As the sky above began to dim and draw a both productive and busy day of building, planning, cataloging and storing of various weapons, materials and all the other items he had brought over well making space for the rest still to be sent over slowly drew to a close. the colossal, ethereal serpent that coiled high above with shimmering scales and a faint internal light seemed to hiss angrily at the distance before seemingly swinging in the air before coiling back up above his base. This awe-inspiring, almost daunting spectacle brought a gleam of predatory delight to Iris's eyes as John everyone together his group of trusted people and friends a bit away from the center of the base as he felt a faint whisper enter his mind. The air practically crackling with anticipation, a palpable hum of purpose.
"Listen up, everyone," John's voice, though calm, resonated with an undeniable authority that commanded the attention. "I know its late but it's time to organize our army and beasts as there now ready to be brought over, I think it took so much longer this time because of the large number of troops and quantity of items. Choi, your mind and strategic planning skills will be key here to help not only to organize and direct everyone, I'm going to be placing you will be in charge of all matters regarding strategy and assigning them into combat squads and groups best fitting their skill sets, I also want you to form your own group to help handle this massive task I'm placing on your shoulders, I know its demanding but I know I can trust you to do it." Choi nodded, a quiet fire in his gaze as he puffed up slightly at being trusted with such an important task.
"Sieg," John continued now turning to the formidable warrior, "you're going to be the head of our melee forces and be responsible for both their training and ensuring their ferocity in close quarters. Ivy and Hope, your combined magical prowess will lead our magic and support groups, help them learn to weave intricate spells together and complement each other in combat, I know I can trust you both since you've already shown to hold the most skill in those areas and I can trust you to make the best use of there skills." His remark caused Aria to bristle slightly but she remained silent, Angel seemingly nodding slowly as if agreeing with his words. "Furthermore, I want everyone to be aware the only one above all of you in terms of command will be my second in commands and I will be at the only one above them, everyone else will be under all of you so know that I'm giving you all a lot of trust with this. Angel and Aria," he addressed the two, their expressions already alight with the challenge and eager to hear their roles. "The two of you are in charge of integrating and managing our beasts and creatures, getting as much useful information from captives we take in the future and figuring out how best to use it, in regards to beasts and creatures I want us to get the best use out of all of them we will be getting soon and in the far future, I trust you both to do this not because there aren't any other jobs but because they will be crucial both in war and outside of it to make sure we will have any and every advantage possible." Well Aria didn't seem too happy she reluctantly agreed, Angel though seemed determined well promising she would do her absolute best, realizing his real intentions by giving them the seemingly off cast jobs.
His gaze then shifted to a focused figure. "Cliff, your organizational skills are indispensable. You're in charge of future base management along with planning and layout to ensuring our stronghold is both defensible and functional as it expands further after this war. Michael, your silver tongue will be put to use in public relations and negotiations, navigating the delicate dance of diplomacy when and where ever its needed. Does anyone have any issues with their roles and my orders?" John asked well taking a pause, allowing the weight of the roles to settle. Across the group, heads shook in unison, a silent testament to their agreement and readiness to follow his words and prove his trust was well placed except for Aria who crossed her arms.
"What about us? What's our roles?" Ash's question, brimming with characteristic excitement breaking the brief silence. She wrapped an arm around Saya, who offered a small but knowing smile trying to hide her own eagerness to hear their roles.
John's expression softened slightly. "Ash, you and Saya are my second-in-command's. This is not merely a title; it comes with heavy responsibilities. You will be my moral compass, my voice of reason that stops me from crossing lines I shouldn't, to keep me from taking things too far and from losing control or myself. You two are going to be the anchors to what's left of my humanity. And yes, I am aware you both have none of your old humanity, so I want you both to use your own judgment and do what you believe you wouldn't before as a reference point." He said growing softer with each word, his tone softening. "It's also because, should anything happen to me, which I know you don't like to hear especially how I was acting recently and I know it's something you would rather be an unthinkable scenario, but it's still one we must prepare for anyway, it will be up to the two of you to step forward and take charge, to lead in my place. After you, the mantle of command would fall to Choi, then Angel, then Aria and then to the rest in succession." Ash wasn't sure what she truly felt at that but it made her launch herself at him, engulfing him in an enthusiastic, bone-crushing hug well telling him to not even consider such a thing but promising to keep him on the right path no matter what well Saya gave him a light smack across the back of the head but was clearly touched by such a role.
"Kay," John announced next, his eyes twinkling as he watched the finance expert's eager grin. "You're going to be the head of finances and commerce, managing our resources and trade well building a black-market network. Z, you will be working as you have previously, but I will come to you first for anything and everything non war related to try and keep you distanced from these matters and future events, rather keeping your role as my exclusive merchant but also working under Kay from time to time in the barest capacity when it wouldn't draw attention towards you or create any problems." A low, disgruntled growl rumbled from Z, betraying her displeasure at being subordinate to anyone even partially, but Kay merely offered a wide, triumphant smirk and a mocking salute.
"And us? Surely there's something we can do!" May's soft voice cut through the air, her eyes wide with expectation hoping this could be a chance for them to prove themselves and mend some bridges.
John seemed to ponder this for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. He turned to face the smaller group that included May. "Smith, you'll follow whatever strategic directives Choi issues, focusing on establishing and maintaining a steady mineral supply. As for May and the others? You all will be helping wherever help is needed, just make sure not to mess up the command structure or make problems. Try to be flexible."
His gaze then settled on the old man, a flicker of something akin to regret crossing John's features. "As for you old man, well, I want you to be like Ash and Saya, but with a crucial difference. I know this will sound cruel, but your appearance and your unassuming demeanor means everyone would underestimate you letting you pretty much be my spy in everything that gets the ground level thoughts for me. You can listen in on discussions, observe things better than others and act as you see fit. I also want you to offer help or advice when it's needed but not press people with it. While the girls are my moral compass, I'd like you to be my detached adviser and smacking stick to give me reality checks along with being my shadow strategist in a sense who gathers the information others can't. If you would be okay with that I mean, if not I don't mind trying to find you a different role." The others seemed to be a mix of confused and surprised as they caught the subtle hint of John's apprehension regarding the role he was asking the old man to take, the old man though seemed to look at him, judging before letting out a thoughtful hum.
"I don't mind that at all," he said, a wise, knowing smile gracing his lips. "And I'm guessing I would be a sort of trump card as well for reasons only you and me know? A hidden strength reserved for when all else fails?" A slow, reluctant nod from John confirmed it for him even if everyone else besides Angel seemed even more confused, the young-looking women instead seemed to narrow her eyes at the old man. "Good," the old man chuckled softly. "I would much prefer it that way."
"Now," John declared, his voice rising, "to bring out our troops and the rest of our supplies before we begin the process of organizing everything. And just a heads up I will state again that there's a lot." He said with a knowing smile before pulling out a card and seemingly swiping it across the space in front of him. Before anyone could ask what, he was doing the air seemed to split creating a strange rip in front of him forming into a portal of light and energy that slowly seemed to stretch wider and higher. From within its shimmering depths a steady stream of people began to emerge, not in a chaotic rush but in organized ranks of ten by ten. They were a diverse multitude ranging from warriors clad in various armors to mages with staffs and rogues with daggers, all of them walking through in a calm and organized manner before blinking from the sudden change in light. Choi, ever efficient seemed to immediately take charge. Swiftly dividing them into various groups based on their combat styles and preferred roles. Everyone presents watched as the newcomers' expressions shifted from bewildered awe to disciplined readiness as they steadily formed into groups.
It was an exhausting hour and a half as the portal continuously let out the stream of it its living cargo and various crates and bags of goods until the ground was teeming with thousands of new faces all spread out into various groups, somewhat squashed due to the sheer number of people as many now even lined across the various walkways and paths between buildings yet properly divided, Sieg in front of the close range fighters, the sisters in front of the magic users further divided into fighters, defenders and healers or buffers all under their joint command, even Choi, well organizing and steadily directing everyone seemed to have created a small group of his own to help manage the flood of people. Finally, as the last warrior stepped through the portal flickered and vanished. Yet, it was now John realized he had two groups that remained unassigned and without leaders. One consisted of an impressive contingent of ranged fighters, armed with everything from advanced firearms to ancient bows, but conspicuously lacking an appointed leader. The other was a much smaller, seemingly more enigmatic and consisting of only twelve distinct individuals, the special cases who had chosen to follow John of their own volition for one reason or another.
John stepped forward, his figure casting a long shadow in the dimming light, his voice carrying across the assembled masses. "Listen up, everyone! The individuals you see positioned in front of you are your immediate unit leaders. The two formidable women standing beside me, Ash and Saya, are my left and right hands, my most trusted seconds. Choi, the one who has been giving directions and orders is a brilliant strategist, and his position is under them yet just as important, he will be advising and helping to plan our every move. Your group leaders are third in line under Saya and Ash who are second only to me."
His gaze then swept over the ranged fighters. "As for our ranged forces, I regret to say I don't seem to have a leader for you right now, I have one in mind though and I will see about maybe instituting them to such a role. I am truly sorry for that oversight, but I promise you I will work tirelessly to rectify it and hopefully by tomorrow you will have a leader." A low murmur rippled through the ranged ranks, a mix of disappointment and acceptance. "And to you twelve," John addressed the special cases, his voice softening slightly, "I will be speaking with each of you individually tomorrow, if that is acceptable so I can try to understand your unique circumstances and see how I can best support you and integrate you into my forces." A reluctant chorus of acceptance, tinged with curiosity answered him.
"I do not know the story of what resulted in you all becoming slaves," John's voice hardened as he addressed the large crowd again. "Nor can I truly speak of the dehumanizing manner many of you no doubt experienced. I stand here now as your master, yes, but I'd much rather be your leader, one who will try to lead you all to a far brighter future. You all will fight for me in many many battles and I will not lie to you and say no one will die or that things will be easy. There will be multiple wars in our future including skirmishes leading up to bigger and stronger enemies with the ultimate enemy I hope for us to one day face being the gods themselves." He said pausing, letting his words settle before continuing. "Those arrogant beings who see my world and no doubt even all of yours be it in the past, present or in their future schemes, as nothing more than their personal playground, a mere means of entertainment!"
His voice swelled, raw with barely contained fury. "We will fight till we reach them! We will grow stronger with every challenge and battle! Those around you are no longer just faces; from this point forward, they will be your brothers and sisters in arms. Many more will be added later in time to join our cause; some bought as slaves and hopefully many others voluntarily. But regardless of our status or start point we will stand together and weather every storm that comes our way, step by agonizing step we will go forward, until we all leave our indelible mark upon this world and carve out our own piece of destiny well growing stronger through blood, sweat and tears! I will not lie or sugarcoat it. I'm doing all of this for vengeance, a righteous retribution upon them for all they have done to me and even others and everyone here will be a means to help me achieve that. But understand this: I will be treating everyone fairly. I will not throw you away or send you to needless deaths or treat you like simple fodder to be thrown into the meatgrinder of war. Everyone will be fed properly, will have access to proper equipment and your own rooms to stay and design how you like, even sharing with others if you so wish. I want everyone to mingle; to grow closer and then use those bonds you form as a fierce reason to keep living and pushing forward, to keep fighting not just to survive but live and thrive in your new home well protecting one another! Now tell me, I want to hear each and every one of you! Are you all with me? Will you fight and change my dream of such a future to become a reality? Not just a path of vengeance but a path to a better future for all of you as well where your seen are not slaves but people!"
A mighty roar erupted from the assembled thousands, a primal, unified bellow, fists raised to the darkening sky steadily as their voices began to rise in agreement to his words. "Will we let them look down on us?! Shackle and play with us! Toy with us as they see fit before tossing us away!" John roared back, his voice a thunderclap that barely managed to carry over there noisy crowed. Another, even fiercer roar of "NO!" surged through the ranks. "Then we will stand together! We will fight and conquer as a single unit! We will crush our enemies and fight to the very end even beyond to achieve our brighter future! Hoorah!"
"HOORAH!" The deafening chant echoed across the base, a symphony of newfound purpose, a promise forged in defiance. The ground seemed to tremble beneath their unified will, a new era was about to dawn in this world.
The echoes of Commander John's resolute voice still hung in the air, a blend of authority and raw energy. "Unit leaders, guide everyone to their residences and then the mess hall. Then in the morning, those willing and able to cook can report for breakfast duty. Ranger group, for now simply follow the others please! Again, I do apologize for not being as prepared as I should have been but know I do have someone in mind who I can guarantee does have long ranged skills." His directive cut through the slowly calming roar of the assembled forces and even his mistake of not having a leader ready for the rangers was met with understanding and elevated him in all their minds, it made him appear more human to them, one who could make mistakes just as they had, a master who wasn't so arrogant that he would try to hide his mistakes but openly admitted and accepted them. With a unified rustle they slowly began to disperse following the leaders well all discussing where they were from, many still holding reservations about what their future held but a hopeful spark could be seen in many of their gazes.
The lingering echoes of John's unconventional address had barely faded as the last stragglers began their march, dispersing into the newly established living quarters and even a larger number going to the underground area. No sooner had the final straggler vanished did Ash, a vibrant glint in her eyes, latch onto his arm, her grip playful yet firm. "Now that was sooo hot!" she purred, a shiver running down her spine. "Honestly, watching you command attention like that… it was truly something."
Even Saya offered a knowing smile. "She's right. It was quite the speech. A bit… unorthodox for a formal address but undeniably effective. It stirred them and made them see you as a person not some figure head or unreachable ruler."
John chuckled; a sound of relief mixed with hints of weariness. The weight of the day's responsibilities etched around his eyes. "Yeah, well, now for the real fun part," he drawled, shifting his gaze to the two figures who had remained steadfastly by his side, their postures a study in quiet readiness. "Angel, Aria," he addressed them, his tone dropping to a more serious, almost somber register, "It's not exactly a simple task I have for you to so I want to know if you think you can handle it or should I bring in some more people to help."
Angel offered a slight, respectful bow, her gaze unwavering. "Indeed, Master. This one feels she shall be able to manage this task with the aid of the fox. She has proven to me to be quite acceptable as a comrade Master and I trust her be able to manage such a task alongside me." Her gaze flickered to Aria, a silent acknowledgement passing between them, which Aria met with an unyielding, almost fierce confidence.
Aria, after a quick glance at Angel, simply nodded, a determined set to her jaw as her tails twitched along with her ears. "Indeed Master, we are more than up for this task. We will take it with honor and prove we are capable of any task you give us! But…" she paused, her voice softening, a blush creeping up her neck as she turned to John, her expression a captivating mix of shy anticipation and coquettish charm, "could we perhaps be rewarded upon proving our taming prowess? perhaps some stroking and brushing of my tails for me and some fresh blood for the little vamp?"
A visible wince crossed John's face as he heard this along with a fresh pang of guilt, sharp and immediate. He hadn't genuinely considered Aria's unique vampiric needs or really given the pair the attention they needed. It was an oversight he very much should have noticed and picked up on, especially with how much time they spent with him. "I'm sorry," he told them softly with genuine remorse as he focused on angel, a blush creeping across her cheeks. "That was a gross oversight on my part. I promise, I'll take that into consideration and try to treat you both better from now on. You can have my own blood, as well as from anyone willing whenever you want or need it. A dedicated supply and as for you Aria I'll try to give you some more attention and affection as well, that goes for all of you, but this won't be a reward for a job well done, I'll figure out a different way to reward you both, this is something I should have been doing from the start." The offer was significant, a deep bond made visible and he knew they both understood that.
Aria's lips curved into a small but pleased smile, transforming her often-neutral expression into one of quiet contentment. "Do not worry about it Master, we understand how difficult things have been and seen you haven't exactly been yourself lately, there is also a constant flow of events but just don't keep it that wat okay?" she responded, her voice soft as the unspoken understanding between them deepened as he nodded. Angel glueing herself to his side and not saying anything beyond looking at him with big watery eyes and a small smile on her lips.
As they walked and talked he picked up Angel and tilting his head to the side to let her bite his neck and take a drink as they walked the path leading away from the new living area's, realizing the extent of the neglect as the little vampire let out a satisfied sound as she drank, a look of guilt crossing his face for a few brief moments before he managed to hide it.
They passed the humid, verdant expanse that had slowly spread out of the he greenhouse dungeon area, its glass exterior glistening faintly with condensation, inside they could see a variety of exotic plants, some seemingly glowing in the low light and various small plant creatures and little people, no longer just the stick figure had met before but actual, filled out forms of creatures made of plants, vines, branches and bark. The air around them had begun to shift as they went further out, growing heavier with a complex mix of earthy smells the further they went. The damp soil, rich loam and something wilder and untamed, the perfect place to release the beasts. Despite his lingering fatigue he still felt a surge of adrenaline sharpening his senses. This was a important step in establishing their new sanctuary, a place where these extraordinary beings could not only thrive but become invaluable assets. the living engines of their new world and home. The success of this endeavor was paramount to his grander vision of making a self-sustaining force, no longer needing to rely solely on those weird cow creatures but rather having some they could now use for war.
Reaching the vast, enclosed expanse the pair where surprised to find an enormous circular arena ringed by towering, reinforced walls John had set up earlier that day, another gifted building but from Thorin and the others, he explained it had some kind of perception filter that didn't allow others to see it till they were really close to it. Upon pressing a glyph on the entrance wall, a series of mechanical whirls sounded out soon followed by a ripple of arcane energy from unseen runic arrays, containment barriers he was told, they shimmered and dissolved as they settled in place. He placed a large pouch onto the ground, one that had come through the portal earlier, as soon as it was opened the air crackled in a familiar way before parting and letting loose a range of creatures that defied conventional biology, a collection of beings that seemed to have been torn from the fabric of forgotten myths. A primordial roar, deep and guttural split the air as the first creatures emerged, they gigantic cattle he planned to use to supplement their food supply. Their forms resembling horned goats but with thick, glistening meat-like growths spiraling from their heads that could clearly be harvested, each pulsing with vitality. Alongside them, immense, segmented caterpillars steadily crawled out to find their own place within the arena. Their bodies shimmering with gems and raw ores, their precious cargo easily plucked without harm.
Then came the truly monstrous beasts. Large, draconic ogres, their leathery hides scarred and muscled like ancient mountains, lumbered into view, claws as sharp as obsidian daggers and their breath misting in the cooler air as they cast there gaze around before settling on John and the girls, there gazes seemingly judging and watching them carefully with hidden intelligence before snorting and lumbering to sit next to the caterpillars. Next rolled out a few small, pulsating gem-like cores that quickly began to absorb the surrounding earth and rocks around them, using them to form into simple golems at first then becoming increasingly complex with the more they absorbed, some of them seemed to be rough sandstone, others glistening granite and there was even a few crafted from the gnarled wood of nearby specially grown trees that where placed in the arena area, their forms shifting and solidifying with each passing moment.
It was the next wave that truly left the portal that both captivated and horrified all of them. The draconic ogres even seemed to stand and straighten in what seemed like respect. Ten titanic creatures, each a grotesque marvel slowly began to emerge. They possessed multiple heads that swiveled independently on long sinuous necks, each bearing a unique and unsettling expression along with an array of powerfully muscled arms that ended in crushing talons. Their chests bore disturbing, unblinking eyes that seemed black and fathomless as if they could pierce one's very soul all while their stomachs were distended with gaping mouths that emitted guttural, gurgling noises, a rather unsettling sound that vibrated through the ground. Following these leviathans were four more strange beasts that looked like living armories at first, they were walking engines of destruction. Their fingers were anything but natural, instead gleaming swords honed and sharp with bone spears protruding menacingly from their sides, almost like organic ribs bent at the wrong angle and with fleshy gun barrels that extended from their chests each pulsing faintly as if ready to fire at any moment. A large, bulbous rocket was strapped to each of their backs, a dangerous promise of deadly power all while their distended mouths, stitched closed with wide, gruesome gaps between the sutures that seemed to be how they got food into their mouths, a deep rumbling growl resonated through the arena from them. Their many eyes, scattered across their forms like chips of polished obsidian seemed to dart around the area before seemingly studying John and his companions like the draconic ogres had before except with a much deeper intelligence, to everyone's surprise there growling began to calm, their monstrous features softening almost imperceptibly as they paired up and began to carve out nesting spots in the rich earth away from all the other creatures. It was a bizarre display of domesticity from creatures of such raw power and what he had first thought would be the hardest to control and tame.
The final beasts were an oddity even among this bizarre collection. large masses of multicolored fluid, resembling slimes with gemlike brains began to float silently into the area. Within their shifting, almost holographic jelly forms forms, countless eyes swirled like nebulae in miniature, observing their new surroundings with an unnerving collective intelligence that didn't belong to a slime of all creatures. A flat, circular base beneath each proved to be the reason they were able to float and silently hover above the ground instead of slithering. They watched as they extended long, spine-like tentacles, each tipped with a nasty-looking barb before whipping them gently in the air as if testing new atmosphere.
"Now those are really some strange creatures." Ash remarked popping up behind them and making John turn to look at her. "How long have you been there?" She just shrugged and smiled a at him "Since you left with the pair, as for how? Ninja." She told him with a laugh striking a pose with her hands up before returning her gaze to the various beasts, a genuine shiver running through her, not entirely from fear as the gaze fell onto the slimes. "Pretty sure those blob things were giving me the side eye just now. Probably imagining all sorts of things that would fit perfectly into a tentacle lover's dream." She joked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
He let out a hearty laugh, a rare moment of genuine levity amidst the gravity of their situation as the tension temporarily eased from his shoulders. He watched as Angel and Aria, without any fanfare or preparations strode confidently among the newly released creatures. There was no struggle, no force exerted, no shouts or commands. Just a palpable sense of authority that seemed to roll off of them that seemed to convey their intentions directly to the creature's instincts. They moved with an innate understanding, a silent communication that quickly established them as the undisputed alphas of each group where needed. The chaotic energy that had pulsed through the beasts also seemed to visibly subside, replaced now by a strange and respectful calm as he watched everything. Within moments the various creatures had settled down properly, their inherent wildness seemingly curbed and their gazes now directed with a newfound deference towards the two women. Their mission accomplished with an almost supernatural ease, Angel and Aria then returned to his side, their faces composed, but a hint of smugness in their eyes.
"All done, Master," Aria announced, a note of quiet pride in her voice, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. "They will behave and listen only to us and you. I added a tiny bit of magic to things though; a subtle mental block layered with a compulsion to prevent any external mental manipulations just as an extra precaution against any unforeseen influences."
"Good," John said, a weary but deeply satisfied sigh escaping him before rubbing his temples, feeling the strain of a long and arduous day catch up to him. The immense responsibility of his new leadership role coupled with the constant threat of unseen overseers, proved to be a heavy burden that he only now began to truly feel on his shoulders and he knew there was plenty more to come. "Now, it's been a busy and incredibly long day. I'm really tired and I doubt those stupid Administrators watching us will leave us alone for long after they realize what I've just done. So, I'm heading to the dungeon to talk to Ray. I need to see if she's willing to take a second chance and taking the role of leading the rangers, hopefully the time you and the others spent during visits managed to get through to her and the old man did ask me to give her another chance, this will be her chance to try and prove herself. Also, I need to check if Rebecca is in any better mental state after having sessions with Michael. Hopefully some of the brainwashing and other stuff has lessened, both for her and the others." He stretched, feeling the deep ache in his muscles. "After all that, I'm going straight to bed to get some rest while I can. I'm not going to stop you girls this time, so if you want to join, feel free, I, honestly." He paused, almost hesitantly. "I think I'd like the comfort and cuddles you all would provide. Just remember boundaries exist for a reason and behave, okay?" He told them before walking away, a soft smile playing on his lips as he deliberately ignored the happy, almost purring noises he heard Aria make behind him along with the low joy filled whispers as the girls spoke about his resistance finally crumbling.