Grey Faction: Arrival of the Grey Queen

By Mark Green

Grey Faction, the worlds most elite fighting force, is used by governments around the world as a last resort against serial killers, terrorist groups, and people with magic/superhuman abilities. However they are about to face their toughest challenge yet, and even though the leaders of Grey Faction have spent five years dealing with countless deadly opponents, through combat and assassination, the small group will be hard pressed to survive what is to come.

The Magistas Syndicate have commissioned the scientist Siegfried to mass produce Seraphim flame clones to eliminate Grey Faction, however Siegfried isnt one for being controlled, and with the help of the Violet Witch and the fruits of his secret research, he will throw the world into chaos to fulfill his own goals. In the midst of this, a young woman named Reina is hurled into this world, possessing remarkable powers bestowed by the demon Incubo. Could she be the answer to our hopes from the release of war, or bring the world further into chaos? Time will tell.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Dec 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496994356

Mark Green

Mark Green, New York Times bestselling author of Who Runs Congress?, worked with Ralph Nader for ten years in Washington, D.C., before serving for twelve years as New York City's Consumer Affairs Commissioner and Public Advocate. A television commentator, public interest lawyer, and the former Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Green is also the founder and president of the New Democracy Project, a national and urban affairs institute. He has been a lecturer at the New York University School of Law since 2002, and lives with his family in New York City.

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© 2014 MARK GREEN. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 11/18/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-9434-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-9436-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-9435-6 (e)

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Ch.1 — Three Slices of Life

Ch.2 — Beneath the Bloodied Skies

Ch.3 — Metal Fighter’s Origins

Ch.4 — Palms of White Magma

Ch.5 — Information and Reflection

Ch.6 — A Twisted Situation

Ch.7 — A Devil’s Contract

Ch.8 — A New Life’s Offer

Ch.9 — A Trip to England

Ch.10 — Meeting the New Family

Ch.11 — A Berserker’s Rampage

Ch.12 — More Dangerous than Expected

Ch.13 — Dates and Suspicious Meetings

Ch.14 — The Deceptve Demonstraton

Ch.15 — Missing A Nakama

Ch.16 — Beneath A Casino

Ch.17 — A Clash of White Flames

Ch.18 — Psychic Ninja’s

Ch.19 — Declaration of War

Aftermath

Surpassing a Superhuman, do you really think that you can do that, Siegfried?

.

Of course Andrew, I’m the closest being to God, and I will ascend even further.

.

What do you hope to gain by this?

.

A rival…

PROLOGUE

A CITY IS BURNING DOWN

Orange lights illuminated the thunderous night sky; beneath this illumination was a scene straight from hell; the city was burning. Civilians screamed and fled, flickering flames surrounding them; the sound of bullets slicing clear through the air. With every second, the body count continued to rise. Demons were among them!

E-everyone…quick pull back! shouted a panicked voice, but his words and squadron were swept away by a torrent of flames. The flames were unnatural white flames; swirling and writhing like a living thing. It was hunting, chasing and killing; burning anyone it touched to cinders. Agonised screams defiled the air as the white fire claimed more victims.

Two men casually strolled through the crumbling, ashen wreckage. With a wave of a hand, the white inferno parted, allowing them passage down the middle, they were the cause of this hell. Their eyes darted about, they were searching, but soon their prey would come for them. This genocide was simply to draw out this city’s master. They had a score to settle with him; Gawain – one of the Knights of the Round Table.

They were an intimidating sight with their faces hidden and their bodies wrapped in grey cloaks. With a sea of flames parting before them, it was as if two demons had risen from the depths.

Where the hell are they? the taller of the two demanded. His hair was a dark brown, almost black; and his face hidden beneath a white mask, showing only his eyes. The mask was shaped to match his features.

Don’t worry replied the shorter man. His hair was blond and his face was covered by a black mask of the same style. They’ll come alright, there’s no way Gawain and the others could ignore this.

Yes, you’re right, they’ll come the white masked man agreed, his voice dripping with blood lust I can’t wait to rip them apart.

It was time for revenge, the Magistas; the Knights were now their enemies and their fated prey; this city followed the orders of the Magistas, they were all expendable.

Their senses sharp and focused, the masked men could faintly hear the careful placing of footsteps, amidst the sea of rubble. They could not feel the menacing presence of the Knights, but the sounds were too well hidden to be a civilian. It seemed the city had finally decided to retaliate properly.

Beneath his white mask, the man grinned viciously. The two stopped, they would not walk willingly into an ambush. Shall I take these? he asked quietly, so they could not hear him.

His unnatural golden eyes glowed like headlights from the openings in his white mask. The man in the black mask shook his head, his blond hair messily tumbling about. No I’ve got these; I can’t have you wasting your energy now.

Hidden nearby, the gunmen waited for the two, until they realised their targets had stopped, looking to where they had hidden. ‘Damn it, they’ve spotted us!’ taking a chance they leapt up, avoiding the lingering white flames. There were dozens of them in black military uniforms; large guns in hand, hard-eyed professionals.

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Everybody fire! the squad leader shouted, but nobody fired, they were somehow frozen in place, they struggled to move - at least their trigger finger would do, but no, nothing.

What the hell is this? yelled one of the gunmen in a blind panic.

Th-that guy’s a Contractor too! another screamed, eyes darting about, his face pale. The man in the black mask was surrounded by a pale blue aura, his eyes glowing with the same eerie colour.

Sorry boys, but its suicide for you all the gunmen’s eyes grew dull as his powers affected them, their expressions of anger and terror disappeared, replaced by a calm, emotionless exterior. Unwillingly they turned to face each other, shots rang out, and they collapsed to the ground; spurting dark crimson blood, the Reaper’s scythe had struck.

That was the blond man’s power, he could read and control other people’s minds; he had gained this power from an Angel’s contract. His partner had gained his holy fire ability in the same way. It was with these powers they had laid bloody waste to the city.

Talk about disturbing, laughed the man in the white mask, watching the soldiers tumble to the ground, heads splattering - blood spurting.

And turning someone into ash is better? the other replied with a smirk. Stepping over the corpses, they continued on their way. They would reach the government building in less than ten minutes, the Knights ruled from there.

The two paused in mid step, as a deep, dark aura pressed down on them; it was the presence of a powerful warrior. It seems they’ve decided to greet us after all.

It sure seems that way, the white masked man agreed, eager for his revenge to begin. A mere hundred yards away, atop a broken smouldering building was a man dressed in black, his face hidden by a helmet and visor.

Ghost, you fool whispered Gawain, recognising the man in the white mask. In the blinking of an eye, he stood before them, tall and lethal.

‘Gawain!’

‘He’s finally here’

He stood at over six foot in height; his body was encased entirely in a black synthetic material with streamline black armour over it. The armour was shaped to fit his body, showing his compact, muscular form. At his belt, on one side was clasped a medieval style broadsword, while on the other hung a strange looking silver gun; a green vial attached to the barrel.

So the lead actor finally emerges, commented the black masked man, smiling wryly.

Gawain, where are the other two? asked the white masked man, referring to the other two Knights assigned here as Gawain’s assistants. Under his visor, Gawain frowned.

So it really is you; White Ghost…Andrew, to think that you’d survived. His voice was deep and melodious; but his words lacked any real emotion. The man in the white mask sighed. Unclipping the clasps of the mask, he removed it, revealing a young pale-faced teenager; his features were handsome, in a sharp hawk-like way.

Yeah, I did Andrew replied, eyes glowing brighter I’m here to settle my score with the Magistas and the Knights, starting with you!

Don’t be stupid, you should have been content that you were simply able to escape with your life, but here you are, bringing war and destruction. Do you and your masked friend believe you can overcome us?

Yes, the two of us alone are enough to destroy everything! Andrew declared, his body bursting into flame, he looked like a white phantom.

So arrogant noted Gawain have you deluded him with words of revenge? Gawain asked, addressing the man in the black mask. The man laughed, unclipping his mask, he was older than Andrew by five years or so, his face was lightly bronzed and a large toothy grin was set upon his face; however his gaze was bitterly cold.

I did nothing of the sort, we just happen to want the same thing; for your organisation to disappear from this world the blond man stated calmly, throwing his mask to the ground. I doubt if you remember me, so I’ll introduce myself. I’m Alex Anderson, Andy and I have formed a new group; Grey Faction.

I see, muttered Gawain, drawing the sword. Then there’s no reason to talk; I will kill you both

Fine by us, I’d like to kill you before the others arrive, admitted Alex, reaching inside his grey cloak, pulling out a high calibre pistol. ‘I won’t lose this time!’

For a brief moment they were still, silent; their muscles tense, senses sharp; weapons at the ready, their powerful auras sizzling, crackling through their surroundings.

Time to die Gawain! roared Andrew charging forward, a massive swirling orb of flame forming on his palm. Alex weaved behind Andrew, firing bullets, which Gawain deflected with the tip of his blade.

Is that it? laughed the Knight, lashing at Andrew with dozens of fast stabs, which Andrew narrowly avoided. "Helm cutter" announced Gawain, swinging down his broadsword, trying to split Andrew’s skull in two.

‘Shit!’

Alex, discarding his gun, leapt between the two, his arms reaching out, hands glowing blue. CLANG! Alex caught the blade with his bare hands.

Incredible… Gawain spat out, sensing what Alex had done with his aura to stop his sword.

Andrew - now! yelled Alex, holding the sword tight.

Andrew leapt up into the air, creating a humongous fireball and then condensing all those flames into a tiny incandescent orb, less than a centimetre wide.

image002.png

"Take this – Big Bang!" Andrew shouted, driving it into Gawain’s chest plate. Everything around them was obliterated in a torrent of flames.

From the depths of the inferno shot out a smouldering shape, it was Gawain ‘what an incredible attack!’ the knight thought, tumbling to the ground, some thirty feet away. He shakily rose to his feet, most of his armour crumbling away, leaving only half his helmet, and arm guards. ‘I can’t believe he destroyed my Anti-Contractor armour…’

The flames faded away, revealing Andrew as he slowly approached. I don’t know what’s tougher, you or your armour Andrew noted, creating another fireball in his hand.

You’ve gotten stronger… spoke Gawain softly, before three shots rang out Gah! blood spewed from his mouth, he staggered, turning, Alex stood behind him, a smoking gun in hand. You-!

The plan worked like a charm stated Alex, aiming at Gawain’s now exposed face. Gawain reached for his own pistol. BANG! The Knight collapsed to the ground as Alex fired.

One down laughed Andrew, joining Alex. But I get to kill the other two

Fine by me conceded Alex, holstering his gun. Gawain’s the only one I had a personal grudge against anyways

Let’s go, Black Reaper

Heh, right behind ya, White Ghost

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This brutal attack would begin a war between Grey Faction and the Magistas. It was hidden from most of the world but still whispers of superhumans spread; they called themselves Contractors; mages who sell their souls for power – the contract.

FIVE YEARS LATER…

CHAPTER ONE

Three Slices of Life

Professor Siegfried, it’s happening again! a lab assistant shouted. Inside the observation cell was their latest specimen; V-7 was dying. V-7 was a middle-aged man that they had picked up off the streets. He thrashed about violently on the floor, blood streaming from his tear ducts. His skin was an ugly grey colour, like rotting flesh with patches of red staining his face and forearms. Smoke blew out heavily from his ears and mouth, as though a fire was burning its way out from the inside.

"Ahhhhhraaaaooouuuu!" V-7 screamed; an agony-ridden howl.

Outside the cell, the scientists ran about in a panic, trying to figure out a solution. All of you shut your mouths, you’re professionals, experts - now kindly act the part! snapped a voice, cracking through the air like a whip.

They all turned to the speaker; he was above average height and had a muscular build, which conflicted with his apparel as a scientist. His face was bronzed and his eyes fierce, his features seemed archaic, a throwback from history.

V-7 is having a violent reaction to the original’s cells. His body just won’t adapt, the original’s cells are rejecting him explained the assistant, who had called for him.

I see…that’s a pity, Siegfried murmured absently, pushing past the throng of scientists and researchers. Reaching the cell, he crouched down, watching the unfortunate subject in his final moment of agony.

Siegfried was calm, showing none of the panic the others had. I’d hoped you would provide me with better results than the last five, good bye V-7, he said quietly as the subject died, his last words garbled and unheard. Siegfried stood, turned to face one of his assistants, a petite mousey haired girl. How many injections did V-7 receive and remain stable? he asked.

Four, sir

That’s one less than the last V-project…so the person’s will-power really does affect the reaction to the change. For our next specimen we will need someone with far greater physical and mental strength. Evans, go and pick somebody up off the street!

Evans, who was shuffling through a table of paperwork, looked up, startled. Shall I go now?

Yes now, take two security personnel with you. Be back with a suitable candidate within the next two hours.

Right, I’ll be on my way Evans replied, abandoning his paperwork with a flourish and all but sprinting out of the lab, slamming the doors shut behind him.

Alright people, stop standing around, gaping like idiots and get back to work! Siegfried clapped his hands loudly. Scrambling about, they returned to their duties. Looks like we will have to use V-1 for the primary exhibition after all, that twit will not be happy…' Siegfried thought sourly, returning to his work. There was no time to waste.

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Why are all our missions lately about Faux-Contractors? complained Andrew, as he relaxed comfortably on a couch in their lounge.

They’ve gotten better with the cloning process, obviously there’s going to be more of them. replied Alex, who was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and jean shorts. He continued typing away on his laptop, his eyes never leaving the screen.

So who’s hiring our help this time? Andrew asked.

The NPA, there’s another Faux-Contractor causing trouble in their area Alex replied, still typing away.

NPA this time…huh…Wait, the National Police Agency…that’s in Japan, why are they asking for our help?

It is pretty far I’ll admit, but they’re running low on their own, so the NPA is hiring us to do the job instead.

So this guy, is he responsible for their lack of forces at the moment? Andrew guessed, sitting up.

According to them, he was – they’ve sent several Contractors after him, none of them came back, their guys were only C-Rank, but that’s still quite impressive, noted Alex.

Do you think the Magistas are using this guy as bait to draw in other Contractors? Andrew suggested; Magistas needed flesh and blood from a legitimate Contractor to make Faux-Contractors. They often set such traps, something Andrew knew from bitter experience.

I considered the possibility, that’s one of the reasons I accepted the mission, so we can find out Alex answered, setting his laptop down on the coffee table. He turned it around so his colleague could see the screen. The laptop showed several photos of a dark-skinned foreigner, along with personal information accompanying it. This is our guy, Jinhai Leawa, a Taiwanese student who’s currently living in Japan; he’s seventeen and the target for this mission.

That’s pretty young, so what’s he been doing to have the NPA on his arse? Andrew questioned, roughly scratching the side of his face.

A killing spree, over the last twelve months, every night, he’s gone to a different area and killed every known criminal, delinquent and thug that he could get his hands on. The police were unable to catch him at the scene of the crimes. Plus he’s smart enough not to leave behind any physical evidence.

I see, so then they sent the Contractors after him, so what’s the goal of this mission, after all he’s only killing criminals Andrew complained even if he’s a Magistas lackey, doing him in seems harsh.

Alex sighed; Andrew hated scum and thugs with a passion, and had something of a soft spot for people who stood up to them. Ideally they don’t want us to kill him, the NPA want to arrest and jail him, however with Contractors, as you well know, they are not easy to lock up.

Andrew nodded. I understand, so they want to make use of my abilities so he can be tried and jailed as a normal human. So what are they paying us?

Ten million yen Alex replied, closing his laptop.

Talk about cheap, but I suppose I haven’t a choice since you’ve already accepted their request Andrew muttered irritably.

That’s the spirit, laughed Alex, ignoring Andrew’s tone of voice you start first thing tomorrow morning; I’ve already booked you the plane ticket.

I guess I’ll go pack then Andrew muttered.

Andy, don’t forget a tooth brush like last time Alex called out mockingly as Andrew left the lounge; he knew how much Andrew hated having his first name abbreviated.

Stow it Alex.

‘This is a chance to confirm if Siegfried is involved’ thought Alex, his mind turning to less trivial matters.

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I’m not sure I can go through with this Daigo-kun, why must we use your sister in the ritual? Reiko asked of her husband, her voice stressed and face fatigued.

Because if we use someone else, we can’t guarantee the results. I’ve worked hard to keep my sister from getting close to men so she remains in the state we need, the presence of a virgin is needed within the pentagram, and with her having blood ties to me it will only strengthen the spell, don’t forget the summoning will not kill her, Reina’s just the catalyst Daigo’s voice was hoarse, yet it carried a strength of authority.

I know but it still…, she protested. She knew they had to do this for their future, but to use a family member as a pawn for it, seemed so wrong.

Look I know how you feel, I really do – But if we don’t summon Incubo before Siegfried finds us, then everything’s over. Let’s just get it over and done with. Placing a hand on Reiko’s shoulder to comfort her, his voice was soft and reassuring.

Fine, but if anything happens to Reina-chan, I’ll leave you – I promise that Reiko declared, staring at him, her eyes resolved.

Taken aback by her sudden words, he sighed in defeat. Fine, then I have nothing to worry about, let’s go. Leaving the backroom, they headed out onto the shop floor of their family owned bookstore. The shop was fortunately devoid of customers. Their shop consisted of two floors, with long bookcases running down in numerous columns. In some respects, it resembled a small town library.

Shelving books at a swift pace was a tall slender girl with long black hair. Reina-chan, thanks for holding the fort while we were getting things sorted out back, Daigo said smoothly with a smile.

No problem Nii-chan, I’ve nearly finished putting out the new stock, Reina said, smiling as she continued with her work.

Good to hear, it’ll get busy soon, so it’s best to get things done when we can said Reiko, trying to keep her face straight and trying to ignore the tight knot in her stomach.

Oh Reina, could you help me out the back quick? her brother asked casually. Reina stopped what she was doing, regarding him briefly.

Yeah sure thing. After setting down a small stack of novels, she followed him out into the stockroom, the door closing softly behind her. Without warning, something struck Reina heavily across the back of her head. She tumbled to the ground, mind blank, her eyes glazing over.

Daigo crouched down beside his sister. Carefully he scooped her up in his arms. The door opened, Reiko looked sadly at Reina’s unconscious form.

I’ve locked up the store, we won’t be disturbed, she said.

Good, do you have the Grimoire?

Right here she pulled out a large dusty book from a shelf; it was bound in creased leather with complex symbols and lines engraved on the cover.

Then let’s get started with the summoning ritual, Daigo declared as light shone from his fingertips.

CHAPTER TWO

Beneath the Bloodied Skies

Osaka, a cramped grey city of blended stone and rusting steel; above the blackening skies swelled; imminently to cast down torrents. Amidst the dark buildings and narrow concrete streets hid a single man, thoroughly chilled by the cold. He was on the trail of a mass murderer. Why is this country so damn cold? muttered Andrew, his back to an alley wall, crouched down to avoid being seen, he peeked around the corner, eyes intently focused on his target.

Jinhai Leawa, despite being only seventeen years old possessed a unique ability; he could manipulate metal, controlling it as though it was a part of his own body. Jinhai was not a true Contractor, he was a clone, a Faux-Contractor, but despite this he was skilled enough to be able to sense the presences of those around him. Because of this, Andrew had been forced to suppress the unique aura that his own superhuman body released. This aura was something that all Contractors subconsciously released, so being able to suppress it was imperative.

For the last two nights, Andrew had followed Jinhai and just as Alex had told him, Jinhai dedicated his nightlife to the eradication of thugs and delinquents within the city and despite having only following for a short period; Andrew had already gained an insight into Jinhai’s routine.

Jinhai would wait until 11pm or later, and then, travelling by train, he would go to a rough neighbourhood and start fights with thugs and high school bullies and using his super human abilities he would slaughter them. However, all of his attacks were random, chosen completely by chance. However, on the second night, Andrew overheard some interesting information; that Jinhai had arranged a faceoff with the largest high school gang in Osaka. It was even rumoured to have Yakuza connections; making them all the more dangerous.

Andrew hoped to get a better idea of Jinhai’s fighting style by observing them. So far, he had seen little, Jinhai would normally sneak up and slice his victim’s throat and then disappear back into the shadows.

This night was going be different; no sneak attacks only open combat. He would finally get to see Jinhai’s powers for himself. Not far from Andrew’s hiding place, Jinhai was waiting for the high school gang to arrive.

A sudden gust of wind swept through the narrow streets. Pulling his maroon jacket tightly around himself, Andrew suppressed the urge to shiver. Winter was fast approaching.

‘Why can’t he have his fight in a warehouse or something? That way I wouldn’t be freezing my ass off’ thought Andrew. His target however, despite being from a hotter country than him, had apparently adjusted to the weather in Japan over the years.

Jinhai stood amidst the winter winds with comfortable ease, as though the foul weather was something that could be ignored.