Malevolent Epoch [Social, R, semi-open]

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

In the depths of the Silbern resides another hidden world. A place of mischief, corruption, and discovery. Behind a wall of light there existed a union of magic, the arcane, the forbidden, and science. There a select few watched with bated breath as the screens blinked and lights flickered. Beside them stood Amalia, proud and hopeful. Her eyes were fire in water, each catching the dull blue light of the screen. Reflected in those eyes was more than just the image on the screen, it was determination and boundless imagination.

Swimming in those deep blue eyes was a dream. But to many this dream was a nightmare. A nightmare that would escape their slumber and manifest in their waking life. "Lady Vollbrecht." A soft and humble voice called out to her. "The merger is complete, but it seems this specimen did not take to this device either." Amalia's gaze remained focused on the screen, the subject writhing in agony as it began flailing around its cell. She refused to break sight with the screen. Was she hoping circumstances would change if she looked upon the failed experiment long enough? Maybe she'd notice something they did not. 

Secret Lab Reference

Secret Lab Reference 2

"La-lady Vollbrecht?" The woman repeated with a nervous stutter." Amalia sighed as her cheeks narrowed and lips became plump. The previous failures cycled through her mind as she attempted to maintain her composure. Despite her control she couldn't conceal her disappointment. "I heard you. I'm thinking." The woman nodded and joined Amalia by looking at the screen. The subject was now thrashing themselves around their room. "Much like test subjects 15 through 20 they have undergone a state of madness." The woman sighed and began scribbling notes on a clipboard. 

Amalia approached the screen and flicked it with her finger. She began cycling through dozens of images. "Emmo." She called out. "Didn't this subject succumb to the madness far quicker than the others." The man stroked his beard and began sifting through numerous charts and graphs. "Give me but a moment. We've cataloged every bit of data and sectioned it off by categories. The madness factor is one that has continued to elude us, but we've kept close watch on it as a variable. There. Look here." He said while sliding toward a separate screen with his chair. "See this." He tapped the screen with his finger. "You were right, Lady Vollbrecht." 

"For a short while they were reduced to non-verbal brutes while earlier subjects lost all cognitive faculties. This measurements show what you keenly observed. This version of the device induced madness at a much quicker rate than those before." Amalia looked at the meticulously collected data before glancing back at the screen with the subject. "Which one of our guests helped with this trial?" The woman from before smiled and tapped another screen. "Cell number five. He's proven capable of producing the most solid constructs with the most agreeable attributes. The others have failed to bond with the source material with one notable exception." 

Amalia narrowed her eyes. "She's still refusing to participate." Amalia clicked her tongue and grinned. "I suppose we'll have to do something about that. You attempted to bargain with her, didn't you Luzie?" The woman shamefully looked to the floor. "I did. I thought it would work, but she's proven very unyielding. I'm sorry I've disappointed you." Amalia lifted her head by tugging on her chin with her fingers. "Nonsense. You have all exceeded my expectations and served me beautifully. I'm quite proud of you. This particular one just needs a masterful touch, one only I can provide." 

As Amalia began walking toward the holding cell area Luzie called out to her. "Lady Vollbrecht. What about your guests?" Amalia turned and smiled. "Pepper is currently en route. I imagine she's already at her door and dragging them here as we speak. Then we can work on collecting our sixth and, hopefully, final guest. The others will become obsolete should she prove as effective as I think she will be. Then you all can do with them as you will." The others seemed pleased by Amalia's gracious gift before returning to their work. 

KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK
KNOCK

A young, blond woman began knocking quickly and forcefully on Aia's door until she answered. Upon answering she'd immediately grab her by the wrist and pull her from her room. "Let's go! Come on! Hurry, hurry! We have places to go and places to be!" She said while yanking on Aia. "Amalia wants you in her very top secret place." She said in a near whisper. "Alright!" She shouted loudly as she began marching forward. "Oh! Take this." She would hand Aia a small vial with a speck of red liquid. "Yeah, it is exactly as it looks. It's blood. Wear it around your neck otherwise you're gonna be hurting tomorrow. C'mon! We have to get going otherwise she's gonna get impatient. Geesh you're slow. Let's go!" Pepper began walking quickly and energetically while gesturing for Aia to hurry. They would travel to an area of the Silbern with a long hallway with giant archways. At the end of the hall was what appeared to be a shrine and above it was a mysterious symbol that glowed brightly. "Through here. Just walk right through. Go on. Like this." She said while passing through the wall as if it were liquid. 

Pepper's appearance

Entrance appearance

[Aia Kristal]

Within the Vandenreich living quarters, Aia sure experienced a lovely room. A darkened bedroom with temperature just cool enough to be aboslute bliss. Yet despite these perfect conditions for the Quincy's sleep, Aia could be found tossing and turning. An obvious look of discomfort adorned her face as she suddenly woke up in a jolt. She was still shivering somewhat as a bead of sweat rolled down her forehead, the shiver clearly indicative of her shock. With a mutter, the Quincy would try to console herself. "Just keep it together Aia..it's just a nightmare."

As Aia tried to get up, she wanted to try and be positive about the coming day, but she didn't account for what she left on the floor the night before. As Aia's feet touched the ground, she stepped onto some of her parchment paper. The paper at this point had an odd discoloration and it took the Quincy a moment to remember as a smile crossed her lips. The discoloration was simply dried blood as she had returned pretty late from one of her favorite pasttimes. The Quincy was busy keeping a Shinigami on the brink of life and taking in all his anguish.

In her hurry though, she seemingly hit the bed right away when she returned and forgot to rid herself of all the soiled parchment papers she sometimes kept as a souvenir of her victims. More pressing, however were her tools which were still stained with blood. This actually left Aia a bit more irritated. Blood would cause the metal to rust if left unattended and so, the Quincy compiled all of her parchment, tools and other paraphanelia in an attempt to rid herself of some of the trash along with cleaning her tools. Only taking a few moments, Aia looked on in satisfaction.

Aia then just wanted to take her time, taking care of her usual daily hygiene which took about 30-45ish minutes. As she was nearing completetion, it seemed somebody just had the nerve to get on her bad side. For all she heard was some incessant knocking. It was unberable. She just wanted a nice relaxing day, but someone just had to ruin it. Sighing, the Quincy slowly move to the door and as she began to grasp the handle and open it, a blonde woman bursted in. Before Aia even had time to respond, she quickly remarked. "Let's go! Come on! Hurry, hurry! We have places to go and places to be!"

Now this was just adding insult to injury. Not only did this woman burst in, but now she had the nerve to demand her to hurry. Aia's eyes darkened as the atmopshere around her just seemed to become much darker. If she weren't a fellow Wandenreich, Aia may have just killed her then and there, but the Captain was able to show restraint albeit very limited. Either way, before Aia had time to strike, her mood immediately changed as the blonde woman said the magic words. "Amalia wants you in her very top secret place."

Aia's eyes seemingly glistened as she enthusiastically ran off and got dressed. As she ran back to the door, it seemed that the blonde had to physically grab her. In any other circumstance, this would have set Aia off, but this woman was an agent of Amalia. It was no secret that Aia revered the Sternritter. She had only met her a few times, but every chance to come across her was truly divine. Yet despite the sense of urgency, Pepper semed to give Aia a vial. Aia immeditately recognized it for what it was. Her affinity for torture brought her across blood plenty of times, but she listened anyway. "Yeah, it is exactly as it looks. It's blood. Wear it around your neck otherwise you're gonna be hurting tomorrow. C'mon! We have to get going otherwise she's gonna get impatient. Geesh you're slow. Let's go!"

Almost feeling honored, the Quincy simply placed it around her neck, fastening it like a makeshift necklace. As they continued on it seemed that they reached a dead end. Admittedly Aia was a little confused and concerned. Was this girl just toying with her? It wouldn't end well if she was, but Aia just continued to listen to her instructions. "Through here. Just walk right through. Go on. Like this." Aia was astounded and with glee, she walked through the wall much like Pepper did before her.

What they ended up in seemed to be a longer hallway with what almost appeared to be chambers on the side. Aia was a bit impressed. Continuing to follow Pepper, she truly admired all that it was. It seemed like containment units filled with numerous subjects. Oh what Aia wouldn't give to have a night with them. There were more important things at hand than Aia's morbid interests and fascinations as within a few moments they entered a room and there in all her glory stood Amalia with someone else. In a way Aia felt that she could take a degree of initiative as she smiled and bowed for a moment. "Lady Amalia. It is a pleasure to be called into your service once more. I assume you have something planned given the impressive setting?"

[Deleted]

The atmosphere was palpable to a choking smog. There were moments where Alexander found it difficult to breathe. The oppressive presence that was pushed down upon him by the entity he shared the room with strangled the very air itself. It felt as though gravity was ten times that what it normally was. It was only through sheer focus that Alexander kept himself calm and composed as he stared down at the floor, kneeled before the stairs to the throne, as he awaited his turn to speak. He remained kneeled in respect to the throne before him. The very throne of the Emperor Himself. A rare meeting between God and man. Alexander had the privilege to stand before the Lord and God of the Vandenreich itself.

Such an honor was not one that necessarily filled Alexander with great joy. While it was exciting to see his Lord, the one that had given him health and hearth, there was still a substantial amount of fear that was brought to life within his heart. Alexander wasn’t sure why he was being personally summoned before the Emperor after all this time. He was not one for casual visits after all. The Emperor had the Vandenreich to maintain, after all, and plans to create in order to achieve His goals. So for Alexander, himself and alone, to be summoned to the Throne Room itself was quite the anxiety building moment.

From high in his throne the Emperor sat. A man who despite being ancient, with hair as white as snow, and well past the prime of his life still appeared to shine with as much vigor as the sun itself. He sat in deep contemplation, head resting against his fist, as he mulled over the words Alexander had previously told him. After a few more moments that felt like an eternity, he finally opened those eyes of his to settle those glowing orbs onto Alexander once more. ”So Sinners in service to your families foe were awaiting you?” The Emperor asked, rhetorically, giving Alexander an invitation to continue on with his report. The hunter had been called into the Throne Room to explain the events of when he and Amalia reclaimed the Alistair Hold.

”Yes, my Lord. They were waiting for me to eventually return to undo the seal on the Hold. Impenetrable as it was. They were awaiting their chance to ransack the collection of my family's knowledge.”

”To have the foresight to predict you’d return and the patience to wait nearly a century… quite conniving for lowly worms.” the Emperor commented, before adjusting himself in his seat to remove his cheek from his fist. ”But you survived, as did my Particle, and you reclaimed the treasure of your family. You, Alexander, have given my Empire quite the gift. The knowledge of the Alistair… a true boon indeed.” The Emperor continued, his voice carrying the weight of an avalanche. ”I am honored to have your praise, my Lord.” Alexander quickly added, a rush of pride and joy swelling his chest as he listened to his God praise his achievement. He almost felt as though his chest would burst from receiving such praise.

”However-” and that feeling went away just as quickly as it came ”-how much longer do you intend to continue distracting yourself with your hobby?” The Emperor suddenly asked rather cuttingly. Like a sword just pierced its way through Alex. A rush of fear suddenly filled Alex in his entirety. ”My Lord?” Alexander asked, cold beads of sweat starting to form on the skin of his face. The Emperor let out a sigh through his nose. ”A hundred years ago you came before me as a lowly Private and I gifted you the medallion that you wear today as well as the power you have now. But after a hundred years you only now discover new information on the demon that orchestrated the demise of your family.” The Emperor explained, staring down at Alex’s form from his throne on high. His eyes, glowing from the sheer power he possessed, studied Alex all the way down to his soul. He was giving Alex a chance to speak again. ”You’re… right. I’ve only recently discovered… new information on that demon. The artifact that… I uncovered has some ties to it.” Alexander explained.

”And to further study this artifact you wanted to reclaim your family library. A task that risked the life of one of my Sternritter, Alexander.” The Emperor suddenly said rather pointedly. Alexander felt panic inside him. It suddenly felt as though arrows were pointed at it. Alexander suddenly felt as though he was standing on a tightrope dangling above death itself. Sweat dripped from his forehead onto the marble floor below him. ”It is no surprise that My Particle triumphed where you would have failed. But I do not approve of you risking my Sternritter for your own personal goals, Alexander. They are My elite. My angels. Not your tools.” The Emperor decreed, the weight coming down even harder on Alex. ”You put your personal quest of vengeance for your clan before Me. I expect you to put the needs of the Vandenreich before yourself.”

”Remind me, hunter, were any of the demons you located and slain following the opening of the Hell Gate in Karakura Town in any way associated with the one you seek?”

”No, sire.”

”So you took the time to find, track, and slay Sinners that did not relate to your clans destruction?”

”Yes… my Lord.”

”So would you say it’s fair to say, then, that you’ve been prioritizing the hobby of hunting over your responsibilities to Me and avenging your family?

Alexander could hear his heartbeat so loudly in his ears that it was like the footsteps of an elephant. He was terrified. The sweat that dripped down him was ice cold as it caressed down the sides of his face to either become lost in his beard or escape from his chin. He wanted to run. He wanted to flee. But he was petrified with fear. He couldn’t move. Was this it? Was he going to die here? ”However, that being said…” the Emperor suddenly adding, the tone in his voice not carrying the same harsh weight that it had before. The tension in the room eased a little bit. Alex suddenly felt the fear inside him alleviate. ”The reclaiming of the Alistair Hold benefits my Empire. The knowledge of generations of demon hunters and the secrets they learned of Hell are things we can utilize.” The Emperor commented before settling his eyes on Alexander again. ”I can sense the desperation inside you as well. Like a starved hound about to lunge upon its prey only for it to risk being snatched away from your jaws. I feel that you believe yourself to be close to finding the demon. Do you believe this as well?” the Emperor asked.

Lifting his head, Alexander practically shouted ”Yes! Closer than I have ever been before. I have what they want! I only need a little more time to study the Black Marker and find them!” he said with a fierce flame in his eyes, desperation littering his voice. The Emperor actually cracked a smile, seeing something he liked in Alex’s eyes and soul. ”Very well. A hunter must hunt. If I were to pull you from the trail now it would only serve to create resentment in your heart for me. So I will let you continue as you please. You have one year to find this demon and kill it.” Wait, what? ”I will give you one more year to avenge your family, Alexander. I have been patient with you, sitting idly by as you continued your family's work in My name, but even I have my limits. You will have one more year to complete your hunt. If you cannot accomplish this then you will forget about the demon. You will forget about avenging your family. You will abandon this quest and will devote yourself, fully, to Me and My cause. You will hold no regrets. You will hold no resentment. You will no longer be an Alistair first. One year is all that you need, correct? Otherwise this is not something you are capable of accomplishing. I believe this is more than fair, don’t you?” The Emperor asked, returning the side of his face to his hand as he stared down at Alexander with a smirk on his face.

”Y-yes, my Lord. Thank you.” Alexander relented, knowing that he could not argue with the Emperor. In fact, he felt he was rather lucky to be given a year. But even so there was worry in him. A sense of dread and still present desperation. ”I am confident you will succeed. After all, I chose you.” the Emperor reminded him, bringing back memories of Alexander as a child. A boy collapsed in front of a burned manor. A boy who had lost everything. A child who lost everything finding comfort in the arms of a new life. In the arms of the Emperor.

---

Outside of the walls of the grand cathedrals entrance way and against the brick structure, Alexander leaned with arms crossed across his chest. His finger tapped against his forearm at a hurried pace as he leaned, eyes closed, against the castle walls and thought. He recanted his audience with the Emperor. Thinking back to the decrees put forth by the Emperor of the Vandenreich Himself. ”You have one more year to find this demon and kill it.” the words still as fresh as though he was rehearing them. One more year.. Alexander thought to himself within the confines of his own head, opening those blue eyes of his to reflect the dilemma in his soul.

One more year to track down a demon that it had taken him a hundred years to find the trail of. While it was true that, in these months alone, Alex had come closer than he had ever had before to finding Diablo being given a year did not fill Alex with confidence. He was being given a time limit. A due date. A do or die situation. Accomplish his goals or move on from them. Forget about them. Alex bit his lip in frustration. He would have to crack down on this. No more fooling around. Full dedication to his craft.

But just as Alexander thought about that, he became aware of someone sharing his space. Raising his eyes he was caught by surprise to see someone was standing there with him. Judging by their frame and, well, bust it was a woman. She wore a silver mask, or maybe it was a fragment, to cover her eyes. A hood was drawn over her head. ”Alexander Alistair, Mistress Vollbrecht is demanding your audience.” the woman suddenly said upon Alexander noticing her, not even giving the male any time to speak. He blinked, having started to say something, before he frowned a little.

”And… who are you?” he asked with a tilt of his head. The woman expressed no emotion back at him. ”You may call me Violet. I’m simply a servant of the Mistress. Now, follow me.” she didn’t even ask. Just outright assumed Alex would do as she said. But her thin, pale, lips parted slightly with surprise when she saw Alexander started walking away from her. ”My apologies but I can’t. There are other priorities I have to focus on right now.” Alexander explained with a wave of his hand. But despite it being unexpected, Violet was apparently ready.

”Do you really wish for me to report to Lady Amalia Vollbrecht that you, Alexander Alistair, have denied her summons?” she asked with a monotone voice, and watched as Alexander stopped mid step. The man frowned, groaned, and sighed. ”Well shit..” he grumbled to himself as he turned around to face Violet again and, signaling with his hands for her to lead the way, decided to follow her after all. At some point in their journey he was handed something by the masked woman. ”What is this? Blood?” he asked as he looked over the small vial.

”A key. You must wear it all times when you enter.” the masked and robbed woman explained as she lead Alexander to a section of the Silbern that he had not seen before. Traveling down a long hall that supported itself with massive archways, the Quincy rested his eyes upon the symbol on the wall at the end of the hall. ”Fancy.” Alexander remarked as Violet led him right up to the wall. ”Walk through.” she commanded before doing it herself, moving through the wall as if it didn’t exist. Alex blinked with surprise.

While he was no stranger to illusionary walls he was still rather surprised that something like this existed in the Silbern. Of course this had to have been something Amalia had set up. Looking at the vial he kept in his hand, the man pursed his lips to the side before giving the wall a raised eyebrow look. ”I should feel honored about being invited to the secret club… but why do I have the feeling that this’ll just be more work.” he complained to himself a little before he too passed through the wall and stepped right into Amalia’s newest web.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

"She's finally here, Amalia. FINALLY!" She exclaimed while glancing over at Aia. "Anything else you need?" She asked preciously while twirling her pigtail with her right hand. "Not at this moment, no. But stay. You're as much a part of this as the others will be." Amalia's gaze settled on Aia before refocusing on a nearby monitor. "I'm never without a plan." Amalia held up her hand as she waited from the scuffling feet to grow closer. Amalia waited patiently, maintaining her posture as Alex entered the room.

...secret club... "Don't be juvenile, Alexander. This isn't like the playgrounds you frequent. Follow me." Amalia seemed to glide across the floor as her vibrantly colored gown flowed behind her. She would step out onto a large elevated platform which conveniently overlooked the rooms containing five separate individuals. Amalia gently placed her hands on the railing while allowing her fingers to curl around the edge. Amalia looked out toward the holding cells with pride as her plans were slowly coming to fruition.

"Tell me...what do you see when you look upon these humble faces?" Amalia fell silent, allowing both Aia and Alex to give their thoughts. Her eyes sparkled as they skipped from cell to cell, the unwilling participants glaring back at her angrily while one other lies in his bed with his back turned to them. Once they finished Amalia spoke with palpable optimism and conviction. And yet, her voice was hushed. It was soft and delicate like a feather. Her words spilled over his lips with an eerie calm. "I see," she said with a brief pause, "the future. I see an evolution for this Empire. The wings of this evolution will carry us into a new age. Fear just isn't enough anymore. We need...more. Much more." Amalia glanced over at each of them as she made her way to a console.

She leaned forward and press one of the buttons with her freshly manicured finger. "Wakey, Wakey." She spoke with an unsettling softness, belying the scope of her cruelty. Either of them could look around and see that this facility was a place people entered but rarely left. The man with his back to them rolled over and bore into Amalia with a contemptible stare. "Glad you can join us." She said dismissively as his hatred continued in her direction. "This man's name is Henri Buchard. And he's no ordinary human, are you, Henri?" Amalia said with a honeyed tone as she mischievously grinned in Aia and Alex's direction. "He's a Fullbringer. Who knew Fullbringers possessed such potential. Here I was ready to write them off when along comes Henri. Confident, moderately intelligent, and handsome. You were everything my sources described you as with one notable exception. You're not uncooperative, are you? At least not anymore. Not since her name left my lips."

Rage overcame Henri's body as he charged the barrier keeping him enclosed. He slammed into it, blood collecting on his fists as he forcefully punched the barrier. "He does this from time-to-time. The others are much better behaved with the exception of Linnea. She's the one who refuses to participate. Maybe we should give her some one-on-one time with Pepper." Amalia smiled as Pepper excitedly clapped in agreement. "I built this place quite a while ago, but it wasn't until recently that I was able to implement some new features. I have Alexander to thank for that."

"Henri, Linnea, and the others have one thing in common: They're summoners. They're able to make constructs with their unique racial release. Henri has proven the most gifted of the five. He's able to make constructs that can take on the qualities of other objects. They literally fuse with them. It's impressive, but sadly we haven't found the right calibration of components."

Amalia's eyes widened as she looked back at the others. "I'm skipping around a little." She said as she turned around and walked back into the main room off the observation deck. "I meticulously researched each of these five candidates due to their special abilities. They each possess a unique version of summoning that allows for the creation of constructs with various properties. Henri's ability to create a union between attributes has proven most effective whereas Linnea can mimic the properties of other objects." Amalia gestured for a nearby technician to render images on the monitors. "I've been attempting to use their unique abilities to create an entirely new object that possesses attributes present in a number of unique items."

Suddenly a large cylinder rose from a center console and revealed the artifact Amalia has confiscated from Alexander. "This likely looks familiar, doesn't it? This is the demonic artifact Alexander was so keen on researching and while he's examined it I decided to do my own examination. The goal is to combine Quincy magic with the unique properties of this artifact and create something entirely new, and entirely mine. This item would solve so many of our problems. If Sebastian taught me anything it's that loyalty is hard to come by. You never quite know whose invested in your vision. We conscript people every day, but are they really loyal? Are they really one of us? Experience has taught me the answer to that is no."

Amalia approached the artifact, stroking the glass containing its violent, demonic energy. “It didn’t take long for me to learn what governs people. The emotional strings you can pluck at in order to get the results you desire. Fear. It’s a marvelous motivator." She said with a smile. "It burrows deep into the soul and arrests practically anyone’s will to resist. Over the centuries I became a master at using fear to control people. With fear at my disposal, I could convince practically anyone to do whatever or behave however I wanted. The fear of losing something you have or could have makes people do incredible things with the hopes of preserving what’s precious," her voice fell to a near whisper for a moment, "whatever they might be." Amalia tapped the glass as she looked back at the others and announced loudly. "But not always. Fear, unfortunately, isn’t infallible. There are some who realize what I’ve always known about them - that they’re worthless." She said with contempt as her eyes narrowed and hands seemed to strangle the glass. "If you see yourself as having nothing nor gaining anything the fear of loss doesn’t really work. Sure I could threaten bodily harm. I could cut off fingers until they yield, but that’s just fear, isn’t it? It’s fear with a different face." She said while pantomiming the removal of a mask from her face. "That was the initial appeal after all - fear being able able to take on different forms, allowing me to control people no matter how different they might be. If I had, say, a decade to dissect one’s humanity and supplant something that responds only to fear that’d certainly prove more effective. That level of manipulation takes a long time. You have to rip out many pages to lay the groundwork for that. This method is much quicker and more efficient."

Amalia opened a large spherical container and removed a peculiarly shaped item. "Apply the curse and," Amalia snapped her finger, "you have a perfect slave. A complete subjugation of the soul. No fear needed. The answer was in front of me all along. I just couldn't see it. It wasn't about intensifying their fear it was about choices. Life is about choices. That's the answer. That's what I'm taking - their free will. Without choices, you have nothing to do but obey." Amalia sets the artifact on a nearby table and allows the other two to inspect it at their leisure as they are sure to be curious. "It's a prototype which has proven unstable and ineffective. Well, it one iteration of the item we ultimately seek. It has had varied effects on the test subjects ranging from total insanity to transforming them into mindless berserkers."
 

[Deleted]

<sub>"Don't be juvenile, Alexander. This isn't like the playgrounds you frequent. Follow me."

”Ah but here I thought you loved my boyish charms.” Alexander replied in jest with a shrug and a smirk. However, as he looked upon Amalia’s radiating beauty and the elegant gown she dressed herself in, the man fell rather silent. He could feel the atmosphere in the air. The electric energy of excitement and anticipation. His eyes drifted from the right to the left. Taking in the sights before him and committing them to memory. Quite the little crawl space the Particle had for herself here. This was the first time he’d seen such a place. A lab for conducting dirty little experiments meant to be done in secret, he imagined.

As Amalia brought herself upon a railing, Alexander decided to take a few steps forward so he could see what this room was overlooking. He blinked with surprise when he noticed the assortment of holding cells below him. ”Oho. What sort of fun have you been having?” he asked, rhetorically, side eyeing Amalia with a hint of entertainment before both he and Aia were asked a question. What did he see on their faces? He raised an eyebrow before letting his cool blue eyes shoot their gaze upon the prisoners in question. Crossing his arms across his chest and leaning his head to the side, he chuckled a little. ”I see a few people who look as though they want to tear your head off. Anger, fear, hate. Sugar, spice, and everything nice.” Alex replied with a wave of his right hand.

The future of the Vandenreich? Alexander repeated in his head as he looked to Amalia. What an interesting answer. Were these new converts? No. That didn’t make sense. All the secrecy, laboratory equipment, and Amalia’s eccentric-ism wouldn’t just be over a few converts. So… what were these people? As Amalia interacted with an intercom, Alex watched with growing curiosity. ”Nice to meet you, Henri.” he teased with a little wave and a friendly grin. Ah, so he was a Fullbringer. But what experiments could Amalia been running? Alexander, personally, didn’t give much of a rats ass about the other races of the human world. For the most part. Fullbringers? Eh, who cares. Potential recruits? Traitor Quincy? Either rejoin his Majesty or bye bye? Bounts? Did any even still exist?

Alex watched as Henri, taking Amalia’s bait, rushed the barrier that contained him. ”Someone’s touchy.” the hunter commented softly and cruelly with a smirk, resting a hand on his hip and letting his gaze return back to the red haired goddess. Alex resumed being quiet as Amalia continued to further explain what was going on. But when she suddenly mentioned his name and him being to thank he blinked. His lips pursed together as he looked at Amalia, seemingly confused for a moment, before accepting the praise and smirking. Summoners? Alexander repeated as he looked down from the overlook and raised an eyebrow.

An explanation from Amalia later and he had to think, I’d say engineers, builders, constructors makes a bit more sense than a summoner. I’d know after all. but he wasn’t going to correct Amalia on that. He knew where to toe the line. ”Item makers, huh?” Alex asked. Returning with Amalia to the main room he let his attention go to the monitors as he continued to listen to what she said. So one could create items while another could copy the properties of it. Stroking his chin he found himself interested. He wondered what else Amalia had in store for them. Then suddenly, from the center of the room as if on queue, a cylinder rose containing something that Alexander recognized instantly. Something that made him stop in his tracks and stare very, very, hard. The Black Marker.

His head went from it to Amalia and back again. Alex’s mouth opened and closed a few times as he pointed at the artifact held in the glass container. ”Uh...uhm...did..did you take that from...” he stuttered to say as the realization of how she had that thing hit him on the head like a brick. Did she take that from his basement? Did she break into his home?? Home invasion and theft aside there were other things Alex was worried about. As Amalia continued to explain what she was doing and dive deep into the art of using fear as a manipulation tactic, Alex grew quiet as he listened further.

His eyes widened with surprise though when his beloved Amalia finally revealed just what her grand scheme was. What she wanted to use the Black Marker and these item creating Fullbringers for. ”Dog collars.” the man said, half joking, before he laughed. ”Slaves? That’s the end goal? Mindless drones that cannot question our will and will never betray the Emperor or us?” Alexander asked, rubbing his chin as if in thought. ”I like that idea.” he quickly added before he could even be questioned on his position. ”Must say it wasn’t what I quite had in mind for what you intended with the Marker, but now that I know I must say I’m not all that surprised. Strip away that pesky little thing called free will and you have someone you won’t ever worry about stabbing you in the back.” Alexander said in reply as he approached the item that Amalia had placed for them to see.

Lifting it with his hands and giving it a look over, turning it over a few times with his fingers, he couldn’t help but let out an entertained exhale. ”Total insanity or mindless berserkers… that sounds about right.” the demonologist replied, closing his eyes and putting the prototype down. ”As grand a goal as it is you know there are things I have to ask. Milady, you are taking proper precautions with this Artifact right? During my studies of it I’ve learned that it is… less than friendly. It drives anyone in its vicinity to madness my amplifying negative emotions tied to homicide and suicide. Even in an inactive state it’ll deteriorate the minds of those around it.” Alexander explained, knowing that he had told Amalia this once before.

”You have been able to separate the Artifacts ritual from its influence properties, right? These subjects that were failures... did they off themselves or others? Their deaths didn’t trigger the Markers activation sequence did they? The last thing we need is to create a platoon of mindless servants who cause this thing to create a Gate when they die.” Alex explained, his mind focused on the artifact more than Amalia’s goals. But he realized this himself and pulled the Alistair in him back a little. ”So what’s the hiccup then? Are the two you mentioned incapable of properly recreating and properly focusing the Black Markers mental control?” he asked, eyeing Amalia as he awaited a response.</sub>

[Aia Kristal]

As Aia knelt close to the ground after having addresses Amalia, she felt a sense of warmth spread through her entire body as she heard the woman before her confirm the fact that she had a plan. Despite naturally being formal with Amalia, a quincy whom the Vandenreich captain idolized, she began to rise to her feet after feeling that she had given her due respect. Not too soon afterwards there was a voice which Aia felt a familiarity from. As she pivoted on one foot to look behind her, she saw Alexandar approach. The quincy had only met Alexander once during a siege which Aia admittedly forgot the exact details on. Nevertheless, she gave Alexander a somewhat welcoming smile, being in a rather pleasant mood.

Shortly after Amalia had addressed Alexander, the Sternritter expressed a simple command. "Follow me." In truth that was all that Aia focused on as she saw Amalia move onto an elevated platform, allowing the onlookers to gaze upon a number of cells. In truth, the facility was rather impressive. Aia was especially impressed with the hidden door, but it paled in comparison to what simply appeared to be detention cells. Each of the five was filled with an individual. Naturally Aia felt that these people were integral to something the Sternritter had planned. 

As Aia continued to stare at the trapped birds in their cages, Amalia prompted both of them rather clearly. "Tell me...what do you see when you look upon these humble faces?" In a way this did perplex Aia. The Vandenreich were supreme not only as an organization, but a tight network of inidividuals, chosen by the Emperor to paint a bright future for all Quincies. What good were a collection of lab rats for the endeavors of the Vandenreich. It was then that the quincy had to take a step back and think about it again. She herself was a student of dissection. A woman who adored torture and inflicting all manner of cruel pain upon her victims. In truth, they were ultimately there to satiate Aia's craving for pain and suffering. In a way, she could relate to this cause that these lab rats would pave. 

After what seemed like a long pass, Aia finally answered in a soft tone. "I see a means to an end. A group of individuals who may pave the path to advancement within the Vandenreich. Not unlike a researcher who will employ the use of trained vermin, these lab rats may serve a goal in a plan of your design I imagine." Aia then promptly fell silent as she considered the aftermath of her answer. Ultimately, it was Amalia's words that would describe the true purpose behind these captives, but there was a little bit of fun to being prompted and asked for their opinion on the matter.

It was then that Aia would have her thoughts answered as Amalia began her own tangent. "I see the future. I see an evolution for this Empire. The wings of this evolution will carry us into a new age. Fear just isn't enough anymore. We need...more. Much more." While Aia was a little amused that she may be on the same track as the Sternritter, she still remained silent as Amalia walked up and seemingly began to wake one of the subjects. She then introduced him. "This man's name is Henri Buchard. And he's no ordinary human, are you, Henri?" Aia tilted her head in confusion, but it all made sense when Amalia revealed his identity as a Fullbringer. 

Aia almost appeared to freeze up, her face going pale. She took a step back and tried to hold her composure. She had met a number of fullbringers before, but she was always weary of them. A human who was infused with some manner of Hollow reiatsu. A grim topic for a woman who enjoyed the company of your traditional human, but truly despised Hollows. She never did know what to make of them. As before, she just continued to listen and see where Amalia was going with all of this. After all, she was a cunning one and certainly seemed to have a plan for all of this.

She began to go over the abilities of these five individuals as well as there varying levels of cooperation. Suddenly Henri seemed to fly into a rage as he forced himself onto the barrier, trying to break free and possibly looking to pummel or pay back the Sternritter for something. The futility of the matter did admittedly amuse Aia as she chuckled amusedly. She always did like to play with her food. Her victims were always tools in the never-ending journey of satiating her lust for the immoral. Though Aia looked throughly interested when Amalia mentioned each one of their abilities as summoners. 

It was then that Amalia seemed to produce an item. Well it was an artifact to be exact, one which Amalia confirmed to be all to familiar with Alexander. As Amalia continued to explain the nature of her plan, a cruel smirk began to form on Aia's lips. With a tad bit of excitement she exclaimed, "Marvelous! A tool to truly subdue the rebellious fire that burns in some and make them loyal. What a devious and wonderful artifact." Amalia seemed to continue to delve into the depths of fear, something that Aia was all to familiar with. Her victims who had all come to resent Aia did fear her. At the same time, fear bolstered their pride and resolve, inadvertently forcing Aia into a situation where she had to break each and every one of them.

It was admittedly Alexanders rambling that next caught Aia's attention. "It drives anyone in its vicinity to madness my amplifying negative emotions tied to homicide and suicide." Aia was not one to typically worry, but the pale coloration adorned her face once more as she eyes the artifact carefully making sure to keep a bit of distance as she stood close to her fellow Quincy. With a bit of curiosity, Aia herself stepped forward and began to manipulate the object recently handled by Alexander, moving it around in her hands and inspecting it. As she placed it down she did let out a bit of a sigh. It seemed that Alexandar simply asked Amalia a few questions about the nature of the toy she had created and the nature of the artifact she got the inspiration from. Aia just stood still and listened, a bit lost in thought over the potential that this device could allow the Vandenreich to achieve.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

"Yes, it is quite marvelous. Unfortunately, the artifact itself isn't capable of making people into slaves. As Alex mentioned, this artifact is born from the chaos of the underworld. It is an extension of the sinners who forged it from the infernal fires, making it unruly and unpredictable. We've documented numerous effects and had to properly store it using Quincy runes. Enderl helped with that. The runes inhibit the artifact by restricting its reach of influence and dampening its potency. I've discovered Quincy magic works oddly counter to products of the underworld. It seems beings from the depths of this world possess a power that is directly rivaled by our own. That likely explains why the Allistairs became hunters in the first place, having realized their specialized skills even before they developed specific means of fighting them." Amalia said while smugly smiling at Alex, as if to put him in his place despite his politely shared concern. 

Amalia looked at the item as it pulsated from within its prison. "Neither of you should worry." She said while pressing her hand against the glass. "I've studied many of your family's texts, Alexander, and it should come as no surprise that I became adept in just a short while. After all, that's why I am standing here today. I needn't long before mastering what others might spend years perfecting." Amalia turned and looked at Aia and smiled mischievously. "But he's right, I very much took this from his residence. It was shockingly easy to enter. All I did was knock on the door and it opened without any difficulty." It would be at that point that Alexander might remember a time that he returned to his home and found the door of his home had a large hole blasted through it.

Amalia abruptly turned around and patted Alexander on the shoulder to assure him. "Your concern is appreciated, but not necessary." Amalia then put her hands around both their shoulders and ushered them back toward the observation deck. "I've brought you both here because I have confidence in your skills and believe you to be truly loyal to the Emperor. Dare I say as loyal as myself, and that's quite the compliment." She said unabashedly. "I need you to apply that loyalty to this project as its success would greatly please his majesty and go a long way toward his ultimate goal. There's only one, maybe two problems. The first being the five individuals below don't seem to possess the skill nor a much needed harmony for converging so many different attributes. The item needs to possess the ability to completely suspend one's freewill, much like the artifact while also being purely Quincy. If I am to wield the item effectively it needs to swear allegiance to me and allow me to add conditions to the curse so to create a perfect slave."

"That's the 'hiccup' you were asking for, Alexander." Amalia added with jest and a tinge of condescension. "But I think I've found someone who will serve as the perfect conduit. It's the reason Henri became so angry earlier. I bet you're wondering what the connection might be?" Amalia leaned against the railing and peered down at Henri. "You two likely already know the answer." Amalia's fingers curled around the railing as her wicked smile taunted Henri. He could see through the well-manicured appearance. He was witness to the evil residing in that gaze and the horrors stirring in her mind. "Mila." Amalia said softly with a thick accent. It was then that Henri began to rage once more. "Mila Buchard. Little Henri's younger sister. A young woman with more talent than her elder brother, and the possible key to our future triumph." Amalia began to chuckle softly, a crude and sinister laugh jumping from the base of her throat. It was then that the others would truly get a glimpse of Amalia's swelling ambition, audacity, and depths of cruelty. 

[Deleted]

<sub>A bead of sweat dripped down the side of Alexander’s forehead as he thought back to something strange that had happened a few days ago. He had come home to find a hole blown through his front door. Who, what, when, where, why, and how had all been questions that pierced through the Alistair’s brain but he hadn’t actually spent much time thinking about it. Instead he put in a request for a new door to be put in and hadn’t even checked to see if anything from his basement had been missing. He closed his eyes as he sighed. ”I should have figured that had been you.” he commented softly before chuckling. ”Always keeping me on my toes.” he murmured as his eyes peered down to the Black Marker kept in its glass container.

”But good. I’m glad. You’re as impressive as you always are. To think you needed so little time to learn and utilize my family's techniques and practices. Frighteningly impressive.” Alexander remarked before he blinked, turning his head slightly to gaze at Amalia from the corner of his eye as she patted him on the shoulder. Placing her hands upon his shoulders so she could usher him away from the artifact, Alex went along with her and moved further away from the item of concern. He couldn’t refrain from looking at it one more time though as the warnings of the Emperor crossed his mind yet again. Only one year.

”Oh?” Alex remarked after taking a few steps from the eccentric beauty after hearing that she believed that his loyalty to the Vandenreich was at least equal to her own. Quite the compliment if he had to say so himself. As Amalia continued to talk though there was a line in there that gave Alex pause. ”I need you to apply that loyalty to this project as its success would greatly please his majesty and go a long way toward his ultimate goal. There's only one, maybe two problems.” The man lifted one hand to his chin, resting his elbow in the fingers of the other, as he continued to listen to her speak. No, there was another problem as well. One that was more personal to Alex though.

How much more was Amalia expecting out of him for this project? Normally he would have been rather gung-ho to assist Amalia anyway he could, using it as an opportunity to grow ever closer with her until he could finally achieve his goal of laying with her. But there was something more important before him now than just satisfying his lust. The Emperor had put a mountain sized task before him and given him a time limit on it. Did he really have the liberty to use what time he had helping The Particle? Of course even if he wanted to back out now… well he could see how that would go.

”Oh Amalia, I’m so sorry to say this but I can’t help you anymore. The Emperor has put such a burden on me that I can no longer give you my assistance.”

”Oh my dearly beloved Alexander say it isn’t so. But if that’s the case then-” the imagination ended with Alex getting a hole blown through him.

Bad end. Yeah, Alex wasn’t gonna be able to just back out of this. Not yet at least. Focusing his attention back on what Amalia was saying, he raised an eyebrow at the mention of a possible solution to the roadblock. One that brought a smirk to his lips. He figured out the answer rather quickly as he too peered down at Henri in his cage. ”Hmm hmm. I see.” Alexander remarked as his own ideas began to bubble up in his head. A pair of siblings, and others, able to create near any item or tool? His lips began to peel up along his cheeks as he realized that helping Amalia might, in fact, be killing two Shinigami with one arrow. ”So we just need to nab his sister and progress resumes then, hmm?” Alexander asked as he re-approached the railing, stroking his chin a few times before an idea came to his head.

”Milady, why not have me go and collect the girl? I’m starved for action since my study of the Black Marker is done. Plus, admittedly, I have some interest in the abilities of these people.” Alexander offered and revealed, closing his eyes with a shrug before returning his gaze to the cages below. ”Once we’re done perfecting the method of enslavement, I’d like to get some use out of them as well. I want to see if they’re capable of creating tools that will help me for my more… personal affairs.” Alex explained, revealing his intentions to Amalia as a show of loyalty and trust. He knew she’d know what he meant. His personal quest. But of course he had to ask his superior for permission before he was allowed to play with her toys.</sub>