34 Plan of Infiltration

Within Knothole, the entrance door burst open with Ashewyn and Miles barreling down the stairs to the main section of the hideout. Everyone except Jackyn was downstairs, and all of which turned to face them with startled and confused expressions.

"What the hell's going on?" Zyron gave them a funny look.

"-and Where's Spooky?" Solitaire added, as she crossed her arms, with an unsure expression.

Ashewyn shrugged, closing his eyes. "It's complicated, but we need to keep this as quiet and calm as possible. I'll explain the details as short and sweet as I can, but we need to keep quiet. We can't let Jackyn get involved, not with his condition." He said, as he gathered them all over by the bar.

Ashewyn sat down on the bar table, with his arms crossed, with all the concerned eyes eagerly placed on him. Miles kept a bit of distance, watching the others as Ashewyn explained what occurred.

"As you probably guessed, I was out confronting Miles about his antics. I guess Nye decided to give him a piece of her mind too, and followed us out into the marshlands. Before we even realized anything, one of the Templar's Terra showed up." Ashewyn sighed briefly, as he slightly shook his head. "He snuck up on Nye, and took off with her... No doubt he's taken her to Skyworld..."

"Wait-wait, excuse me, but WHAT?! Dammit... That's not good!" Zyron gritted his teeth. "W-What the fuck are we supposed to do?"

"Hmmm.... That's a good question. It's no easy feat reaching the land in the skies. Even if one can fly like those 'angels'." Runfaust spoke up, crossing his arms as he thought for a moment.

"What would the Rhyme want with Nye though? I don't understand." Solitaire added. "She's not the real Queen of Fiends. Surely they know that... Right?"

"No one can be for certain. It's fairly clear to me, that it's imperative we proceed to Skyworld. If we don't act with haste, who knows what that Templar Grand master has planned for her, if he does in fact believe she's the True Queen of Fiends." Pneuma turned seriously to the others.

As they were discussing the matter, a metallic clank suddenly hit the floorboards below the stairwell. Everyone slowly turns to where the source of the sound came from, with unsure expressions, to spot a knife stuck in the ground. It was a very specific knife that only one person amongst them carried. All of their eyes panned for the upper floor, to notice Jackyn holding onto the railing. He must have been holding the knife, and lost his footing to have dropped it. His fangs gritted, letting those intimidating blue eyes gaze to them all with a serious expression.

"You shouldn't be walking around, you can barely stand." Ashewyn got to his feet, as he gave Jackyn a strict tone.

"I'm fine, besides, I already heard the whole thing. What makes you assume I'll just sit back while who-knows-what is happening to Nye right now? I'm going!" Jackyn retorted as he shakily proceeded down the stairs, carrying determination in his voice.

"In the condition you're in? It'll be safer if you let us handle this. You go up there, you'll be an immediate target for the Templar. You know that." Ashewyn gestured, in a frustrated manner.

"I don't care. Can't you see that I've already made up my mind?" Jackyn reached the bottom of the staircase, struggling to keep his balance with that new leg. He wearily shifted to retrieve his knife from the floorboard.

"You should listen if you know what's good for you! You'll only get in the way." Miles scoffed, crossing his arms with a slight hiss.

Those piercing blue eyes rose, shooting a sharp glare at Miles. Miles nearly gulped as he saw Jackyn walking his way, never even shifting away his intimidating gaze.

"Do you really wanna test me, cat?!" Jackyn got up in Miles' face, scowling in a menacing way.

Miles tried to keep a brave face, but his knees were already rattling slightly. "B-Bring it!" He stammered, his knees buckling in.

"Miles, back off. You've already caused enough problems as it is." Ashewyn scolded, trying to keep the peace.

Miles took a few steps backwards, averting his eyes from Jackyn as he got to a distance. "..."

Ashewyn sighed, in annoyance as he rubbed his head. However, his eyes turned back over to Jackyn. "Well... Seeing you won't listen to reason. Have it your way, Jackyn. We need a plan though... or things are gonna go south REAL quick."

Pneuma placed her knuckles to her hips as she turned to Ashe. "Ashewyn, the only way we're going to have any chance of reaching the Rhyme's city in the sky, is by flight. That leaves just the two of us."

"Pneuma's right about that, Ashe." Runfaust glanced over, obviously taking her side.

"I-I don't w-wanna fight..." Molliana began to bawl in fear, but Pneuma pulled her into a hug, stroking her hair.

"Shh... It's alright Molly. You're going to stay here where it's safe." Pneuma motherly comforted the little cyclops.

"O-Okay... Mommy..." Molliana sniffled, wiping her nose, tenderly.

Ashewyn shook his head. "I think it's better if you stay here too, and keep watch over things. We're gonna have to be less conspicuous. With too many Amygdala, we'll likely attract more attention from the Rhyme."

Pneuma crossed her arms, "You're becoming quite the tactician, Ashe. Very well, we'll do this your way. I'll remain here with Molliana."

"Thanks for understanding." He smiles back, before turning to Runfaust and then Adam. "Fiends are out of the question too, seeing you'd be a walking target for obvious reasons. Sorry Adam, that means you're helping by sticking back here too. Same goes for you old man. Also, Adam... Keep an eye on my sis, alright?"

"I'll do what I can." Adam accepted, with a gentle nod.

"Very well, then I shall remain here as well." Runfaust agreed, without disagreement.

Ashewyn then turns to Solitaire. "So, that leaves Jackyn, and Solitaire to join me on our trip to Skyworld."

"W-What? Why are you choosing me to go, mate? I can't fly." Solitaire seemed stunned.

"Besides that, What about me!?" Miles spat out, obviously wanting to go. "-Or the mutt for that matter!?"

"Don't even start, asshole!" Zyron growled at Miles.

"Miles, first off, this is YOUR fault. Don't make me repeat myself again. You're gonna stay here, and when we get back, you'll receive a punishment of Nye's choosing. So shut it!" Ashewyn snapped.

He had immediately shut Miles down, letting the feline slink back with an annoyed gaze. "..."

Ashewyn returned his gaze to the pink haired Morphious. "Look, I'm picking you to go because you smell human, and you look it. Yet underneath that facade is a lethal weapon. This is a battle after all."

"Bugger.... Fine. Innit gonna be hard to fly with both of us? Hope you got a bleeding idea how we're gonna get up there." Solitaire grumbled.

"I didn't think about that..." Ashewyn grimaced, with a serious expression.

Zyron rolled his eyes, before getting struck with a though. "Hey. I have an idea." He spoke up, getting the others attention. "Some time back, a couple of Terra helped me save Solitaire. These guys claimed they were forming a resistance group, and opposed the Templar. They were pretty insistent on recruiting me for their cause, and even gave me their location, despite that I fucking told them I wasn't interested. Thing is, their boss is the current Spymaster of the Grand master, so they obviously are already planning to over throw the guy as it is." Zyron spoke up, getting out the details the best he could.

"What might you be implying?" Runfaust glanced to Zyron.

"I can get Solitaire in, make sure no shady shit goes down. Assuming we're avoiding any detection, might be smart to just fly Jackyn up there." Zyron explained.

"..." Jackyn kept quiet, already impatient as it was.

"Sounds like a good plan." Pneuma glanced over to Ashewyn. "I'm amazed of how much wit this Vulpis posses."

"Damn straight." Zyron snorted slightly.

"Alright then, let's do this. Zyron, you escort Solitaire, while Jack and I take to the skies. Everyone else, stay put." Ashewyn nodded.

The scene transitioned to a dark chamber in Skyworld, where their prison cells were located. Nye was immediately flung into an open cell, with her arms bound behind her back with magic-resistant restraints. She tumbles briefly, before colliding with the wall, causing some rocks to chip off, and fall to the ground beside where she laid. Nye's eyes shifted behind her, struggling to move her hands, as she attempted to summon her wraith-edge.

"Pfft. Try all you want, those bindings render your magic useless." Spoke the harsh tone of her captor.

Gaigas steps into the cell, and approaches Nye. He knelt down beside her, with a cold gaze, before clutching roughly to the top of her hair to force the blond to look at him in the eyes.

He grinned dastardly, "Oh, the things I would do to you if Aoba let me. Hahaha, you're so vulnerable, like a powerless little lamb. Really makes me HUNGRY." Gaigas' tone grew sharper, as his grip tightened.

Nye flinched, baring her fangs in pain, as she endured the roughness of this beastly dragon. "..."

he darkness of the chamber was then broken, as a door behind Gaigas opened; illuminating the path of the entrance with the torch lit corridor. Gaigas' eyes glanced to it, as a familiar blond haired woman entered the room. From this angle, Nye could only see to about her mouth, when the upper half of her face was just barely out of her line of sight.

"Gaigas, you know that Master Aoba doesn't want you to ruin his new toy. I suggest you leave her to me, like he instructed." She spoke up, with her hands to her hips.

The dragon snarled, releasing his grip on Nye, letting her drop to the cell floor. "Whatever. Just stop looking at me with that FACE! You know I HATE when you do that!!"

"Then get out. You don't have to like it." The woman smirked.

"Tzz." Gaigas grunted, with a scoff before shoving passed her to leave the chamber.

The woman watched him leave, before stepping closer to Nye. "Sorry about the riff-raff, he's much like a dog who refuses to obey anyone but his master. Everyone else is just in his way." She said, as she crouched down, to shift Nye up, allowing the Amygdala to sit and face her. "So, you're the new competition. Hmm. Different than I was expecting. Oh well, I know how Aoba is."

Nye finally was able to see the woman's face, immediately recognizing her as Astrid, the templar that was hunting Jackyn some time ago. She then had a brief recollection of something Jackyn had told her during their time speaking together. "The Templar Baroness that was hunting me... I killed her." She heard Jackyn's voice echoed in her mind.

"Oh, don't look at me like that. I may appear to be a Rhyme, but that doesn't quite mean I AM one." Astrid said, before her face and body morphed into her true form, the succubus woman named Horrifica. "See? Becoming other people is much like putting on a mask. Oh, excuse me, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Horrifica Lilitu, love. As you can see, I am a succubus. I can be anyone I want to be. Even you. Kee hee hee."

"What do you want with me?" Nye finally spoke, keeping a stern gaze on the succubus.

"Me?" Horrifica started laughing in response, before calming herself with an expression of superiority. "No-no. See, I don't like Amygdala. Your kind are far too asexual to be of any interest to a sexual creature like myself. My charm just doesn't work with you, so what would be the point? This introduction and polite behavior is solely for the benefit of my darling Aoba, love. I could care less what that Terra would do to you, actually I might enjoy watching." She gently covered her lips with the tips of her delicate fingertips. "I wonder if an Amygdala can be... well... Penetrated."

"Enough! You're trying to throw me off with your vulgarity. You haven't explained anything, so answer me this! Why was I brought here?!" Nye demanded with a sneer of anger.

"That is not for me to say, love, it would ruin Aoba's surprise. I wouldn't dare step on his toes like that. So you'll just have to be patient, not like you won't find out eventually." Horrifica explained, grabbing Nye's arm to make the Amygdala stand. "For the time being, we'll have to get you cleaned up for a proper introduction to the Grand master. Come along, Aoba has been wanting to meet you for some time now." She said, forcing Nye with her out of the cell block.

Meanwhile, under the light of the waning moons, Solitaire and Zyron reached Dragon's keep; the tower that lead to the heaven's above. Surrounding the tower was a moat of water, and a draw bridge that was held up by chains inside the entrance.

"Well, this is it." Zyron shrugged, as the two stopped at the water's edge. Their hands were locked together, much like a couple.

"Halt! Who goes there!? State your business!" A sentry demanded from an opening on the stone wall.

They Quickly stopped holding hands, upon becoming startled. Both knew subconsciously that their relationship risked the death sentence. Zyron appeared the most startled, nearly jumping at the sound of the voice. From a third person perspective, someone seemed to be observing the two as they turned to notice the guard that addressed them. A bush rested several feet behind them amongst other plants and trees of the trail. Peering at them from a dark opening in the bush, was a wooden hand-painted mask.

"Umm... We seek an audience with the spymaster." Solitaire stammered, trying to act like she knew what she was talking about.

An arrow flew, as the man pulled a bow from behind the wall. It struck the ground at their feet, making Solitaire and Zyron jump back nervously. "Leave at once, you aren't welcome here girl! Take your leashed and get lost, before we use you at target practice!"

"Oy! Watch it mate!! We were invited here, I'll have you know!!" Solitaire snapped, angrily.

"Yeah right, and I'm the King of Crimson." The guard snorted sarcastically, keeping his bowstring drawn. "Move along, girl!" He spouted.

"Crap... This was a really bad idea." Zyron muttered, under his breath.

"No kidding, you arse!" Solitaire slightly shoved Zyron, in irritation.

"Hey! What the fuck!?" Zyron snapped back, nearly stumbling too close to the edge.

Both the canine and the Morphious were on edge with that arrow aimed at them, however before the next move could be made, a hand was placed to his shoulder of the guard. As the man turned, he noticed Heath had came from around the corridor. "Stand down, they're here upon my request." He explained in a very calm manner.

Zyron noticing Heath made him very relived, while Solitaire was definitely confused, but once she figured it out, everything settled. The two looked at each other, with soft smiles of relief, and their frustration seemed to have been quelled.

"Oh! Heath, yes-yes of course. I wasn't aware." The sentry stammered, urgently shifting away his bow to prepare the draw bridge. "Stand back, I'm lowering the bridge."

Solitaire and Zyron cautiously took a step back as they watched the bridge descend before them. Meeting them halfway was Heath, the Terra that Zyron had met sometime back.

"It's good to see you again, I'm happy that you reconsidered my offer. Please, come inside. There is much we have to discuss." Heath cheerfully spoke to them, as he lead Zyron and Solitaire inside.

As the three of them reach the entrance of the tower, the bridge began to ascend back into the air. However, before it was too high, the silhouette of the mysterious masked individual leapt onto it, and slid down to the doorway unnoticed, before quickly taking cover.

Inside the tower, a few floors up; Sally was overlooking the starry night sky from the balcony of the tower. She seemed lost in thought, gazing with much less sorrow than before. Trotting approach her rear, and she turned to notice Maxwhyld.

"I know I yabber a lot, but it ain't because I'm only looking to have a naughty, like some blokes. I really like ya, and bloody oath I'm gonna keep telling ya until you tell me to piss off." Max smiled to her.

"I doth not intend to impede thee, fair Maxwhyld. Twas impious for a mare to love her lord, only anon can I seeith it. Tis true that I hath been swain by thine words of admiration and comfort. Daresay... mine heart..." Sally blushed, holding her chest as she turned nervously from him.

Maxwhyld drew near, placing his fingertips to her cheek as he helped ease her worry of gazing upon him. Their eyes met, but Sally's face only grew more cherry in tone. "I ain't gonna ever bail out on ya, Sal. Promise." Max spoke gently, as he tenderly leaned in for a kiss.

To his surprise Sally returned the action, however the moment was broken as footsteps approached. "Eh-hem." Came the sound of Heath clearing his throat. Quickly the two centaur nervously pulled away from each other to spot Heath with Solitaire and Zyron.

"S-Sally?" Solitaire stammered in surprise, concerned if they were pulled into a trap or something.

"Oh. Young maiden, Solitaire. Tis been many cycles of the sun since I hath last spoken with thee. Pray tell, how beith thou?" Sally seemed thrilled to see Solitaire, which relieved the Morphious. Max kept beside her, looking to the two of them curiously.

"Was sorta rubbish, but It got better. How bout yourself, mate?" Solitaire asked, more at ease.

"Me thinks twas very much the same. Perish the thought, tis now feasible." Sally explained. "Where for arte thou's feline companion?"

"He couldn't make it." Zyron spoke up, trying to cut the conversation short.

"Oh, tis a shame." Sally replied softly.

"Well this is a surprise, I was unaware that you two were previously acquainted. This should make introductions far easier. Shall we continue? I'm certain Lady Spymaster and the others are awaiting us." Heath spoke up, getting everyone's attention to follow his lead.

Entering a large war room, Eclipse was at work going over battle strategies on the massive map she had positioned on the table. Rocky was reclined on the opposite end with his feet on the table and arms behind his head. He was seated not far from Ronan, who was lost in thought. Then there was Talis, peering over Eclipse's shoulder, with a large pregnant belly peeking out.

The red haired Terra and the feline seemed to taking to each other however, despite Ronan being lost in thought. "I can't stop thinking about her..." Ronan muttered.

"Then maybe you ought to go talk to the broad, instead of acting like some pussy." Rocky scoffed, jokingly behind closed eyes.

"I don't know about that, Rocky... I think she might be too feral. I doubt she'd like a domesticated thief like me." Ronan shrugged.

"Don't be so sure, Ronan. She's probably still out there in the woods, all by herself. You won't know what she thinks unless you go see for yourself." Rocky lazily stated. "Besides. Girls put out more often than you think. I bet she's all hot and bothered out there, like some cat in heat."

"So like you to be discussing intercourse just earshot from the Lady Spymaster. You lack decency, dear brother." Heath teased.

"Ain't that the truth. Oh, what have we here? Seems the dog decided to bring his master after all. She's a cute one too." Rocky flirted.

"You touch her and I'll-!!" Zyron Snapped, but was interrupted by a pat to his shoulder from Heath.

"You need not worry, I assure you my brother is only teasing. You're very protective of her, that's good." Heath spoke, claiming the frustrated canine's nerves. Heath however turned to face Eclipse. "Lady Spymaster, this is Solitaire and her canine companion Zyron."

Eclipse looked over, and smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you. Heath has spoken highly of you two. Please join us, we're about to speak over matters."

She motioned her hand to have them take a seat with the others. Zyron and Solitaire decided they had no choice, but to join the others in meeting at the war table.

Elsewhere, inside the rickety old hut that resided within the slums of Skyworld. Vaugn was sleeping on the ground, but Grave had decided to sit on top of his stomach with her legs crossed. She whimpered softly, as she stared at him. She started prodding her finger at his face, muttering, "Master Vaugn? A-Are you dead?" She whined softly. "Master Vaugn!?"

"..." Vaugn narrowly opened his eyes, as he shoved her off of him in annoyance. Quietly he sat up, looking to the pestering canine who immediately got beside him, wagging her tail like an excited puppy.

"You're still alive! I was so worried I was gonna starve... I'm so hungry master Vaugn. Leashed can't get food, we don't have monies to exchange for it... But-But people like you have Zircon. We're supposed to help each other, right master?"

"...Stop calling me that." Vaugn gets to his feet, and turns to the door. "I'll get you food, alright? Just stop pestering me when I'm sleeping." He grumbled softly, before pulling his cloak over his fully exposed wing, and proceeded outside the hut.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Grave called out, and she rushed after him. "Master!!! Don't leave without me!"

Back around the Skyworld castle, Horrifica had brought Nye to a room. Inside was a queen sized bed, and many fancy furnishings of a noblewoman. Nye seemed perplexed by this, not understanding what the Rhyme intended to do with her.

"Grand Master Aoba has some prior engagements to attend to before you're to meet him. So until then, I can do whatever I want with you." Horrifica stated, before shoving Nye onto the bed, and crawling over Nye to hover on top of her.

Nye flinched slightly, unsure what the Succubus was planning. "Get off of me." Nye hissed.

"Oh, come on love, I'm just messing around. Do I really need to reiterate just how much I despise your kind?" The succubus made a pouting face, as if to mock the Amygdala.

"..." Nye didn't respond, allowing the Succubus to continue talking.

"Didn't think so. By the end of this evening, you'll be begging Aoba for redemption. He's the chosen one, the most pious under the Maker. He's the god amongst men, and you will join the others in worshiping his grace. You know why?" Horrifica grinned, with her devilish tail swishing about.

"..." Nye continued to remain silent, leering at Horrifica from beneath her.

Horrifica leaned in closer, her plump lips resting besides Nye's ear, before she gently whispered. "He is the most feared man in all the Land, Sea, and sky. No one dares go against the will of our King, for if they do they will receive a far worse punishment than death. Speak ill of him, and you'll pay the price. Look at him the wrong way, and you'll never be the same. Go against his command, and you'll pay the ultimate price. For whatever be your greatest fear, you'll think nothing of it after you've angered his majesty. What he does to you... it's indescribable." Her lips curled, in a terrifying manner.

"So all the suffering the Templar inflict upon the less fortunate, if under the direct order of your 'Grand master'?" Nye inquired seriously, as she held back anger.

"Oh, very much so, love. You have no knowledge of just how powerful our King and his holy sword Excalibur are. That's not even including what benefits he's gained by enlisting a powerful succubus under him. Almost anyone can fall prey to my spell, and in turn will loyally follow my Master without question. Even a savage beast like that Terra that brought you here. Kee hee hee." Horrifica grinned, before she licked Nye's cheek.

She decided to get off the bed, and stand to her feet, before proceeding over to a walk-in closet, across the room. She turned back to Nye, as she was about to open the door.

"It's time we prepare you for the masquerade." Horrifica chuckled, looking to Nye with an intense gaze. "I assure you, it'll be to DIE for."