Character Castle 2.0
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Saevus stared at the wolf-thing which had just sprayed him with ice. Roaring out “I will make you my pet, beast!” He charged forward, swinging his sword. Abirami jumped out of the way, and Saevus’ sword swooshed over head and blasted into the wall, creating a huge explosion of rock and dust. One wave of his hand, and dust cleared, revealing people scrambling wildly to get away or staring at him, directly in front of him was this wolf-thing, bristling and baring its fangs at him.
Saevus stared at it for a moment, and then readied his sword to strike. But first, to find out what it was capable of…
Concentrating his powers on the floor, he set the floor below the wolf-thing on fire with a motion of his left hand.
That, he thought, should be a good test of this beast.
Jade
Ugh.
Her plan had been as perfect as circumstances would allow. Everything was even ready. But as Jade stretched at the back of the stage, a wrench threw himself into her plan. Given the weird metal clothing the guy wore, ‘wrench’ described him perfectly. In and of himself, he wouldn’t have been a problem. Now that he was staring down Abirami, who’d turned into a wolf, things were different. Maybe pleasing Ku wasn’t her problem, but making sure her plan succeeded certainly was. No arrogant flamey guy was going to stop it by killing a dancer; not on Jade’s watch.
She stood up and squared her shoulders.
”Jade.”
Isaias. And why was he so serious all of a sudden? “Eh?”
”Did Abirami really just turn into a wolf?” Isaias asked.
”Yes, long story. Stay with Ophelia.” Jade hopped off the stage.
”Jade, what — “
She marched right up to the man who was on fire right as he threw a sword at the wolf’s feet.
Putting her hands on her hips, she said, “No. Absolutely not. If you can’t tell, we’re in the middle of an event here. Pick that up and sit down. You can deal with this afterwards.” She didn’t bother mentioning that the Castle had its own plans for “afterwards.”
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!@inkhorn @jared-williams I’m going to change a few things from Val’s POV!
@inkhorn feel free to change Conroy’s parts 🙂“What’s your name?”
“I can’t tell my name to strangers,” the boy answers abruptly. I pause. Is this some kind of joke?
“Alright then. What would you like me to call you?”
“You can call me CF if you want.”
CF?
I squint down at him. “Are those your initials?” The boy – CF, I guess – suddenly freezes.
“Um, no. They stand for cool…friend.”
“Huh?” I choke back a laugh. You’ve got some nerve, little guy. “Okay then, CF. I’m Valencia.”
“Nice to meet you Miss Valencia,” CF mumbles. He throws a suspicious glance around the hall, scrunching up his face as he turns back to face me.
“Isn’t this a test?” he mutters. I squint back at him. “Is what a test?” I raise my brows as he shoots me a rather vicious glare.
“You don’t have to keep up the act. We all know that this is a test, and that I failed it. Remember, no names.”
What?
“Congratulation, you’re a great actress. Now, can we please just get over the humiliation and let me go home?”
I snort. Great actress? I’m not sure about that one.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I’m not the one preventing you from going home.”
“I told you; you don’t have to pretend anymore. The test is over. Once someone guesses at my identity and gets close, I fail, and the test is over.”
“Um, this isn’t a test. Listen CF, you’re – we’re – in a completely different world, right?” CF scoffs.
“This is a new one. Can I just leave, please? I know what I’ve done wrong, won’t do it again, and would really like to not be made into a lesson.”
I shrug. “You can leave if you want. It’s not like I’m forcing you to chat or anything. But if you’re talking about leaving leaving…I think that would be next to impossible. You’re not where you think you are. You are in a different world. I wish I was joking, but that’s the truth.”
CF stares down at the floor. “So, I’m in a different world.”
I nod slowly. “Yeah,”
“And there’s no way I can go home.”
“Unfortunately,”
“But I’m still not telling you my name.” I sigh.
“That’s up to you, I guess.”
I fidget in the silence. That was awkward. I guess I shouldn’t be worrying about what children think of me, but I can’t help but feel self conscious. I gaze down at my nails, absently running my thumb across their worn edges.
“I like your hair. It looks nice. Most girls I know have one half of their hair chopped short. Actually, all the girls have their hair like that. Anyway, how old are you? And do you like singing?”
I glance up. “Huh? Oh, thanks!” Well, that sounds rather odd. “Um, I’m nineteen. I guess I don’t really like singing. What about you?”
I’ve taken a few lessons, but I’m not sure I’ll ever be comfortable with the idea of singing in public. Maybe if I lived all alone, with no one to hear or judge me. I’m just too tired of having my voice picked apart and analyzed – too loud, too soft, too flat, too panicked, too…
“Hi, I’m Abirami. I’m from the world of Kaphar. Really, do all the girls from where you are from have Mohawks?” I turn around to see a young man from our party – I think it’s the guy who keeps transforming into strange creatures-
“Um…” CF throws him a wild glance. Yeah. About that…
The man looks down and sighs. He…forgot? I don’t get it – how do you even forget your clothes?
CF stares back at him. “Um… not Mohawks. Just half their head is bald. Are you a bouncer, or something? And,” he laughs, pointing at the side of his face. “Nice make-up.”
“Huh?” I tilt my head down at him.
“Make-up?” Abirami asks.
“Your ears,” CF grins and reaches out, like he’s actually going to try and touch the poor guy’s ears. I curl my lip. Has anyone ever taught you manners? The idea of being touched without permission makes me want to gag.
“These aren’t fake,” Abirami says, leaning down. “They’re my real ears.”
“Okay,” CF laughs. I flinch as he suddenly reaches out and grabs Abirami’s ear. He quickly ducks away, but somehow he doesn’t seem terribly offended. I step back. I’m not sure what I’d do if he tried pulling that on me, but I don’t think it’d be pleasant. Is it ok to slap a kid? It certainly sounds awful, but so is touching people without permission. Anyways, I don’t know if I would actually slap a kid or not, and I’d really rather not find out.
“You shouldn’t go around touching people like that, CF. And he’s not faking it, if that’s what you’re wondering. I saw him disappear, so he’s certainly not human-”
“You mean magic?” I shrug.
“It’s essence,” Abirami says. He shoots him a confused glance. “What’s… mah jick?”
CF stares at him, unconvinced. “Right.”
A sudden explosion tears through the air, rocking the floor beneath us. I stumble with a yelp, hands flying to my ears. What in blazes?
An impossibly tall figure looms in what used to be a doorway, brandishing a flaming sword. I flinch back as he strides into the hall, sheathing his sword with a flourish. He’s absolutely terrifying, with heavy dark armor and…wait…there’s something kind of pink in front of him-
NO.
Kit is poised in front of him, head thrown back like he’s showing off at a party. He’s facing away from me, but I can practically see the lazy grin plastered over his face
The absolute gall of this idiot.
Panic tears through my veins, blurring my senses in a muddy haze. I know he’s challenging him right now – I’ve seen it too many times back home. And he’s obviously outclassed – I know he’s got a gun, but this guy is heavily armored and obviously far more experienced. I don’t know what the blazes Kit is doing out there, but he’s going to die if he doesn’t quit it soon…
Panic claws it’s way up my throat, crushing my chest in it’s thorny grip. If Kit gets killed…
I flinch back as Abirami steps in front of me and CF, blood thundering in my ears. I think he’s going to try and intervene…
I dig my nails into my palm, barely registering the pain over the cold numbness spreading over my whole body. “Hey, umm…Abirami.” He stares back at me, and I let my gaze flicker away. “Just…make sure he doesn’t get too beat up, ok?”
He steps into the aisle and jumps, suddenly turning into that winged, wolf-like form I’d seen before. I hear CF cry out with apparent excitement, but it barely registers. I yank a chair from under the table and collapse into the seat.
*laughs as one fey*
Putting her hands on her hips, she said, “No. Absolutely not. If you can’t tell, we’re in the middle of an event here. Pick that up and sit down. You can deal with this afterwards.” She didn’t bother mentioning that the Castle had its own plans for “afterwards.”
hahahhaha!!!!! oh, that’s great. and…. gives me a wicked idea. (mischievous grin from ear to ear, putting the grinch to shame)
. Is it ok to slap a kid?
hahaha! so funny.
I dig my nails into my palm, barely registering the pain over the cold numbness spreading over my whole body. “Hey, umm…Abirami.” He stares back at me, and I let my gaze flicker away. “Just…make sure he doesn’t get too beat up, ok?” He steps into the aisle and jumps, suddenly turning into that winged, wolf-like form I’d seen before. I hear CF cry out with apparent excitement, but it barely registers. I yank a chair from under the table and collapse into the seat.
haha. that was awesome!
Okay…. so, this is gonna be……… interesting.
Hopefully this is good with you all, but I’m really going to throw a wrench in the works.
(oh, and just in case, to clarify, the castle gave an ultimatum earlier. Abirami asked Ophelia and Jade to dance for Ku’Aya’s birthday, and the castle obliged by giving a dining area/ampitheater/stage for the event – Isaias joined after that (which, by the way… loved his surprise when I transformed into wolf. Nice touch. =). ) BUT the castle gave a major caveat. After the dance, everyone will have to reveal their greatest regret (and if they don’t – the castle will force the character to live it out on stage, in front of everyone… – so… that’s kinda where I’m going to go with this… the castle is going to force the event into being…. hehehe)
but don’t worry… I will do my best to give Saevus a good showing. 😉
Abirami
The tin man swung his sword, and I dodged out of the way. The force of his swing sent a wave of fire and destruction out from its wake.
Where was Ku? Was anyone else injured? Setti? Wait, what was I thinking? Setti isn’t here. Was CF okay? What about Val? Jade and Ophelia? The others?
I had no time. Just had to trust they were okay. I needed to focus on the threat.
I stepped into the cloud of dust. My eyes were better as an aemirok, and I only assumed, better than any metal person. But with a flick of his wrist, the man dispersed the dust.
The amphitheater was in shambles. Tables and chairs were scattered and shattered about. I myself had my claws in the largest shard of a broken table, and my rear legs were balanced on a pile of somewhat unstable wrecks of a number of chairs.
Ku’s birthday present!
I had no time to be angry about that. Scratch that, just add it to the fumes. Use it. This intruder didn’t know what he stepped into.
I reared up and tossed the table I had my claws into directly at Saevus. With a simple wave of his sword, he slashed the table in two, sliding safely past him on either side of him.
What was it he said? I am Saevus? Never heard of him. Was I meant to be impressed? Bah. I’d fought the great Dhiaga multiple times now and lived. The Dhiaga would put this man to shame. From what I could tell so far, he only wielded fire. Still, I should be wary. If he was able to control more than one element, I wouldn’t be taken by surprise. Even then, from what I’d seen so far, this man’s control over the elements paled in comparison to the Dhiaga’s abilities.
(the Dhaiga is an evil emperor who has the ability to control the elements – – fire, earth, air, water, etc. and is also the antagonist of my tales – who is out to kill Abirami due to a blood curse placed upon the emperor as a child that originally targeted Abirami’s father… long story)
The man raised a hand just as a figure caught the corner of my eye.
Jade? By the Maker, what was she doing? No, no, no.
I looked around for Ku, but couldn’t find her. I started forward, but flames erupted all around me and from underneath. Singeing my fur and sending shoots of pain up my extremities, I jumped by reflex and flexed my wings, lifting up into the air.
Ice is not the only temperament this creature is able to manipulate, man of iron, Saevus. You shall feel my wrath… after I save Jade.
Jade stood, facing Saevus.”No!” she hollered. “Absolutely not.”
What brashness and courage! I think I underestimated her, but… was she some kinda stupid?
“If you can’t tell, we’re in the middle of an event here. Stop that this instant and sit down. You can do whatever you want afterwards.”
“Quiet, wench!” Saevus seethed, throwing a back hand at her. Flames leapt from his gauntlets as it hit her full in the cheek. Jade spun and flew off to the side by the impact, and she screamed, holding her cheek with her hands.
I roared in rage, letting full loose of the aemirok’s voice, causing the remaining glass in the room – including the hanging chandelier – to shatter.
Saevus swung his sword toward me, sending a wave of flame my way, but I tucked my wings in, spun, and dove out of the way. I landed on a pillar that stood near the side of the wall and spat ice at him, which he used his sword to intercept.
Then Kit screamed like an idiot and swung a sword at Saevus from behind. Saevus turned and easily parried the sword, the iron man’s flaming weapon melting through the cheap metal like a knife through paper.
I jumped off the pillar and flew toward Saevus.
Kit threw the hilt to the ground and glared up at Saevus in defiance.
By the Maker, had all sense left him?
Slamming into Saevus from behind, I clamped my front claws into his pauldrons. His metal was strong, by my claws were sharper. I flapped my wings as my grip clamped tighter, hoping they would pierce his shoulder beneath, but I couldn’t be for sure.
Seeing Kit stumble back, I forced the augment that I hated the most. Augmenting speech while in animal form.
“See to Jade,” I howled, my voice barely recognizable.
Attempting to rise as high as I could, the incoming attack came sooner than I expected.
Flames shot up from Saevus’ armor and enveloped my legs, forcing me to release him.
Saevus turned and spun, flames licking out of him like a wheel of fire. It hit the floor with a mighty force, the fire splaying out like water upon impact and in it’s center, Saevus, standing in elegance – unfazed. His emblazoned sword still in his hands, crossed at his side.
Pshh. Show off.
I roared and flapped my wings, sending gusts that shifted table and debris. Let’s see how Saevus of the flames deals with gale force wind. Ice shot from my maw, mixing with the whirl of wind to create a miniature blizzard of sorts.
Saevus wrapped his cloak about himself as a fierce blaze encompassed him like a shell.
He withstood my onslaught, then with a scream, flexed out, bursting forth from his protective flaming cloak, and sent a flurry of slashes my way – like a cage of fire.
I dove toward the cage, releasing the essence of the aemirok and transforming seamlessly into a raven. Diving with my wings at my side, I slipped through the raging cage, then continued my dive toward Saevus.
Transforming next into an elephant, I attempted to flatten the man of metal, but he jetted away and escaped my grasp. Shooting waves and balls of fire at me, I transformed into a wolf and dodged in and out of the growing depths of debris.
“Face me, you shapeshifting scum! I shall make you my slave forever,” he hollered. “And, oh,” he laughed wickedly, “what a magnificent pawn you shall be! Grovel, cower, and despair before your master!”
Stopping behind a particularly large pile of debris, I released the essence and stood, brushing the ash off from my bare shoulders.
Saevus took his helm off, placed it under his arm and grinned wickedly. “Count yourself blessed, mortal scum. I fancy your skills and shall make them mine.”
Dust obscured his more finer features, but it mattered little to me. It wouldn’t change my answer.
“My life is the Maker’s, fiend. No other shall lay claim to it,” I hollered back. “And no other deserves my fealty.”
Saevus scowled and replaced his helm. “Fool, you think you have a choice? Powerless scum who dare kick the selvages of the strong know nothing. I… am... Saevus, and you shall learn your place scum! Now kneel in fear before me!”
Screaming I leapt from behind the pile of debris and transformed into the only other creature of Myf I knew – the gippscolide. (the gippscolide is a massive worm-like creature – – think similar to the worms from the movie Dune)
Maw wide open, I dove at Saevus as he sent waves of flames after me, which deflected off my hardened skin like water off a duck’s back. At most, a feint tickle. What was the flames of a madman compared to the magma and the greater depths of Kaphar?
I edged closer, and Saevus raised his flaming sword as flames and… some form of energy… collected above and about him, like he was charging up for some big move.
Suddenly, the room itself began to move and roll about like a wave. Ceiling, wall, and floor converged upon us. A deluge of water swept in from above and doused the flames out, only to disappear into the floor, and plaster, mortar, and wood wrapped itself around Saevus’ sword and wrenched it from his grasp.
With a scream, Saevus was rolled about, but I could not immediately see where he ended up, for a similar thing occurred to myself, as the floor wrapped around myself, lifted me up into the air, and sent me flying toward the stage.
The waves of floor squeezed me until I released the essence, returning to my normal form, and suddenly I found myself standing upon the stage overlooking a pristine auditorium. The tables, chairs, floors and walls… all was as it was before.
Well, not exactly as before. Everyone, I mean literally everyone within the castle, was seated at a table. Candles were lit, and food, water, and wine were laid out at every table. Center front table, Ku’Aya sat, staring up at me dumb-founded. To her right was Ehud, and to her left was CF and Val.
Everyone was dressed to the nines. Hair slicked back or braided in intricate fashion, dresses and fancy suites… even CF had a regal burgundy tie and a slightly off-kilter top hat upon his brow.
Scanning frantically, I eyed Saevus. He was positioned toward the back. His arms were crossed, but it didn’t seem like he was going to move against me or the others…. at least, for now… Kit sat nearby, his eyes glued to him like a hawk.
I looked down and was surprised to find strange tights and stringed slippers upon my feet. Looking to my left and right, I saw Jade and Ophelia with beautiful, frilled dresses on; dresses that frilled out at the waist so as to not impede the movements of the dance, and Isaias, similarly dressed as I. Amazingly, Jade was in full health – not even a bruise, scratch or sign of ash upon her cheek.
A voice boomed throughout the room.
“In honor of Ku’Aya’s birthday, the castle proudly presents…. the dance of flocking secrets.”
hehe. hope that’s acceptable….. after the dance, we have the announcements of everyone’s greatest regrets (or the subsequent reliving of it on stage of their greatest regret should they refuse to reveal it…) and then if Saevus wants to continue our fight…. (Cheshire grin and a wink)
and don’t worry… everyone’s appearance and dress will return to normal after the special event. =)
Please feel free to @ anyone I miss…….
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
oh, and @ethan-leonard
…. wasn’t sure all the abilities Saevus had, so I just went with best educated guess from what I’d seen so far… hope that’s okay. Change the fight scene to your whims if you wish…. =) I tried to do him justice…
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
*Hurries in way too late* Greetings people! I have sort of survived XD I have some catching up to do…
It’ll be fun to see Conroy again! I don’t remember much of him, but I look forward to seeing what you’ll do with him!
Hi Ethan! Welcome! Saevus is really cool! I love that art of him!
My characters are Ophelia and Calliope:
Ophelia is a dancer and studies ballet, she comes across as somewhat silly and shallow, but she’s actually very insecure and cares about people a lot.
Cal is extremely honest to the point of harshness. She generally dislikes people and lives from spite XD She also has blue hair XD
As you might guess, they don’t get along well. They’re from a vaguely contemporary setting!
Basil certainly isn’t my most lovable character, but I have such a soft spot for him
He’s n o t??? XD Basil is my favorite and this is the hill I die on XD I love the others a whole lot but Basil is mine XD
Also, gosh, Kit’s reaction to Saevus 😭🤣
Who knew people could be surprising, or interesting? And here was seemingly frilly, shallow Ophelia doing a decent job at giving ballet lessons to Abirami of all people.
I really, really love how Jade has started to see past Ophelia’s apparent shallowness. It makes me so happy to read!! It also means I’m writing her right, and that makes me happy too 😀
And I love how Jade just marched up to Saevus and told him to shut up and sit down XD That gave me such a laugh!
@everyone
I really like this more dangerous turn of events, I think Ophelia will have an interesting reaction! Also… I had an idea for the end of the dance… I’ll write it eventually. It shouldn’t interrupt the next part!
Also, I’ll be introducing another character after the greatest regrets. I can’t wait for Frey to make his debut XD I think I might pull Ophelia sometime after that. I’ve learned a LOT about her!
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
I step back. I’m not sure what I’d do if he tried pulling that on me, but I don’t think it’d be pleasant. Is it ok to slap a kid? It certainly sounds awful, but so is touching people without permission.
XD Conroy does seriously need discipline.
It’s so sweet to see Abirami slowly adopting Conroy. 🙂
CONROY
“Huh? Oh, thanks! Um, I’m nineteen. I guess I don’t really like singing. What about you?” Miss Valencia said.
“Well, I-”
“Hi, I’m Abirami,” a half-dressed guy interrupted. “I’m from the world of Kaphar. Really, do all the girls from where you are from have Mohawks?”
“Uh, I don’t know what Mohawks are, but they do have their hair cut short on one side. Usually to their ear.”
I glanced at Mr. Abirami. His ears were…pointy? “How’d you do that?” I asked, pointing at his ears.
“Do what?”
“Your ears. They’re pointy.”
Mr. Abirami chuckled and leaned forward. “I was born with ears like this. I didn’t do anything to them to make them pointy.”
“Okay.” I reached out and touched the tip of his ears. They seemed real enough.
Miss Valencia gave me a disapproving look.
Oh. I had forgotten that rule of “Touch with your eyes, not hands.” I smiled half-apologetically at Mr. Abirami.
“You shouldn’t go around touching people like that, CF. And he’s not faking it, if that’s what you’re wondering. I saw him disappear, so he’s certainly not human-” Miss Valencia explained.
He could disappear? It was one thing to be able to run at 60 miles an hour, but disappearing? I concluded that there was only one thing allowed a person to do that. “You can do magic?”
“It’s essence,” Abirami answered. “What’s… mah jick?”
Essence? I shoot him an unconvinced look. “Seems like magic to me.”
The wall exploded, hurling rocks and wood.
I yelped as a giant figure appeared from the dust. I dove under the table, watching the room from between Miss Valencia’s feet.
A man with pink hair strolls up to the giant. What was he doing? You don’t just walk up to a giant who just destroyed a wall and ask them what their name is! It was asking for trouble. Trouble that usually ended in death of the weaker one and clearly the pink hair guy was the weaker.
Abirami leapt into the air, turning into a winged wolf as he did so.
“Cool,” I breathed.
I watched as Abirami swooped into the giant’s face and winced as the giant swung his sword. He missed. I squealed with growing excitement. A real actual fight!
Miss Valencia collapsed into a chair. I gazed up at her face. One word popped into my mind: intense worry.
I shrugged. Girls were just to0 sensitive to this stuff.
I turned back just in time to see Abirami into a giant worm thing. “That’s. So. Cool!” I yelled.
The giant was doing something. Something big. Something dangerous. Something- I retreated farther into the table.
Suddenly, the floor curled around me.
“Hey! Let go!” I thrashed wildly, but the wood held me fast. It plopped me on a chair and then stuffed a hat on my head. I slumped back in my chair then bolted up as an unknown fabric scratched my back. My clothes! I growled and fell back in my seat. Wonderful.
“In honor of Ku’Aya’s birthday, the castle proudly presents…. the dance of flocking secrets.” a voice boomed.
I groaned. Even better. We were going to watch ballet.
The plate in front of me rattled. I looked down. Food!
Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad after all.
I have an idea for Cal as well, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to write her today. I’ll just start with Ophelia and try to do Cal soon. I’ve been sorely neglecting her XD
Ophelia
Abirami was finally getting the hang of it. I grinned, thrilled with the development.
He hurried off to go get the others and I stayed behind, anxiously rocking from one foot to the other. I checked my nails, for what might have been the tenth time in as many minutes.
The heavy red curtain muffled the murmurs of conversation beyond it. Jade stretched one last time on the stage. I mentally ran through the dance steps, drawing them out in the air as though that would help me remember. I only hoped I wouldn’t forget halfway through.
I hurried into the wings. Isaias stood waiting for me, his expression split between excitement and nervousness.
I smiled at him, no matter how fake it felt. I was about to strike up a conversation when a loud clatter broke through the curtain.
Jade bounced upright and peered through the curtains. Her entire posture was rigid.
A voice thundered across the room, the sound warped and twisted by the curtains. I flinched, instinctively trying to disappear into myself. Whatever that was, I didn’t want to know. Everything was fine. It had nothing to do with me.
Isaias hurried past me, leaving me indecisive in the half-gloom of the wings.
“Jade, did Abirami really just turn into a wolf?”
He’d what? Oh, wait, that had happened earlier, hadn’t it? Had it? I couldn’t remember. It sounded familiar, but then again, that didn’t mean much.
Jade’s face was set in the same hard lines as Athena’s when she’d made up her mind about something.
“Yes, long story. Stay with Ophelia.”
I took a step forward, but she’d already bounded through the curtain, off the stage.
The music from the player kept grinding on, like a music box, even through a roar and a clatter. That sounded big.
My breaths came faster, and I tried to calm down. I was just being hysterical. Nothing was wrong. Isaias shot me a look that was anything but reassuring.
I smiled, but it felt as though I had to tear it out of myself to manage it. Everything would be fine. I couldn’t let anyone see me panic.
Something crashed past us, a wave of smoke and dust and fire. This couldn’t be happening. As though I moved on a dream, my feet barely seeming to touch the stage, I bounded forward and yanked Isaias out of the way, into the wings, away from the destruction. My foot caught on something and I crashed to the ground. The breath tore from my lungs, the impact seeming to paralyze me.
I tried to bite down on my shriek of pain and panic. I couldn’t panic. I couldn’t cry. Nevertheless, my breath caught in a sob that mingled with the grinding, repetitive tune that sounded far too sickly sweet.
The spatters of smoke and ash smeared across my pink skirt as I scrambled upright. I hid beneath the table, covering my ears as though that would block out the roar of fire and ash. Where was Isaias?
I wasn’t crying. I couldn’t cry. The salty drops burned a path through waxy lipstick. It would leave dark streaks beneath my eyes. How would I be able to fix that?
Jade screamed. I disappeared further into myself, trying to fold myself into invisibility.
The way I was trying to block out the noise from the explosion would inevitably mess up my previously neat bun. How would I get the ash stains out of my dress?
The room swayed as though I was on a boat. Or was I just dizzy? The wave of nausea swept around me, washing over me. The smell of blood and plaster was so strong I almost gagged. It was mixed with the familiar scents of hairspray and chalk. Where was I even? This couldn’t be real.
Something hurled me out from beneath the table, the impact leaving me half gasping, half crying. It felt like I was being yanked to my feet like a marionette. That eternal, unstoppable tune was going to haunt my nightmares.
Silence fell like a blow. Had I gone deaf? Was anything real? I cleared my throat, trying to ignore the pain from trying to hold in my tears. I heard that at least.
Slowly, everything came back into focus. Jade stood beside me, unscathed despite her scream. She looked as though she had just landed on a different planet. With surprise, I noted she was made up, in the heavier style usually used for the stage. Even more surprising, she wore a tutu, a sky blue one embellished with gemstones. It looked perfect on her.
I glanced down at myself and realized I was no longer wearing my ash-stained clothing, but a matching pale pink tutu. A small mirror rested on the table. Feeling as though I was moving in a dream, I picked it up and checked my makeup. It was perfect. Not even mascara stains. My eyes were so bloodshot it was obvious I’d been crying, the one dissonant note. I let out a deep, shuddering breath, and forced myself to smile, as though that would erase everything.
__________
Well that was kinda creepy to write XD I had fun though!
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
lol. I wish you could “like” posts in here. Would make it easier, I think.
that was awesome!
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
😂I bet. You can see why I’m trying to develop his character so that he is not just boom town everyday
You did a good job, but two things (1), he doesn’t really control the elements, it’s more that he uses witchcraft, and (2) he doesn’t take his helmet off. Uses it for intimidation purposes. Also his powers…he is so strong that creating a couple copies of the One Ring of Sauron in a single day would be an easy task for him.
Saevus looked around. He had no idea what had just happened. He was now standing in a pristine room with food on every table, and a nice big chair for him to sit on. Nothing seemed broken. The wolf-thing who had dared to challenge him had not only changed into a humanoid form, but was also eyeing him, so Saevus stared back till he looked away.
The one off thing was the stage at the side of the room. Several people were standing on the stage, dressed for what looked like…ballet?
Saevus, for once in his life, decided to watch. Conquering the place could wait for a moment. For now, what on earth was going on?
Cause I mean, this dark lord is of course gonna wanna watch a ballet 😂😂😂😂
Isaias
Woah. What kind of crazy was this place? A seven foot Protector on fire? Abirami turning into a wolf? That was kinda cool.
Isaias turned to look at Jade, who’d gone rigid. “Did Abirami really just turn into a wolf?” He bounced on the balls of his feet.
Jade gave him a curt nod. “Yes, long story. Stay with Ophelia.”
Stay? Then was she — “Jade, what —?”
But she was gone, marching toward the funky Protector. Of course she was going to challenge him. Isaias rubbed his hand across his face. Even with his recusant nature, he’d never challenged a Protector. Worked against them indirectly, yes. Run from them, yes. He tensed to follow Jade.
Then he heard a scuffle behind him. Turning, he found Ophelia taking deep breaths. Stay with Ophelia. Did she get nervous during trouble or something? He took one step toward her, hand outstretched. A plume of fire and smoke rushed by and obscured his vision. Next thing Isaias knew, Ophelia jerked him out of the way, pulling him from the sudden deluge of fiery curtains and boards. She disappeared just a suddenly into the dimness.
Isaias tried to breathe, but ashes choked him. Where was Ophelia? Where was Jade?! Someone’s scream pierced his ears. “Jade!” he yelled.
Naught but crashes and flames answered him.
Isaias started crawling, trying to find anyone, anything. “Jade!” How long would the fruitless din stab him with no reply? “Ja—!”
Something threw Isaias to his feet. What was wrong with the floor? He crouched down, feeling as though he were a child again, clinging to the rickety tractor. Except that it was silent. No more crashes or screams. He couldn’t even open his mouth; the silence choked him.
Flickery torches began to ignite of themselves, revealing Ophelia and — Jade? And where’d they get those clothes? Isaias had never seen Jade in anything except the black Benevola uniforms everyone else wore, and now she wore a sort of short dress as blue and sparkling as the quiet northern lakes.
Was this real? Isaias bounded forward and hugged Jade just to make sure. Yep. An apparition couldn’t shove him away with such force. He smiled.
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!I really, really love how Jade has started to see past Ophelia’s apparent shallowness. It makes me so happy to read!! It also means I’m writing her right, and that makes me happy too 😀
And I love how Jade just marched up to Saevus and told him to shut up and sit down XD That gave me such a laugh!
Yes, and it’s good for Jade, too! She sees most other people as utterly incompetent. And I’m glad you’re happy 🙂
XD Yeah, she’s pretty determined not to let anyone mess up any plan she’s made, and she hates arrogant people even though she is one 😂 Of course, she’s also got no idea what Saevus is, so she has no reason to fear him.
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!Jade
”Quiet, wench!” shouted the weird fire guy, swinging his metal-gloved hand at Jade.
She ducked in time to avoid the blow, but not the fire that suddenly burst from his hand. Searing agony licked the side of her face. She dropped to her knees in shock, cupping her cheek in her hand and screaming. Then she fell silent, and something deep within her snapped. This was no different than any other Protector idiot. She’d seen this too many times. A vision of Airu’s boyfriend being dragged away flashed before her eyes, and she gritted her teeth. No more.
Jade crawled toward a table that, as of yet, remained standing. She pawed around the table till finding a steak knife, several of which she’d seen on the tables earlier. Then more crawling with each step shooting pain across her face. No more. And this big head wasn’t going to get Abirami, either. Or Isaias, or Ophelia, or any other miserable soul here.
It was almost too perfect. The metal guy was so occupied with Wolf-Abirami, why should he notice a tiny fury of a girl?
”Jade!” A lost-sounding wail reached her ears.
Not now, Isaias. She crept closer, ignoring each successively panicked shout. He’d understand later. She poised, knife raised, ready to throw it at the right moment. And it was coming. Abirami drove him closer, closer…
The floor heaved like a floating dock, and her concentration didn’t break. Then the Castle threw her, and it most certainly did. Something wrenched the knife out of her hand, while something else brushed against her cheek. She clutched her stinging skin again. But it no longer stung. It itched violently, and then it nothing. It just normaled. Her legs shivered. Why were they so cold? She reached down to feel them, but some stiff fabric got in the way. As light came flickering back, she saw what it was. A tutu?
Jade looked up to find Ophelia examining herself in a mirror, and Jade caught a glimpse of herself, too, wearing glittery blue and as much paint as Ophelia. She wrinkled her nose.
Out of nowhere, someone barreled into her and wrapped strong arms around her. She shoved him away till she was able to actually see who it was. Isaias, of course Isaias, with Abirami behind him. Both of them wore fancy new clothes, too.
”Didn’t you hear me?” asked Isaias.
Ugh.
We are called to be lights in the cosmos.
May your inkwells never run dry!@ethan-leonard @jared-williams I’m going to change Kit’s part a little bit – for the sake of his dignity (and his chance with Val) I’m going to have to tone down his stupidity XD He’s hotheaded and impulsive in his own story too, but it’s in a much more modern setting so…idk how real any of this really is to him tbh. I’m going to try and prod him back in character – he’s actually pretty chivalrous in his own world (hard to believe, I know XD), but then again he also exists to create chaos at any given opportunity so…we’ll see how he cooperates
I do think it’s relevant that when an escaped super-soldier accidentally broke into Kit and his brothers’ apartment, he chased him up a cabinet and hurled cans of beans at him until he cried, so…take that as you will XD
Kit:
I stiffen as the man leans toward me. Don’t flinch, don’t flinch, don’t-
“I…am…SAEVUS!” I jump back as he lifts his arms, flames leaping from the seams of his armor. Fire and smoke blaze around him, wreathing him in a shifting veil of flame.
I raise an eyebrow.
Cool? I guess? I’m not really sure what the whole point is here, but I guess it’s kind of flashy?
I mean, I guess if I could set myself on fire for fun I’d be showing off too, but this is definitely supposed to be a threat. Part of me feels like he’s bluffing – he’s still just standing there, doing absolutely nothing – but I’m not about to find out. I shrug and back away.
“It’s quite impressive, I’ll admit. I bet you could do some really cool stunts with that kind of…uhh…talent!”
Ever consider joining a circus? That’s the question that was burning on the tip of my tongue, but I guess that’s hardly a good way to de-escalate this situation. I shoot him a dazzling grin and flick my hand in farewell.
“Anyways, pleasure to meet you…Saevus. I’ll be taking my leave now.” I’ve only just turned to leave when an earsplitting roar rips through the air, shaking the chandelier above us. My heart lurches as a giant animal tears past me and vomits some sort of liquid ice onto the giant showoff guy- I mean Saevus- dousing the flames shooting through his armor.
I stumble backwards, chest clenched with some mix of growing panic and relief. I think this creature is rescuing me? At least, I hope so – it’s scary, but kind of cool too – like a giant wolf with wings and terrifyingly sharp claws. It’s so familiar…have I seen it in here before?
I wonder if it’s fur is soft…you think it likes pets?“I will make you my pet, beast!” With a roar, Saevus swings his sword at the wolf, splintering the wall above him. I pull my coat over my mouth as dust and stone cascade down, thickening the air into a choking haze. With a wave from Saevus, the air clears, and I feel painfully exposed. I scramble across the debris, desperate to escape this mess – my mess, I guess. I did escalate it after all. Still, I wasn’t expecting it to get this bad, and there’s really not much more I can do at this point-
Unless…
The wolf shoots into the air as flames erupt beneath. ”No!” a woman yells. “Absolutely not.” I whip around to see a girl standing right beside Saevus, hands on her hips. What?
“If you can’t tell, we’re in the middle of an event here. Stop that this instant and sit down. You can do whatever you want afterwards.” My heart skips a beat. I can’t BELIEVE she’s out here confronting him like that – she’s right up in his face, and she hasn’t even flinched! She kind of reminds me of someone back home, like maybe Cousin Rosemary, or…or…
Eli.
I grin.
Now that’s scary.
I want to leave, but my eyes are glued to the scene – well…actually to the girl. She looks so strong, and yet so vulnerable here – she’s just an ordinary human like me, alone and completely unarmed except for sheer spite and force of will.
“Quiet, wench!” Saevus rages. He throws a hand at her, shooting flames from his iron gauntlet. The girl screams as it hits her cheek, falling back from the force of the flames. I don’t want to, but I can’t help but stare in a mix of horror and growing fury. That kind of burn could leave her disfigured for life – or even blinded! There has to be something I can do – I mean, I did kind of start the issue to begin with, after all. But what?
I flinch as a deafening roar shakes the hall. Glass tumbles from the remains of the chandelier, shattering around me as I dive for cover. I slip behind a pillar, peering out at the carnage. Almost instinctively, my hand flies to my hip, fingers locking around the grip of my revolver. But is there any use? He’s heavily armored after all – really only a slit of room on his face for even the slightest, tiniest chance of a good hit. I grit my teeth.
How obnoxious.
That slit in his helmet though…
I’d never be able to get a clean shot, of course, but that bullet might knock a chunk out of the mask, or maybe-
NO.
It’s lead, so it’s going to explode into a melted balloon of metal on that mask. I’m not sure if it’ll hurt him too bad, given that he’s not looking entirely human at this point, but it’d sure be obnoxious. I wonder if I can lodge it on the edge of that slit – like a perpetual hangnail, but w o r s e
I grin. Now that would be annoying! If it’s bad enough, he might even take it off entirely – like to get a good look at it. At his own peril, of course.
I creep up behind him, keeping a good distance, hand locked around the gun. If I get too close, it could ricochet right off of him and hit someone, which is the last thing I want right now. I flinch back as more fire shoots across the floor. This one will be tricky.
I survey my surroundings. Just about everyone’s fled by now, except the injured girl and that wolf lookin’ critter – now perched on a pillar.
I draw the revolver, aiming for that T-shaped slit in his helmet. I grit my teeth, finger firmly locked beside the trigger – can’t have any accidental shootings here. I’ve got a clear shot now, and no one’s in the way, but the blazing idiot just won’t stop moving.
“Oh can you please just stand still already?” I groan.
Come on, come on, come on-
Saevus pauses, staring straight at me – he must’ve heard my voice or something. I grin back at him.
BANG.
“Gotcha!” There’s a hot chunk of lead on his helmet alright! I barely have time to register my little victory before his sword comes crashing down besides me. I jump out of the way, blood thundering in my head. Well yikes!
The wolf suddenly crashes into Saevus from behind, claws slicing through his armor like a hot knife through butter. I stumble back as the creature thrashes, wings pumping in the dusty air.
“See to Jade,” it howls, eyes locking my gaze with feverish intensity.
“Huh? Wait, me?” That animal…talks? But even more important-
“WHO THE BLAZES IS JADE?” I shrink back into the wreckage, throwing a desperate glance around the ruined amphitheater. There’s a girl way in the back picking across the debris – could that be Jade?
WAIT
Yeah, that’s the girl who Saevus attacked, and I’m guessing she’s the one I’ve been assigned to protect. I start picking my way across the wreck, tentatively climbing over flipped tables and splintered wood. The fire and noise from the fight starts to slip away, and right now I can just see the girl – Jade – and the absolute minefield of wreckage between us. I quickly sidestep a smoldering patch of rubble, stumbling on a loose piece of stone. My heart lurches as I suddenly slip. I wince as my ankle twists in a pocket of debris, pain slicing through the joint like millions of tiny little knives. There’s a clear patch up ahead, and all I have to do is just-
I gasp as the floor suddenly lurches under me. The hall flips, convulsing in waves of shattered stone. My heart drops as my feet slips out from under me. For a split second, I’m free falling in the dusty air, with nothing above or below or around me – I’m falling and before I know it I’m going to smash right into the-
I choke as icy water crashes around me, sucking the air out of my lungs. I squeeze my eyes shut, gasping and coughing for breath, and then before I know it the room wheels around me and I’m falling all over again…
I tentatively open my eyes. The auditorium before me looks perfect, like nothing had ever happened. There’s a stage in front of us, and a sea of pristine tables. I’m sitting at one right now – dry and completely intact. Candles flicker on the soft white table cloth, glimmering in spotless glasses of red wine. I rub my eyes. Was this all a dream?
I glance down absently – Hey where’d my rings go? And my coat’s gone too! I can tell I’m wearing a crisp black suit now, a real expensive one too, but I really wish I could actually see what I look like. I can tell that my hair’s been brushed back, away from my eyes, and I can no longer feel the pressure of the hard onyx studs in my ears. I shift in my seat. There’s certain parts of my wardrobe that are a constant – like my coat and jewelry – and I feel exposed without them. I no longer have the revolver either, which is worrying, and my wallet’s disappeared with my old clothes.
I glance around the table nervously. There’s a couple of kids here, one blond kid and the girl with green skin. And to my right?
My heart skips a beat as Val glances up at me, nervously tucking a loose curl behind her ear. Her raven hair is braided in a regal up do, pinned back with a delicate gold hairpiece and scattered with sprays of fragile white flowers. She chews her lip – stained a soft burgundy, perfectly matching her shimmering evening gown. I flush and suddenly look away, heart pounding. For once, I feel completely and utterly under dressed for the occasion. And out of all the times I could look this plain, why did it have to happen when Val looks so stunning?
Something shiny on my lapel catches my eye. It’s a little boutonniere – a spray of white flowers like in Valencia’s hair, delicately wrapped with fragile gold.
That’s the kind of thing couples do together, and I’m pretty sure if I were to ask Val back in Spire she’d say no.
My shoulders drop.
What a cruel joke.
I barely glance up as a voice booms through the auditorium.
“In honor of Ku’Aya’s birthday, the castle proudly presents…. the dance of flocking secrets.”
*sighs* so…I guess Kit didn’t feel terribly cooperative after all
So, I changed Kit’s sword moment to a gun moment – swords aren’t super common in Spire, and he and Val are always armed anyways because their quest takes them into some rather…questionable…territories XD
I have never actually shot a revolver, and I am not terribly knowledgeable about guns, but I tried to do a little research XD I’m pretty sure Kit’s ploy was incredibly dangerous, but it’s a character castle after all, so I’m not too concerned. Feel free to change anything that’s inaccurate, and feel free to change your characters too!
*laughs as one fey*
That was awesome!
🙂
Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and left untried. ~ G.K.C.
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