Negotiations With The Red Coach (CFG Match Continuation)
(The Red Coach with some red rubber pup drones; Placed here just for thumbnail on link)
The time had come. It had been 72 hours since the Red Coach’s broadcast. The Golden Army was meeting with a small delegation of SERVE drones and the ten members of the Crimson Frost Giants. The meeting’s topic was obvious to everyone involved. At least 12 Golden Army members or Golden Army associates, 3 SERVE drones, and an unknown number of CFG members were being held hostage by the Red Coach. The Golden Army called the meeting to decide how the group wished to approach this situation.
Storming in could be dangerous as the Red Coach could easily convert most of the hostages only making the situation worse. An attempt to neutralize the Red Coach could be made, but it would require some ability to get to him. Which was easier said than done when all witness accounts reported him accompanied by at least 3 red rubber pup drones since the GOLDIES incident. Multiple members scratched their heads when finally Fenrir spoke through Daniel.
“The Golden Gods have a potential plan. It is not without risk. But it may put our side on better footing against the Red Coach.”
Suddenly the bros and polo drones present all channeled their God forms who spoke to the remaining Golden Army members, SERVE drones, and CFG members. Dionysus, the god form of PDU-073, was the one who spoke for the Gods now.
(Dionysus in the Golden Army conference room)
“We have had a criminal locked away in Tartarus. Some of you may know him as Mikhail, Gabe Gold’s boyfriend or ex-boyfriend. We won’t question the semantics. Mikhail is Vethys. We have detained him for using dark magic to bring about dark schemes. We believed he was a threat to the Golden Army after seeing his murderous ways. However in the recent month we have noticed a shift in Vethys. He shows more compassion. As Mikhail he has shown great improvement. Some Gods believe this could be a ruse, but others wish to give him a chance to prove he has turned to good.”
(Vethys trapped in Tartarus)
The others were listening. SERVE seemed to be potentially opposed to the idea stating the unstable and unpredictable nature of Vethys. But then the Gods continued.
“Vethys, or should we call him Mikhail, will be offered a proposition. He will serve as a hostage to the Red Coach in a negotiation. We will trade him off for someone we wish to release. Mikhail will use his magic to protect the other hostages and ensure the number of red pup drone conversions is as low as possible. To ensure there are no potential issues, Mikhail will be vaccinated and a Golden God chain will be placed upon him that will limit the use of any magic that could kill another.”
The group discussed. There seemed to be an agreement that the Gods’ plan may just work. However Alton brought up a good point thereafter. “I think Shawn and I both want Malik and Hunter freed to ensure they are safe. We know that may be selfish. We also don’t think the Red Coach will accept one hostage in place of two.”
(SERVE-425 & SERVE-302 ready to speak)
SERVE-425 took his turn to speak next. “SERVE has three captive drones. SERVE will send a signal to escape during the exchange of hostages as to not complicate matters. However, this may lead to increased workload for Mikhail if the escape leads to anger within the Red Coach.”
Aksel, the oldest member of the CFG, spoke next. “I would like some of our guys to be freed, but I suspect Coach is guarding them closely. I have always been the closest to the Coach, we’ve known each other for over a decade. I volunteer to be a hostage. I’ll take the vaccine and provide insider intel. The Coach trusts me, but also has no reason to convert me when he has Arne.”
(Brody standing to speak)
The group seemed to reluctantly agree with Aksel’s proposition. But then Brody rose to speak. “We have to consider what if the Red Coach doesn’t see this as a fair trade. Mikhail and Aksel for Malik and Hunter. Number wise it is even, but would he willingly give up a potentially strong defender like Hunter so easily?”
The group pondered. It was clear they needed a third person to entice the Red Coach to accept this deal. It had to be the right person though. It couldn’t be just anyone. Oskar and Thorolf stood, both still recounting the events from just 72 hours prior. Thorolf had no clue if Haldor was safe and Oskar was worried about his brother, Asger. Both tried to volunteer, but Fenrir spoke through Daniel to end the dispute.
(Daniel with his eyes aglow. Fenrir is in control)
“Thorolf. I can sense something within you that must be studied. Please surrender this dispute and allow Oskar to go. It may feel like you are letting down Haldor, but your presence is needed here.”
Thorolf agreed. Oskar shook his head also in agreement, realizing he was going in vulnerable. Even vaccinated, there would be a small risk of transformation into one of the red pup drones. He just hoped that most of the team was safe. He didn’t want to see anyone else transformed like he witnessed with Ludvig’s transformation.
So the plan was set. The Golden Army and CFG members would contact the Red Coach and propose Malik and Hunter be traded for Mikhail, Aksel, and Oskar. During the trade-off, the three captive SERVE drones would make their escape. They would also be alerted to free anyone else that they could, but to prioritize their own escape. If RED-362 and the Red Handler were not present this trade-off would likely go smoothly. Grayden explained that he had the PDU Hive run aerial surveillance and they reported no signs of the Handler or 362 in the vicinity. SERVE would be accompanying the Golden Army during the trade-off to assure that the Red Coach didn’t try to pull anything underhanded.
If all this worked out there would be protection and intel on the inside that the Golden Army, SERVE, and the Crimson Frost Giant members could use to prepare further. That along with research from SERVE and the Golden Army on various potential routes for red goo reversion left everyone with hope that the situation could be resolved.
(Brody, Aksel, and Grayden contacting the Red Coach)
Grayden, Aksel, and Brody contacted the Red Coach and gave him the proposition. Grayden stood out of view to try to keep his composure. He did not want to repeat their last interaction.
Surprisingly the Red Coach was willing to accept. The three made sure not to alert the Coach of Mikhail's magic. The Red Coach thought he was getting a trade in his favor. They arranged for the exchange as soon as possible given travel times and time for proper preparedness, like vaccinations.
(Shawn, Alton, Grayden, Brody, and Aksel at the meet-up. Sorry for Shawn’s weird positioning AI was not cooperating)
When the time finally came, Grayden and Brody accompanied by Alton, Shawn, PDU-767, PDU-073, Aksel, Oskar, and Mikhail reached the trade-off location. A group of PDU drones led by PDU-016, and a group of SERVE drones led by SERVE-425 and SERVE-302 waited at a reasonable distance. They would serve as surveillance on the trade-off. Henrik and seven other CFG members remained in the surveillance vehicles as well. They hoped that the SERVE drones could free a few of their teammates.
(SERVE is running surveillance)
When the Red Coach appeared he was accompanied by at least seven red rubber pup drones. There was no sign of the Red Handler or Red-362 thankfully. Words were exchanged and the hostages switched out.
(The Red Coach and his pup drones ready for the trade-off)
Malik and Hunter ran to Shawn and Alton receiving hugs. The Red Coach put red shackles on Mikahil and Oskar. Aksel appeared to come along willingly, playing an act to lower the Coach’s guard.
(Hunter and Malik are free)
And just like that their part of the plan had worked. Now they just had to wait to hear if the SERVE drones had escaped.
As the Golden Army, SERVE, and the CFG members waited, time just kept going on. Eventually there was a ping on SERVE-302’s communicator. SERVE-343, SERVE-655, and SERVE-579 were approaching the location with one CFG member. That was the only person they could save before they had to flee. Two red rubber pups had been trailing them, but they managed to evade them. They would be approaching the surveillance location within the next few minutes, but advised the surveillance team to remain on guard for any red pups.
(Kåre Karlsson #36 of the Crimson Frost Giants)
As the SERVE drones approached, Henrik and the others noticed which CFG had been rescued, Kåre Karlsson #36. The Defensive Safety was easily noticeable by his distinctive curly platinum blond locks. Kåre prided himself on three things; his hair, his flirtatiousness, and his defensive capabilities on the field. As the SERVE drones and Kåre approached it was odd, no signs of a pursuit. No red pups in sight.
(Kåre and the three captive SERVE drones escape)
The surveillance team agreed to wait 3 more hours to get Aksel’s first report to ensure that no other team members from either team were able to flee during the trade-off. It was highly unlikely. The PDU surveillance van set up the signal to Aksel who had activated his mic.
(Aksel trying to speak to and reason with the Red Coach)
“Coach Roth, I care about you. Why are you doing this? We could have just petitioned the league to get you reinstated?” Aksel asked, trying to be supportive.
“Aksel, my old friend. You know they wouldn’t do that. The trouble I caused, the fights I started. They wanted me gone for a while and that incident last year was just the thing they needed to get rid of me.”
“Even then, why not just retire? Why become this and target your boys who treated you like a father?”
“That’s just it. The Red has given me power. The power to seek my revenge and prove to the owners of the Crimson Frost Giants and the Chroma League that they were wrong. To prove the Golden Army’s victory was just a fluke. The red goo may be painful when it converts someone, but my pups are faster, stronger, and even more loyal.”
Aksel realized he had to choose his words carefully. “Coach, I get your desire for revenge. But you are still considered one of the best coaches to ever work in the league. We were one of the top contending teams for so many years thanks to your coaching. This Red Coach thing could easily tarnish your legacy.”
The Red Coach’s eyes glowed. “This is just the start of my legacy, Aksel. You serve better as an advisor than as a red pup for now. As long as you remain in line. If I sense disobedience or disloyalty I will not hesitate to make you just another pup drone.”
Aksel gulped. “Yes, Coach. I understand. You know I would never betray you. But as an advisor and strategist I need to know who these pup drones were. It’s not like you have them numbered.”
Aksel realized the Red Coach had no clue about the SERVE drone escape. Maybe he paid less attention to his hostages than Aksel originally thought. Then the Red Coach handed Aksel a clipboard. “I have around 25 or so pup drones right now. We both know that isn’t enough for a full team. However I could easily convert most of the Crimson Frost Giants into my pups.”
A voice in the back of Aksel’s head was saying, “Why hasn’t he? Is he trying to fight the influence of the red goo?”
(The Red Coach and his pup drones)
The Red Coach lined up some pups. As he went down the line he pointed out who was who. It was like he had a connection with each one. Some were just guests from the GOLDIES event or Golden Army rookies he didn’t know the names of, but then the Coach pointed out Anders, Rusty, Konrad, Carmine, Svenn, Ludvig, Magnus, and Arne. Rusty, Konrad, and Carmine were Golden Army rookies. Aksel took notes trying to keep up the facade. The Golden Army surveillance made notes. So far no other Golden Army members had been converted.
Aksel did the math in his head, “Coach, wouldn't you need about 10 more players for a full team?”
The Red Coach smiled, “Yes, and I plan to convert some of the Crimson Frost Giants members soon. They are much more likely to be loyal to me than those golden Army rookies. But I will keep the few that the Handler gifted me. However if I transform them all, that whole group would attack us. While it may seem like I’m some evil or controlled mastermind, I care about my pups just like I would my boys. I don’t want them to get hurt after their initial conversion.”
(Aksel tapping his earpiece to signal the team)
Aksel tried to tap his earpiece. Signalling to make sure that the surveillance groups heard that.
Meanwhile Mikhail had been detained against a wall with the other Golden Army members. He surveyed the room. Through his chain he had a telepathic connection with the Golden Gods. Not only for them to monitor him, but for him to convey important information. Mikhail saw 10-12 other Golden Army members, all rookies. There was no one that Gabe had ever told him about. Some were trying to wiggle free while others remained still trying to conserve strength. Mikhail took a moment to check his magic, flicking his wrist in his restraint as best he could. A scarlet spark flickered. Mikhail’s first goal was to free himself. If he could move freely not only could he get a sense of his surroundings, but he could free others. He had to be cautious though, he wanted to avoid unnecessary confrontation at the moment. His protective magic could only do so much. He needed to know where the Crimson Frost Giant players were being held though as they were much more likely to be vulnerable.
Mikhail twisted both his wrists and in a burst the red latex shackles burst. His hands were free. Then he used his magic to free his legs. The Golden Army rookies looked at him, sensing the tides may be changing. Mikhail responded, “Don’t get too excited yet. We are all still in danger. I have to search for the Crimson Frost Giants. I can’t have too many of you roaming free as it leaves you at risk. But I can free you. You have to pretend to still be detained though to not increase suspicion.”
Mikhail moved around the room shooting small bursts of black and scarlet magic at each of the shackles. Each rookie was freed, but then Mikhail spoke again with a direct command. “Don’t move too much. Remain against the walls. I am using illusion magic to make it appear like you are still restrained. You may freely move as long as the Coach and his pup drones are not here. If he comes here, pretend like you are still restrained. We cannot let this mission fail.”
(Mikhail in the room with the captive Golden Army rookies)
The rookies nodded as Mikhail readied to leave the room. Mikhail looked at one with a 4 on his jersey. “I’m leaving you in charge #4.” The rookie just nodded nervously as the group of them tried to remain against the wall.
Aksel pressed his com link again. The Red Coach was on a broadcast call with someone. Another man, one who appeared much more menacing, was on the screen. The Coach told Aksel to remain out of sight. Aksel complied and listened from the shadows.
(The Red Coach speaking to the Red Handler)
“Coach, how are you progressing? Are your conversion numbers up? I heard about the Goldies. Good work on that.”
“I have around 26 red pups now and I’ve captured most of my former team, some of the Golden Army’s rookies, and even a few SERVE drones.”
“What are you waiting for? I helped you capture most of those men with my secret weapon. So convert them!”
“I will not just convert all of them. They are my leverage. My bargaining chips to ensure the Golden Army goes forward with this match.”
Aksel could tell the man on the screen was growing annoyed with Coach Roth.
“You dare capture over 20 men and haven't started converting them? I will be there in a moment and I’m bringing my secret weapon.”
“You don't need to do that. I have this under control!”
“Well then show me your hostages”
(The Red Coach in the room with the Golden Army rookies)
The Coach took a camera carefully. He tried to keep Aksel out of sight. He motioned to the Golden Army room where the 10 or so rookies remained. Mikhail wasn't visible, but his illusions worked. The team played an act that worked perfectly at convincing the two generals of the red. The Red Coach had forgotten about Mikhail so he didn't realize he was free roaming.
(Mikhail hiding in the shadows)
Then the Coach proceeded to the holding area of the CFG members. He had a few red pups remain on guard of the Golden Army. Mikhail had concealed himself in the shadows as the Coach passed. Mikhail could hear the faint screams of the CFG members in the distance. The Coach neglected to tell the Handler the count on the CFG members he had post-swap. So with Oskar taking Kåre’s spot it appeared equal. The Coach however realized something was off. He didn't need or want the Handler here though so he played it off like normal.
But when the Coach, with Aksel slowly behind, reached the SERVE holding room to find it empty. That is when everything was in trouble. The Coach was fighting the Red’s influence as best he could. But he could sense the Red Handler would not tolerate the error of losing three perfectly good SERVE drone servants. The Red Coach tossed a key to Aksel.
(The Red Coach tosses the key to Aksel)
“He’s coming. Go to my office. Lock the door and barricade it as best you can. Do not open it for anyone, even me. There is a one-way escape tunnel in the back behind the bookshelf. Aksel, this may be the last time I can fight this influence without a cure. Please stay safe, my friend.”
Aksel tried to hold back a tear as he ran. He could hear what sounded like a portal opening in the room. He ran to Coach Roth’s former office. This situation was not good. The Golden Army and SERVE surveillance heard everything. Aksel and everyone there would soon be in much more danger.
(The Red Handler enters through a portal with a red werewolf)
In the room previously housing the hostage SERVE drones a red portal opened with the Red Handler and a red rubber werewolf walking through. It wasn't a normal pup, but a werewolf. Something most had not seen previously. The Coach did not want this, but when the Handler touched his shoulder it was like a switch flipped. The Coach was again a loyal servant of the Red. His goal was to convert as many men as possible. He opened the door letting the red werewolf roam free as he and the Handler spoke about their plans.
(The Red Handler touching the Red Coach’s shoulder with a gooey touch)
Meanwhile, Mikhail exited the shadows. He was unaware of the true danger that was about to enter the compound. He heard a locking system locking all of the doors. Luckily he had magic to undo locks. He followed the path the Coach had just taken to check on the Crimson Frost Giant members. He reached a door, unlocking it slowly. He took a moment to listen to ensure the corridor ahead was clear. There was silence.
What Mikhail didn't know, what no one in the compound could imagine, was the reason for that unnatural silence in the corridor as he entered. Why had the locking system been engaged?
The Coach hadn't just locked them away as a precaution. The Red Handler had unleashed his fiercest weapon: Wulfgar.
The werewolf, who had previously been used to kidnap several members of the CFG, was standing just outside the door. This red lycanthrope was no simple guard; he was the Handler’s personal insurance policy. One that the Coach regretted using previously.
Wulfgar’s breath was a low rattle, audible only to a supernatural ear. His massive, clawed paws scraped almost imperceptibly against the concrete. They left deep grooves that bore witness to his impatience. His eyes were fixed intently on the handle.
Wulfgar didn't need complex orders. He knew there was "fresh meat" inside. He knew the Handler wanted no one to leave alive or intact. For the wolf, Mikhail’s scent was an irresistible draw: the aroma of dark magic mingled with the sacred power of the Golden Gods.
(Mikhail doesn’t know what is waiting behind the door)
Inside, Mikhail reached out toward the cold metal handle.
“Why do I feel this heat?” he thought, clenching his teeth. The door seemed to vibrate, as if a furnace were burning on the other side. It wasn't the warmth of the sun; it was the vital heat of a beast that had already caught the scent of its prey.
Mikhail called upon the meager amount of magic the divine chain allowed him to manipulate. He was blissfully unaware that, at the first click of the lock, his illusion would not protect him from Wulfgar's fangs.
The negotiation was over. The hunt had already begun, and Mikhail was about to open the wolf's den.
Thank you to all golden bros, polo drones, and SERVE drones who assisted with proofreading or image assistance.
PDU-073/Dionysus @polo-drone-073
Vethys/Mikhail is an NPC character made by @polo-drone-075
Alton (Who also made the NPC Hunter) @alton-gold77
Shawn (Who also made the NPC Malik) @shawn-gold22
Daniel/Fenrir/PDU-016 @danielgold-16
Wulfgar is the werewolf persona of @polo-drone-039
Also thanks to @serve-331 and @polo-drone-767 while they are not mentioned much, or at all, in the story they did assist with this story's creation through proofreading, image assistance, or just assistance in general.
All of the Crimson Frost Giants players were made by the Golden Army for this storyline. The Crimson Frost Giants originate from a contest entry made by PDU-034 @polo-drone-034 with assistance from PDU-090 @pdu-090
Want to follow along or catch up with "The Red" storyline/saga check of the Red Index here: The Red Index
The Red storyline is a collaboration with SERVE and additional collaborations have occurred recently. The two groups have a connected past, but are no longer connected. Please do not ask Golden Army recruiters how to join SERVE or SERVE recruiters how to join the Golden Army.
Are you interested in helping up train for the next match? Or maybe you want to hang out with bros and polo drones. Contact one of our recruiters @franco-gold94, @polo-drone-166, @alton-gold77, or @polo-drone-125