[S] Arriving at Croix Noir

[Zarbon]

?Well, here I am.? The transformer let out a shining half-smile.

In the vibrant, exquisite lounge of Croix Noir, the words were barely heard over the clamour of voices that filled the room. On a deep, royal blue couch, Zarbon sat, his arm extended across the length of his luxurious stead. His legs crossed, the transformer held a wine glass in his hand. As he sipped it graciously, he realized that this was truly the good life. He didn?t even mind sitting beside some of the filthy vermin that had made their way into Syntech. Everyone around was partying it up. It was almost as if the competition didn?t exist. Save the few party-poopers who just realized that the hell they?d got themselves into, it was perfect. They didn?t matter anyway. They were just kids who fucked themselves over, probably got here by masturbating or something ?sinful? like that. No one of any real merit.

?So, yeah, I was all over that bitch?? a man across from the transformer had started, talking to a group of buds who had decided to come along with him. The gang laughed as he rehearsed his story, acting it out with his hands in the air, thumping against once another. Zarbon gave a chuckle at it, not truly caring. Some of the people around here weren?t truly evil. Just common crooks from who knows where. He grouped them up with the kids.

A man suddenly dropped down beside him. He looked to be a sailor of some sort. Waving around a bottle of beer, he slid beside Zarbon, a half-tooth smile placed right in the mutant?s face. ??Ey there! All ready for this bloody war then??

He was drunk, the fact of that was obvious. Not that the mutant really cared. ??Course.? The transformer gave his response with a smirk, raising his half-full glass high. ?Who the hell isn?t??

?Those little blights over there, that is!? the sailor jabbed one of his thumbs back towards a group, their backs glued to the wall. ?Couple of low-life thieves, no doubt. Don?t know the real meaning of us folk, eh? Just chickens, they are. I?ve killed over a hundred men!? he gave an almost demented laugh. ?They don?t know shit.?

Zarbon snickered as he watched the scared people. ?Just in it for the money.?

?Who the ?ell isn?t?? the man gave his reply. It was all too true. Everyone here had just come for a bit of cash. Maybe a bit of gore for the few really into the job. The transformer gave a half-nod in agreement to the sailor?s words. The man guzzled his beer, whish-washing the last of the liquid in his mouth before letting it slither down his throat. After that, he was out like a light. His bottle shattered as it hit the floor.

The transformer slowly rose. His posture was a bit shaky, but that didn?t matter. He?d always been a bit of a lightweight.

Wobbling along, the mutant staggered through the room, past a couple of fancy looking men with cigars in their mouths, puffing out wisps of smoke that hung in the air. Wearing a pair of beaten suits, they had their own little party happening there, laughing the night away as they joked to themselves. They thought they were important?

Bullshit.

The mutant stumbled out into the hallway, nearly hitting a wall before regaining his balance. He dropped his glass, letting it break on the floor without making an attempt to catch it. This was one hell of a party, yeah, but no one knew what they were doing. All were inferior, unlead. They were just lousy crooks. The ?commander? allowed this foolishness. Even in his clouded, intoxicated state, he could see the wrong in this?

He vomited.

Spitting the horrid taste out of his mouth, the transformer put his hand to the wall, following it down the hall. Behind him, he heard sounds of disgust come from the night staff. Zarbon didn?t care.

He entered the library.

Books were everywhere, pages out of their respected places. Someone was having a bit of fun around here. Nearby, a man was burning a book with a candle. The flames flickered in his mad eyes. Others stood near him. A couple of pyros.

Zarbon slid into a nearby chair. This was Hell. How fitting for Syntech. They?d probably kill themselves in the first day? the mutant was all for a bit of wine, but?

It?d be better if the enemy saw Hell instead.

?Hey, you guys.? The transformer slurred, making a decision. ?Care to help a guy out??

?Who the hell ar-?

?Sorry. Do you want to set someone on fire??

* * *

They?d climbed the stairs. All the way to the top.

They entered the throne room.

Zarbon stood front and center, wearing a small smirk on his face. A couple of men stood on either side. They?d grabbed a few other people on the way up. They were too drunk to know the significance of what they were doing.

Sitting in his mighty throne, Lucifer rested, drinking from a massive golden goblet. A man of class, his legs rested on the side of the chair. He was relaxed and calm, yet his eyes held strategic calculations beyond comprehension?

A lot of good that would do them now.

?Commander Lucifer.?

Lucifer suddenly twitched, his eyes locking on the group before his greatness. ?Yes?? their ruler asked, somewhat annoyed.

?Hello Commander.? Zarbon said in a flat tone. ?We?d like to talk to you for a few minutes.?

?No.? Lucifer gave his expected response. ?I am preparing for the war tomorrow?as you can see.?

?Right.? The transformer rolled his eyes. ?I don?t remember saying you had a say in the matter. Now,? Zarbon took a step towards the throne. ?Shall we get started, then??

The commander sighed. ?Once again, no. Now, how about you leave or I send you all to the dungeon??

?My thoughts exactly.? The transformer smirked. ?I will be taking over your position from here. You have no leadership skills, Lucifer. I bet at this rate, everyone will be at each others? necks by tomorrow?? the mutant paused. ?Step down.?

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. ?And if I refuse??

?The dungeon. I?m sure these fine men here will be happy to escort you down there.?

OOC: Bam.