Rico adjusted his john deer cap to hide his eyes as a police officer walked down the line of people he was in. He had really screwed up recently when he went feral and killed some police. To say they were looking for him was a understatement. Even the black stream lined police Bots were out in force. Things in the city were going from bad to worse with all the civil unrest.

With most of the ways out of the city cut off not many options were available for those that wanted to leave. But Rico found out about a large ferry boat that took people back to the mainland in bulk. He had barely managed to get a ticket as so many were trying to leave. Someone in the line bumped into Rico from behind. Things were tense as people worried about not getting a spot on the ferry.

Rico did not know what he was going to do with himself after he fled the city. He had heard stories of a group of shifters that lived up north near the Canadian border. A group that lived like a primitive tribe. While picturing himself draped in animal hides running around in the wilderness with spear and bow in hand seemed silly. It was less silly then hanging around the city just waiting for the police or who else wanted to get there hands on him.

Slowly but surely the part of the line he was in was getting closer to the big ferry. And as he got closer paranoia and the feeling of police showing up out of nowhere to pull him out the line. He dared a passing glance to see if anyone was coming but only a few scattered officers and bots were around. There mostly to make sure everything remained civil. Rico still could not shake the feeling he was being watched.

Was someone watching Rico Mcfield at that particular moment?

Absolutely.

Was it an NYPD police officer, or national guardsman?

Not even close.

The nervous mutant looked up quickly, glancing about, and someone within the crowd took note, whispering into a small receiver. "Yeah, it's definitely him. Caught a look as he glanced around."

In the speakers ear, a charming English voice would reply.

"Wonderful! Do bring him in! I would love to have a word with our little cop killer!"

The figure nodded, and then put his hood up, making his way through the crowd, and getting a few angry glances because of it. He was cutting, after all. As he went, he grumbled lowly. "Scuse me, pardon me, I know a guy up there."

He quieted as he neared, and made his way up behind him, bumping into him, and taking the opportunity to place something on his persons.

The hooded figure waited a few moments longer, until they reached an area with a bit of an outlet for people who changed their minds about the journey. Rico would feel an arm plop around his shoulder gently.

"Howdy, buddy. Don't be too alarmed, I'm a friend." The man who had placed his arm on the mutant seemed around the same age, and was a visible mutant with incredibly angular features, which could be discerned if Rico decided to look his way.

"They are looking for you, pal, but I have good news. We've got your back. If you want to know who, come with me." He spoke in a hushed tone, quickly. Once he'd delivered the message, he gave a pat on the back, and turned to take the outlet, not waiting to see if Rico would follow.

The ferry was getting dangerously full and Rico grew more anxious as he got closer. He flinched as a hand came to rest on his shoulder. "Howdy, buddy. Don't be too alarmed, I'm a friend." A voice said calmly. Rico turned his head slightly so he could see over his shoulder but kept the bill of his cap low enough to shadow his eyes.

The stranger had a hood over his head and like him, was a mutant as far as Rico could judge. Rico listened to the stranger speak again though he did not let down his guard. "They are looking for you, pal, but I have good news. We've got your back. If you want to know who, come with me." Rico did not speak but instead turned his gaze back to the ferry in front of him.

He had no intention of taking some strangers word over it. Maybe once upon a time. But he had been in the city long enough to doubt anyone with outstretched hands of friendship. Everyone wanted something. Whatever it was this guy was selling, Rico was not buying into any of it. Right then and there he made up his mind on it.

But the wings of fate worked in mysterious ways. Just as he got to the ramp walkway with others the crew of the ferry started waving people back. "We cannot take anymore!" The captain said into a megaphone. The police in the area took the cue and moved into position to make sure nobody in the crowd or lines tried to force there way onto it.

Rico's heart sank and he turned his gaze to see the stranger in the outlet. "Damn" He mumbled and turned to follow. It seemed there was no other choice. If he was stuck here Rico figured he could use some friends. Rico kept his head low and walking a few good paces behind. He did not want to attract attention with police still in the area and able to see him.

At this point all he could do was follow the stranger as they had instructed. He was in the dark with no idea what was going to happen. And at that moment a quote he once heard came to mind. "In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king"

"We can't force him. If he comes, he'll come. It's not like we can't find others." The voice belonged to the hooded mutant as he waited, wondering if the reluctant cop killer would follow.

"Of course, but I want him, so he will. You saw the pictures, did you not? Such exquisite work!" The hooded man nodded at the voice in his ear, smiling bit as he saw the line close up.

"We're golden." He said into the receiver before turning and continuing out of the exit, and into the drop off zone.

As if it were timed to the T, a long black limousine pulled up as the hooded mutant reached the curb. He opened the door, an waited for Rico to approach, inviting him in. The windows were deeply tinted for the sake of privacy.

Sitting in the limo would be what could only be described as a giant anthropomorphic cockroach, about six feet tall, give or take a few inches. He lounged, with his legs crossed, a small set of hands on his chest where folded, and a larger set of arms at his shoulders were draped over the sides of a seat at the far end of the cab. He wore a smart top hat on his head, with holes for his antennae to stick out.

Next to him on either side were two smaller versions of him, though they seemed a bit more simple minded. One was cleaning his antennae, the other was trying to work a PEZ dispenser with little success.

"Salutations, my good man! Do make yourself at home!" He would speak in a deep, smooth English aristocratic drawl, provided the absconder would stick around to hear him speak, that is.

"I do hope you aren't too saddened by your impeded escape from the city. It's for the best, though. I really must tell you it isn't wise to try and leave New York via ferry when you're a cop killer. They've been doing individual checks on the boats themselves."

Aside from ducking cops every chance he got this was the highlighting moment of his day as far as excitement went. A mysterious benefactor, shadowy figures. Sounded more like stuff of stories or TV shows instead of reality. Yet here he was. Rico continued to follow the stranger until he came to a curb and turned around just as a jet black long limo parked.

The stranger opened the door and beckoned Rico inside with a smooth motion of his hand. Rico approached the limo and looked at the tinted windows in an attempt to see JUST what he was getting himself into. "Yeah, this is not creepy at all" He said lowly and looked at the stranger. There was moment of trepidation, but in the end Rico lowered himself to sit inside and the door closed behind him.

Rico just stared with a skeptical face at the creature before him. Or rather creatures as there were two more sitting next to the bigger one. As the  anthropomorphic cockroach started speaking Rico did not even notice that the limo had started to move or that the doors had automatically locked for safety reasons. But he did find that out as he reached the door and attempted to open it. "Hmmm" Sliding down the leather seats to the other side he tried the other door to find it the same.

Repositioning himself back in the middle his brain finally seemed to click and spoke in delayed reaction to the giant bug with a top hat. "Looks like I have no choice". This was a lot to take in for him. Rico had seen his fair share of mutations. But this took the cake. "Well, I am here and interested in the offer. So lets get straight to the point and skip the formalities until after business. What do you want from me?"

His benefactor clearly had money and thus power. When it came to the rich, there was no such thing as free. Rico expected there to be terms and conditions for any help the creature had to offer. The question was what it was, and if Rico was willing.

Roach was used to getting his way. He'd faced some incredibly capable mental duelists and seasoned business men by this point, and always come out on top. He even sometimes ate the business men, too, depending on how well seasoned they were.

"Well, I am here and interested in the offer. So lets get straight to the point and skip the formalities until after business. What do you want from me?"

"Astute. Yes, I do, indeed, want something from you. He uncrossed his legs and chest arms, leaving forward a bit to speak at a lower volume. One of the minions leaned in to listen as well; the other was pressing it's head against the black glass window between them and the driver.

"You see, mister Mcfield, it doesn't take much to see that this city is in a state of turmoil. Within it, many groups are moving and gathering resources and influence. Their end goals are all different, and I have my own. I wish for you to be a resource to me. In exchange. Someone else confesses to your crimes. You walk the streets freely. I pay you enough to keep you comfortable. You never forget your debt to me. You make friends with people I want you to make friends with and you tell me everything you learn from them."

The giant bug leaned back, and placed his arms back around the seat tops at his sides.

"How does that sound? I will tell you, I wish only the best for our kind. There are those out there who would see us all dead, or weakened. We simply can not stand for it."

While Rico had heard the term "greasy cockroach" before he never really thought about it until now. This creatures spoke with pretty flowery words. But so did lawyers. Everyone hated them until they needed them. Under normal circumstances he would have avoided this shady character. But he was a survivor and did what was necessary. Out of necessity he would do what needed to be done.

"Well" Rico said lowly in thought and rubbed the back of his neck with a hand. "I find it hard to believe you can make my problems disappear. You know my name so that must mean you know about me. That being the case I am sure you are aware pinning all those half eaten cops on somebody wont be easy." Rico paused in thought. "But if you can I want it pinned on a criminal. Someone that if you got off the streets for good the world would be the better for it."

"I would not lose any sleep if some rotter was put away to rot in a cell." When Rico shifted he killed out of primal animal instinct. Not out of personal choice. A criminal made there choice of free will unlike him. "If you do that..... I will do as you ask" Sighing he rested his elbows on his knees and put his hands on his head. Rico was pretty sure he just made a deal with the devil. But what other choice was there?

Taking his hands off his head he looked at the creature. "What you want me to do..... boss"

Roach watched the younger man in silence, his compound eyes not betraying any emotion. He was sizing the gentleman up.

"Well... I find it hard to believe you can make my problems disappear. You know my name so that must mean you know about me. That being the case I am sure you are aware pinning all those half eaten cops on somebody wont be easy. But if you can I want it pinned on a criminal. Someone that if you got off the streets for good the world would be the better for it."

Ahh, the altruistic type. Roach could admire that well enough. He hoped his feelings didn't get in the way of the assignment Roach planned to give him. He had some insurance in that case, though.

"Byron Madist. A gentleman with giant, fanged mouths for hands. He's currently being held for questioning after he turned himself in. He's responsible for the murders of 18 humans. He also accidentally killed a young mutant boy last night. Terrible business, it was. He will confess for your crimes in three hours unless I give him a call telling him not to. Still, You must know, I can just as easily prove that you killed those officers, should you choose to double-cross me. Know that."

"What you want me to do..... boss"

The cockroach king's antennae perked up when the human looking mutant called him boss. Interesting. Why was he so willing to submit so quickly. He would have to keep an eye on this one.

"Have you ever heard the name... Ragnarok?" Roach would be the last to confess that he knew little of the group himself, hence the desire to learn more.

"You must know, I can just as easily prove that you killed those officers, should you choose to double-cross me. Know that."



Rico at this moment did not understand why that had to even be said. "Yeah, yeah." He said with a weary voice and took off his cap to reveal the unkempt hair and dark shades under his eyes. "I am tired of fighting, tired of running. You hold all the cards so no need for threats. I'm just a nobody, a small fish in a sea of bigger fish."



His new employer would probably pick up on all the signs or smells if he was capable of it. The body was capable of speaking things that words failed. Rico was exhausted both mentally and physically. If there was any relief or light to follow in the darkness he now found himself in, he would follow it. All creatures had breaking points and it seemed Rico had found his.



He like many mutants were struggling to find themselves. To find understanding in there born gifts and find a place in the world. That he gave in so easily would probably not surprise. It is not a secret that following others was far more easy then deciding ones own fate. Shepard's and sheep, Rico had chosen to be a sheep. At least for the moment. But the question was if he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.



Rico's eyes half closed as he listened. "Sure boss man. I heard of them. Lots of talk about those crazy's at the sanctuary. I don't know anything in depth. Probably about just as much as you. The word is they are a secret society of sorts that seek to bring the end of the world. To cleanse it in fire so a new world can be reborn from the ashes of the old."



Rico put a hand over his mouth and yawned. "Flowery and poetic words. Explains why they are growing in power. A lot of idiots in the world to fill there ranks." Rico allowed himself to sink a bit in the comfy leather seats of the limo and his voice trailed. "I guess that means you want my dumb ass to join as well." That statement was pretty broad. But there was subtle intelligence to it.

Rico was unsure were the boss man stood on Ragnarok. So he did not flat out go and say he was against them.

"I am tired of fighting, tired of running. You hold all the cards so no need for threats. I'm just a nobody, a small fish in a sea of bigger fish."

The giant bug watched as the boy pulled off his head-wear. The young man seemed to melt, and in his place, rock ground to dust. Roach nodded slowly, a profound understanding washed over him. This was the face of much of their kind. Living in fear, exhausted, pursued by a menacing society and terrifying policies. His greatest enemy was a system of oppression put in place by those who themselves were inferior beings.

"You will grow, my good man. We will see to it. By my side many have grown to heights they never imagined." And they all left him in the end. He kept that detail out of it.

"Sure boss man. I heard of them. Lots of talk about those crazy's at the sanctuary. I don't know anything in depth. Probably about just as much as you. The word is they are a secret society of sorts that seek to bring the end of the world. To cleanse it in fire so a new world can be reborn from the ashes of the old. Flowery and poetic words. Explains why they are growing in power. A lot of idiots in the world to fill their ranks. I guess that means you want my dumb ass to join as well."

He could see the now former convict sinking deeper into his seat, his eyes closing ever more.

"Precisely. I know a lot of things, Rico. By nature, I am someone who is well informed. Of Ragnarok, I know little. Our main objective will be, simply, to learn more about them. From there, if they have any plans that would negatively affect our kind, we will do everything we can to stop them." The Roach jabbed at one of his minions, who was trying to pour himself a drink from the long car's mini bar.

"Before then, though... Do make yourself comfortable. I have afforded you a hotel room for three nights. Clearly, that was the right call. I will have a burner phone sent to you, and you will have a partner." The giant bug held out a hand, and a large cockroach crawled from his shell, and onto his finger. "Earl. He will be our primary mode of communication between each other. Tell him what you wish me to know, and before long, I will know it."

"You will grow, my good man. We will see to it. By my side many have grown to heights they never imagined."

Rico was a bit surprised how genuine his new employer sounded. Hope was a strange thing. He could not remember the last time he felt it. But for the briefest moment Rico felt it in his chest, breathing new life into his tired spirit. This was a Alpha he could follow. A leader that could possibly help him grow and finally attain mastery over not only his powers, but also his life.

"Precisely. I know a lot of things, Rico. By nature, I am someone who is well informed. Of Ragnarok, I know little. Our main objective will be, simply, to learn more about them. From there, if they have any plans that would negatively affect our kind, we will do everything we can to stop them."

"They want the world to burn, to cleanse it." Rico said with a weary voice. "I am pretty sure that is not good for everyone. Still that ideology may help me in the end." What he meant by that was not revealed right then and there. But it would be later.

Rico continued to listen to Roach but sat up. "Partner?" He asked in confusion. Rico found out right then and there just who his partner was. Or rather it in this case. "I will be honest...." Rico said to Roach as he looked at his partner. "I use to have a pet wood roach as a kid but this is a regular....." He trailed off in thought and finally stuck out his hand. "Ah what the hell I am already deep in the hole as it is."

It was not exactly the best feeling in the world having the insect dart onto the top of his hand. It remind him of one time when he was sleeping and grabbed a roach that was on his arm. The wiggling in his hand caused him to panic and throw it across the room. Rico really hoped his new partner would not cause a repeat of that.

"Sounds easy enough boss man. Talk to the roach."

Rico went quiet in thought and said something out of nowhere.

"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."

"It was something someone I knew once said to me. Something from the bible. If I am to spy on this group I must embrace my gift and become the monster that legends and myths say I am. Did you know in some cultures dragons are worshiped as gods? We exist in almost every culture across the world, a symbol in a way."

"I do not look forward to the terrible things I will have to do to maintain my cover. But it is a lesser evil for a greater good."

Roach's antennae lifted slowly as the younger Mutant almost mentioned how strange having his new partner would be to him. He tensed a bit, but then relaxed as he accepted the reality of the situation; Roach's representative went with, or this didn't happen.

"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. It was something someone I knew once said to me. Something from the bible. If I am to spy on this group I must embrace my gift and become the monster that legends and myths say I am. Did you know in some cultures dragons are worshiped as gods? We exist in almost every culture across the world, a symbol in a way."


His head tilted as the man quoted the bible out of nowhere. Roach was not a man of religion, but he was well read. He spoke of the devil. Interesting. Perhaps this man was a bit out of his mind. Maybe it was the exhaustion speaking.

"Gods in some, great destroyers in others... Which will you be?"

He reached into his shell, pulling out a small keycard, and placing it on the side-chair between them, swatting away the nearest minion, who tried to take it for his own.

"To your room. We will be pulling up momentarily. I know that this will be a challenge for you. You seem the moral type. Separate yourself from it, and tell yourself you have an end goal in mind."

"Gods in some, great destroyers in others... Which will you be?"

Rico could not help but chuckle. "So serious, I was just thinking aloud. Never use to believe any of that crap. I am just starting to think lately maybe the story's and myths have some truth to it. Suppose I should start reading more books on it." Rubbing his eyes with a hand he added. "Maybe there is some wisdom to be learned from the past." Watching the little version of his boss getting swatted away he joked "Maybe start getting some minion's of my own. Maybe a bed of gold to sleep on."

The thought was ridiculous, but it amused him none the less.

"To your room. We will be pulling up momentarily. I know that this will be a challenge for you. You seem the moral type. Separate yourself from it, and tell yourself you have an end goal in mind."

"I aint so saint" Rico said frankly. "I just try to do my part so I can look in the mirror and not be ashamed of what I see. I will get the job done. Ok Earl, time to make yourself disappear." With that Rico put up his hand so the roach could go onto his head. After that he took the cap and put it on.

When the vehicle arrived Rico took the keycard. "I will be waiting for a call when you need me boss man." When the door opened he got out and walked towards the hotel entrance. It was all pretty straight forward. The keycard had the room number so he could just walk right by everyone without being bothered.

"Swanky place eh Earl" Rico said as he took off the cap and put it on the desk. Taking the roach off his head and setting it down he said sternly. "Don't crawl on me." Forgoing a shower or even taking off his cloths he fell forward onto the soft bed and passed out within seconds.