Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-5999656-20190205035159/@comment-25389303-20190524153302

Diaboli's journey through the floating facility proved to be a slow, bloody affair. At every turn, obstacles seemed determined to bar his way - collapsed corridors, violent looters and hysterical clientele all proved frustratingly repetitive to the mob boss, who had slowly become dangerously impatient with his group's dismal progress. By the time he finally made it to auction's northern chambers, those who hadn't abandoned his quest and returned to the police's makeshift headquarters had fallen to the wayside, succumbing one by one to either injury, exhaustion or crippling indifference. And despite his plots and schemes, when Diaboli finally stepped onto the main auction room floor, he did so alone.

The night's many escapades were beginning to weigh heavily on the kingpin - both mentally and physically. He wasn't even trying to keep up the facade of being a respectable police officer anymore, as it only served to make him more of a target for the few fledging outlaws who somehow hadn't realised the battle was already lost. Normally that wouldn't have been much of a problem, but he figured his suit was ruined enough without spilling any more criminal blood on it.

Diaboli's whip-arm scraped across the sodden ground as he dragged it towards the sounds of conflict that echoed throughout the large, empty room. Crouching cautiously behind a decorative statue, he peered at the mess of bodies locked together in a vicious combat, allowing himself a small smile as he identified several familiar faces in the swirling mass of limbs and weapons.

"Commander!"

The voice that suddenly called out behind him made Diaboli practically leap out of his skin, and whirling around he found a familiar figure standing behind him.

"Holy crap, Trago! Don't sneak up on me like that!" he hissed irritably, punching the robot's dented chestplate lightly, without the faintest effect.

"Apologies, commander. I did not intend to scare you," the machine rumbled quietly in response.

"You didn't scare m-- oh, nevermind! Crouch down a little, would you? You're not exactly inconspicuous!"

"There is no need for concern, commander," Trago replied, almost abruptly. "I have discovered that this unit is well equipped for stealth. Observe..."

The machine's eyes flashed, and a moment later a large roll of dark green fabric suddenly unfurled from a compartment located in his upper back. Maneuvering it over his wide shoulders and head, Trago quickly donned a heavy cloak large enough to drape over his entire frame.

"Behold, commander," the shrouded robot said, falling to one knee besides his master. "I have achieved full camouflage."

Diaboli watched his A.I.'s attempt with a vacant expression, before turning his tired gaze back to the fighting ahead of them with a sigh.

"I hate my job."

---

As the battle between the police and the Engelnacht's associates intensified, Diaboli and Trago began to discuss which side would emerge victorious.

"I have come to the conclusion that the authorities have the skill advantage, commander," Trago eventually determined, analysing how the trio seemed to fight with a level of synergy that seemed to be lacking in their opponents, and waiting for the opportunity to properly inform his master of what he had discovered in the control room.

"Maybe, but at this level numbers are what's important," Diaboli countered, thoroughly enjoying watching his enemies beating the crap out of each other. The theatrical violence seemed to have rejuvenated the weary mob boss somewhat. "Trust me, as soon as mean-looking lady gets tired the police are as good as--"

The sight of Brunhilde being sent sprawling into a pile of debris nearby quickly gave him reason to reconsider.

"On second thought, it would probably be best if we moved along now," Diaboli decided, motioning for Trago to follow him while eyeing the fighters dubiously. "Let them kill each other. After all, that was the original..."

He stopped in his tracks, raising a hand for Trago to do the same. He looked around for a moment, a puzzled expression on his face, before finally looking up at the ceiling.

"Have the lights always been this red?"