Masked Resistance vs Aradian Tyranny {closed/started}

Jasmine

I sat in the dungeon in silence, anger rushing through my veins. Who did that Fenezari think he was, to act as though we were his guests? Did he think that we were so shallow as to forget our allegiance in exchange for a soft bed and some needless comforts? He thought that we could relax whilst in the middle of our enemy's ranks?

I snorted derisively, hardly able to believe it. The only upside to his behaviour was that he actually seemed enough of a fool to believe that we would simply sit in comfort, enjoying his hospitality and forgetting the chance we had to disrupt the King's rule.

My mind flashed back to the previous conversation I had had with him, barely suppressing a shudder. There was something about his presence that unnerved me, something about the way he always seemed to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was right, and that others would follow him unconditionally. Right now I couldn't decide whether I wanted to burn Masakka or Fenezari first.

I pulled my thoughts away briefly, standing up to look around. Chaos and Charlotte were still sleeping, and I hesitated before leaving them be. They would only tell me to stop, and right now I had to make the most of the opportunity we had. I pulled on my cloak in one smooth movement, then left the dungeon to search the castle for the King's quarters.

Delilah:
I got to fathers bed chamber, smiling like an idiot. I walked over and pulled up my chair to sit with him and Kali. My smile faded with a look from Kali. Father was sweating but sound asleep.
"Kali...?"
I have no idea.
I grabbed his hand and held it for comfort. My hands were extremely small next to his. I was reminded that though I felt as big as the sky, I was shorter than almost all of the abnormals. I sighed and sat on my shoulder, her tail around my neck. I put my face into her side.
Slowly i came back to reality. I was still the Kings protector, though I was also his daughter. I had a job to do and one night of fun wouldnt change that. I was still a freak in a world of thse considered "Normal". Nothing had changed. My body stiffened as I remembered these things. I covered my emotions, as they had been before. I couldn't be weak, especially not now. My face went straight and i sat up, eyes forward and ready for anything. Kali noticed my change in posture and emotion.
Princess?

Kali

I noticed the change in Deliah. She still had Master's hand in her own. Compared to his, her hands were tiny. As I sat on her shoulder, I watched Master's face become more and more troubled. The sweat on his face began to build up, his eyebrow furrowing like his dreams were troubling him. Whatever was bothering him, it wasn't letting him wake up.
Deliah also noticed this and tried to give Master comfort by wiping the sweat off his face and holding his hand. I could tell she was trying to let Master know that his daughter is there with him.
For a while, I helped Deliah attempt to comfort Master in vain. I decided to call in Master's friend. I told Deliah, Watch your father while I look for his family friend. I think your father might need more than just comfort from you and me together. As far as I know, we might be dealing with something that your father can't handle on his own. I flew to the tower and snuck in the bedroom.
Thaertus was sleeping more soundly than Master, but I couldn't find Pellentesque anywhere in the room. I had no time to wait for either one of them to arrive. They both have to help Master wake up from his troubled sleep. Thaertus groaned after I nudged him awake with my tail.
I said worriedly, It's my Master. Something's wrong with him. He's sleeping, but somehow he's not waking up. He's in his bed right now, sweating in his sleep. Deliah and I need help. I waited for Thaertus to answer.

Fenezari Thaertus

I arose from my bed and stared at her hard, "I'm assuming Pellentesque isn't to be found? I'm simply guessing by the fact that your waking me up rather than he to deliver this news." I cocked my head to the side and gave a ghastly smile with all my teeth showing, "probably moaning over some nightmare if I had a fair guess?"

It was strange to see a dragon nod, not frightening just odd, as though it was a gesture she shouldn't be capable of making. She seemed truly worried and at least slightly mad at me for making light of Morgan's predicament, please help him in whatever way you can I'm not sure what's wrong. She looked down at the ground.

I threw on some clothes and shouldered my halberd climbing the stairs to the top of my tower. I sat at the edge of the very top of my tower well aware of Kali's presence. I decided to tell Pellentesque of my departure before leaving, I'm sure your busy but I felt the need to tell you that I'll be departing from the tower briefly please refrain from getting into trouble.

I felt Pellentesque's curiosity as he probed my mind, Morgan's not well yet again well okay I'll be back to the tower by the time you've returned hopefully, contact me if you need me.

I looked at Kali and smiled again I slept very seldom and when I did it was precious to me, it was what held my sanity together, or at least what was left of it. I stood up back facing the beautiful night sky. I grabbed my halberd and threw it off the tower letting it hurtle to the ground. Kali looked shocked and confused there were some things I could do that even Morgan was unaware of it seemed. I waved at her and took a step back off the tower. I felt the wind wrapping around my body and filled with a sensation of pure euphoria.

In the middle of my decent I saw Kali next to me and felt her thoughts rush into my mind, Master once told me that if you lost even the smallest bit of sleep you were prone to strange behavior but this is extreme. He never said you were suicidal. I looked back at her my eyes filled with mirth I let out a laugh, death no I have so many more years left I silently thought.

I fell it the pile of snow that I had formed around my halberd grabbed it and almost rocketed towards the castle. Arriving at the wall bellow Morgan's room I ran up it quickly and went in through the window. Looking at Delilah my eyes seeming wild, "someone called for a doctor and close friend." I stared down at Morgan and immediately knew it was just a nightmare. In most cases I would have entered the nightmare and dealt with it head on along with Morgan, but I was losing my grasp of myself and didn't trust myself. I simply began using emotional and mental manipulation to calm him down it was all I had and I felt useless.

King Morgan Darkrai

I was caught once again, but this time I was on my own. I had no one to turn to. Meredith and her forces have killed all who were on my side. They've killed Fenezari, all the guards, and every Abnormal in the cottage- including Deliah. All who served me was killed except one person- Masakka Dan was spared. He and Chaos were taking me back to Their base, keeping me tied to a large stake. All I had on was the finery of a begger, both my wrists and ankles tied to the stake. I knew what was next and it was coming quick.
The stake was thrusted to the ground and soon the rest of Them came, putting corpse after corpse in a pile around me. I shivered at the revelation. They've saved me for last because They planned on burning me to death. I could've used my power over water, but They had one of Deliah's Internalizing Collar on my arm. It could've went on my throat, but my throat was a little too thick for that matter. The Fire sorceress set the pile of corpses on fire, burning both bodies and the clothes on my skin...

I woke up screaming, my face drenched in sweat. I was in my bedchamber, surrounded by Deliah, Fenezari, and Kali. Deliah had both her hands in one of mine, Fenezari beside her at my bedside and Kali perched on her shoulder. With my Water magic, I removed the sweat off my face. After putting the discarded sweat in a nearby pitcher, I set my other hand on Fenezari's shoulder and said, "We have to get Them off my back. They've pestered me far enough to give me the worst nightmare I had in my life."
Kali asked, Master, may I ask what's on your mind?
I answered, "Once I've settled, I'm going to the forest to have a private talk with one of my father's kinfolk."

Merry sat cross legged on the outskirts of the forest, watching and waiting for her brother to make one wrong move. It was night. The stars and the crescent moon gave a florescent lighting on the dark green landscape that will be Meredith's base for awhile. She was alone with her thoughts which reflected upon the events that lead to her brother's escape. Her dark brown hair rustled around her face but she did not care. She couldn't care. She felt hollow and numb to her surroundings. It was the fact that everything that could possibly go wrong had gone wrong, right down to the death of her fiancee. She couldn't cry for him. Yes, it hurt her inside. Meredith promised herself she will never put another innocent person at risk. Her hands trembled with pinned up anger and remorse for those she was about to kill. It was indeed ironic for her to feel remorse for an enemy. Meredith knew that deep down inside everyone of them, including her own troops and her brother, were just sad little creatures that will die eventually. They all lived by the rule: Kill or be killed. There was no mercy in that time. Meredith could not sleep so she waited. The wind whispered to her of the coming fall and soon snow. It perced her skin underneath her leather clothing. "Please, Merry. Come inside." Anubis said. Merry didn't move. Anubis was about to go back inside the tent when Merry turned around. "Will I ever feel again?" Anubis didn't have the answer. He knew how she felt. Animals and Humans were so similar that Anubis, at times, deemed humans savages. He felt so sad for Meredith. "I know you will feel again. You will love again. I promise you. You will love again." She turned back around, not saying another word. Anubis was glad she turned around. He did not want her to see a lone tear drop from his left eye and onto the moist grass.

Merry's troops were stationed throughout the forest and the surrounding areas. Another soldier was stationed a few miles from Merry's area. Soon, they will attack Morgan and his army men. She wanted them all dead except for Morgan. She will deal with him herself.

Leopold Thaertus

I watched Meredith as she stared out at the castle I could see all of the goings on at the festival and yearned to join, unfortunately she had forbidden it. I sat in my perch atop a tree taking a long drag on my pipe and letting the smoke drift slowly out of the corner of my mouth. I was growing anxious I was sensitive to emotions I couldn't read them as Fenezari could but with the level of anger built up she could hardly hide it. I had revealed much to Merry in recent weeks since Morgan's escape, the scope of my power and the existence of Ventus. Her spirit Anubis was peculiar to me not one of the ancient spirits of nature, like Ventus, but something more akin to Kali a being that many saw danger in. I had revealed to her, after she explained her opinion of the Crown as murderers, that the Resistance as well as the former Crown fought violently over the allegiance of members of my family and killing those that refused to join one side or the other. I had yet to reveal to her my family's longevity and or mastery of some forgotten magics and decided it was best not to.

It seemed to me as though she didn't understand my entire story and only listened to the part that painted the crown in a darker light. Merry was filled with anger at the Crown for crimes against innocents I was still unsure of what her breaking point but I decided not to question it. I called out to Ventus for conversation at that moment Dear old friend I'm afraid Meredith is unaware of the danger she is bringing her and herself followers into.

Ventus looked into my eyes and nodded in agreement I felt it as you did my young friend Fenezari has gathered the power of the Crystals of Sun and Moon with Pellentesque at his side he could destroy entire continents with ease. He perched comfortably on my shoulder I have been speaking at lengths with Pellentesque and he conquers. He recognized Anubis, just as a by the by.

I looked at him shocked Well what did he tell you Ventus!

Do not worry Anubis is simply an elder spirit but seems to have had great affect on the course of history as a spirit adviser often having it's owners see things through the eyes of those who live long. But, humans lives are short and humans have little time to master their emotions. Do you follow young friend?

I nodded she was unaware of the danger but felt that this war would spare others, I looked down at her in pity I could do nothing to sway her unless she would listen to my entire story.

Kali

Master looked like he was serious. He dressed himself in black and appeared as a commoner. Putting his cloak on his shoulders, he said to me, I'm going to pay a visit to Uncle Marcus today, Kali. I haven't seen him since my parents died.
I asked, Isn't Marcus an Aradian vampire before you took in Deliah?
Master nodded and said, He was, but he's still a Darkrai. He's related to me and Meredith on our father's side. Our father's younger brother. He hugged Deliah and told her, "I have to pay a visit to an old relative of mine, Deliah. I want you to stay right here with Kali and Fenezari until I get back."
Deliah held Master's hand and protested, "Don't leave me, Father. What if you get captured again? They might kill you."
Master kissed Deliah's hand and assured, "I won't get caught again, Deliah. I'm very strong in the light of a full moon and in the dark. If They try to ambush me, I'll fight with everything I got." He held her close, then kissed her forehead. "Don't worry, my child. I'll be back soon enough." After that, he left as he put his hood on.
Deliah was starting to cry as she watched Master leave. When I perched on her shoulder, she asked me, "Are you sure he'll come back, Kali?"
I don't know to be certain. He hasn't been himself since he lost his parents. All I know is that he's had enough of the Resistance being a thorn at his side. I knew I was failing at giving Deliah comfort, but I still tried.

Masakka Dan

I ran swiftly through the city, cursing my bad luck. Blade was lame, all the other horses were slow and snappish. I had to catch up with Morgan before he reached Marcus. So, I was forced to run, on foot, through the dirty streets and past all the gawking townspeople. I didn't like being watched or noticed, so this made me more than a little uncomfortable.
Why did Morgan have to go see his vampire uncle anyway? He'd put it off for this long, why go now? And why the hell go alone? He was the King! He wasn't exactly free to go wherever he wanted without a guard.
Maybe I was being unjust, I reflected as I awkwardly skipped around a pile of horse dung. Maybe I was still sour from my conversation with Jasmine....
No. I wouldn't let myself think about that. She obviously valued her silly rebellion more than she valued me. That was fine. I really never needed her anyway. She was below me. I was a captain; she was the enemy to my kingdom. It was ridiculous to even assume that we could ever associate with each other.
But Gods...how I missed her.

Once outside the city, I could see the tall, cloaked shape of Morgan heading off toward the dense woods. I heaved a sigh and bolted into a fast run to catch up with him. Wind whipped into my face and lashed through my hair. I pounded up behind Morgan, ducked as he spun around in a whirling hook kick, and skidded to a stop a few feet in front of him.
"It's me," I said, panting. "No need for the acrobatics." I gave an exaggerated bow.
"Masakka?" Morgan demanded. "What are you doing here and where' s Blade? You look ridiculous without him."
I was affronted. "I used my legs as my habitual mode of transportation long before I had Blade."
"And I'm sure you looked just as ridiculous then," Morgan said, brushing past me.
I sighed impatiently, catching up with him. "What do you think you're doing, heading off without a guard? In this kingdom, kings are actually required to be alive."
"Don't be a fool, Masakka," Morgan said. "I can handle myself."
"That's not the point. Anyone can handle themselves well enough when they're expecting an attack, but what if it was an ambush?" I turned toward the city and pointed at the walls. "What if there was someone up there with a bow? You'd be dead like that." I snapped my fingers under the King's nose.
Morgan grabbed my wrist and absentmindedly twisted it painfully. "I don't like it when people snap their fingers at me."
"Well, I figured that," I said, trying to free my wrist from the King's iron grasp. "I just wanted you to be aware of your danger. You'd be much safer if you had a guard. One man would suffice. Captains of the Guard tend to make excellent bodyguards."
Morgan turned to face me. "Masakka, are you drunk? You seem rather intelligent today."
"Now that was just rude," I said.
Morgan grinned and started walking again. "Yes, Captain, you may come with me. Keep up!"

King Morgan Darkrai

It took a while to reach Uncle Marcus' cottage. I knocked on the door and said, "Uncle Marcus. Are you home? It's me, Morgan."
A hole appeared in the door and two colbalt eyes stared at me. A deep voice asked, "Morgan? As in Morgan Darkrai, eldest son of Merlin Darkrai and brother of Meredith Darkrai?"
I smiled and answered, "Yes. That all true."
Masakka asked, "Your father's name was Merlin?"
I explained, "Darkrai family tradition. Everyone in the Darkrai family bloodline has a name with the letter 'M' in it. It goes all the way back to the founding father of the line, Maximus Darkrai. Trust me. I know my own family history." I entered the cottage with Masakka on my heels. "So, has anyone paid you a visit before I showed, Uncle Marcus?"
Marcus said, "Not that I know of, Morgan. I haven't seen you since Merlin died." He hugged me tightly. "You've grown up, boy. Seven years an orphan, then six years Aradia's new king. How did you manage it?"
I said slyly, "That's for me to know and you and Goldilocks behind me to find out." I stepped aside. "This is Masakka, Captain of the Guard. Masakka, my Uncle Marcus Darkrai." I noticed a bottle on the table. "Still mourning for my father?"
Marcus sighed. "I was hoping you wouldn't notice that." He chuckled and playfully slugged my upper arm. "Same old Morgan. Always keeping your eye on the area to see what someone's doing. You get me every time."
I laughed. "You know I do. That tells me I still got it." I looked at Masakka. "Go look around, Masakka. Make yourself at home. Marcus won't hurt any of us." I waited for him to either object or respond.

Masakka Dan

I watched the King sourly. Goldilocks indeed.
"I'm sure he won't hurt us," I said in a civil tone. "He won't even try. Goldilocks is feared everywhere he goes." I cast the King a sneer and turned away.
They began talking in low voices as I prowled about the cottage. Interesting nooks and crannies all over the place. I stuck my head into a cabinet and sniffed.
"Masakka," the King said wearily. "Go outside and play with the horse. I'll be done soon."
I flashed him a cheeky grin. "What? You told me to make myself at home."
"Out," Morgan growled.
I headed for the door, closing it briskly behind me, and looked around for trouble. Goldilocks required entertainment.

Fenezari Thaertus

I sat at the end of Morgan's bed occasionally glancing over at Delilah,he had left to see his Uncle Marcus, I knew he was planning something. I tried to think of a conversation to strike up but my body was tired and my soul ablaze, impatient for the rising sun and for my magics of fire to be lit anew through the Crystals of Sun. I began thinking about my own Uncle, he had left the service of the Crown and had become a wanderer soon after Morgan's rise to power. He was believed to be one of the last immortals left in the world, my father had been as well, masters of all magics said to gather in strength the longer they lived. Everyone called him Uncle but I knew him as Uncle Bran the Blessed. My father was far less humble, most immortals were thought of as gods or goddesses and were named accordingly my father was known as Breasal.

The history of the immortals is long and confusing said to be born from human and fairy blood or of a mixture of gods blood with humans, no ones exactly sure, but my uncle had long since left human companionship and now searched for the last of the fairies and gods. To reign in their descendants and creations magic a gift from them had long since morphed into a weapon and my uncle had grown tired of this. Now he disguised himself as a wandering prophet during his search for them.

I turned to Delilah and spoke, " I should contact my uncle as well perhaps he can help in all that has been going on."

"How will you find him?" She stated rather bluntly."I know your powers are great but he could be anywhere."

A laughed escaped my mouth, "Delilah he and I well we share blood our souls cry out to each other. I'll simply astral project myself until I find him Pellentesque will protect me in the spirit realm you just guard my body." I had never been good at astral projection I wasn't sure why I was so sure of myself but I would have to try. "If I don't find him, well nothing ventured nothing gained."

I kissed her and then sat in a meditative pose. My body would be resting while I did this and I could burn off some of the extra energy beginning to bubble and crack in my soul. My uncle would be taking the ancient paths of the Thaertus, many of the older families had their secret paths and roads through out the world but ours were strictly kept in the family.
I could only hope he would be easy to find.

King Morgan Darkrai

Once we are sure Masakka was outside, Marcus and I went down to business. I said, "I have a large army of rebels on my tail and They've been a thorn on my side far too long. You're the only Darkrai besides myself and Meredith who knows the family like no one else. I need to get the rebels off my back once and for all."
Marcus sighed and said, "I could tell you what to do, but you know you can't kill your kinfolk. That's law to all in the Darkrai family." He led me to a room full of scrolls. I knew what they were. They were none other than records that date from present members of the family all the way down to the founding father himself. Marcus, being the youngest of three children and my father's little brother, was the Darkrai family Recordskeeper. "However, there is a way to know who's on your side and who's siding with Meredith."
I stayed quiet, listening.
"As you know, your father and I are descendants of Maximus by blood. However, it's your mother's side of your roots that I've been able to uncover. Your mother is the descendant of a former Resistance scout surnamed Dan. You look like your father because your grandmother- your father's and my mother- foresaw you with a golden-eyed dragon."
I almost jolted. "So my grandmother knew about Kali?"
Marcus chuckled. "Mother's an oracle from a long line of priests. Her power as an oracle skips two generations or so I've been told. You're not the only Darkrai with an animal spirit." He patted my shoulder. "I know you have a dragon and Meredith owns a jackel. I myself was the first Darkrai in family history to have an animal spirit, which was none other than a noble lion called Leona."
I cut to the chase. "You said there was a way for me to know who's with me or against me. I want to know what that way is. I don't have time for a history lesson."
Marcus whispered in my ear, "It's a simple spell that shows you who's on your side. Blue means the person is on your side, red means against you. You and Kali can be together when you cast the spell, but it's required that you be in full health."
I went outside, heading back to the castle. I said loudly, "Masakka, if you want to stay with me, you better keep up with me. When I walk, I don't know my own speed." I thought over everything Marcus said. He may have been known as the family lunatic, but I never knew him to lie.

Masakka Dan
I followed Morgan, sneering inwardly. I had better keep up? Like that was a difficulty.
"So," I said. "That sounds like quite a spell."
Morgan stopped. "You were listening?"
"Naturally." I had been coolly eavesdropping outside the window the entire time.
Morgan started walking again. "Masakka, you are unbelievable."
"I know."
"I would have thought you'd want to stop me from figuring out who's on the Rebellion," Morgan said. "Your dear Jasmine is quite involved with it."
My good mood vanished like smoke. "My dear Jasmine?" I snapped, and swore violently.
But I knew Morgan was right.

King Morgan Darkrai

I looked at Masakka straight in the eye, then pulled him towards me by the shirt. I hissed, "I thought you and I were on the same side, but I had to hear that you're infatuated by the enemy from Kali. I can't have traitors in my stead and you know how I am about traitors." I showed a black orb floating above my hand. "Traitors face my Dark magic and have three choices- either spend the rest of their lives in the dungeons, face eternal exile, or death. You have three days to decide whose side you are on." I glared at him. "It's either me or Them. If you choose me, then prove your loyalty by keeping the prisoners in line. If you choose Them over me, then I won't hesitate to do my worst to you." I let him go, then put the orb out. Putting my hood up over my head, I took my leave to the castle. Kali flew towards me, then perched herself on my shoulder. Enlighten me, Kali. I need to know whether or not Goldilocks is on my side or Theirs.
Kali rubbed her head against my cheek. I think I know just the thing to cheer you up, Master. Baby Sister and her friends are in the woods right now. I suppose you desire a little challenge. If you like, I can help you take care of this whole family affair. Besides, we're both together like family.
I smiled. I need a challenge to keep me going, so let's have that challenge. I felt her merge into my chest, but held back the transformation. If Meredith wants to talk family, then we'll talk.