[M] Sanctuary: As Daylight Dies (IC)

[Scottie]

Dirt was clear under her fingernails. Blood was creased in the folds of her palms, some her own and the rest belonged to the man she had killed. She didn’t know his name or even remember his face, he was just another tally mark. She shook her head gently at the woman’s remark. Options. Of course. They were not rescued because it was the right thing to do, or because she believed them. No. They were puppets. They were to be their slaves. Sophia swivelled herself to facing this scarlet lipped woman. Her elbows resting on her thighs as she listened to her options. Espionage, sabotage and recruitment. She wouldn’t recruit. No. The people here had been trained for years. They were prepared, she was not going to go ask some poor farm boy to join their fight. They would die in seconds. She would not be responsible for the deaths of those those unable to fight.

Her eyes trained on the woman when she mentioned the Pilgrimage. She could not think of anything she hated more than the pilgrimage. Her hands curled into fists as she remarked back to the screams and desperate pleas of mothers torn from their children. How they took her people, the people from the slums. Threw them away, like they were trash. She was brought back to this filthy dungeon when that foul woman giggled. Like a child. Sophia kept her eyes on her and glare through her. There was something big they were not being told. She knew that they were being used. They were mere pawns in their chess game. The room grew silent, the harsh breathing of the wounded filled the air. Sophia spoke first, her hands still fists on her thighs. “Sabotage” She said bluntly, letting the word hang in the air like a festering stench. “I want to sabotage that fucking excuse of a pilgrimage.”

Sophia rested herself back against the cold wall, the damp clinging to her shirt. One hand slid up to rest against the handle of the small knife by her side. She couldn’t trust these people and she was beginning to question how much she could trust her fellow Templar's. This could all be a trap, her eyes flicked over the men standing with the scarlet woman. They could be using them, setting them up to take yet another fall. They were already on the run, another mark on their sheet wouldn’t raise any suspicions. But if they were telling the truth. If they could allow her to stop just one Pilgrimage, then she would happily risk it.

[Iwazuma]

The Terrified Templar was indeed quaking in his boots. Why wouldn't he? He hadn't signed up for this. No, he had signed up to be a Templar, plain and simple. He had signed up to be a 'good guy' and to serve Sanctuary in all its most pressing needs. Not to destroy the system it had in place. But that WAS what Sanctuary seemed to need most pressingly. Trest let out a sigh. He had already more or less pledged his loyalty to these assassins. He couldn't back out of it now. His father would be doubly disappointed. Leaving the Templars, and then leaving the duty he had left them for...he'd be disowned, no doubt about it. Trest's knees shook involuntarily as he considered the consequences. No, he had to see this through. If not for his sake, for his father's. For Sanctuary's. So it was with a grim face that his shaking slowly stopped, and the ex-Templar listened to what the Inquisitor had to say, keeping his mind open to the possibilities laid out in front of him.

Those possibilities were threefold, as it was. Trest nodded to himself, running them over in his mind. No, he wouldn't be of any use recruiting in the Borderlands. He'd be the first to tell you that he didn't exactly scream confidence, charisma, and quiet determination. No, he was a young man who represented someone who had likely pissed their pants just thinking about another battle. He would be no good as a recruiter. And sabotage didn't really appeal to him either. Especially involving the Pilgrimage. Sure, they might be doing a good thing, but there would be countless innocent civilians on that trip as well. Trest had already killed enough 'bad' people for one lifetime, and it had made him sick enough to throw up. Killing an innocent? That would be even worse. He couldn't bear the pain if he ended the life of someone with just as much life to live as himself. No. Only one choice made sense to the Templar.

"I-I...I'll take Espionage." No doubt a few heads would turn at the youngest Templar's choice. He fully expected that everyone involved, especially Cox, would have predicted Recruitment from a boy still young and green. But he had weighed his choices, and he knew this would be the one where he would have the fewest regrets and the fewest qualms, but still be useful. He had a good nose and could knock out a fully grown man in a single punch if it came to it. That didn't count him out for assassinations and stealth work. Not to mention it was arguably the most straightforward: Kill the bad guy before they did more bad things. It made sense in his mind, at least. He lifted his bladed staff off his back and brought it down, digging the tip into the ground with a nod of his head and a light smirk to his lips. "Better step up, guys. I'm the big weakling. Are you guys gonna get shown up by me?"

[Maya]

Back when that moment came to run or surrender, Marcella could have never have guessed the ramifications of those decisions as they branched off in two completely different directions. Some of the Templar's did choose to run and take their chances. Word of their fate would come back in bits and pieces. No one could truly grasp the truth as yet. Those tiny didbits claimed they were met by the clashing of swords and spilling of blood of their Templar brethren. Archon Denaris was the one who relayed that Templar Stryker was unable to capture the Templar's who had chose to run and avert capture; but sadly, many of their ranks had died in the process. It was then reality slammed down into her chest like a massive boulder. Those killed, until a short time ago, they were her friends, our comrades in arms. We would never in our wildest dreams have turned on each other. What has happened to us now that has made us turn upon our own instead of our enemies?

As to those who survived, wherever they may be, she prayed for their safety and offered hope they would have a better chance to take a stand against the evil that was now clawing at their heals. She also prayed for the dead, that their souls may find peace in the hereafter. For the rest of Marcella's team who had did not run; but, stayed and surrendered, it was pretty much a given they would fare little better than those who ran. All would have a free ride to the cold, damp dungeon and shackles. Her heart hurt most for the two they'd been made to sacrifice to Darkwood. Jerris and Iago. All she could think of was poor Jerris and how much pain he was being made to endure. It was surely the same for Iago. She simply could not believe this was happening. How could the powers that be honestly thinks they were traitors? How could they justify the merciless treatment done at the hands of their own people when only days ago they were thought of as saviors for the citizens of Sanctuary? The Templar's deserved better. The people of Sanctuary deserved better. Whatever was going on made no sense at all.

As they say, if you don't like the weather, wait a few minutes. As the fickle wind blows, so does the ever changing moods of those put in charge. In one moment, the Templar's were blamed for the all the ills that permeated the city. Just as suddenly, the Divine Trinity reached out it's hand to warmly embrace them again. Like a cat smacking around a mouse back and forth for it's own sick pleasure just before killing it once boredom sets in. Marcella and the others who'd chosen to be taken and confined like cold blooded criminals were suddenly and unceremoniously released. FREE once again. Forgiven of all sins, whether they had sinned or not. It seemed a bit too contrived. Too easy. Their shackles may have been removed; but, the bindings were there all the same. It was a safe bet that they were not freed so much as being put on a longer leash. One that let the Divine Trinity watch and observe their interactions. See who could be the most easily manipulated for their own purposes. Two could play at that game.

Unlike when she was younger and eager to learn, embrace and please all that the Templar's stood for and worship about the renowned Divine Trinity, they didn't seem so divine anymore. Just like everyone else, they were probably in it for themselves. Marcella could feel the weight of their gazes as they stood there sizing up the group. For a fleeting second, her eyes fell on the Masked Inquisitor himself. Mysterious..deadly..scary. There were plenty of adjectives she could work with; but, those three fit the best. In an idle thought, part of her wondered who would win in a fight against Darkwood and the Masked man. Was probably best she never find out the answer to her musings.

As she watched all the action unfurl, Marcella came to the conclusion, albeit a loose one, that no move was likely to be made unless it would benefit the one making it. They may appear to be working in tandem to achieve set goals; but, in her mind, the Trinity seemed to have very little to do with saving Sanctuary and those within it's walls, so much as being the person who was able to gain the most control of it's power. Which meant the Templar's were still being setup. A 'Trojan Horse' if you will. Just waiting for the opportune time to get the Templar's to relax and believe the 'gift' of freedom, in one form or another, was truly what it seemed. There was the very high chance they'd be the ones stabbed in the back again. For they were the soldiers being used for fodder. Even so, there was no where to run. There was no real choice except to go along with whatever the powers that be offer them.

At least for now.

Having already been through so much and without Orfiel and Warren to lean on, a feeling of loneliness weighted her down more and more. Marcella couldn't even count how many deaths she'd seen. How many friends she'd lost in the Borderfields. It all seemed so pointless, so wasteful..even hopeless. Still, when the Most Noble Elijah offered them a choice and a chance to once again fulfill their duties as Templar's, she readily volunteered. Unlike the others, she did not ask to ride out and fight in the Borderfields. The haunting memories were still too fresh to ride among the sands again where so many had perished. Nor was she interested in policing when others would be better suited to such. As boring as the option may seem at first, she volunteered to be placed with King Mathias as there was much to be garnered by working within his circle. In doing so, she could keep an ear on what was happening on the ground, an eye on the people coming and going and maybe even help with revamping the Templar Order. IF that was the goal he was honestly trying to achieve.

[RedKayne]

Ezra observed the reactions of his fellow templar comrades. Sanford, Letum, and Hoefler all made their respective decisions. It seemed rather odd, but the templars were not truly free. They owe the Divine Trinity their freedom, and if they refused to work with them - Ezra could only imagine the consequences.

Despite whatever agenda the Divinity Trinity members held, Ezra can agree that much work needs to be done. The Templar Order was falling apart and the city of Sanctuary could be at great peril at any moment. The Hybrid could arrive with his Lycan army at any moment.

Ezra's eyes briefly glanced at the Masked Inquisitor, whom silently observed them all with caution. The Legendary Monster-Slayer was dead, and the only person that Ezra can imagine could provide a challenge to the Hybrid would be the Masked Inquisitor. The templar has never personally witnessed the Inquisitor's strength, but stories of that brief revolt could provide hope that the Templar Order still has plenty of cards to play.

Ezra's eyes then quickly glanced to Caeser, who stepped forward and apparently made up his own mnid. "I would like to assist with rebuilding the Templar Order," Amittay stated quietly but firmly.

"And I shall assist with the law enforcement," a newer voice, Swift, spoke up. Ezra turned to examine the younger man, whom seemed to have a strong sense of justice considering how he stood against Inquisitor Alexius before. Ezra knows that Swift would perform well with this agenda.

Other voices spoke up, mainly the newer templars that were initiated with Swift. Selenada also revealed her own decision, and stated that she would assist with rebuilding the Templar Order. A pure soul like her own should do well with getting rid of the Order's corruption.

Ezra's gaze fell back onto the Divine Trinity, whom were nodding with approval with each statement made. Ezra took a step forth, before his gaze fell before the crimson-haired Divine Lady. "I will join the law enforcement and do what I can to get rid of the evils within this city."

---

Tannhauser chuckled at the options presented to them. They hardly had any choice in the matter but choose one of the three agendas for this Assassin's Guild. A couple of them quickly made up their mind. Templars Adams, filled with vengeance, wanted to sabotage the Pilgrimage. Trest, the meek one, quickly went for the espionage option.

"I'll take sabotage as well," Anna Catriona snapped, but her angry glare quickly fell upon Adams. Matthew could only wonder if Anna's true intention was to simply get close to Sophia for some ill intentions - after all, if doesn't seem like the two are on the friendliest terms.

"I will go to the Borderfields," the quiet Orfiel also spoke up, but said nothing more than that before returning to the dark corner of the room. His large stature simply a forboding presence in the room. Tannhauser could be certain that the assassins especially worried for the larger Templars, he's a wild card that could change the game with his strength - and certainly take down a few assassins with him if need be.

Yelena Renakovic appeared silent for a little while. The elder Templar observed that she seemed... dejected. The poor woman lost any hope in the situation, which could only cause the templar to chuckle once more. For once, it seems like that loud bitch has nothing more to say...

"I shall take the espionage option," Templar Tannhauser spoke aloud, interrupting the silence. He gave a brief nod of acknowledgement to Trest. Matthew can realize that this was all a game, and that they were simply pawns in the larger scheme. However, two can play this game... and Tannhauser is no stranger to using people for his own selfish reasons. After all, choosing the Espionage option could provide resources on finding dirt on the Assassin's Guild. Finding the right information could possibly allow him to blackmail certain elite members of the Guild.

"Recruitment," Yelena mumbled under her breath, her gaze cast down on the ground. "I will work towards recruitment in the Borderfields." No rhyme or reason given, seemed like any willpower within the woman has been sapped.

[TheDoctor]

Jerris's eye snapped open, his chest heaving with deep breaths as he jolted awake. His mind groggily sorted through his recent memories as he tried to distinguish imagination from reality, but the state of exhaustion he was in before made it a difficult task. Yet curiously enough, said exhaustion was vanquished from his body, which felt fully rejuvenated and replenished enough for him to sit up.

Once again he was upon a table, this time clothed in a blanket that fell from his chest as he rose. The stab wound in his abdomen was curiously smooth and raised as if scar tissue had healed over it years ago. As his fingertips touched his left eye, he felt it similarly knotted and wrinkled, like its removal was but a distant memory.

What...is happening to me?

A quick glance around showed that he had been moved to a different room, this one very well illuminated with plain gray walls. Shelves and tabletops held a variety of beakers and cylinders, many of them filled with caustic serums of questionable color. Many sets of pipes, most of them thin, ran from the ceiling to the countertops, and one larger shaft opened for ventilation.

And at the corner of the table, eyeing the meniscus of a vial through his low set glasses, was the man who had drugged him. He flicked his gaze to Jerris casually, his head bobbing with a nod. "Ah, you're finally awa--"

The glass tube fell to the ground and shattered as Jerris leaped from the table with blinding agility and crashed into Elijah. With two quick steps, Jerris pushed him against the wall, his right forearm pressed under his jaw and his left hand vice-gripping Elijah's upper arm. His eye quivered, confused but calm, as he spoke with an urgent whisper to the Most Noble.

"I said not to play games with me. What have you done to my body?"

Obviously, the Most Noble displayed discomfort as Jerris pressed his forearm against the older man's throat. Elijah's face grimaced, but surprisingly his eyes displayed no fear and stared at the templar.

"In case... if you haven't noticed... Jerris," Letharos began, struggling to speak a bit. "I repaired your body.... otherwise... you would have... bled out." Elijah further grimaced, finding it difficult to breathe.

"This isn't just a patch up, Letharos. My wounds are scarred over." His forearm remained firmly in place, providing Elijah with only enough air to speak. "My muscles haven't atrophied, so I wasn't out that long. This is something more, so I'll ask again: what have you done to my body?"

"Take a look around," Elijah lowly growled. "You're in my... laboratory... you honestly believe... that I don't have the alchemy... arsenal to patch up... your wounds?" he questioned aloud. "Nothing... detrimental has been... to you... I did this... to save you," he managed to finish.

Jerris's eye narrowed on Elijah as his forearm pressed harder, the scar tissue over the other socket twitching before he released the man from his grip with a quick shove, seemingly satisfied with his answer. As the Most Noble massaged his throat, the Templar reached for the discarded blanket, throwing it over his own shoulders to cover his nakedness. He stared at Elijah quietly as the man readjusted his collar and straightened. To what end will you toy with me?

"And did I lose my memory to that same alchemy?"

Elijah sighed heavily at the question, as he finished with adjusting his clothing. "In a manner, yes. It was a far more delicate process and you are the only individual to ever go through it." He quickly fixed his rim-shaped glasses, before staring at the templar before him. Elijah pointed down a white corridor, which leads into a much larger room within his hidden laboratory. "Here, let's take a tour of this place while I further answer your questions," Elijah beckoned Jerris to follow him, and already proceeding down the pathway without waiting for him.

Jerris hesitated, pulling the edges of the blanket closer around him as Elijah left. He’d certainly have killed me by now if that was his goal. But that’s no reason to let my guard down. He reluctantly followed, his feet padding against the bare cold floor. As he exited the lab, though, his hand quickly reached into the bin next to the door, and a glimmer of broken glass vanished in the folds of his blanket. If he tries to wipe my memory again, I’ll need to kill him immediately. My information is too precious to lose.

“Why did you erase my past? What happened back then?"

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I didn't erase your past purposefully," Elijah casually stated as they walked down the corridor. They arrived in a larger room - but there was only a narrow pathway with handrails available before them. Over the handrails, Jerris can view several laboratory workers scurring around the bottom floor. There was about a dozen of laboratory tanks - filled with liquid but empty of any specimen - attached to the walls of the room.

"You volunteered for a secret experiment of ours. You were aware of the inherent risks of the experiment but shared the same goal as I - take down the Scourge... no matter the costs," the Most Noble stated. "Years ago - we created our second best fighting machine... you. In the experiment - we nullified your other abilities as a knight, but exponentially increased your hypokinesis trait."

He continued speaking, while continuing to walk down the hallway and undeterred by any other questions asked by Jerris or the progress of his workers below.

Jerris tugged the corners of the blanket closer, not out of self-consciousness but necessity against the underground chill. At least my desire to destroy the Scourge wasn't planted. Well, according to him, that is. His enhanced hypokinesis was already well known to him, for it was one of the first memories he ever had after the incident. But something else hooked his interest, and he had a creeping suspicion that Elijah wanted it that way. Nonetheless, he took the bait; he didn't have a choice if he wanted information.

"Second best?"

"Ah yes, we recently finish creating our ultimate fighting machine..." Elijah droned casually as they continued down the end of the path before entering another room. It was completely dark, but Jerris could view another laboratory tank at the other side of the room filled with dark liquid. It was difficult to see anything within the tank. "However, he's still a work in progress, he's not ready to fight the Scourge yet."

This time, Elijah stopped in his footsteps before turning around to face Templar Greymir within the dark room. "Jerris, I'm about to reveal to you something that will be quite... baffling. However, I am doing so because I trust you. I trust that your ultimate goal of destroying the Scourge and saving humanity will help you see my perspective on things. Saving humanity... no matter the costs."

Jerris's gaze fell, cast at his bare feet. That's always been the goal, saving humanity. There is nothing more repulsing than our annihilation, and if we have to get our hands dirty...it makes no difference. Once again his stare rose, flickering first on the tank far behind them and then focusing on Elijah. All I need to be sure of is that our intentions are genuinely in line. "Your caution is unnecessary. You're fully aware of my desire."

"No, Jerris, my caution is necessary," the Most Noble stated firmly. "Because what you will about to see will cause you to question... everything."

Elijah clapped his hands together, and then the lights in the room flashed on - practically blinding the both of them at first. However, their vision quickly adjusted to the environment, and then Jerris could see clearly.

By the Scourge...

Jerris's eye jolted open in shock, the shard of glass in his fingers slipping to the floor with a light chime. After a brief pause, he padded slowly to the clear surface of the tank, his gaze following a trickle of air bubble up to the top. Perhaps I spoke too soon. Perhaps this is too far. Maybe I need to get out of here before he kills me.

Reaching with a pale hand, he placed his fingertips on the glass moist with condensation. But there are far too many questions now. I can't leave, not when this entire plot is still so vague. His fingers trailed down the glass as his hand fell to his side, leaving channels in the dew like claws on flesh. He needs to be convinced that I'm on his side for now. If I want answers, let alone to continue living, I need his trust.

"No questions, Letharos." Jerris turned his back to the tank and faced Elijah again, his gaze lowering and brow furrowed. "When do we begin?"

[RedKayne]

The Divine King suddenly clapped his hands together, "It is settled then!" he pronounced after everybody declared their respective paths. He once again stood up from his throne chair - his monotone gaze observing each individual templar. There is something slightly unsettling about his stone-cold features, but it seems that he does have the templar's best interests at heart... for now.

"Templars... I can sense that there is still a high level of distrust, and understandably so," Mathias began - the tension in the atmosphere is practically palpable. The distrusting gaze of the templars, their fidgety movement, and overall weariness is quite noticeable - but again, understandable due to their recent traumatic experiences.

"Believe or not - this is a two-way street. You will be working for us... but we will be working for you as well. I won't deny that we will have rocky starts - but is in my best intention to protect the city of Sanctuary from the Scourge threat. We will stop this Hybrid and uncover the templar conspiracy, even if it is the last thing I do," he announced before he shortly returned to his seat solemnly.

This time, the Divine Lady stood up from her chair. "Templars..." she began in her own solemn tone. "I also understandable you all suffered significant losses... but none greater than the man known to be the greatest friend, mentor, and father out there. Senior Templar Isaac Hills... we are already beginning funeral arrangements for him and everything will be set up by next week. I understand that Isaac committed the greatest sacrifice to protect his comrades... he is a warrior that went above and beyond the call to honor. This may seem only a small token of appreciation... but Senior Templar Isaacs will be posthumously be promoted as Inquisitor Hills. Future generations of templars will look up to him as one of the greatest heroes in our time, and we hope this can help build a bridge of trust between all of us."

"And one more thing," this time, the elder Letharos spoke up and raised a finger to briefly pause Camille. "We have examined Isaac's memorandums - presented by Archon Denaris - very carefully. We need a leader among this newly formed squadron of templars. Based upon the latest rankings presented to us - we have chosen that leader." Elijah's gaze then fell upon the person who was ranked highest among her peers, "Templar Marcella Hoefler... as of right now, you are proclaimed the Senior Templar of this new squadron. Congratulations," he stated rather dully, but the burden of responsibility still fell heavily upon the young woman.

"Now that everything is settled, it may be best to wrap things up. You all deserve much-needed rest," Divine King Mathias spoke up once more. "All of your presences are very much appreciated in this throne room. Thank you for serving," he stated - it was difficult to discern if his own words were genuine or not. "You are all dismissed now - we will summon you for the first missions within the next week. Otherwise, as I stated, get some rest."

And with that - the meeting with the Divine Trinity was over.

---

Inquisitor Cox's smug smile never left once each templar declared their own agendas. "Well, I'm glad we have everything settled then. Don't you agree, Grand Master Dalton?" her sly gaze drifted towards her companion, who simply nodded in acknowledgment. The young man then raised his hand, apparently interested in interjecting his superior.

"If I may quickly speak, Inquisitor Cox," Dalton stepped forward from his chair, before turning towards the templars. His own playful smile disappeared into a rather... solemn expression. "Alrighty... I understand that all of you do not trust us... assassins at this point and time. It is completely understandable considering we're not known to be the friendliest people in all of Enaris. However, I do not understand what is going on within your own group," he stated aloud.

His eyes then narrowed upon the templars, "You do not trust each other. I can clearly see that. You cast hateful glances at each other, you interrupt each other with no sense of courteous... you are no longer a team," he accused. "Which is a darn shame... I expected a lot from the squadron that was under the former command of the best Inquisitor and Senior Templar out there."

The female Inquisitor nodded in agreement with her subordinate's accusations. "I personally did not know Senior Templar Isaacs Hills... but I was well acquainted with Inquisitor Caleb. If you let your remaining members of your team fall apart, if you cannot work together anymore - you have done a great disservice for everything that both Hills and Caleb taught you. I see only individuals before me... not squadron members. Keep in mind - it is no secret that we are using all of you for our own agenda. If you cannot be an effective team anymore, then your usefulness will no longer be required."

"Templar Yelena Renakovic," Esther Cox then singled out the templar, her sly gaze bearing into the defeated-looking woman. "From the intel that we gathered before - you were more-than-ready to take the mantle as Isaac Hill's senior templar. Out of everyone else here, you were ranked the highest... although I would honestly prefer an individual from the top three," the assassin muttered the last few words under her breath - referring to Hoefler, Vitraid, and Greymir respectively. "You will be placed in charge of this group, consider yourself as an unofficial Senior Templar. It is your responsible for getting this team back together and up on its feet. A simple task, right? And try not to kill one another while you're at it," Esther gave a mischevious wink, obviously upholding her devilish demeanor.

"Now," Grand Master Dalton began speaking once more. "There's nothing more we need to address. Very fortunately, the people of Hirod have made accommodations for you all here. We shall be staying in this town for the next couple of days and keep our heads low. In the meantime, I would highly recommend getting some rest. We have a lot of work ahead of us all - and we need each and every one of you at your best."

With that - all businesses with the Assassin's Guild was finished.

[Yamimoon]

The same garbage spewed from the Divine Kings mouth that Letum would expect from someone in that man's position. Words of change and order, but never any action to back up those words. Just empty promises from a false prophet. At least within the Assassin's order they always backed up their words with action, and never told anyone what they wanted to hear. Only the truth of this world. However, for the time being he would need to play the part of a Templar that is not too happy with what has happened.

Then the announcement of who would be their leader came up, and how this leader was selected. Letum was not surprised at the decision. Templar Hoefler was the most logical choice. She was the most trusted among the templars that stood before the trinity, and she just might turn out the best woman for the job. He personal has no complaints about the selection. It gave him more freedom not to be in a position of power that it would being the leader of this rag tag group.

Letum turned his attention to the monotone voice of the Divine King. with the was he was speaking it was impossible to tell if the words were senser or not, but no matter. The die had been cast. Now it was time to get ready for the future, and what wonders it would now hold for him. Glancing at the Divine king with a questioning glare he bowed respectfully to the Divine Trinity, and turned to leave, but first he walked over to Templar Hoefier. He placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Good luck with your new position. You will make a fine leader.”

[Maya]

Kiera left the meeting with the Divine Trinity with an even heavier heart than before. Nothing felt right. If anything, all of this felt so very, very wrong. She didn't know who spoke the truth or who could be trusted anymore. Their leaders pretty words were hardly trustworthy to believe. It brought about the first time since joining the Templar's that she felt regret for doing this job. Her life might have been much better had she never joined at all. Working in the bakery wasn't such a bad place to work. It would have payed the bills. Sure, life would not have been as exciting. Who knows, maybe she would have taken the time to date, find a decent guy and pop out a kid or two. She'd always been really good with children. On the other hand, she loved the adrenaline rush of the Templar life too much to quit cold turkey . It was never a boring life to say the least.

Still, had she and Anna never have crossed Isaac's path, he would not have had to be a hero that day. How does a person get over watching one of her closest friends be cut down in the prime of his life? The answer is.. you don't and never will. There's nothing she could do or say, no amount of prayers or begging to a higher power, nor raging temper tantrum that would somehow bring him home again. Kiera knew this because she's tried it all and no loving, caring God had yet to reach his hand down or show it's face. Should the devil appear and offer her the chance to switch places with Isaac, she wouldn't hesitate to switch positions in a heartbeat to keep his family together. Where God did not help turn back time so she could reset the future, the Devil also chose to ignore her plea.

Instead, they were planning his funeral. It was sure to a grand occasion that would draw out most of the citizens of Sanctuary.

While the anger in her heart could not make that statement seem true, somewhere behind all the hurt and rage, Kiera knew Isaac was specifically targeted. As was Inquisitor Bartholomew. Whoever or whatever was behind their murders knew exactly what they were doing and how to do it. Even though it was very tempting to throw down the Templar Mantle and walk away from it all, she could hear Isaac in her head. He'd be giving her and anyone else needing some tough love, that level headed encouragement he was so good at. Especially in a precarious time like this. She'd bow to the Divine Trinity then turn to exit with the others.

Suddenly, she had this little needling feeling in the back of her mind. A funeral of this magnitude in Sanctuary would bring out the people on mass to pay their respects. Seems like a fine time to stir up trouble as well. Or maybe she was just being paranoid. Either way, in a matter of days she'd be off to the Borderfields. Being away from the city and the crowds, out in the fresh air again with no cell or shackles to worry about could be just what was needed to stop being the paranoia and accept things for what they were. Which was nothing any of the Templar's would likely be able to control.

__________________________________________________ ___________________________


"Templar Marcella Hoefler... as of right now, you are proclaimed the Senior Templar of this new squadron. Congratulations."

How long had she been working and striving so hard to earn such an honor? Now, it seemed ...well, it seemed....tainted in a way. Instead of having the honor of Senior Templar Hill officially offering that opportunity to her, it was tossed at her with little or no fan fair at all. 'No time for congratulations, get to work' was how it seemed. Marcella now had a lot of weight resting on her shoulders. But, she could do this. She'd been trained for this moment. She was up to the challenge. But, it was still a daunting task. Especially knowing her friends were now fighting for the other side. Which was a cause for constant worry.

"Thank you, Most Noble Latharos." Somehow managing to sound much more authoritative than she felt in that moment. It seemed a lot to take in so quickly. Still, there was no time to second guess herself or dwell on the multitude of changes that have taken place in such a short span of time. No doubt, the other Templar's would be looking to her for guidance now. She didn't want to let them down.

When dismissed, she found her footing once outside those ever watchful eyes of the Divine Trinity. Marcella gulped down a deep breath of fresh air to help settle her thoughts. Reflect on the new title, even if it wasn't presented under a happy tone. For now, she would have time to go home, see her cat and get some much needed rest before they'd be called up again. Once the time came, she would be ready for anything that was thrown at her.

When Letum approached to offer congratulations, she'd greet him with a confident smile as he touched her shoulder. For that's how one must present themselves regardless of how her mind was racing on what she'd need to do next and in what order. "Thanks, Letum. I appreciate your support." There was sure to be others who may not think so highly of her promotion. In time, Marcella hoped to bring the team back together. It may be the only way they'd all have a chance to survive against the beast that lurked out in the Borderfields. With so much discord in the ranks, she feared the split between the Templar's could be the catalyst which would lead to their undoing. The Templar's were a team in the last battle and still suffered great losses. What will happen to them now that they've been scattered to the four winds?

__________________________________________________ __________________________
"If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak."
"If his forces are united, separate them."

The Art of War

[☆Catwoman☆]

Leader. Unofficial Senior Templar. The irony of it hit Yelena like a tidal wave, and she only barely stifled the sudden urge to laugh that rode on its wake. If there was an afterlife, she would have bet that Isaac would be laughing at her, too.

It was a fight to keep her face carefully composed. Her stance had straightened slightly at the pronouncement, her hard eyes locked on their new allies' backs as the assassins left them.

My leadership got us into this mess, the Knight thought with bewilderment, a small frown marring her fair features. Then she ground her teeth, breathed deep, and lifted her chin in defiance of her own self-pity. And it is my mess to clean up.

Her blue eyes roamed over her peers, those few who had chosen to fight rather than surrender. Spirits were low, tempers on edge, anger and distrust and regret intermingled. They no longer looked like Templars, brothers and sisters united against a common foe, deadly members of a single body moving as one to slaughter whatever enemy stood against them. No, they looked to her more like lone wolves begrudgingly joined as a pack for survival, but full of aggression and mistrust for one another, as ready to tear out each other's throats as those of their true enemies.

For a moment, she pondered why the Inquisitor would name her leader at all if they each were to be going their separate ways. Sophia and Anna would be going to sabotage the Pilgrimage. Whoever Grand Master Raizel was, Yelena nearly pitied him for having to keep those two in line; if looks could kill, both would be dead. Tannhauser and Trest - Trest, of all people! - would be helping Cox, though the Knight could only wonder what use she would have for a coward and a loud-mouthed noble when it came to assassinations. Orfiel and herself, meanwhile, would remain in the Borderfields with Grand Master Dalton to build up a bastion apart from Sanctuary. Recruitment may have seemed an odd choice for the fiery Templar, but if all should come to the worst, if Sanctuary should fall either by its own festering corruption or by the claws and teeth of monsters, humanity needed a fortified place to retreat to, one prepared to take in and take on whatever came their way.

So that was it. Two women who likely wanted to kill each other as much as kill monsters would sabotage the Pilgrimage. A man who could scarcely slay a rabid dog without pissing himself would commit murder alongside a noble more likely to shout his intentions at his target for all to hear - lest no one notice him! - than to do anything even resembling stealth and self-control. And she, a woman who despised assassins and their cowardly, backstabbing ways would join with a great bear of righteousness to recruit for them.

She had to fight a little harder to stifle her bitter laughter this time.

No, Isaac would not be laughing, Yelena decided wryly. He would be weeping.

"Fate has dealt us a strange hand," she murmured, then realized she had spoken the thought aloud. "If you believe in such things." She swept her gaze over her team again, a gaze laced with sympathy, but also determination. Then she sighed, planting her fists on the table and leaning into them.

"There is no point in pretending this isn't all a mess. But we are here, and we are alive, and we have a job to do. A duty. A duty to each other, a duty to those we lost. A duty to Isaac Hills, who gave his life to protect us, to protect Sanctuary. Such has always been our legacy, we Templars. And that is what we are, no matter who we might have to run with for now. Never forget that." She peered at each of them in turn, stern in demeanor. "But this anger, this resentment and hatred that you feel, should not be turned on one another. We cannot stand divided. No one could have forseen what we have gone through, and to place fault in any one person is unfair and futile. Direct that towards your real enemies, and remember that you are brothers and sisters, bonded through the blood of the creatures you have slain side-by-side, back-to-back, and bonded through the blood of our kin who died that we may live."

As she spoke, she stood straight and a fire alighted in her eyes, as if emboldened by the reminder in her own words. "If you must blame someone, blame me; I am the one you followed into an uncertain future, and I will bear that burden. But I'll be damned if I let our brothers' deaths be in vain. I'll die with a sword in my hand, defending the home I love, not sulking in a basement mewling over how things did not go my way." Yelena spoke the last angrily, but it was clear that the anger was directed inward. She realized her nails were digging into her palms, and she relaxed her hands.

"There is much to be done," she continued a little more quietly. "And we owe it to the fallen to see it through."

[The Texan Queen]

We hope to accomplish many great things with each and every one of you!

Selenada practically winced at the phony tone in which that was said, she felt like they were just putting on a show to make up for their wrong doing. Personally, Selenada didn’t want to take on any of the jobs offered she felt that their time could be better spent doing something else. In her mind they should be training harder than ever before, researching how the Hybrid was even possible, asking the tough questions and hunting down that monstrosity. Instead they would be working hand in hand with someone from the Trinity, which she wasn’t even sure they could be trusted, letting them call the shots and tell what to do. But, like a good little Templar she chose from the options and remained silent while they talked.

Even though she was being told that everything was being set right she still felt like everything was wrong. She couldn’t help but think the very people she looked up to and admired were lying straight to her face. She over analyzed every word that was spoken, every hand gesture and blink of the eye. It terrified her to think that the Trinity could all be snakes in the grass, that they could be the very source of all this corruption. She couldn’t help but think that these new ‘jobs’ they were being offered were just mere distractions to the bigger issue. Sure, they said that they wanted to find those behind this horrible mess, destroy the Hybrid and make nice with them…but was it true? They could very well just shove them off into their new jobs, make a grand showing of Isaac’s funeral and then let the topic slowly die out with the rest of them.

The only good thing to come from the meeting was Marcella’s promotion, she truly deserved it and Selenada believed she would make a great leader. At least they did one thing right. She glanced over at Marcella and gave her a small smile, she knew it was a lot to take in but if anyone could handle it Marcella was the one that could. Just as quickly as they announced the promotion they were wrapping up the meeting and sending them off like little kids being sent to their rooms after being punished. There was no time for questions, for opinions to be stated, it was like the Trinity just wanted to hear themselves talk and make sure that the Templars knew their place in the situation. And just like that they were all walking out of the meeting, Selenada didn’t know about the others but somehow she was coming out of there feeling worse than she did before.

“Yes, congratulations is in order,” Selenada smiled at Templar Hoefler as she approached her and Letum. “If anyone can be a great leader it’s you.”