Chapter 215: First Raid
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Chapter 215: First Raid
Tala walked through the streets of Platoiri alone.
Well, Terry was on her shoulder, but the rest of her strike group were already moving into position.
Kit was back in the House of Bloods hold, being outfitted by a host of servants and craftsmen. It had been nearly a week since Tala had placed Kit within the captured hold, and her dimensional storage had long since finished melding with it.
She was still marginally uncomfortable with the realization that Kit was actually a creature of some kind, but really, it didnt matter that much, except that Tala, herself, would need to be much more powerful before she would risk a soul-bond with her storage.
But that was all a distraction. She was on a mission.
This is ridiculous. This would never work in a human city. The city defenses and defenders would never allow it.
-This isnt a human city, and these arent humans.-
I know, I know. In truth, she was a bit torn with the whole thing. Succeeding would bring her one step closer to the possibility of returning home without having to fight her way free. But succeeding would also allow her kidnapper to become more powerful. Still, the decision was made.
-I still think you should pass this off to Tali.-
When we get there. I dont want to be her more than I need to be. Tali was still the better fighter, Tala knew that, but she didnt like how it felt, being Tali. She didnt particularly like killing sapient beings either, but she was willing to do both things if it was required for her to achieve her goals.
-As you wish.- Alat had argued the point enough by then that she likely knew it was futile to try again.
Tala walked through a loosely populated square. Several restaurants and other eateries were doing a brisk business in the early autumn chill, and many of their customers were sitting outside, scattered through this space, at cast-iron tables and chairs.
She ignored the people, for the most part. The tail theyd put on her target had indicated that he would still be in the shop. That was the best place to strike.
Quick in and out, take the weapon, leave the candidate Eskau behind. It was merciful and effective in more ways than one.
It should minimize collateral damage, too.
Her eyes swept across the signs until she found the one that she was looking for. Shed known the name, but not the iconography used along with it.
What she saw startled her. It was largely an eerily lifelike depiction of some sort of unknowable horror.
A highly detailed croissant was central on the sign. Behind it, and surrounding the pastry was a tangle of limbs and two staring eyes. Somehow the static image was conveyed with haunting clarity that left the impression that the eyes followed Tala as she walked and the limbs moved if she glanced away for even an instant.
What the rust. Who would design something like that? Who would eat there?The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
The Many-Fold Bakery was one of the best pastry establishments in the city, for those who were willing to shop there. Though, at that moment, Talas target should be the lone customer within.
Tali had never visited. Of course, she didnt. She never visited any bakeries.
-What lost opportunities.- Alat conveyed the feeling of a sad shaking of her head.
Apparently, one of the candidates for Eskau of the House of the Rising Sun frequented this establishment, and as word hadnt spread through the opposing houses about the House of Bloods new Pillar, it was agreed that they should take this target of opportunity, first.
Because after our first raid, people like this will be more careful, or come with guards.
Nearly a dozen armsmen of the House of Blood, lightly armed and not in house colors, were scattered around the small square, ready to prevent interference with Talas task. There were members of the House of the Rising Sun around as well, but they seemed to be there in unofficial capacity. This was somewhat close to their hold, after all.
Be-thric had remained in the House of Bloods hold. His presence wasnt necessary for this task, and he would have drawn unneeded attention.
Tala took a deep breath as she crossed the courtyard and pushed open the door. Terry hopped off of her shoulder, as theyd agreed. He would wait just outside the bakery, off to one side.
As the door opened at her pull, she was hit by a wave of warm, comforting air.
The scents wafting through the gust were enchanting, and Tala found herself taking another long inhale. Though, this time it was purely for the enjoyment of the smells.
Tala hadnt even realized that shed closed her eyes to enjoy the experience more fully until she heard someone address her.
Its pretty fantastic, isnt it?
Her eyes snapped open, and she saw the Eskau candidate standing before the display cabinet, looking her way. Her target was, indeed, here.
He was about Talas own height and a cat-folk male. His fur was short and a sleek, well-cared-for gray. His fingers were long, resembling human fingers more than a cats paws. His eyes were a dull green around feline slits.
Tala was not wearing her uniform as an Eskau of the House of Blood, so he didnt immediately recognize her as a threat. She was glowing with magical patterns, but that wasnt that unusual, though the extent of her magic was likely notable.
That might be why he addressed me. Funnily enough, closing her eyes upon entry had likely helped lower his guard. After all, what sort of fool would close their eyes when faced with an enemy?
-Huh, Tali might have messed this up after all. At least the start. You should still let her fight.-
Tala ignored Alat. Instead, she smiled and responded to the cat, It is indeed.
Her eyes scanned the inside of the shop. There was very little room within the shop for customers. A large, glass, display case ran the width of the place, presenting the various wares offered by this bakery.
Finally, Tala flicked her gaze behind that case and froze.
A man stood there, slightly hunched, with dark hair hanging forward, mostly obscuring his face.
His skin was a sickly white with a texture that her enhanced vision showed to be incredibly minute scales.
He was tall, taller than Tala by a good two feet, though with his forward hunch his head would barely be above hers, and he was whip thin.
His eyes were locked on her, unblinking.
If Tala was being honest, she felt like a mouse looking upon a snake that it had let get too close. She felt like prey more completely than she could ever remember.
The candidate gave a half-smile, drawing her attention partially away from the attendant. Dont mind him. Yamather is an amazing baker, but not very good with people.
Tala swallowed, forcing her gaze off the oddly still baker. She saw the ripples of magic flexing behind Yamanther, and what looked like limbs extending from his back, seemingly working to staff the entire kitchen by himself.
How?
-Shapeshifting? Seems to actually be his limbs, and they are coming into being and being pulled back into his body with seemingly little effort.-
No human could do that. The inscriptions would be distorting everywhere.
-No one without this magic, innately, could do this.-
She shook her head and refocused on her target. Hed spoken again, while she was distracted. Im sorry, what?
What were you thinking of getting?
Her eyes dropped to his arm, which hung near the display case. There, strapped around his forearm, was his protian weapon. As a weapon of the House of the Rising Sun, it wouldnt be morphic, but it would be able to generate items of light and fire for use by the candidate.
Take that arm, above the elbow, and take it fast.
-Tali?-
Her skin burned away in a flash of heat and pain, but her bone held with ease under the dispersed power.
The attack passed in a blink, even though one of her eyes couldnt do that at the moment.
Her weapon shifted into a glaive and she thrust forward, driving the cat onto the defensive. As she continued her advance, she felt her skin regrow. Her ruined eye was reabsorbed and then replaced. The new flesh itched as it grew, then tingled like it was asleep before buzzing as if shocked. Finally, it calmed, and simply was once more.
All the while, she struck against his defenses, weaving her attacks around his awkward attempts to keep her at bay.
He was clearly not used to fighting with a single arm.
Pallaun would be disgusted with such a glaring weakness.
Another light beam lanced out, but this time it struck a table beside her, melting the legs and causing it to fall into her path. It was an obvious attempt to trip her up or slow her down.
It did buy her prey a moment.
The cat seemed to be getting desperate as he took advantage of the extra seconds to jump to the side and hurl a javelin of conjured light her way.
Tali contemptuously slapped the javelin out of the air with her weapon, but instead of being deflected, the projectile exploded.
Talis sight was coming from three perspectives and as such, the flash was even more disorienting than it was designed to be.
Her sight returned just in time for her to see her quarry, striking for her chest with his right hand, claws of light and fire blazing around his natural ones.
Tali jerked to the right, twisting in an attempt to spoil the attack.
The move worked, and the blow skittered across her magical defenses.
The cat hissed and twisted, whipping his limp forearm upward with the movement, along with the muscles in his shoulder and upper arm.
The hand slapped Tali across the face. More accurately, it smeared across the protective field guarding her face. Even so, it left behind something akin to luminescent paint, temporarily blinding her again.
She cracked the second seed.
Her aura control shattered the working, even as she blindly dodged the follow-up attack that she knew was coming.
She guessed wrong.
The cats attack hit her dead on, his magics clashing with her defenses, each canceling out the other.
His claws and natural magics tore through her clothing, and his enhanced strength let him punch through her skin and into her abdomen.
Tali gave a tight-lipped grimace against the pain, her head involuntarily tilting up and back. The agony almost blinded her in a totally different manner than she had been previously.
Her target was clawing up through her torso, reaching for her heart.
No. She dropped her head forward once more and exhaled.
The cat-mans eyes widened as he took a face full of ending power.
His innate magical resistance held up for a flickering instant, burning through fully half of the seeds magic before his defenses crumbled.
His head fell in on itself, reduced to fine powder in a silent wave.
As the body slumped to the ground, his arm slid out of Talis guts and her magics began repairing her mangled insides.
+Well, rust. That was brutal.+
-Yeah. There wasnt much finesse, there. You might have been fine.-
+Youre not very nice to me.+
Tali turned, taking in her surroundings one more time and verifying that there were no remaining threats still standing.
She coughed once. Strip the bodies of their gear. Any survivors?
One of the members of her strike team shook his head. We drove some off, and they are likely going for aid. Their hold is close, but not that close. We have twenty minutes at most, probably closer to ten.
* * *
Tala staggered slightly as she took control of her body once more. The pain which shed been experiencing second hand slammed into her and almost caused her to lose consciousness.
That would have been embarrassing.
-Indeed.-
Thank you for the assessment.
The Many-Fold Bakery door swung open, the proprietor taking in the scene. My customers are gone because of you.
Everyone froze.
His voice was still a whisper but filled the yard.
Tala still couldnt pin down his rank, though that could have been due to him keeping his power incredibly tightly controlled or because he had an item that hid it. She just had no way of knowing.
I wont sell any more today. Those predatory eyes fell on Tala.
Tala swallowed and stepped forward. She felt the need to placate thisman. Well buy what you can have ready in five minutes.
A haunting smile broke across the pale face, as Yamanther produced a half-dozen wrapped bundles.
Tala glanced past the man and saw that the display case was already empty.
Will you be paying in coin, or should I bill the House of Blood, directly?
Directly, please. The courtesy came out as a purely instinctual reaction. The prey would do anything to appease a predator.
Well, it seems like our affiliation is obvious.
Less than five minutes later Tala was moving back towards the House of Bloods hold with her strike team around her.
Terry sat on her shoulder, unusually still and silent.
Each person had a large parcel of pastries in their own dimensional storage, along with the gear looted from the fallen.
They hadnt lost a single person, though there were a few injuries.
More than anything, however, their steps were quick, and they didnt look back, none willing to meet the gaze of the still watching pastry chef.
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Chapter 215: First Raid
Tala walked through the streets of Platoiri alone.
Well, Terry was on her shoulder, but the rest of her strike group were already moving into position.
Kit was back in the House of Bloods hold, being outfitted by a host of servants and craftsmen. It had been nearly a week since Tala had placed Kit within the captured hold, and her dimensional storage had long since finished melding with it.
She was still marginally uncomfortable with the realization that Kit was actually a creature of some kind, but really, it didnt matter that much, except that Tala, herself, would need to be much more powerful before she would risk a soul-bond with her storage.
But that was all a distraction. She was on a mission.
This is ridiculous. This would never work in a human city. The city defenses and defenders would never allow it.
-This isnt a human city, and these arent humans.-
I know, I know. In truth, she was a bit torn with the whole thing. Succeeding would bring her one step closer to the possibility of returning home without having to fight her way free. But succeeding would also allow her kidnapper to become more powerful. Still, the decision was made.
-I still think you should pass this off to Tali.-
When we get there. I dont want to be her more than I need to be. Tali was still the better fighter, Tala knew that, but she didnt like how it felt, being Tali. She didnt particularly like killing sapient beings either, but she was willing to do both things if it was required for her to achieve her goals.
-As you wish.- Alat had argued the point enough by then that she likely knew it was futile to try again.
Tala walked through a loosely populated square. Several restaurants and other eateries were doing a brisk business in the early autumn chill, and many of their customers were sitting outside, scattered through this space, at cast-iron tables and chairs.
She ignored the people, for the most part. The tail theyd put on her target had indicated that he would still be in the shop. That was the best place to strike.
Quick in and out, take the weapon, leave the candidate Eskau behind. It was merciful and effective in more ways than one.
It should minimize collateral damage, too.
Her eyes swept across the signs until she found the one that she was looking for. Shed known the name, but not the iconography used along with it.
What she saw startled her. It was largely an eerily lifelike depiction of some sort of unknowable horror.
A highly detailed croissant was central on the sign. Behind it, and surrounding the pastry was a tangle of limbs and two staring eyes. Somehow the static image was conveyed with haunting clarity that left the impression that the eyes followed Tala as she walked and the limbs moved if she glanced away for even an instant.
What the rust. Who would design something like that? Who would eat there?The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
The Many-Fold Bakery was one of the best pastry establishments in the city, for those who were willing to shop there. Though, at that moment, Talas target should be the lone customer within.
Tali had never visited. Of course, she didnt. She never visited any bakeries.
-What lost opportunities.- Alat conveyed the feeling of a sad shaking of her head.
Apparently, one of the candidates for Eskau of the House of the Rising Sun frequented this establishment, and as word hadnt spread through the opposing houses about the House of Bloods new Pillar, it was agreed that they should take this target of opportunity, first.
Because after our first raid, people like this will be more careful, or come with guards.
Nearly a dozen armsmen of the House of Blood, lightly armed and not in house colors, were scattered around the small square, ready to prevent interference with Talas task. There were members of the House of the Rising Sun around as well, but they seemed to be there in unofficial capacity. This was somewhat close to their hold, after all.
Be-thric had remained in the House of Bloods hold. His presence wasnt necessary for this task, and he would have drawn unneeded attention.
Tala took a deep breath as she crossed the courtyard and pushed open the door. Terry hopped off of her shoulder, as theyd agreed. He would wait just outside the bakery, off to one side.
As the door opened at her pull, she was hit by a wave of warm, comforting air.
The scents wafting through the gust were enchanting, and Tala found herself taking another long inhale. Though, this time it was purely for the enjoyment of the smells.
Tala hadnt even realized that shed closed her eyes to enjoy the experience more fully until she heard someone address her.
Its pretty fantastic, isnt it?
Her eyes snapped open, and she saw the Eskau candidate standing before the display cabinet, looking her way. Her target was, indeed, here.
He was about Talas own height and a cat-folk male. His fur was short and a sleek, well-cared-for gray. His fingers were long, resembling human fingers more than a cats paws. His eyes were a dull green around feline slits.
Tala was not wearing her uniform as an Eskau of the House of Blood, so he didnt immediately recognize her as a threat. She was glowing with magical patterns, but that wasnt that unusual, though the extent of her magic was likely notable.
That might be why he addressed me. Funnily enough, closing her eyes upon entry had likely helped lower his guard. After all, what sort of fool would close their eyes when faced with an enemy?
-Huh, Tali might have messed this up after all. At least the start. You should still let her fight.-
Tala ignored Alat. Instead, she smiled and responded to the cat, It is indeed.
Her eyes scanned the inside of the shop. There was very little room within the shop for customers. A large, glass, display case ran the width of the place, presenting the various wares offered by this bakery.
Finally, Tala flicked her gaze behind that case and froze.
A man stood there, slightly hunched, with dark hair hanging forward, mostly obscuring his face.
His skin was a sickly white with a texture that her enhanced vision showed to be incredibly minute scales.
He was tall, taller than Tala by a good two feet, though with his forward hunch his head would barely be above hers, and he was whip thin.
His eyes were locked on her, unblinking.
If Tala was being honest, she felt like a mouse looking upon a snake that it had let get too close. She felt like prey more completely than she could ever remember.
The candidate gave a half-smile, drawing her attention partially away from the attendant. Dont mind him. Yamather is an amazing baker, but not very good with people.
Tala swallowed, forcing her gaze off the oddly still baker. She saw the ripples of magic flexing behind Yamanther, and what looked like limbs extending from his back, seemingly working to staff the entire kitchen by himself.
How?
-Shapeshifting? Seems to actually be his limbs, and they are coming into being and being pulled back into his body with seemingly little effort.-
No human could do that. The inscriptions would be distorting everywhere.
-No one without this magic, innately, could do this.-
She shook her head and refocused on her target. Hed spoken again, while she was distracted. Im sorry, what?
What were you thinking of getting?
Her eyes dropped to his arm, which hung near the display case. There, strapped around his forearm, was his protian weapon. As a weapon of the House of the Rising Sun, it wouldnt be morphic, but it would be able to generate items of light and fire for use by the candidate.
Take that arm, above the elbow, and take it fast.
-Tali?-
Her skin burned away in a flash of heat and pain, but her bone held with ease under the dispersed power.
The attack passed in a blink, even though one of her eyes couldnt do that at the moment.
Her weapon shifted into a glaive and she thrust forward, driving the cat onto the defensive. As she continued her advance, she felt her skin regrow. Her ruined eye was reabsorbed and then replaced. The new flesh itched as it grew, then tingled like it was asleep before buzzing as if shocked. Finally, it calmed, and simply was once more.
All the while, she struck against his defenses, weaving her attacks around his awkward attempts to keep her at bay.
He was clearly not used to fighting with a single arm.
Pallaun would be disgusted with such a glaring weakness.
Another light beam lanced out, but this time it struck a table beside her, melting the legs and causing it to fall into her path. It was an obvious attempt to trip her up or slow her down.
It did buy her prey a moment.
The cat seemed to be getting desperate as he took advantage of the extra seconds to jump to the side and hurl a javelin of conjured light her way.
Tali contemptuously slapped the javelin out of the air with her weapon, but instead of being deflected, the projectile exploded.
Talis sight was coming from three perspectives and as such, the flash was even more disorienting than it was designed to be.
Her sight returned just in time for her to see her quarry, striking for her chest with his right hand, claws of light and fire blazing around his natural ones.
Tali jerked to the right, twisting in an attempt to spoil the attack.
The move worked, and the blow skittered across her magical defenses.
The cat hissed and twisted, whipping his limp forearm upward with the movement, along with the muscles in his shoulder and upper arm.
The hand slapped Tali across the face. More accurately, it smeared across the protective field guarding her face. Even so, it left behind something akin to luminescent paint, temporarily blinding her again.
She cracked the second seed.
Her aura control shattered the working, even as she blindly dodged the follow-up attack that she knew was coming.
She guessed wrong.
The cats attack hit her dead on, his magics clashing with her defenses, each canceling out the other.
His claws and natural magics tore through her clothing, and his enhanced strength let him punch through her skin and into her abdomen.
Tali gave a tight-lipped grimace against the pain, her head involuntarily tilting up and back. The agony almost blinded her in a totally different manner than she had been previously.
Her target was clawing up through her torso, reaching for her heart.
No. She dropped her head forward once more and exhaled.
The cat-mans eyes widened as he took a face full of ending power.
His innate magical resistance held up for a flickering instant, burning through fully half of the seeds magic before his defenses crumbled.
His head fell in on itself, reduced to fine powder in a silent wave.
As the body slumped to the ground, his arm slid out of Talis guts and her magics began repairing her mangled insides.
+Well, rust. That was brutal.+
-Yeah. There wasnt much finesse, there. You might have been fine.-
+Youre not very nice to me.+
Tali turned, taking in her surroundings one more time and verifying that there were no remaining threats still standing.
She coughed once. Strip the bodies of their gear. Any survivors?
One of the members of her strike team shook his head. We drove some off, and they are likely going for aid. Their hold is close, but not that close. We have twenty minutes at most, probably closer to ten.
* * *
Tala staggered slightly as she took control of her body once more. The pain which shed been experiencing second hand slammed into her and almost caused her to lose consciousness.
That would have been embarrassing.
-Indeed.-
Thank you for the assessment.
The Many-Fold Bakery door swung open, the proprietor taking in the scene. My customers are gone because of you.
Everyone froze.
His voice was still a whisper but filled the yard.
Tala still couldnt pin down his rank, though that could have been due to him keeping his power incredibly tightly controlled or because he had an item that hid it. She just had no way of knowing.
I wont sell any more today. Those predatory eyes fell on Tala.
Tala swallowed and stepped forward. She felt the need to placate thisman. Well buy what you can have ready in five minutes.
A haunting smile broke across the pale face, as Yamanther produced a half-dozen wrapped bundles.
Tala glanced past the man and saw that the display case was already empty.
Will you be paying in coin, or should I bill the House of Blood, directly?
Directly, please. The courtesy came out as a purely instinctual reaction. The prey would do anything to appease a predator.
Well, it seems like our affiliation is obvious.
Less than five minutes later Tala was moving back towards the House of Bloods hold with her strike team around her.
Terry sat on her shoulder, unusually still and silent.
Each person had a large parcel of pastries in their own dimensional storage, along with the gear looted from the fallen.
They hadnt lost a single person, though there were a few injuries.
More than anything, however, their steps were quick, and they didnt look back, none willing to meet the gaze of the still watching pastry chef.
Chapter 215: First RaidTala walked through the streets of Platoiri alone.Well, Terry was on her shoulder, but the rest of her strike group were already moving into position.Kit was back in the House of Bloods hold, being outfitted by a host of servants and craftsmen. It had been nearly a week since Tala had placed Kit within the captured hold, and her dimensional storage had long since finished melding with it.She was still marginally uncomfortable with the realization that Kit was actually a creature of some kind, but really, it didnt matter that much, except that Tala, herself, would need to be much more powerful before she would risk a soul-bond with her storage.But that was all a distraction. She was on a mission.This is ridiculous. This would never work in a human city. The city defenses and defenders would never allow it.-This isnt a human city, and these arent humans.-I know, I know. In truth, she was a bit torn with the whole thing. Succeeding would bring her one step closer to the possibility of returning home without having to fight her way free. But succeeding would also allow her kidnapper to become more powerful. Still, the decision was made.-I still think you should pass this off to Tali.-When we get there. I dont want to be her more than I need to be. Tali was still the better fighter, Tala knew that, but she didnt like how it felt, being Tali. She didnt particularly like killing sapient beings either, but she was willing to do both things if it was required for her to achieve her goals.-As you wish.- Alat had argued the point enough by then that she likely knew it was futile to try again.Tala walked through a loosely populated square. Several restaurants and other eateries were doing a brisk business in the early autumn chill, and many of their customers were sitting outside, scattered through this space, at cast-iron tables and chairs.She ignored the people, for the most part. The tail theyd put on her target had indicated that he would still be in the shop. That was the best place to strike.Quick in and out, take the weapon, leave the candidate Eskau behind. It was merciful and effective in more ways than one.It should minimize collateral damage, too.Her eyes swept across the signs until she found the one that she was looking for. Shed known the name, but not the iconography used along with it.What she saw startled her. It was largely an eerily lifelike depiction of some sort of unknowable horror.A highly detailed croissant was central on the sign. Behind it, and surrounding the pastry was a tangle of limbs and two staring eyes. Somehow the static image was conveyed with haunting clarity that left the impression that the eyes followed Tala as she walked and the limbs moved if she glanced away for even an instant.What the rust. Who would design something like that? Who would eat there?The debut release of this chapter happened at Nvl-B1n.The Many-Fold Bakery was one of the best pastry establishments in the city, for those who were willing to shop there. Though, at that moment, Talas target should be the lone customer within.Tali had never visited. Of course, she didnt. She never visited any bakeries.-What lost opportunities.- Alat conveyed the feeling of a sad shaking of her head.Apparently, one of the candidates for Eskau of the House of the Rising Sun frequented this establishment, and as word hadnt spread through the opposing houses about the House of Bloods new Pillar, it was agreed that they should take this target of opportunity, first.Because after our first raid, people like this will be more careful, or come with guards.Nearly a dozen armsmen of the House of Blood, lightly armed and not in house colors, were scattered around the small square, ready to prevent interference with Talas task. There were members of the House of the Rising Sun around as well, but they seemed to be there in unofficial capacity. This was somewhat close to their hold, after all.Be-thric had remained in the House of Bloods hold. His presence wasnt necessary for this task, and he would have drawn unneeded attention.Tala took a deep breath as she crossed the courtyard and pushed open the door. Terry hopped off of her shoulder, as theyd agreed. He would wait just outside the bakery, off to one side.As the door opened at her pull, she was hit by a wave of warm, comforting air.The scents wafting through the gust were enchanting, and Tala found herself taking another long inhale. Though, this time it was purely for the enjoyment of the smells.Tala hadnt even realized that shed closed her eyes to enjoy the experience more fully until she heard someone address her.Its pretty fantastic, isnt it?Her eyes snapped open, and she saw the Eskau candidate standing before the display cabinet, looking her way. Her target was, indeed, here.He was about Talas own height and a cat-folk male. His fur was short and a sleek, well-cared-for gray. His fingers were long, resembling human fingers more than a cats paws. His eyes were a dull green around feline slits.Tala was not wearing her uniform as an Eskau of the House of Blood, so he didnt immediately recognize her as a threat. She was glowing with magical patterns, but that wasnt that unusual, though the extent of her magic was likely notable.That might be why he addressed me. Funnily enough, closing her eyes upon entry had likely helped lower his guard. After all, what sort of fool would close their eyes when faced with an enemy?-Huh, Tali might have messed this up after all. At least the start. You should still let her fight.-Tala ignored Alat. Instead, she smiled and responded to the cat, It is indeed.Her eyes scanned the inside of the shop. There was very little room within the shop for customers. A large, glass, display case ran the width of the place, presenting the various wares offered by this bakery.Finally, Tala flicked her gaze behind that case and froze.A man stood there, slightly hunched, with dark hair hanging forward, mostly obscuring his face.His skin was a sickly white with a texture that her enhanced vision showed to be incredibly minute scales.He was tall, taller than Tala by a good two feet, though with his forward hunch his head would barely be above hers, and he was whip thin.His eyes were locked on her, unblinking.If Tala was being honest, she felt like a mouse looking upon a snake that it had let get too close. She felt like prey more completely than she could ever remember.The candidate gave a half-smile, drawing her attention partially away from the attendant. Dont mind him. Yamather is an amazing baker, but not very good with people.Tala swallowed, forcing her gaze off the oddly still baker. She saw the ripples of magic flexing behind Yamanther, and what looked like limbs extending from his back, seemingly working to staff the entire kitchen by himself.How?-Shapeshifting? Seems to actually be his limbs, and they are coming into being and being pulled back into his body with seemingly little effort.-No human could do that. The inscriptions would be distorting everywhere.-No one without this magic, innately, could do this.-She shook her head and refocused on her target. Hed spoken again, while she was distracted. Im sorry, what?What were you thinking of getting?Her eyes dropped to his arm, which hung near the display case. There, strapped around his forearm, was his protian weapon. As a weapon of the House of the Rising Sun, it wouldnt be morphic, but it would be able to generate items of light and fire for use by the candidate.Take that arm, above the elbow, and take it fast.-Tali?-Her skin burned away in a flash of heat and pain, but her bone held with ease under the dispersed power.The attack passed in a blink, even though one of her eyes couldnt do that at the moment.Her weapon shifted into a glaive and she thrust forward, driving the cat onto the defensive. As she continued her advance, she felt her skin regrow. Her ruined eye was reabsorbed and then replaced. The new flesh itched as it grew, then tingled like it was asleep before buzzing as if shocked. Finally, it calmed, and simply was once more.All the while, she struck against his defenses, weaving her attacks around his awkward attempts to keep her at bay.He was clearly not used to fighting with a single arm.Pallaun would be disgusted with such a glaring weakness.Another light beam lanced out, but this time it struck a table beside her, melting the legs and causing it to fall into her path. It was an obvious attempt to trip her up or slow her down.It did buy her prey a moment.The cat seemed to be getting desperate as he took advantage of the extra seconds to jump to the side and hurl a javelin of conjured light her way.Tali contemptuously slapped the javelin out of the air with her weapon, but instead of being deflected, the projectile exploded.Talis sight was coming from three perspectives and as such, the flash was even more disorienting than it was designed to be.Her sight returned just in time for her to see her quarry, striking for her chest with his right hand, claws of light and fire blazing around his natural ones.Tali jerked to the right, twisting in an attempt to spoil the attack.The move worked, and the blow skittered across her magical defenses.The cat hissed and twisted, whipping his limp forearm upward with the movement, along with the muscles in his shoulder and upper arm.The hand slapped Tali across the face. More accurately, it smeared across the protective field guarding her face. Even so, it left behind something akin to luminescent paint, temporarily blinding her again.She cracked the second seed.Her aura control shattered the working, even as she blindly dodged the follow-up attack that she knew was coming.She guessed wrong.The cats attack hit her dead on, his magics clashing with her defenses, each canceling out the other.His claws and natural magics tore through her clothing, and his enhanced strength let him punch through her skin and into her abdomen.Tali gave a tight-lipped grimace against the pain, her head involuntarily tilting up and back. The agony almost blinded her in a totally different manner than she had been previously.Her target was clawing up through her torso, reaching for her heart.No. She dropped her head forward once more and exhaled.The cat-mans eyes widened as he took a face full of ending power.His innate magical resistance held up for a flickering instant, burning through fully half of the seeds magic before his defenses crumbled.His head fell in on itself, reduced to fine powder in a silent wave.As the body slumped to the ground, his arm slid out of Talis guts and her magics began repairing her mangled insides.+Well, rust. That was brutal.+-Yeah. There wasnt much finesse, there. You might have been fine.-+Youre not very nice to me.+Tali turned, taking in her surroundings one more time and verifying that there were no remaining threats still standing.She coughed once. Strip the bodies of their gear. Any survivors?One of the members of her strike team shook his head. We drove some off, and they are likely going for aid. Their hold is close, but not that close. We have twenty minutes at most, probably closer to ten.* * *Tala staggered slightly as she took control of her body once more. The pain which shed been experiencing second hand slammed into her and almost caused her to lose consciousness.That would have been embarrassing.-Indeed.-Thank you for the assessment.The Many-Fold Bakery door swung open, the proprietor taking in the scene. My customers are gone because of you.Everyone froze.His voice was still a whisper but filled the yard.Tala still couldnt pin down his rank, though that could have been due to him keeping his power incredibly tightly controlled or because he had an item that hid it. She just had no way of knowing.I wont sell any more today. Those predatory eyes fell on Tala.Tala swallowed and stepped forward. She felt the need to placate thisman. Well buy what you can have ready in five minutes.A haunting smile broke across the pale face, as Yamanther produced a half-dozen wrapped bundles.Tala glanced past the man and saw that the display case was already empty.Will you be paying in coin, or should I bill the House of Blood, directly?Directly, please. The courtesy came out as a purely instinctual reaction. The prey would do anything to appease a predator.Well, it seems like our affiliation is obvious.Less than five minutes later Tala was moving back towards the House of Bloods hold with her strike team around her.Terry sat on her shoulder, unusually still and silent.Each person had a large parcel of pastries in their own dimensional storage, along with the gear looted from the fallen.They hadnt lost a single person, though there were a few injuries.More than anything, however, their steps were quick, and they didnt look back, none willing to meet the gaze of the still watching pastry chef.
