//------------------------------// // Under Our Spell. // Story: Living Darkness // by vildtiger //------------------------------// Note: This happens two days after the last chapter. A small part of it is based from the TF2 comic "Old Wounds" A lone scout-bot runs into the noman land, it did not get far though and before reaching the building, Pyro has completely torched it. She did title her head in wonder when it keeps talking, and since this talking is not Scout’s usual taunting the robot is spewing out. She decides to bring the burned robot back to the base. Both team Vanguard and Fortress are gathered around this robot, listing to the next command from Grey: “Bring Australium to the coordinates inside this robot, disobey and the prisoners will die. You have three days.” Chio easily finds the coordinates inside the robot’s mainframe but like the others, she does not fancy the thought of bringing Grey the rocks that will extend his life. But for another engineer, he does not have a choice than to obey. “If I don’t arrive with Australium, my son will die.” Dell tells both his team and the other one. “I can’t take that risk.” Not all understand how strong a parent’s instinct is to protect their offspring, those who do. Well, they know exactly what Dell is going through. Antoine is one of them and unlike Dell, if he meets up with Grey while the man has a leash on him, Australium will be least of their problems. The Vanguard team is aware of this thanks to two of their members have more or less contact to a certain master spy and know from the info they have gathered that letting Grey get that Intel will spell disaster. Although leaving the two prisoners to die will be easier, they all sort of know that is not really an option. Francis lowers his head so the hat hides his face. He won’t deny he still does not like these other mercs, but he can put that aside for the sake of those imprisoned. “A parent should never bury their own child.” He muses softly, he did not see Sophia drops her gaze slightly by his words. He turns to Jack, no further words needed for what the man is asking of the team leader. Jack nods and tells the other team. “We will help you on this rescue mission.” Much to the surprise and relief of Team Fortress. Jack does however still not fully trust these men and makes that pretty clear. “But that does not mean I trust you keeping my back safe. When this is over, you people owe us big time.” They all either voice or simply nod that they understand. “Alright, time is short and Grey gave us very little time to plan out a legit rescue mission. First thing first, we should get a hold on some Australium.” “There is still some left in a mine we protected about two months past.” Lawrence tells this scout, much to Jack’s surprise. And is sort of happy that at least one from his team know about this little fact. “Oh right, Australians can hear Australium.” Rune explains. Lawrence nods that he indeed can hear it but… he’s not exactly an Australian… Well, that makes the search a whole lot easier. “Then you will be on the search team.” Jack tells him, this ability to hear Australium will come in handy and spare them hours of searching. “My team heavy, Wei will go with you. Is there anyone you wish to join this search/dig party?” “Anyone who is good at digging.” Lawrence replies and is not sure how to really react when the medic of Jack’s team volunteer. “I should be good at this task.” He frowns and can’t stop a remark. “This isn’t like digging in a human body doc.” Tristan rolls his eyes. “How observant of you, if you are done joking around. Let’s get a move on before my special power dissipates.” and with that, he starts heading out. Lawrence must admit that he sort of like this all business attitude this doctor has going, makes it easier to know where he has the man. “Right.” He, along with the quiet heavy follows the doctor to find Australium. Leaving the rest to figure out how to best get the prisoner out without them ending up dead. “A frontal assault won’t do it; if Grey gets a whiff we are on the offensive they will die.” Marcos points out and explains the two spy siblings. “And sneaking inside by cloak is a no go. Lastest report says that Grey has sat up cameras that can detect us.” Chio snorts, clearly annoyed by this. “Bastard stole my invention!” That’s not the only thing he stole while they were under the Sirens control. “That’s not all," Marcos speaks again. "Grey still has control over Mann Co, which means he can equip Team Mirage and the robots with the newest weapons. Not to mention he has created something called a Sentry Buster, a robot solely built to seek out an engineer’s building and destroy them." "Trust me I had the honor to meet that thing up close and personal.” Chio snorts of the mere thought of that encounter. “Will be very troublesome.” Mikhail admits and is quite annoyed they can’t just attack head-on like they're used to. “All of this is no problem if not for Scout and Dell’s son.” That everyone agrees on, sure the stronger enemy will be tough to fight, not something they can’t overcome with respawn on their side but with Grey having two prisoners, they will pretty much be fighting with their hands cut off. “We have to get those two out of the way, and that’s the tricky part.” Jack admits. “Oh, how easy it would to just throw a teleporter in front of them.” Francis chuckles dryly from his spot, that would get them out of the way and if anyone follows, then there can be someone ready to shoot them on the other side. Too bad Grey’s spy detection system also can catch Marcos invisibility power. That remark does make Antoine ponder about something. “Say Ignis.” The alicorn who has been listening quietly turns to him. “Back when I was brought to Equestria the first time. You were still under that dark spell, care to explain how that happened?” Ignis has to ponder about it for a moment, this is not something he has done while fully aware of who he is. “Hmmm… I am unsure, but maybe part of me reacted on the Element in you. What did you do around me before you got teleported?” “I tried to kill you when your alter ego pressed on my personal life.” Antoine replies flatly, nodding to Jane. “And he showed you... his collection of heads.” “He has a collection of heads?” Ignis asks disturbed but Soldier is quite happy about this fact: “Yes! They are from my greatest enemies! Some of them disappear but those that stay I show off with pride!” Ignis stares at the man for a moment before he decides just to ignore him and tells Spy. “What you said, I think that a small part of me was untainted and took notice of the Elements residing inside of you and… the stress you put tainted me through activated my magic.” “And fire did the rest.” Antoine muses, everyone who got teleported by this accidental magic all disappeared in a ball of fire. Figures since Ignis is specialized in fire. This could be their way out of the prisoner problem as it can be activated after a long period of time. “Can you do it again?” With it Dell can simply light a fire and then teleport himself and his boy to Equestria, sure they will lose him but Antoine is sure they can survive now they have allied themselves with Team Vanguard. Ignis crosses his arms with a big frown of doubt in his purple eyes. “… I am not sure if I can. Never been good at passive magic.” “Try.” Dell says, the alicorn nods and activates his magic, at first a strong fire appears around his hands but after a minute, he dismisses the fire and put the purple glowing hand on Dell’s shoulder. He does not feel anything so they have no idea of knowing if this worked or not. He voices this to the others and will say this straight out: “I am not testing if it works with my boy’s life on the line.” What better way to test this than on him? He can’t risk going on this rescue mission in case Grey wants to force out the info he knows– plus he really misses his family. “Test it on me.” Antoine volunteers, eyes his sister briefly, kinda sad he has to cut this short but he has found peace in simple knowing she is alive and has people who care about her. Sophia sends him a weak smile, a goodbye, and he turns to his team’s doctor. “You still have the journal that gets what Twilight is writing?” He asks Josef. “That’s a weird name.” Amadi remarks. Josef indeed still has it, that book has come in handy a few times, plus… well, he and Twilight have sort of become penpals. “You have no idea.” He tells the young demo before he turns to their spy. “I have it.” Already knowing how Antoine will reveal if this worked or if he just is going through the respawn. With that said, Ignis does the magic on Antoine who first tries to see if a simple lighter will do it. Didn’t work, so Jane– who have only realized that their spy tried to burn himself to death, takes out one of his grenades and hurls it at the man, one explosion later which almost took out several others of the two teams thanks to the large flames. “So… did it work?” Rune asks after have recovered from almost getting his face burned off. The others didn’t know, so they waited. *** *Equestria* When the flames disappear, Spy yelps when he finds himself falling. It takes him a moment but he gets his wings working and land safely onto the tree top on one of Everfree Forest large trees. Spy is more than happy to know that the plan worked and will inform this to the others back in the human world– after he has declared his return to his family. He flies over to Zecora’s hut, finding his beloved tend some herbs while Sauda and Lavernia are frolicking around. Lavernia is the first to notices him, seconds later her sister does as well, the two stand stiff like a deer caught in the headlight but only for a moment and the two foals run over to him. Spy trots over and greets his two girls with the best hug he can make, they did not notice his awkwardness, his emotions of joy and love is what really matters to them. At first, confused what made the girls run off like that, but quickly realizes to why when Zecora checks, her world stop for a moment. Times does seem to flow normally again when her beloved meet her eyes, she smiles and walks over to him. “I should have known you would find a way home.” She muses in her great relief that they did not have to be apart for ten years. Spy nuzzles his head against hers, she might not sense emotions like him nor the girls but she can see how glad he is to be back. “It’s good to be back mon cheri.” Spy whispers into her ear and kisses her soft, sweet muzzle. He does forget time for a while, being with Zecora does that but it was so much worth it. Resting his head on her back, Spy watches Lavernia follow at a butterfly as a kitten would. “I need to inform the others I am here.” He muses but has trouble to get up and actually do it. Zecora is not really helping, in fact, she is making it worse by stroking her muzzle over his head. It is so nice being able to relax for once, in the human world he was always so tense, so ready for an ambush, wary who he can trust. Here he can sense if someone is out to harm him, does come in handy being able to sense emotions. So yeah… it’s really good to be back. Too bad he still has a job to do. “I have to go.” and has to force himself to get up. Zecora watches him calmly, there is a hint of worry but the trust is greater. “Go and tell your team you are here, be sure to return this time my dear.” He smiles and after has kissed her, he promises her. “As you wish mon cheri.” With that he gallops off, knowing the sooner he gets this over with, the sooner he can return. **Human world.** Since Antoine didn’t return ten minutes after he got blown up, the mercs now all waited for him to write in the book. That only happens a full hour later. Josef is not really interested in what their spy said– not that he has much to say– all that matters that it worked. “It worked.” He tells the others, all waiting somewhat impatiently for this reply. “About time.” Jack grumbles, but at least now they have a way of saving the prisoners. “Alright, with this trick, we should be able to save the kid and your scout.” “True but someone has to be close to them.” Garry points out, that’s how this work if he understands it correctly. “Dell will at some point get close to his boy, but how do we get close to the scout?” Soldier gets as a good idea he can get. “We will storm into the place and burst scout out from there! And if it does not work I am more than happy to kill the both of us if it means none of us will be in the enemy’s clutches!” “Oh for the love of— haven’t you been listening?!” Jack snaps at this so thickheaded moron, his temper tantrum is however stopped before he can get started when Miss Pauling points out. “You know what? This might work. Won’t be the first time Jane’s- uh way of thoughts have thwarted Grey.” Not sure what is worse: to make this stupid plan into reality or that it actually might work. Whatever the case, Jack is happy he and his team will mostly be on the sideline with this. “Oh, this outta be good…” He muses dryly but does listen to what Helen’s former assistant has to say. The plan was simple: Jane will cause a mess to get Grey’s attention and let himself get caught. He might have to endure some torture– which Jane was more than okay with, and the moment he got into close proximity to Scout, He would use the hidden grenade and blow them both up, transporting them to Equestria. Dell will do the same but play the willing slave a bit more, so they are forced to bring Grey the Australium. “But it is a prize we have to pay.” Miss Pauling tells the mercs. “We can always kill him some other day.” When they don’t have to deal with prisoners. “Better than nothing.” Francis voices from his spot. “It’s the best we can do with so little time.“ Jack nods. “Right, and from how he spoke from that scout-bot of his. It sounds like Grey expect Team Vanguard to be dead.” Which he thinks they should let the man believe. Turning to the remaining of Team Fortress. “What I understand, Dell, Jane, and your scout soon will be in this Equestria. Meaning you won’t have much firepower if Grey decides to attack you again. If you agree on our chain of command, then I will allow you to stay with us.” At first none of the remaining speaks as for Team Fortress, no clear leader has ever been chosen. Jane thought he was but the others rarely took his commands seriously. Some might say Josef and Dell have command over the team but they only come up with plans and let the others figure the rest on their own. Miss Pauling thinks she has the command but even she will listen when one certain man begins to speak. “We will fight with you, not as prisoner but comrades.” Mikhail tells Jack hard and the others quietly agree with his condition. Seems legit, Jack nods. “Deal. Now,” he speaks to his own team. “let’s get to work and make sure this rescue mission won’t end with causalities.” **Three days later** Things have not gone exactly as planned. Sure Jane got captured and Grey suspected nothing but only because the American got caught by the Sirens and their song forced him under their control once again. That’s why Zhanna ‘persuaded’ Dell to come along– she would’ve broken his arm twice if he hasn't said yes, something Dell rather not go through. “Remember, you can’t attack any of them like you and Jane usually does.” Dell points out to the woman as he drives to the location Grey wanted them. “We need to stick to the cover.” Zhanna is a bit annoyed she can’t just split those men’s head open in revenge they took her future husband away but she promised her brother to listen to Dell at least until they get to… whatever he means with the world populated by ponies. Guess only time will tell about that part. “I do not like this plan, but I promise not kill enemy before you give go ahead.” She replies and after a moment of silence she asks. “What if I get close to boy first?” “Then activate the flames— but please tell Logan to close his eyes first.” Dell replies as he is pretty sure his son is more than a little traumatized, so he does not need further nightmares by getting burned by flames. “You will have enough trouble explaining him the situation when you arrive to Equestria.” “The place where people is pony.” Dell nods, that is the best way explaining that world in short words. “Yeup, and you remember who you should ask for if we get separated in Equestria?” Zhanna nods but still finds the mere description of this pony silly. “Ask after Twilight Sparkle. She is purple and live in library tree.” “Good.” That will at least get her to someone who can help her if they get separated. Dell spots the abandoned smeltery which is the meeting spot with Grey’s men. “We’re here.” Zhanna puts on the handcuffs and he grabs the small crate with Australium which he hands to her after they have left the car. After about a half hour of waiting, a larger and armored truck appears. Out from it, three mercs step out and they are all some old timers. Dell feels a cold shiver runs down his spine when hit by a thought: could the men that murdered his father be his old team? That thought is sort of a reality check, his own team and Vanguard are the exceptions to how most mercenaries groups would be. This team going by the name of Mirage might’ve been his father’s former team but them fighting together didn’t stop them murdering him. He cannot trust them and that scares Dell as he cannot be sure if they have kept his son alive. “Do you have the package?” The man Dell thinks is the soldier of this team asks. He nods to Zhanna and the big man– the heavy no doubt about it– removes the lit. A large grin appears on his face from the sight of the several hand-sized golden rocks. “Nice, good to see you know how to work with us Mr. Conagher.” He puts the lit on again and goes to grab Zhanna around the jaw. “And who is this pretty thing?” Dell is pretty sure she would’ve used the crate as her weapon if not for the plan. “Our heavy’s sister.” He replies and sure hopes this reveal will save her from getting shot on the spot. Mikhail did not like revealing this fact one bit but he was smart enough to know it was a calculated risk they needed to take. This day seems to get better by the minute, now they can blackmail that big dumb brute. “She will prove useful.” Paul smiles but is suspicious of why this man would do this to his own team. “Why did you bring her?” This better work. “Her in exchange for my son’s safety.” Dell tells the man and as hoped, they do not put a bullet through her head, which is fortunate for even though Zhanna is connected to respawn she is still sort on a trial with the machine and one of these deaths can very well be her final. So it’s best not to test fate. Team Mirage mercs take them both and after have blindfolded them, brings them to Grey’s base. Unlike the last one which was on a tropical island, this one is out in the middle of a scrub desert. The pyro and soldier take Zhanna to the cells while the heavy takes Dell to Grey. The old man is very pleased to get his hands on Australium, Dell notices the reason to why as he suddenly can decode how his Australian machine works as if he’s looking at the blueprints instead of a built machine. Grey is running dangerously low on Australium– hold up, is this his power? He did touch the tree before he left, but haven’t been able to figure out what it gave him. “It’s too bad you won’t work for me without your son held hostage.” Dell blinks a few times and is very glad he has his eyes covered by the welding goggles, this new ability of his really took him off guard. Not that it mattered much for Grey, the man did not expect him to reply. “No matter, you will do as I tell you as long your son’s life is on the line.” Grey points out and commands the heavy to bring Conagher to his new home, adding: “Don’t let him near Sonata, Aria and Adagio.” Last time the man became straight out impossible to work with, plus if the Sirens gets hold on him, the threat of his son’s life won’t work, so it’s best to keep his mind clean. The heavy leaves with Conagher and barely ten minutes later, Adagio walks into the room, demanding: “Why can’t we get your new prisoner? He has Equestrian magic!” Grey can see why the Sirens want him, this new discovery of magic in some of the mercs have made them stronger which comes to his advantages but Grey is not letting them have this one. “That engineer belongs to me. The rest is yours for the taking.” He tells her as the rest of the mercs have no use for him. Still, he is a bit troubled what this magic the Sirens wants so much will make them able. Even in their weakened state; they are still powerful enough to turn a whole crowd of people against one another, yet only able to keep the control for as long they are singing. Adagio anger fades slightly, somewhat satisfied with this trade. “That’s what I want to hear.” and begins this flirting persona she and the other Sirens always do when they feel they are in control. “With their magic we will be able to gain energy from the normal humans, and then;” she touches his chin with a smug yet sweet smile. “We will take down Ignis, once and for all.” Grey is not really amused by her current behavior, less so when he knows this flirting is their way showing dominance. “Hm, yes, he has proven quite the nuisance for you hasn’t he?” He remarks and removes her hand from his face. “Why you haven’t taken his magic is beyond me.” Would've saved them all for the trouble. Adagio snorts, she admits this is really irritating as well but that’s the rule. “Celestial alicorns are children of Harmony, if he knew how, he could’ve stolen someone else's core magic but like we: he can’t do that against us as we are children of Disharmony.” “Why would these two… beings make such a stupid rule?” Grey asks. He has heard the Sirens speak of this Disharmony as if it’s a living being. Adagio cannot answer that. “I don’t know. I simply know we cannot steal a Celestial alicorn’s magic.” She wishes they could though, but they cannot go against the creator’s rule. One of these rules are not to harm those Disharmony chose to spread chaos, so Grey is off limit too. Not that she and the two others would hurt him, the little old man has been quite useful so they will help him on this world-dominating plan of his. “I see you got more of your lifeblood.” She remarks and eyes the crate filled with chunks of the golden rocks. “How many years will it give you?” If this has been anyone else asking, he wouldn’t have answered but since it’s Adagio; an immortal being, and thus have no interest in Australium’s ability to prolong someone’s life, he sees no harm in telling her. “Depending on its purity, I say this cache will keep me alive at least fifteen years.” Adagio lets out a small giggle and does speak of what amused her so much. “It’s quite funny watching creatures such as you cling to life.” “Yes, I am sure it’s a foreign thing for an immortal being such as you.” Grey remarks dryly. She smiles but the gleam in her eyes does reveal that he is indeed correct, he figures that she cannot comprehend mortality as a blind can’t with colors. The leader of his new mercenary team returns and much to Grey’s annoyance, this brute starts talking. “You know, I never understood you world domination guys.” Didn’t make it better that Adagio giggles at what she clearly consider a mockery, ah yes, she is a being solely created on causing havoc, so she must find it amusing a mere mortal is trying to take over the world. The brute is not done talking what little thoughts he has in his brain, though. “Too much work. I mean— when are you gonna get to enjoy it? You’ll be a hundred goddamn years old before you take over the world at this rate.” Grey hums but does correct the merc. “Closer to a hundred and fifty goddamn years old by my estimate.” But with the discovery of a chance to strengthen his best allies in form of the Sirens, then he will have the world domination in the age of 120. That remark catches Paul’s curiosity and full attention. “One hundred and fifty, huh? How did you manage that?” But his current boss deflects the question and tells him to obey orders like a good merc. “That’s the case full of money is for and if you are unsatisfied with that arrangement; I can always find other people to do my dirty work.” But Paul here is still interested in the money. “Nah, the money’s good.” But he can’t deny either that Grey’s huge fascination with these golden rocks is making him wonder what they are really for. “I’m just starting to wonder about those rocks.” Nodding to the small crate Frank’s son brought the boss. “Yes, that’s quite the mystery.” Grey mocks the old merc, it’s quite incredible that this man hasn’t realized that these golden rocks are Australium as he did send the Team Mirage to Australia to raid a mine and surely the workers would’ve told them what it was. “Perhaps once you retire with the money, you can start an amateur detective agency.” Grey walks over to the large window, watching the desert surrounding this secret base. “But for now, all I need is your muscles. I’m the brains.” Yeah about that, Paul puts a hand on the midget’s shoulder, ignoring the disgusted face the man makes. “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind be just the brawn but well… the boys and I—” He grabs Grey around the throat as he points out: “We aren’t getting any younger.” He pulls out his gun and aims at that hot chick Grey has around. “No sudden moves missy, I’m not much in shooting hot clerks but I will if you do any funny things.” Adagio laughs at how this human thinks he is in control of the situation, she glides gracefully off the table. “And what fun things are you thinking about?” She asks teasingly, swaying her hips as she approaches the gun-wielding man. “The only weapons I have is what you see right here.” She strokes her hands down her body, drawing his attention to her curves. As expected he has trouble removing his eyes from her, but she must give him credit in trying to keep control over her. “I never got what you saw in this midget.” He nods to the gasping for air Grey. “What about you be a nice kitty and play on my side?” He steps closer and strokes the gun over her chest, it’s quite amusing he is looking down instead of meeting her eyes. “I’m sure you can put your talent to better use than what you have now.” Adagio hums as if she is considering his request of shifting side. “Oh you know exactly how to make a woman feel.” Ignoring the gun, she walks around him, humming a melody before she starts singing. “Oh whoa ho, oh whoa you didn’t know that you fell oh whoa ho, oh whoa” The magic swiftly grabs his mind and when she steps into his line of sight, he has no choice than to obey. “now that you’re under my spell” Paul wasn’t aware of the magic in her voice, not even when it started to chain his mind. So he stands there and listens to the Sirens song. “blindsided by the beat” Adagio touches the hand holding Grey. “clapping your hands, stomping you feet. you didn’t know that you fell” Paul lets go of Grey, way more interested in hearing this beautiful woman’s voice. “now that you have fallen under my spell” Adagio whispers into his ears, the smirk widens when her fellow Sirens start singing from their location in this base. “we’ve got the music, makes you move it got the song that makes you loose it” Every human in the base stops to listen, except Dell who quickly blocks his ears in fright. “we say jump, you say how high? puts your hands up to the sky” Adagio, the leader Siren dance hypnotic around the enthralled man. “we’ve got the music, makes you move it got the song that makes you loose it." In her flirting manner, she signs Paul to follow her and he does. “we say jump, you say how high? puts your hands up to the sky” He follows her out to the balcony. “oh whoa ho, oh whoa you didn’t know that you fell oh whoa ho, oh whoa now that you are under our spell” Out there Adagio learns up against the railing. “listen to the sound of my voice” The two others hum of the melody echo through the whole area. Adagio gestures for the big man to get closer to the railing, he does without a moment hesitating. Only stops at the edge, inches from a free fall “soon you’ll find you don’t have a choice” She releases his mind just enough to know what is going on, and the human freaks out, but he cannot move. “captured in the web of my song” Adagio strokes her fingers flirting over his tighten jaw from being mere inches in falling to his death. The two other sirens appear at each their windows further down, keeping him trapped with their mere humming to the melody. “soon you’ll all be singing along” She sings, forces the trapped man to meet her eyes and know he has no power in this game. Oh, the joy watching the fear in this arrogant man’s eyes. “So be a good dog and play along.” she tells him softly and leaves him hanging at the railing, one wrong move and he will fall. Adagio walks back inside to Grey who is still recovering from having been man-held like that. “He shouldn’t be a problem anymore.” She ensures him and there is no need reminding him that the only reason why their song is not affecting him is because he made a deal with the Shadows of Disharmony. Now Grey is really glad he made a deal with the devil for his succubus have just saved years of work and possibly his life as well, so he will be wise in making sure they stay his side.