passenger seats.

"Shoot your weapons over from where the windshield was, then there won't be anyone in front," Chase explained to Akumi and Messenger, activating his gun hand and shooting the arm of the creature behind him.

Messenger aimed her gun towards the broken window. "Gunderson drive faster!" She shouted as another creature was trying to crawl through the window she fired her shotgun causing the demon to fall back on the ground.

Akumi aimed between Gunderson and Richard, shooting one of the creatures left on the windshield, which left him sliding down the hood. "Bastard!" she shouted. She trembled, realizing she just shot a living being. Taking a deep breath, Akumi continued to check her surroundings for more of the creatures.

"Damn, they're everywhere! Where did they come from?!" James yelled, as the creatures continued alternating their strategy. Some attempted entry into the vulnerable back, some continues to try and penetrate the roof. No matter how many shots they took, they would persevere.

"Keep going, they won't last forever!" Richard was forced to fire at point-blank range, as a creature nearly peered its head the vehicle.

"Fast, fast -" The man looked down the road, the building continuing to come closer. As Richard worried about what would happen when they reached the building, he looked in horror as a massive wall of blue flames manifested itself in the distance.

"Wall of flames. Lovely," Gunderson grunted as he drove straight for the crackling flames.

"What the hell, man! Stop!" Akumi shouted as he drove towards the flames. "Are you out of your fucking mind?!"

"Hope you kids aren't afraid of fire," Gunderson said as he pushed his foot down on the accelerator and drove closer and closer towards the flames, and then - into them.