@mister_surreal: lmao! That’s epic and a compliment thank you lol
Castello Cardinale: Liafador Winery (Sicily, Italy)
@cadmus_liafador@catalina_liafador
Giovanni, former Adviser to Zeon Liafador before she sold her soul to Ramon. He had served her since she was about Samuel’s age and watched her grow and slowly… ever so slowly become unhinged until it was too late to stop her. He tried to reason with her on several occasions, about targeting her own family but Zeon never did well with betrayal and when it came from the one woman she admired most, it was enough to send her spiraling down into an abyss darker than The Pit.
Samuel was kind enough to allow the old White Cardinal to reside here and assist his current Adviser, Charlotte, with day to day responsibilities. He was asked to greet Catalina, knowing that she would respond more… positively to someone she recognized. But he looked older now than before. His eyes tired with darken circles and his skin more drooping down from his face than before as his posture was more hunched. Age was quickly catching up to him.
“What’s going on?”
“You know that it’s not my place to say Ms. Catalina. But Samuel will explain when I take you to where he is.” While his eyes were more focused on Catalina, he couldn’t help but waver them to Cadmus. “He is not expecting you however. Do not take offense when he questions who you are. These are… troubling times for our young Sir. Please, follow me.” He began to lead the way for the two
His pace was a bit slower than normal as he began to escort the two Liafador’s through the hallways of the winery. What once boomed with tourists and potential investors was now replaced with White Cardinal’s standing guard and patrolling the area while laborers worked the land. Down the hallways were occasional photos of the family throughout the years. With the exception of each member of the family aging, each picture of them looked the same. Marcos and Estella standing on each side of Zeon, none of them smiling. None of Marcos' other children, including Samuel, were seen in these photos.
Standing outside a door was none other than Charlotte, Samuel's current Adviser. “Thank you Giovanni, I’ll take it from here.” She met them halfway as Giovanni bowed his head, turning to the two Liafadors and bowing his head to them.
“May the High Cardinal Goddess bless you both.” He spoke his goodbye as he began walking away from the three.
“My name is Charlotte, I am Samuel’s Adviser. Thank you for coming quickly.” Charlotte’s eyes instantly locked onto Cadmus. “You look much like Marcos…” she spoke as she took in a deep breath, realizing that this might trouble her young master. “Come, he is anxious to speak with you Catalina.” She knocked on the door.
Samuel stood in the office that Zeon once claimed as her own. Notebooks were laid open over the polished wooden desk, most of them were in Zeon’s own handwriting. Notes taken about the family, troubles within the family, finances of the family and more. The laptop that sat at his desk was also littered with papers that had the emblem of the White Cardinal’s on them. Ever Since that bloody night Samuel had been doing extensive research on Zeon. Trying to find something, anything, that could hint on how to defeat her. But everything he found was prior to her being the General of Cardinal Hell.
He hadn’t been sleeping much if at all and it could be told by the dark circles under his eyes. But even so, he still kept up appearance. Wearing a charcoal suit with black feathered shirt and his top french braided hair. As he adjusted the sleeve of his jacket a knock was heard at the door. “Come in.” He hadn’t even bother to turn around as the door was opened and the all too familiar clicking of Charlotte’s heels were heard as the reflection of Catalina was seen from the window, along with… someone else?
He slowly turned around, looking at his older cousin for the first time and unknown to him, his older brother. “Catalina, thank you very much for coming.” Unlike Zeon, Samuel didn’t have an Italian accent, but rather had a Argentine castellano accent as he spoke. Walking towards the two before they would even reach his desk, extending his hand to first, his cousin as he looked up at her, being the shortest one in the room at 5’7. “I know we haven’t met, and I apologize for to be in this manner. My name is Samuel Liafador, I’m the youngest of Marcos children. I recently took over the White Cardinal’s under my fathers orders. I have much to speak with you about.” He was so caught up with the situation that he finally turned his attention to the other gentlemen in the room, his eyes looking up at him with curiosity. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know who you are… but…” he paused. “You look like my father. You're a Liafador?” His eyes focused on his distinct family features. “Who are you?”
“You know that it’s not my place to say Ms. Catalina. But Samuel will explain when I take you to where he is...."“He is not expecting you however. Do not take offense when he questions who you are. These are… troubling times for our young Sir. Please, follow me.”
Cat rolled her eyes before turning in Cadmus' direction. "So no one thought it would be a good idea to have him meet me first?" Cat didn't grow up in the Liafador system, she spent the majority of her young life trying to destroy it. The theatrics of it all angered her to no end. As the two cousins followed behind Giovanni, she couldn't help but make out the local setting of the winery; mostly because Giovanni was moving so slow.
The White Cardinals were well-trained but seemed to possess a sort of discipline not native to the Red Cardinals. The Red Cardinals were 100% Loyal to whoever held the title of Matriarch, but these White Cardinals seem to have a specific loyalty to Marcos' bloodline when not actively serving the Matriarch.
Soon the three stopped right outside a door, where another servant was there to usher them to greet Samuel. The goddess herald didn't care to say anything, rather give Charlotte an annoyed roll of her eyes before moving to pass her into the room.
“Catalina, thank you very much for coming.”
"What the eff" She blurt out unable to keep her frustration under wraps. Clearly surprised that this boy, who looked around the same age as Mari was leading the White Cardinals.
“I know we haven’t met, and I apologize for to be in this manner. My name is Samuel Liafador, I’m the youngest of Marcos children. I recently took over the White Cardinals under my fathers' orders. I have much to speak with you about.”
Cat glances down at his handshake and then makes eye contact, hands firmly crossed with no intention of reciprocating the gesture.
I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know who you are… but “You look like my father. You're a Liafador?” “Who are you?”
"Are you kidding me?! you look like my father? Are you a Liafador?" Cat mocked obnoxiously flexing her face in the process. "It doesn't take a genius to see that one plus one equal two!" She could feel Cadmus' breaths next to her, she wasn't entirely sure if he was laughing or scoffing, either way, she shook her head in irritation. "I've had a REALLY long day, I started in Daytonville, got shot at, then moved to the other side of the world to find what essentially was a Cardinal Graveyard, I get here and now I have Dennis The Menance wondering if his father possibly had another son. Hello, we're Liafadors ALWAYS expect a sibling to show up at any time."
The anger in Cat was growing to a fever pitch, likely the effects of being annoyed coupled with the lag from literally teleporting across time zones. Above them thunder could be heard rumbling, poor Samuel he knew not what he'd done, but Cadmus saw the fury that thunder brought.
"Listen up Christopher Robin" Her voice was strained as if she were trying to hold the fickle Prize Fighter back. "The next time you open your mouth, you better be telling me why you summoned me here. Or I will stick my hand down your throat and pull your ass out through your mouth"
“He is not expecting you however. Do not take offense when he questions who you are. These are… troubling times for our young Sir. Please, follow me.”
Cadmus could feel Giovani's eyes swap from Cat to him with relative ease, and all the Twilight Assassin would do is nod his head and gesture for him to lead the way. Falling in line with Giovani and Catalina, Cadmus would match the pace and follow the two with a curious gaze.
The winery was filled with the White Cardinals standing guard with the vigilance Cadmus had remembered them having, The Elder son of Marcos had trained in the way of the Cardinal in secret with his sister, observing and studying them when not training with Zeon. It was unsettling seeing them out in the open but also interesting, the winery was impressive with sights to see and Cadmus was actually enjoying seeing the complex as they walked to his younger brothers' location.
That was until he saw the photos in the hallway.
As they walked down the passage, pictures of the Liafador family shot full view into Cadmus' vision assualting him with the remind of who he was and who he wasn't. Having no idea how close everything in this winery was to being his. Not knowing that if his mother hadn't told his father that she hadn't birthed him Catalina might be coming to him instead of his younger brother. But at the end of the day the sour taste in his mouth was secondary because despite the troubles of his life he didn't hate it. And the bond that Cadmus had struck with Catalina over the past few hours was one more personal than anyone besides Ducran and Zeon.
Their tour finally came to a close as Catalina and Cadmus reached the end of the walk to which Samuels adviser waited for them, a middle-aged fair woman greeted the two.
“My name is Charlotte, I am Samuel’s Adviser. Thank you for coming quickly.”
Cadmus nodded along with her facing Cat and nodding as he knew what was coming next. The instant her eyes fell on Cadmus
“You look much like Marcos…”
This time Cadmus could do nothing to hold back his tongue and he replied back quite sharply, "That's because I'm his son. Now lets go."
Now as they were led inside the room where Samuel stood Cadmus' eyes would narrow when he saw the leader of the Cardinals was no older than 18 or 19. His eyes held the baggage of such a position of power and his body showed signs of exhaustion and while fit his body was obviously feeling the effects of not sleeping.
Turning and whispering into Cat's ear Cadmus would say with "He's gonna pull the whole "You look like my father" thing.
And surely enough as Samuel finished getting the What the eff treatment from Cat he turned to Cadmus with the same stare everyone else had given him.
I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know who you are… but “You look like my father. You're a Liafador?” “Who are you?”
Everyone was obviously noting his heritage but were all too confused or perhaps too scared to say the truth. As Cadmus began opening his mouth to explain Catalina beat him to the punch. Effectively ruining his cool bad cop bro intro moment.
"Are you kidding me?! you look like my father? Are you a Liafador? It doesn't take a genius to see that one plus one equal two!"
Despite the heavy tension in the air Cadmus couldn't help the slight snicker that escaped his lips and he would raise his armored fist to his mouth to attempt to cover it with a cough attempting to keep himself from delving into a fit of deep laughter. Between Catalina's commentary and utter failure at being the good cop and the obvious tension in the air, The Twilight Assassin seemed to forget that he had complete control over his body. But Cat kept going on, whipping herself into a frenzy, every muscle in her face and throat clenched and she went in on his life starting out with a terrifying:
"Listen up Christopher Robin
"Oh shit..."
Hearing this put Cadmus on edge immediately though he believed Cat had herself under control Cadmus decided to step in the moment he heard thunder and the threat of his younger brother's anus being ripped through his mouth.
"Ooookkkk" He would attempt to put one hand on Cats' shoulder and steer her to the side where he'd look at her with that look.
He gave her the look.
The: I was supposed to be the bad cop b*tch look.
"Well, your privileges as good cop have been revoked until you can calm down and stop threatening people via ripping things through their ass. Have fun being bad cop, let me do the talking before you get us both killed. I'm not tryna fight the White Cardinals or Faore today..."
Turning to his younger brother he would size him up and down to his face though he had already done so and he would say as kind as he could with the obvious battle armor cladding his skin and the Godslayer humming and heating the air. "What our cousin was trying to say, very descriptively, is that we've had a really long day, and we're on an important mission, so unless you have something about Zeon, or something of equal importance we're gonna leave" His Italian accented voice held no hostility just quiet reserve, but then his eyes flitted to Samuels desk to which he saw a notebook with Zeons handwriting and his eyebrow raised.
"Ok, you have the floor, talk, and prioritize, only the important bits please."
Realizing he was missing something he would nod
"Oh yeah, My names Cadmus, I'm your older brother."
@cadmus_liafador: @catalina_liafador:
Catalina went off on the young Liafador. His head jerked back as he withdrew his hand, resting it to his side as it slowly began to ball into a fist. His experience with the Liafador family was limited, limited to his father and only his father. His jaw began to tighten as he bit down, trying to keep his composure as she mocked, disrespected and humiliated him in front of who he just found was his older brother and his Adviser. Anger was a weakness in the children of Marcos.
While thunder rumbled above them, the air inside the room began to grow unusually cold as Samuel glared at Catalina, obviously not hiding the fact that he was not amused with her first interaction with him. But unlike his sisters, he had a bit more control over his emotions. An amused grin appeared on his face as his shoulders began to relax and in that moment, the chill in the room went away. “You’re just as my sister described you.” Journals that Zeon wrote are what kept him occupied for days at a time. At first he thought she was overexerting, but when it came to Catalina, it appeared she did not.
“Our father is dead, killed by The Family Matriarch. The Matriarch, our sister,” he looked over at Cadmus. “-is dead, killed by Zeon.” He walked over to the bookshelf where a long thin leather case was resting against it. “Our sister, Zeon, attacked the cabin you mentioned. Our father knew she was coming to kill him.” He picked up the case as Charlotte cleared his desk of his books. “What he didn’t know was that she brought a small army with her.” He set the case down and flipped it open to reveal a sword, radiating heat. Blacken from the blood that stained it. “Apparently there are ‘Hell Cardinals’, this is their weapon of choice.” he stepped away for the two to examine it for themselves. “Don’t touch it.” he warned. “One of our Cardinals touched it and it instantly drove him mad.”
“The Matriarch came in the middle of the battle between us and demanded to be taken to our father. I took her and it was there Zeon, The Matriarch and Marcos had a standoff. The Matriarch… something… happened and she…” he paused, trying to find the words to what he saw. “It was as if she went mad, and plunged a sword into Marcos' chest, killing him. It drove Zeon insane and she began attacking The Matriarch, declaring war upon the family and then she struck her down.”
“I called you here, well… because there is currently no leadership for this family and because I’m still learning, I didn’t know who to call upon. Also, because I know you’ve had the most recent contact with her.” He looked over at Catalina, hearing about the battle between the two cousins. “I figured we are all targets of the Hell Cardinals’ now and that we could… perhaps work together to bring Zeon down before she attacks us again.”
@samuel_liafador: @cadmus_liafador:
Cadmus instinctively pulled Cat from the forefront deciding to take over the remainder of the conversation as "The Good Cop". It was in all her anger that she failed to see the desolate state that burden Samuel. He looked tired as if he hadn't slept, but as all Liafador seemingly could tell his spirit was defeated. Whatever happened to him weighed heavy on his shoulders and as Cadmus opened the floor to him, she felt like his burdens would soon be theirs.
“You’re just as my sister described you.”
He called out, which drew Catalina's eyes to the plethora of books littered across the desk. "What she say about me" Cat barked, her Spanish Accent finally introducing itself, however, his next words halt any more interruptions--at least for now.
“Our father is dead, killed by The Family Matriarch. The Matriarch, our sister,”“-is dead, killed by Zeon.”
Cat's lips quivered, her eyes grew heavy. Chance was dead? not only was she dead she killed her father in the process. Cat didn't know Marcos, she knew he was instrumental in her creation somehow, but she'd never actually met him--but she knew Chance. Thought to be the purest Liafador, she maintained her faith regardless of the situation she was put in. For Chance to die with anger in her heart was an injustice.
"I can't believe Chance is dead..." Cat said folding her shoulders walking away from both of them. As her cheeks ripened with emotion, she balled her hands to stop tears from falling. It was her fault, she didn't finish Zeon when she had the opportunity. The storied history between the Ziccarra bloodline and the Marcos bloodline saw Chance at the center almost every time. She was just a girl who wanted to be loved.
"If Zeon has struck down Chance. Then she is beyond salvation." Cat said knowing Chance to be the only link Zeon had left to her humanity. Wiping her evasive tears and clearing her throat Cat positioned herself in between both cousins to plot out what happens next.
"We're looking for Zeon. Your bro...I mean Cadmus has a weapon he thinks will end her. I've fought her before as the Prize Fighter, but these Hell Cardinals will be an issue. It's not like I have a divine army sitting around. Wait. How did you survive?"
“Our father is dead, killed by The Family Matriarch. The Matriarch, our sister,”“-is dead, killed by Zeon.”
Shock rang through Cadmus as his replayed his brothers words on a loop in his head again and again, his hands tightened and the sound of fabric rubbing against fabric, the subtle creasing noise boomed like shotgun shells in his ears.
He had never met her...
He didn't know her at all, never seen her face, never got to do the sibling things that others got to do. Her life couldn't have been normal, none of their lives had been normal. Cadmus had never seen his little sister before she died...
He had wanted too...
Catalina beside him moved away to express her own emotion leaving Cadmus to think alongside his brother in silence.
Even as the two began speaking again Cadmus remained quiet, soaking it all in, making himself feel the pain...Emotions are important, Ducran would always tell him that. He let it build up but he kept it under control, let it fuel his power but not dampen his mind.
"If Zeon has struck down Chance. Then she is beyond salvation."
A small nod came from Cadmus as the Godslayer began humming in approval.
"We're looking for Zeon. Your bro...I mean Cadmus has a weapon he thinks will end her. I've fought her before as the Prize Fighter, but these Hell Cardinals will be an issue. It's not like I have a divine army sitting around. Wait. How did you survive?"
As Cat talked to his brother Cadmus looked at that Journal and waited for a good time to speak, choosing to wait until Samuel replied back to her, when he was finished Cadmus would grab his blade from his back and place it on Samuels desk after gently clearing it. "It's called the Godslayer" He would say to Samuel gesturing to him to pick it up. If he held it he would be able to feel the surging power flowing within it, Cadmus' reality-altering abilities held every molecule of the blade together. "I made this blade years ago to combat beings like Zeon, she doesn't know about it nor of my abilities so she won't expect me to have it. This blade has killed Metahumans, destroyed mutants, and toppled deities from before Man had a name."
Looking at Samuel and Catalina he would say with almost scathing certainty
"And with it, I'm going to kill Zeon. We're going to kill Zeon, we good on that?"
Deciding to ask his brother his own question he would tilt his head towards him, "Do you have any powers? Anything you can use so that you're not fodder out there?"
@catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador:
He was able to keep his composure as he watched emotions of pain go through both Catalina and Cadmus. He had his time to cry already, to allow himself to be emotional vulnerable but only for a short time. He now stood before his cousin and brother with his hands now tucked behind his back, standing beside the blade, his tired eyes looking upon it as events of that night ran through his mind over and over. He had a difficulty time sleeping because of it. The Nightmares and the fear of Zeon coming for him next keeping his mind on edge and having to comfort Zeon’s mother, Estella. He had become a mother of his own. She was kind, quiet and caring. How did someone like her end up with someone like Marcos and spawn a child like Zeon? He still didn’t understand it.
"If Zeon has struck down Chance. Then she is beyond salvation."
He nod his head in silence as his eyes moved from the blade and to Catalina as she began explaining what the duo were already doing. Hunting Zeon. And they found a weapon? A sword? He was about to question about this blade. But then the question came up…
“How did you survive?"
The corner of his lip twitched at the question as his eyes shifted away from the two and back to the sword. “I wasn’t on Zeon’s radar.” He began. “She was there only for Marcos. I wasn’t even worthy of her attention. The moment Chance killed Marcos, Zeon’s attention was all on Chance. I… I took Zeon’s mother, Estella and the body of Marcos and left.” He wasn’t proud of his actions. He should have stayed behind and saved Chance. To sacrifice his life for her, but instead, he left.
Samuel then watched as Cadmus walked up to the desk and set a golden blade upon it. The energy radiating off of it… it was… divine? Samuel looked at in with curiosity in his eyes.
"It's called the Godslayer"
Hesitating he grasped the hilt of the blade, picking it up as he could feel an uneasy grasping a hold of it and it showed it his eyes. The warmth it radiated of it’s divine energy was something that was too strong for him to hold much longer. He listened to Cadmus explanation of the blade and how it could possibly kill Zeon.
"And with it, I'm going to kill Zeon. We're going to kill Zeon, we good on that?"
“Of course.” Samuel nod his head, turning the hilt of the blade to Cadmus, giving it back to his brother. Releasing the blade as his hand continued to feel hot even after letting it go.
"Do you have any powers? Anything you can use so that you're not fodder out there?"
“Aside from White Cardinal training. I do. I am able to summon the spirit of The Pit. Or at least that’s what Marcos called it.” He began his explanation of his abilities. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, using the frustration over the entire situation to trigger his powers. The room grew as cold as The Pit as the veins in Samul’s body began to grow black under his skin, radiating from his chest down his arms and up his neck to his face and as he opened his eyes, they went from chocolate brown to as black as the darkness of The Pit. The energy radiating off his body would be frigid, tainted, not of this world. It was the opposite of the warmth energy that came from the Godslayer. He closed his eyes once more as the cold atmosphere that suddenly came then vanished and so did the eerie energy coming form him.
“I can only assume Zeon is in Cardinal Hell. Perhaps planning her next attack on the family since not everyone is aware of what’s going on.” He turned to the desk, picking up one of the many journals, turning the pages of the one he was holding until he paused on the page he was looking for.. "I must always engage people with what they expect. That way it draws them into predictable patterns, they will not anticipate the unexpected." He read a quote from his sisters journal ."What is Zeon's pattern?" He looked over to Catalina, knowing she was the one who knew Zeon the best in the room.
@catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador:
✯✯ The American God ✯✯
The shadows of chaos and discord never strayed too far from the Liafador family. Mothers turned on daughters, children were tortured and put to death, and the very best of the bloodline either fell to despair or distanced themselves from the dark cloud that seemed destined to loom over the family for eternity. But in the heavens above Italy, the son of a god who was once married to a Liafador temptress, had the glow of determination. Achilles was no Liafador, nor was his father. But his sisters - daughters of Thee Champion and Ziccarra Liafador - were.
The murder of Chance Liafador had set fire to a rage in Thee Champion's heart, and the possibility that his daughters were in danger, was reason enough for Thee Champion to storm the world with a wrath that far eclipsed the roar of any dying star. But in cooling his father's fury, Achilles had assumed the responsibility of investigating Chance's death, and bringing an end to the latest evil on the Liafador doorstep. So, as the Blue Eagle hung above the clouds, the American God lanced down the sky. Yet as he drew closer to the ground, he landed not with the thunder of Mjolnir crashing into enemy shields - but a soft thud, courtesy of anti-gravity sciences so sophisticated, they might as well have been magic.
Rising to his feet, Achilles bore a striking resemblance to his father. Lifting his eyes, he took in the towering sight before him, and like a knight from Arthurian legend, marched into a castle that was not his own. Eagle-eyed and sharp, White Cardinals patrolled the hallways of Castello Cardinale, and soon, their eyes narrowed on the star-spangled demigod in their midst.
For his part, the American God did not mince his words, "I'm Achilles, son of Thee Champion, or Alexis Pettis to those of you who knew Ziccarra. I'm no Liafador, but Chance's death is a matter my father hasn't taken lightly. I'm here investigating it in his stead, so", crossing his arms, eyes bold, posture strong.
"Take me to the room where conversation's being had, because I'll go there myself if I have to, I can hear Catalina's voice so I know where it is", he shrugged, superhuman hearing glued to his sister's voice.
@samuel_liafador: @8th_wonder: @cadmus_liafador
Cat's head perked up as Samuel explained the situation surrounding Chance's death. He left her. Abandoned her. But as the anger in her heart continued to boil over, she could hear her father's voice, not the husk of Alexis, but her caring loving father. He was telling her to remain calm, so she did. As she continued to collect her thoughts, she released a huge sigh before placing on hand on Samuel and the other on Cadmus. "Well, I'm glad we didn't lose you too," She said unconvincingly. She didn't know him, given the choice between Cadmus and Samuel for Chance, she would've taken Chance every time. But she wasn't afforded a choice, and as the oldest Liafador in the room, the responsibility fell on her to ensure they survived. "Zeon will try to lure us out through my youngest sister, Tassi." Cat explained finally removing her hands from her cousins. "But she isn't stupid, Tassi is heavily guarded. She wouldn't risk drawing the attention of my brother or father."
Samuel probably had more knowledge of Alexis and Leo than Cadmus only because he had Zeon's journals. "She will not attack my other sister Maya unless she has something that can take her out. Maya's powers are literally cosmic. Which leaves me, she can attack me directly, but as history has shown she won't. She'll go after my daughter. Mari" The thought of Zeon attacking Mari again spawned literal flames in the eyes of the goddess herald. "I swear to you both. If Zeon attacks my daughter. I will wage a spiritual war that will shatter the fabric of reality"
It was at that moment that Charlotte returned, announcing the arrival of another.
Staring daggers at Samuel he listened as his younger brother recounted his abandonment of Zeon but his gaze softened as he noticed the small tells in the eyes of Samuel, the hidden guilt that caused his eyes to twitch and his mouth to crease in regret. It's never easy making tough calls in the heat of battle and everyone's bound to slip at one point, at the end of the day his brother made a decision and it saved a woman's life and allowed him to be here today.
No point in losing two siblings.
After his brother returned the blade to Cadmus grip he would sling it back into the sheathe across his spine and would watch as his brother showcased his abilities, mist flowed from Cadmus' mouth as the chill in the room grew crazily cold.
"I swear to you both. If Zeon attacks my daughter. I will wage a spiritual war that will shatter the fabric of reality"
Nodding in agreement to the end of Cat's rant Cadmus would tilt his head slightly as he heard talking coming from farther within the complex. Memorizing this unique figures heartbeat and footsteps he would turn back to his brother and cousin as his fingers tapped his armored leg.
"How about we not do that? Yeah?" Noticing that the newcomers footsteps his eyebrows would raise. "Oh yeah, and we have a visitor."
And with that entered the 8th Wonder, more living proof of Catalina's statement that a sibling could just appear out of literally nowhere.
@catalina_liafador: @8th_wonder: @cadmus_liafador:
"Take me to the room where conversation's being had, because I'll go there myself if I have to, I can hear Catalina's voice so I know where it is"
While all the Cardinal’s weren’t sure if to treat this super human being as a threat, a single woman dawned in ivory walked into the area. A calmness over her as if not startled by seeing a God walk among them. “Of course.” It was Charlotte who greeted him as she gave him a bow at the waist. “Please, Mister Achilles, follow me.” She began leading him to the room where the others were at.
Back in the room the three stood together as Catalina just showed exactly how protective she was of her daughter. “Hmmm…” Samuel paused in thought as he closed the journal in his hands. Catalina is protective of her blood? That wasn’t written. These pages were created when Catalina was still on a warpath against the family. They may not be as reliable as he thought. “Perhaps it should be us to lure Zeon out for once. Force her hand to attack us on our terms rather than waiting for her to come to us. Allow us to have the element of surprise against her.”
"Oh yeah, and we have a visitor.”
In that moment, Charlotte knocked on the door before opening it. “Lord Samuel, Mister Achilles, Son of Alexis Pettis, is here to speak with all of you as well regarding your sister.” With that she stepped out of the way to allow Achilles to enter.
"Welcome Achilles," Samuel would greet. "My name is Samuel Liafador" he would meet Achilles halfway into the room and extend his hand to shake and then walk the rest of the way with him to the other two of the group. "Thank you for joining us." There was no point in being rude or questioning how he found them, or how he knew they were together here. He was a potential ally and the son of the most powerful God that resided here on Earth who also happened to be the father of his youngest cousins. "I'm sure you're here because you heard what happened to Chance. We were just speaking about possible plans on how to go about disposing of Zeon. Is there anything you would like to input?"
@cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador: @catalina_liafador:
The door to an office was pushed open, and as Charlotte politely eased her way out of sight, Achilles stepped inside and his gaze quickly fell on the Liafador trio. There was Catalina, a sister whom he had never met but had been told much about. Then there was Cadmus, a newcomer that the American God had never even known to exist. And finally, there was Samuel, younger brother to Zeon Liafador, and yet another Liafador whose existence had eluded him, until now. But amid the shocks and surprises, hung familiarity. Catalina was the spitting image of their father's late wife, Ziccarra Liafador.
And Achilles, sans the golden hair, bore the strongest resemblance to Thee Champion out of all his father's children. Although tension from Chance's death thickened the air, Samuel, polite beyond his years, welcomed Achilles with an extended hand.
"A pleasure, Sam", he smiled, meeting Samuel's hand with a short but firm shake before nodding Catalina's way, "Cat, I wish we'd met under better circumstances than this but funk it, some things can't be helped", then Cadmus', "And nice to meet you too uh... y-you".
Although Cadmus' name escaped him, Achilles' attention soon returned to the matter that'd drawn them all to Sicily - Chance's death. But as Zeon's name flowed out Samuel's throat, the American God felt his face wrinkle with confusion. He'd learned about Chance's death, but that Zeon - her own sister - was responsible, was a stunning revelation.
"You're right, I did hear about what happened to Chance. And I first learned about it from my father. But we could've never imagined that this was Zeon's doing....", he stopped, head shaking, fists tightening. There was no counting the corpses Zeon had buried in unmarked graves. But that Chance - the one glimmer of hope for Zeon's humanity - had been slain by her own sister, was evidence of a soul mangled beyond repair.
Sighing, Achilles pulled all three Liafadors into his gaze, "I have some input yeah. Killing Zeon might not be enough. It's not unheard of for people to return from death. What we need to do is make sure there's nothing from which Zeon can return. No body, no mind, no soul", he continued, brain quickly racing to a solution, "I'm thinking we build a weapon or device of some sort that will shoot an electromagnetic beam at Zeon. But not just any beam, this one will neutralize the electric charge of her atoms and molecules, bringing it down to zero".
"Doing so'll completely remove the electric forces responsible for holding her together. She'll disintegrate into a bunch of electrons, protons and neutrons that can no longer react with anything. And because the mind, consciousness, is an emergent property of the brain, her mind will disappear with her body. But", his frustration climbed, "That still leaves her soul behind. And I'm told that Zeon has a connection to some kind of afterlife", Cardinal Hell specifically, "That'll be the one problem. Getting rid of her soul. I have an idea, but can anyone explain to me what the afterlife she's connected to is?".
@cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador: @8th_wonder:
Before Cat could respond to Samuel, Achillies entered the fray. She'd never met him, but she was sure he was one of her father's children. She met many of her extended siblings in her training session on her father's created world.
Cat, I wish we'd met under better circumstances than this but funk it, some things can't be helped"
The Prize Fighter Herald shrugged her shoulders with a bit of a smirk. "Ahh yes, you're new. This is the only I ever meet anyone" But as Achilles' reason for a visit became clear, Cat realized that their father had finally taken an interest in Liafador's family affairs; which at the moment was a good thing. There was no telling how much longer he'd put up with it until he ordered his divine hit-squad to wipe them all out.
"I'm thinking we build a weapon or device of some sort that will shoot an electromagnetic beam at Zeon. But not just any beam, this one will neutralize the electric charge of her atoms and molecules, bringing it down to zero
Cat's attention shied away from the conversation, at the moment he said 'electromagnetic' she was lost. This was a woman who didn't complete elementary school. "Well, all I can say is this? we're Liafadors not a scientist. I didn't even complete first grade, so you're not exactly talking to a super genius." She informed circling around her brother and cousins with her arms folded in thought.
"The Cardinal afterlife is split into different places. Grand Cardinal Isle is where all those Loyal to the Cardinal way of life go. Cardinal Hell is pretty much for everyone else. I believe that when Zeon killed my mother she brokered a deal with my grandfather to become his general. He has her soul. I think if we want to defeat Zeon we have to start with him."
Lord Samuel, Mister Achilles, Son of Alexis Pettis, is here to speak with all of you as well regarding your sister.”
Cadmus' eyes would turn to find themselves resting on a physically daunting figure, hair blonde like a glowing sun, and a physique that could crush mountains he would nod in approval as he joined their ranks, the more help they could acquire the better, though it didn't take long for Cadmus to once again remember that here he was the odd man out. The Outlier that no one had known about.
"And nice to meet you too uh... y-you".
"Cadmus." He would say simply, his attention reverting back to its original position opting to listen to the others talk
"I'm thinking we build a weapon or device of some sort that will shoot an electromagnetic beam at Zeon. But not just any beam, this one will neutralize the electric charge of her atoms and molecules, bringing it down to zero
But it was when Achilles brought up making a weapon to fully destroy Zeon that Cadmus spoke up, finally relaying to everyone else his main ability.
"If it's a weapon you need I can make it, if you have a blueprint of this thing or if you can explain it in perfect detail I can create it, as for how to destroy her soul...revert back to Cat for that one."
And sure enough Catalina knew.
Cardinal Hell?
Shit, things were simpler when I was just killing people.
@8th_wonder: @catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador:
The three Liafadors stood and listen to what the Eternalman Demigod had to say. It seemed he had already thought of an elaborate plan within the seconds of learning that it was Zeon who was responsible for the Family Matriarchs Death. Samuel’s eyes searched the faces of his cousin and brother, trying to see if they understood everything that was being told to them. Catalina seemed to have a difficult time but Cadmus somehow understood what Achilles was talking about. Even offered to build the weapon.
Samuel wasn’t stupid, but he wasn’t a genius either. He wouldn’t begin to know how to begin to build such a weapon. One that could take a body and turn it into absolute nothing, not even ash. Not a single quark left. It baffled the young Liafador’s mind. But even so, it was her soul that would be the problem. Because so long she had a soul, she could come back through possession of another body.
Samuel didn’t know too much about the Cardinal afterlife. Even in the journals left by Zeon (that were written when she was human) not much was spoken about it. What he did know was that there was a Cardinal Heaven and Cardinal Hell, and that Zeon was in charge of the Cardinal Hell army. He didn’t know much after that. But Catalina did and even revealed something that the group didn’t know.
“I believe that when Zeon killed my mother she brokered a deal with my grandfather to become his general. He has her soul. I think if we want to defeat Zeon we have to start with him."
“Our sister bargained with our grandfather and killed your mother?" Samuel began, trying to understand the situation that was presented before them. “Our family is... something else." He took a moment before continuing. "So, we would have to go to Cardinal Hell and either steal her soul from our Grandfather… the ruler of Cardinal Hell or make a new deal with him in exchange for Zeon’s soul?” He was amused with the options that were presented to them. “Well...” his attention moved to Achilles and Cadmus. “How long would it take for a weapon like that to be built? I can sign authorization to have the family finances pay for it, whatever it is you would need.” His brown eyes then shift to Catalina. “And how exactly do we get to Cardinal Hell?”
It wasn't that he WANTED to kill the sister. He read her journals and knew of her history with the family. The burdens, the disrespect, the betrayals, deception, manipulation... even the heartbreak. He wasn't making excuses for her. He just felt... pity for her. She made her own choices that lead to this moment in time. She was causing the same pain that she once had to endure. It was time for her reign to end and hopefully usher in a new way of life for the Liafador family.
@catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador:
Zeon's growing malevolence has long troubled the Liafador dynasty. But the longer the conversation flowed, the clearer it became that the family's troubles ran deeper than Zeon herself, and would not end with her death. So as Achilles eyed his sister and the blood relatives of his father's late wife, he did so with a warrior's resolve, for theirs would be a trial far greater and more arduous than he'd expected, "So then, Zeon isn't our only problem. We'll have to deal with your grandfather as well as anyone else who might be helping him".
No danger, real or imagined, was too great to temper Achilles' stubborn willingness to face enormous risk. He was a warrior-hero, and Catalina's tale of Cardinal Hell did nothing to dissuade him. Emboldened by hope and determination, the American God answered Cadmus' offer to forge the weapon he'd proposed.
"Your help and input are welcome, Cadmus. But don't take it the wrong way when I say I'd rather build the weapon". The design of such a weapon demanded perfection, and Achilles had only just met Cadmus. The skills he offered, and the depth they possessed, were unknowns. To trust him with building the weapon itself would be reckless at best, and foolhardy at worst. Samuel's offer to finance the weapon's development however, was one Achilles could not refuse.
So as he turned to the youngest among them, the American God nodded and smiled, "Thanks, Sam. Funding the weapon'll help a great deal". In times more ancient, the battlefield belonged to the blade and the bludgeon. In the present, it belongs to the bullet. And in the future, it will belong to the directed energy of weapons such as the one they would design to smite Zeon. Just as the future of the Liafador dynasty belonged to Samuel, a good-natured idealist.
"As for the soul issue, I'll make the deal with your grandfather. My soul for Zeon's, only he won't be getting it, he'll just think he will. I have a plan. As for getting to Cardinal Hell, Cat?", he asked, eyes returning to his sister - the expert on Cardinal lore - for an answer, "And what do we have to watch out for once we get there? A name like Cardinal Hell doesn't exactly sound like rainbows and sunshine".
@cadmus_liafador said:
IF YOU LOSE IM BANNING ALL YOUR ACCOUNTS!
"Your help and input are welcome, Cadmus. But don't take it the wrong way when I say I'd rather build the weapon".
The matter shifter of weaponry merely shrugged his shoulders in compliance as Achilles voiced his thoughts. And even as he continued to listen to them all talk his mind wandered at the thought of facing his sister Zeon, the killer of his other sister Chance, and the thought of him and his family facing her together was striking Cadmus in the mind as well as the soul. Still lost in his thoughts Cadmus' attention would be once again caught by his cousin and her ever-growing tongue.
"I killed Ramon. When he lived in the flesh, he's been ruling Cardinal Hell ever since. Not once has he tried to take his revenge, I don't believe in the Cardinal Religion. Caddy and I can testify to that; that's your new nickname, by the way. I just thought of it. Cadmus and I were just on Grand Cardinal Isle, which is the entrance to Cardinal Heaven, but since we don't practice, it didn't make known."
And then his mind did a double-take on what she said.
Caddy and I can testify to that; that's your new nickname, by the way. I just thought of it.
"Ahaha...No. You're not calling me that." His Italian laced accent fermented the air with good humor, but also a tinge of seriousness. He would look at the others and nod "Seriously, don't call me that. But yeah, Cat's right."
Sabella should know where to find her husband.
Wow...another search for another relative...
"Welp, you tryna teleport us back Cat? Or we taking the plane?"
@8th_wonder: @catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador:
"Thanks, Sam. Funding the weapon I'll help a great deal".
Samuel nod his head. It was the least he could do. With all the death and bloodshed his sister had caused, this was the only way he could find to somehow begin the processes of cleaning his family’s name.
Achilles came up with a plan of his own. Offering his own soul for Zeon’s so the group could destroy it. But… that wasn’t how Cardinal Hell worked… did it? But then Catalina chimed in. It wouldn’t work. It had to be of Cardinal faith and it was in that moment that a chill when down Sam’s spine. He knew what that meant...
"-but you? You'll do. You've been a Cardinal for a while; he'll probably salivate at the opportunity to corrupt two of his son's children.”
He couldn’t show weakness among his family. His eyes umber eyes met her chocolate. “I figured so.” He gave a weak half smile. “None of you practice the faith, I do.” he gave a soft nod of his head before looking to the others. “I’ll be the one to offer my soul. So long as we get it back.” A nervous chuckle escaped from him. “I don’t particularly enjoy the heat.” The youngest (that they’re aware of) Marcos children joked.
"I can't tell you what to expect in Cardinal Hell bro; I've never actually been there. My mother and the very person we're trying to kill has, but I don't think either of them is in the mood for interrogation. But we do have one more option. Sabella should know where to find her husband.”
"Welp, you tryna teleport us back Cat? Or we taking the plane?"
“Wait.” He chimed in. “Wouldn’t be suspicious of us going to Sabella asking how to get to Cardinal Hell during all of this? If I am the one to offer their soul, perhaps I should be the one who speaks to her. Wouldn’t it make more sense me asking how to reach our grandfather so I can offer my soul in allegiance to him rather than all of or even a couple of you go and ask where he is? And would she even be willing to offer that information willingly to you if you do ask?”
@cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador: @catalina_liafador:
In Achilles, a mirror of Thee Champion - the hero, not the god - existed. So as Catalina proposed that Samuel offer his soul in the American God's stead, Achilles found the suggestion of leaving Samuel, albeit temporarily, in a sunless world crowded with suffering, difficult to stomach. Perhaps it was the only rational course of action, but it went against Achilles' every instinct. He was a hero, and he'd sooner sacrifice himself than abandon an innocent soul to such cruel damnation.
Brow furrowed, his values at odds with Catalina's proposal, Achilles stared out a window and found inspiration in the Sun's glow. Rich and inventive, his mind quickly raced to a solution.
“I’ll be the one to offer my soul. So long as we get it back.”
"We'll use Ramon's greed against him", Achilles declared, eyes confident, spirit determined, "If he's so desperate for his own grandchildren's souls, he'll get them - and more. My father's built a supercomputer that understands and speaks some of the programming language of reality. Sam, if you're willing, we can use it to analyze the quantum information that makes up both your mind and soul, and engineer a psycho-spiritual virus designed after that information. It'll be indistinguishable from the rest of the quantum information making up your mind and soul, so whichever soul-based powers your grandfather has won't matter. He won't be able to detect it in you".
"The infection vector will be the psycho-spiritual contact you and Ramon will establish when he claims your soul. The virus can be simple and contain a single command which won't take immediate effect. It'll gradually spread through Ramon's own soul until it reaches the area needed to execute the command - which will be to return your soul to you", he nodded, his focus then shifting from Samuel to the others, "Or we can design a more complex virus, which will take more time to engineer but will allow us to completely subvert Ramon's mental and spiritual processes over time, quietly rewriting the underlying command structure of his mind and soul to bring him under our complete control, which would, by proxy, bring Cardinal Hell under our control".
Although the Liafadors were no scientists, it was fortunate that Achilles was. The American God's hopes of understanding Cardinal Hell however, were dashed by Catalina's revelation - only her mother and grandmother had such knowledge of Cardinal lore. Their choices, it seemed, were limited to two.
"So we either send Sam to speak with Sabella alone or we try and somehow reach Ziccarra, which I think only my father can really do at this point. Not sure how that reunion'd go though".
@cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador: @8th_wonder:
Just as Cadmus and Catalina were about to set off to summon the High Cardinal Goddess, Samuel's question halted Catalina in her tracks with visible frustration mounting on her face.
“Wouldn’t be suspicious of us going to Sabella asking how to get to Cardinal Hell during all of this? If I am the one to offer their soul, perhaps I should be the one who speaks to her. Wouldn’t it make more sense me asking how to reach our grandfather so I can offer my soul in allegiance to him rather than all of or even a couple of you go and ask where he is? And would she even be willing to offer that information willingly to you if you do ask?”
Though frustrated, the Sabella option did present a new challenge, one that she hadn't thought of in regards to the Samuel situation. "No, no, that won't work either." She huffed, sliding her backside on Sam's desk. " She will kill you. That's blasphemy in her eyes".
But that didn't mean she couldn't do it. Cat's history with her grandparents was extensive. It was they who ordered her creation, and they, she killed, and ultimately they, she placed in that position when she killed Ziccarra.
But shortly afterward Achillies chimed in, the differences between them became visible. The Hero, chosen by their Father to do away with the poison of the Liafador family nobly considered Samuel's life.
Catalina used tactics some (Like Achilles) would smite. As he detailed his plan, she remained uncharacteristically contained. Instead of projecting an outward veto of his plan she allowed him to finish before biting the tips of her nails. The reason she couldn't see outside her own scheme was that none of them knew the nature of the foe they faced.
Cadmus and Samuel were essentially Liafador babies, sure they were probably successful warriors outside the family, but in THIS environment they knew nothing.
Then there was Achillies, he seemed like a good guy; but he might as well be a police officer to Cat. 'Finish this case and on to the next' He came in trying to solve the problem with Golden Age Alexis Pettis logic, and it wouldn't work.
"We have one more option. Marcos, Ziccarra, and Kane" Cat said with her nails once again at the mercy of her teeth. "That's where Ramon's soul is, he doesn't keep it on him." She said swinging her legs back and forth off the table. "Sabella's soul was with them too, luckily for us. Not so lucky for you two" She said specifically pointing toward Cadmus and Samuel.
"Marcos and Ziccarra are dead if we want to rid ourselves of Ramon, we will have to kill Kane too." Kane was Cat's genetic father, his genetics coupled with Ziccarra's genetics was the basis for her creation, but he was not her Daddy--that honor belongs to Thee Champion.
Cat dropped from the desk determined before moving across the room to meet face to face with Achilles. "I know you were sent by my father to clean up a mess that predates you, them; and really all of us. But you're going to have to trust me on this one. Killing Kane might be our only way, because if Zeon kills Kane, Ramon, and Sabella, and reigns over Heaven and Hell? None of us" She said pointing toward the rest of the Liafadors in the room. "Well be able to stop her"
Catalina broke away for a moment, Zeon's former aid catching her attention at the door. He looked remorseful and burdened. "Excuse my intrusion Master Samuel, but there's something you all need to see" He changed the channel to the local news, and Cat's heart dropped. They were reporting in Italian, but she didn't need a translator to know what they were saying, the video recordings told her everything she needed to know.
"..." Cat fell ass-first on the floor, there was a slight tremble in her body, her olive-toned skin yield for a ghostly complexion. "Th-That'-um, that's my half-sister"
She finally made out with tears ruining her make-up. "I've only met her nce..." she croaked trying to complete her sentence.
"And... I ERM. I told her to stay away. But. It found her anyways. She literally had...othin..."
She paused to collect herself, fighting back the urge to let out a guttural wail. "She had nothing to do with us, and Zeon brought her in. MURDERED HER. CUT OFF HER FCKING HEAD!"
Rising to her feet Cat's pasty skin now burned red, there was a fit of evil anger inside that predate them all. For the first time since her perfect transformation, her forgotten powers of darkness awakened.
In a flash of crimson energy, the Green Dragon Blade appeared suspended just above the floor. It heard her evil thoughts. This blade was truly a symbol of all that was wrong with them, an unholy covenant between the Liafador family and the Flower of Carnage. For with this evil will be destroyed, and rebirthed.
"It's me she wants. It's always been me" Weakened, vulnerable, how good it'd feel to be devoid of such emotions. Her hand extended as if she sought to hold the blade once more, to sedate the remorse of Chance and Kristina's deaths; but before she could even do so, a crackle of electricity present a new persona to the fight.
"Mourn the death of your loved ones. But you will not steal this victory from us, by falling to old habits" The Prize Fighter barked her voice a mixture between divinity and Cat, lashing out with her own divine Black Rose Blade II to shatter the evil sword once and for all. She knew it all too well. That blade plagued her people too in times long gone. She was the younger sister to Ziccarra's Goddess, Shira. Shira revered as the War Goddess, Faore was the Prize Fighter; a fickle-minded deity that fought for her own reasons, but not this time. Catalina deserved peace, and she'd see to it
"I think it's time we end it all." The Prize Fighter called out taking Cat's former position with her hands crossed. "Achilles mentioned Ziccarra, she's dead, but we do have my sister who has shared mind body and soul. She can be summoned at the ruined Liafador Palace. Call out the name of her last host with the blood of the host as an offering as she will appear." She said looking in Samuel's direction. They both were new, but this was literally Cadmus' first day on the job.
"I think your Electromagnetic beam plan will work as well. Its construction could ultimately lead to victory, but I gave your father a blade once when we enter Cardinal Hell we will need to be protected from things like it.
"I will work on destroying the soul, starting with Kane. By the time we prepare to storm the gates of hell we should have everything we need. If you get confronted by Zeon...be evasive." The last part was meant only for the likes of Samuel, Cadmus seemed pretty set that his weapon would end Zeon--but he didn't know Zeon.
"Or kill her" She said swinging her attention back to both Cadmus and Achillies. "Do you concur?"
Cadmus was in the middle of strapping the rest of his gear back on his body, and as he went to pick up the Godslayer when his brother spoke up, instantly garnering Cadmus' silvery gaze.
“Wait. Wouldn’t be suspicious of us going to Sabella asking how to get to Cardinal Hell during all of this? If I am the one to offer their soul, perhaps I should be the one who speaks to her. Wouldn’t it make more sense me asking how to reach our grandfather so I can offer my soul in allegiance to him rather than all of or even a couple of you go and ask where he is? And would she even be willing to offer that information willingly to you if you do ask?”
Cadmus didn't know who this Sabella person was, but Cadmus didn't like the sound of her, he was about to open his mouth in objection but Catalina, in classic Catalina fashion beat him to the punch, issuing that Samuel would die a horrible death. Achilles proposed his plan talking in a bunch of scientific mumbo jumbo that Cadmus did not understand in the least, but this also did not pass in Cat's eyes as she had become the definitive leader of this escapade, instead she offered a different plan.
"We have one more option. Marcos, Ziccarra, and Kane" "That's where Ramon's soul is, he doesn't keep it on him." "Sabella's soul was with them too, luckily for us. Not so lucky for you two"
Cat was pressed, and nervous, it was evident from the biting of her nails to the formation of her words, and Cadmus swore that if he got out of this he would make sure that he was fully knowledgable of the Liafador family, because he was in the dark in a lot, and being kept in the dark was dangerous. His cousin spoke on, suggesting they killed Kane, yet another person Cadmus didn't know, but apparently his death was crucial if they stood a chance of killing Zeon.
Right as Cadmus was about to actually ask all his questions Samuels adviser walked in and turned on the T.V, a newscast started playing in Italian, Cadmus blocked out his voice and studied the video, his gaze turning up as he spotted the demon on the T.V, the demon that had used to be his sister, he could tell it was her, the way she carried herself, the stance, that look in her eye...this is what Zeon had turned into? Killing a young girl? Causing all of this attention? It caused the Twilight Assassin to scowl deeply, but in Catalina...something broke...because apparently that young woman was her sister.
"She had nothing to do with us, and Zeon brought her in. MURDERED HER. CUT OFF HER FCKING HEAD!"
What Cadmus witnessed on that T.V made him feel different, not righteous anger, but more of an unrighteous calm, all this did was solidify the fact that Zeon needed to be disposed of, and it only made Cadmus' hand clench in disgust about thinking that he had studied after that, tried to grow closer to that thing.
But Catalina was having a hard time, struggling with the information of the death of her half-sister, her pain flared forward, creating a rift for something dangerous, a blade of power and Catalina reached forward, determined to grasp the sword of evil, but nay, Destiny had other plans, because in a supreme flash of light Catalina was gone, and the Prize Fighter Faore stood before them, calm and stubborn, somehow reassuring Cadmus that with her they could get things done, Catalina the moment that she had seen that News Casting...
Had turned into a liability.
One they definitely could not afford.
"I think it's time we end it all.Achilles mentioned Ziccarra, she's dead, but we do have my sister who has shared mind body and soul. She can be summoned at the ruined Liafador Palace. Call out the name of her last host with the blood of the host as an offering as she will appear."
She peered past Cadmus and looked at Samuel addressing him. Then she turned to Achilles:
"I think your Electromagnetic beam plan will work as well. Its construction could ultimately lead to victory, but I gave your father a blade once when we enter Cardinal Hell we will need to be protected from things like it.
And then finally:
"I will work on destroying the soul, starting with Kane. By the time we prepare to storm the gates of hell we should have everything we need. If you get confronted by Zeon...be evasive."
Her gaze returned once again to Samuel, and at this moment Cadmus vowed that he would protect his younger brother, not another person in his family would die today by Zeons' hand.
"Or kill her"
The Godslayer glowed approvingly on Cadmus' back, shimmering with the deep power of the Caste, and shifting the air with an aura that caused reality itself to bend to it.
Turning to Achilles he would say, "You find a way to destroy her soul, and I'll kill her body so you can do it."
"Do you concur?"
Grabbing his helmet he would place his Balaclava on his head, the Twilight Assassin returned.
@8th_wonder: @cadmus_liafador: @catalina_liafador:
A lot was being spoken, especially by the hero Achilles. He wanted to study Sam’s mind, body and soul and to be quiet honest… he didn’t like that idea one bit. “No, I don’t think I am willing to do that. I don’t I want you or anyone for that matter to have a breakdown of my mind, body and soul.” He didn't mean for it to come off as not wanting to be cooperative with the situation, but there were lines that he would not cross. While Achilles was a scientist Samuel was far from one and he was NOT willing to become someone’s science project. Not with the history of this family.
But then Catalina began explaining why Sam couldn’t go see Sabella. He would be killed. Well then.... How were they to find a way into Cardinal Hell without speaking to Sabella and not drawing unwanted attention to themselves. It felt as if they were stuck in a corner. Call upon the spirit of his deceased aunt? No… that was silly talk.
Catalina began speaking of a third option. One that made her uneasy. To destroy Ramon’s soul by killing his children. Samuel was not aware of the division of Ramon’s soul among his children. Two were already dead and one… no one had heard from in years. But if Zeon were the one to kill Kane, that would leave Cardinal Hell open for the taking and Zeon would be the likely successor. He didn’t want to picture Zeon as Ruler of Cardinal Hell. Her current state was frightening enough. They had to kill Kane.
Samuel was about to open his mouth to speak until Giovanni opened the door apologizing for interrupting them as he turned on the television in the room. His eyes widen when he saw what it was Giovanni was speaking of. It was Zeon, her grey skin and black eyes standing in broad daylight in a public area being filmed holding the head of a young girl in her hands. This was bad. Zeon was no longer concerned with drawing attention to herself. At least before her attacks were quiet, isolated and away from prying eyes, but now? It was as if she wanted to get someone’s attention. Their attention? He brought his hand and covered his lips. “Mierda” He whispered through his fingers as his eyes shift quickly over to Catalina who fell to the ground. Oh no.
"Th-That'-um, that's my half-sister"
Catalina’s face twisted with pain, anger and sorrow. It was clear who Zeon was trying to draw attention to now. She wanted Catalina to see her. What happened next, Samuel was still trying to understand. A blade appeared before her, one that was giving off energies that were dark, like The Pit. But before anyone could tell her to stop, The Prized Fighter came before them. Samuel had read about the Goddesses in the journals of his sister, but to see one in person? You could feel her energy as she came before them. Her voice demanded them to listen to her as she spoke the men in the room taking command with no hesitation.
The plan was laid out. Summon The Prized Fighters sister, Samuel assumed this role was for him as her eyes fixated onto him as she stated it. Call out the name of Ziccarra using Liafador blood to summon her and speak with her about how to get into Cardinal Hell. He nod his head. He wouldn’t fail, not again. And if Zeon were to come to him, he would be ready to fight her.
“By the time we prepare to storm the gates of hell we should have everything we need. If you get confronted by Zeon...be evasive. Or kill her Do you concur?"
“Si.” Samuel gave a stern nod of his head as he turned to Cadmus, looking up at his older half brother. “Be safe brother.”
Samuel moved swiftly in the gym that was hidden in the lower portion of the Castello Cardinale holding his blade in hand as he was performing acrobatic feats while wielding his blade in mid air. His outfit was much more causal than his usual attire. Jogger pants, shirtless with his hair pulled into a bun but his feet bare against the mats that laid under him. His shoulders were feeling heavy right about now. He had lost one sister… and the other? A literal demon, humanity lost for good. His father was also dead. As soon as he found his family, they were dying off one by one. But there was Cadmus. He didn’t know him… but he hoped once this whole ordeal was over with, the two could begin to develop a relationship with each other.
But now was not the time for thoughts like that. He was soon to do battle with literal Hell. Cardinal Hell with demonic Cardinal warriors. He dealt with them already but on a much smaller scale. Who knew how big this army would be. How much blood would spill? Would another Liafador fall? He had to train day and night until the time came. He didn’t want to be disturbed, but he did call upon one of his top White Cardinal’s, Salvadore.
Salvadore had been with him since he started leading the White Cardinals, and while that has only been for the last fours years, it was Salvador that he trusted to help lead his White Cardinals in battle. And he trusted to speak about what was to come. He had Charlotte call upon him to meet him here so the two could speak in private, away from the others. A plan must be made for best case scenario and worst case scenario.
Landing firmly on the ground with his blade in hand Samuel turned to face Dorian with a bit of a smirk on his face at the comment that was made towards him as he began walking over towards Dorian, picking up a white towel he laid on the ground to wipe the sweat off his brow. “Yes, thank you for meeting me here.” He was a bit out of breath.
“I needed to talk to you, away from the ears of the others.” The young Liafador held tightly onto his blade as his smirk faded as quickly as it came. “As we are all aware of my sister, Zeon, is responsible for The Matriarchs death. Since then she has strike down another member of our family, Kristina Huntington but this was in broad daylight.” There was deep concern in the young White Cardinals eyes. “I met with other members of the family and we have come to the conclusion that we must eliminate Zeon. This means that we will most likely be at war Cardinal Hell itself. So the Hell Cardinal’s we encountered at my father’s cabin… multiple them into unknown numbers lead by Zeon once again.” The horrors of what happened there still burned in his mind as his eyes shift away from Dorian. He paused for a moment, looking down at his blade. He needed to be faster, stronger and strike harder. “I need you to take what we learned about the Hell Cardinal’s at that time and train our warriors the proper way to dispose of them.”
His eyes shift back to him. “Also… there is a possibility that Zeon may come to attempt to kill me as well, or she may not. She’s anything but predictable at this moment. This also means she could kill any other member of the family. I would also like you to send out at small group of Cardinal’s to Sky Carmichael, but keep a watch from a distance. I don’t want her or Zeon to catch wind of them. If she does attack Sky, they may catch her by surprise and she might make a mistake with the way she’s acting. I... also have a half brother, Cadmus. I would like a pair of Cardinals at him as well, just to be safe.” While Samuel didn't grow up among the Liafadors, he still felt responsible as one of the few who had cardinal's at his call to try and protect what remained of the family.
@samuel_liafador: Sorry for the wait :)
He nodded affirmatively, given the circumstances it seemed like Samuel would need all of the help he could get, "understood, consider it done" his mind's thought-process came into a halt tending to the thought of Zeon and more importantly - her mission, "you Liafador's are tough, that I understand. But if we were to truly go into war with her and Cardinal, who says anything we will do would be enough to take them down?"
He paused once more, the blister of rapid questions spiking amidst his curiosity, "these fighters - you, the White Cardinals - there is no one I would rather go to war with, but do we know how much your Zeon could have at her disposal?" The speed of his words was enough to give way of his concern, though despite it he managed to digress. "You guys will be needing as much as you need to throw this war into your favor, and to end a war you take out the general before it even begins, or you destroy the base of their power from under them and they end up falling with it. The First Fang's are yours to command."
@catalina_liafador: @cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador:
Were Zeon to gain dominion of Cardinal Heaven and Hell, she would become a question to which there was no answer - or so Catalina claimed. Achilles disagreed. Although he lacked the extent of Catalina's knowledge on Zeon's strengths, the American God was raised in a celestial sphere, far from the court of Liafador backstabbing - they knew nothing of the extent of his capabilities. By his sister's own admission, they lacked even a basic understanding of the super sciences he had mastered. So instead of sharing the depth of solutions designed by his mind, Achilles merely held his silence.
He would plot on his own, and should the Liafador plan fail, his would emerge.
Soon however, the breeze from an open door disturbed the warmth of the day. A man - a former aide of Zeon's - had entered the room with a face writ with sorrow.
"Excuse my intrusion Master Samuel, but there's something you all need to see"
With their attention directed to a murder being reported on the local news, the American God narrowed his gaze on the images being broadcast. A second later however, his eyes were drawn to Catalina's whispered words and paled face. Shutting his eyes in frustration as Catalina revealed the murder victim to be her half-sister, Achilles shook his head in disgust. Yet as he reopened his eyes to catch a storm brewing on Catalina's face, the American God glimpsed at the foul powers she possessed - the ones his father had warned him of. A blade of nefarious intentions emerged from thin air, tempting Catalina with things dark and twisted.
"Don't touch-", Achilles thundered, his voice drowned out by a sudden burst of light. Catalina's alter ego, the Prize Fighter, came forth to smite the foul blade with her own. The light faded, and Achille met eyes with the goddess standing in place of his sister. The American God crossed both arms over his chest, and recognized the militant glow of determination on the Prize Fighter's face. She was a born warrior, fierce but calm. She wielded the cold discipline his sister lacked. Nodding in agreement with the Prize Fighter's proposal, Achilles passed his gaze over Samuel and Cadmus.
"I'll go to the Liafador Palace to do the summoning", he asserted, his eyes quickly returning to Catalina's stand-in, "As for the blade you gave my father, I'll run some tests, learn about its properties and develop something to counter its effects based on my findings".
Faced with the choice of either evading Zeon or putting her to death, the American God dismissed evasion as a possibility, "There's only one right choice in this", he paused, eyeing the broadcast images of Zeon's most recent victim, "And time's running out. Sam", he nodded, "Thanks for agreeing to fund the design of my weapon. You'll have the schematics and everything by the end of the day. And Faore, I'll be sure to meet with your sister in an hour. I'll speak to you all soon".
With a final nod, the American God marched out the winery and bounded through the air, sweeping like a whirlwind towards the Blue Eagle hovering above.
@cadmus_liafador: @samuel_liafador: @8th_wonder:
The Prize Fighter didn't want to say it, but she could feel the emotions of Cat ravaging her spirit, if they were going to be successful; Catalina would need to be at peace. Anything less than perfection on her part would give Zeon the upper-hand.
She nodded as Achilles made his departure, her eyes turned back toward Samuel and Cadmus.
"White Cardinal go with Achilles he will need your blood. 'Godslayer' you're with me. There is a turmoil inside of me resulting from your cousin if she does something foolish. I will need you to complete the mission"
(I think that's a good stopping point)
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