((Hey again, guys! The Prelude to Justice's latest storyline is getting to be really exciting and I thought I'd take the time to offer any readers a chance to enjoy the writing as much as I have. In our latest team storyline, Remembrance, the Prelude is hot on the trail of the people behind the theft of Jessica Sunderland's body. The chase brings two of the Prelude members, Halorin and Tempestra, to a laboratory in Peregrine Island in attempts to find answers. A routine sneak and peek quickly turns into a fight for their lives in this action-packed scene!
The sun scorched the sky a brilliant orange over Paragon City as it made its descent to flee from the oncoming evening. The shaded sunlight pierced through Halorins bedroom as he prepared himself for a rough night. He had spoken with Kiera earlier that day, and it was agreed that they would meet at night to check out the lab her search for information found. There was something odd about this, however
He got this feeling at the most awkward of times, usually before something routine. He lowered his brow in determination as he pulled on the set of black tights he had made for times of stealth and infiltration. A one strap bandolier hooked over his right shoulder and under his left arm, clasping over the center of his torso. The numerous pouches contained small items and gadgets Halorin carried with him on heists and jobs he pulled in Cincinnati. The face paint was applied like a ritual, his eyes staring coldly at the reflection in the mirror. With a determined nod, he was ready.
Halorin landed atop the roof of the lab silently, unseen to the slow moving world around him. He looked across at the multitude of buildings and skyscrapers. Peregrine Island was a beautiful place. Such a shame for it to be marred by rampant crime. But that didnt matter right now
Kiera showed up on time, dressed for stealth combat. She gave him a smirk. Looking good there, tough guy.
Halorin narrowed his brow and checked the PDA screen on the back of his glove. Les jes get in here.. See if we cn get our answers, an get out.
Kieras smirk faded fast. She could tell Halorin was nervous, or worried. After nodding slowly, she gestured for him to follow her. Kiera had taken the time to find out all of the floor plans for the lab, and found the easiest way to get in. A crawl through a ventilation shaft, and theyd be dropped down into the main hallway. Halorin hid his claustrophobia from her.
The ventilation shafts grate was silently removed, and Kiera slipped within first. Halorin took a last glance at the night sky before fitting himself inside as well. No turning back now, he thought to himself.
They crawled along the tight corridor, and if it werent for Halorins ability to cool his body, hed be sweating bullets. It was a shame he wasnt in a better mood, or else hed have a few cracks to make to Kiera at the view he was given as they made their way to the entry point. Halorin could only imagine what Sean would be saying right now. Heh.
Halorin was lost in his own thoughts when he practically bumped into Kiera. They had made it to their destination. She glanced over her shoulder as best she could to give him an incredulous look, to which he put up a facade of a smirk. A playful shake of the head later, Kiera was undoing the screws to the grate that would gain them access to the main hallway of the facility.
Something seemed too easy about this
Kieras soft gaze peered upside down at each end of the hallway, cooly scanning for anyones presence. She gave Halorin a military-style hand signal, to which he knew nothing of, before she pulled her lithe frame through the vents opening. Gracefully she rolled forward in air to land in perfect silence on her feet. With swift precision, she darted to press against a wall. The cameras panning pattern was slow and easy to get around. Itd take a few minutes of nailing down the rhythm before Halorin also descended to the hallway floor and slipped out of the watchful gaze of security.
Two trained professionals, one from government duty and another from street smarts, traversed in agility down hallways and around corners. They ducked patrols and paced themselves, letting as little as possible of their actions be seen as they forged on. They gave each other a leveling gaze at the first sight of a Mortificator, carrying out a nondescript box of some sort. Two others followed, bringing a much longer box with them. Choosing not to strike, Kiera and Halorin let them pass.
No cameras were set in or around the lab area, nor were there any guards to patrol the area. Whatever was conducted here was not to be seen by many, if anyone but those directly involved. There was a security panel where a keycode was required for entry. It seemed too simple.
I can handle this, Kiera stated quietly as she walked over to the panel. From behind her Kevlar vest she procured a small device that looked like a PDA of some sort. It was amazing what could be done with a hackers mentality and Bluetooth technology. Halorin stood before the door, staring at the reinforced steel as if it was a threat. A frown curved his lips and his fingers curled and outstretched in repetitive sequence. Nervousness.
The locks hissed before the door slipped open. Kiera busied herself with returning the tools of her trade where they came from before Halorin slipped inside. Imagine his surprise to hear the door slam shut with a deafening force. His eyes flashed wide with shock and bewilderment. He could he Kieras pounding at the door and then the fumbling of her tools followed by frantic beeps from her device. Halorin brought his hand up to press the button of his comm..
Kiera. Whats goin on.
I dont know..! I dont know.. Hang tight, tough guy.
A chill ran down his spine, shaking him to the core. Dr. Vahziloks voice played over a loudspeaker from within the laboratory.
Ah.. Mr. Halorin. I was expecting to see you again.
Halorin stared at the metallic, sterile floor as Dr. Vahzilok continued.
I hope you do not plan on getting in the way of science yet again. We remember what happened the last time you interfered with my work. I have a feeling however That this will be our last encounter. Im sorry Im not able to make a personal appearance, but Im confident that my representative will be more than glad to convey any humble message I may have had for you. As for your friend? Well Some of my associates will be with her shortly.
The taunting laughter of Dr. Vahzilok narrowed Halorins eyes and boiled his blood with anger.
I, however, have much more pressing matters to attend to. Do take care of yourself, Mr. Halorin, for life is short. Death is a fate Im afraid youve subjected yourself to.
Silence. Deafening silence. After about thirty seconds, Halorin frantically sent a message through to Kiera. Kiera. Get out of here. Now. Quick!
But-
No! Listen tme Vahziloks got this place locked tight. This had tve been a trap. Get to thcontrol room an-
Their connection was severed. Some sort of frequency jamming device ceased their conversation. Dr. Vahziloks voice come over the loudspeaker again.
By the way, those jamming devices play absolute HELL with the citys teleportation grid I wouldnt look to them for much help.
Halorin yelled and screamed at the door, but to no avail. Soundproofed. He turned and scanned the lab area intently. Outside of the various machines and the operating table in the center of the room, there was no threat to be seen. A door in the back with a window beside it was another point of interest. He couldn't see what was inside from here. Suddenly, the plan Dr. Vahzilok had in mind became clear to Halorin.
A dull, booming roar echoed in what Halorin could only hope was the distance. However along the far wall a large metallic structure opened at its front, releasing chilled frost into the room temperature lab. Its right forehand was the first thing Halorin saw. Vahziloks creature stalked into the room with its head down. Those three claw marks still looked fresh against the creatures face, grabbing Halorins attention as its head bucked upward. It snarled in anger at the scent picked up.
HaaaallllllllooooOOOoooooooorrriinnnnnnnn .
Casually Halorin pushed forward from the door, swallowing the thick lump back down his throat as he started walking toward the center of the room. There they were. Halorin and the beast, standing on opposite sides of the operating table that served as the labs centerpiece. They stared each other down. There was a strange history between these two. Both hunting each other, but also evading. A twisted game of Chess. Halorin couldnt help but to feel he was staring one of Vahziloks pawns in his game in the face, or that he himself was on the board as well.
Slowly Halorin reached up with his hands to grab at the latch of his bandolier. He removed the strap in an unthreatening manner, setting it down to the table beside him. A quiet sigh betrayed his lips. He knew something was weird about tonight
The otherwise dark laboratory was filled with pale moonlight, giving everything in the room a radiant light blue aura. There was an ominous, finalizing aura in the room, at least for Halorin. No help, no way to call for it. This was certainly high noon.
Errant stands of his hair wavered slowly, as if a light breeze was passing through the room. It was in his yellowish gaze that the first crackle of static was seen. Electricity began to appear in a slow crescendo, and soon the air around his athletic build begin to chill. His adrenaline rose with each slow inhale and exhale. A stiff brow lowered with intent, slanting downward to meet each other as the swaying raven hair turned a pale, ice blue. His flesh solidified and hardened, the sound of quickly forming ice mixing with the shocking pop of the surge leaping through and around his body.
Okay, Prettyboy , Halorin gruffed, No runnin away this time
Halorin yelled out in battlecry as he broke out into a warriors sprint, leaping from the ground to take flight. The creature met his call, vaulting from where he stood into the air like a rocket. The two collided above the operating table, meeting each others violent force equally and slamming down to the raised surface. Halorin was pressed down underneath the behemoths mass for a split second before the weight snapped the tables support in half.
The creature bellowed in annoyance as it was thrown from its prey, landing on its back but quickly turning over to get back on all fours. Halorin flipped to his feet in time to evade the bullcharge, the operating table getting knocked out of the way like a ragdoll. He had dove to his right but caught himself in air, lashing his form around to catch the heel of his foot against the side of the creatures face.
He let out a surprised erk as the creature snared his ankle and began spinning him around and around. The laboratory room accelerated into an unreadable blur before Halorin was thrown violently into the door of the observation room in the back. The metallic door caved under the velocity, slamming back along with Halorin against the backwall. He slumped down to the ground, resting most of his weight awkwardly on that arch between his neck and his shoulder. He groaned in pain as he turned over, sitting up to gather himself.
Sergio let out a quiet moan of sedated agony at the loud crash. Halorin looked to the man in horror. Suddenly the stakes were higher. He couldnt let the creature see this man and use him to his advantage. There was no time to get answers. Halorin snarled in pain as he gritted his teeth, rising to his feet. The creature came charging again, but was blasted back by the force of Halorins divebomb flying assault. His shoulder slammed into the creatures face, stumbling it back and into an expensive looking piece of labatory equipment.
Two threesets of claws crackled and plunged out from the backs of his fists as his form hit the ground. There was a good ten feet of space between him and the behemoth, and five between Halorins back and the observation room. He had to protect that man Whoever he was.
Halorin sprang into the air again for another attack as the creature stood up, but came to an abrupt stop. The creature flung a heavy piece of machinery at Halorin, who deflected it with a quickly made wall of ice. The force behind the group pushed him back in air as the ice shattered on the ground along with the clatter of the machinery. This was distraction enough for Halorins ankle to be snared yet again. The entire flat of his forms back was slammed against the laboratorys floor. The jarring pain widened Halorins eyes up to the panel of machinery the creature ripped from its mount and hoisted above his head. Halorin had no time to suffer before he had to do a swift backwards roll to not be crushed under panel.
He sat in a crouch, gasping for air as the creature recoiled back. He took to the offensive again. Halorin flew up to the creatures face and attacked sharply. Left slash across the face. Upward swoop to thrust his knee under the creatures chin into a graceful backflip to come down with a vicious statically charged cross slash. The creature roared in pain as the fresh gashes stung with shocking static and chilled ice, but aimed a right forehand perfectly to drive into Halorins chest.
The force of the blow shook Halorin to the core, knocking him out of the air and sliding his body backward at an angle into the wall closeby to the observation room door. His eyes squinted shut once the agony and writhing set in. The pain was unreal. He could feel himself losing his ability to stay as ice. This was a losing battle. Whatever damage he was doing was not keeping up with the damage done to him. He couldnt hold out for much longer.
The creature roared, spewing its venom carelessly as its head bucked backward. It could smell blood, as they say. Halorin used the wall profusely as support in getting back to his feet, his arms crossing over his torso protectively. The creature looked injured, but Halorin knew it was nowhere near being finished. His eyes, shaky from pain began to water. Here he was locked in some lab with a creature he couldnt handle with no way to contact anyone for help. He glanced sidelong to the eyes of the man who was looking at him in a daze, the man he needed to protect.
Halorin didnt want to die like this
The creature roared and charged again. Halorin met the challenge and the fight continued.
((Hey again, guys! The Prelude to Justice's latest storyline is getting to be really exciting and I thought I'd take the time to offer any readers a chance to enjoy the writing as much as I have. In our latest team storyline, Remembrance, the Prelude is hot on the trail of the people behind the theft of Jessica Sunderland's body. The chase brings two of the Prelude members, Halorin and Tempestra, to a laboratory in Peregrine Island in attempts to find answers. A routine sneak and peek quickly turns into a fight for their lives in this action-packed scene!
It's a hefty read, but I'm confident you will enjoy it! The rest of the story can be picked up here at: The Prelude to Justice: Remembrance
Enjoy!))
The sun scorched the sky a brilliant orange over Paragon City as it made its descent to flee from the oncoming evening. The shaded sunlight pierced through Halorins bedroom as he prepared himself for a rough night. He had spoken with Kiera earlier that day, and it was agreed that they would meet at night to check out the lab her search for information found. There was something odd about this, however
He got this feeling at the most awkward of times, usually before something routine. He lowered his brow in determination as he pulled on the set of black tights he had made for times of stealth and infiltration. A one strap bandolier hooked over his right shoulder and under his left arm, clasping over the center of his torso. The numerous pouches contained small items and gadgets Halorin carried with him on heists and jobs he pulled in Cincinnati. The face paint was applied like a ritual, his eyes staring coldly at the reflection in the mirror. With a determined nod, he was ready.
Halorin landed atop the roof of the lab silently, unseen to the slow moving world around him. He looked across at the multitude of buildings and skyscrapers. Peregrine Island was a beautiful place. Such a shame for it to be marred by rampant crime. But that didnt matter right now
Kiera showed up on time, dressed for stealth combat. She gave him a smirk. Looking good there, tough guy.
Halorin narrowed his brow and checked the PDA screen on the back of his glove. Les jes get in here.. See if we cn get our answers, an get out.
Kieras smirk faded fast. She could tell Halorin was nervous, or worried. After nodding slowly, she gestured for him to follow her. Kiera had taken the time to find out all of the floor plans for the lab, and found the easiest way to get in. A crawl through a ventilation shaft, and theyd be dropped down into the main hallway. Halorin hid his claustrophobia from her.
The ventilation shafts grate was silently removed, and Kiera slipped within first. Halorin took a last glance at the night sky before fitting himself inside as well. No turning back now, he thought to himself.
They crawled along the tight corridor, and if it werent for Halorins ability to cool his body, hed be sweating bullets. It was a shame he wasnt in a better mood, or else hed have a few cracks to make to Kiera at the view he was given as they made their way to the entry point. Halorin could only imagine what Sean would be saying right now. Heh.
Halorin was lost in his own thoughts when he practically bumped into Kiera. They had made it to their destination. She glanced over her shoulder as best she could to give him an incredulous look, to which he put up a facade of a smirk. A playful shake of the head later, Kiera was undoing the screws to the grate that would gain them access to the main hallway of the facility.
Something seemed too easy about this
Kieras soft gaze peered upside down at each end of the hallway, cooly scanning for anyones presence. She gave Halorin a military-style hand signal, to which he knew nothing of, before she pulled her lithe frame through the vents opening. Gracefully she rolled forward in air to land in perfect silence on her feet. With swift precision, she darted to press against a wall. The cameras panning pattern was slow and easy to get around. Itd take a few minutes of nailing down the rhythm before Halorin also descended to the hallway floor and slipped out of the watchful gaze of security.
Two trained professionals, one from government duty and another from street smarts, traversed in agility down hallways and around corners. They ducked patrols and paced themselves, letting as little as possible of their actions be seen as they forged on. They gave each other a leveling gaze at the first sight of a Mortificator, carrying out a nondescript box of some sort. Two others followed, bringing a much longer box with them. Choosing not to strike, Kiera and Halorin let them pass.
No cameras were set in or around the lab area, nor were there any guards to patrol the area. Whatever was conducted here was not to be seen by many, if anyone but those directly involved. There was a security panel where a keycode was required for entry. It seemed too simple.
I can handle this, Kiera stated quietly as she walked over to the panel. From behind her Kevlar vest she procured a small device that looked like a PDA of some sort. It was amazing what could be done with a hackers mentality and Bluetooth technology. Halorin stood before the door, staring at the reinforced steel as if it was a threat. A frown curved his lips and his fingers curled and outstretched in repetitive sequence. Nervousness.
The locks hissed before the door slipped open. Kiera busied herself with returning the tools of her trade where they came from before Halorin slipped inside. Imagine his surprise to hear the door slam shut with a deafening force. His eyes flashed wide with shock and bewilderment. He could he Kieras pounding at the door and then the fumbling of her tools followed by frantic beeps from her device. Halorin brought his hand up to press the button of his comm..
Kiera. Whats goin on.
I dont know..! I dont know.. Hang tight, tough guy.
A chill ran down his spine, shaking him to the core. Dr. Vahziloks voice played over a loudspeaker from within the laboratory.
Ah.. Mr. Halorin. I was expecting to see you again.
Halorin stared at the metallic, sterile floor as Dr. Vahzilok continued.
I hope you do not plan on getting in the way of science yet again. We remember what happened the last time you interfered with my work. I have a feeling however That this will be our last encounter. Im sorry Im not able to make a personal appearance, but Im confident that my representative will be more than glad to convey any humble message I may have had for you. As for your friend? Well Some of my associates will be with her shortly.
The taunting laughter of Dr. Vahzilok narrowed Halorins eyes and boiled his blood with anger.
I, however, have much more pressing matters to attend to. Do take care of yourself, Mr. Halorin, for life is short. Death is a fate Im afraid youve subjected yourself to.
Silence. Deafening silence. After about thirty seconds, Halorin frantically sent a message through to Kiera. Kiera. Get out of here. Now. Quick!
But-
No! Listen tme Vahziloks got this place locked tight. This had tve been a trap. Get to thcontrol room an-
Their connection was severed. Some sort of frequency jamming device ceased their conversation. Dr. Vahziloks voice come over the loudspeaker again.
By the way, those jamming devices play absolute HELL with the citys teleportation grid I wouldnt look to them for much help.
Halorin yelled and screamed at the door, but to no avail. Soundproofed. He turned and scanned the lab area intently. Outside of the various machines and the operating table in the center of the room, there was no threat to be seen. A door in the back with a window beside it was another point of interest. He couldn't see what was inside from here. Suddenly, the plan Dr. Vahzilok had in mind became clear to Halorin.
A dull, booming roar echoed in what Halorin could only hope was the distance. However along the far wall a large metallic structure opened at its front, releasing chilled frost into the room temperature lab. Its right forehand was the first thing Halorin saw. Vahziloks creature stalked into the room with its head down. Those three claw marks still looked fresh against the creatures face, grabbing Halorins attention as its head bucked upward. It snarled in anger at the scent picked up.
HaaaallllllllooooOOOoooooooorrriinnnnnnnn .
Casually Halorin pushed forward from the door, swallowing the thick lump back down his throat as he started walking toward the center of the room. There they were. Halorin and the beast, standing on opposite sides of the operating table that served as the labs centerpiece. They stared each other down. There was a strange history between these two. Both hunting each other, but also evading. A twisted game of Chess. Halorin couldnt help but to feel he was staring one of Vahziloks pawns in his game in the face, or that he himself was on the board as well.
Slowly Halorin reached up with his hands to grab at the latch of his bandolier. He removed the strap in an unthreatening manner, setting it down to the table beside him. A quiet sigh betrayed his lips. He knew something was weird about tonight
The otherwise dark laboratory was filled with pale moonlight, giving everything in the room a radiant light blue aura. There was an ominous, finalizing aura in the room, at least for Halorin. No help, no way to call for it. This was certainly high noon.
Errant stands of his hair wavered slowly, as if a light breeze was passing through the room. It was in his yellowish gaze that the first crackle of static was seen. Electricity began to appear in a slow crescendo, and soon the air around his athletic build begin to chill. His adrenaline rose with each slow inhale and exhale. A stiff brow lowered with intent, slanting downward to meet each other as the swaying raven hair turned a pale, ice blue. His flesh solidified and hardened, the sound of quickly forming ice mixing with the shocking pop of the surge leaping through and around his body.
Okay, Prettyboy , Halorin gruffed, No runnin away this time
Halorin yelled out in battlecry as he broke out into a warriors sprint, leaping from the ground to take flight. The creature met his call, vaulting from where he stood into the air like a rocket. The two collided above the operating table, meeting each others violent force equally and slamming down to the raised surface. Halorin was pressed down underneath the behemoths mass for a split second before the weight snapped the tables support in half.
The creature bellowed in annoyance as it was thrown from its prey, landing on its back but quickly turning over to get back on all fours. Halorin flipped to his feet in time to evade the bullcharge, the operating table getting knocked out of the way like a ragdoll. He had dove to his right but caught himself in air, lashing his form around to catch the heel of his foot against the side of the creatures face.
He let out a surprised erk as the creature snared his ankle and began spinning him around and around. The laboratory room accelerated into an unreadable blur before Halorin was thrown violently into the door of the observation room in the back. The metallic door caved under the velocity, slamming back along with Halorin against the backwall. He slumped down to the ground, resting most of his weight awkwardly on that arch between his neck and his shoulder. He groaned in pain as he turned over, sitting up to gather himself.
Sergio let out a quiet moan of sedated agony at the loud crash. Halorin looked to the man in horror. Suddenly the stakes were higher. He couldnt let the creature see this man and use him to his advantage. There was no time to get answers. Halorin snarled in pain as he gritted his teeth, rising to his feet. The creature came charging again, but was blasted back by the force of Halorins divebomb flying assault. His shoulder slammed into the creatures face, stumbling it back and into an expensive looking piece of labatory equipment.
Two threesets of claws crackled and plunged out from the backs of his fists as his form hit the ground. There was a good ten feet of space between him and the behemoth, and five between Halorins back and the observation room. He had to protect that man Whoever he was.
Halorin sprang into the air again for another attack as the creature stood up, but came to an abrupt stop. The creature flung a heavy piece of machinery at Halorin, who deflected it with a quickly made wall of ice. The force behind the group pushed him back in air as the ice shattered on the ground along with the clatter of the machinery. This was distraction enough for Halorins ankle to be snared yet again. The entire flat of his forms back was slammed against the laboratorys floor. The jarring pain widened Halorins eyes up to the panel of machinery the creature ripped from its mount and hoisted above his head. Halorin had no time to suffer before he had to do a swift backwards roll to not be crushed under panel.
He sat in a crouch, gasping for air as the creature recoiled back. He took to the offensive again. Halorin flew up to the creatures face and attacked sharply. Left slash across the face. Upward swoop to thrust his knee under the creatures chin into a graceful backflip to come down with a vicious statically charged cross slash. The creature roared in pain as the fresh gashes stung with shocking static and chilled ice, but aimed a right forehand perfectly to drive into Halorins chest.
The force of the blow shook Halorin to the core, knocking him out of the air and sliding his body backward at an angle into the wall closeby to the observation room door. His eyes squinted shut once the agony and writhing set in. The pain was unreal. He could feel himself losing his ability to stay as ice. This was a losing battle. Whatever damage he was doing was not keeping up with the damage done to him. He couldnt hold out for much longer.
The creature roared, spewing its venom carelessly as its head bucked backward. It could smell blood, as they say. Halorin used the wall profusely as support in getting back to his feet, his arms crossing over his torso protectively. The creature looked injured, but Halorin knew it was nowhere near being finished. His eyes, shaky from pain began to water. Here he was locked in some lab with a creature he couldnt handle with no way to contact anyone for help. He glanced sidelong to the eyes of the man who was looking at him in a daze, the man he needed to protect.
Halorin didnt want to die like this
The creature roared and charged again. Halorin met the challenge and the fight continued.