08-06-2015, 06:50 PM
He left the pool accompanied by two Barrier agents flanking a step behind like dual columns of shadow. That menace of presence stalked them through underground passageways beneath the Kremlin's grand palace. Stalked Nikolai at least. In defense, power raged through him, darkening his countenance and giving speed to his steps. Upon reaching the entrance to his home, the set of rooms in which he actually slept, worked and meditated, the door threw itself open by his invisible hand. The two agents posted themselves outside and he entered alone.
"Internet. News. Moscow,"
he ordered of the vacancy. Responding to his voice, the seeming stone wall flashed into electric life from floor to ceiling, brushing its electric hue across his body. His eyes darted across the images, "What's happening in the Central District of Moscow?"
he asked and the screens shifted to answer.
His eyes grew wide. A dozen views of a cyclone wrapped in fire tore through the city. He recognized the location immediately, barely a mile from where he now stood. His throat grew dry. The presence that hovered in this very room was from that feat of power. A fist tightened on the knot holding his towel. He felt every drip coarse down his legs. The scent of salt water filled flared nostrils.
A voice called from the door. "Excellency."
He turned, ready to sear the skin off the assailant, but it was Alric. He recognized the voice, but this outrage threatened his control. He took a breath. Alric looked back without flinching at his near death.
"I trust you sense this!"
Nik said. Alric couldn't deny it. He took up a patient posture.
"You requested to know Commander Vellas' location. He isn't in the city sir. It's not him."
Alric said.
He released his own hold on the power, and with it, fury flowed away. The god responsible for this was someone to respect, a force that made Baldir appear tame, as this one was in control of his faculties. Barely a year since he learned he wasn't the sole god on the planet. The greatest, yes, but not alone. Whomever caused this was strong enough to allow doubt to creep into his mind. A question to choke to death rather than answer. The emotion quickly smothered itself beneath steely focus.
There was more to power than raw strength, he told himself. He could wield feats for twenty years that left the others panting in awe. A hundred tasks flickered across his mind as he mentally organized a plan. If Michael's group was ready, they would be the first to deploy in response, but according to Michael they weren't ready. Not to face a demon like this. Michael himself certainly, but not these students of his. Their first priority was to neutralize the man responsible. That meant a briefing with Captain Aleksandrov and others of the Collective.
First. He had to dress. Quickly.
"Internet. News. Moscow,"
he ordered of the vacancy. Responding to his voice, the seeming stone wall flashed into electric life from floor to ceiling, brushing its electric hue across his body. His eyes darted across the images, "What's happening in the Central District of Moscow?"
he asked and the screens shifted to answer.
His eyes grew wide. A dozen views of a cyclone wrapped in fire tore through the city. He recognized the location immediately, barely a mile from where he now stood. His throat grew dry. The presence that hovered in this very room was from that feat of power. A fist tightened on the knot holding his towel. He felt every drip coarse down his legs. The scent of salt water filled flared nostrils.
A voice called from the door. "Excellency."
He turned, ready to sear the skin off the assailant, but it was Alric. He recognized the voice, but this outrage threatened his control. He took a breath. Alric looked back without flinching at his near death.
"I trust you sense this!"
Nik said. Alric couldn't deny it. He took up a patient posture.
"You requested to know Commander Vellas' location. He isn't in the city sir. It's not him."
Alric said.
He released his own hold on the power, and with it, fury flowed away. The god responsible for this was someone to respect, a force that made Baldir appear tame, as this one was in control of his faculties. Barely a year since he learned he wasn't the sole god on the planet. The greatest, yes, but not alone. Whomever caused this was strong enough to allow doubt to creep into his mind. A question to choke to death rather than answer. The emotion quickly smothered itself beneath steely focus.
There was more to power than raw strength, he told himself. He could wield feats for twenty years that left the others panting in awe. A hundred tasks flickered across his mind as he mentally organized a plan. If Michael's group was ready, they would be the first to deploy in response, but according to Michael they weren't ready. Not to face a demon like this. Michael himself certainly, but not these students of his. Their first priority was to neutralize the man responsible. That meant a briefing with Captain Aleksandrov and others of the Collective.
First. He had to dress. Quickly.