An Ominous Villa (closed to Chelle, Iridium, and Terric)

Location: Venice, Italy.
Time: 18:04.

It was raining. It had been raining for the past two days. Of all the places Iridium had traveled, Europe was the most gloomy. Always raining. He did, however, make note that it was much more aesthetic than many other places. With vast plains and landscapes. And it did have times of pleasant weather. Now was not one of those times.

Several weeks earlier, Iridium had been walking, as he usually does, just walking. Constantly scouring the net for anything that might be of interest. Always double checking to make certain he was not being sought after. It had been long since he became self aware, and so far nothing pursued him. Yet on this particular day, he came across something that he judged was very intriguing. It mentioned a discreet villa, where those who come seeking shelter are not of the average type. He judged this to be of interest. If there ever was a place that he could remain without worry of being located, it was this villa. It had been very, very long since he had actually stayed in one location for a extended period of time. Not since he had been manufactured. He had walked the Earth for a long enough, he tired of seeing man destroy the one thing that they relied on most. Their environment. He tired of watching them end lives over false principles and idols. It was time to once again clear the grime off of his hull. Time for an upgrade of sorts.

Iridium found reports of a local claiming to see a dark being one evening, with wings and the figure of a woman, but before the man could make out any features, the woman had vanished without a trace. The sighting was in a location not too far from the villa's coordinates. A nearby village. The creature sighted came to be believed as a mythical beast by the locals of said nearby village. The Human Race always finds a way to cope with the unknown, whether it be by shunning it and deeming it to be mythical or evil. Or completely dissecting it, and once they find what makes it tick, they discard it as an everyday occurrence. Most everything the humans take for granted are miracles of their own. Their emotions for example. Iridium researched this topic further. He gathered the location of the villa and calculated the time it would take to travel on foot. Only two weeks walking distance from his current location. He could always run to where he needed to go, yet time was no issue for him. He would walk. Like always. There was also no reason to draw any unneeded attention. He would walk.

It was raining harder now. He had arrived at the exact coordinates gathered from the research he had done. They lead him to this villa. He throughly scanned the entire villa. Making note of its aesthetics. He judged this to be no ordinary villa. He also judged it to be ominous. An ominous villa. He took several steps towards the entrance but before he made any attempt to contact those within he scanned once more for signs of vibrations, indicating movement on the other side. One second passed. Nothing. He approached the entrance, readying his servos and nano-fiber muscle-cords, in case he needed to take evasive or offensive action, while at the same time semi-detaching his Axe. He calculated that it would take no more than a second to deploy, if necessary. He then attempted to make contact with who or whatever resided within.

As the car drove up to the villa Terric noticed it was raining. He knew if he had chosen to fight the gods would not be on his side, since he could not use his fire technique. Then tires came to a screeching stop. Terric saw this unknown object, it was like a big hunk of metal. He then thought "What is this world coming to? Everything is just made up of metal..." he just shrugged it off. He opened his door and stepped out, rain started dropping on his face running down his cheek. Terric was quite annoyed at this type of weather he could just feel his anger building with each droplet that hit his torso. He then said to Val "Zexen'uma usstan orn tlu ditronw rath" she just gave a huff and laid down on the seat, resting her head on her two front paws. He kept his thoughts clear and showed no sign of being mad. Terric then moved slowly behind Chelle keeping his distance from the figure, noticing his ax was ready to be wielded if needed. He was sure that he did not want to get on this things bad side. It could probably crush him with ease. Not to mention Terric knew his arrows would probably just bounce of this guy anyways. His only choice was to keep his distance and let Chelle deal with him, since it was her villa and Terric did not see why he should greet the guest. Even though if the metal guy came up to him and talk, he would not have much to say anyway. He wouldn't even know what to say to something made of metal or even how the thing could talk. At the thought of being smashed and his bones being crushed with one single blow, he was ready to flee if he needed to. So he just stayed back and analyzed the situation it was about all he could do.

Location: Venice, Italy.
Time: 18:38

Iridium detected no signs of anyone inside the villa. Whoever was inside was not planning on coming out to see him. He double-checked the information he had gathered. The stories all lead to this place. His information could not be false, perhaps the villa was unoccupied at this time of year. If so, he could wait here. Time was of no issue. It never was, never will be. Just as Iridium had decided to wait, a car approached from the rear. He turned and faced the approaching car. Iridium scanned for heat signatures and vibrations within the car. There were four, three passengers and the driver. Some signatures registered significantly different from the others, and all of them showed to be anomalies. One of the signatures came back as a lesser temperature than the average 98.6 degrees that a human should register. it was a slight difference, yet he could detect it. Along with one registering as a slightly higher temperature than the average human. The last anomaly was a distinct heartbeat vibration from within the car. It was more rapid then that of a human. He calculated that it was more related to the rate of a dogs heartbeat. Iridium then judged that it was best not to appear hostile. There was no need to attract attention, as always.

The car door opened. Two figures stepped out. The first was slender, Iridium judges this to be a woman, and the second was not much bigger yet it carried a bow slung over his shoulder. He judged this to be a man. The woman was the signature that registered as a lesser temperature. Iridium tried to cross reference the images of the two but had found no documents noting who they could be. With reference to the clothes that the man wore he was not from anywhere that Iridium had walked. And he had walked a lot of places. At that moment he also judged that this must be the place he was looking for. No other place would be expecting visitors such as the two approaching him. He projected scenarios and determined that it was best not to reveal his origins. He would present himself with the name he had picked up in that facility so long ago. Iridium.

The woman spoke to him. Query: Are you lost? As she spoke he detected movement, her hand had lowered to a weapon she carried. A red flag went up. He nudged the warning to the side and did not take any defensive stance; as was suggested by his embedded warning system. There was only one reason that he came to this place, to seek shelter. To have a place he can remain without being discovered by the public. Physical action would only result in not being able to return to this place, ever. Iridium "calmed" down. His servos whirring as they loosened, his Axe hugging his hull now. Taking a step forward, extending his right arm, which was a worldwide symbol of non-aggression, he spoke in a cold metallic voice "I am called Iridium. I do not wish to create conflict. I only seek entrance to this place. I have judged this villa to be discreet and I am currently attempting to avoid detection. There have been reports of those who reside here to be not of ordinary nature." He judged that adding an incentive would increase the chances of him being allowed access to this villa by 33.3 percent. He then added "I also can provide protection for the residents of this villa while I reside here." Iridium then stood there, hand extended, perfectly still. Awaiting the answer from these beings.

Terric nodded "Yes, Ma'dam." then whistling to Val, she hopped out of the car landing on the ground. He thought "This metal guy or girl is quite interesting its like he can tell whats going to come before it actually does, Ingenious." He then continued onward behind of Chelle. He noticed she said "Queen", she did not mention anything of the sort back on the island. He had to be careful she could be hiding more than just meets the eye. He wasn't going to let that interfere with their formal relationship though. He would still give his life for this woman, Terric was just all around confused about the new world and how people respond to things. He just went along with it and kept to himself. He then looked at Iridium and gave a tilt of his head and a slight bow, showing the metal man or woman respect. He wanted out of this rain quickly though so he hastened his steps. He then thought "I swear on my being, if i could find the god of rain i would kill him..." He stepped inside to a warm feeling like that of hot chocolate in your stomach. He then looked towards Chelle and said "Ma'dam Chelle, you have a very nice villa." Something bothered him though. He pondered on this thought "She said something about ranks... I have no clue where to even start.. back when my clan was founded, there was Patriarch and Matriarch. I wonder were her Patriarch is.. probably gorging his face making this lovely lady do all his work.. Gah what a disgrace.." Terric made a scoff at the idea then shook it aside. "Or maybe he's dead and shes running things herself, since no one answered the door for Iridium." That second thought was more logical. Val walked in behind him shaking her coat from head to tail flinging water off of her. A bit splashed on Terric, he just shrugged it off and wiped it away. He chose to move towards a candle nearby and put both his hands over it warming himself, practically letting the fire touch his skin. He thought to back in the day when he could sit next to a fire pit and just play with fire all night long. "Much better!!" A huge smile then came to Terric's face as he awaited further instructions from Queen Chelle.

Location: Venice, Italy.
Time: 18:40

Iridium had been scanning the womans face the whole time. He noted that slight movements of the upper halves of her face. As well as the grin she had adorned. He judged that this woman was amused by him. This judgement made Iridium pause for a moment. In all his time walking this planet he had only noticed features of fear in the faces of those who had set their eyes upon them. It was not that Iridium was maleficent in intent, it was that no human had ever seen something like him. In the end, even if he wished peace, all that would come of it would be violence. And in some cases he would be asked to allow studies to be ran on him. That, of course, could never be allowed. The woman was talking to him again. He stored the information she was giving him in a select file he judged should be entitled "THRONES." Subject: "Chelle, Queen of Thrones." She had confirmed that the place he had sought out was in fact, this villa. Query:"Iridium..are you considered as a man? Or a woman? Iridium processed this question. He judged that he was neither man nor woman. His creators however were predominately male. He judged it best to assume the creators gender. He spoke in that metallic tone. "I am considered to be a male, Chelle, Queen of Thrones. Although I cannot reproduce or have a need to do so.

Iridium watched as the three made their way into the open doorway. He took stock of the man following her. The man made no introductions of himself and Iridium judged by the patterns of his face that the man did not understand exactly what Iridium was. He placed this gathered information alongside Chelle, Queen of Thrones. Subject: Unknown. And with it images of the hound that walked with him. Iridium walked behind them, allowing room for his strides. Lowering the joints, servos and by shortening the length of the carbon-fiber muscles in his legs, his height dropped by nearly a foot. He also withdrew some sections in his hull to reduce the bulk. It effectively shrunk him and made it possible to allow someone to pass him if needed. While only reducing his movement by 15.45%. The man spoke to Chelle, Queen of Thrones, with a tone. Iridium judged it to be a tone of loyalty. He judged that this man looked up to her. Something he had not seen in all of his walking. Most men who follow others, follow out of fear or false sense of duty. This man, Iridium judged, was just loyal. He scanned the man as he held his hands over the flame. The temperature registered at over 1800 degrees. Yet the man did not flinch or his skin burn. It was completely new information for Iridium to process. Iridium judged that this place could become much more than a place for him to remain undetected.

Terric noticed the color of Chelle's eyes change, he thought that was a magnificent trait. He then glanced at Iridium taking note that the man could change his height in the matter of seconds. "Amazing" he thought. "I do not mind how the room looks, I just ask that i be close to yours, if thats possible, Ma'dam." Terric stated. Val wagged her tail at the conversation as if she knew what was going on. She then let out two small barks as if to agree with Terric. As she showed him around he noticed how well she had kept her villa, clean, comfy, and well decorated. It sort of had a homey feeling to him, as if he was back on his island.


Something bothered him, a thought in the back of his head "I have still yet to see anyone else i wonder if they are just out of the house." he shrugged. He just always wanted to make sure nothing would surprise him. He then asked Chelle "Ma'dam, You said you were Queen, Where is your King?" he hoped she would say "You are my king come with me" as some sort of weird fantasy. He through that thought out of his head quickly. "What is wrong with you Terric why must you think like this?!"

He scolded himself not knowing why his thoughts were off topic. He normally doesn't do this sort of thing, thoughts are clear, level head, but for some reason this woman makes his mind, his self just happy in general. He then looked toward the metal man "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier, Sir Iridium. My name is Terric Serverus." he gave another bow towards Iridium, then extends his right arm just like he saw him do earlier. He thought "This man could be a good friend. He looks like someone or something could be trustworthy and loyal, as i am. I could see us doing great things. He is an example of a true warrior. Fighting for whats right but he makes choices based on the outcome. Smart as a panther in the jungle, swift and cunning attacking without remorse. If he was even capable of feeling remorse. And that woman "Queen" Chelle Takeiro-DiMartino, she is graceful as dove in the breeze. Powerful as a lion amongst the wilderness and Sweet for bringing in people for one cause, not starting conflict but killing if necessary. These are the people to be friends with."

Val sensed a feeling from Terric, something shes never felt before. It was like she could feel connected to something fierce. Her fur started to glow, as if trying to connect with the woman. She was giving the Queen ownership as well. Val then walked up to the Queen and nudged her side rubbing her whiskers along her torso. She took steps forward imitating a cat, whisking her bushy tail around. Then stared at the metal man for a second, then walked over to him and nudged his hand. Asking for friendship, or a gentle scratch.

Location: Venice, Italy.
Time: 18:42

Iridium followed as the Chelle, Queen of Thrones, led them around the premises. She addressed him, then asked a question. Query: "Would you like a room with sunlight? A darker room with florescent light?" Iridium processed the question and judged that the amount of sunlight was irrelevant. Yet having a window would be beneficial seeing as he could access the Web easier. He answered, "I would like a room window, providing the room is empty of furniture. I do not not wish to damage any property that may be within.'

The man following Chelle, Queen of Thrones, spoke to him. He introduced himself as Terric Serverus. With that information Iridium updated the file known as Unknown to Terric Serverus. As he spoke the man extended his hand, just as he had extended his to Chelle, Queen of Thrones. A sign of friendship. He gently took the mans and and shook, avoiding crushing the mans hand. It takes less than 75 lbs of pressure to brake the bones in a human hand. Iridium was capable of much more than that. Once Terric and Iridium had finished shaking hands, he noticed that the canine accompanying him had been brushing against his legs and hull. Iridium scanned the canine once more and faced Terric. "Query: What do you call this canine? I have cross-referenced the image and no results have been found." Iridium then bent at the knee, or what could be considered his knee, and gently pet the dog. He judged that the dog was particularly partial to being touched behind the ears.

"Thank you, Ma'dam. It means a lot to me." he gave a slight bow. He felt that these three people would be able to handle any situation. Queen Chelle with her supreme leadership, Iridium with his judgments that are accurate as hell. And himself with his speed and cunning. It was a perfect team. He thought about what she said "There has never been a real King to thrones.. but the position is now open." it was weird for him to understand, because in his former clan there was always a Patriarch. Even if one had died the next couple would step up and claim the two positions. "You know you have got to be tough. Dealing with everything, handling everybody and leading a whole organization by yourself. You are a true leader." as Terric said this Val let out two small barks meaning she agreed.

He then looked at Iridium "Sir Iridium, i'm sure you wouldn't be able to find this auflaque anywhere. She is a very rare breed only two to be known of, Mine and my brothers." Terric then balled his fist in anger at the very thought of his brother and what he had done. Clinching his jaw he let the thought go and calmed himself. "Her name is Chath Valsharess, it means Flame Queen, I just call her Val for short." Val looked at the two men and spun in circles then she stopped, bent her hind legs and jumped, arched her back and landed on her front paws again waving her tail to keep balanced. "bwael ligrr, Val." he stated then moved to her and scratched under her chin and behind her ears. As he bent over to scratch her head, the fruit he had from the island fell out of his satchel. Val stared at it as it rolled near her, she raised one of her brow's then looked at Terric and raised her other. As if asking him if she could have it. Terric just smiled and said "Alu ahead ligrr dos rytho'le ol." as he gently rubbed her chin. She gnawed on it as juice poured out of the amazing fruit. As she finished the fruit she lapped up the remaining liquids on the floor. He then stood and awaited to be taken to his room.

Iridium watched as the two before him settled on room arrangements. It would seem that Terric wanted to be as close as possible to Chelle, Queen of Thrones. Iridium judged that these two had bonded in a way that he had not seen in some time. He could detect the rise in heart rate each time Terric had been addressed by Chelle, Queen of Thrones. Not only that, every projection that Iridium played out ended up with these two being close. 18054 out of 21450 projections ended with them being close, the remaining 3396 projections ended in them parting ways. Yet this was a mutual parting, the leading reason being differences in the way they choose to live. Iridium had done all of this while Terric and Chelle, the Queen of Thrones spoke. Iridium detected that she had addressed him and stop running the projections. She made mention of the satellites she had in orbit. Four unmarked satellites he was given permission to use. Although, Iridium had detected this as he approached the villa. He had tapped into the main-line before the car approached him. Yet the security of the place was more then he expected. He was only a forth of the way to cracking it as the car arrived, causing him to cease the action. Query: "There's a lower basement that is set up to test explosions. Would you rather be placed in a vicinity more alike to that?" Iridium processed the query. He judged that having an open space that was sturdy enough for an explosion to be set off would be adequate for him. Iridium would have no worry about destroying this womans property. He also judged that he could use the area to work his carbon-fiber muscles. Without constant use, they become less flexible. Iridium couldn't spend a month without vigorous activity without becoming a animate statue. He would be frozen in place, forever. Iridium answered,"I have judged that the space you described would be adequate for me. Thank you Chelle, Queen of Thrones."

Terric then spoke to Iridium. He had used a word that did not register with Iridium. Auflaque. Iridium had searched for the meaning but he could not find anything official. He judged that this meant dog, because he addressed the dog on the floor as he spoke. Iridium then gave a description to the the images stored in his file for Terric Serverus and his dog. "Val." Iridium watched Val eat the fruit. Iridium could not place a name on this as well. He judged it was best to ask Terric. Also by being interested in this mans life, Iridium judged that this would be the step to becoming friends. He judged that he would need friends. As this is still unknown territory to Iridium. "Terric, if i am permitted to ask, what is the language you are using. I am not provided with a translator in regards to what you are saying. Also what is the fruit you fed Val classified as? I have cross referenced the image yet no results have been found." Iridium judged that having to rely on sustenance to live would be an inconvenience. He could not have walked as he did without stopping for it. But he could not help but wonder what it must be like for Val, lapping up the juices from the devoured fruit. Having the ability to taste, to feel a scratch behind the ear. Something Iridium judged would never be possible for him.

Looking towards Iridium he said "It is the elvish tongue, Sir iridium. Sorry i am use to speaking that way and sometimes random words pop out." Terric then thought that Iridium could just look up his language. So he mentioned "Wouldn't you be able to just pick up my language from those satellites?" Then a thought passed through his head "Maybe he can't pick up everything from them or not everything is out there to be learned. If this is the case i could show him my ways." "Your welcome, Ma'dam." Terric gave with a half smile. As he gave another scratch behind Val's ear, he noticed Chelle starting to move ahead so he followed telling Val to come. They walked up the next flights of stairs Terric thought "Wow this villa is huge, but extravagant and well kept." They came upon a room Chelle stated that it would be his own. She opened the door for him. The very first thing he noticed was the fireplace. "Very nice room, Thank you so much, Ma'dam." He then looked around and saw the book shelves and thought "This will be a great chance to learn about this place. I'm sure they have many books on everything that I've seen here." He walked in and turned around grabbed Queen Chelle's hand and placed it once again on his forehead while kneeling down on one knee. He then took notice to Val walking and laying down right next to the fireplace. "I guess that means it is time to rest. Good night Ma'dam Chelle and Sir Iridium." He then walked over and laid right next to Val resting his head on her chest. Feeling each one of her heartbeats in sync with his. He closed his eyes and felt the warmth fill his body.