08-07-2018, 11:14 AM
On entering the main floor room from the second floor he would bum-rush his way past an unsuspecting guard, knocking them flat on their rear as Ricter stomped his foot against their chest, posturing as he scanned where he was inside of the casino. There were three rats around him, one on the ground and two at his sides. He would make a swiping horizontal sweep in front of himself. His sword was large and would be considered a great-sword thanks to the length, but not as big as some other weapons as it was balanced for its size making it both quick but also heavy. Regardless, it was plenty enough to reach the two as his quick heavy slash would nearly lop off one of their heads while lashing the other across the face.
The impact alone was enough to kill the other though the spilling of blood only added to the matter. Pulling back his weapon he would lift it up and stabbed down into the rodent fishing for his pistol, shoving his blade strait through his chest as he growled, ensuring they wouldn’t get back up with a stab through the heart. The rodents expression twisted from pain to a blissful deadpan encompassing his body and face fully, pulling out of him the weasel would examine the rest of the facility now.
He was on the second floor of course, near by was a railing with almost everything having that ‘royal’ red coloration for carpets and also gold encasing every section that it could. Over the railing was the main floor, a number of tables for poker and other games were down there, similar to any other casino while the top sections had mostly shops and things of that nature. As he hoped the entire building had been evacuated in order to find out what was going on, most civilians were either gone or behind a metal curtain as each of the shops were locked up, at least the ones that seemed important enough to lock up. Further in there was a lot more, he knew the path to take, so running along the top most section of the casino he aimed to head for the room Elysia was in not too long ago. The stealthy approach was gone.
“What the hell is going on!” A voice would call out over a radio, the radio was currently held by a female insect, looking similar to a firefly. Quickly the bugs hands would hit keys on a computer screen as they seemed to be in another security point, which was common with large buildings like this.
“Mr. Agustin it seems we have someone still inside, they might be the cause of the fare alarms being triggered. Looks like someone completely covered, wearing a mask.” Her tone as analytical as possible, speaking back over the radio connection to her supposed boss.
The rat dressed in all white would be grabbing a suit case off a table and walking towards an elevator, three of his personal guards heading there with him as he growled. “God damn it, I knew something was up, I’m heading to the safe room. Call Riley, the guys on the roof, get everyone down here now! I want him dead, understood?!”
Soon the elevator would ping, he’d walk in and hang up before even getting her response, walking in it would head downwards, all the while Ricter was still a ways away from reaching there but closing the distance every second.
Speaking of which Ricter was now enjoying the feeling of being pinned down by gun fire, choosing to hide behind a pair of casino chip kiosks. Bullets pelting off it and blazing past his face as at least five rodents with rifles were aiming at him right now, all having taken up a few defensive positions around them. “Why couldn’t I just have tea? You didn’t come down here to save a town from mobsters, Ricter...” Talking to himself, he’d groan as a bullet would ‘pat’ his shoulder, bouncing off as he flinched, still stung like the dickens but only left a bruise.
“Ow..” This was something he was still getting used too, probably because no normal person should be able to take gun fire like this and not be hurt maybe it was thanks to Lanor? Or maybe his body was just becoming a lot harder to damage from training, granted what training has he done lately? The donuts for lunch and cream soda to wash it down kind of ‘training’, the best kind.
Regardless he’d get used too it, he just knew not to be too reckless. So as he began to hear them coordinate their reloads at poor times, the weasel would take the window of time they gave him to come out. Running forward he would avoid a few bullets coming his way just from them missing as a few others would impact the face of his blade as he held it around his head, protecting his more vital parts, he’d get nicked in the legs, arms, and a few in the chest before bounding a flipped over table two rats were hiding behind.
Drop kicking one in the chest which caused them to get sent to the ground he’d stab at the other with his sword in the same motion, normally he wasn’t one to use other weapons besides his own sword but this seemed more effective as he picked up the rifle one had dropped and would fire at the rat. He had no control over the weapon at all, rattling and scattering bullets everywhere. However they had much more of an impact than when hitting him as he managed to hit the one that was flat on his back while another who was trying to run to get a better spot to gain cover would get shot multiple times and fall to the ground.
Throwing it to the floor he didn’t like the feel of a firearm at all, so much recoil, plus it was arguably his first time shooting an automatic weapon of that caliber and he’d rather stick to his sword which had way more control. With two left he would begin chasing them down, but the sound of more coming from the hall he had exited after him of more possible dangers on the horizon.
Seems there were much more heading his way now that they knew where he was at, so in order to lose them and gain some ground as well he looked over the side of the balcony, a pretty long drop but nothing that would maim him. Suddenly the mustelid jumped off the second floor to the ground floor, landing on a poker table that caused the chips to jump and bounce around his body once ht landed on it. The table had a big dent in it now, caved in slightly while the chips fell around him and covered him a tad before getting up, groaning and rolling off while rubbing his ass since he landed butt first.
Cutting himself with his sword he’d mitigate the damage he had taken so far, getting up soon after Ricter looked around, the bottom floor was a wide open stretch of tables, sectioned off by halls that lead to other rooms as well as other gambling locations. Right now he seemed to be in the tables room, full of places where people could play cards of any kind they might desire, for him though he was more so trying to remember where he could go from here.
He needed to pass by the slot machines room as well as the middle stage area, then there was a service room section that lead strait too the back VIP room on the second floor. Maybe it was a bad idea to have dropped down but he didn’t feel like getting shot at any more as he began running through the room. The rats would start to adjust, getting closer to him as Ricter could tell they were starting to get in a position, he could take maybe a couple clips of gun fire from these guys but too many and he’d probably be dead.
Noticing an exit to the left he could hear people running down the steps as he headed strait for it. Grabbing what seemed like a poker table he would grunt, beginning to push the heavy table towards the door, if he didn’t have to fight someone he wouldn't, so as he pushed the table into place behind the door he would pant softly as they banged on the door. The group of rodents wishing to get through but weren’t nearly strong enough to shove the table out of the way in one go, or at least two at a time but this was only a temporary fix.
Even a few shots were fired at the knob but it wouldn't do much, thinking It was stuck from Ricter holding it, however he’d take some time to rest and relax, this was draining on him and he wasn’t even at the elevator yet. Plenty of energy used and he hadn't even got to the next room, mostly avoiding or dispatching small groups of enemies, he’d eventually grow tired if he wished to fight waves and waves of these guys so he’d make his way down the hall to the next room.
But just as he walked in through the sliding doors he would notice something thrown at him from the left hand side, a grenade, his eyes and attention shot open as he was in mid sprint but Ricter would jump behind a row of slot machines. The sound of ‘beeps’ and colorful sounding ‘boops’ would ring out right as it went off.
The explosion was a concussive one, but thanks to the machines it wouldn’t hit him, if anything the glass was more dangerous as he raised his paws over his ears and closed out the sound, pushing some of the machines away from the blast zone.
”Haha! Nearly got ya son.” A thick Scottish accent would call out as he glanced over the side, standing on top of a rack of slot machines a large rat that seemed to be quite fat and was wearing a type of kilt. Checkered in pattern, while he himself was welding what seemed like a strap with a number of grenades and even a Celtic shield and sword.
“What the fudge?…” Ricter murmured to himself but loud enough to hear the man smiled and spoke up, adjusting his beret. You could practically hear the bagpipes in the background as he began speaking.
“Good day laddie! The names O’Riley, and I see your also a sword enthusiast. Same here! Now stop your bloody hiding and come fight with me!” Oh, so this who Elysia was warning him about, alright, how about no?
Ricter was already sneaking towards the other end of the room, he didn’t have time for this, and more so he didn't want to fight this guy, however him sneaking away was met with another grenade landing near his feet, causing him to dive for more cover, rolling as the explosion that followed caused the slots to spin, unfortunately no jackpot this time.
“Alright, fine..” He’d grumble as he raised his weapon, standing out in the open as he climbed on the other side of the slot machines, They were spaced to occupy rats, making every row fairly close, almost claustrophobic, but above he had plenty of space.
Holding his weapon with both hands O’Riley would grin, “That’s the spirit laddie! Come get some!” He would make the first attack, slashing towards Ricters left arm but the weasel would parry it, the two beginning to fight across the two sides of the slot machines. He was a lot stronger than some of these rats, so much so he even budged a bit from that hit, making his own attack he would stab at them, aiming for his inner thigh but he would block it with his shield, gaining a loud laugh from him, his sword stabbing into the wood and not penetrating it at all.
“Is that all you got? Pathetic! You hit as hard as my great nana!” He seemed very cocky, and even more made Ricter annoyed because he wasn’t in the mood to be both taunted and to be fighting as Simon was escaping. Pulling his sword back he would begin to move along the top of the slot machines, as if he was running away, but Riley would keep pace, swinging again towards the weasels legs but he’d jump and swipe towards his head, but it would only bounce off the top of his shield as he raised it over his ears.
The clashing of steel was rapid and repeated as he blocked his attacks somewhat well while keeping in motion, however his shield was a pain to deal with. A solid way to keep him from injuring them as he noticed the end of the slot machines coming up soon, the weasel did have a plan in mind, so when the rat would go for an over had swing towards him he would jump forward into it, placing his hands on Lanors bladed section to block it all together by raising it above his head.
However he’d ram his body into him which sent them forward off the slot machines and onto the stage in the middle of the room, the two would tumble, rolling along the wooden stage before Ricter would managed to roll away from Riley. Not wishing to get too close to then as the rat began swinging around wildly. He seemed to be somewhat skilled but obviously not used to something more unorthodox. He had something in mind but it went against what he’d normally do as he placed his paw on his sword and watched them get up, having a few seconds he would place what seemed like a glowing paw print on his chest, negating some of the pain he was in while focusing on him.
Getting up the large rat would perk up as he noticed Ricter had gotten away and now had some glowing thing on his body, “Got that magic stuff huh? Well that's no fun, well not too worry I got my own magic too.” He’d smirk as he reached around, grabbing what seemed like a water skin. Drinking from it Ricter would let him, not knowing what it could be but he would soon sigh as he patted his large belly, “Delicious! Nothing like the nectar of the gods to really kick things up!”
Ricters eyes gave an unamusemed look, he was even holding his ears closed because the rat was so loud, and now he was drunk and loud, this fight was making him hate life right now. “Hey! Don’t shut me out!” Riley complained but Ricter would sigh and get prepared to fight again, mostly because he didn’t have the time to talk with him. However he’d let him come to him as the drunken rat would make much harder swings, strong and forceful enough to even knock him a couple inches back, he’d stay on the defensive for now. Using his blade to knock away the attacks however as he began to get a bit faster he knew he’d have to do this soon.
Sweeping his sword at Riley's legs he managed to get off a strike on him, a mild cut but still something but he didn't flinch, if anything the rat would just follow up by smacking him in the face with his shield, making him shuffle back a bit and hold his now bleeding nose. He would simply laugh, as if the cut didn't bother or hinder him at all, similar to his now bleeding nose as he wiped away the soft trickle of rd that exited one of his nostrils.
Going into it again this time Ricter would seemingly attack more reckless, taking attempts at strikes that only left him either bruised or taking small cuts when he didn't need to but finally he would have him where he wanted him. Pressing his shoulder against him almost like a tackle, the rat didn't budge much, instead as he struggled and clashed his sword against his shield Riley had a perfect opportunity to attack back.
As he would finally take the bait and throw a stab his way, driving it forward, the man smiled “Gotcha!” Rileys’ sword would shove strait into Ricters side, breaking through his fur as he leaned in fully before pulling back, taking a knee and holding the stab wound as he groaned and seemed to bleed all over his paw and cloak, the disguise having held up fairly well in all this. He was injured and the rat seemed to grin, taking another swig of his drink.
“A bit reckless there aren’t ya laddie?” He’d say as Ricter wouldn’t feel as much pain as he might from this, actually he’d stand up as he held the wound, talking normally.
“Yeah same for you for not wearing a grenade pouch.” He pointed with his sword, which the man’s eyes looked down, noticing that a pin for one of his grenades had been triggered and pulled. Panicking he would try to pull it off by he had barely less than a second later before a large explosion occurred, the chain reaction of other grenades going off only made the impact stronger as Ricter was tossed back. Shrapnel and wood shards being sent everywhere as the building even rumbled a bit from the blast that he caused, the dust making him choke as the machines around them whirled and maybe one or two would hit a few triple cherries, spilling out coins.
Coughing he would get up, but not before healing himself again, he had gotten stabbed with shards of wood, and the pain was beginning to come back slowly now as he pulled them out. Treating himself he would soon pick himself up off the carpet and look on stage, nothing was left of the Scottishman as he got up on the stage, his shield was broken completely, only parts of the iron was even in tact, while his sword was broken in half. He knew full well Simon probably had gotten away by now but he would at least take some time to honor the man, bringing his weapons to the center of the explosion he would stab them into the stage and lean the shield against it.
At the same time he would go to omni’s version of youtube and play some Scottish bagpipe music, having a moment of silence for him, sure he didn’t have to do this sort of thing but it was at least honorable to appreciate their wish to fight him. Besides he doubted anyone would want to commemorate the man, for this kind of thing, but he would take less than a minute or so to do this as he heard more rats and bugs closing in. So after turning off the music he would give him a small bow and begin running off, making his way through rows of slot machines before reaching the other end of the building, finding the staffs room as he’d kick it open.
The elevator was close by, at least by what he could remember, but he had to get to the second floor, by his memory there was an emergency stair well that he could go up, but it was in the back area. Where everyone processed chips and earning from people, luckily when he ran in he noticed that everyone was gone, if anything all that was here was chips, money, and a few computers and desks to count out everything. Sure Ricter wasn’t a thief but he knew someone who could use this and would take at least a bag full of currency as he made his way to yet another door after grabbing what he could, up some steps and towards a golden elevator after sneaking past a patrol who was still looking for him he’d rapidly press the button on there, hoping it would hurry up.
A few seconds would pass before the doors opened only to show what seemed like a group of rats exiting into the main floor, looking around and seeing nothing once the doors opened for them. “Alright fan out, he’s around here somewhere!” The leader would say as they marched out and began running around. As they all left Ricter would drop down from the ceiling, hanging onto a chandler, he was surprised it didn’t just fall due to his weight, luckily all those donuts weren't making him too fat.
“Going down…I’m going to really take a break after this, I’m exhausted..” For good reason, running around and fighting only worked to fatigue him. But he ha a few moments of respite now, even sitting down and waited for the elevator to go to the bottom floor. Wondering if he’d have a number of guns pointed at his face as soon as he left out of the elevator but he hoped not. As the number changed from 2, 1, then B, he would get up and have his sword at the ready, waiting for the doors to open. Ready for what ever they had to give him as he frowned, knowing it would be pretty heinous, and as the doors would open he would tense his body and be met with what looked like a large empty room.
Well, not empty, inside this large room looked like it was at the bottom of a mine shaft, the room was full of rocks and boulders, which consisted of the walls and had even some equipment to mine out the cave was present. It was well lit, lights tracing along the walls and ceiling as rows of crates dotted the inside of the room, probably hundreds by the looks of it. However as he stepped out he could see that the people who were here had left in a hurry, most of what he could see was just crates and an exit on the other end, leading to a massive tunnel with a light sparking from it.
Walking down a ramp he would look over papers on a table near by, notes related to the ‘supply’, and what it was. “20 crates of Melfungus come in three days ago?” He’d say out loud as he flipped through another page, looking over some other supply orders of this stuff, by the looks of it someone was transporting this Melfungus to them and they transported it out after probably changing it as he walked up to a crate. Using his sword he would crack one open, looking inside as the wood ripped and splintered, he’d notice that inside was a bunch of packing peanuts but as he fished around inside he would pull out a plastic wrapped bundle of powder.
He wasn’t the type to actually test random drugs, especially ones he knew could be bad and or illegal, but he had Lanor, he could cure himself. However now that he had evidence, and also as much as he could get now as he would pick another time to test out this drug himself. But before he’d leave, realizing that Simon had vanished and probably escaped he opted to just leave for now, no point in staying to do any more fighting when he caused enough damage here. The weasel would make his way towards the elevator now, why he was doing this now danced on a blurry line between revenge and justice, he just hoped he was doing the correct thing now.
When he walked back towards the steps he heard something loud beginning to make the cave rumble as well, he was even losing his footing as before long he fell to the floor from the shaking. Eventually from the tunnel a large worm would begin burrowing towards him, making Ricter panic as he hoped it wouldn't encompass the tunnel fully and basically crush him. But it stopped only a few feet from the first row of boxes, Ricter would hide, not expecting it to do much if it knew to stop right away. Watching carefully, the weasel would soon see the worms head gape open like a mouth, causing him to shiver in slight disgust by this but eventually something would come out of it.
“Right on time, alright lets move all the merchandise out, chop chop people!” Agustin called out from inside of the worm as he pointed, a number of rodents and bugs would exit out of the worms mouth and begin moving crates into the creatures body. Seemed they were cleaning shop, aiming to grab all they could before leaving with what all they made since their casino was compromised.
Thinking for a second he had about twenty guys, if not more, causing a fight now would be bad plus he could very well just cause that big worm to either crush him or run away. Looking around he didn't see much he could use, only a ventilation system seemed to power air into the cave so people could breath, but what if he could change that a bit? He had planned on testing the effects of this drug later on but maybe it would be better to test it now?
So, moving towards one of the vents next to the machine Ricter opened up the container area where they had oxygen tanks and would pick an empty one before cutting open the wrapped up substance and putting it into the tank. Closing it and then connecting it too the ventilation system again, waiting while keeping his sword stabbed through his foot and into the ground. He would need to document this as he could see small blue spores beginning to drift down from the vents above, all the while he would use a note pad to list off things, like how the spores looked familiar.
After around two minutes people would begin to stop working, halting completely as even Simon was confused as to why everyone had stopped working till he stepped out of the worm and stood still. Their eyes dialed, staring blankly into space while their bodies seemed unresponsive, Ricter would even test one of them by sneaking close and grabbing one of the rats but they didn't even bother to do anything.
In fact the rat he grabbed was grinning, blissful almost as he reached in the open air but grabbed at nothing. Like an infant wishing to play with a parent. What ever drug this was seemed to afflict the mind more so than the body, he didn't see any visual changes, nor mutations, all he could tell was that they were high out of their minds. Soon they would all begin moving around on a whim, some sitting and playing in the dirt, others would try to nibble on a tool they had in hand.
This was either really cute or just really creepy, regardless it seemed very scary, a drug this powerful shouldn't have been made at all much less be mass produced in such a high amount, and this was just one bag of it spread inside an enclosed space. Imagine if this stuff got to everyone in this underground town? Who knows the amount of control someone would have as he walked over to one rat and tried to speak with them.
“Hello? Are you alright?” Taking out his pen flash light he would lash it in both his eyes, no response, however they did speak somewhat.
“You got so big uncle Randy, why did you eat all of those potatoes? You know they aren’t good for your health.” They would say with a soft smile, eyes lulling as the rat would give him a hug, thinking he was uncle Randy or whom ever.
“Uh..okay then..” Yep, this stuff was very dangerous, especially since he was wearing all brown and a mask right now, so unless this Randy person was a weirdo he new full well that this stuff was bad.
After about a minute or so of prying off the rat from him he would walk over to Agustin, whom was currently fiddling with his tie. On approach he would perk up, saying “Dad? You came back! Your walking around too that’s great.”
He was a father now? Okay what was going on? Thinking for a second he would go and ask him questions, “Agustin, do you know who I am?”
“Mhm” He nodded in an exaggerated manner, “Your my pa-pa, did you want me to get you some more tea pa-pa?” Tea did sound nice but he would shake his head. Now came the next question.
“How many fingers am I holding up.” He would show him three fingers, and he would answer.
“Blah your so silly dad, it three of course.”
So they had some minor cognizance while afflicted, interesting, but why was he viewed as a family member of his? Similar to the other rat who clung to him not too long ago. It was puzzling but while he was untouched by the spores, only because he was curing himself of it using Lanor, the weasel still wondered how this drug operated.
“Agustin, give me your suitcase.” He would point, the one that was near by but still in the worms mouth, which he would perk up and nod again, smiling as he ran over in a childish manner before bringing it to him. Seemed he listened to his commands.
Finding a lock on the case he was going to ask him what the combination was but he told him anyways, “The lock is uh 47923221.” Which he put in and soon the briefcase would open and show a number of documents. It seemed even complex numbers by memory were not out of his mental capabilities while drugged.
Reviewing them he noticed just how important this was, it was a mind altering drug that made those who weren't afflicted be viewed as a trusted guardian or parental figure by the person intoxicated by it. It was made using herbs and some magical dust infused together with chemicals to make this concoction. In addition it degraded the mind, reverting someone to a more ten year old mindset.
With so much evidence on hand he would easily be going away for years because of this and now that he had all the information he pulled out his phone and contacted Elysia.
“Elysia, I got him, hes a bit drugged right now but it seems like you were right about the underground section. He was making drugs down here, shipping them out via the giant worms, to whom I have no clue.”
“Giant worms? But that's how Demetri ships things out to other parts of the underground, you wouldn’t think that they were working together?” The woman said, concerned but happy to hear he was still alive.
“Maybe, only one way to really find out, I’m going to be heading down a tunnel. Call the cops and tell them to go through the casino to the back staff room and down the elevator, they will find all they need as soon as they get off.”
“Alright, when your done lets meet up at the hotel, I took the liberty of getting you a new room under my own name, even moved all your things too it. I’ll text you the number later.”
Nodding to himself Ricter gave his brief good byes before soon reaching out to grab Agustin by his paw. “Come along Agustin, you’ve been a bad boy so you’ll need to stay in the time out corner.”
“Awww! But dad...I don’t wana go to time out.”
“If you stay in time out and don't complain I’ll get you some ice-cream, okay?”
“Alright dad..” The rat pouted, walking with the weasel as he’d cuff him to the railing and also cuff the suit case to the same railing directly next to him. All while being right in front of the elevator, ensuring that when the guards did come they would at least know who to grab first. Now that this was done and Agustin was taken care of Ricter would walk back towards the large worm whom seemed to be all but dazed as well, so instead of traveling using the worm Ricter just made his way along the tunnel it made.
Still plenty of room to walk along the side, which took well around twenty minutes before he made it to the other end of the tunnel, finding that from the twist and turns and sloping he was back in town but on another side of town. In fact he was near the water treatment plant, which was just bellow him at about four stories up. He was on the dome shaped outer walling of dirt and stone, looking down at the town as this was one of the worm holes he noticed on coming into this place.
Interesting, so Agustin was using the worms to transport his product around, now the question was where was it heading too? That was probably in the shipment logs as well but skimmed over, luckily he had taken some of that information with him as after taking a deep breath he would jump down into the clean water bellow. Hitting the waves with a loud crash his body would soon come up to the surface, not even bothered that he dropped from so high up while inhaling air deeply.
Ahead of him was the docks, however he had no intention of going there just yet, tried and exhausted Ricter planned on meeting up with Elysia as planned. Maybe even getting some time to sleep since he had no wish to actually be going on a marathon of fighting, plus they needed to plan things out better now that they had something to go by. Maybe figure out whom else could be tied to this outside of just the family given these worms traveled much further than just near or around Ambrosia.
Four hours would pass, the local guards and authorities in town would soon be at the casino, of course with their investigation underway they would find something but part of him wondered if this was enough. If the police here would be enough to possibly take down the rich tycoon even after they found the drugs, and the evidence, and it all tied to him, yet he felt like he had more work to do, to make sure those he and his family hurt were avenged.
Many of the gang members were being arrested, even some he had wounded got taken in to medical treatment, being laid on the backs of massive beetles and carried off. Or in some cases carried away in wooden carts, surely casino owners public image would be degraded but by what he could see The Simon family had control over this town, and even after this he probably could recover from it, they held power, and maybe that power was in relation to his drug ring that he built.
The impact alone was enough to kill the other though the spilling of blood only added to the matter. Pulling back his weapon he would lift it up and stabbed down into the rodent fishing for his pistol, shoving his blade strait through his chest as he growled, ensuring they wouldn’t get back up with a stab through the heart. The rodents expression twisted from pain to a blissful deadpan encompassing his body and face fully, pulling out of him the weasel would examine the rest of the facility now.
He was on the second floor of course, near by was a railing with almost everything having that ‘royal’ red coloration for carpets and also gold encasing every section that it could. Over the railing was the main floor, a number of tables for poker and other games were down there, similar to any other casino while the top sections had mostly shops and things of that nature. As he hoped the entire building had been evacuated in order to find out what was going on, most civilians were either gone or behind a metal curtain as each of the shops were locked up, at least the ones that seemed important enough to lock up. Further in there was a lot more, he knew the path to take, so running along the top most section of the casino he aimed to head for the room Elysia was in not too long ago. The stealthy approach was gone.
“What the hell is going on!” A voice would call out over a radio, the radio was currently held by a female insect, looking similar to a firefly. Quickly the bugs hands would hit keys on a computer screen as they seemed to be in another security point, which was common with large buildings like this.
“Mr. Agustin it seems we have someone still inside, they might be the cause of the fare alarms being triggered. Looks like someone completely covered, wearing a mask.” Her tone as analytical as possible, speaking back over the radio connection to her supposed boss.
The rat dressed in all white would be grabbing a suit case off a table and walking towards an elevator, three of his personal guards heading there with him as he growled. “God damn it, I knew something was up, I’m heading to the safe room. Call Riley, the guys on the roof, get everyone down here now! I want him dead, understood?!”
Soon the elevator would ping, he’d walk in and hang up before even getting her response, walking in it would head downwards, all the while Ricter was still a ways away from reaching there but closing the distance every second.
Speaking of which Ricter was now enjoying the feeling of being pinned down by gun fire, choosing to hide behind a pair of casino chip kiosks. Bullets pelting off it and blazing past his face as at least five rodents with rifles were aiming at him right now, all having taken up a few defensive positions around them. “Why couldn’t I just have tea? You didn’t come down here to save a town from mobsters, Ricter...” Talking to himself, he’d groan as a bullet would ‘pat’ his shoulder, bouncing off as he flinched, still stung like the dickens but only left a bruise.
“Ow..” This was something he was still getting used too, probably because no normal person should be able to take gun fire like this and not be hurt maybe it was thanks to Lanor? Or maybe his body was just becoming a lot harder to damage from training, granted what training has he done lately? The donuts for lunch and cream soda to wash it down kind of ‘training’, the best kind.
Regardless he’d get used too it, he just knew not to be too reckless. So as he began to hear them coordinate their reloads at poor times, the weasel would take the window of time they gave him to come out. Running forward he would avoid a few bullets coming his way just from them missing as a few others would impact the face of his blade as he held it around his head, protecting his more vital parts, he’d get nicked in the legs, arms, and a few in the chest before bounding a flipped over table two rats were hiding behind.
Drop kicking one in the chest which caused them to get sent to the ground he’d stab at the other with his sword in the same motion, normally he wasn’t one to use other weapons besides his own sword but this seemed more effective as he picked up the rifle one had dropped and would fire at the rat. He had no control over the weapon at all, rattling and scattering bullets everywhere. However they had much more of an impact than when hitting him as he managed to hit the one that was flat on his back while another who was trying to run to get a better spot to gain cover would get shot multiple times and fall to the ground.
Throwing it to the floor he didn’t like the feel of a firearm at all, so much recoil, plus it was arguably his first time shooting an automatic weapon of that caliber and he’d rather stick to his sword which had way more control. With two left he would begin chasing them down, but the sound of more coming from the hall he had exited after him of more possible dangers on the horizon.
Seems there were much more heading his way now that they knew where he was at, so in order to lose them and gain some ground as well he looked over the side of the balcony, a pretty long drop but nothing that would maim him. Suddenly the mustelid jumped off the second floor to the ground floor, landing on a poker table that caused the chips to jump and bounce around his body once ht landed on it. The table had a big dent in it now, caved in slightly while the chips fell around him and covered him a tad before getting up, groaning and rolling off while rubbing his ass since he landed butt first.
Cutting himself with his sword he’d mitigate the damage he had taken so far, getting up soon after Ricter looked around, the bottom floor was a wide open stretch of tables, sectioned off by halls that lead to other rooms as well as other gambling locations. Right now he seemed to be in the tables room, full of places where people could play cards of any kind they might desire, for him though he was more so trying to remember where he could go from here.
He needed to pass by the slot machines room as well as the middle stage area, then there was a service room section that lead strait too the back VIP room on the second floor. Maybe it was a bad idea to have dropped down but he didn’t feel like getting shot at any more as he began running through the room. The rats would start to adjust, getting closer to him as Ricter could tell they were starting to get in a position, he could take maybe a couple clips of gun fire from these guys but too many and he’d probably be dead.
Noticing an exit to the left he could hear people running down the steps as he headed strait for it. Grabbing what seemed like a poker table he would grunt, beginning to push the heavy table towards the door, if he didn’t have to fight someone he wouldn't, so as he pushed the table into place behind the door he would pant softly as they banged on the door. The group of rodents wishing to get through but weren’t nearly strong enough to shove the table out of the way in one go, or at least two at a time but this was only a temporary fix.
Even a few shots were fired at the knob but it wouldn't do much, thinking It was stuck from Ricter holding it, however he’d take some time to rest and relax, this was draining on him and he wasn’t even at the elevator yet. Plenty of energy used and he hadn't even got to the next room, mostly avoiding or dispatching small groups of enemies, he’d eventually grow tired if he wished to fight waves and waves of these guys so he’d make his way down the hall to the next room.
But just as he walked in through the sliding doors he would notice something thrown at him from the left hand side, a grenade, his eyes and attention shot open as he was in mid sprint but Ricter would jump behind a row of slot machines. The sound of ‘beeps’ and colorful sounding ‘boops’ would ring out right as it went off.
The explosion was a concussive one, but thanks to the machines it wouldn’t hit him, if anything the glass was more dangerous as he raised his paws over his ears and closed out the sound, pushing some of the machines away from the blast zone.
”Haha! Nearly got ya son.” A thick Scottish accent would call out as he glanced over the side, standing on top of a rack of slot machines a large rat that seemed to be quite fat and was wearing a type of kilt. Checkered in pattern, while he himself was welding what seemed like a strap with a number of grenades and even a Celtic shield and sword.
“What the fudge?…” Ricter murmured to himself but loud enough to hear the man smiled and spoke up, adjusting his beret. You could practically hear the bagpipes in the background as he began speaking.
“Good day laddie! The names O’Riley, and I see your also a sword enthusiast. Same here! Now stop your bloody hiding and come fight with me!” Oh, so this who Elysia was warning him about, alright, how about no?
Ricter was already sneaking towards the other end of the room, he didn’t have time for this, and more so he didn't want to fight this guy, however him sneaking away was met with another grenade landing near his feet, causing him to dive for more cover, rolling as the explosion that followed caused the slots to spin, unfortunately no jackpot this time.
“Alright, fine..” He’d grumble as he raised his weapon, standing out in the open as he climbed on the other side of the slot machines, They were spaced to occupy rats, making every row fairly close, almost claustrophobic, but above he had plenty of space.
Holding his weapon with both hands O’Riley would grin, “That’s the spirit laddie! Come get some!” He would make the first attack, slashing towards Ricters left arm but the weasel would parry it, the two beginning to fight across the two sides of the slot machines. He was a lot stronger than some of these rats, so much so he even budged a bit from that hit, making his own attack he would stab at them, aiming for his inner thigh but he would block it with his shield, gaining a loud laugh from him, his sword stabbing into the wood and not penetrating it at all.
“Is that all you got? Pathetic! You hit as hard as my great nana!” He seemed very cocky, and even more made Ricter annoyed because he wasn’t in the mood to be both taunted and to be fighting as Simon was escaping. Pulling his sword back he would begin to move along the top of the slot machines, as if he was running away, but Riley would keep pace, swinging again towards the weasels legs but he’d jump and swipe towards his head, but it would only bounce off the top of his shield as he raised it over his ears.
The clashing of steel was rapid and repeated as he blocked his attacks somewhat well while keeping in motion, however his shield was a pain to deal with. A solid way to keep him from injuring them as he noticed the end of the slot machines coming up soon, the weasel did have a plan in mind, so when the rat would go for an over had swing towards him he would jump forward into it, placing his hands on Lanors bladed section to block it all together by raising it above his head.
However he’d ram his body into him which sent them forward off the slot machines and onto the stage in the middle of the room, the two would tumble, rolling along the wooden stage before Ricter would managed to roll away from Riley. Not wishing to get too close to then as the rat began swinging around wildly. He seemed to be somewhat skilled but obviously not used to something more unorthodox. He had something in mind but it went against what he’d normally do as he placed his paw on his sword and watched them get up, having a few seconds he would place what seemed like a glowing paw print on his chest, negating some of the pain he was in while focusing on him.
Getting up the large rat would perk up as he noticed Ricter had gotten away and now had some glowing thing on his body, “Got that magic stuff huh? Well that's no fun, well not too worry I got my own magic too.” He’d smirk as he reached around, grabbing what seemed like a water skin. Drinking from it Ricter would let him, not knowing what it could be but he would soon sigh as he patted his large belly, “Delicious! Nothing like the nectar of the gods to really kick things up!”
Ricters eyes gave an unamusemed look, he was even holding his ears closed because the rat was so loud, and now he was drunk and loud, this fight was making him hate life right now. “Hey! Don’t shut me out!” Riley complained but Ricter would sigh and get prepared to fight again, mostly because he didn’t have the time to talk with him. However he’d let him come to him as the drunken rat would make much harder swings, strong and forceful enough to even knock him a couple inches back, he’d stay on the defensive for now. Using his blade to knock away the attacks however as he began to get a bit faster he knew he’d have to do this soon.
Sweeping his sword at Riley's legs he managed to get off a strike on him, a mild cut but still something but he didn't flinch, if anything the rat would just follow up by smacking him in the face with his shield, making him shuffle back a bit and hold his now bleeding nose. He would simply laugh, as if the cut didn't bother or hinder him at all, similar to his now bleeding nose as he wiped away the soft trickle of rd that exited one of his nostrils.
Going into it again this time Ricter would seemingly attack more reckless, taking attempts at strikes that only left him either bruised or taking small cuts when he didn't need to but finally he would have him where he wanted him. Pressing his shoulder against him almost like a tackle, the rat didn't budge much, instead as he struggled and clashed his sword against his shield Riley had a perfect opportunity to attack back.
As he would finally take the bait and throw a stab his way, driving it forward, the man smiled “Gotcha!” Rileys’ sword would shove strait into Ricters side, breaking through his fur as he leaned in fully before pulling back, taking a knee and holding the stab wound as he groaned and seemed to bleed all over his paw and cloak, the disguise having held up fairly well in all this. He was injured and the rat seemed to grin, taking another swig of his drink.
“A bit reckless there aren’t ya laddie?” He’d say as Ricter wouldn’t feel as much pain as he might from this, actually he’d stand up as he held the wound, talking normally.
“Yeah same for you for not wearing a grenade pouch.” He pointed with his sword, which the man’s eyes looked down, noticing that a pin for one of his grenades had been triggered and pulled. Panicking he would try to pull it off by he had barely less than a second later before a large explosion occurred, the chain reaction of other grenades going off only made the impact stronger as Ricter was tossed back. Shrapnel and wood shards being sent everywhere as the building even rumbled a bit from the blast that he caused, the dust making him choke as the machines around them whirled and maybe one or two would hit a few triple cherries, spilling out coins.
Coughing he would get up, but not before healing himself again, he had gotten stabbed with shards of wood, and the pain was beginning to come back slowly now as he pulled them out. Treating himself he would soon pick himself up off the carpet and look on stage, nothing was left of the Scottishman as he got up on the stage, his shield was broken completely, only parts of the iron was even in tact, while his sword was broken in half. He knew full well Simon probably had gotten away by now but he would at least take some time to honor the man, bringing his weapons to the center of the explosion he would stab them into the stage and lean the shield against it.
At the same time he would go to omni’s version of youtube and play some Scottish bagpipe music, having a moment of silence for him, sure he didn’t have to do this sort of thing but it was at least honorable to appreciate their wish to fight him. Besides he doubted anyone would want to commemorate the man, for this kind of thing, but he would take less than a minute or so to do this as he heard more rats and bugs closing in. So after turning off the music he would give him a small bow and begin running off, making his way through rows of slot machines before reaching the other end of the building, finding the staffs room as he’d kick it open.
The elevator was close by, at least by what he could remember, but he had to get to the second floor, by his memory there was an emergency stair well that he could go up, but it was in the back area. Where everyone processed chips and earning from people, luckily when he ran in he noticed that everyone was gone, if anything all that was here was chips, money, and a few computers and desks to count out everything. Sure Ricter wasn’t a thief but he knew someone who could use this and would take at least a bag full of currency as he made his way to yet another door after grabbing what he could, up some steps and towards a golden elevator after sneaking past a patrol who was still looking for him he’d rapidly press the button on there, hoping it would hurry up.
A few seconds would pass before the doors opened only to show what seemed like a group of rats exiting into the main floor, looking around and seeing nothing once the doors opened for them. “Alright fan out, he’s around here somewhere!” The leader would say as they marched out and began running around. As they all left Ricter would drop down from the ceiling, hanging onto a chandler, he was surprised it didn’t just fall due to his weight, luckily all those donuts weren't making him too fat.
“Going down…I’m going to really take a break after this, I’m exhausted..” For good reason, running around and fighting only worked to fatigue him. But he ha a few moments of respite now, even sitting down and waited for the elevator to go to the bottom floor. Wondering if he’d have a number of guns pointed at his face as soon as he left out of the elevator but he hoped not. As the number changed from 2, 1, then B, he would get up and have his sword at the ready, waiting for the doors to open. Ready for what ever they had to give him as he frowned, knowing it would be pretty heinous, and as the doors would open he would tense his body and be met with what looked like a large empty room.
Well, not empty, inside this large room looked like it was at the bottom of a mine shaft, the room was full of rocks and boulders, which consisted of the walls and had even some equipment to mine out the cave was present. It was well lit, lights tracing along the walls and ceiling as rows of crates dotted the inside of the room, probably hundreds by the looks of it. However as he stepped out he could see that the people who were here had left in a hurry, most of what he could see was just crates and an exit on the other end, leading to a massive tunnel with a light sparking from it.
Walking down a ramp he would look over papers on a table near by, notes related to the ‘supply’, and what it was. “20 crates of Melfungus come in three days ago?” He’d say out loud as he flipped through another page, looking over some other supply orders of this stuff, by the looks of it someone was transporting this Melfungus to them and they transported it out after probably changing it as he walked up to a crate. Using his sword he would crack one open, looking inside as the wood ripped and splintered, he’d notice that inside was a bunch of packing peanuts but as he fished around inside he would pull out a plastic wrapped bundle of powder.
He wasn’t the type to actually test random drugs, especially ones he knew could be bad and or illegal, but he had Lanor, he could cure himself. However now that he had evidence, and also as much as he could get now as he would pick another time to test out this drug himself. But before he’d leave, realizing that Simon had vanished and probably escaped he opted to just leave for now, no point in staying to do any more fighting when he caused enough damage here. The weasel would make his way towards the elevator now, why he was doing this now danced on a blurry line between revenge and justice, he just hoped he was doing the correct thing now.
When he walked back towards the steps he heard something loud beginning to make the cave rumble as well, he was even losing his footing as before long he fell to the floor from the shaking. Eventually from the tunnel a large worm would begin burrowing towards him, making Ricter panic as he hoped it wouldn't encompass the tunnel fully and basically crush him. But it stopped only a few feet from the first row of boxes, Ricter would hide, not expecting it to do much if it knew to stop right away. Watching carefully, the weasel would soon see the worms head gape open like a mouth, causing him to shiver in slight disgust by this but eventually something would come out of it.
“Right on time, alright lets move all the merchandise out, chop chop people!” Agustin called out from inside of the worm as he pointed, a number of rodents and bugs would exit out of the worms mouth and begin moving crates into the creatures body. Seemed they were cleaning shop, aiming to grab all they could before leaving with what all they made since their casino was compromised.
Thinking for a second he had about twenty guys, if not more, causing a fight now would be bad plus he could very well just cause that big worm to either crush him or run away. Looking around he didn't see much he could use, only a ventilation system seemed to power air into the cave so people could breath, but what if he could change that a bit? He had planned on testing the effects of this drug later on but maybe it would be better to test it now?
So, moving towards one of the vents next to the machine Ricter opened up the container area where they had oxygen tanks and would pick an empty one before cutting open the wrapped up substance and putting it into the tank. Closing it and then connecting it too the ventilation system again, waiting while keeping his sword stabbed through his foot and into the ground. He would need to document this as he could see small blue spores beginning to drift down from the vents above, all the while he would use a note pad to list off things, like how the spores looked familiar.
After around two minutes people would begin to stop working, halting completely as even Simon was confused as to why everyone had stopped working till he stepped out of the worm and stood still. Their eyes dialed, staring blankly into space while their bodies seemed unresponsive, Ricter would even test one of them by sneaking close and grabbing one of the rats but they didn't even bother to do anything.
In fact the rat he grabbed was grinning, blissful almost as he reached in the open air but grabbed at nothing. Like an infant wishing to play with a parent. What ever drug this was seemed to afflict the mind more so than the body, he didn't see any visual changes, nor mutations, all he could tell was that they were high out of their minds. Soon they would all begin moving around on a whim, some sitting and playing in the dirt, others would try to nibble on a tool they had in hand.
This was either really cute or just really creepy, regardless it seemed very scary, a drug this powerful shouldn't have been made at all much less be mass produced in such a high amount, and this was just one bag of it spread inside an enclosed space. Imagine if this stuff got to everyone in this underground town? Who knows the amount of control someone would have as he walked over to one rat and tried to speak with them.
“Hello? Are you alright?” Taking out his pen flash light he would lash it in both his eyes, no response, however they did speak somewhat.
“You got so big uncle Randy, why did you eat all of those potatoes? You know they aren’t good for your health.” They would say with a soft smile, eyes lulling as the rat would give him a hug, thinking he was uncle Randy or whom ever.
“Uh..okay then..” Yep, this stuff was very dangerous, especially since he was wearing all brown and a mask right now, so unless this Randy person was a weirdo he new full well that this stuff was bad.
After about a minute or so of prying off the rat from him he would walk over to Agustin, whom was currently fiddling with his tie. On approach he would perk up, saying “Dad? You came back! Your walking around too that’s great.”
He was a father now? Okay what was going on? Thinking for a second he would go and ask him questions, “Agustin, do you know who I am?”
“Mhm” He nodded in an exaggerated manner, “Your my pa-pa, did you want me to get you some more tea pa-pa?” Tea did sound nice but he would shake his head. Now came the next question.
“How many fingers am I holding up.” He would show him three fingers, and he would answer.
“Blah your so silly dad, it three of course.”
So they had some minor cognizance while afflicted, interesting, but why was he viewed as a family member of his? Similar to the other rat who clung to him not too long ago. It was puzzling but while he was untouched by the spores, only because he was curing himself of it using Lanor, the weasel still wondered how this drug operated.
“Agustin, give me your suitcase.” He would point, the one that was near by but still in the worms mouth, which he would perk up and nod again, smiling as he ran over in a childish manner before bringing it to him. Seemed he listened to his commands.
Finding a lock on the case he was going to ask him what the combination was but he told him anyways, “The lock is uh 47923221.” Which he put in and soon the briefcase would open and show a number of documents. It seemed even complex numbers by memory were not out of his mental capabilities while drugged.
Reviewing them he noticed just how important this was, it was a mind altering drug that made those who weren't afflicted be viewed as a trusted guardian or parental figure by the person intoxicated by it. It was made using herbs and some magical dust infused together with chemicals to make this concoction. In addition it degraded the mind, reverting someone to a more ten year old mindset.
With so much evidence on hand he would easily be going away for years because of this and now that he had all the information he pulled out his phone and contacted Elysia.
“Elysia, I got him, hes a bit drugged right now but it seems like you were right about the underground section. He was making drugs down here, shipping them out via the giant worms, to whom I have no clue.”
“Giant worms? But that's how Demetri ships things out to other parts of the underground, you wouldn’t think that they were working together?” The woman said, concerned but happy to hear he was still alive.
“Maybe, only one way to really find out, I’m going to be heading down a tunnel. Call the cops and tell them to go through the casino to the back staff room and down the elevator, they will find all they need as soon as they get off.”
“Alright, when your done lets meet up at the hotel, I took the liberty of getting you a new room under my own name, even moved all your things too it. I’ll text you the number later.”
Nodding to himself Ricter gave his brief good byes before soon reaching out to grab Agustin by his paw. “Come along Agustin, you’ve been a bad boy so you’ll need to stay in the time out corner.”
“Awww! But dad...I don’t wana go to time out.”
“If you stay in time out and don't complain I’ll get you some ice-cream, okay?”
“Alright dad..” The rat pouted, walking with the weasel as he’d cuff him to the railing and also cuff the suit case to the same railing directly next to him. All while being right in front of the elevator, ensuring that when the guards did come they would at least know who to grab first. Now that this was done and Agustin was taken care of Ricter would walk back towards the large worm whom seemed to be all but dazed as well, so instead of traveling using the worm Ricter just made his way along the tunnel it made.
Still plenty of room to walk along the side, which took well around twenty minutes before he made it to the other end of the tunnel, finding that from the twist and turns and sloping he was back in town but on another side of town. In fact he was near the water treatment plant, which was just bellow him at about four stories up. He was on the dome shaped outer walling of dirt and stone, looking down at the town as this was one of the worm holes he noticed on coming into this place.
Interesting, so Agustin was using the worms to transport his product around, now the question was where was it heading too? That was probably in the shipment logs as well but skimmed over, luckily he had taken some of that information with him as after taking a deep breath he would jump down into the clean water bellow. Hitting the waves with a loud crash his body would soon come up to the surface, not even bothered that he dropped from so high up while inhaling air deeply.
Ahead of him was the docks, however he had no intention of going there just yet, tried and exhausted Ricter planned on meeting up with Elysia as planned. Maybe even getting some time to sleep since he had no wish to actually be going on a marathon of fighting, plus they needed to plan things out better now that they had something to go by. Maybe figure out whom else could be tied to this outside of just the family given these worms traveled much further than just near or around Ambrosia.
Four hours would pass, the local guards and authorities in town would soon be at the casino, of course with their investigation underway they would find something but part of him wondered if this was enough. If the police here would be enough to possibly take down the rich tycoon even after they found the drugs, and the evidence, and it all tied to him, yet he felt like he had more work to do, to make sure those he and his family hurt were avenged.
Many of the gang members were being arrested, even some he had wounded got taken in to medical treatment, being laid on the backs of massive beetles and carried off. Or in some cases carried away in wooden carts, surely casino owners public image would be degraded but by what he could see The Simon family had control over this town, and even after this he probably could recover from it, they held power, and maybe that power was in relation to his drug ring that he built.