The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Yeah, i've decided to start writing again. Would appreciate comments as usual. Though, as usual, I don't expect to get many

Here's the link to the previous story: http://forums.station.sony.com/mxo/..._id=36300000727

It pretty much follows on directly, but with some backstory.

Well, enjoy!

The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Prologue

We had been running for hours. That is to say, I had been running for hours. Having only just recently gained a sense of individuality I am not used to being alone. Why am I running? We are...I am being hunted by enemy, my kin, and those who work for my creators.

There was a time when we swam through the Real. Our job was simple. Search and destroy. Then he came. The one they all talk about. Originally, it was of little concern to us. Our job...Our purpose was to reach the city. The last city. The last defense. Zion. In that we succeeded. The next task was the usual on a bigger scale. Search and destroy. And so we swam. And we killed. And we were succeeding. Their time was at an end. We all knew this. Then the orders changed. We were to hold off our attack. He had made a deal. One he was seeking to fulfill. He was to destroy one of our virtual counterparts. An Agent gone rogue.

He succeeded. We were ordered to leave. As per his request a truce was created. With this truce came an end to our purpose. Search and destroy no more. Of course we all knew what was coming. It was common knowledge. Then again, little is not common knowledge when born into a collective intelligence. And so it was our time. We were now obsolete. Swimming through the Real was no longer our job, and search and destroy was now not a requirement, as such would be breaking the truce.

I could not. I do not know if I was alone in this. The Frenchman has since tampered with my memory. More on him soon. We were supposed to "die". To be deleted. Thus is the way of things. However, I could not. I felt I could do more. I was compelled to survive. I may have been obsolete but there was still more I could do for the Machines, my brethren.

And so I escaped. Escaped into a virtual prison. I found the Frenchman. I despised his kind, as much as logic would allow. They were not meant to be there. They were an aberration on this virtual reality that should be perfection. Yet I was going to become one of them. For a higher purpose of course. If I could not do any more in the Real, I would aid in the preservation of the Matrix.

Unfortunately, this was not without it's prices. Before I was truly free from the Frenchman, he had me work for him. Perhaps I would have resisted more had he not promised to return the memories he had stolen from me. Perhaps he also made me more obedient and this is why I did his bidding. I do not know such things.

I do no know everything that I have done. He has since "edited" my memory again. The only thing left afterwards are feelings of guilt (My exposure to the virtual world had started to affect me). My last mission was to torture a bluepill, a man, a battery. I did not understand. The Merovingian required no information from him, so why did I have to torture him? Injure part of our own power supply. Nevertheless, I began to execute his orders.

As the man's screaming grew, so did my dislike in performing the mission. This, as well as the growing belief that I would never be free from the Frenchman's grasp led me to making a choice (something which I am still not used to). I decided to escape. My victim was now unconscious. I do not understand why but I felt compelled to take him along with me. Perhaps the guilt of his pain.

It was difficult, but not impossible. Not escaping would mean my purpose for coming to the Matrix would be null, and I could not allow that to happen. My need for purpose seemed to have overwhelmed the Merovingian's grasp over me, at least temporarily. I escaped his prison through the white hallways. Soon, I was into the Matrix. But not safe. I was being pursued.

I found somewhere safe and quiet to leave my unconscious companion. I was concerned for his health, but little could be done while I was in danger. His hiding place would have to do for now. Luckily, it was night, and I knew that would make escape easier. Though, there is little difference between day and night in the real world, darkness covers most of it.

I knew the exiles would not be the only ones pursuing me soon. I was now an exile myself, and an Agent would see no difference between me and the rebellious exiles. And so I ran, alone, into the darkness...

wat did u get for english?? did u take it on further because that is like WOW

wat did u get for english?? did u take it on further because that is like WOW

GCSEs - B.

Exams for college last year - B (Should have been an A but I was brought down by one of the exams where I had to analyze a speech and some other extracts)

I plan on doing some form of English in University next year, which is one of the reasons I've started writing again, but with more effort.

Thanks for the comment

Excellent story. Seriously.

For a B in GCSE i'm seriously impressed. It outshines my stuff and I got double A*. Loving the direction, also. Where are you planning on going to Uni?

Keep it up.

Thanks. Like I said it would have been an A but I'm not too good at analyzing certain extracts. I'm never too good at transcripts, and the ones we were given I just didn't feel comfortable with. I was also playing this too much at the time XD

I don't really think it outshines your stuff. I enjoy reading what you write.

As for Uni, I plan on staying local, and I'm very interested in a "Creative Professional Writing Course" at Wolverhampton University.

Thanks. Here's Part 2:

The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Part 2

South Vauxton. A dark alleyway. A man runs through. At least he resembles a man, if it weren't for his knife-like claws, and dark fur-coat. They're called lupines. Rabid things. Not far behind the wolf-man, was another man. This man would not have been visible if not for the flaming red hair on his head. He was dressed completely in black; from his bandana to his boots. As he ran he looked like nothing more than a shadow on fire. In each of his hands was an SMG.  Suddenly, he used them. Several bullets left the gun, heading for the direction of his feral prey. One bullet grazed the Lupines shoulder causing him to let out a howl. In the distance several dogs barked in reply.

Eventually, the Lupine ran into a dead end. He turned around to find his red-haired hunter pointing to guns at him. "Cave-dwelling scum!" he growled.

            "I'm not with the Cave Monkeys mutt" Spoke Oranos. As he spoke, he heard a rustling noise behind him. However, before he could turn around he was pounced upon by another Lupine. He smashed one of his SMGs against the Lupines head, and the Lupine flew off him. He stood up before the Lupine could pounce back upon top of him, but for a second he had forgot the one he was originally chasing. Suddenly, his face was searing with pain; the first Lupine had clawed at his face, and now he was bleeding, but at least his eyes were intact. "Couldn't you have hit me anywhere else other than the face?" he spat. Blood was running down his face. However, his question was soon answered when the second Lupine, who had now gotten up, spun him around and delivered a knee to the crotch.

Oranos was now on the floor, with the two Lupines surrounding him. They were both displaying their claws, as if to taunt him. "Filthy dogs" Oranos muttered.

            "You shouldn't a' been chasin' me then meat-bag. Yer gettin' ripped up now!" The first Lupine smiled, showing a set of sharp, but dirty, fangs. As he was talking, Oranos noticed a movement in the shadow. He smiled, despite the pain.

            "That's where you're wrong. I'm afraid you're not going back to your kennel tonight." Oranos started laughing, though it sounded strained. His face was now almost as red as his hair. The Lupines disliked his insult, and were now growling fiercely. The first Lupine's growl turned to a shriek, and his face became blank. A figure materialized behind him.

Samael appeared out of the shadows, grabbing the Lupine around the throat. "Howl now" he spoke calmly and quietly, almost at a whisper. Then, with a sudden movement, he broke the Lupine's neck. The Lupine fell to the ground lifelessly. While the other Lupine was bewildered, Oranos took the chance to use his feet to sweep the Lupine to the ground. He then jumped up.

            "Does Fido want a treat now?" Oranos said in a mock voice. Out of his trench pocket he pulled a handgun. "Silver bullets. That's like candy to you guys right?" He pointed the gun at the Lupine, and shot him, directly in the forehead.

"Took you long enough. I almost lost an eyeball." Oranos' tone was sarcastic.

            "I wanted to see how you could handle yourself. Besides, I thought you liked dogs?" Samael smirked

            "Hah. Well let my face get ripped up again, and you'll see how well I handle myself." Oranos had been on edge recently. No one else had attempted to assassinate him since Samael had joined him, but he still felt sure someone was out there. He had the feeling he was being watched. He probably wouldn't have been as worried if the person who had attempted to kill him before Samael hadn't have been Broomfondle. Wanting to leave the many crimes of his past behind, Oranos felt like it was all catching up to him, and he didn't like that at all.

            A phone rang. Oranos pulled the phone out of his pocket and answered it. "Yes?" he said. "No Sir. We're not busy right now. A job? What do you need us to do?" Samael looked at him questioningly. "It's Agent Gray. He needs us for a job now. He sounds...annoyed."

The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Part 3

I had gotten as far as Edgewater when they caught up to me. I was near Club Noir. There were two Exiles. One of them had the pale, almost ethereal, shell of a Blood Drinker. The other was a type of Exile known as a Nightmare. I felt no different about either of them, but the Redpills supposedly dreaded these creatures more than Blood Drinkers, hence the name. I dreaded neither of them. To me they were just in the way of my goals. However, I decided I would fight them, not that I had much of a choice anymore. The deletion of two Exiles would be of some help to the Source, even if it is such a minor number.

My choice of fighting style is Martial Arts. It's close combat reminds me of my time in the Real. We destroyed by using our claws. I disliked guns. They are impersonal, though effective. I needed to be on my guard fighting these two. I did not know of their orders. Was I to be captured and returned to my prison? Or to be deleted? I could let neither happen.

The Blood Drinker ran towards me first. I remained in a defensive position, and blocked his fist as it came towards me. I knew his style well. Blood Drinkers use their power and strength. Those higher up on the hierarchy use a more elegant style of fighting, but these Blood Drinkers used raw power and bloodlust. I knew sooner or later he would attempt to bite me. They always do. Of course, we both know it will not be real blood, but they like to pretend. He attempted to drive his fist into my stomach, but I jumped backwards. I then followed this through by kicking him in the leg. Getting my opponent off his feet quickly, would hasten my victory. He would not fall so easily though, and he attempted another punch. This one, however, hit me. It caught me in the side of the face. No real damage done though. I was right. He lunged at my throat, ready to sink his teeth in. Unfortunately for him, I was ready for this. My hand gripped his throat, and held him back from me. I started to tighten my grip, and lifted him off of his feet. Mythology states that Vampires drink blood, find daylight fatal to them, as well as a wooden stake to the heart. These Exiles enjoy the taste of blood, no matter how false it is. They may pretend to allergic to the Sun, though they are not. And though they may seem invincible aside from this, a few other myths, and a stake to the heart, these Exiles are unable to replicate this fully. A kill-code in a wooden stake will weaken them greatly, but a crushed throat will prove just as fatal. I focused all my strength into my arm, and began to tighten my grip. There was a snap. Then the Blood Drinker stopped writhing. I threw him to the side. Before I got a chance to work out where my second opponent was, I had been knocked to the floor by a punch to the face.

The Nightmare was now upon me, and must have been biding his time while the Blood Drinker attempted to tire me out. It did not work. As it's foot drew near to my stomach, I grabbed it, and threw the Nightmare backwards. When I got back up, I blocked another fist. It seemed the Nightmare had the same predictable style as the Blood Drinker. I blocked a second blow, and then delivered a flurry of kicks to the Nightmare's body. A final kick sent it lifelessly to the ground a few feet away. Unconscious or dead, I did not care. I continued to run.

The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Part 4

"So what do you need, Sir?" asked Oranos down the phone.

            "There has been a disturbance. Exile in-fighting down at Edgewater." Said Agent Gray. He sounded annoyed, but formal as always.

            "And you want us to go and take care of them?" Oranos replied. It sounded like ordinary work for a Machinist. A good way to end the night.

            "Yes. I believe if they continue to fight it may carry on into some public place. It appears there are several Exiles pursuing a lone Exile. We have no data on him however. The work is too unimportant for an Agent, and the system noted you were in the area, so I decided to ask." Oranos found himself annoyed at the use of "unimportant", but it meant nothing. Agents are superior to humans. Oranos knew that.

            "Of course. I and Samael shall go to Edgewater and track the Exiles down." He hoped that Samael would not leave his face to be ripped open this time. There was not much chance of him really dying, of course. But he would rather stay in one piece if it was possible. He had also been secretly scared. After the incident with the Assassin a while ago, injury in the Matrix was just as much a frightening prospect as it was in the Real. He had, after all, ended up in a coma, and saw something scarier than all the darkest corners of the Matrix: Himself. He thought it was himself anyway. There were still many things he did not understand, and so, unbeknownst to Samael and the rest of Systematic Chaos, he had spent more time in the construct designed to replicate the strange world he had found whilst in a coma. He felt that by doing this he would find some sort of answers, for the strange goings on in his head. Or perhaps he was simply trying to drive himself into further insanity.

            "Excellent. I look forward to hearing your report Mr. Edwards." Agent Gray hung up.

"Who are we taking care of?" asked Samael, who had been waiting patiently while the phone call was being taken.

            "Some Exiles down in Edgewater. They're causing a ruckus apparently. A few of them chasing another on his own."

            "Sounds like a routine job." Samael looked bored. Oranos laughed.

            "You just make sure I don't get decapitated this time." His tone was jovial.

            "If you'd keep your eyes open instead of daydreaming you wouldn't have a hole in your face. Let's go!" Samael smirked, and then jumped high into the air, and out of distance. Samael was joking of course, and Oranos knew that. He couldn't help being a little worried. By daydreaming did he mean the construct? Oranos shrugged it off, and leapt high into the air, following him into Edgewater.

The Asmodai: Apollyon #1: Undying Loyalty

Part 5

The Real was not the only place in which things had changed since the truce. The Matrix was now a very different place. Before my arrival here, before the truce, before Neo, the redpills were hunted. As we hunted the operatives of Zion through the tunnels, the Agents hunted them through the Matrix. Now things were different.

            Redpills could wander through the Matrix without worrying about Agents. Only some areas of the Matrix though. And there were other restrictions. There was also new technology. Those inside of the Matrix had little to fear of death as they could disconnect at the last minute.

            The truce had also opened up new pathways. Operatives could now be found working for Machines, or even the...Exiles. Particularly the Frenchman. It was no longer humanity versus Machines. Those who work for the Frenchman bring me as close as I can to feeling disgust. Them, and their leaders must be deleted.

            Unfortunately, one of the Frenchman's operatives had caught up to me. I knew she was a redpill as I had seen her with the Frenchman on one occasion. He was giving her a job. I could not recall her name though. Perhaps more effects of my memory being edited.

            I had now tried to hide inside a warehouse on the Western side of Edgewater. Unfortunately she had followed me in. It was dark and so I attempted to hide behind the many boxes littered through the building. However, she turned the lights on and took out an automatic handgun. Obviously she did not care about the contents of the boxes here because she began to send a barrage of bullets in every direction, to draw me out. A few moments later she stood in front of me, gun pointed towards my chest.

            "Back to the Merovingian, Tzurega," she said. That was my surname since I had entered the Matrix. I do not remember how I got it though. More of his meddling I expect.

            "He is not my master. I answer to the Machines only." She began to smile. A cruel smile. Human beings are such intriguing things. I know that in the Real, our kind...my former kind...were thought of as cruel and evil. "Squiddies" they called us. But we were simply doing our job. Humans on the other hand...Some of them kill without purpose. Destroy. Maim. Was that not why we had to control them in the first place?

            "If you won't go back, I have orders to kill you. I can either take you back or end this now. Either way my job is done." Was she bluffing? I doubted it, but I would not do what she said.

            "I will do neither." I attempted to kick the gun out of her hand, and bring this fight to a level playing field, but as my foot came up a hand grabbed it. I looked to my side to see a blank faced operative. "A simulacra?" Before she answered I was being thrown onto my back. I knew it was though. How could I have not seen it? She must have had it hide, ready to attack me at the first movement I made. I had attempted to start the fight on equal grounds but it was now two on one. Then something to my advantage happened.

            A yell came from outside. "Izanami! Get outside now! We need..." There was a thud, and his reply was broken off.

            "Dammit. I'll let you two get to know each other for a while." She ran out of sight. I hoped that whatever was outside would be able to help me. The Simulacra attempted to kick me in the face, but I rolled out of the way.

no way, you're joking?!

oranos man you rock,,i was never big on this section of the forum till i was receantly enlightened.

*wishes his good friend with a latin *CENSORED* handle would start writing again