Nohadon

He's one of my operatives.

"I live in the city, so I'd love to stop by more often, I'll be sure to let one of you two know whenever I leave town or get back, I suspect I won't stay in alley city for the majority of my time." What's that smell? It's food. No, idiot. That smell coming from upstairs I don't know Hellbent. I'm not the one with heightened awareness and senses right now It smells a little like blood I don't think that's any of our business. We should check it out We should stay here and eat dinner. Devaan pointedly ignored the rest of Hellbent's urging to do something, and continued the conversation. Still eating his meal. "So Althea, tell me a little bit about yourself, history wise. I'm curious"

Devaan tried it. "God beyond" He exclaimed "That's amazing! I forgot how much I missed home-cooked meals"

"It's a hell of an experience. I didn't get to the beyond, so I have no idea what true death really is. But talking with Harmony was an interesting experience, as was the whole feeling of dying. I now know what heart failure feels like." Devaan tapped his chest absently. "I felt a pull to something greater while I was a shadow. The beyond. I like to think that there is a true afterlife there. Where we see those who've died. There might even be a light. But I didn't see any" "Awesome!" Devaan stood up and began to help Max, he poked around and found the utensils, setting them next to the plates. Am I overstepping social boundaries by helping without being asked to? No one cares, Devaan

“I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to do.” Devaan admitted ”Probably more dueling. I’ll get back to working on this fighting style I was making as well.” Hey Hellbent Yes? When was the last time we slept? Four days ago Ah hell. Devaan shook his head at the offer. ”I’ve got a place to stay. I can make my way there after dinner. I really appreciate the offer though” Last time we slept it was in a DA alley. Devaan smiles at the two of them. Truth be told he was too proud to admit that he’d need help. ”The house looks amazing. Good work covering your tracks by the way Max. I couldn’t find where you lived with my contacts”

"I get it, believe me" He told the couple quietly "You get so wrapped up in your guild, It becomes more than a purpose. Almost an all-consuming desire, instead. You lose sight of things that matter. I'm happy that you like who you turned out to be" Devaan sighed. Thinking back to events in his long life. "Truth be told, I've seen people get so wrapped up in these politics and guild squabbles that it consumes them." "Rhaizen, Akrasia, Mace. So many people. Reshan was one of the few who remained someone that most saw as good. Well, him and LiTaiRu, that is" "Just keep in mind that the ghostbloods aren't everything for you. There will be times where you feel like you'll need to cut yourself off from those you love, especially if you intend to keep leading the ghostbloods. But trust me, it's better if you don't."

"I hadn't thought of it" Devaan admitted. "I feel more free without having to lead the canton, and I'm happy to know that there are three capable people running the guild I founded. I'd love to still have access to the canton's resources, but I don't think I want to take it over again." Devaan eyed the meal Althea was preparing hungrily, it smelled amazing. "What about you, Thea? Running the ghost bloods is a pretty big task, especially considering the mess that waiter got you in"

Alson cursed as the gang left his line of fire. He went to move to another rooftop, through another crack in the warehouse. Bel put a hand on his shoulder. ”His danger sense is too strong. It’s not worth trying again right now” Alson sighed, Bel had realised earlier the assault wouldn’t work, and had returned to tell him. “Did you do it though?” “Yes” Bel replied. With that. They reluctantly left.

Schaz arrived at long point station. Putting his ship into stationary hovering right next to Longpoint. "Darrion, make sure no one pinches it" He told his on-board AI "Well... If I like them more than you then I might let them take me for a joy ride. But only if they buy me dinner first!" He called as Schaz engaged his power armour and jumped from the side door. He looked up as he fell to see that Darrion had already cloaked himself. He used his thrusters to steer himself into the pull of longpoint station, he landed in the docking zone, assessing the other ships. He smiled to himself once he realised his ship was fast enough to outrun most of them, Him & Darrion could deal with the few that would remain on his tail should he need a quick getaway. He disengaged his power armour and got to the surface. He spotted a guy up there. "Hey!" He called to Jorel "You're a hunter, right?" He ran over to the man. @Vargo Seldon

Alson sighted again, firing a bullet at the Man who dragged his first target behind the crate. He loaded a Hazekiller round into the chamber, this one was for tineye's. The bullet hit the crate, making a flash-bang when it hit. Bel began to approach the front of the hideout.

"I'm going to need a response soon." Syndicate told Bellatrix, walking up and standing next to her. "It seems as some of your crew have wavering loyalties. Or perhaps they're squeamish. regardless, we need people who we can depend on" That's when a bullet whizzed through the window. Time slowed down for everyone except Syndicate. He studied the bullet as it shot lazily through the air, armour piercing round. Could most likely go through a shardplate helm and do some considerable damage. He smiled and teleported four meters to the left. Time went back to normal. "We're under attack. It seems" Syndicate told Bellatrix calmly. *** Alson swore under his breath as Syndicate teleported away from the shot. "Dammit. His danger sense is too good. We have to figure out his weakness. I'll try take out some of the other members" Alson fired two more shots, perfectly aimed, one at Bellatrix and one at Sam, both going for the head.

It's a gold band with a small ruby on it.

"He's being stubborn? Hah. Give him a little longer and he'll open up." Devaan grinned. "It's good to be back. I'm so sorry I was gone for so long. On the bright side, I know for a fact that when you die you talk to Harmony if you're scadrian or have lived on scadrial, He's a nice enough guy. I also fought in gladiator city for a while, their are some really good fighters over there."

Devaan smiled, thinking about the question. "I love my cards. I need to make another deck sometime soon, I haven't had the chance to since I came back, but picking a favourite weapon is like picking a favourite child. You want to, but at the same time it's really hard to do." Devaan looked at Max "Speaking of Weapons, how's Sethramir doing? I'd love to talk to him sometime"

"Solace, huh? He was an interesting kid. I preferred working with Rhazien, we fought together, back in the war for a bit." Devaan reached the kitchen and began poking around, looking for tomatoes and onions. He found the onions and began cutting them expertly. That was the only thing he was good at when it came to making meals, the knife work. He smiled to himself at the thought.

Here were the ladies' possessions: A purse, inside which had a small drawing of a young girl with red hair and freckles. 30 Boxings. A house key. A small ring.

Devaan finally realised what was going on. "Storms! How'd you two manage to build a cognitive link? Is it with your rings?" He exclaimed. "It took me some time to realise." He quickly remembered what Max said earlier. "The panthers? I thought they went underground after Astiel left. I made an agreement with Syndicate that he would stay out of alley city. Guess he decided to break it. I'll have to deal with them, then." He began walking towards the kitchen.

Devaan noticed Althea's eyes fick over to Max's before she spoke. "You're doing fine!" He replied, standing up. "I'll help with the cutting." "Skill over power, Max, Skill over power" He repeated, his faveourite mantra, by far. "They lost a pupil? damnation. how'd it happen? And A prodigy! I'd love to fight him" Devaan looked around. "Which way is the kitchen?"

"I'd be happy to help" Devaan told her with a grin. He watched the two of them carefully. Their eyes showed more than their words for some reason. Was there more to the conversation then Devaan though? No, that wouldn't be right, Devaan would notice if they were speaking in code. He decided to pay more attention to their body language and facial expresions as the conversation went on. He reflexively tried to tap zinc. Letting out a sigh, he realised he couldn't anymore. "We already talked back during the OASIS incident. I've got some trackers in Benson now, and some members tailing him and Vesuvius. I was running through some Katas with her. She seems to be pretty naturally talented, some more training and she could take you any day!" Dammit, I've got to stop talking about fighting so much. Althea probably isn't used to me doing that, although she did work with Hellbent, who's almost as obsessed. I'm not obsessed with fighting. I'm obsessed with murdering scum like you Suuuure @Sorana @I think I am here.

"I'll be happy to cook!" Devaan told Althea. He laughed as he saw Max's face go pale. "I'm kidding, I'm pretty horrible at it. I'm happy with whatever's easiest. We could try to get some take-out if no one feels like cooking anything" *** A mailman knocked on the door and dropped off a black book with a note on it. For Max, from Silphio. It's Devaan's black book. I made two copies, one for you and one for Astiel. Attached is another black book. This one empty. I suggest we start documenting how we run the canton for future leaders, too. *** @I think I am here. @Sorana

Kestraal quickly tapped an Aon sigil tattooed on his neck. Three other canton operatives quickly arrived at the booth, two intelligence and one combat. "If the Jackal leaves this building. Trail him and let me know of your location every 30 seconds" He whispered to them. One of them quickly disappeared into the assembled crowd, the other intelligence operative transformed itself into a doorkeep and stood in front of the door, ready to open it for the Jackal. The combat operative pulled out a sniper and kept it settled towards the Jackal's head. He remained sighted as Kestraal stood up. "Well?" He asked the Jackal "Do you have anything to say?"

Silphio walked back into the canton of combat. He sat down at his desk and opened a drawer, sure enough there was a false back to it. It hid a black book. The first page read. The log of Devaan Sheonar. Founder of the canton of combat. Whoever is reading this has found my book, that most probably means you are the next canton leader. You may have beaten me in a duel for leadership, or been elected after my inevitable death. Regardless, may the knowledge inside this book provide all the help you can get. Adonalsium knows you'll need it. Silphio stayed up all night, reading the book. He finished it just when a guard mentioned that she was getting worried and Silphio should take a break. He was troubled at the contents of the book. But at the same time, he was eternally grateful. He now had full access to Devaan's contacts all across the alley verse. He quickly made copies of the book and sent them to Max and Astiel. They should read through it as well. Silphio then decided to have a rest, falling asleep in his canton chair.

Devaan smiled back, taking a seat and handing Max the bottle of whiskey. "This is for later. You know I can't hold my drink too well. So I think you two should have it" He told his pupil. "You've come along far, by the way. Ghostblood council member and Canton leader! That's a lot of responsibilities" @I think I am here. @Sorana