flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo (NoxRogue)

[Nox]

Yuri was second to the square after Liliana, carrying the box filled with their food in his right hand. He came directly upon her and spoke to her, rousting her from her distracting thoughts, "Lil, I bought some chicken earlier. I thought while Richter explains what will happen this night we could dine on it. Not much in the way of dinner, but the meat is large and I was assured some of the best cuisine in Vallacre." He turned and lowered himself to a seat on the edge of the fountain, lifting the lid to the box and revealing the thick chunks of chicken impaled by the wooden skewer. He handed hers over and lifted his own from the box, tearing a piece of the flesh off with the buttery breading and chewing. Several soldiers were coming as they ate together, passing nonchalant sentences back and forth to make conversation. He finally finished his and set the empty skewer back inside of the box, setting it between them. He could see Richter from the distance, the last one to arrive. Mayhaps he was attempting to be fashionably late? No matter in Yuri's mind. The tactics and strategies were soon to come. Richter hobbled up to them and gave them all a smile. He turned around and addressed the soldiers, "Formation now." The soldiers fell into line and into four ranks, forming at attention. He stood before them, "Sound off." They sounded off with their numbers, equaling to fifty two soldiers. Richter nodded, "At the command of 'Fall out', I want you to fall out into a horseshoe formation around me. This will be informal as possible." He looked between them, "Company, attention! Fall out." And so the soldiers did as their commanding officer directed them to do.

The formed a horseshoe around him as he drew closer to Yuri and Liliana. He turned and looked at them as he lowered himself onto the fountain using his crutch, "As you know the owner of Gaal Castle, Azrael, has declared that every night at midnight he will assault this town until nary a soul is left alive. We are the shield that will drive this darkness back from our home. We may be outnumbered, but we are well trained. We are the best. We are the Militia. You have been trained to defend citizens and cities in their time of need. This is one of those times. But I understand things are hard, especially with our little numbers. That is why I have hired outside help in the form of Yuri de Elias Schiffer, Liliana Greand, and Luthra with her wolf Lou. They will be in charge of your ranks, so an order from them is the same as if it came from me. We will discuss strategy in just a moment and I will inform you of what will happen. The important thing is to stay alive to see your families in the morning. Our second priority is the Lieutenant Colonel. He will be here around 0100, escorted by a platoon of about fifty extra soldiers. They will be able to add to our ranks, but as a commanding officer, he needs to be protected. We will station five of our best at the entrance he will be using in wait for him. You will assist in escorting him to headquarters where he will begin relaying messages to the other commanders in an attempt to expedite our assistance from other bases, but more importantly, he will be sending for even more help."

Richter looked to Yuri and Liliana, "As for our tactics this evening. We have erected a series of barriers that will keep them out for a short time. It will also slow them down when they do figure a way out. After that we have set several improvised explosive devices around the town, along with other traps, to thin their numbers and slow them down. We will have patrols wandering the town, but the largest bulk of our force will be concentrated on the exit that will lead to Gaal Castle. Ten men will be patrolling. Deducting numbers, that leaves only thirty-five for the man offense. But this is only for an hour. Then the number will jump up to ninety soldiers. Remember Yuri and Liliana will be with you at all times. Luthra will help, but her focus is to repair the barriers as they are being lowered or weakened and once we drive their forces out, repair the barriers. Do not bother her for anything other than that. We have three medics really to treat wounded men. Remember to do what you can but remember you too have families that want to see you. You are all adults, so I know you can make the right decisions in this situation. I am proud of all of you for taking this situation and facing it, instead of fleeing. Most people would. Half of today I wanted to. I leave the floor open to anyone else who wishes to garner these soldiers attention."

 

[Rogue]

Liliana turned her gaze towards him. She looked as though she had been deep in thought. He could almost seem them growing smaller in her eyes. However, when he proposed food, she smiled. She hadn’t realized how hungry she had truly been until the smell had wafted into her nostrils. She licked her lips and swallowed before sitting down next to him. Gingerly, she reached into the box and pulled out the skewered meat. She had seen a plethora of skewered meat, however, this looked by far the most delicious. Or, perhaps that was because she was exceptionally hungry. Delicately, her fingers curled around the meat and tugged it free of the damp skewer before she placed the food into her mouth. She was right, and so was he. This had to be the finished chicken she’d partaken in since they’d reached the town. She’d been quiet most of the time they’d eaten, only commenting once about how he’d been correct about the chicken. She continued to eat, watching Richter as he commanded the soldiers around him. Immediately, Liliana was jealous of his prowess. She had once been confident… until she realized how frail she truly was. In over her head, even.

She listened carefully, as did Luthra, was Richter relayed the orders to them, informing them of the situation, and what would be done. Luthra was standing near them, Lou at her feet, sitting and looking intimidating. Not even so much as a tail wag. He knew exactly when to be serious and when to be cute. And whereas cute may be calming no matter what the situation, he had a mission: He had to protect his mistress! That had been his sole mission since they had found one another. Lou was more than glad to have found the Pagan. Luthra had given him purpose, a mission, a meaning in an otherwise drab lifestyle. Sharp red eyes watched the soldiers, as if warning them. Daring them to get too close to his mistress with ill intent. Luthra and Liliana were both rather relieved to hear there was reinforcement coming, although Liliana was a bit sad about it, they had no idea what they’d be up against… This being said… many of them would perish. But, she supposed, it was part of being in the Militia, they knew the dangers of being in the Militia when they joined. The deemed it worth it, for the peace of mind that they could protect their families. Although, very likely, some had not been able to as of lately.

Liliana felt Richter’s gaze fall to her, and she nearly stiffened, looking back at him. She listened as he continued to explain the situation and their tactics to those around her. Everything that had been heard was comforting to her. She had all of the faith in the world in Luthra and her abilities, had been able to see how simple it was for her to play in advanced magic. When he left the floor open, Luthra was the one to speak first. “Of course, I need not tell you that I should not be bothered, however, at times I may require your assistance. If I ask this of you, you are merely to keep watch while I repair the barriers. Do not look in my bag, to not look at my bag, and do not speak to me… you will break my focus. If you break my focus. For any reason, at all, whatever you’re up against may well be the least of your worries. Remember that I am not Militia. My priorities are to keep the barriers up. Nothing more. And nothing less. Now, once the chaos is completed, as the medics coming will also be informed, I am skilled with medicine. However, for the next two to six days, I will be busy with a project… This means you will inform Richter, or Yuri before you come to me. You are not to come unannounced, are we clear?” Of course, they didn’t have to say anything for her to know that they had indeed understood her.

Liliana’s brows furrowed. She’d noticed Luthra had left her name out. Had there been a reason for that, or did Luthra see the girl as far too weak to be her equal? Her fingers tapped in anticipation. It would likely drive her crazy the entire battle tonight. It was one thing for her to know she was weak, but it was an entirely different matter altogether for someone to be able to point it out as she felt Luthra had so abruptly done. But, once Luthra’s reasoning was out in the open, there would be no doubt of her intentions. Luthra meant only the best for anyone who had come into contact with her.

 

[Nox]

Yuri listened, seemingly in a daze, as Luthra laid out her requests and her demands on the soldiers before her. After the previous night, it was good to know there were still men willing to face off against these unnatural beings in defense of their family and their home. A small smile crept across in face in the thought of this. When she had finished he rose from the fountain and stepped forward. He looked across the men gathered before him, as if staring through them, and then raised an octave in his voice, which was normal for when he yelled, "I will finish with haste, but I must say that I have the utmost respect for the men I see gathered before me today. I see a strong Company, willing to do whatever they can in the face of an overwhelming evil, all for the sake of their home, their friends, their families. This is highly commendable and because of such, I wish you all to return home tonight. You will. You will be weary, but you shall see your friends, your families, your neighbors. And they will know the sacrifices you made. Be proud of yourself and above all else, fight with that bravery and that pride." Yuri turned from them and set his eyes on Liliana, "Anything you have to say?" If she did, he stepped aside and took a seat on the fountain once more, lying in wait for when they would begin their patrol of the city of Vallacre. It was going to be a long six to seven hours, but he was well rested and prepared.

Richter drew them to attention and dismissed them to their posts, which he had laid out on a map of Vallacre. From there, the soldiers parted their ways, gathering ammunition and moving to their desired posts. Yuri pushed himself up from the fountain and looked over to Richter, who issued him an order, "You are to patrol the the city until it is almost Midnight's Eve. From there you will hurry to the exit leading to Gaal Castle and stand watch for the first wave. Liliana will be your partner in this endeavor of course. Luthra will be not far behind you, as will myself. I need to ensure the Lieutenant Colonel has met no harm and is safely on his way. We will meet at 2345 in front of the exit. Be safe until then. May Lady Luck embrace you this night." Richter turned and hobbled back toward the Militia headquarters, making his way into the empty building and to his office. It was time for him to place some phone calls. Two more days and the Purifier would be within their ranks, and then another day's times and the cavalry they requested would be arrived. They would stand a better chance once they had more soldiers on the line. Then they could begin their exploration of Gaal Castle and attempt to put an end to their nightmare that Azrael seemed to believe this city needed to be under. He lifted the phone from its cradle and began the politics of his job, which was in his eyes, the worst part of being a commanding officer for the Militia. What was one to do though?

Yuri and Liliana walked among the empty streets of Vallacre rather somber, nothing but silence carrying their nonexistent conversation. Before long though, the silence irked Yuri, so he thought aloud to himself, "I wonder what manner of beings they will send this night. I am sure they will not rely on the Feral once more." The wind was excessive in its chill, but the heavy coat kept them from feeling its effects wholly. Each stepped seemed to draw them in a pattern of monotony, but Liliana was there. That was what mattered to him. He looked toward the large tower with the clock near the square, placing an eye the time, "We have fifteen more minutes before it is time to meet. Remember to stay at my side. Together we will fell whatever this demon sends our way." He looked to her and smiled, "Your skills are superb. Worry not. If it wasn't for your skill, I would have died several times in our journey. You are the best human fighter I have ever seen. I must say in part to my teaching of course, but nevertheless." He gave her a playful smile. Several more steps and Yuri looked up, "Let's hurry to the northern exit. It's about that time." Their pace quickened and they were met by Luthra's presence once they arrived. Yuri questioned her, "Richter?" He was assured by Luthra he would be there. He nodded and looked back at several soldiers gathering. Luthra steered them away from where she knew the traps to be, so they were a safe distance from them. The soldiers dropped to one knee, leveling their rifles toward the exit, forming two ranks. The back rank remained standing behind them, rifles trained. It was a decent formation. One would fire while the other reloaded and vice versa. Yuri heard Richter's crutches striking the cobblestone before he actually laid eyes on him. Richter came into view and stopped near them, "Ah. We are all here." The time at that moment was 2350. Yuri removed the capsule from his right coat pocket and placed it in his mouth. He tore it in half, letting the synthetic blood flow through his system in preparation of what was to come that night. He looked to Liliana with a steeled gaze, assuring her it would be fine.

 

[Rogue]

Liliana’s eyes remained focused on Yuri as he stood. She could feel the pride he had in the soldiers standing before them. Hell, she was proud of them herself. To have seen the carnage that had happened last night, and be able to put your own well-being aside for the small chance that their sacrifice would mean that their families would sleep soundly, safely. She was glad to be among the ranks. She knew her own skill level far surpassed the level of those soldiers before her, making her quite the asset to them, but compared to Yuri, Luthra, and Lou… she felt small. What human wouldn’t she supposed? She noticed Yuri gazing towards her. She smiled softly at him before shaking her head. She was a long stretch away from the confident Gypsy he had met, some months ago. But, this would change soon. Her mind wandered back to their first encounter, the familiar, intrusive, and intimate position he’d thrust her into. Bodies pushed together, even then should feel her heart racing with a bit of… arousal. Even thinking about it she could feel the tell-tale signs of said arousal in her chest. Her eyes locked onto his face, even as he settled down near her. Her eyes followed. She was so… interested in him, enamored. Unconditionally prepared to fulfill whatever he required of her, regardless of dire consequences. Her limbs tingled, burned to be closer to him. However, this wasn’t the first time she’d felt this urge, albeit uncomfortable all the same. He could never feel that way for her, could never want her that way… right?

Luthra moved in closer to the three of them as the soldiers were dismissed, per se. She watched as the Hybrid stood, his human companion following shortly after him. Liliana’s gaze locked onto Richter as he issued orders. She felt her chest tightening, both with fear and anticipation. She had to prove herself tonight, if not to them, then to herself. To prove that everything she’d been so worried about the passed few nights was incorrect. As they made motion to move away from them, Luthra pressed a hand to Liliana’s shoulders. “It is imperitive that you come to me once this is over… We have something very important we have to discuss… And you need to be prepared to be away from him for a time…” She wasn’t sure whether or not Yuri could hear her, but it didn’t matter. “There is much to be said, and much to be considered. Do not fret, Liliana.” She reached up, pressing a loving hand to the Gypsy’s cheek. “Soon, your fears will be naught but a memory…” She said with a soft smile before she moved quickly away from them. Lou, however, stayed behind an extra second to hop onto Liliana’s chest and lick lovingly at her cheek and face. Soon, he’d hopped down and hurried to catch up with his mistress.

Liliana’s mind swirled with thoughts, good and bad. Her fears would be naught but a memory…? Had Luthra known what had been bothering her? What had she planned? Liliana’s mind swirled around all the options. Everything from being a Pagan to being turned into a Vampire herself. Inwardly, Liliana had always assumed she wasn’t strong enough to have to take other lives to survive. However… for Yuri she could to it. For the pure concept of eternity at his side. She hadn’t even thought about the possibility of such without him. However, his words broke her thoughts. The wind seemed to blow through her as he spoke. She hadn’t considered that he may send something more deadly than the Feral that they had previously encountered. That, she must admit, was more frightening than anything. She swallowed, looking down at her feet as they made their way forward, following the nonsensical pattern the stones seemed to be in. and then he spoke again. She could have cringed. ‘Demon’. She felt his gaze on her, and she turned her head to meet his gaze, his smile calming her nerves. He had spent the year they’d been together honing her, and honing her body to be the perfect human combatant. Plenty formidable on any battlefield, except for the one they were on now. She returned his smile, although her own felt… forced. When it was time, they hurried, side by side to the entrance where Luthra guiding the soldiers immediately came into sight. She hadn’t seen Richter, however. It was no matter, Yuri soon questioned the Pagan who answered him with a nod, insuring he would be along soon. And soon enough, he did show. Liliana heard his voice, but her mind was rigid. She was very aware of the time. Her body was trembling, even as Yuri cast his reassuring gaze. Luthra stood at their side, ice cold gaze locked onto the entrance, ready for any and everything.