Viva La DWRP

"Sounds like we all are." This is the most Raph has spoken since they've arrived. There's no denying the tension that permeates the space, especially when he quietly contributes to it in his own way. Not full-on fury like in Renne's case, but it has its leanings in that particular direction.

But for a large turtle such as himself, he's managed to be more of a shadow truer to what a ninja should be; instead of standing out and drawing in the attention, he's already prepared to blend into his surroundings and act when he has to.

"That's gonna have to do," he says in regards to Atom's abilities, looking to Shu and Renne after a nod. "Marching orders?"

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Renne receives a light touch on the shoulder before Shu turns back to the cavernous staircase leading downwards. Partially for comfort, partially as an anchor. She does not particularly care if Maleficent's guards are harmed, but she suspects that Renne's bloodlust is liable to become a hindrance if she allows it to surge out of control.

"Thank you, Atom. You should take the lead if your senses are the most keen. I'll direct you." The rats had been able to give a general sense of what direction they ought to go once they reached the basement levels, even if their idea of conveying directions was not fully precise (follow the smell of yum yum bread big humans eating in big room squeak squeak - although perhaps, at least, they knew that some of the guards were occupied eating lunch)

"Raph, perhaps you should take the rear to protect our backs." Shu had little offensive combat ability to speak of and she sensed Renne was far more focused on forwards progress at the moment. "Let's go."

And so they descend.

Maleficent has achieved the impossible and created a basement level even less welcoming than the ground floors - the ground floors, of course, already being filled with grotesque gargoyles and stained glass art of what Shu had assumed to be Maleficent's distant rather odious cousins. (Or maybe they were more gargoyles.) Built straight into the mountain walls, the rock is clammy and damp and the torches seem constantly on the verge of guttering, despite that there is no wind. In fact, the air is stale and stagnant. It feels much like one's breath is being sucked out by negative pressure.

Edited Date: 2025-05-05 03:40 am (UTC)

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And of course, they are not alone.

Patrolling this floor are four Imperial Soldiers. They are not the elite; but they look capable enough. They make their rounds on the ground floor, moving through the rough hallways in what is clearly a practiced routine.

If the Corsairs are noticed, and any one of them is able to flee to warn other Castle guards, they could find themselves in a great deal of trouble.

And if one of the group is particularly perceptive...there's something off about some of those gargoyles. Particularly the two that stand on either way of one particular doorway. One that seems to be made of a sturdier material than others.

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upupatomway

Atom goes in front as suggested. He expected something akin to a spooky castle but it's surprising just how much their surroundings look like a fairytale. At the moment, he's more concerned with the guards than what his readings say about the gargoyles.

Heat signatures are moving up ahead, and he raises his hand to quietly signal to the group to pause. He holds up four fingers after a split second count of the warm silhouettes. He lowers his hand after he's sure they've all seen his signal, then focuses on the closest one who is most likely to come near enough to see them any minute now. He points ahead to the nearest corner of the hallway to the right, where the guard might emerge.

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straykitty

Renne acknowledges Shu's touch with a half nod, although it's impossible to see if there's any additional restraint.

At Atom's signal, Renne's gloved hand extends as she crouches low, extending ether shadows around the team to obscure them for a moment or two more and, ideally, giving the whole group a chance to round the corner where they can be easily culled all at once.

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There are no complaints from Raph with the new position Shu offers him in the party. He slips into the rear, almost fading into the background as they go.

Atom's signal is acknowledged with a quick nod, feet firmly planting in place. Renne's shadow extension is a plus, doing well to compliment the ninja stealth he applies. His sai are ready, gripped between his large fingers in case something needs to be done about any guards happening upon them, but he feels confident they can get past without a problem. (Or attack. Whatever comes first.)

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As the team waits, hidden within shadows, the sound of the guard's footsteps grows louder and louder.

They round the corner with confidence and quick, brief glances that slide over Renne's shadows.

These guards clearly have absolutely no idea that they are being observed.

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Shu silently points at a moment when the guards are within easy reach but have begun to pass by such that their backs are to the group. It is less that she is commanding them and more that she simply thinks this is the best time to strike.

A carpet of greenery ripples out from under her feet in all directions, stopping in an approximately twenty feet perimeter. Even if any single guard were to escape their initial onslaught, they would find themselves incapable of leaving this grassy corridor. Shu has locked down this space and controls the movement within.

Simultaneously, her staff is whipping out for a hard thrust to the back of an enemy's head.

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straykitty

There is a burst of Ether as Renne propels herself forward, sweeping her scythe in a wide arc intended to claim as many heads as possible.

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upupatomway

Atom doesn't want to risk crashing into someone by getting between Renne and the unfortunate souls who became her prey or between the other two and any of their targets, but he stays ready, arms outstretched, in case any guard needs an extra electric shock to stay down or an emergency shock to keep them from making noise.

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With Shu and Renne getting the jump on their targets, Raph also hangs back with Atom, ready to swoop in. Whoever is nearest and still upright is straight-up grabbed from behind with a surge forward, large hand clamping over a soldier's face while huge arms stay locked in place, silently dragging them back into the dark with him.

To render unconscious is the game, but there's no real telling if unconscious is the way it will stay.

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Immediately, two of the guards' legs are captured in Shu's carpet of greenery. Which means those same who guards have absolutely no ability to move when Renne's scythe slides through the air - and through their necks.

"By the Emperor...ugh!" One of the guard exclaims in horror as he leaps away from the sudden plant invasion. But he doesn't have long to stare at the rolling heads, because it's at that moment that Shu hits him in the back of the head - and gets a shock from Atom.

He's reeling from the hit - but he's still alive, and scrambling for his weapon.

Meanwhile, the last guard is being pulled back by Raph. But she seems to have quicker instincts than the rest, because as Raph grabs her she manages to twist so that he can't get a completely secure hold. She then strikes back, immediately reaching to grab at Raph's eyes.

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Shu does not comment on the rolling heads, though the heads are quickly obscured from sight as Shu teleports them back behind them into the corners of the stairwell. There is no particular need to look.

The man she strikes gets a sharp blow behind the knees to bring him down. Should he fall, Shu follows up quickly by holding two ends of a cloth handkerchief, stuffing the bulk into his mouth, and jerking back sharply to gag him.

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On one hand, Raph may have underestimated his target.

On the other hand, attacking his eyes is a Huge No.

The threat of panic rising in his throat is quickly shut down as he tries another maneuver, turning his head to one side so that he isn't completely blinded by the strike, striking back with the flat of his hand. As he tries to hold onto her, he steps forward, sweeping her leg with his, using the momentum to throw her to the floor.

A hand catches onto her chin as she goes down, yanking upward and to the side to snap her neck.

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Despite putting up be best fight out of all four of them, the guard who'd tusseled with Raph doesn't stand a chance. She's unable to land a blow, and instead is brought to a swift and violent end.

The last guard stood even less of a chance.

Shu swiftly brings him to the ground and gags him - and they're left with one trembling, terrified guard.

At this point, he's not much of a threat - though he is also a loose end.

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straykitty

Renne casually draws a silver needle comprised of Ether in case some aggressive interrogation is needed while tapping away at her ENC.

"My my, the signal seems to be getting sharper. Your brother's work, I'd imagine," she says giving Raph an appreciative nod.

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"Search for keys."

Shu does not comment on the neck-snapping, either, patting her guard up and down. It is unlikely that they will find anything, given that these are guards patrolling the outside corridors rather than sentries at the cell itself. Still, worth a shot.

"You heard her. We will locate our friends with or without your help. With your help will simply be easier for everyone. We will leave you more quickly, after all.

"I will loosen the gag enough for you to speak. If you scream, no one will be here in time to help you avoid an unenviable end.

"Where are the prisoners and the keys?"

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upupatomway

Between Renne's signal tracing and Shu's interrogation, Atom has no doubt they'll have a general direction in mind soon. With the guards down or detained, he focuses on his scanning again and looks over the room for signs of keys. Finally, he comes back around to the gargoyles.

He turns towards the others again and points at those that stand out compared to the others. "There are two gargoyles by one of the doors that are made of different material from the others. Does that mean anything?" he asks the guard. Getting grilled by what looks like a 12 year old might not be the most intimidating, but if the guard is smart, they'll start talking when he has this kind of backup.

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Raph doesn't want to think about the neck snapping either, shaking the experience off as best as he can while glancing in Renne's direction. "No doubt about it. That definitely something he'd do." There's a sense of older brother confidence in the way he says it, and the gesture of punching his fist into his open palm adds to the intimidation necessary while Shu and Atom ask the questions.

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Some guards are brave, and loyal, and unwavering in their duty.

The one surviving guard is not one of them.

"She has the keys!" He blurts immediately, pointing at the dead guard who'd tussled with Raph. "The gargoyles are a trap, they'll spout poison gas if you don't say 'Diaval', please don't kill me...!"

Meanwhile, Renne's signal is pointing to somewhere down below them - and somewhere in the direction of the gargoyles.

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straykitty

Renne has no qualms rifling through the corpse until she locates the key.

"Found it," she says, twirling the key nimbly in her fingers. "What did you want to do with the prisoner and the bodies?"

She's at least asking before she sets them all on fire. Consideration!

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upupatomway

"Assuming he isn't lying, the prisoner's information is helpful," Atom considers. "I can test the password while the rest of you stand back. If he's feeling generous with information, we should keep him alive. There might be other traps on the way to the dungeon."

He'd prefer to limit the killing, but he says it that way knowing the others probably know his preference already.

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