Rekindle Network

--is this some kind of game to you?

[A stronger-sounding Cyntia could be overheard, although the feed lacked any semblance of visual that wasn't filled with so much static that only vague silhouettes could be distinguished.]

What, and it isn't for you? [A male voice retorted, though anyone who heard it before could likely place it as her assistant, Burnie's.] You can't tell me it hasn't presented valuable data on our dear subjects. After all, weren't you the one who followed my old boss's philosophy of "everyone is an unknowing test subject"?

[After a long pause, he laughs.] Oh, don't tell me... you're actually growing soft?

We've lost a valuable colleague today... one who, until you provided clues as to someone tampering with one of the energy containment settings, held a perfectly spotless record.

[She takes a few steps, and as the conversation continues, the feed comes into better focus--almost as though someone were attempting to clean the image for viewing. Her gaze is almost as harsh as the rain outside the windows.]

Combined with the sudden disappearances of a handful of our coworkers and the public attempt at my life... am I to take that as mere coincidence, Burnie.

[Burnie seems to back up slightly, his grimace even more dark when the sound of clapping could be heard just as the feed clears up perfectly.]

Bravo, Cyntia... It seems as though you're finally seeing the light.

A-Arjuna!? [Burnie nearly jumps out of his skin at the blond man who seemed to materialize out of thin air in a cloud of black smoke.] How did you-- The seal--

As broken as your colleague's faith in you. [Zeloph waves it off.] Honestly, I should be thanking you... Your little attempts to mess with your... "subjects", was it?

[Zeloph spits out the word as though it sickened him, much to Burnie's anger. As if unphased, Cyntia turned slightly to face the newcomer.]

And what, dare I ask, is the occasion that brought you to conjure yourself into my office?

Isn't it obvious? [He motions to Burnie.] My own sister may not recall my face clearly--time is a fickled thing, after all--but that doesn't mean that I don't have a debt to repay...

[As though the motion and eye contact was all it took, black strands of magic seemed to wrap around Burnie's neck. Loosely, at first.. but as Zeloph's speaks, the bind seems to grow tighter.]

Now give me one good reason why the miasma shouldn't separate your head from your shoulders...

[Burnie moves to grasp the strings of miasma, but as his hands make contact with the substance, it seems to have a burning effect on his flesh. He screams, and Zeloph seems displeased.]

Ever the hypocrite. Using lives to profit your own, but the moment another sees the benefit of using your personal homunculus as a subject... [Zeloph laughs darkly as Cyntia watches on in shock.] You don't change, Burnie!

Bugger yourself, you soulless vermin!

[Burnie struggles, motioning with one hand as the metal that made up the wall of Cyntia's office jutted forth to stab Zeloph through the abdomen. Yet there is no blood, only miasma leaking from the wound before he disappears in the very same cloud. The strands release their prisoner, but not before a clawed hand juts out of the dark mist to slam Burnie into the window.]

The song hath been heard... Approach mine sister or kin once more, insufferable worm, and I shall remind thou of the reason they call me... "Thunderer".

[The feed ends with the cloud of miasma slipping away through the air vents, Cyntia staring after it in shock, and Burnie gasping for air with burn marks the shape of a dragon's foreclaw on his neck.]