by Max Jager
In the middle of the room was a cards' table. It had some cards on it and a handful of scattered gambling chips of some sort. Alerius also saw that the under-carriage of the table was pure metal. So if things went "south" he could flip that thing over and turn it into a bullet shield. Which he figured they were going to do. He couldn't have foreseen though how "south" they were actually going to go!
To the left, a door opened into the room and both Alerius and Dark's attention were turned to the door. The door was a big metal door that looked like it belonged on a safe somewhere. The same frog looking creature that was in all of the photos came through the door right into Alerius's and Dark's sights.
This gelantine was not too much different looking then Washington except that it looked more vile. Washington had a look in his eyes that was kind of nice and comical. This one was comical too but not so nice. A more demented comical. Very sinister in nature not to mention the way it moved was very devious. It had on clothing that was particularly strange. It was a mixture of dark colors of black, maroon, dark purple, and a very dark tint of gold. Almost looking like some kind of demonic, frog, pimp. He was also a lot more heavier looking then Washington. Not as tall but definitely more fat. his weight probably made him more centered to the ground.
Alerius and Dark both watched the gelantine move in close to the table. He was also followed by two big scalb guards. They were heavily armed and looked different from the other guards in the bar. These ones seemed to be trained extremely well. Alerius knew that these two were not of the same group as the others. These were highly trained bodyguards.
The one to the far left was decked out in armor that looked like it came straight from one of the main planets for Hell's forces. It was a heavy armor and very high tech looking. It was also covered in guns. Big rifles which hung from off the armor and small handguns that were also slung from the metal. Not to mention there was a good supply of not only rifle and handgun magazines but also a chest belt that was strapped around the pig's body loaded with napalm grenades.
The other scalb that was to the frog creature's close right was not as weighed down but looked like it didn't need to be. It also had the same armor but this armor looked less bulky. Probably because this scalb wasn't as big as his guard partner. It also didn't have guns all over its body. This one had one combat rifle in its hands and had a strange sword attached to its left hip. It also was more toned then its partner. It had these green display glasses on its face too. Alerius knew that the glasses and the sword were a package deal. He had seen this weapon combination before. Extremely lethal. Mostly used for stealthy assassination assignments for both sides.
The frog creature sat in a chair that was on the side of the table. The total of the three scalbs and Alerius and Dark all stayed standing. The frog alien was the first to speak. "Well, well, well." It had a very devious sounding voice. It sounded somewhat like Washington's only Washington's was more playful. This voice was deceptive and conniving.
Alerius just rolled his eyes. Dark's ears flattened against his head and his hair began to stand up as this low growl began to form.
Benjamin looked at the both of them and said, "The deal was that you would come alone agent!"
Alerius cocked his head a bit and gave the frog a sneer. "I take it you're Benjamin."
The gelantine just laid back in the chair and said, "No duh, and they said you weren't smart."
Alerius got this somewhat confused look on his face. He tried to hide it but Benjamin picked up on it. Meanwhile, Dark was still in an alert state. Alerius then asked, "They?"
"Your superiors agent. I thought you knew how to follow orders? Oh well, no bother, the doggie needs to take a walk."
Alerius looked at Dark as he still growled at Benjamin. "I think he wants to stay."
Dark then let out this demonic sounding noise. A raspy bark that sounded like he was possessed. Drool was dripping from his canines and even Alerius was getting on edge by Dark's actions.
What was really making Alerius nervous though wasn't Dark at all. It was Benjamin. He knew that every creature in the universe feared hounds but there Benjamin sat. Cool and collective. From what Alerius had read in Benjamin's profile, he was not that type. So either he had something he was hiding from the two or he was doing one hell of a job acting not scared.
Benjamin just eased himself in his chair towards the two and said in a firm tone of voice, "Last chance, or Lassie here gets put to sleep!"
That just made Dark even more irritated. It seemed like Dark was ready to pounce on Benjamin and just tear him to pieces. Alerius couldn't figure out why either. He knew now that Benjamin was hiding something. He knew that even with the three pig vanguards in the room they were no match for him or Dark. He knew that Benjamin was now truly unafraid and that made absolutely no sense. So why was Benjamin not only cool but trying to show authority? Obviously, something made Benjamin feel safe. Something that was close by and something that could destroy the two agents easily. He knew Benjamin was a shifty monster trained well by the hellions. He might be somewhat of a spineless spy but he was definitely not stupid. So what was it that had him so confident? It didn't add up!
Alerius figured it was something he didn't see or hadn't seen yet. Something that was a miss when he walked in or something that had already happened and neither he nor Dark knew about it. It was overwhelming his head and Alerius was very nervous by this point. He wasn't really scared but he was definitely on alert. He wondered if Dark too was on alert for the same reason. Whatever it was, Dark had picked up on it and now both of them were equally cautious.
Alerius tried to play it cool though as though nothing was bothering him. "Look, let's get down to business! Where's the Leyline? I'm already down here, don't ruin my day!"
Benjamin looked at Alerius and said, "You disobeyed orders agent. You were suppose to come alone. I wanted nobody else to talk to. Just you. Do all other new agents do this stuff too? Thank God…" Benjamin was cut off by Alerius.
"Talk to somebody you know, you tree hopping freak! Where is the Leyline?"
"You going to take the dog away?"
Dark slammed the table with his fist and roared in Benjamin's face! The drool was running out of his mouth. It was making a small puddle on the table as Dark stared at Benjamin furiously. Looking as if he wanted to literality tear Benjamin's head off with his bare teeth. Just gobble the alien frog's head right on down. Alerius was nervous that Dark was going to do something drastic but he really wasn't caring by this point. He wondered if Benjamin was going to give him the position of the Leyline at all.
Benjamin just eased away from the two and snapped his fingers. "Take the dog for a walk agent."
Before Alerius could say anything, Dark's head snapped back and a burst of blood came from his forehead! Dark fell limply to the floor and there he laid! Alerius had no idea what had just happened until it was too late! Only after Dark was on the ground did Alerius react! He swung his head and looked down at his short time partner.
Alerius then knelt onto one knee still looking at Dark's dead body. He saw the bullet wound right in his head, right above his eyes. It was oozing out red liquid and now Alerius was no longer questioning what had happened. He put his hand below Dark's head and lifted it up a bit.
Alerius had no real feelings for Dark but he still cared that he had been killed. He hadn't worked with hounds since his childhood training at the academy but this hound was still his temporary partner and even though they hadn't gotten along too well he knew that Dark had helped him out in the mission. The time in the swamp, on the bridge, and even in the bar. Alerius could have handled it but that wasn't the point. The point was that Dark was on this mission, same as him, and probably knew the trouble even before Alerius realized it.
Alerius looked back up at Benjamin. He saw no weapon evident and not one of the scalb guards had pulled their guns! Alerius dropped Dark's head and quickly pulled his two handguns from his feet. He was ready to put a bullet right int
o Benjamin's brain base.
Benjamin saw Alerius rise up with the two pistols in-hand and got this wild scared look on his face. Benjamin moved away from the table as the scalbs behind him aimed for Alerius. Alerius would make sure he got the guards but right now he wanted Benjamin. He could easily take down Benjamin before any of the guards got the first shots in.
Alerius spun upwards and nearly had the guns trained right on Benjamin's forehead.
"You son of a…" Alerius was quickly interrupted though.
A voice came from the door Benjamin had used to come into the room which was still wide open. A voice that was human. "I wouldn't do that Red."
The voice was a man's. Rough and old sounding. It had a power to it that had stopped Alerius cold in his tracks. Not because it sounded powerful, not because it sound old and full of combat experience. He stopped cold because he recognized it!
Then, a figure came from the doorway. When it entered, Alerius could only see a side silhouette of the character. Alerius's eyes were first caught to attention by the short, silver hair that outlined the top of the head. It also seemed this man had a nicely trimmed, silver haired goatee. It had small streaks of black in it but it was mostly gray. He had on a long, sleeveless, black trench coat with some kind of yellow insignia on the back. Alerius couldn't quite make out what it was though. He was also wearing black jeans which were worn by combat and not by any washing machine.
What Alerius became transfixed on was the gun he was yielding. A big revolver handgun that would have definitely put the big hole in Dark's head. It was pointed straight at him and whoever was wielding it knew how to handle it well! Alerius now had his guns trained on Benjamin and only something astronomical could make him put them down. The person with the big handgun pointed at Alerius was astronomical!
He turned to face Alerius and when Alerius saw his face he lowered his guns in utter amazement! Alerius was in bitter shock and the smile on Benjamin's face couldn't have been any wider. Alerius came to realize that who was staring him down was now working for Hell and could change the entire tide of war single-handily. He recognized the voice, he just couldn't place it with a face, now he wish he didn't. The man that was staring at him in the face was agent Yellow Korzen.
The Yellow Korzen was a legend throughout the universe. "The Rogue of Rogues" he was called. This man had been in countless of battles, won most, lost very few. Responsible for the toppling of the last five Oadins through the past forty years! A rogue that every single hellion elite was fearful of. Wanted by countless bounty hunters and assassins alike for the tremendous bounty on his head for his death or capture to the infernal forces. Now at the age of fifty-five, still believed to be making a name for himself, stood right here in front of Alerius, behind Benjamin; a traitor!
Planet Scalobore: The Yellow Korzen
"Korzen? You?" Alerius had no idea what to do! He had been through some hectic times in his life and confusing scenarios but this one topped them all! He couldn't figure it out! "Are you a traitor?"
"It was all a lie Firius." Korzen's strong voice uttered out. "Benjamin never came over to your side, I joined his. I wish I could say that I was sorry but I'm not."
"Why? You of all people…" Alerius was cut short by Korzen.
"People? You still think you're a 'person'? Propaganda bull!" Korzen screamed. "Listen to me Firius: I can at least tell you the truth now. You were tricked into this to die. I was the one to kill you. It doesn't have to go down like that though. You can put down the guns, join me, and we can leave this war. No more killing. No more death. No more meaningless missions. Just solitude of life. To enjoy it the way we should have in the beginning."
Alerius looked at him crooked and yelled out, "Are you insane?"
"Sorry you feel that way agent."
"Damn it, you are the name of legends! You are a role model to every rogue out there! Your name always gave us hope when we were down! We were taught that you were a icon! Some icon!"
"Don't talk to me child like you know who I am!" Korzen got extremely frustrated! "Yes, I am the name of legends but like all legends their time must end. I am fifty-five years old kid. Fifty-five years old! Do you have the slightest idea what it feels like to be that old? Do you have any inclination as to what that must be like for an old war veteran like me?"
Alerius could only stand stunned and unbelieving of what he was seeing and hearing.
"No, I didn't think so." Korzen's gun lowered a bit. It seemed now he was talking more to himself then he was to Alerius. "You start to think about yourself. The life you've lead. The people you've hurt. The victories and defeats you've suffered. It blurs together like some kind of damn evil ink-blot test! No longer are you concerned with the battle out there," Korzen pointed at the wall. Then, he pointed at his temple. "But in here!"
He continued on. "I served those assholes for forty years of my life! Forty years of my life! Battle after battle, bloodbath after bloodbath! I kept thinking that one day I would retire. They would let me live in peace forever until my dying day. That it wouldn't be on some destroyed landscape far off somewhere, where I had to watch my friends die and then I would too! Die in battle, no I don't think so! I am tired of fighting for them! Forty years of service is enough!
So I approached the high command one day. I told them I was going on my last mission. They said no. That I could transfer to one of the more safer parts of the universe. They said it was to keep up military moral." Korzen let out a small sound of disgust. "I know what they really wanted! They wanted me to stay on the battlefield so that they could say I was still in action. They wanted me to either die out there or keep fighting until the war was over."
Alerius had to say something. "But you gave people hope. You just still being in service was enough to drive the entire army!"
"What about my damn hope, huh?" Korzen screamed with a choking sensation at his throat! Alerius could see that tears were accumulating in his eyes. "What about me? Did you ever once think about me?"
"Every day! Every battle! We all thought about you!"
"We? Who's this we? Where were 'you' when I stormed Atriane Gate! I saw almost ten rogues and hundreds of fellow soldiers killed right in front of me! Where was this 'we' when I stormed Fort Cauldron all by myself. Death was almost inevitable then! Where was 'your' guidance when 'I' needed it? Where was 'your' hope when mine ran out? Where the hell was it?"
Alerius could only shake his head in disbelieve. "You're selfish!"
Korzen got this shocked look on his face. "What?"
"This is why you agreed to destroy the universe? This is why you decided to eradicate billions of civilizations? Because your 'retirement' was cancelled?"
Korzen let out this sigh of confusion. "How can you be so ignorant? How dare you tell me I'm selfish! When you have yet to see the terror I have seen! I want you to go through the hell I've been through and then let's see how 'noble' you are?"
"I wouldn't betray my planet, my people! I know that!"
"I want to live in peace! I am tired of fighting! Can't you understand that? I have seen too much, been through too much, and lived too long in this war!"
"And you think you can live in harmony by going with them?" Alerius said pointing to Benjamin.
Benjamin just through his hands in the air. "Damn it, will you kill this guy already!" He said to Korzen.
Korzen screamed at Benjamin, "Shut-up! This doesn't concern you!"
Alerius and Korzen did not lay eyes off of each other.
Korzen continued. "It might not be for long but it'll be enough. More then I have experience for forty years! I don't care what they do to the galaxy anymore! They can burn the stars down and torch the gates of Heaven for all I care! If they leave me in peace, I will be content till my dying day. I will rest in peace! The hellion forces agreed that if I joined them I would have one mission and one mission only. This being it."
"To kill me?"
"And the Leyline!"
"I can't let you do that
!" Alerius's grip tightened on his pistols.
"Agent Red Firius, if you don't want to listen to me on anything, that's fine. I didn't really expect understanding from a youngster like you. Just remember one thing. One thing! If you believe nothing I've said, believe this!
The mission is nothing or everything. There is no in-between. You have to decide what is more important to you. The mission or everything else? You will learn one day that once you have chosen you can't go back. Its not up to me to decide, it's up to you. If you don't want to end up like me though then don't go with the mission. I did it for all my life. Put the mission ahead of the more important things I should have really been concentrating on. Now, I'm free."
Alerius grinded his teeth. "No, your gone! You have completely lost your mind! I will find the Leyline!"