Young Writers Society

"Oh, I highly doubt he has. You know how he is. Too busy plotting against us and trying to destroy us." Merry said with a smile. She kept staring at the stranger. "I want a story, stanger. A beautiful story about you. Starting with Once upon a time." Merry snapped her fingers and someone placed a chair next to her. She sat in it and crossed her legs. "I want to know all about you. I am very curious. Besides you have limited time before we start torturing you. I am giving you time to speak." She said, with a smile still on her face. She did this to all of her prisonars that served the king.

King Morgan Darkrai

Kali giggled and said, You really put yourself in a tight spot now, Master. You told your sister the truth, but she believed it to be a lie. You're due for torture after you tell Baby Sister another pretty little lie.
I growled, Kali, that is not helping.
Kali said, Just stating the facts, Master. Not to mention Baby Sister has a jackel at her side.
I looked next to Meredith. There was a black jackel sitting by his Mistress like an obedient dog. I sighed and started to forge a life I never really had. I lied, "I had a terrible childhood, actually. My parents never knew I was a sorceror at birth. Every day I was told to work at the stables and every night I had to sleep in the barn. My father always cheated on my mother, who kept taking her anger out on me. I was maybe twenty-one when I left the farmhouse to serve the king. I spent seven years as a stable boy when the new king took the throne. I was promoted as a guard because I helped the new king overthrow the old one. Much to my surprise, I learned that the current king was still looking for a sister that he was afraid lost forever. I was told to guard the gate every night for the past six years. I was about to assume the position when I saw one of your people make a run for the gate, so I had to do what I knew was best for the Crown. I got caught, so here I am now."
Meredith raised a brow and asked, "Anything else you want to share before I let my people torture you?"
I shook my head. "That's all me in a nutshell, madam."

'I don't like him, Mistress.' Anubis said to Merry. She nodded in agreement. She closed her eyes to think. She didn't know what to believe. His story seemed plausible but... Merry open her eyes. For a moment, she glared at him. "Do you have a name?" Merry wanted to keep a close eye on him and find out about his family. "Where did you live? What village? What's your father and mother's name? Do you have any siblings? If you lie to me, you know the consequences."

King Morgan Darkrai

Kali mocked, Uh-oh. You're in trouble now, Master. You forgot the finer points.
I snapped, Kali, shut up and let me think.
Meredith asked, "Well?"
I lied, "Charles, just Charles. I lived in an old tavern outside of the North village. My parents died three months after I left the house to serve the old king. To be honest, I forgot the names of my parents. I'm also an only child."
Kali giggled and sang, Liar liar, britches on fire.
I challenged, Try lying to one of your friends to save your scaly hide, Kali. Then you'd know what I'm going through.
The jackel stared at me, perhaps unaware that I could see him. I only saw him at the corner of my eye while keeping eye contact with Meredith. The jackel didn't seem to trust the likes of me. I heard him say, "I don't like him at all, Mistress."
Meredith didn't seem to have the slightest inkling that she was really talking to her big brother, but I didn't want her to figure that out until after I managed to escape successfully.

"How can you not remember your parents, Charles? Forget it." Merry glared at him. "We will find out anyway." She smiled mencingly. "Wasn't a beautiful story like I asked." Anubis started smiling too. "Have them starve...Charles. No water or whiskey either." Merry said to the guards beside her. "I want to know about the king. I want to know his plans and his spies. I want to know who supports him. I want to know about his military. Lastly, I want to know where he is right now? Where is his hideout?" She stood up to pace around the room.

She ushered a soldier from outside to enter. They go into a private room away from the prisonar. "I want you to find out about Charles." The soldier nodded. "Go to Talia North Village and ask around. And I want as many people as you possibly can to guard this prison and his cell. If nessecary, we will have to torture him. All I want to know is about the king." She goes back into the area where the prisonar is. He is still in his cell. "Are you going to answer me?"

King Morgan Darkrai

I was just lying on the bench when Meredith returned. She was obviously angry with me playing some kind of sick game. I answered, "I hardly know the king, really. I was just rooting for him when he challenged the old king." I sighed lazily. "I didn't even like the old king. That old bloke never even knew I was around after I served him for two weeks."
Kali chanted, Liar, liar, liar liar, liar, liar.
I hissed, Shut your trap, Kali. You're making this harder than it already is.
Meredith sighed and said, "You're playing hard to crack, Charles."
I laid down on my side and said, "That's me. Hard to crack." I turned to face the wall and really dozed off. If I was going to be tortured, at least I could get some sleep beforehand.
Meredith's voice said, "I'll let Chaos deal with you if I can't crack your cryptic head myself."
I challenged, "I like to see you try, sister."

Leopold Thaertus

I walked through the home of the Masked Resistance having acquainted myself with every thing's location and the important players in the Resistance. Meredith had seemed to have taken a liking to me after discovering I was a powerful wind sorcerer. Due to her jackal companion Anubis noticing the flock of birds that hid Ventus she had commissioned a mask with the appearance of a falcon, an amusing coincidence Ventus thought.

I strolled into where Morgan was being held hearing the threat of Chaos torturing Morgan escaping Meredith's lips. I walked up to the cell, " My dear Meredith I wouldn't think bringing in that unstable madman would loosen his lips in the least. Rather give me the opportunity to interrogate him for you my good lady." She looked at me and brushed the back of her hand down my face.

Meredith briefly turned back towards the prisoner before speaking, " Fine we'll try your being gentle method for now but if he doesn't not tell you what I wish to know there will be torture." She firmly grabbed my shoulder before walking away to tend to the other duties she had.

I lifted my mask of off my face then looked towards Morgan, " You're lucky you have friends," briefly looking about and gesturing at his cell and the obvious cruelty of the Resistance before finishing my. " You're lucky you have friends in low places."

Fenezari Thaertus

I sat next to Delilah holding her hand talking to her patiently waiting for the rest of our impromptu council to gather. I needed them to arrive so that we could plan our retaliation. Leopold had sent me reports once he had arrived on every important member of the Resistance he had quickly risen through the ranks, his power an obvious asset. Our king may have been gone, but I was taking control of the situation as best I could.

King Morgan Darkrai

I said lazily, "At least you're not the one in here who's going to be tortured by your own little sister."
Leopold asked shocked, "Meredith is your sister?!"
I opened my eyes, sat up, and answered truthfully, "Yes, she's my sister. I was a week past a year old when Meredith was born. Before all of this ever happened, she and I were tight. I stood up on her behalf and endured a lot of punishments in her place. I was a great big brother until our parents died. Of course, I can assume Fenezari told you that story."
Ventus mused, "You're merged with that dragoness of yours, yet you're not doing anything. What are you doing? Waiting for the right moment to move in for the kill?"
I raised a brow amusingly. "Smart falcon, Leopold."
Leopold asked, "Do you plan to tell the truth to Meredith?"
I shook my head and answered, "I tried that, but she didn't really believe a word I said. I think she's also gotten cold since I left for training. She doesn't even know she's about to lift a finger against her only big brother." I put my hands behind my head and laid down, staring at the ceiling of the cell. "Even if Meredith put me in the hands of this Chaos person, I still won't crack. I dare Them to do Their worst."
Kali warned, They might get Their chance to kill you before They find out that you're the king. Besides, don't you have a hatchling at home who needs you desperately right now?
I shivered at this. Kali had a point. Deliah must be missing me since I got taken into Their hands. My heart ached for the longing to hold Deliah in my arms and brushing my lips against her forehead as she embraced me. Suddenly I remembered the first time I tried to escape. Chaos tripped me and brought me to this cell and the Fire sorceress had to babysit me. The Fire sorceress told me not to pull any stunts like I did last time. I closed my eyes and said calmly, "I'm not going to let Them torture me to the brink of death. They can torture me with everything They got, but I'm going to need your help in my escape attempt, Leopold." Opening my eyes and sitting up, I looked at Leopold in the eye. "Think you can do that for me?"
Leopold smiled and asked, "While your sister's not around, where do you want the hit?"
I got on my feet and answered, "When someone's watching, hit me right in the face as hard as you can."

Delilah:
Fenezari kissed me. He appologized then explained his plan. He would announce me as crown Princess, to save us from an attack. We were stronger with a leader and that leader would have to be me. He held me and comforted me. I was terrified. This could kill father if it didn't go according to plan, but i trusted Fenezari. He sat and talked with me as we waited for the council. I thought back to my days as a little girl in the forest. The first days were scary, but nothing felt more frightening than this. I thought about my childhood, starting the day I was sent out of my home. My father placing his cap on my head, my horrid cousins teasing me and locking me away. The day I went to live on my own. I was sooon brought to the day I met Father. I had no more tears left but I felt a hollow sadness not knowing where he was. Fenezari and I sat waiting for the council. I remembered that no one was watching my troops.
"Fenezari?" My voice quiet and hoarse from crying, "Who will watch the Abnormals? They're alone. I can't lose them too."

Masakka

My boots rang on the pavement as I headed for the pasture. Fenzari had called a meeting between me, Delilah, Maya and Veronica. I assumed it was to discuss an attack on the Rebels, but my mind wasn't on strategies.
She had kissed me back. I had expected her to bite or slap me, show some form of fear or hatred. Instead, she had kissed me back.
And why had I kissed her at all?
I shook my head angrily. Now was not the time to dwell on it.
I whistled for Blade and he lifted his head from a patch of scraggy grass a few yards away. I grabbed his reins and vaulted up onto his back, setting off at a leisurely pace towards the meetingplace. They could wait for me. I didn't feel like running Blade right now, since I had run him so hard to catch Jasmine. My little pony deserved a break.
I smiled. Blade was six and a half hands at the withers and a thousand pounds of muscle. I rubbed his mane and glanced at the sun, which was just starting to rise. I settled back in the saddle and guided Blade toward the center of the city.
After a few minutes, the heavy stone pavilion loomed up ahead of me. All of the others were there, leaning against the railing. Waiting for me.
"Captain Dan," Fenzari said courteously. "How do you fare this morning?" He rubbed Blade's head, and Blade brushed his nose across Fen's shoulder. I decided to trust Fen. Anyone who my horse liked was quality.
"Fenzari," I said, stepping down from Blade. "Delilah, Maya, Veronica."
Veronica nodded. "Captain. I notice you're late."
"I'm not late," I said. "I arrived exactly when I planned to."
"Captain Dan," Maya said with a smile. "Happy to see you."
At least somebody was.
"So," I said. "Our plan is?"

Fenezari Thaertus

" My plan is simple," I looked around at everyone and stopped at Veronica, " first Veronica, we will be declaring Delilah our Princess I will need your help, as will she, we shall make it a grand affair to draw out the attention of the Resistance." I looked towards Masakka, " second Masakka, I need to develop a team to help protect our new princess, yes I am her official guard but I want a team to back me up. I would like for you to find three of your best fire sorcerers in the guards, and the three best water sorcerers." I looked at Maya and a smile briefly crossed my face, " You're probably most of all wondering why you're here, well I trust you you're in allegiance to the Crown and you're one of the most intelligent people I know. I will be needing you to make certain arrangements, I will need you to contact all of the noble families and arrange for the coronation. Also take these," I gave her a set of keys, " they will give you access to all castle archives and the castle libraries."

I looked at each of their faces. They all nodded each sounded off their agreements to my plan, " excellent now Veronica and Maya if you would be so kind as to leave I need to speak to Masakka and Delilah in private." They both nodded in my general direction.

Veronica spoke first as she left, " All the proper arrangements will be made for our new princess when Morgan returns the kingdom may have changed a bit drastically," she looked down at her feet before continuing, " but it may be for the better."

Maya was next to leave and walked up to me giving a slight curtsy, " thank you for putting your trust in me Fenezari it is truly a great honor." She kissed me on the cheek before leaving our meeting. I saw as Delilah looked at Maya with a slight amount of anger on her face.

I looked at Masakka, "now that it is just you Delilah and I. I require a certain request of you. I'm certain you have heard of Kasis a man that trades in information. He seems to be trying to spy on the Crown. I want him apprehended as quickly as you can," I looked at him, " and use whatever methods you deem necessary. You are now dismissed."

I looked at Delilah and ran my fingers through her beautifully short hair, " Your troops will be fine my dear there must be another abnormal that you can rely on. I would request you find a suitable replacement for yourself. From this day forward I shall be protecting you with my life." I kissed her gently on the cheek.

She looked at my face with great shock that I would suggest she select a new abnormal to take her place leading her troops, " I can't they're my family, my brothers, and sisters." I petted her hair as she placed her face against my chest.

I looked at her tear filled eyes and my heart filled with sadness, " I know how much it may hurt you but I must keep you as safe as I possibly can," I kissed her. " I love you and if you continue to lead the Abnormals you'll be at risk and I can't accept that."

Spoiler

Sorry I wasn't able to write for quite a long time. I've been so busy with school. But I believe I can still catch up.

I looked at my face in the mirror as I tried to hide a bruise near my chin with thick concealer. The bruises were already healing. I sighed. My parents had gone furious the moment they had arrived home the other day and found me rotting myself in my room, missing classes. I hadn't controlled myself and attacked them both, which was really stupid. The next thing I had known, I was flown outside the house. They had attacked back and I had myself landing on the ground several times. It was how I got these bruises. But at that moment, I had felt my powers regaining, and I'd managed to conjure a severely destructive hurricane. Fortunately, I had only destroyed the big trees surrounding our house. I had known better than to ruin our home. But still, I was no match for my parents, two of the best sorcerors in our land.

The incident had made me decide to finish my units in the academy. Seeing my gift of Wind sorcery improving was a big thing for me. It would only be two months to go, and I would be officially able to work for the Crown. Only, if I could be skillful enough. My heartache about Dianara being missing and hiding secrets I had done when I went away were somehow taken off my mind these past few days. I could already focus in school and made friends. And another thing that kept me motivated was when I received a letter from the Palace.

It was a meeting with Fenezari Thaertus. It felt surreal. I had never been included in Palace meetings my entire life. As a kid, I had sometimes sneaked in and listened to meeting conversations especially when my parents were involved. But I didn't have any experience, other than that.

I rode my horse, Russell, to the Castle and went to where we had agreed to meet. I saw Veronica and nodded at her. I bowed at Masakka Dan, said I was happy to see him, and managed to smile. I realized then that it was oddly stupid for saying that, since no one should be happy these days, with the King kidnapped and all. At least, I was trying to make an effort to cheer up the Captain. I knew it wasn't really easy for people here in the Castle at this point of time.

Fenezari gave instructions to Veronica, who seemed to be confident with the job given to her. I looked down and wondered if I would be as capable as Veronica. I looked up quickly when Fenezari finally spoke to me.

Under normal circumstances, I would surely blush at the words "I trust you you're in allegiance to the Crown" and "you're one of the most intelligent people I know", because people did not usually compliment things to me like that. But since there was no time to feel flattered right now, I tried to focus. Of course, they would find me useful in this job. I was an active member of noble families, and I knew almost everyone by attending various gatherings. I couldn't wait to brainstorm ideas for the coronation and contact all my old friends in the noble families. It would be totally grand and Delilah would be the most beautiful Princess they would ever see. I could almost jump up in excitement that I suddenly kissed Fenezari on the cheek. I was so used to doing that to people, mostly my friends, when I was happy but it seemed unfit for the situation. I blushed when I remembered that Veronica, Masakka, and Delilah were there.

Delilah:
Fenezari led the meeting. Telling Veronica to declare me princess in a way that would catch the attention of Them. Telling Masakka to develop a team to protect me. Then I zoned out. Staring at the wall and leaving my body. I heard voices but I couldn't hear words until someone said my name.
" All the proper arrangements will be made for our new princess when Morgan returns the kingdom may have changed a bit drastically, but it may be for the better." Said Veronica.
Then Maya, "Thank you for putting your trust in me Fenezari, it is truly a great honor." She curtsied and kissed him on the cheek. My face twitched but I tried to keep it straight. Looking to Masakka, Fenezari said,
"now that it is just you Delilah and I. I require a certain request of you. I'm certain you have heard of Kasis a man that trades in information. He seems to be trying to spy on the Crown. I want him apprehended as quickly as you can and use whatever methods you deem necessary. You are now dismissed."
He brushed my hair off my forehead, it was growing in and getting shaggy, I needed to cut it.
" Your troops will be fine my dear there must be another abnormal that you can rely on. I would request you find a suitable replacement for yourself. From this day forward I shall be protecting you with my life." I was scared and shocked that he would suggest such a thing. My little troops, my children, my brothers and sisters, have someone else take charge?
" I can't they're my family, my brothers, and sisters." I put my face in his chest trying to keep from crying again. I failed, my eyes welled with tears. He pet my shaggy black hair
"I know how much it may hurt you but I must keep you as safe as I possibly can, I love you and if you continue to lead the Abnormals you'll be at risk and I can't accept that." He kissed me. I nodded,
"I understand, I'll talk to Rio." I shook my head, regaining focus and reminding my that I needed a haircut. "I also need to get my things and cut my hair. I'll come back here afterwards." I put up my hood and kissed him, then snuck to the Abnormal cottages. Rio was awake when I walked in.
"Rio, my sister, I need your help." I lead her to the table and we sat down. "Befor he was taken, King Morgan became my father. He adopted me." I let this sink in. Rio also had no family, but by choice. Her family were theves and would use her power against others.
"I'm happy for you, my sister." She said, smiling slightly.
"Thank you. Now that Father is taken, the council has decided to declare me leader until his return. I will not be able to--" I choked up, but recomposed myself, "I will not be able to command the Abnormals until further notice." I reached out and took her hand, she was 17 and the closest I had to a little sister. "I am putting you in charge, sister. I know you will lead with grace." I looked out at my troops. " Don't wake them yet, don't go on patrols until directed." I hugged her, gatheres my things and scissors and left.

I had been running to Merry's office when I had seen her walking towards the prison. I quickly told her what I knew. She nodded and continued walking. Now, I stood outside the prison, my curiousity burning. I wanted to know so badly what the prisoner knew that he hadn't told me, but I didn't ask permission to be in the prison as well. It wasn't my place, at all, to help interrogate. Besides, Merry knew what she was doing.
Since then, so many people had been walking in and out, including Merry. I was about to stop her, but from the look on her face, I already knew that he hadn't told us anything.
I frowned and turned around, walking towards my room, then stopped myself. What now? I could go talk to Chaos, but he had been so busy lately, watching the castle's reactions. We hadn't talked in a while, and I longed to feel that comfort that I felt when he was with me.
I turned to the entrance to the resistance. He had left just a few minutes ago on a patrol. If I ran, I would be able to catch up to him. I ran outside as the sun was just beginning to rise, scattering the clouds a pinkish-purple. I turned left, following the patrol path.
After a moment or two, I saw a figure walking up towards me. I stopped walking, trying to see who the person was. A few minutes later, I recognized the face.
"Jasmine?"

Jasmine

I crept back to the rebel base, my cloak wrapped tightly around me once more. If I was lucky, I would be able to return to my chambers before anyone noticed me and realised I had been gone. Glancing around myself once more to check that I was alone, I hurried the last few paces with my head down, praying internally that I would get in unnoticed.

"Jasmine?" The familiar voice interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up suddenly, eyes wide with surprise. "What are you doing out here?" Charlotte continued, her expression a picture of bewilderment, and she shook her head slowly. "You haven't been out here all night, have you? I was looking for you last night and-"

"I was just- I was only out for a walk," I cut across her with a reassuring smile. "I needed rest last night, so I went straight to bed - I know I went early but I was- I was completely exhausted." The lies fell off my tongue clumsily, and I saw a slight frown form on Charlotte's features, though she nodded in reply anyway.

"Are you sure you're alright?" She hesitated, seeming unsure of whether to continue, then spoke again. "You haven't ... seemed yourself recently. Not since you got back, anyway." Her gaze lingered on the tired lines of my face, and I offered a weary smile, walking past her to enter the base.

"I'm fine." I assured her half-heartedly. "I'm going to go and watch over the prisoner again. There's ... there's something I need to find out from him."