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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2022 22:06:12 GMT -5
The night was young, the air rather chill.
All throughout the city, many being released from their jobs and tasks for the evening, went about their twilight shopping and indulgence in frivolous entertainment. Across the street of a rather prominent and well-known theater, which was debuting the opening night of West City’s new smash hit, sat a rather quiet and seemingly emptied exhibit. Known to care for some of the southwest’s most priceless and culturally significant pieces of art and jewelry, it was also home to a handful of rare artifacts. These curios were tied to a slew of myths, which many an illegal purveyor sought simply for their worth on the black market alone. Those that had studied them, and documented their findings constituted a belief that some held an untapped power of some variety.
They were not wrong.
The Half had been given, the actors and stage hands hurried to their places. Chatter along the sidewalks exuded under umbrellas through the streets among car horns, beneath a blanket of fog and a cold drizzle. Suitable distraction and coverage for an operation such as this. The large oaken doors barring passage into the exhibit glowed ever faintly, as a warm orange light moved up the center of its expanse, leaving a trail of sparks in the darkness. As it subsided the doors were carefully pushed apart then closed, while a collection of individuals in dark attire slipped in with a silence warranting professionalism. Among the carefully placed steps of rubbered soles, came a prominent click of heels upon finely buffered floor.
”Silent alarm’s probably been tripped. Cars, three minutes out if the beat picks it up.”
”Well then – I suppose you haven’t the luxury of time. Sweep the place. I want it found.”
”Don’t we all?” whispered another of the grunts.
The leader of these enigmatic intruders would push the damp bangs out of her face; eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly over scarlet which scanned the rather extensive open room. Two stories all dedicated to the preservation of Earth’s history, or its decadence, some of the pieces in this place were worth a lifetime of hardship and frugality. Displays, whether in glass cases or wall-mounted, were illuminated in an almost otherworldly air by the moonlight and ambient light pollution of the city outside. Each and every single one of the priceless treasures held a story to tell. The possibilities sent the witch’s mind racing, however best she tried to sate her curiosity.
It was the very reason, despite all the urgency of their search, Celeste found herself drawn to one of the first paintings to draw her attention. While the various thugs set out to scour the exhibit for their quarry, the enchantress went about studying the history behind some of the art, meandering through as she went about observing their eloquence. It wasn’t long before she grew bored with them, her patience still holding in thanks to all the lengths gone to ensure the success of tonight’s acquisition. Celeste glanced out the window and let out a long sigh. She’d stood with her back against the wall for some time -- arms crossed, thoughtfully wasting time. She ran a finger along the window sill and eyed the night beyond it. The crowd surrounding the box office beyond still hummed in a fervor.
How fascinating.
Celeste pushed off from the wall and started down the hall -- as aimless in her direction as she was in this life. Surely, she could seek out Selene and her little Covenant, soak her hands and the soil in their blood for everything they had sought to put her through. A simple task in of itself, were they still a simple bunch to find. Times inevitably changed, as did one’s purpose given how whimsical fate desired to be in these trying days. If the gods had sought to punish her, she could think of no better method than this.
An aimless life with no end.
An existence removed from the solaces of hatred and revenge. There had been nothing else for her in the hunt, no escape, no peace, no respite, but there had at least been purpose and that had been enough for the girl.
Though what would sate her heart now, if not vengeance? Celeste had never taken the time to consider what a life without the bloodlust might bring, now here again life was, forcing her to consider the notion while her enemies chose to bide their time. The promise of her release from torment, granted - only with a promise to be taken again by the cruelest of hands. Surely, it was how this all was destined to play out? Celeste tilted her head and watched as the ceiling passed her by in streaks of support cables, warm lamps, and metallic buttresses. Without a purpose, there was nothing more than the idle passings of time. Hedonism, perhaps. Distractions. If there was nothing to destroy, then what difference did it make if she continued on or if she simply waited?
Would anyone really mind if she just…?
There came a crash from a room beyond the entrance they had chosen, followed by several clicks and chatter over Celeste’s ear piece. Outside on the roof, a pair of masked gunmen patrolled a perimeter, keeping an eye out for anything of suspicion among the growing rain.
”Remind me why we’re here again? What’re we lookin’ for?”
”Beats me. Some artifact of some kind, think it’s a rock.”
”You’re shitting me? A rock!?”
”Yeah. Why? You cold?”
”Course I’m cold! Missed the big fight for this? It’s like ten below out here and Celeste left us outside in this to freeze to death. Crazy bitch. Bet everyone else is nice and warm in there.”
”Suck it up. We pull off this job, you’ll be enjoying the rest of your days on a beach.”PL: 32,000 | Antisense: Active
WC: 980
