08-20-2014, 02:41 PM
<big>Final Steps - Part I</big>
Oct 26, 2031
Four months and three days since Scott left Vatican City never wanting to see her again. It was three days before her birthday and Father Dimitri had summoned Aria to his office. Three days until she was 15 and on the very final leg of her training. Ever since they had kissed and Aria woke up in the infirmary, things had been very different. She was acutely aware that no one walked past her with in touching distance, they always skirted the wall farthest from her, or they would step into a door way and act as if they were busy with something else.
Everyone was afraid of her now. Her instructors were pared down from the numerous different ones to just a mere handful of those who could control their emotions. Or rather those that thought they were controlling them, but were in reality just playing happy memories over and over so not to overwhelm her oversensitive empathy.
Aria was Furia, some said she was one of the strongest in ages. Whatever that meant, to anyone outside of the Furia race really didn't matter, how would they know how strong someone like her was. But then most Furia don't fall over from kissing a boy either.
Today was no different, those she passed, passed in fear and abjection. Aria hated staying here, but she was still in training. Everyone mistrusted her now. She hadn't done anything wrong. Aria had liked Scott, but apparently the stolen kiss in the library was something he didn't want to repeat. It hurt, but there were far more important things to make Aria feel less important and small. Training had been constant, her control was in constant training. She had to control her own emotions, her own self. Father Dimitri disapproved of using the weapons teachings as a method of control, but it really was the only way she could be herself and still do her training. Smell the wretchedness of the world around her.
Antoinette understood, but she hadn't always. She hadn't always liked Aria, and in reality she only barely tolerated her. Aria expected to meet Antoinette in Father Dimtiri's office. He only ever officially called upon her when she was to go help. She was still in training, but her gifts being rare she went out on hunts as a learning experience. They both explained that it was the only way to really train her. But Aria hadn't expected to go out so soon with all the changes.
Father Dimitri's office was covered in wood paneling and book shelves from ceiling to floor, unending pile of books sat behind him on a table. He was a scholar. Aria knew he wanted to be the next Regus, but despite his aspirations Aria knew he'd never gain that greatness, his feelings betrayed him to her. She knew much more about him than he gathered she did. He fell flat in anything that would be required of a Regus. He was hiding something, but Aria didn't know what. And it really didn't matter.
Aria stood behind the chair Antoinette had sat in. They both looked on as Father Dimitri finished writing the letter he was crafting. Such an archaic thing to do, but it was the Atharim way - her way.
He looked up with a grim smile. "Aria will be 16 soon, her training must be finished by then. For now until she is called to duty, Antoinette you will guide her in the field on every mission you go. She will attend her final test alone, and unguided, it is your job to train her for that mission."
Antoinette nodded. Aria could feel the disappointment that she clearly tried to hid behind the salvation that Aria brought to a mission. The salvation had been only coincidental, if she'd listened to Aria to begin with there would be no salvation needed. But those memories were for a later date. Father Dimitri handed Antoinette a letter. "You will meet Cia Mai in China. Several brutal murders have been committed and Cai beleives it's Oni, at least one, if not more. Aria's talents should come in handy, but they aren't necessary. Teach her."
He waved his hands and Antoinette got up and stared down at Aria. "Come child, we've much to do before we leave."
A Gift
The letter Father Dimitri had handed Antoinette was for Cia Mai. It was a letter of introduction. They were to go to Beijing and then Cia Mai would take them to the Qinglian Shan, one of the four sacred mountains in China. The Oni or Onis had been threatening one of the temples according to the report Antoinette had let Aria read.
They flew to Beijing which was the most uncomfortable Aria had felt in her entire life. Traveling with Father Dimitri had always been by driving, and usually only in Italy or neighboring countries, but now this was outside of the CCD.
It wasn't the flight itself, it was the people. They say sitting next to a crying baby, the worst possible thing in an airplane. Try feeling every living soul on the plane. Every fear of flying sitting at the surface. Every fear of heights. Every ache and complaint of every one on the plan. Knowing that the pilot was half asleep because he was flying a second trip to Beijing in a row with no sleep.
Aria was a wreck by the time she landed. Antoinette promised they'd drive on the way back, but it was imperative they get to China quickly - something about a big event happening soon, and the disturbances needed to be taken care of.
All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day were quickly approaching. Whether or not this was the reasoning behind the critical need, Aria was overjoyed to be away from the celebration in Vatican City. The celebration meant that there were tons of people from all over coming to the Vatican and Saint Peter's to observe these rites. And that meant the more people she had to fend off. Being away was going to be splendid.
When they landed in Bejing Cai Mai met them. She was a short Chineese woman with the classic Chinese porcelain doll look. Even her clothes looked like she belonged in a glass case. She bowed to Aria and Antoinette, Aria returned the gesture lower but Antoinette barely returned it at all. It would be a good time to brush up on her Chinese as well. Cai Mai greeted each of them and Aria returned the greeting in Chinese. Cai Mai smiled.
"My employer would like us to attend a formal dinner tonight before we leave. I have go ahead and purchased appropriate wear for each of you. I hope you will like them."
They were taken by cart to their hotel. The three of them were sharing one very large suite, 3 bedrooms and a large suite between them. Aria had the smallest of the rooms, which didn't bother her, it was far larger than her room in Vatican City, and the bed was wonderfully comfortable. Aria was nearly engulfed in the softness and comfort of it.
On the bed sat a red box tied with a black ribbon. Aria hadn't received any gifts before, not really. Father Dimitri had given her things, but they were just handed over with out ceremony. This was an actual gift.
Aria took care to remove the ribbon before gently removing the lid. Inside was a red Terylene Cheongsam Dress, or so the label on the tag said. The price was casually ripped off, but the rest of the tag remained in tact. Not that Aria knew what any of that was. The red was gorgeous and the black trim and buttons popped. Aria pulled it carefully out of the box and held it in front of her and stood before the mirror.
Cai Mai stood in the doorway and watched Aria, but didn't say a word. Aria knew that she was there and turned with a huge smile. "I love it,"
in Chinese.
Cai Mai smiled. "Rough accent, but I'm glad you do. Dimitri said you wouldn't have anything to wear."
Aria bowed a thank you. It was probably the best present ever.
Qingliang Shan
Dinner at Cai Mai's employer had been boring, at least for Aria. She was a child among adults and little if anything to add to their conversation. Aria didn't understand everything they said, but she understood most of it, mostly small talk, politics, the weather, the attacks on the temples. Nothing overly interesting. But formal dinners, and people always gave Aria the same feelings, they were always proud of things, always hiding other things. Everything was a charade. It was just a game.
Sleep had been great in the billowing mattress and comforter. Everything that night was splendid. It was a great sleep. Even her bath had been wondrous. Aria couldn't quite lay flat in the large tub, but she came close. Her knees only poked out of the water a little bit, if she'd fill the tub more she would have been fully covered.
The water was warm and comforting. Aria was thankful she'd gone to the hotel before the other two women, it gave her plenty of time uninterrupted and less cause for alarm as she lay at the bottom of a tub full of water. It was the fastest and easiest way to make the world go away, even for just a few minutes at a time.
The dress had fit wonderfully, even though she felt self-conscious wearing it. It was rare that Aria actually got to dress up, not that she particularly liked it, but it was fun once in a while. She had carefully folded the dress and put it back in the box. Aria couldn't quite get the bow back on right so she put it in the bottom of the box to save.
They woke up early, there wasn't even time to start her day right with her typical routine of things, and were off in a van that would take them the 5 hours from Beijing to the South Gate of Wutai Mountain. The trip was uneventful. Cai Mai gave them a run down of what was happening. And why she suspected Oni.
Cai Mai was a field hunter for the Atharim, of sorts, but she was more scholar and observer than anything. She wasn't a fighter, she was their guide for all intensive purposes. It was her job to find the monsters and then call in for back up. The Atharim employed many types of people, Cai Mai and Antoinette were two extremes. Most hunters did a little bit of both. Antoinette was just a hunter, she only did dangerous jobs, she was good at it. She was Aria's primary teacher in tracking, stealth and killing. Father Dimitri taught her the technical know how, Antoinette she taught Aria the down and dirty stuff. With Antoinette a lesson could easily get you killed. Aria didn't expect it to be too much different this go around. Probably more dangerous than any before, as she was on her last leg of training before initiation. That wasn't necessarily something Aria was looking forward to.
When they reached the South Gate, they got out of the van and started their hike up into the mountains. At first there were trails, like they'd been following the path of monks and pilgrims, but it quickly trailed off into endless mass of trees and climbing jutting rocks. It was a work out indeed. Aria was enjoying the activity, even though it was hard work, and they could be doing this for days.
It had been hours since they'd started their hike when Cai Mai stopped them. This is the site of the last attack.
Aria could tell without that knowledge that it was. The place was filled with menace and hunger. Antoinette looked for the outward signs she could track, foot prints, blood trails, the physical evidence. She made sure Aria saw them too. But Aria had already found the trail. Pride and satisfaction lead her away from the site of the kill. Aria always found it funny that monsters felt much the same as humans did, except everything was almost always on a more basic level. Me caveman, you jane.
Antoinette confirmed Aria's trail with physical evidence. Cai Mai questioned the pair on what they thought it was. Antoinette confirmed her suspicion of Oni as well, but only one. At least here.
Oni Cave
Both the scent and the physical evidence lead to a cave. Aria didn't mind being out in the open terrain without people, but a cave was dark and even though they were all trained hunters, and Antoinette thought she was good at hiding her fear from Aria, fear always crept in. The dark always brought fear.
The cave opening was narrow and they had to take off their packs to get inside. It made Aria wonder how the Oni managed to do it. Where they like a mouse? Could their bone structure change so they could squeeze into tight places? Was it really an Oni? Oni were supposed to be be massive creatures with horns on their heads. Aria didn't think one could fit through the narrow opening. But they would soon find out that there were definitely Oni in these caves. More than one.
It was a matter of mere minutes before the gruesome howl echoed down the caverns of the cave, followed by several more. These Oni were nesting together. While not unheard of it was uncommon to actually find a nest. The hunting must be good in the region for that many Oni to be there. And there were only three of them.
Antoinette drew her cross bow and had a back up pistol at her back. Cai Mai only had the rifle she'd carried so her shots would be few. Father Dimtri had frowned at Aria when she insisted that her swords be sent through baggage and her own pistols as well. He always thought the swords were archaic, yet he had taught her how to use them, and other weapons as well. She preferred the swords over the other melee weapons, axes and maces and even the quarterstaff were all too heavy for her but the swords were perfectly weighted for her. Aria had watched the blacksmith craft them. They were a work of art as far as Aria was concerned, but to most of her instructors they were but a nuisances. They required a hunter to get within close range of the creatures they fought. That was the part Aria liked the most. The thrill of the danger, the risk it brought. It was the fuel that guided her hand. It was the only time Aria was glad to be that close to someone or something. To feel their fear and their pain. To know that their suffering would end at her hand. To quiet the voice in her head forever. It was always a dark place. One that Father Dimitri warned her of constantly.
Each of the three women wore head lamps that lit their way and kept their hands free. In the end it was probably dangerous to not use their night vision and the goggles that the Atharim would have provided. But they were doing this old school it seemed. For all their goings on about how modern weapons were better, the Atharim hunters didn't always follow suit with newer technologies.
Into the cavern system they went, deeper and further into the damp dark caves. Aria could feel the Oni deeper in. They were content, probably sleeping. Their hunger and their ferociousness were at bay, stomachs were temporary full and they were as peaceful as any monster gets.
Deeper they went until Antoinette indicated they should turn off their lamps. And into the dead of the darkness Aria could feel the fear from all of them. It grew inside as they moved, but no one ran away. Embrace your fear. Keep it close and it will keep you safe. It was all part of their training, each one of them.
Antoinette drew her cross bow quietly and let loose a bolt. Right through the eye of a sleeping oni. She knocked another one. There was no movement from the others, they slept as if death had already taken them. Another bolt flew through the air. The oni grunted and the other two awoke, their yellow eyes nearly glowing in the night. Aria felt Cai Mai's fear rise as she took a step back and cocked her rifle. She fired and missed. The pellets didn't have the power to pierce the thick hide of the oni.
It advanced on Cai Mae. The second beast was focusing on Antoinette, her cross bow was not yet loaded and Aria could feel the fear rising in her teacher. But she kept her cool, she finished loading the cross bow and let loose the bolt, it missed.
There were now two pissed off Oni and three of them. Aria handed Cai Mai one of her pistols and then drew her sword. The firearms only had one place to gain purchase, the eye sockets of the terribly intelligent beasts. They kept moving, they knew their weakness, they knew how to fight. They were quicker than you'd expect. And their strength was unparalleled to anything in the Atharim books. They were a tough fight, two against three were not good odds.
Cai Mai fired at an Oni and got its attention. Antoinette loaded her cross bow and fired it at the Oni Cai Mai had fired at. The bolt landed in the eye socket and it dropped to the ground. Aria stood in front of Cai Mae as the last living Oni drew upon them. It was all such a blur, the claw that raced through the air, Aria had moved only a second before it would have crushed her into the wall. But it was enough time for Cai Mae and Antoinette both to reload and fire. The bold landed first and the rifle shortly there after the beast fell to the ground with a thud.
Four oni dead. And no real injuries.
Make that five oni. A growl from behind them took them by surprise. The great beast rushed Cai Mai and they crashed into the cavern wall in front of them. Aria felt Cai Mai's dying emotion. The pain and the fear radiated through Aria. It was one thing to feel a monster die, but a human, was a completely different story. Their lives were more than just hunger and instinct.
The pain was nearly overwhelming. Aria's sword wavered and the Oni noticed. It attacked and Aria had only moments to react. She pushed it all away as she was taught, she embraced the emptiness of her bubble and she focused on nothing but the Oni. The fight was short but it felt like it had lasted forever. Aria dodged and fought for her life. She could do very little other than defend herself. The Oni never touched her, and her blade only barely managed to land once, but barely enough to do any damage.
Aria didn't notice as she danced with the Oni, Antoinette was maneuvering to take a final shot with her cross bow. Aria felt the bolt fly past her over her head and land in the monster's eye socket with a thud and a gush of matter splattered over Aria.
Aria took stock of the situation, she reached her senses out and felt nothing, nothing else inhabited this cave save for her and Antoinette.
There was nothing left to do other than take Cai Mai's body back to her people. Another team would come and collect the Oni for further studies. It was rare you could have a monster as nearly intact as these specimen were for future Atharim to study. Aria knew Father Dimitri would have her dissecting one the moment she reached Vatican City again.
Oct 26, 2031
Four months and three days since Scott left Vatican City never wanting to see her again. It was three days before her birthday and Father Dimitri had summoned Aria to his office. Three days until she was 15 and on the very final leg of her training. Ever since they had kissed and Aria woke up in the infirmary, things had been very different. She was acutely aware that no one walked past her with in touching distance, they always skirted the wall farthest from her, or they would step into a door way and act as if they were busy with something else.
Everyone was afraid of her now. Her instructors were pared down from the numerous different ones to just a mere handful of those who could control their emotions. Or rather those that thought they were controlling them, but were in reality just playing happy memories over and over so not to overwhelm her oversensitive empathy.
Aria was Furia, some said she was one of the strongest in ages. Whatever that meant, to anyone outside of the Furia race really didn't matter, how would they know how strong someone like her was. But then most Furia don't fall over from kissing a boy either.
Today was no different, those she passed, passed in fear and abjection. Aria hated staying here, but she was still in training. Everyone mistrusted her now. She hadn't done anything wrong. Aria had liked Scott, but apparently the stolen kiss in the library was something he didn't want to repeat. It hurt, but there were far more important things to make Aria feel less important and small. Training had been constant, her control was in constant training. She had to control her own emotions, her own self. Father Dimitri disapproved of using the weapons teachings as a method of control, but it really was the only way she could be herself and still do her training. Smell the wretchedness of the world around her.
Antoinette understood, but she hadn't always. She hadn't always liked Aria, and in reality she only barely tolerated her. Aria expected to meet Antoinette in Father Dimtiri's office. He only ever officially called upon her when she was to go help. She was still in training, but her gifts being rare she went out on hunts as a learning experience. They both explained that it was the only way to really train her. But Aria hadn't expected to go out so soon with all the changes.
Father Dimitri's office was covered in wood paneling and book shelves from ceiling to floor, unending pile of books sat behind him on a table. He was a scholar. Aria knew he wanted to be the next Regus, but despite his aspirations Aria knew he'd never gain that greatness, his feelings betrayed him to her. She knew much more about him than he gathered she did. He fell flat in anything that would be required of a Regus. He was hiding something, but Aria didn't know what. And it really didn't matter.
Aria stood behind the chair Antoinette had sat in. They both looked on as Father Dimitri finished writing the letter he was crafting. Such an archaic thing to do, but it was the Atharim way - her way.
He looked up with a grim smile. "Aria will be 16 soon, her training must be finished by then. For now until she is called to duty, Antoinette you will guide her in the field on every mission you go. She will attend her final test alone, and unguided, it is your job to train her for that mission."
Antoinette nodded. Aria could feel the disappointment that she clearly tried to hid behind the salvation that Aria brought to a mission. The salvation had been only coincidental, if she'd listened to Aria to begin with there would be no salvation needed. But those memories were for a later date. Father Dimitri handed Antoinette a letter. "You will meet Cia Mai in China. Several brutal murders have been committed and Cai beleives it's Oni, at least one, if not more. Aria's talents should come in handy, but they aren't necessary. Teach her."
He waved his hands and Antoinette got up and stared down at Aria. "Come child, we've much to do before we leave."
A Gift
The letter Father Dimitri had handed Antoinette was for Cia Mai. It was a letter of introduction. They were to go to Beijing and then Cia Mai would take them to the Qinglian Shan, one of the four sacred mountains in China. The Oni or Onis had been threatening one of the temples according to the report Antoinette had let Aria read.
They flew to Beijing which was the most uncomfortable Aria had felt in her entire life. Traveling with Father Dimitri had always been by driving, and usually only in Italy or neighboring countries, but now this was outside of the CCD.
It wasn't the flight itself, it was the people. They say sitting next to a crying baby, the worst possible thing in an airplane. Try feeling every living soul on the plane. Every fear of flying sitting at the surface. Every fear of heights. Every ache and complaint of every one on the plan. Knowing that the pilot was half asleep because he was flying a second trip to Beijing in a row with no sleep.
Aria was a wreck by the time she landed. Antoinette promised they'd drive on the way back, but it was imperative they get to China quickly - something about a big event happening soon, and the disturbances needed to be taken care of.
All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day were quickly approaching. Whether or not this was the reasoning behind the critical need, Aria was overjoyed to be away from the celebration in Vatican City. The celebration meant that there were tons of people from all over coming to the Vatican and Saint Peter's to observe these rites. And that meant the more people she had to fend off. Being away was going to be splendid.
When they landed in Bejing Cai Mai met them. She was a short Chineese woman with the classic Chinese porcelain doll look. Even her clothes looked like she belonged in a glass case. She bowed to Aria and Antoinette, Aria returned the gesture lower but Antoinette barely returned it at all. It would be a good time to brush up on her Chinese as well. Cai Mai greeted each of them and Aria returned the greeting in Chinese. Cai Mai smiled.
"My employer would like us to attend a formal dinner tonight before we leave. I have go ahead and purchased appropriate wear for each of you. I hope you will like them."
They were taken by cart to their hotel. The three of them were sharing one very large suite, 3 bedrooms and a large suite between them. Aria had the smallest of the rooms, which didn't bother her, it was far larger than her room in Vatican City, and the bed was wonderfully comfortable. Aria was nearly engulfed in the softness and comfort of it.
On the bed sat a red box tied with a black ribbon. Aria hadn't received any gifts before, not really. Father Dimitri had given her things, but they were just handed over with out ceremony. This was an actual gift.
Aria took care to remove the ribbon before gently removing the lid. Inside was a red Terylene Cheongsam Dress, or so the label on the tag said. The price was casually ripped off, but the rest of the tag remained in tact. Not that Aria knew what any of that was. The red was gorgeous and the black trim and buttons popped. Aria pulled it carefully out of the box and held it in front of her and stood before the mirror.
Cai Mai stood in the doorway and watched Aria, but didn't say a word. Aria knew that she was there and turned with a huge smile. "I love it,"
in Chinese.
Cai Mai smiled. "Rough accent, but I'm glad you do. Dimitri said you wouldn't have anything to wear."
Aria bowed a thank you. It was probably the best present ever.
Qingliang Shan
Dinner at Cai Mai's employer had been boring, at least for Aria. She was a child among adults and little if anything to add to their conversation. Aria didn't understand everything they said, but she understood most of it, mostly small talk, politics, the weather, the attacks on the temples. Nothing overly interesting. But formal dinners, and people always gave Aria the same feelings, they were always proud of things, always hiding other things. Everything was a charade. It was just a game.
Sleep had been great in the billowing mattress and comforter. Everything that night was splendid. It was a great sleep. Even her bath had been wondrous. Aria couldn't quite lay flat in the large tub, but she came close. Her knees only poked out of the water a little bit, if she'd fill the tub more she would have been fully covered.
The water was warm and comforting. Aria was thankful she'd gone to the hotel before the other two women, it gave her plenty of time uninterrupted and less cause for alarm as she lay at the bottom of a tub full of water. It was the fastest and easiest way to make the world go away, even for just a few minutes at a time.
The dress had fit wonderfully, even though she felt self-conscious wearing it. It was rare that Aria actually got to dress up, not that she particularly liked it, but it was fun once in a while. She had carefully folded the dress and put it back in the box. Aria couldn't quite get the bow back on right so she put it in the bottom of the box to save.
They woke up early, there wasn't even time to start her day right with her typical routine of things, and were off in a van that would take them the 5 hours from Beijing to the South Gate of Wutai Mountain. The trip was uneventful. Cai Mai gave them a run down of what was happening. And why she suspected Oni.
Cai Mai was a field hunter for the Atharim, of sorts, but she was more scholar and observer than anything. She wasn't a fighter, she was their guide for all intensive purposes. It was her job to find the monsters and then call in for back up. The Atharim employed many types of people, Cai Mai and Antoinette were two extremes. Most hunters did a little bit of both. Antoinette was just a hunter, she only did dangerous jobs, she was good at it. She was Aria's primary teacher in tracking, stealth and killing. Father Dimitri taught her the technical know how, Antoinette she taught Aria the down and dirty stuff. With Antoinette a lesson could easily get you killed. Aria didn't expect it to be too much different this go around. Probably more dangerous than any before, as she was on her last leg of training before initiation. That wasn't necessarily something Aria was looking forward to.
When they reached the South Gate, they got out of the van and started their hike up into the mountains. At first there were trails, like they'd been following the path of monks and pilgrims, but it quickly trailed off into endless mass of trees and climbing jutting rocks. It was a work out indeed. Aria was enjoying the activity, even though it was hard work, and they could be doing this for days.
It had been hours since they'd started their hike when Cai Mai stopped them. This is the site of the last attack.
Aria could tell without that knowledge that it was. The place was filled with menace and hunger. Antoinette looked for the outward signs she could track, foot prints, blood trails, the physical evidence. She made sure Aria saw them too. But Aria had already found the trail. Pride and satisfaction lead her away from the site of the kill. Aria always found it funny that monsters felt much the same as humans did, except everything was almost always on a more basic level. Me caveman, you jane.
Antoinette confirmed Aria's trail with physical evidence. Cai Mai questioned the pair on what they thought it was. Antoinette confirmed her suspicion of Oni as well, but only one. At least here.
Oni Cave
Both the scent and the physical evidence lead to a cave. Aria didn't mind being out in the open terrain without people, but a cave was dark and even though they were all trained hunters, and Antoinette thought she was good at hiding her fear from Aria, fear always crept in. The dark always brought fear.
The cave opening was narrow and they had to take off their packs to get inside. It made Aria wonder how the Oni managed to do it. Where they like a mouse? Could their bone structure change so they could squeeze into tight places? Was it really an Oni? Oni were supposed to be be massive creatures with horns on their heads. Aria didn't think one could fit through the narrow opening. But they would soon find out that there were definitely Oni in these caves. More than one.
It was a matter of mere minutes before the gruesome howl echoed down the caverns of the cave, followed by several more. These Oni were nesting together. While not unheard of it was uncommon to actually find a nest. The hunting must be good in the region for that many Oni to be there. And there were only three of them.
Antoinette drew her cross bow and had a back up pistol at her back. Cai Mai only had the rifle she'd carried so her shots would be few. Father Dimtri had frowned at Aria when she insisted that her swords be sent through baggage and her own pistols as well. He always thought the swords were archaic, yet he had taught her how to use them, and other weapons as well. She preferred the swords over the other melee weapons, axes and maces and even the quarterstaff were all too heavy for her but the swords were perfectly weighted for her. Aria had watched the blacksmith craft them. They were a work of art as far as Aria was concerned, but to most of her instructors they were but a nuisances. They required a hunter to get within close range of the creatures they fought. That was the part Aria liked the most. The thrill of the danger, the risk it brought. It was the fuel that guided her hand. It was the only time Aria was glad to be that close to someone or something. To feel their fear and their pain. To know that their suffering would end at her hand. To quiet the voice in her head forever. It was always a dark place. One that Father Dimitri warned her of constantly.
Each of the three women wore head lamps that lit their way and kept their hands free. In the end it was probably dangerous to not use their night vision and the goggles that the Atharim would have provided. But they were doing this old school it seemed. For all their goings on about how modern weapons were better, the Atharim hunters didn't always follow suit with newer technologies.
Into the cavern system they went, deeper and further into the damp dark caves. Aria could feel the Oni deeper in. They were content, probably sleeping. Their hunger and their ferociousness were at bay, stomachs were temporary full and they were as peaceful as any monster gets.
Deeper they went until Antoinette indicated they should turn off their lamps. And into the dead of the darkness Aria could feel the fear from all of them. It grew inside as they moved, but no one ran away. Embrace your fear. Keep it close and it will keep you safe. It was all part of their training, each one of them.
Antoinette drew her cross bow quietly and let loose a bolt. Right through the eye of a sleeping oni. She knocked another one. There was no movement from the others, they slept as if death had already taken them. Another bolt flew through the air. The oni grunted and the other two awoke, their yellow eyes nearly glowing in the night. Aria felt Cai Mai's fear rise as she took a step back and cocked her rifle. She fired and missed. The pellets didn't have the power to pierce the thick hide of the oni.
It advanced on Cai Mae. The second beast was focusing on Antoinette, her cross bow was not yet loaded and Aria could feel the fear rising in her teacher. But she kept her cool, she finished loading the cross bow and let loose the bolt, it missed.
There were now two pissed off Oni and three of them. Aria handed Cai Mai one of her pistols and then drew her sword. The firearms only had one place to gain purchase, the eye sockets of the terribly intelligent beasts. They kept moving, they knew their weakness, they knew how to fight. They were quicker than you'd expect. And their strength was unparalleled to anything in the Atharim books. They were a tough fight, two against three were not good odds.
Cai Mai fired at an Oni and got its attention. Antoinette loaded her cross bow and fired it at the Oni Cai Mai had fired at. The bolt landed in the eye socket and it dropped to the ground. Aria stood in front of Cai Mae as the last living Oni drew upon them. It was all such a blur, the claw that raced through the air, Aria had moved only a second before it would have crushed her into the wall. But it was enough time for Cai Mae and Antoinette both to reload and fire. The bold landed first and the rifle shortly there after the beast fell to the ground with a thud.
Four oni dead. And no real injuries.
Make that five oni. A growl from behind them took them by surprise. The great beast rushed Cai Mai and they crashed into the cavern wall in front of them. Aria felt Cai Mai's dying emotion. The pain and the fear radiated through Aria. It was one thing to feel a monster die, but a human, was a completely different story. Their lives were more than just hunger and instinct.
The pain was nearly overwhelming. Aria's sword wavered and the Oni noticed. It attacked and Aria had only moments to react. She pushed it all away as she was taught, she embraced the emptiness of her bubble and she focused on nothing but the Oni. The fight was short but it felt like it had lasted forever. Aria dodged and fought for her life. She could do very little other than defend herself. The Oni never touched her, and her blade only barely managed to land once, but barely enough to do any damage.
Aria didn't notice as she danced with the Oni, Antoinette was maneuvering to take a final shot with her cross bow. Aria felt the bolt fly past her over her head and land in the monster's eye socket with a thud and a gush of matter splattered over Aria.
Aria took stock of the situation, she reached her senses out and felt nothing, nothing else inhabited this cave save for her and Antoinette.
There was nothing left to do other than take Cai Mai's body back to her people. Another team would come and collect the Oni for further studies. It was rare you could have a monster as nearly intact as these specimen were for future Atharim to study. Aria knew Father Dimitri would have her dissecting one the moment she reached Vatican City again.