Masked Resistance vs Aradian Tyranny {closed/started}

Fenezari Thaertus
The Aradian Castle
Eastern Observation Tower

I woke up in my room three floors from the ground floor of my tower and began to climb up the stairs to the top of my tower to see the sun rise. I thought about when I first saw this tower under construction. It was a reward for my loyalty to Morgan and my place of residence on the castle grounds. I heard the flapping of wings and new one of my oldest friends had arrived.
"Pellentesque my old friend," I held out my arm to allow Pellentesque to land and walk around. " So give me the report any thing interesting happen last night?"
As he strolled across my arm and flew around the top of the tower he gave his answer, " Nothing interesting, well the Masked Resistance have gained a few more members, no one significant really."
" Thank you, Pellentesque." I briefly ran my fingers through my hair. " Any major geographical changes? I know the Masked Resistance are trying to meddle with the validity of my maps."
" A large hill with a forest surrounding it is all. I burnt down the forest but could not get rid of the hill."
"Excellent Pellentesque," I gazed at Pellentesque questioningly. " Any other news you wish to share? You seem to have something else."
"Morgan has donned himself in peasants finery and will be arriving in a moment. If you wish to engage in your typical morning ritual I would do it before he gets out of his castle." He flew into the tower as I began to prepare for my ritual.

As the sun raised over the horizon I positioned my crystals and mirrors. It was an innovation I had installed in my tower to play an amusing prank and to supply burn free light in my castle. The crystals redirected the light into my mirror system and they absorbed the sunlight it charged my lights and also I could redirect the light for my amusement. I sat back as it charged and played on my flute what I liked to call the song of awakening. The song was something Pellentesue helped me learn and it helped many people of the castle wake up. After letting my lights finish charging I got ready to play my favorite prank. As I saw a batallion of guards walk near my tower I pointed the sunlight slowly towards them and watched it play out as they struggled to see. I shut down the crystals and began to head inside. As I walked in I heard a loud knock. I ran down knowing my oldest friend had arrived and opened the door.
"Hello, Morgan my old friend."

Azul Bordeur

The rain didn’t stop. It poured down in unrelenting torrents as the sky wept over Aradia. The cool night air wailed and moaned as it twisted its way through buildings and alleys. The few people who were unfortunate enough to be out and about on this night kept their hoods up as they hurried to and fro. Most stuck to the shadows, but a few held out sputtering oil lamps as they moved about.

Down in the slums people still moved about. Gangs roamed the near empty streets, searching for some unfortunate soul to rob and torture. Beggars and the homeless huddled together in small groups, some gathered around fires while others looked for any means of shelter to hide from the weathers fury.

A small house was smashed in-between two buildings, one of dozens in the slums. It was mostly unadorned, besides a small symbol on the door of leaves and a pedestal, the sign for a healer. Unlike most of the buildings in the slums however this house had a small yard in the back. The yard was surrounded by buildings on all sides, and was filled with herbs and different plants.

One man stood in this yard. He was tall, dressed in simply gray robes. A bottle of wine was clenched in one of his hands, so hard that his knuckles shown white. His head was scraped bald, and a light fuzz of a beard shown on his face. His face was passive as he stared down at a small plot of disturbed ground that rested on his feet. A small grave stone rested above the plot of ground, a small patch of dark dirt in a field of green plants.

“Goodbye my old friend,” Azul whispered softly. His gravelly voice carried in the cool air. “May you find more peace in your rest then you did in life.” The rain seemed to fall a bit harder and Azul reached up to flick a drop of water from his eye. A tear? he thought for a moment. But his eyes were dry and it was merely a drop of water. Still I cannot cry, he thought bitterly, My only friend lies dead and I cannot conjure up a ghost of emotion for his passing.

He stood there for a brief moment more before lifting the bottle of wine and pouring it on the ground over the grave. “May the gods welcome you, and may the gates of death be opened to your passage,” Azul whispered, “Rest well Keenan.”

He shook out the last drop of wine before turning and making his way into the house. As he entered the small structure he shook the water out of his hair. The little drops splattered around the room lined with shelves and bottles. Hundreds of herbs and potions filled the room, and the faint smell of moldy earth and dirt clung to the room.

Azul placed the empty bottle of wine on a small table and slowly knelt down on the floor. The floor was simple dirt, as were most of the floors in the homes in this area. Straw and stone cost money, and few people in the slums had enough to keep their houses in good repair, let alone coat their floor in such things.

Azule slowly knelt on the floor, and crossed his leg in a meditative style. I seek peace he thought quietly to himself, I seek to calm the storm inside my self- his thoughts were cut off as someone pounded on his door. Azul didn’t move, and silently hoped the person would leave as he took another deep breath and once again began to settle into his meditation.

Another pounding knock echoed through the house and Azul let out an annoyed sigh. “Looks like their not leaving,” he muttered as he stood and made his way towards the door.

_______________

Anyone can come in if they wish. Just trying to make an opening for someone to join. Azul isn't part of other side yet, though he does heal rebels if they need the help.

Jasmine

I watched the streets below me intently, safe within my hidden spot on a low rooftop on one of the main city streets. Next to me was Chaos, a silent presence other than the occasional sound of fabric shifting as he moved from one position to another as time went on. The pair of us were on watch duty, keeping an eye on the city's guard patrols and eavesdropping for any news of their hunt for us, but so far we had heard little but gossip of the recent attack on the forest surrounding North Hill, one of the lesser rebel camps that were dotted around the city. I let out an impatient sigh, shifting my stance to peer again over the low wall and watch the next group of guards make their way past our building.

That was when I saw him. I froze in place, my eyes widening, then nudged Chaos. He gave an irritable grunt, turning to me with a weary expression, and I gestured to the street with a murmur. "The Captain of the Guard." I said as quietly as I could, and he raised an eyebrow before glancing over, retreating to his spot with a nod once he had looked.

"Then get down." he replied equally quietly, a forceful glint in his eyes, and my gaze spun to his with surprise.

"What are you talking about? This could be our only chance!" I hissed, my voice raising slightly in frustration.
Chaos glared at me again, then shook his head in irritation, seeming annoyed.

"What makes you think you can take them on, hmm? You'll just end up getting caught and risking all of us. Now get back down before he sees you." With that, he tugged my arm back down, staying pressed up against the wall to stay hidden from the patrol. Scowling, I looked over again as he released my arm. The patrol were almost passing the building, the sound of hooves getting louder with each passing second. I had to go.

Sneaking a glance back at Chaos, I watched him warily for a moment, searching for a moment when I could escape. A few moments passed of tense silence, before he tilted his head back against the wall, letting out a sigh and closing his eyes.

I fled, dropping down from the edge to the ground by the side of the building, bending my knees to lessen the impact as I landed in the alleyway. Instantly, Chaos' head appeared over the edge, his face furious. "What do you think you're doing, you complete-"

I turned away as the guards neared the alleyway, my thoughts returning to my brother and what this regime had done to him. What it had allowed to happen to him. Feeling my rage grow inside of me, I grasped at my powers, looking back at the street to pick out the Captain and direct it towards him.

He'd gone.

The other guards remained there, the horses continuing to make their way past. Confusion mounting in my expression, I stepped out into the street to search for him, ignoring Chaos' sounds of protest as I moved and subdued the surge of power I'd built up.

It was then that the blow hit me, pain sinking into my neck. I only had time to reach up and feel the dart before my consciousness started to slip away, my gaze turning back to the rooftop to see Chaos fleeing before my vision went black.

King Morgan Darkrai

"Hello, Morgan, my old friend," Fenezari greeted me.
I smiled warmly at him. Although thirteen years younger than myself, Fenezari was one of my most loyal companions. I never knew he still looked up to me even though I became Aradia's new king, but I had hope that he would still stick with me after all these years. I heard the guards complaining that some couldn't see a thing. This amused me like a child. I said, "Still playing your little light-trick at the guards, I see. After all these years, you still enjoy a little prank." I went to the window. "You're the only one full of mischief, my friend. Watch this." I shot a black orb at one of the guards and looked the other way, giving myself an innocent appearance.
Fenezari said, "I thought you were too old for these games, Morgan."
Glancing his way, I grinned. I shot a small jet of water at his face and the two of us began to splash each other like children. It was two hours after this when Kali arrived. I excused myself to have some privacy with her. I asked, "What now, Kali?"
Kali answered, The guards have someone in their hands. I believe you're needed at the throne room immediately, Master.
I went to Fenezari and said, "I hate to cut our friendly reunion short, but my duty as king calls. My presence is needed at the throne room." I left the tower and entered my bedchamber to change clothes. Once I was dressed in my kingly attire, I went to the throne room and sat on the throne. There I waited for the prisoner to arrive, eager to begin my questions and -if possible- do a little torture in between.

Delilah:
I was nearly dead from patrols all night. Not that anything happened, which is unusual. The night was long and trudging through the streets seemed harder than usual. At the beginning of the evening I devided my fellow abnormals into 5 groups. From there we split up, each taking a sector of the kingdom, as usual. Perhaps I was just bored. In the morning we returned to the Abnormal Cottage for breakfast and some well deserved sleep. I Saw the king, in his window. I bowed and removed my cap. I would send word of the strange silence to him later.

In the cottage breakfast was served in near silence, as it always was. I sat at the head of the long table. We ate in near unison and at the end we all stood at once. They looked at me.
"Well done tonight. Now sleep. It has been a long night and we have more to accomplish tomorrow." I looked at my team and held my fist at eye level, back out.
"For King Morgan!"
They replied the same way then went to their bunks. I stayed at my post until they were all in their bunks.
I retrieved some stationary from a box near my bunk.
To King Morgan,
I wish to have a meeting with Your Highness to discuss the oddness of the past nights events, or lack there of.
Delilah Redkei

Jasmine

I awoke on a cold floor, my arms trussed behind me and a heavy sensation around my neck, and immediately felt the weight of several stares on me. My eyes blinked open and I looked around blearily to see ornate walls, floors and - oh. Oh.

My gaze fell on the Ruler, and my eyes widened in apprehension. Pulling myself up into a sitting position, I knelt on the floor and glanced around again, looking for some way to escape if any opportunities arose.

"Don't think that you'll be able to escape." The sound of the Ruler's voice echoed through the room, and I turned back with anger growing inside of me.

"Are you so sure of that?" I asked, a slight smirk on my face as I drew on my power, building up the energy and preparing to release it. These bonds felt weak; whilst I couldn't break them with my own strength, there was no way they would be able to withstand the force of my powers. My gaze fixed on the Ruler, I released my powers, directing them at the bonds around my wrist.

A sudden pain surged through my body, a scream tearing itself from my throat, and I collapsed to the floor again, curling myself up from the pain. What had happened? My powers hadn't worked - the bonds still weighed heavily on my wrists, completely undamaged. But no-one in the room had moved; both the Ruler and the guards dotted around the room remained immobile even as I writhed in pain.

As the pain dissipated, an amused sound came from the Ruler, and he spoke again. "You weren't expecting that? Didn't you realise what you're wearing?"

My hand immediately went up to touch the band around my neck, and from the corner of my eyes I saw the Ruler nod. "Well done." He paused for a moment, then continued. "See, we can have you using your powers while you're here, can we? This will... how do I put it ... internalise the energy."

I remained on the floor, still trying to understand through my pain-induced haze. So ... any time I used my powers, I would only injure myself. Great.

King Morgan Darkrai
The Aradian Castle
The Throne Room

It amused me that the prisoner was a Fire sorceress. The band on her neck could put her in a heap when she uses her power. I excepted the band to work like a charm- no pun intended- and turn the wearer's power against it, since it was Deliah who invented it and tested it on other prisoners before this one. It was quite useful, since the element of fire is one of the few that can't be stolen by my troop of Abnormals. I stood up and approached the prisoner. I lifted her chin with my finger and said, "You're one of the most prettiest women I've ever seen. To be an honest man, you remind me of my sister. She was just as pretty as you the last time I saw her. Last time I saw my sister, I was probably your age."
The young sorceress spat in my face, the guards growling like beasts at such action.
I wiped the spit off my face and chuckled. "You got nerve to do that, young lady. That puts a little spice in you." I turned around and looked at a messenger. "What is it now, messenger? Can't you see I'm busy?"
The messenger gave me a note and bowed. "My apologies, my king. It's from Deliah Redkei." After this, he took his leave.
I took a glance at the message. A small request of my attention about the occurences in the village. When it comes to Deliah's requests, I can never refuse them at all. I said, "Take our guest to the dungeons. My presence is needed in the Abnormals' Cottage. I'll question our guest myself when I get back."

Chaos.
Resistance.

That bloody girl just couldn't listen, I thought stubbornly. Now she has jeopardized the safety of the entire resistance. The rational side of my brain decided to bring to my attention that I probably would have done the same thing if I had had that level of anger toward someone. It is not uncommon among other people, and although I haven't experienced there would be a high probability that I would have recklessly charged in as well. All in all it was a crappy night in general.

My pace was urgent and so I arrived at the two story stone building, the current residence of most of the resistance members and a meeting place, near the outskirts of town. Inside a few people were sleeping and I managed to move quietly enough toward the door on the other side of the room so as not to wake anyone. After clearing the entry hall I entered the planning room where Merry and Charlotte were peering over a set of papyrus maps stolen from the castle recently.

Most likely the two of them were planning how to best influence and alter the town and the surrounding area so as to deceive anyone who would try to discover our location. We did these sort of operations often. As I entered the room both women turned their gazes immediately to the door to observe the intruder. Although they couldn't tell something was wrong by my face since I tried to keep it a placid mask, they knew something must have happened for I wouldn't have bothered them otherwise.

Maya Crawford

I skipped class again. I just couldn't stand learning my craft without feeling the pain of losing... Dianara. She was my personal trainer. My only friend. The only one who understood me. Mom and Dad sent me to the academy of sorcery, which was only exclusive to the members of the Crown, to finish the units I hadn't done with Di. Since then, everything just sucked.

Lately I felt my powers weakening. I was only gone for six months, after Di went missing. And I had never thought I could feel like I had missed a lot when I had left Aradia. I felt that I lost myself too. I couldn't do better in school. I couldn't do better without Di. I couldn't live with the secrets I made when I was gone. I couldn't do better now that I had my heart...broken.

So I decided to tell my parents that I needed some time off. Maybe I just needed a little break. I didn't want to go to school yet, and I just wanted to stay home for awhile, to think. I felt exhausted. I needed to tell them now. They were probably at the castle, taking orders from the King. Members of our bloodline never failed to offer service for the Crown. They were good guardians and sorcerers- the very reason why we possessed wealth and reputation for centuries. My parents worked harder now that the Resistance recruited more members. Guilt washed over me upon thinking that I might not be fit to serve when I'd turn 18, since I was still weak and unable to conjure a severe damaging windstorm.

I walked through the marvelous stone steps of the castle. The guards looked at me with recognition. Thanks to family reputation, cool. My stilettos made noisy steps as I aimed to walk faster. I could feel my designer coat making whooshing sounds. I thought I'd just see Masakka, the Captain of the Guards, maybe he knew where my parents were. I turned left which I guessed was the way that would lead me to Masakka, and before I could stop, a tall figure was walking so fast towards me without even looking at me. At first I thought I would bump her but I lost track because suddenly pieces of paper flew all over us.

"I'm so sorry", I said as I tried to quickly rearrange the blown papers she was bringing. "Oh, Veronica...it's you."

Veronica Nicholas, royal advisor and great water sorceress, smiled as she helped me pick up the papers.

"Too agitated, Maya?" she asked. "Try controlling sometimes, okay? You don't want to always blow everything up."

"I was...my mind was just too preoccupied," I sighed.

"Anyway, I'm glad you finally came back. How are things going? I heard you are now studying at the academy," she chatted.
I liked Veronica. She had always been nice. Though sometimes, she made me jealous. She had everything I wanted to have- good skills and a good career at a young age.

"I'm really stressed out right now. I figured that...I'm not ready to enter school yet to finish my units," I confessed.

"Do your parents know?" Veronica's eyes filled with concern. She slowly touched my shoulder to comfort.

"Not yet. That's why I'm here. To tell them," I looked down, feeling both sorrow and guilt.

A sound of commotion nearby startled us both. The guards on the floor of the castle where we were standing were aggressively moving and talking. I listened to their voices and heard one of them say,
"A member of the resistance has been caught."

I looked back at Veronica, and to her hand that was still resting on my shoulder, a ring on her middle finger shining before my eyes.

Masakka Dan

I pulled my heavy riding gloves over my hands, barking out orders to my men as I strode for the stables. "Ylan, get the Fifth off that border tower, now. Send a replacement. Oran, my horse."
Pausing for a second as the stable boys struggled to open the heavy doors, I glanced back at my Lieutenant. "The king is on the way to the Abnormals' hut?"
"Yes, Captain," he said brusquely. "Alone except for his mandatory guard."
"Good. Oran! My horse!" My voice snapped with anger. I wasn't used to being forced to wait.
"Coming, sir," Oran shouted from the stables. His voice sounded strained. "Your horse is excited."
Rolling my eyes, I entered the stables. Oran was standing pressed against the far wall, jerking back on the rope as my steel-dust stallion reared up and pawed. The halter was chafing against a recent injury across his neck. What fools...
I thrust the fool Oran out of the way and took the rope, stepping forward to my stallion's side. "Shh, Blade," I murmured. "What idiots my men are, I should not have trusted you to them." I removed the harsh twine halter and tossed it in Oran's face. "We will discuss your utmost skill with my horse later," I snapped, swinging up onto Blade's lean, muscular back.
"Sir, your saddle--?"
"Out of the way," I said, urging Blade forward with only a gentle touch. I was fully capable of riding without saddle or bridle and wasn't about to wait. I had to speak to the King.
Blade hadn't had a good run for a few days, so I picked the less crowded way and let him run full out. His sharp hooves ripped up rotted cobblestones as he ran.
Blade's fast run got me to the Abnormals' hut in ten minutes. The castle loomed up before me as I urged Blade to the right. I saw the King crossing the courtyard with five of his Royal Guard. I ran Blade right past them with a foot to spare, and leapt off to land lightly next to the King. Blade galloped off to the Royal Stable. I had spent months teaching him to go there and not to the vegetable bins after had I made my one of my majestic dismounts.
"Captain," the King said, his deep voice rumbling with amusement. "Good morning to you."

King Morgan Darkrai

Masakka dismounted his horse beside me. Such grace and poise must never come unnoticed.
I said happily, "Captain, good morning to you."
Masakka bowed and said, "Good morning, sire. I trust you slept well last night."
I groaned, "Don't get me started on the details of what happened last night. That's between me and the Queen." I decided to discuss a different matter while the Captain was around. "So how are your troops, Captain? Anything new?"
Masakka said, "We have a soldier down in the North Tower, three others missing in action, and that's about it. I assume the Resistance is trying to get information from the lost troops, but then again I could be wrong."
My stomach started to churn. Masakka may be a bit of a bad guesser, but I never knew him to assume the wrong thing most of the time. Hearing about the Resistance- caught or on the loose- makes me very nervous and almost sick to my stomach. I said, "Thanks for the report, Captain. Carry on."
He was unsure of my tone, like he detected my nervousness. Much to my surprise, he shrugged and went on his way.
I told the guards to let me have my privacy with Deliah as I entered the Abnormals' Cottage. It didn't take me long to catch sight of Deliah and vice versa. She ran right at me and jumped into my arms. I didn't care. She was my favorite Abnormal in the entire group, one of the greatest of them all. I hugged her warmly and asked, "So, what's the news, my dear Deliah?"

Delilah:
I checked on my sleeping crew. Patting each of their heads and Wishing them a good sleep. The king entered the room. Like a little girl I ran to him and jumped in his arms. King Morgan was like a father to me, though I never forgot my real father. How he read to me everynnight, the same story about the mouse and the clock. He taught me to build and create, giving me the smarts to build for the king. Then it changed and he left me, giving me only his hat and a hug to remember him by. I remember being a 5 year old girl and running away, through the forest,hating myself for being different. The king hugged me.
"so what's the news my dear Delilah?" I put my feet on the floor.
"highness, the night was quiet...too quiet. It has confused me."
I replayed the nights events to Morgan.
"my king, what should I do?"
I climbed into his arms again.

King Morgan Darkrai

Deliah told me about last night's patrol. The village being too quiet for Deliah's taste? That's the fourth time this week. It only meant trouble. She climbed into my arms again and asked, "My king, what should I do?"
I held her close to my chest, giving her the most comfort I can offer. Although I wasn't a father yet, Deliah was like a beautiful daughter to me. I treated her with respect in return to her loyalty, since I took her in when she was young. I answered, "I don't know yet, my dear Deliah. All that I know is that some of our members are starting to deplete. If I hear such a report again that involves your kind, I'm going to panic like a worried parent. Why I say that is simple. I can't afford to lose you. You're the best of the Abnormals, the foremost reason why you're my favorite." I kissed her head affectionately. True I couldn't afford to lose her, but I also wouldn't bear to see her dead.
When I found her, she was too scared to touch me. It took me ten minutes to assure her that she couldn't steal my elements with a touch. It was then she began to trust me and the two of us became tight like parent and child. I never treated her wrong. No, I treated her like she was my own child and she became a part of the Abnormal forces. After that, she quickly advanced to Commander of the Abnormals. So far, she's the youngest Commander in Aradian history and the first Abnormal to achieve such rank. I gave her whatever I could- respect, fatherly love, kindness, and a place to call home. She adored me and I poured my heart out onto her like the father I hope I'd be.

Veronica nicolas

As I walked away from Maya with my thunderous amount of papers piled everywhere on top of each other I spotted the king walking my way but he passed me like I wasn't there.

"Busy people these days, don't even have time to stop and chat." As i walked to my office to do some work Maya came and knocked on my door. "yes?' I asked. She walked in and had to talk to me about her powers.
"my powers are out of control. I don't know what to do." she told me. I told her to just calm her nerves a little because she seemed in such a stress these days.

Soon after she talked to me about it for a while she asked about the shiney ring on my finger. "It was my mothers. she gave it to me." I told her. I figured she didn't believe me at first but she finally gave in with an ok.

After she left from my office I continued to work on my papers and soon went to get a drink.

Jasmine

I sat in the centre of my cell furiously, anger radiating from my being. It took most of my energy just to subdue my powers; I'd realised my mistake earlier when I'd accidentally injured myself for the second time as the result of another spike of frustration. I was quickly discovering how much of an annoyance this ridiculous collar was, considering my limited control of my powers.

My scowl deepened as I thought to myself, looking up with curiosity as I heard footsteps nearing my cell. Few guards had come by so far, only the two who had thrown me in here and one other who had given me little more than a second glance. From what I could hear, my cell was the only occupied one within a few metres, the others all empty and silent, and so the sound of footsteps had rarely gotten this close since I'd arrived.

The guard appeared at the edge of my cell, peering in as he walked past before stopping dead centre and watching me for a moment. I stared back defiantly, meeting his eyes, and he gestured for me to come closer. A moment of hesitation passed as I looked away, not knowing whether to trust this man or not, before he spoke, voice breaking the silence. "I can help you get out."

I paused, then got to my feet slowly, making my way to the bars of my cell. "What do you-" My words morphed into a yell of surprise as he grabbed my wrists, pulling me into the metal of the bars and speaking into my ear, his voice huskier than before. "Obviously," he began, twisting my face to meet his, "you would have do to me a favour or two first."

His gaze dropped down and I squirmed in his grasp, trying to pull away as he leant forward to whisper in my ear again. A shout from down the corridor made him jerk back suddenly, dropping my wrists as he took a wary step back.

"What do you think you're doing?"

My gaze followed the sound of the voice, seeing a familiar figure standing next to the guard. Fabulous. My so-called saviour was the person I'd tried to kill only a few hours ago, and was probably here to knock some of his own sense into me. My attention drifted away from him as he reprimanded the guard, and I looked back when things had fallen silent, expecting him to have disappeared with the other man.

To my surprise, he still stood outside my cell, watching me with an expression that seemed a mixture of caution and interest.