mandalus :: the city of fates.

Hello, Mandalus. I am Gerald Corben and this is a breaking news report from the Mandalus News Network.

[ Gerald fixes his glasses. ] We have received reports of Cultist activity through out various parts of the city. The police have confirmed outbreaks of fights as well as bombings in the outer parts of the Venetian, Business and Old Town Districts. Police advise that you stay away from the attacked areas and report immediate suspicious activity to the police.

The government has also placed itself on alert and asks that any Honored Guests that are willing to help fight against the attackers. They say that this is simply a request and that there are no expectations.

[ Suddenly an alarm sound plays through the studio. Corban looks around and begins to talk to the people behind the cameras. The picture goes static for a moment before returning to normal. Except for the fact the image shows another place. The are simple rooms that are decorated simply. Those who may know the C'Meni will find it familiar.

The doors creek open. Footsteps are heard coming up to source of the feed. Then, a semi-familiar face smiles.]



Mandalus. After everything you are still trying to pretend that life goes on. Cities outside of our lovely capital have fallen. Communication with the stars were lost long ago. Yet, here you are clinging to this rock. Our prince has returned and yet you still cling to the idea that your society can still live. You went even so far to bring people from the other realities to help save you.

But we have decided that your time has come to an end. It came a long time ago, but now is time to stop the pulse entirely. We'll start by taking those annoying C'Meni from your hands. Boys! Escort the lovely ladies will you? There's no room for more than one royal leader.

[ Ardon reaches his hand up and tilts the camera back. It falls back and the feed cuts as it presumably shatters. ]

[ The camera set up in the Central Building, once used for Madam Morris to make her announcements from, now displays a gruesome scene. Guards are on the ground. Dead. Some have deep cuts through their body while others are missing their heads entirely. Morris is seen moving backwards until she hits the desk.

Heavy footsteps are heard. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. ]

[Madam Morris is splattered with the blood of her soldiers, hair in disarray. She holds her hand out towards someone unseen, eyes steely but there is an overwhelming sense of fear.] I command you, in the name of Mes'Klou to stand down. They've done no wrong here. These are not who I have ordered you to hunt down. Stop this, immediately!

[ The Headless Horseman steps into the frame, his axe sliding down in his hand to be gripped better. ]

[Morris flinches at the Horseman shifting his grim. She pushes her back harder against the desk, causing the desk to move back just a fraction.] Have I not done everything that was asked of me? I have captured the C'Meni, I have policed the unwanted guests. I have done everything in my power to bring those that had unlocked the bangles to justice. I have done everything and more! You needn't do this!

But you see, my dear Morris, Prince Trevintis obeys only the leader of the followers of Mes'Klou. The leader who is most powerful. Which, I am sad to say, is no longer you. [ The speaker is off screen, but can be heard perfectly clear. ] Actually? It its more accurate to say you were never the true leader. Despite that, I do congratulate you, Katheryn. You achieved everything we could hope for in merely weeks. I will be sure to include your name in history once Mes'Klou has completed his great work.

[At the words of the unseen man, Morris shifts her gaze from the Horseman. At his speech, tears brim at her eyes, and slide down her cheeks, angry and hot.] So this is it, is it? I do your dirty work, and you rid yourself of me and wash your hands? This is so very like you. [Morris lifts her chin in defiance and climbs to her feet, balling her fists at her sides.] I will do whatever I can to stop you. I will be the one true leader of the follows of Mes'Klou. I will prove that I am better than you.

Sadly, I can't have you threatening control of His followers. Not when we are so close. It is regrettable that we have to end our partnership this way. Perhaps in the next life things will turn out better.

[ The Horseman quickly steps up in front of Morris and in one fell swoop her head is removed from her body. The rest of her crumbles to the ground. As the Horseman turns, a man steps into the view of the camera and sighs. With a "tut-tut", he turns to look at the broadcast. ]



Ahh, Mandalus--residents and those they call our "Honored Guests." I won't pretend to be a hero, as frankly, I would like to see you all dead in the streets as Mes'Klou completes his task. Allow me to introduce myself as it is only proper you know me. I am Darius Ardon. No doubt you know me and my company by now... especially the Guests who have been here longer. [ He raises his hand and gestures to the bloodied room. ] The room and tower is yours. Feel free to do whatever you wish with it. And, know this: you will fight for this universe and your universes if you give half a damn about them.

[ The Horseman then raises his axe and strikes at the camera. The feed cuts. ]

Midnight. The Temple. Days after the priestess, Ensi, was forcibly removed from her save haven for every and all religions, the Serpent's cult has taken over. Towards the back of the high room, the ornately decorated floors had been torn up, ancient tiles shattered into small pieces and dust. A dozen cultists used sledge hammers and pickaxes to pierce through the ground. The men were, maybe, six, seven feet down, when an authoritative voice rung out, "Be careful, you fools! You should be close to your destination. If you damage anything, you don't want to know what will happen to you, or your fellow diggers."

Madam Morris stood twenty feet away from the ever widening, slowly deepening hole. Her arms were crossed beneath her bust, her chin held high. A small group of priests of the Serpent's cult stood at the altar-- which was moved to the side for the digging to commence-- looking over a large, leather-bound book. She glanced to the group, arching an eyebrow coolly. "Have you got it?"

The priest nearest to Morris turned and nodded several times. "Yes, Madam. We've got it."

"And the ingredients needed?"

Another positive reply. "All we need is..." He trailed off, gesturing to the hole in the floor.

"Good. Make sure everything is ready by the time they finally--"

"Madam!" Came the loud call of one of the men with a pickaxe. "We've reached it."

"Pull it out. Quickly!" Morris turned to face the hole, taking several steps forward. "But if you drop it, I'll have you thrown from the top of the capitol building."

The diggers made various sounds of exertion, grunts, groans, curses as they lifted the chain-wrapped coffin from the hole. The chains and the coffin itself were covered in runes that glowed faintly in the low light. Once the coffin was set on the floor, all but one of the diggers backed off as one of the priests came forward. He muttered a few words, sprinkling an ornate jar of ashes over the coffin. The runes laid into the coffin burned away, and the chains turned brittle and broke as if made of sand when the final digger moved to pull them off. He pulled off the lid of the coffin, throwing it off to the side. He looked inside, eyes widening. "Is that really him?"

Morris smiled, a slow, predatory smile. "Oh, yes. That's him."

Without having to direct them, Morris took a step back, and the rest of the priests moved forward, quickly setting items at particular intervals in a circle, with the coffin in the middle. Ancient words were spoken, and as they were, the winds outside began to pick up. As the wind howled, torrential rains fell from the heavens, beneath the branches of tree of the multiverse. Thunder roared, lightning cracked. There was simply no way this would go unnoticed. The storm would wake every citizen and 'honored' guest of the city of Mandalus.

At the final words, a shockwave of power rushed forth, originating from the man in the coffin, spreading throughout the city. Blood trickled in a steady stream from the noses of all that were now in danger of the man in the coffin.

The headless body inside lay still, except for the hands that clenched around the sides of the coffin. Slowly they pulled the body up, the old rags of ancient prison clothes clinging to the body. It stood motionless in the coffin for but a few moments before turning to face the Madam. If it had eyes, the headless man would have stared directly into the soul of the woman that woke him from his slumber.

The members of the Cult, all dressed in their working clothes or their riot gear shuffled at the presence of the man. "The Prince..." they whispered.

Morris grinned. "We'll find you something a little more...suitable."

This is a breaking news report. I'm Gerald Corben on the Mandalus News Network.

We have just received word and evidence that Madam Morris has placed the beloved religious leader, Mother Ensi, under arrest at the Venetian District Temple. They have also placed a barricade around the Temple and have blocked all news and media access outside. So far, Madam Morris has declined commentary.

We will now be showing the video that a brave soul has caught on their smartphone. Our prayers are to this source, that will remain anonymous, so that he will be safe in these trying times.

[The shaky, grainy image clears up as someone recording the Cultists from a safe distance zooms in on the small group heading up the steps outside the Temple in the Venetian district. One of them kicks in the door and startled shrieks follow the civilians as they run out and away from the Temple.

The daring camera-person hurries over, the picture shaking more as they take the steps up to the religious building, crouch down behind a bench, and continue filming.

With malicious laughter, the Cultists begin knocking things over, flicking through religious texts and tossing the books aside, and one even goes as far as to burn down one of the banners depicting Alacritas, The God of Life and Light. After inciting fear, they close in on Ensi, the blue-skinned priestess.]

You are not welcome here. Leave. [As she speaks, Ensi's blue eyes flash red and the camera zooms in on the woman, shaking a little more.]

What're you gonna do about it, huh? Pray to your gods? Or the big sky horse? [The other Cultists laugh at their leader's comment and Ensi is clearly furious at it, but she doesn't rise to their provocation.]

I do not fear you. I have been here long enough to know how you work. You feed on fear, as if Mes'Klou would somehow spare you in the end. He will not. So, I suggest you-- [Two of the Cultists grab Ensi as she is speaking and an angry sound bubbles up. She thrashes, trying to pull herself free, but they strike her three times in the abdomen, stilling her.] Take her to Madam Morris.

[As the Cultists start towards the door, the mysterious camera-person hurries out the door, the footage ending abruptly.]

[ The news feed switches back to Gerald. ]

We urge you to remain clear of the Venetian Temple at this time.

[The hideout the C'Meni are in is dark and purposefully so. They don't want to be found again. With Iafara kidnapped, it is P'Tyara's task to lead their people, but it is proving to be difficult. She was never raised as a leader. When she begins her message, there is a long pause of static, before the image clears up to show the dimly lit place they hide in. The video is encrypted, far beyond what any of the System had previously been capable of and P'Tyara looks understandably concerned.]

Some of you may not remember me, some may not have met me. I am P'Tyara, guard and lady-in-waiting to Z'moni Iafara. Princess of the C'Meni. She, and many of our people, were kidnapped during the siege on the Starport. [She swallows a knot of emotion - not sadness; rage.] It has taken this long for us to be certain of our safety, and to set up safer situations for those arriving in the city.

[She glances aside to a few of her people, nearby but only just within the shot.] New arrivals are coming up at the beach in the Old Town district. This is because it is us, the C'Meni, who were forced to be those who welcomed you all. We were forced to do the things that are done to you when you arrive, for your own safety, I promise you that.

[P'Tyara sighs, knowing she'll be questioned for all sorts of things she's saying, but not minding. They deserve answers.] Bangles will no longer be put on those arriving, and I would like to discuss removing them from those of you who still have them. As long as the Cult of Mes'Klou still have control of the Bangles, they have control of all of you.

[There's a brief pause and her gaze sets harder, a frown creasing her brow.] In our time in hiding, we have discovered both the location of our kidnapped C'Meni brethren, and of a prison beneath the city. Our people are there, and some of yours might well be. We need to plan, to rescue them.

This line is secure. More secure than any of your conversations have been. So, please, speak with me. [She nods once, and ends her message.]

[The news feed comes on, turning on all devices to broadcast to the Honored Guests. In his news studio, with the Mandalus Morning News logo behind him, trusted reporter Gerald Corben is sat with a worried look in his eyes, and a stiff set to his shoulders.]

Good morning, Mandalus. Unfortunately, I have terrible news for everyone this morning. [Behind him, on the screen, comes the image of the Sanctuary, surrounded by Cultists.] It appears that, since the initial takeover of the Starport, and the impounding of the starships and spaceships inside, the Serpent Cult have begun to strategically lay claim on the non-native buildings in the city. Beginning with the Sanctuary, the Cult stormed the building in the early hours of the morning, taking over and killing the Honored Guest in charge, Dr. Helen Magnus.

[As he says this, a picture of Helen Magnus appears on the screen with her name beneath it.] While she was not a native to this city, Dr. Magnus did her utmost to protect and serve, particularly by offering her Sanctuary as both a place to live and work for many of the beings in this city. She will be greatly missed.

[He looks mournful for a moment, then glances down at his papers in his hands before squaring his gaze on the camera.] Honored Guests, I urge you to take this as a warning and heed it. They will come for your homes and they will come for your businesses. Please, if you can, avoid staying alone and always remain armed and alert.

[The news continues as always, repeating the story about the Sanctuary periodically throughout the day.]

[ In the early morning of October 4th, a force of eighty Cult members storm the Spaceport. They move straight through the ruined building, busting down the doors to the settlement that the C'Meni have made. With guns pointed up they demand that the C'Meni come with them. They have been arrested. The crew of the USS Enterprise is also there, defending the C'Meni from the Cult oppressors. As tensions and fights rise, a lone shuttle manages to escape the chaos with a handful of C'Meni on board. Shots are fired and some of the natives are hit, but the whole conflict ends with the Cult removing the crew off the USS Enterprise from the Spaceport and most of the C'Meni Settlement in custody. They don't stop there. They also remove the crew of the USS Vengeance as well. The Spaceport is then put under lock and key with stationed men and women with anti-aircraft weapons as well as infatraery weaponry. ]

---

[At ten a.m., every phone and television broadcasts a message from Madam Morris. She sits behind her desk, hands folded in front of her.]

Hello, citizens and...guests of Mandalus. As most of you have learned, we are not in a joking mood. Any citizen or guest out after nine o'clock at night will be arrested. Indefinitely. So, please, keep that in mind. [She flashes a brief smile that quite obviously holds a threat behind it.]

This morning, there were arrests out at the Spaceport. An nasty business, but necessary. The people known as the C'Meni are fugitives of the state. All of them shall be arrested and any that protect them shall be recognized as sympathizers and will be arrested as well. In addition to this, all access the Spaceport is being shut down. Any who attempt to enter will be arrested. If you resist, you will be shot on sight.

Furthermore, the crew of the USS Enterprise are wanted by the state. In the arrests this morning, these terrorists and C'Meni sympathizers attempted to stop the police force from doing their jobs. If you see them and do not report them, you will be putting yourself in the same basket with them. Think on what you want your life to be like, Mandalus. And make your choices accordingly.

[Early in the morning of September 25th, the Mandalus Morning News logo shows for a moment, then fades to show Gerald Corben, news anchor for MMN, sitting at his desk. His hair isn't perfect, and his glasses are crooked, as if he's been scrubbing at his face nervously.]

Natives and Honored Guests of Mandalus, I'm afraid I have some...troubling news. Not fifteen minutes ago, a video log was delivered to our production studio with the directions to show all of you as soon as possible. We here at Mandalus Morning News are not ones to deny the public what needs to be seen, so...without further ado....

( [WARNING: Violence] )

[The video ends, and returns to Gerald Corben, who looks a bit sick to his stomach.] There...appears to have been a regime change today. What does it mean for the citizens of Mandalus and our Honored Guests? [He swallows hard.] More on this and other stories later.

[ The C'Meni had been working long hours to prepare the weapon that was said to destroy Mes'Klou. Once all eight pieces of technology or artifacts had been gathered, the C'Meni moved their newly created weapon to the remaining roof of the Spaceport. There, they waited.

And waited.

Finally, they managed to find Mes'Klou. The embodiment of the Serpent stood in the Business District, eagerly watching on as another victim fell to the hands of the Cult.

The weapon began to power up. It was a hum that filled the surrounding area. Then it grew brighter. A success so far. Aiming the weapon was the most difficult part. It took three men to move to aim it, and one to stabilize it. It was something built to be a powerhouse and to destroy, not to last.

A bright beam - much like the one from the weapon that the System created - extended from the weapon. It shot at the speed of light, giving no chance for Mes'Klou or the Cult members around him to even run. They were vaporized in an instant. Screams were not heard as a large beam made contact with the ground. A small crater formed where the targets once stood. Glass in the surrounding buildings shattered, shards going in all directions. Frames of buildings were charred and melted from the intense heat of the weapon.

Then the sound happened. The sound that no one would be unable to ignore or ever, ever forget. It echoed around the whole city. It did not matter how far underground the person was or if they were asleep. The sound was that of shattered glass, as if someone had gone through and pushed over the cabinet that contained all the fine china.

If one turned their head skyward, they would see what shattered.

It was the sky.

It cracked. Fine lines spread across the sky until eventually, the early morning sky gave way to pure blackness. Then fine white lines appeared in the widened cracks. They formed like tree roots, intertwining and spreading out as far as the eye could see. Almost as if the root like figures encompassed the entire planet.

Silence fell briefly before sirens wailed. Car alarms, the city warning system, the Mandalus Network. Everything at once became noisy and chaotic as the scene in the Business District came to life in panic and joy. At the time, no one asked what the price was. They had won. ]

[ Early in the morning of July 30th, Gerald's face appears, the Mandalus Morning News logo visible on the screen. He looks a little tired out. It's been a long month. ]

Good morning, Mandalus. This is Gerald Corben with Mandalus Morning News. A little over two weeks ago, we announced several more horrific deaths of Honored Guests, their bodies displayed by The Serpent Cult in a horrible act of terror. Unfortunately, we have one more death to announce.

Early this morning, the body of Miss Virginia Potts, fondly known to those closest to her as "Pepper", was discovered hanging from Stark Tower by passersby. Potts' body was mutilated and she seemed to have gone through a very gruesome death. Police are asking for anyone with any information about her death to come forward. [ Behind him, on the screen, it shows the image of the Stark Tower from helicopter footage, with police around the area. Tied to the building by rope is the body of Pepper Potts, a picture of her with her name under it is inset. ] It was confirmed that Miss Potts was the last current known example victim, due to the increase in retaliation from Honored Guests against The Serpent Cult. Our thoughts are with her friends and family.

[ Gerald looks down at his papers and then back up to the screen, shuffling the paper in his hands a little anxiously. ]

In other news, the collective of people known as the C'Meni that were discovered under the Residential District Blast Zone have been devising a way to defeat the phantom that has become known as Mes'Klou. While we do not have finer details of this plan, beyond the construction of a weapon, we do know that the C'Meni have been working alongside the Honored Guests to create this weapon with various components found around the city.

[ Once again, Gerald's gaze finds his papers and he fidgets but manages a somewhat wry smile as he looks up. ]

And finally; it appears that as of yet there has been no word from The System since their departure to fight The Serpent on the Other Plane. Both The Entity and Praenuntius were last seen by a mysterious white tree, presumed to be the source of their power to bring Honored Guests here, and have not returned since.

A blessing in disguise or another turn for the worse? And who will take control of the city if The System never returns? More on this and other stories later.

[ The feed continues for several hours, covering each story repeatedly, including viewer responses. ]

[ Alive. Dead. Alive. Dead. Alive. Eventually the universe, the multiverse or whatever powers that fucking be will make their minds up about whether Gene is supposed to be living or dead. And he really hopes if there is a next time there isn't a shotgun involved. Seriously, twice is enough times to die by having half his face blasted off by a shotgun.

When he comes too, he doesn't recognise the woods he finds himself in, nor does he recognise the figures around him - C'Meni priests and priestesses to be exact. That… probably explains the very poofy, very girly robes that under any other circumstances Gene wouldn’t be caught dead in – excuse the pun...

His head is still a little fuzzy. Hang on, hang on. Oh, right. He remembers. Bloody cultists. ]

The drag queen look really necessary? [ Whether he's talking to the C'Meni, himself or the camera is unclear. He makes a move to get to his feet only to fail, spectacularly. Apparently his brain is in gear but his legs are not. ]

Oh, you're bloody kidding me! Couldn't've brought me back in full working order? Thanks for ruddy nothing...

Oi, you lot out there... [Hi there, Mandalus folk! Your beloved DCI is back! ] Little 'elp here?

[The feed switches on with Alex looking incredibly serious. There is no room for argument or anything like that. Not any more. Alex has nothing but anger and upset in her eyes but she is still showing nothing but authority]

This is a city wide announcement. Due to recent events there will be a curfew of ten o'clock at night in place for every citizen within this city. To break this will be of consequence. Members of the force will be present in all areas at all times and I will be informed of any breaks in the curfew.

We are also in the process of setting up safe houses. We have already agreed with some places within the city where you may go to where there will be constant police protection.

[Here she lists various NPC buildings]

I am in negotiations at present for other places and will inform you of them when they are confirmed. If your premises is being used as a safe house please make me aware so I am able to confirm the list we have at present.

[With that the feed cuts off]

[Private videos set up to Queen Elizabeth, Jo Harvelle, Helen Magnus]
Might I discuss with you the possibility of using your premises as safe houses? You may disagree but the more we have, the safer I can keep everyone here.

[Text added later for everyone to view]

Additional safe houses:

The Sanctuary.
Stark Tower.
Hatfield House.
Harvelle's Roadhouse.

[ For the first time in about a week, the automatic message system of the Mandalus Phones turn on without the morning news. Instead stands the System. In front of the pair is a long White Tree. A large wound is in the tree. It looks like someone took a long blade and made a downward cut on it. After a moment or two, Entity turns and faces the camera. ]

You may all believe we have been blind to recent events. I assure you we have not. The situation is more grave than all of you can understand. [ Entity passes a glance towards its brother. ] The being you have taken to call Mes'Klou is merely a fragment of The Serpent. He has grown powerful enough to split himself into pieces. However that... is not the only problem.

The Serpent is leading an attack on the spiritual plane where we dwell. It is not just your loved ones bodies who are in danger. It is their very souls that are in danger.

[ Praenuntius turns his head, and although his face is mostly covered by his hood he looks severe. Concerned. Maybe a little frightened. ] The Serpent has grown in power and we know not how. There are ways for us to fight him face to face, but as yet we cannot bring any of you with us. The resulting explosion of your physical forms would be most unfortunate. So, we fight our fight, and you must fight yours. [ He nods to his sibling to let Entity continue. ]

We are leaving the city in your hands. There are ways to defeat the fragment that torments the physical world. The information is in the place that you found underneath the Plantation. We have been studying it, hoping to keep it out of the knowledge of the Serpent. His Cult has infiltrated our security systems, our police, the infrastructure of the city. Secrets are kept for good reasons in this city and world.

Now then. [ Entity raises its hand and the tree behind them seems to wave like a ripple. ] If you have questions, you had best ask us before we start our assault.

( [ Blah blah blah narrative ] )

[ The phone slips out of her pocket and turns on, showing the alleyway as the sun sets over the city. Clara is slowly moving away with the small girl in tow, sticking to the wall and trying to avoid the loud voices that can be heard. ]

Can't wait till we've taken care of these damn Foreigners. Comin' in here and thinkin' they know what the hell is goin' on. Why can't we string 'em all up?

You heard what He said. That's his job. We just take care of the rest.

Still, it would be fun-- [ There is a large clang. Clara comes to a stop, turning and looking at the little girl as she ran straight into a bundle of garbage that hadn't made its destination to the garbage can. The two then look over as there is the sound of running footsteps. Clara picks the girl up and holds her close, turning and running further into the alleyway. She eventually disappears from sight and the phone continues recording as the two Cult members run past. ]


(( ooc: Clara will be responding to replies a few hours later, once she has a new phone. For action replies, you'll find her on her way to Stark Tower--minus Spider-Man~ Be heroic, Spidey! ))

[There are several videos going at once, as Charming's troops pool around him. Their voices are soft with horror and shock, as they watch their Commanding officer cradle his wife's broken body to his chest.]

[All you can hear is Charming's grief stricken sobs as he held his wife to him, before he finally whispers, stroking her blood soaked hair.] Don't worry love ... I'll be with you soon ... I'll find you. I'll always find you.

[Around him, the troops mutter uneasily, and finally one of them speaks.] Ah ... General Charming?

[Charming sucks in a breath, before his voice takes on the sharp edge of command.] Captains - I want more troops on the walls of the city, and around the barrier. The Serpent might use this attack to test our defenses. I also want additional troops patrolling the underground entrances - assisting the police in keeping these areas safe for civilians. If you find a Cult member, the orders are to capture, not kill. I want to question them for the motive behind these attacks.

[He gently lay Snow back down.] I need to speak to my assistant, Donna Noble, as soon as possible. For ... funeral arrangements. And I also need to speak to my fellow Generals as soon as possible. Someone please send a messenger to the Queen, telling her I request an audience.

[Blood smeared his black armor, and all the soldiers stood silent for a moment, before he looked around and said firmly.] Dismissed.

[His own phone turned on then, and his angry and distressed expression, smeared with dirt, blood and tears filled the screen.] You think this will stop me? You think this will keep me from doing what I must? You just made the worst mistake you possibly could have, Serpent. Because I won't stop now.

I. Won't. Ever. Stop.

[Then he clicks off the feed.]

Are you somewhere safe?

[When the video starts up, Dean is loading a shotgun. Across his chest is a bandolier, holding as many bullets as it can carry. He slots bullets into the shotgun one by one, a severe frown on his face.]

Whoever the Hell thought they were gonna get away with this crap, they're kidding themselves. They killed and strung up innocent people. Three people I gave a crap about. [Although his feelings towards Meg were debatable, he'd decided long ago he didn't want her dead unless he or Sam were the ones who killed her. Not some asshole cult on an alien planet. Add on Gene and he was already spitting nails. With Ben involved, he was positively murderous. More so than usual.]

I'm not gonna sit on my ass and wait for more to happen. This... Mes'Klou asshole is gonna keep coming at us, and we don't know for how long, or how to gank him, so what we can do is take the fight to the Cult.

[He pumps the shotgun to get it ready and sets it down, grabbing a handgun to start loading that up.]

Anyone who wants to join me is welcome. I'm not waiting around, though. Sam? Cas? You comin', or what? [Once the handgun is fully loaded, he tucks it in the back of his jeans. With that done, he cuts the feed.]

[ It is early, at 6:00AM, and every phone connected to the Mandalus Network turns itself on automatically. Once again, the reporter for the Mandalus Morning News has breaking news. He is sat at a desk in a studio, a serious look on his face. ]

Good morning, Mandalus. This is Gerald Corben with Mandalus Morning News. If you recall, on July 8th, we had an emergency announcement about the deaths of three victims whose bodies were displayed in an act of terror by The Serpent Cult. This morning, there are new developments to the situation.

This morning, citizens awoke to the discovery of three new bodies hung in various places around the city. All three of the victims have been identified as Honored Guests. Be warned, the images you're about to see are highly disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised. [ Behind him, on a large screen, it shows the image of the Mandalus Police Department, surrounded but several of its best and brightest. Tied to the building by rope is the body of Gene Hunt, a picture of him with his name under it is inset. ] The first body discovered was that of Police Chief Gene Hunt. Detective Hunt was found hanging from the police station when a fellow officer was leaving after a night shift. Gene Hunt is believed to be in his late forties to early fifties and, again, is an Honored Guest.

[ The scene flicks to a specific park, particularly to a lamppost just outside the park. The body of Meg Masters hangs from it, again brutally murdered. There is no picture inset of her, only a blank face marker with three question marks under it. ] The second victim found was a woman, presumed to be in her mid-to-late twenties, blonde, around five foot three inches, and was found hanging from a lamppost outside a park believed to have been brought here along with an Honored Guest. Police currently have no identification for this woman. If you have any information, please come forward and inform the police.

[ The screen changes once more to show a picture of The Mandalay between the Business District and the Starport. This time, the body of Ben Braeden is hanging from the framework of the Mandalay. The boy's body is as mutilated as the previous two. Inset is a picture of Ben with his name below. ] The final body was discovered by commuters using the Mandalay in the early hours of the morning. The victim has been identified by Acting Captain Nyota Uhura as fourteen-year-old Benjamin Braeden. Braeden was last seen leaving the Starport early Sunday morning before being found dead this morning. [ Finally, the images on the screen return to the Mandalus Morning News logo and Gerald Corben frowns deeply. ]

Police are certain this is again the work of The Serpent Cult. Citizens are advised to stay indoors and to travel in no less than groups of two or three. If anyone has any information regarding the situation, please ensure you contact our dedicated police force.

[ Once again, the live feed continues for several hours, covering the story repeatedly. ]

(( warning: mild gore. violence. ))

[ The audio clicks on first. Sounds of painful screams echo through out a small space, followed by moans and curses. There is the distinct thud of Mr. Gold's cane. The video then turns on, showing three men laying on the ground by the front door. One is holding his leg, blood seeping out between his fingers. The other has a hold of his shoulder where a large black shard is sticking out. The final one is grasping at the side of his head, where his ear is laying on the ground beside him. ]

It would seem that I was incorrect in my assumption. I had believed your kind too smart trespass into my shop. Who would have thought you would be so blinded by your thirst for blood that you are now losing your own. What a horrible sense of irony.

Dark magic?! He's got dark magic!

Of course I have dark magic. Though, it seems to be nothing compared to the stupidity of the one you worship. [ Mr. Gold raises his hand, and a purple smoke surrounds the hand of the man who spoke. Once the dust settles the man is screaming, revealing a magical mark. ] Now would you look at that. It seems that even in this world, cults need a mark. While I give you marks for making it invisible through magic? You lose a few for not thinking that other magic can detect it. Now. What to do with the three of you?

You're the ones that are unwanted! If you just stopped fighting and stepped aside? All of it would be over sooner!

Dearie, I think you will find it hard to find someone who wants me around. [ He then gestures to the door. ] Now then. Given me one perfectly good reason to stop this magical trap you triggered.

You--

Ah, ah, ah. You see. THAT? That is not a reason. That is a pitiful excuse. You have no reason. [ There is a snap of his fingers and two of the three men suddenly scream out in pain, black shards forming out of no where and entering the two. The third man, scrambling around to grab his ear, looks up in horror as Mr. Gold bends down in front of him. ] However, I do have a use for you. You'll need this to hear it properly. [ He raises his hand, placing the ear back on the man's head with magic. Then he grabs the man by the shirt and pulls him close. ]

I've got a special job in mind for you, dearie. [ Mr. Gold turns his attention to the phone. ] Let's not spoil the surprise. [ With a flick of his now bloodied hand, the image cuts out, now showing the back of the shop. It then cuts out. ]

MANDALUS MORNING NEWS

[ At 6:00AM, every phone that is connected to the Mandalus Network automatically turns on. The scene is a grim one. The reporter of the Mandalus Morning News program is standing outside the Temple of the Venetian District. ]

Good morning, Mandalus. This is Gerald Corben, live from the Alacritas Temple at the heart of the Venetian District. This is an emergency announcement. The images that we have found ourselves looking at this morning are disturbing. We highly suggest that you do not let children see them.

As you can see behind me, [ the reporter moves to the side so the camera can zoom in on the roof of the Temple. Atop the dome like room are three bodies, suspended by what looks like rope. Each has a sign wrapped around their necks. ] the scene is quite gruesome. The police inform us that they received a phone call just a few hours ago on the distress lines. Quick work was made by the police to trace the origin of the call. By the time the officers arrived on the scene... the images you are seeing are exactly what they saw.

While we cannot confirm the identities of the three victims, we can confirm that this act of horror was committed by the The Serpent Cult. The very same cult that, nearly a year ago, stormed the city and attempted to overthrow the System with a coup. Those caught by our law enforcement were given a swift trail and sentenced with a life long exile into the deserts outside the city. No official statement has been released by the Cult, but many of us take this act as a declaration within itself.

[ Upon closer inspection, each of the bodies have been maimed in a certain way. One has its abdomen cut open. Another is missing its legs and an arm. The last has it's head barely attached, strung up by its arms with no feet. Anyone who could enhance the image will find that the signs say: TRAITORS or PUNISHMENT FOR THY SINS. ]

We expect to hear an official press release from the police later today, once the victims have been identified. [ The reporter turns as they slowly ease ladders up to the dome of the Temple. ] They are now retrieving the bodies. My God, look at the state of them. Enrilem, bless them.

[ The live feed continues for several hours. ]