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 Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 9:51 pm
It was dark. The darkness seemed to permeate the night scape, making it difficult to see. There was no moon and precious little stars. Toulouse looked up at the faceless sky trying to catch a breath that came to him in ragged gasps. He clenched his sword in a hand dripping with sweat that mingled with a slight trace of blood. His blade glinted dully because of the wet fluids that tickled down it in a fine sheen. Had he finally outrun Icarus?
Toulouse straightened up from the tree he had been leaning against, trying to calmly look around for any sign of movement. He strained his ears but heard only darkness about him. Still, he didn’t not sheath his sword and well he didn’t. For, from out of the dark gaps in the trees came a haughty sickly laugh.
“You can’t outrun me little prince.” The voice of Icarus trickled down Toulouse’s spin like warm poison. “I’ll get you in the end.” A flash of silver found it’s way to Toulouse, who parried the attack with his own sword. He jumped back from the clashing sound of metal, running from the man who wanted to kill him.
Toulouse dashed through the trees, jumping stones and dips in the road. He heard Icarus close behind him and ran harder, slipping through the trees like water.
Toulouse thought he was in some sort of park or something, but he wasn’t sure. Too many different landscapes had he past for him to be able to keep track of. Suddenly, he burst through the trees to see a locked gate before him. Relying on reflex, Toulouse jumped the fence nimbly just as a wickedly laughing Icarus did.
A city of sorts spread out before Toulouse. If he couldn’t lose Icarus in the country, then he would have to do it in the city. It wasn't from fear that Toulouse ran, it was because he didn’t want to kill the other Fae if he could help it.
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:13 pm
For some reason it seemed the night best suited the newly hatched child, the darkness enveloping her with a feeling that could only be described as overly familiar if not a little nostalgic, and as she stood outside on the porch with her bare feet touching the concrete she could only raise her eyes towards the heavens.
A gentle breeze from the northwest issued from around the trees that lined the walkway she stood on, rustling about her legs and lifting up the hem of the nightgown she wore, and with an idle hand she pushed the fabric down. The wind felt uneasy to Pasayo, and therefore she herself felt slightly uneasy, as a night as dark as this was one she had not seen before in the little time she had experienced, and for a moment she wondered if she should go back inside and call Piero or Houkan out to join her.
" . . . "
She was about to turn on her heels and go back inside when a sound on the wind seemed to catch her ear, something inaudible but creating a stronger feeling of unease. Her mouth quickly opened and her voice issued forth, though such a weak sound.
" . . .Master . . . "
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:33 pm
Toulouse’s feet pounded against the concrete, air whooshing through his ears. He felt a breath on the nape of his neck as his only warning. Toulouse whirled around, raising his shinning sword against Icarus’
“Boo.” Whispered the older man, his dark cape fluttering about him as he slashed at Toulouse. He was an old god of the hunt and looked it. Everything about him was a soft chocolaty brown from his hair, to his skin, to his eyes. He would have been handsome if his face had not been marred with a murderous look.
“No, stop!” Toulouse cried out as he was driven back. He parried every one of Icarus’ blows as best he could. He kept an defensive stance, moving only to keep his skin from the bite of steal. He didn’t want to kill. Toulouse feinted right, then left, running in a swift movement around and away from Icarus.
“You’ll have to do better than that!” Icarus called.
Toulouse dashed down the sidewalk, towards a strange building. It was different from the others, looming up into the sky with a dome like head. The lights were on at the place and Toulouse spotted a little girl in the doorway. She looked very young and somehow familiar.
The snick of a smaller blade being unsheathed resounding through the night, catching Toulouse’s ear. He could have dodged the blade easily enough, but that little girl was standing right there in front of him! That thought alone made his blood run cold. He would have his death before that of an innocent.
The throwing knife hissed through the air like a snake and Toulouse made no move to dodge it. The steel hit Toulouse’s shoulder in a wet, meaty thunk. The force of the impact sent Toulouse sprawling to the ground. His body slid painfully against the concrete as he came to rest at the feet of the little girl. Toulouse lay still, his blood flooding the ground in a constant wave.
Icarus advanced, sword raised.
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:55 pm
"You shall come no further onto this ground."
A deep voice issued from the doorstep almost right away, and Piero quickly took a step down as he raised his right hand, finally stopping his stride right in front of Toulouse's bleeding frame. He moved his wrist so that his palm was facing forwards towards this unknown invader, and as quickly as he could he made a counterclockwise circle in the air.
"Nothing is allowed to enter without my permission. You will never enter this place without my permission."
For a moment the roots of Piero's hair began to glow, the silver crackling as if it were being invoked by an ancient pact created so long ago that still held to this day. No power had been lost over the passage of time and as the land's current master, no words held as much weight as Piero's did. If it could be seen by the human eye something akin to a barrier quickly grew in front of the trio, spreading itself out and surrounding all the land that was not occupied by Icarus. The barrier extended high into the sky and quite possibly deep underground, sealing the land away from all those who would dare enter.
"Master..."
Pasayo stood where she had only moments before, her body refusing to move despite the obvious terror she was experiencing at the incidents that had just occurred. The child's small knees were shaking together as she moved a few steps closer to Toulouse and her Master, finally reaching Piero's side after stumbling a few times.
Not a part of her brain understood what was going on. She didn't recognize either of the two that had come tumbling in, and how had Piero known to come out so quickly and perform what he had? Did her Master always have this kind of ability before...?
"You had best be on your way, good sir, for you are not welcome on my land. Try as you may, be what you may, you shall never enter."
Piero's voice was hard as he started at the god, uncaring that he may be challenging something beyond the scope of his imagination. All he knew was that an injured child lay at his feet and there was a threat to his home.
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:22 pm
Icarus stepped back from the human who had just invoked some kind of protective barrier. “What magic is this?” He hissed through his teeth, sword raised as if to fend off some mighty blow. “I offer you no harm gentle sir and lady. The boy with golden hair is the one seek. Let me enter for him.”
Trying to move forward, Icarus pushed against the barrier, his own magic snapping with power against the magician’s own. He would have the prince dead. It was what the Queen wished and since she wished it, so would he do. He gritted his teeth as he fought against magic more powerful than his. It was a strange magic and he had no way of countering it.
Icarus’ cried out as he was thrown backwards from the force of all the power. “Damn you!” He snarled, spitting at the magician’s feet, all his pretty words gone. “I will kill the prince!” He rushed the barrier.
Toulouse stirred, fighting back a moan that clung to the back of his throat. Where was he? His shoulder burned around the steel, his own heart pumping out his life giving fluids. Toulouse glanced around him and was surprised to find Piero standing in front of him with his hands outward towards Icarus. The little girl was clinging to Piero's pant leg now.
Wiping blood from his mouth and squeezing his eyes against the pain, Toulouse reached to the knife in his back pulling it free as if his body was its sheath. He almost cried out but didn’t as his world swam.
Through blurry eyes, he saw the milky ghost of Icarus coming running at the house, only to be knocked backwards. Toulouse knew there was magic afoot but not what kind. It was very strange. He just couldn't seem to make sense of things.
Using the wall for support, Toulouse scrambled to stand up. His legs felt like jelly, shaking badly. “…P…Piero?” Toulouse asked befuddled as he watch Icarus fighting against the invisible shield with all his might. When had Piero become so powerful? Wasn’t he just a human?
Toulouse held the knife in his right hand, his sword was somewhere, trying to decide what to do. His brain worked sluggishly, like the blood that was soaking into his shirt and the top of his pants. He didn't want to kill Icarus if he broke through the barrier but he knew that he might have to, if only to protect Piero and his family.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:02 am
Inwardly Piero laughed at the crude actions of the man who rushed at the barrier time and time again, wondering how this Icarus would react should he know the true power behind the so called 'magic'. It was not something to pride himself in as that part of his family history could probably best be described as a stain, but it appeared to come in handy for moments like these.
"Despite your reasoning good sir, and your promise of no injury to myself or my child, I still cannot let you inside. This child is now under my protection and as such you have now power here. Be gone before I extend my lines of power and banish you."
At the weak sound of Toulouse's voice Piero turned his gaze away from Icarus, no trace of worry on his features that the barrier he created might actually crumble away. He knew that as long as he lived on this land an old deal would always be in effect for himself and any who shared his blood, so there was nothing to fear.
"Yes, I am Piero. It is good to see you again Toulouse, though I wish we could have met under quite different circumstances."
Piero smiled softly at the boy, his eyes flickering to the angry wound that stained the ground so red and clear despite the pale light offered by the windows of the home and the gifts of nature. There was so much blood gathering around Toulouse's frame already, dying his clothes a color that would shame the rose, and trying to stay as positive as he could to help ease the situation he allowed the smile to remain on his lips.
"Please do not move. You are bleeding badly and will perish if you continue to do so. Limiting your movements should allow some time for our resident healer to come and aid you. I am fairly certain that my younger brother has noticed this incident by now and is summoning the child as we speak."
It was true that Houkan was indeed moving, as the boy had been jarred from his schoolwork induced slumber the moment he sensed his elder brother step outside and raise the barrier that would protect their land. He was already halfway down the hallway that lead to the conservatory and was picking up his pace as he could feel the unease gathering along his spine. Once he would reach Sol things would change and Toulouse would now be safer.
"Toulouse please do not trouble yourself to try and defend Pasayo and myself, you are safe behind this barrier that this man can never enter no matter who or what he may be. There are some forces that can not be matched with."
To whom or what Piero was referring to probably had to do with the silver color of his hair, a color that was quickly spreading and overtaking the dark brown at a terrifying pace. The brown was soon gone and replaced with the glistening silver, and Piero wondered if someone as old as this child, someone this wise, would understand what that color meant on a human.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:27 pm
“What is the matter my prince?” Icarus sneered, spreading his arms wide. “Are you afraid to face me? Come, fight me like the man that you pretend to be. You can’t hide behind that barrier forever. I am a patient sidhe Aurelian. I can wait.” Smiling, the hunter laughed wildly, pacing the boundary of the wall like some strange cat.
Toulouse pushed himself from the side of the house, leaving a muddy print of blood against the stucco. His blue eyes shown with a feral light that seemed to push his pain aside as he bared his teeth at Icarus. “That…” He snarled in fury at the sound of that name. “…that is my name no longer.”
Icarus stepped back involuntarily as he gazed into the twin pools of fire that were the prince’s eyes. If Toulouse’s anger had been an arrow, it would have flown across the night and struck Icarus dead.
Grasping his bleeding arm, Toulouse dropped the dagger in his hand and lurched forward to stand next to Piero and...and Pasayo! He noticed how the girl trembled and wished he had stayed away. She was just as beautiful as her egg and for a moment Toulouse's anger was overcome with gladness for the little girl. He reached for her vibrant pink hair, a featherlight touch, before pulling away. He needed to focus he warned himself as he shook his head slowly from side to side.. His mind was wandering from the present and that was not good. All this talk of 'prince' and the sight of Pasayo reminded him painfully of how much he missed his sisters.
“What should I do? He is right.” Toulouse whispered to Piero in a heavy breath, his anger was still present but it was quieted for the moment. His mind, it seemed, was back on the current situation. “I can’t stay here. The moment I step foot out your door, he will be waiting for me.” Using his other hand, Toulouse shakily wiped the sweat from his brow and continued, “This has to end. I will not bow to a false Queen. I won’t let them take me back, even if I have to kill Icarus. I’d rather die a second time then go back.”
Toulouse gripped his shoulder tighter trying to staunch the blood. He moved with a grim purpose towards the magical wall and towards his fallen sword. The power of the barrier bit and snapped at his own magic, fighting against it. It was almost more painful than the knife wound. Toulouse made a small hurt noise, pausing in front of the wall. He didn’t want to pass through that power. What would it do to him? The magic smelled strongly of sulfur and for the first time, Toulouse was vaguely aware of Piero’s now silver hair.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 5:38 pm
"I am sorry Toulouse, but you cannot leave without my permission either. Just as this barrier keeps those I do not allow out, it keeps those I wish for in until I give them leave to go."
Piero's voice did sound sympathetic, though it held an authority to it that meant he was serious and would not be changing his mind any time soon.
"You are going to stay here until your wound is at least healed properly, and when the time comes I will let you go to decide your own fate then. Until that time,"
He turned his head, his silver hair moving with the motion and seeming to glow in the night, setting his eyes into a deep glare against Icarus.
"Be gone from here. He is no longer in your reach."
The 'he' was of course referring to Toulouse, whom Pasayo now stood beside with knees still slightly quivering.
"You...should do as Master says, you know. You are far too hurt to even try fighting back, pride or not."
Pasayo was mostly speaking whatever came to her mind, unsure of what she was trying to say and mean. While everything in her body told her to run inside now and leave her Master out here to handle any final business, part of her heart and brain told her to stand beside this youth she had never seen before, possessed no memory of.
"Please...wait until you are better."
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:17 pm
“No…” Toulouse shook his head, looking at the ground then to Pasayo. “It has nothing to do with pride but with…” He let out a harsh breath his hand convulsing over his wound while his body shook with the effort to stand. He couldn’t even remember what he was going to say. What…was it? He blinked blearily, turning to face Piero.
“Please, you don’t understand.” With a suddenly stricken look, Toulouse stumbled closer to Piero, looking at the taller man with round, shocky blue eyes. He fumbled at Piero’s jacket, gripping the fabric in his hands. His blood seemed to be getting everywhere now. “Please, please Piero let me out. Please. I have to…” Toulouse’s voice was thready at best, sounding to be on the verge of tears.
Icarus laughed at the pathetic display. “No, no. Go ahead and stay. You can keep the poor b*****d magician. I hope he dies behind your wall. If not I’ll get him eventually. I‘ll be waiting my dear prince.” With another wild laugh and the blowing of a kiss, the hunter disappeared into the dark with a swish of his long cloak. It was there he would wait for Toulouse to come out to play. He was going to kill that prince.
“Piero, please.” Toulouse beseeched again even as Icarus vanished. His heart fluttered in his chest like a caged thing, making his breath harsh. He managed one more please before his legs dropped out beneath him causing him to sag against Piero. It was Toulouse’s grip on the man’s jacket that kept him barely upright.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 6:39 pm
"You can plead all you wish, but I am going to turn a deaf ear to your pleas. Those who are being aided will have all of their opinions and requests rejected."
Piero gently took Toulouse's hand off his jacket, pulling the boy's weak body away from him. He did not seem to mind that the teen collapsed to his knees since that hold was his only lifeline at standing up. He was not going to allow anyone to go against his wishes while they remained on his land, and his dark brown eyes were piercing as he looked the young man over.
"You will be released when you are well enough to fight without any hesitation. Until that time you will be under the care of the members of this house, and that includes the child whom you are speaking with. She will most likely be the one at your side through this all, since you have said she is just like you."
He had to kneel slightly to pat Pasayo on the head, his frame almost triple her height, and it was also easier for the man to talk to Toulouse while lowered like he was.
"Pasayo and Sol will be tending to your needs and will be instructed to ignore any requests you give to them of being let out, since they can not do anything more for you anyway."
Almsot at the mention of his name a figure appeared in the doorway, massive white wings spreading out behind his back as Sol breathed in the evening air. He had not been allowed out of the 'birdcage' for so long that he had almost forgotten what the evening sky looked like, what fresh air felt like. At a motion from Piero he stepped over to the trio, taking time to smile at Pasayo and even ruffle her hair slightly, before he knelt down at the wounded Toulouse's side.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:21 pm
Toulouse scuttled backwards on the pavement out of the grasp of Piero as the creature called Sol kneeled down beside him. He looked strange and smelled even stranger. He was not of the Courts but of something else entirely. “Not you.” Toulouse said flinging his good arm in front of him, as if that alone would ward of Sol. “Just stay back.” He brushed his hair from his face, licking his dried lips, frightened.
He eyed everyone in front of him warily, breathing heavily. Had he just sidestepped Icarus’ reach to be strangled by another? Toulouse smudged a fist across his eyes trying to clear his vision. “This isn’t fair Piero. I’m fine as fine. I…I hardly known you. I’m not your child and barely a friend. You don’t have to do this! Please-”
Toulouse scooted back further on bruised and shaking hands. He didn’t want Sol grabbing at him. Toulouse was trying to glare at Piero but he wasn’t doing very well, only succeeding in making himself look more sleepy. He wasn’t sure if he could walk through the barrier. He might…but then he might not. It was so very strong and made of queer magical things that Toulouse just didn’t know. His eyes darted past everyone to stare fixedly at the humming wall behind him.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:36 pm
"Stop acting like such a selfish child! You shame yourself!"
A thin and firm voice pierced the air, causing everyone to turn and look to see whom the outburst had come from. It had not been issued from Sol or Piero, as Sol was busying looking slightly offended and hurt still that Toulouse had waved his hands at him and refused help and Piero was trying to console the slightly weepy winged teen.
No, the outburst had come from the child whose knees had been shaking something terrible, the child who now glared at the Ashe that was much older than her in more ways than one. Pasayo's hands were placed firmly on her hips, like she was trying to hold herself back from perhaps striking Toulouse across the face and hopefully putting some sense into him.
"You should learn to accept the good will of others, their concern, when it is offered to you! A man who was once a prince would know these things, even if he was taken off of his throne!"
She seemed to be shaking still in her small frame, though probably more out of annoyance now than anything else, and Pasayo's usually serene face was set with a scowl that was quite un-ladylike. The expression only seemed to make her seem far more eerie than before, the scar that ran across her lips curving at different angles.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:08 pm
Toulouse recoiled as if he really had been slapped. He shuddered looking at the fierce little Pasayo in front of him with her lopsided scares and her hands on her hips. “What would you know? There is no such thing as good will, just strings, strings, strings.” He spat out the words, trying to find and take hold of his anger from earlier. There was only emptiness that he found. “I don’t accept anything that I can’t see. I don’t trust you or anyone. There is always a price to be paid.” It was true. What was the point of trusting anyone? Everyone he knew eventually gave up on him or died.
He laughed then, masking a cough. “You make my absence from the throne seem like a gentle political thing. The people voted and I was replaced. Right?” Toulouse shook his head ruefully. “My father’s throne was taken forcefully from him. There was no rules, no duels. They murdered him in cold blood while he slept. I never wanted the throne. Ever. I still fought for it though. I tried to protect my people but they were murdered by the dark. I gave my life to satisfy them, but so many still died and I couldn’t help any of them.” Toulouse shuddered, not in pain, but remembrance as he felt phantom blood slick against his skin. “I know my short comings, but forgive me if I disagree with you when I say that I am definitely not selfish Pa-sa-yo.”
Turning on his side, Toulouse tried to stand but the strength of his one good arm wasn’t enough. He couldn’t move without the use of his legs and they just felt numb and tingly from some reason that he couldn’t fathom. He looked at the upset Sol, the boy’s expression not alleviating his fear or pain. What was he going to do?
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:32 pm
"This is why I called you a selfish brat. I may be younger than you and unsure of this life but you do not need a reason to trust people, nor do you even need to trust them, to understand that not all people have hidden agendas."
The small Ashe was speaking way beyond her years of experience, as she was still fresh from her egg and had yet to remember anything of her past. It was amusing Piero to no end as he watched his youngest child berate someone so far her senior yet still manage to be so polite about it, her hands still so carefully at her side to prevent any actions she would regret. Sol was equally enjoying himself, though now and again he slipped out of his cheery smile into a look of unease. He was not used to being waved away so easily, at least not on a first meeting.
"Sol, would you please take this fool inside and care for him? It is making me ill to watch someone roll around in their own blood and pathetic nature when someone has offered perfectly good assistance towards them. If he continues to refuse to go with you we can always have your brother come out and take him in, though I cannot guarantee he will still be in one piece after that."
Pasayo looked over at the winged teen, who could only nod dumbly in response to her request. He got up from where he had been crouching and made his way over to Toulouse, bending down and easily lifting the injured teen off the ground and into his arms. His grip was like a vice, albeit one that was gentle and would not crush the occupant, and he started towards the door.
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Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 8:56 pm
Toulouse cried out as Sol walked towards him, scooping him up into his arms with ease. “Put me down this instant!” Toulouse demanded, struggling against Sol’s grip with what little strength he had left. He didn’t want to be touched or tended to. He was growing hot as his heart pumped faster and faster in fear and agitation. He knew Piero wouldn’t try to have others hurt him but he didn’t like have no options open to him. If he wanted to leave, then damn it he would!
He wasn’t going anywhere though. Sol had a very firm grip on him and though Toulouse wiggled and squirmed in the boy’s arms, he was held fast.
“Piero!” He shouted. The lights in the house seemed to flicker and the foundation of the house shook ever so slightly “I don’t want to stay here. I want to go home!” Toulouse pinched and poked Sol, not to hard, trying to get the boy to drop him or something. Pain pushed against his body trying to force it to yield, but he refused to let it win over him. Mind over matter was what his father used to say.
Toulouse truly did just wante to go home even though he knew that Felicity would not be there. Still, he would still rather sit in the darkness of his own home than someone else’s.
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