Welcome to Gaia! ::

More so than you know. Your little.. relationship.. with my brother is an accepted part of both of your... out of hours... business and as such, is between you both. Your misuse of the elf woman Isabella however...

*Bailey shrugged, followed by the sound of someone at his side scoffing*

Come ON... he isnt going to understand what he did wrong! He hasnt got a goddamn CLUE. Hes a child. A mere BOY. His elevation THIS far was the worst choice made for over a century... why not give him a demonstration...

Hold your tongue... the decision at the time was unanimous, though one DOES question his suitability in light of this...

Wasnt it YOUR brother who was SUPPOSED to have taken the pride out of him?!

Are you questioning my methods?

*Silence once again fell as Ice's unmistakable voice rang out, though from where remained unseen. Bailey sighed and looked down at Corbin from his higher vantage point*

Have you anything to say? Are you aware that your behaviour reflects on your own mother?

*The groan above form Bailey was audible, but soon eclipsed by the dark laughter than spiralled like a sussurus around the Pit. Syn, it seemed, were amused. Not just one Syn, but all of them, as a whole.*

He knows not what we are...
He isnt meant to.
Or how we think.
We dont, by conventional standards...
Or what we DO...
By methodology, no...

Shut up. The Four Lords...

They do not enter into this Anon! Political warfare ALMOST breaks us apart in this! From this CHILDS actions! He is barley old enough to even know what he IS let alone run THAT family! Vengeance is in error. I say we scrap the project and instill the branch under proper command - by one of us!
Oh and who would you suggest, yourself?! I think not. We are not MADE for this, that is WHY the unit exists at all!
What USE is it to us if its so called LEADER makes a move on a political time bomb for FUN?
That could be blamed on Deciet himself... such interests in the players after the fact is dangerous and he has run amok too long!
The Lords speak for...
Who are you to say! You're his brother!
Such divisions among ourselves will kill us. Any of you wishes to try and take my place, try it NOW. No? Too long have you all been part of what we ARE. And I am the head on that body. Now SHUT up.

*Silence again reigned as Ice spoke from nowhere*

Now. Corbin my love... lets clarify the position here. Isabella, the fair elf Ive been.. cultivating... for a while now is the Childe of Ashen Frost. A Cappodocian who SOMEHOW survived the culling centirues ago. This... unfortunate... chain of events is something our own faction willingly indulged for a reason, and let us say we were as suprised as any to find out he had slipped under our radar.
Now, the very power Ashen weilds is something even YOU cannot stand against alone and he has taken it upon himself to play judge jury and executioner to those of our faction he finds lacking. You must know of how many patrols he has decimated, and the fact he RARELY deals with the Sabbat our men were after. Yet, it woudl be unwise to try and stop him. He is incredibly powerfula nd to gather togetehr the power we would need would be more troublesome than just letting him cull the herd.
Now imagine the political time bomb you created in toying with that girl! You KNOW who she is! Her allegiances are ALREADY suspect and my work as ever a finally balanced thing. I suggest you think on this for a moment.

You didnt answer his second question..

My childe is my business and that of the Lords. You all know this. Think you HE of all people deserves an answer YOU are not party to? The symbology and work I am doing there is my work alone. Maybe I even did it because I CHOOSE to Sire. Prehaps not. The monsters I unleash on YOUR watch, Corbin, sweetheart, all have a name. DeSeer. Remember your goodamn PLACE!

*Bailey groaned again, shaking his head, but he was shuddering also. It was Ice who again spoke*

Corbin, if you truly believe you will get an answer like this, if EVER, you are SADLY mistaken. War is coming. You have been on the front line for long enough, you KNOW this. You also know the main push when it comes will push ALL of us back. And thats just from the lackeys. YOUR unit deals with teh threat on ground level, including those we were NOT expecting to see, such as Engel and his cohorts. More powerful than the men under them, they are too much for our usual patrols and that is what YOU are for. Your entire line, every single one of you, is potential Syn host so dont tell me your family can just turn and leave, and you KNOW Roan would never allow such a thing anyway. This isnt about that.
This is about the fact that OUR forces, the men you hear gathered here, managing to keep the forces on the ground under control enough for YOU to take out. The Wheel turns, and we deal with those who rank over even Engel and HIS masters. We are more on the front line than you know. Pride? Show him.

*From the shadows, one of the metal gates rose and the one identified as Pride limped out. A Lion at present, the avatar form twisted grossly and rose into the human looking form of Pride himself. Cut beyond belief, rotted scraps of flesh hanging off of him, he was a truly horrifying sight as he gazed levelly at Corbin from half destroyed eyes*

Pride here took out an Elder yesterday. Guess which infernal clan. The Elder was surrounded by ten of his best students, in a fortress lines with guards and... well, Im sure you can imagine the levels of security he had ot breach. Solo. Im not talking a Gen 6 pain in the a** here, I mean one of the hoary old gits who shoudl have died back when things were still biblical. So watch your tone before one of my dear fellows here gets the severe hump with you. And while we're at it... you;d do well to watch your mouth about the efficiency of a hive mentality when you yourself have the dubious joys of Lineage to contend with... now.

*Bailey shivered again, then stepped aside as Ice took his place*

We have a choice Corbin. Your own pride rings strongly in you still, and that has to be rectified. Roan assures me you are the best candidate for the role assigned you, but such a move against Isabella, only to antagonise me, was more than just reckless. At the moment, if one of your patrols runs into Ashen, he wont touch you. Thank Roan for that. More of your men have survived than any other unit we have. Start on his daughter, or awaken some orders within her... and this delicately balanced game suddenly all goes horribly wrong and EVERY SINGLE ONE of your men and mine will end up DEAD. And not just from that aggravation of a man. MY job is to direct you and to hand down the edicts of the Four Lords. The Council.
In doing the work of the Lords, I seem to be achieveing well, especially if YOU know nothing of Leer. With regards to your own development however... it woudl seem I have erred. Tell me, what do YOU suggest I do about that Corbin? For one thing... its clear you have forgotten who you serve...

*His eyes as he spoke stayed their hard, glaring red, but by the end of his speech, he was turned away from the other eyes below and his expression was... pleading? Hopeful? Practically BEGGING... though for what, was unclear*

.: You just saved your own life sweetheart... chin up. :.

*Bailey stepped back into the light as Ice stepped back*

This has to end. We are one unit, one mind. It is our strength it is WHY we are feared. Even the Kyotos serve us, not vice versa. Vengeance was the first for CENTURIES to bolster our ranks and we MUST ensure that strength is both returned to us, and continues to give to us if we are to win this. The Daemons are gathered and the enemy WANTS them. The boy is possibly our only damn chance fo stopping that form happening in a close combat capacity. He has shown his strength and his tenacity. He is a Diablerist! A fiend! The greatest damn threat conceived since Carthage fell! And he's on our side. Even after you push him because the decisions you see made give you rise to question.
Can you blame us?
Not at all, but this MUST be the end of it. The strengths gathered to form the unit in its very first stages were volatile, the mixture planned even more so.
I trust work to continue as planned... but I'll not condone having him turned over to Deciet once more. We dont have a year to punish the boy and surely as his pride was tested and rebuilt, he'll be as hard to break again...
Then I will do it.
You?
You forget to whom you speak...

* A shudder passed through those gathered, the eyes all closing for a second*

Fear...
It will take me a single night. Then he shall be set back to the task in hand.
Restoring Vengeance.
Removing Truth.
Containing the threat.
What of his talk of freedom?
What of it? When one of you, or he himself, can bring me a definitive meaning for the word... I'll consider it. After all.. isnt that what we'd all like? Dismissed.

A moment Deciet...

*testing pressure played over Corbin briefly, as one o the Synb tested the restrictions on Corbin, then nodded satisfied*

Fear is right. We cannot allow uncertaintity at this stage. Fix him. Whatever you neglected to do last time round, get it right this time. We need him as much as he needs us, much as I hate to say it.
Didnt you hear him, Vanity? He serves me.

*Ice was all innocence as the other Syn left, the barriers shooting back as the Anon twins jumped down into the Pit to join Corbin, Bailey wordlessly handing out cigars as Ice lavisciously looked Corbin over*

Tell me, what is it? Which bit gets you off? Just seeing me in anger, the potential danger that brings, or something inside? Masochism maybe, like my brother here?
Ice...
He'll know soon enough Bailey. The Council voted him under YOUR hand this time, not mine though I'll be damned if I let MY men undergo such treatment without being present.
I would never hurt you Ice! He's yours...
It's ok. I'll be there too. He hurt Bella, now its your turn to... indulge.. him. I expect a good show folks... see you at home.

*Bailey sighed as Ice left, then looked at Corbin*

I dont know whether to rip your head of for the pain you're causing him... or sympathise with you for the mess you're involved in against your will.

I wouldnt matter, Ice runs this show, for all the inane bickering. Even you know it.

*Sighing, Bailey rubbed his temples*

How is it you can manage at times to be smart enough to point out foolishness in others, yet STILL manage something so STUPID by yourself? Ice COULD just dismiss you, you know. Send you back to work, increase your patrols and workload as a smacked wrist for not thinking, even take away your champions belt, JUST to make you less than your mother, set you back a step on yoru eventual goal... BUT... you did your work too well. You pissed him off royally, and he is no less obsessed with you now than he has ever been. Im afraid you arent going to enjoy this at all. You could call me the polar opposite of my brother...

*He shrugged and waved a hand*

...and Im much better at hiding my nature till its needed than he is. This way please. The Chasm awaits.

*The floor to Corbins bar spawned a swirling black pool which sucked Sophus back to dark realm. His time with the Cainite was brief but rewarding and gave him the urge to get up and look for answers.
Afterall he never intended to stay in the underworld, it was merely thrusted upon him by the three judges.
For countless restless nights Sophus would ponder the same questions over and over through his mind.
Why me ? How long have i been down here? where is father ? Where is mother ? Is there a way out ?

One night when he heard a strange eery voice singing in a unknown language from beyond the depths into the deepest darkness he had seen.
At first he had ignored the voice, pretending that it was all imginary, until he could stand it no longer.
Through fear mixed with courage Sophus armed himself with all he could find before heading in the direction of the abyss.*

.....The sound of his footsteps had now made a more echotic ring behind them. Sensing the difference Sophus immediately opened his eyes and took upon his new surroundings. The only way to describe what his eyes witnessed would be to say that rotting vines had slowly seduced a stone fortress.
Greyish coloured bodies lay decaying in its moat, flies buzzing around the half eaten eyesockets made the scene as repulsive as its stench.
Directly infront of sophus lay a wooden bridge which led to the castles main gate. As he proceeded on high guard he noticed two guarding Gargoyles blocking his way in. Something inside of him drove him closer until he noticed a steamy breathe escape the guardians nostrils.
He hesitated for a moment and then took another step, his fingers slowly tightening around the hilt of a sword he had never even seen before. Confused now he questioned where the sword had even come from .
A frown creased his forehead , a perfect distraction for the gargoyles and as they picked up on his loosened guard they charged forward taking ferocious deep breathes and snarling wildly.
As they simultaniously leaped for the boy with talons aimed for his face an adrenaline/nervous reaction forced him to slice diagonally upwards in view of the two oncoming beasts.
A mighty 'CHING' sound reverberated of the wobbling swords blade whilst the beasts saured backwards, each with a slice mark on their stoney skin.
Now with more confidence and courage Sophus burst into sprint, whipped the sword around his wrist in several patterns and then drove it straight down through one of the downed beasts chest.
It whelped in pain and bled a vile black clotted blood, he pulled on the blades handle and faced the other demon with a firey glare.
It prepared itself for another charge, readying its paws and outstretching its wings the beast advanced at an alarming rate growing bigger in size as it reached Sophus.*

:What the hell is this weird place !?!?!?! :
: DONT STOP, stay in the moment until you are safe :

*Controlling his energy and breathing Sophus raised the randomly aquired sword infront of his chest and took a swing. Upon releasing his anger and rage his eyes lit up pure white eclipsing his pupils and propelled sound energy from his overwhelming voice at the same time the blade struck the beast.
From sheer willpower the beast exploded into tiny particles of dark matter and ceased to exist.
Sophus stopped.
Trying to gather his thoughts and control of the situation he looked down once more towards his hands, towards the sword.
It was made of wood, it looked pathetic like a trainee pirate sword a child would use.
Almost laughing outloud to himself he walked on, Laiex voice arose from within him once more.*

:You have passed the test of the guardians young one. By using the strength of your heart the darkness gifted you a mighty weapon to slay the demons. Had you of been a weaker man you would of been rewarded with a stapler or potato gun in that situation. :

*Laiex laughed inside of himself maniacally as the smoke screen mirage of the rotting castle faded back into darkness. Sophus destination was now only a matter of minutes away*

*For many days and nights Sophus' complete undivided attention stayed on this book.
Slightly mortified at the level of detail and knowledge of such a 'demonic' nature he still continued his read.
Information flooded his brain from the very first fully developed being to the supernatural elements of the world.
All seemed to be real and accurate but bound by sets of rules and laws, all held secret from the world bar a sect of people.
Quivering with awe at such power this book had he could see why it hadnt been released upon the manic world of today. Countries would seek to use this power, infact they already were.
He thought of himself, Roan and her clan and a series of unusual happenings throughout history. He turned a page.


: Ancient species... :

*His eyes fixed to the lines of blood red writing, it was a report, a report on classes and subclasses of various creatures and their originated existence, werewolves, dragons and dragoons, wraiths, zombies and undead slavery, vampires and cainites; the religious sect. His eyes stopped at the next few words. Daring to read he took a moment to gather a few thoughts.

:....Sirens and their vampiric traits !?
we're not vampires ?:

*He continued...perched upright against the stone walls of the chamber, reading amongst the candlelight*

''Sirens were sea deities who lived on an island called Sirenum scopuli. In some different traditions they are placed on Cape Pelorum, others in the island of Anthemusa, and still others in the Sirenusian islands near Paestum, or in Capreae. All locations were described to be surrounded by cliffs and rocks. Seamen who sailed near were decoyed with the Sirens' enchanting music to shipwreck on the rocky coast.
The Sirens were considered the daughters of Achelous.

Now by combining this with the following myths i feel i have made a connection in mythos.

The Daughters of Cacophony: A fictional bloodline of vampires.

Believed to have origins in both the Malkavian and the Toreador clans, the Daughters are very few in number and reject association with either the Camarilla or the Sabbat. As their nickname "Sirens" suggests, the Daughters are known for their ability to deliver emotions through a form of song. They have a unique discipline called Melpominee (after Melpomene, muse of music) that does just that.

Only female vampires number among the Daughters of Cacophony. In nights past, there were male members of this bloodline, variously called Sons of Cacophony, Baritones, and (lately) Brothers of Discord. Recently, all males, including transgendered members and castrati, were purged from the bloodline by the Daughters for reasons that have not been revealed.''


: Sons of Cacophony...my past. I was told i was the only male. My past is a lie ?
What the hell is going on. Laiex do you hear me? :
: You must learn child. Forget your fathers fiendish lies and rediscover yourself. This book is a tool, an ancient weapon and a source of undeniable power. Master its information and become one with the dark realms.: