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 Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 11:31 pm
 The coordinates for the Phoenix Initiative's main base stamped at the bottom of your summons leads you to a stretch of desert bordering the great fields that took up the largest, central biome of Alternia. The stretch of land fell somewhere between Chittentown and what once was Old Hemisect City, however it seemed the location was smartly tucked far enough south of the beaten path connecting the two metropolises to get little, if any, foot traffic. Wandering into the sands pouring onto the cracked, dry plains, it doesn't take long before a familiar looking hooded figure pops their head out from behind some half-dead foliage, waving you over to follow. Complying, the older rebel leads you along a steep path as the ground suddenly juts downwards, forming a sloping cliff above a sea of sand. Standing from where you had been minutes ago, it was virtually impossible to make out the cliff's edge among the sand dunes until you got closer- an optical illusion, of sorts. The semi-hidden cliff side was pocketed with small entrances into what you could only assume was a cave system, and as your guide slips past dozens of troll-sized holes, they comment that only one lone entrance led to the base. You should probably make a note of which one. Your guide takes you through a series of winding tunnels, explaining that while the tunnel system under this area of the desert was huge, they only actually utilized a small portion of it. Guards and barricades were posted around the entire perimeter of the base, but this far out into nothing it was rare to see someone in these parts even above ground. The air around you grows increasingly damp as the older troll makes seemingly random turns... you lost track long ago. As the flickering candles lining the stone walls become more frequent, you pass groups of other hooded trolls and various lusi who all silently watch you pass. Eventually the tight tunnels open up into more spacious halls with offset rooms, and the hooded trolls become more frequent. While there clearly was much to be explored, your guide ushers you over to a pair of large double wooden doors, asking you to wait inside. The cavern you were pushed inside was sizable, and candles lined seemingly every possible surface of the rocky walls. Several tables were pushed together at the centre of the room, and mismatched chairs (some rather shoddy looking) lined their edge. There was a large jug of water and a stack of plastic cups, but no hooded troll to give any more answers. No one aside from the young recruits was currently within the meeting hall, and they were left to converse among themselves before the council began. You are free to openly rp in this thread~
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Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2015 5:11 am
It was incredible how a single piece of paper had held Stryke’s attention in rapture for days. It was an issued summons…one he’d read over endlessly, taking note of the location, time, and exact date until it was seared into his memory. At first he’d thought to throw it away, just like the empire’s summons during the height of the drought. Yet this one was different, something all too familiar. The rebels had privately managed to find him. By what means he did not know, nor did he care. Perhaps it was because he wanted to be surrounded by like-minded trolls, or simply because it was what felt right. It didn’t matter, he convinced himself he was going. Wisely, like he'd done during the summer, Stryke opted for covering both his blood color and more importantly his symbol. Lastly he dawned a traveling cloak to brave the desert sands.
How fitting the very people he’d been too afraid to reach out to, weren’t even that far from neither his new home, nor the one he’d left behind. His lusus thankfully had accompanied him on the expedition without having to be asked twice.
Low and behold, at journeys end when he saw his would be guide he raised a hand in greeting as he joined the hooded figure. Somewhere in midst of it all, he kept track of where they lead him. Especially what entrance they used. The twists and winding turns were beyond him unfortunately as they traveled deeper underground. With the arrival of the double doors, his gaze moved between the troll and doors before entering inside without complaint.
“thanksss…” he murmured politely when the other asked him to wait inside. His eyes followed the retreating figure, frowning in a hard grumpy retort. Stryke couldn’t help but sigh, wishing he’d asked more questions once he was left alone. Stryke left his cloak's hood up, not comfortable enough to pull it down just yet.
Quietly looking around the candle lit room, he pressed his protruding fangs into his bottom lip. He had his daggers on hand, and while he lacked any real talent with them, if anything bad happened he didn’t want SkinkDad to be the only one protecting them, even if the creature wouldn’t allow it he had to at least come prepared.
The short yellowblood approached one of the tables, up on his tip toes as he studied one of the many lit candles. He fixated on the one in front of him in particular, noting how it had been lit for some time based on the wax dripping. The passage of time had afforded for some amount of heat in the damp cool, comfortable environment. The glow of the flame kept his attention for a moment or two longer than necessary. “hmm.” Stryke stretched out an arm after rolling up his sleeve passing his hand over the flame. He let it touch his hand for a moment or two before pulling away.
Quietly, Stryke moved round to the jug of water pouring a cup first for himself, finishing it then making another for his lusus. Feeling extremely restless, if not downright anxious he began to count each chair, table, and lastly the various candles in turn in a poor attempt to keep himself occupied. He finally got tired of standing and milling about, finding a chair near the door. Stryke half had to crawl up onto it. For now, he kept an eye out for anyone he might recognize if even in passing.
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 7:29 pm
After a very long journey, they had finally made it down to the coordinates on the note. Zeffer had been hesitant over the entire thing. He'd had his doubts about the Initiative's ability to survive, after what had happened, and it all felt very suspicious. Perhaps enough of the rebels had escaped after all, or maybe fewer of them had been captured than he thought. Maybe it was a ploy by the military, to lure in all the prisoners who had escaped. He licked his lips, almost able to feel the tattoo that was still printed into his wrist. They'd meet their sure destruction, if the Queen ever got hold of them again. Despite the paranoid thoughts, Zeffer was ultimately unable to resist heeding the call to action; what if Aprife did as well, and there was trouble to be dealt with? He wouldn't leave his matesprit to deal with it alone. Alongside Byakko, they had ventured down from Busthind together...
But sometime during the process of winding through the long tunnels of the cave system, he realized suddenly that his companion had vanished. His hooded guide had shushed him sharply when he had tried to call out, and with a huff he'd allowed himself to be lead in silence to the massive central chamber. It was the first time in a long while the blueblood could remember being in such a place, underground, and decidedly not some sort of awful trap. But where was Akko? He took to glancing around, admiring the candles for a split second before he began to pace. Nothing bad had happened...and she was alive. Ignoring the the tables and water, he kept his mismatched eyes glued on the door. Who knew when more rebels would begin to arrive?
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:47 pm
For once it felt different, being led by a hooded figure, but wearing no blindfold. There was obviously no need for it now, not when the coordinates to the base had been spelled out plain as day. It became even less necessary, it seemed, when the tunnels wound on for ages and Aprife felt the urge to keep looking back to make sure Muerte hadn't gotten lost along the way. Dragging him here had taken a little work, and heaven forbid he ended up separated from the guy now. The yellowblood had plans for the green, plans he'd see brought to fruition, he was wholly invested in that.
Receiving the summons had been both a surprise and not, he had been more than positive the Initiative hadn't fallen, even with the devastation of everything that had happened. Of course the phoenix would rise from the ashes and he would rise with it, rise to the top and grasp what he could for himself. For himself, but... also for what he was standing up for, because this was his place now and he'd help keep it going.
As he stepped into the large cavern, everything felt like static. This was it, this was where they would find out what was going to happen, he was certain. He could only hope that Zeffer had chosen to come, as well, he hadn't been able to get in contact with him before leaving for Muerte's hive and off to the desert. Speaking of Muerte, he turned to grin at his companion again, now that they were settled and no longer traipsing through the dimly lit tunnels. "You doin' okay, Tete?" he questioned, giving him a once over. "Need some water?"
When he turned back around, though, laughing for some indiscernible reason, that was when his question was answered. His chest felt a little warm, as silly as that was, but he'd spotted his matesprit, catching sight of his way-too-tall mohawk first and foremost. He'd always loved it. Of course the blueblood had come, of course, and Aprife was relieved. Were he still able, he would've called out to him.
"C'mon, Muerte, this way..."
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 9:34 pm
He couldn't believe this, really.
He had lost track of the time. Ages ago, he could recall a tattered letter, tainted with a tarnished crawl that his weakened eyes could barely discern. For some reason or another, at the time, he snapped up the bait and went to see what awaited him; he was nothing if not interested in furthering his own gain. What greeted him, however, was nothing more than a messy, disorganized group that he hardly wanted to call a rebellion; doing so would have been a compliment. He had left the group after a short time, slipped away, never looked back. He didn't miss it at all.
He never expected to find himself here again, not now not ever. He had no clue that Aprife's proposal was referring to this group of meandering imbeciles. No, wait, actually it made perfect sense. Suddenly his eyes caught that goddamn blue mohawk creeping into the picture, which just sealed the ******** deal for him. It was if the skies had cleared, sun soaked flesh burning with the impossible clarity of the situation. The yellowblood was involved with the blueblood so of course they would both be involved with a group like this. He was the foolish one for thinking any different.
If he had to give the group any credit (and really, what was there to give?), he had to admit that the base was fairly well hidden. The first time he had the displeasure of answering the rebellion's call he ended up blindfolded of all things, and he hated it. The temporary blindness only did more to strengthen his distaste of his failing eyesight; one day that would be him, permanently. He shuddered.
Digression aside, he had been observing the tunnels during the course of their entire trek. It gave him something to focus on; otherwise he had been quiet, brooding the entire time. One chance. He had told Aprife he would give the group one more chance. Weaving through the maze of cave did little to sooth his irritated mind. Had he made the right choice? Should he have even given anyone another chance at all?
Regardless, it was too late. What was done was done. He had found himself here despite his reservations, following the hooded figure and the yellowblood that decided it was his duty to drag him here.
"I'm fine." he huffed, in response to the question, arms crossed, backing off a step or two as casually as he could manage with the yellowblood's eyes on him. He wouldn't have gotten lost, and he had only stuck close because of the dark dampness of the cave system. Any misdirection would have been the fault of the guide and that alone, not his, and besides there were here now and everything was just fine and he was going to stop dwelling on it.
Heaving a huff, he reluctantly followed after Aprife, knowing damn well where he was heading and hating every moment of it. Spending any length of time with the buffoons on this base was something that he already had to steel his resolve against, but bringing idiots like Zeffer into the picture and god knows who else was something he wasn't sure he could deal with.
He could already tell it would be a long night, and a longer day.
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Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 10:33 pm
The blueblood had glanced away from the door for a split second to ******** with one of the candles, but his head whipped around the moment he heard it opening. Immediately, a grin split his features, and his fangs flashed as he saw Aprife, but his eyes widened in momentary surprise as he saw who was accompanying him. "Tete! What are you doing here??" His tone was playful, and he laughed, and glanced around again, before leaning in to hug Aprife tightly for a moment, and tug them both further into the cavern. It hadn't been that long since he'd last seen Aprife, but it didn't dampen his relief at having him close. Tete's presence was of great curiosity to him, but he would have to ask questions later. "
"M'sorry if you tried my hive before you made the trip. I was...well..." He fidgeted, and the most conspiratory, wild grin spread across his lips again as he leaned in. He hadn't given any consideration at all to how crazy he looked, or to how ******** crazy what he was about to say sounded. "Dude, Akko's alive, crazy b***h escaped, just like us. We came all the way down the mountain together." His voice was low, and he let out a shuddering breath, before glancing around again. Sure making such a reveal was all well and good, but Zeffer sure hoped that she would join them soon. Maybe she'd needed to rest? He couldn't remember which part of the long, winding tunnels he had lost track of her in, and it was starting to bother him intensely. Was the b***h playing some sort of prank?
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:55 am
The trickle of the Initiative's recruits had subsided, as the dozen or so who had heeded the rebellion's request were gradually led to the same chamber and left to their own devices. It wasn't long before the weighty wooden doors of the meeting cavern were pushed aside once more, giving way as three hooded figures entered the room. However, this time they shut the double doors behind themselves and promptly made their way to the opposing side of the cavern; two of the larger figures flanking the third, matching her purposeful stride. The two immediately took position, backs to the wall, as the smaller cloaked rebel stopped behind a wooden chair planted between them. She turned to address the room, loosely gesturing around the table at the inconsistent seating.
"Please, have a seat."
Byakko Mawiya's voice was firm but courteous. She waited for those who obliged to sit before settling down herself, taking a moment to study each attendee from under her cloak. Some hardened faces were all too familiar, as had they been fiercely devoted to the cause since the first ever summons, dedication unwavering as evidenced by their presence. Her gaze lingered on the few she knew personally, albeit her own identity was masked by shadows cast from her hood, before moving onto examine the next member. In comparison to the veterans, the other trolls were relatively fresh faced. It made no difference.
"You're probably wondering why exactly you were asked to assemble here tonight," The commander of the Pheonix Initiative began, voice cutting sharply through hushed tension drowning the cavern. "As your summons read, this council is intended to be an open forum among those who joined the Initiative within the last few sweeps. We are here to talk openly as equals, staying true to the rebellion's values. That being said, I owe you many answers and a very lengthy explanation."
Byakko paused, drawing in a long breath. Her vision broke from the rebels, flickering to the scuffed table for the briefest of moments as if she was internally debating something. Reaching up, she tugged her hood down, revealing her identity to the circle of trolls. A blatantly fresh scar ran cheek to cheek across the bridge of her nose, spanning the length of the girl's firm face. The rebel's ardent stare back at the others was piercing, but not hostile. The two figures behind her shuffled uncomfortably, making no other movement. While reluctant at first, she eventually turned her attention to her two friends, expression unflickering, locking eyes with each of them briefly before contuining to speak.
"My name is Byakko Mawiya. After the deaths of the vast majority of the Pheonix Initiative's members in the glub, along with the other adults, the position of leadership was... bequeathed to me. I'm sure recent events have left some of you, for lack of a better term, enlightened." Byakko folded her hands on her lap, slowly collecting her rehearsed words. "I've been forced my own revelations, and I believe to have realized a major error in my ways. Since you enlisted, you've been left vastly in the dark, deprived of information you should have been privy to all along. I fear it was primarily hatched from my own concerns of preserving the Initiative; but it's become clear that isn't the right course of action. You deserve to know everything, your loyalty and efforts merit as much."
"Despite my best attempts, after the demise of most of our troops, the Initiative began to fall apart. The hit to our morale was monumental, I'm sure you could understand why, and the loss of our brothers and sisters was not taken lightly. Some began to go astray... and that's when the difficulties started. There are some, many perhaps, who have wandered greatly from our true cause. Unfortunately, I'm unaware to what extent the misconduct lays. There's civilian reports of banditry and extortion matching our descriptions, there are questionable discrepancies with our own information. My greatest fear is that the corruption is rooted deeply in the core of our operations, even within higher ranked members." She paused once more for breath, slowly craning her neck to look at each and every troll. She was resolute. "What I'm asking for your assistance in identifying and uprooting these individuals."
"I realize what an inordinate task this may sound like. But please, understand one thing; the Pheonix Initiative has never run under a sole troll's command. Decisions are advocated by a selected few, and often run by the members for approval before being implemented." Byakko grasped at words to explain the rebellion's crude democracy. "I realize now the likelihood that said trust has been misplaced. My desire is to restore the Initiative's integrity... whatever that cost may be. To return trolls worthy of making our decisions to those positons." She specifically made eye contact with Vremea and Odette as she spoke, in turn looking over to Aprife and Zeffer as she finished her thought.
Byakko Mawiya wasn't a sliver of the leader her guardian Zhuque had been, and she was all too aware of it. His words had resonated in the hearts of the Initiative, and together with his moirail Qinlon's strategical prowess the two had been a formidable force. She had made so many mistakes, failing her followers ever since their retrieval of the matriorb. Still, Byakko was confident the recruitment of the young rebels wasn't one of them. She may not have been able to fill the hole the previous leaders had left, but together...
"What I'm really asking is a chance to earn your trust. What you have all been through is not lost upon me; I realize for some, this may be asking too much. You've long since paid your dues, and earned the trust of the Initiative. I come to you now, tonight, as Byakko, asking for a chance to earn yours. Join me, and we can push past this and better the organization. You can be the change, the cause, no longer mere soldiers. This is a chance for us to rise."
She fell quiet, and for a moment, the entire room was still. The intense silence was deafening. "Now... would anyone wish to speak?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:43 pm
The letter all but burned a hole in his back pocket, for how its contents occupied Kursha's thoughts. The way rumour had it, a bunch of rebels had been caught and taken up to Busthind for... discipline. While the fate of those caught was not publicised, there was little doubt in Kursha's mind that they had been culled or left in a cell to rot. Typical Alternian justice. He had dodged that bullet by not responding to their request for aid in the desert. Not that he had any choice in the matter. He had been cooped up for weeks after his showdown with Ganyma. By the time he had recovered the damage was good and done. He supposed he had the tealblood to thank for that. Damn it. That meant he was twice indebted to the mook. ******** it all. Kursha turned his attention to the group in front of him. It was smaller than the last time though that was hardly surprising. Of course their numbers would dwindle after the fiasco in Chittentown. Aside from losing the ones who were captured, there were also those who would lose heart and bail after hearing about the initiative’s failure. Even so, more had gathered than Kursha would have expected. They looked a lot older too. Stubborn bastards. He grinned. His gaze did not linger on the other trolls for too long. Behind him, the double doors had opened and three hooded figures stepped inside. It looked like it was about time—time for what though, he wondered. The doors boomed shut again with ominous finality. Everyone who was going to make it was already here. At the hooded figure’s request, Kursha plopped down in the nearest available chair. Kicking his feet up onto the edge of the table, he leaned back, ignoring any dirty looks the other trolls nearby gave him. As far as he was concerned, he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Besides, it wasn’t like the table was being used for anything else at the moment. They could deal. The hooded figure revealed herself to be—surprise, surprise—the rebel leader, Byakko Mawiya. But apparently she wasn't the leader. Not really. Just the face person, the poster girl. As she spoke Kursha’s eyes roamed the room, taking in the details of the other rebels around the table. He had finished examining one side when Byakko asked if anyone else wanted to speak. “Yeah, I got a question,” he drawled. Crossing his ankles, he leaned back a little farther in his chair. “Supposing you find your turncoats, what are your plans for them? Since, y'know, if they're really to blame, they've racked up a pretty good body count.”
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:15 pm
The cut of Muerte's refusal was something Aprife was becoming all too used to already. By now it was blatantly obvious this was the greenblood's natural disposition, and though Aprife found it a bit exasperating at times, it was only on rare occasion, because he never had much issue with brushing off those sorts of things. In the end, as long as he could read the underlying message, it didn't really matter. Tete was just being his usual, sarcastic self. If he wanted to play the sour-tongued, broody a*****e, that was his business; at least until it interfered with Aprife's plans. So far, it hadn't.
For now, he wouldn't mention how obvious those casual sidesteps had been.
"Tete's my guest of honor," he responded briefly, relaxing into Zeffer's arms. He was sure Dr. Fun would have something else to say about it on his own, but the yellowblood never could resist adding his own two cents. "I know what you mean, but I had a feeling-" he glanced around at the others who'd gathered, pursing his lips against the grin that threatened, "-things would be okay." Even out of the hug, he lingered close.
So he had a feeling, but even the deepest of feelings couldn't have prepared him for what his matesprit revealed next. The information was processed much faster than he could react. For a time he could only stand there wide-eyed, but soon his head was shaking without him really realizing it. Byakko, alive? Could that actually be true? While Aprife was sure the Initiative still stood, he couldn't believe that when Akko wasn't transported with them, when she wasn't housed in the cell with them, when she wasn't rescued with them, that she was still alive.
"Zeffer..." he muttered, trying to find his words. What a rarity for the chatty yellowblood. Akko had been dead in his mind all this time, but there was a glimmer of hope that she wasn't. Zeffer looked and sounded almost frantic in his exposition, but Aprife couldn't read whether that was a good thing, whether it meant she truly was. What reason would the blueblood have to make up a story like this?
He wouldn't, there was no reason. Aprife trusted Zeffer more than he did most anyone else, and suddenly he felt alive with the notion that their friend was safe and alive and ********, even if it wasn't true, he felt something strong. He had nearly grabbed onto him to shake him and demand details, but all that was interrupted when new faces (hoods, actually) entered the room, breaking up the flow. They were the ones now doing the demanding with only their presence, but especially the familiar form of their leader taking a place at the front of the cavern.
Everything felt heavy in the way she spoke, different than usual, and Aprife was intrigued. What answers would they receive? There were so many questions rattling around in his head, a flash of bitterness, but his bit it down before it could rise too far in his throat. He was intent on her words until she paused, lowering her hood, and that was when it felt like time stopped, while whatever she had to say would have to wait until he was thoroughly finished reacting.
It was Akko, alive, just as Zeffer claimed. Alive, but with a sharp, hard contrast now painted across her face. She had been hurt, but who among them hadn't been? All that really mattered in that moment was the fact that she was breathing, addressing them now, and when her eyes shortly fell his way, he stared unwavering with his own. In his expression lingered many things, happiness, confusion, relief, more confusion. It was Akko, their friend, their teammate, their commander. Since when?
Aprife was so startled by this sudden influx of change, as welcome as it all was. It took more effort than he would have admitted to focus on what she was saying, he was still brimming with sudden emotion, his bloodpusher racing. He was glad, to put it absolutely lightly, that she hadn't been culled and could stand among them again at all. Not only that, but when he did zone back in, he realized she was addressing one of his own misgivings about everything that had happened. They had been left in the dark, he hated that, but she was willing to bring it out and for that he was grateful.
This time, when her gaze passed him for a moment, he was grinning.
Until someone else spoke up and the expression dipped into one of only vague interest. Turning to appraise him for a moment, Aprife couldn't help but think he seemed awfully sure of himself. Not that there was anything wrong with that sort of attitude, it was a plenty good cover, usually. Casually, he half-raised his hand, only seeking momentary attention, since he couldn't quite project his voice the way he used to. "I'd just like to add: welcome back, Akko." The grin was plastered to his face again.
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:04 pm
He wasn't sure if the amount of eye-rolling he had already engaged in would someone strengthen the optic nerve somehow or help to further diminish it. Muerte's arms remained cross, his posture stiff as the duo made their way with Zeffer (or rather, Muerte more or less stalked after them awkwardly). The hug shared between the matesprits only furthered his discomfort; he did not agree to come here just to be a third wheel in whatever paltry shenanigans he would unintentionally have to indulge in.
Perhaps he was just bitter. True, he was very broody and very sour and also very left out of the loop. Suddenly the two were talking about things foreign to him, crazy b***h this and something about a mountain;—sketchy? Well he didn't think he'd find himself agreeing with Zeffer tonight, or ever, though his definition of sketchy spun from his distrust of everything and not the recent events many of the Initiative had been engaged in. No, it was merely because this all seemed like a moronic ********. They might as well have arrived here in a goddamn clown-car.
He knew the jist of the recent events. Something about jail and a war or something. The blueblood had chattered his ear off about it sometime prior, but it was hard to keep up with Zeffer's manic drawl when he was busy with work.
Mostly he just didn't care.
Muerte was just about to clear his throat in that awkward hello yes I am still here you stupid ********> kind of way when the hooded figures crept in. Unlike most of the individuals here, the name Byakko meant absolutely nothing to him, and in turn her... reveal skipped clear over his head. Instead, he could only squint in a silent, simmering rage as she addressed the gathering. There was a rat among their ranks? Maybe more? He would have laughed if laughing was something he ever partook in.
Instead, he quickly jabbed Aprife in the side, his voice caught between a whisper and a sneer, "I thought you told me everyone had their s**t together.". He had vehemently refused the idea of accompanying Aprife here from the get go once he realized what 'group' he was referring to, and only ended up here because the yellowblood had pestered him endlessly the second the recent letters were sent out. Turns out they were just as sloppy as he'd left them, great.
He wished to speak all right. Or at least, he wished he could. Instead he sat there and seethed quietly, lacking the knowledge to do so, slouching further into the chair—wait, when had he even taken a seat? He all but groaned, exasperated, as he brought a hand to his face, kneading the space between his eye brows.
The scientist never thought he would actually feel homesick. His hive wasn't a place of fond memories, but at least the quiet rustle of feathers and chirps was better than whatever shitstorm cacophony he'd surely landed himself into. His gaze turned momentarily to the other greenblood who was brazen enough to speak out in the room; what would they do indeed? Probably murder them like the lot of neolithic barbarians they all probably were, wouldn't that be a show.
For better or for worse, however, he remained relatively silent for the moment, biding his time as he tried to make sense of the situation. At the very least he knew he had made a mistake. He shouldn't be here. He had no dedication to this cause as he never did in the first goddamn place. He held loyalty to nobody but himself.
His very obvious frown mirrored the obnoxious grin the yellowblood next to him wore. Oh well. He supposed someone ought to stay and babysit these halfwits.
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:18 pm
As they stepped further into the cavern, the blueblood couldn't have looked more pleased if he'd tried. He had expected Aprife alone, but there he was with Muerte, having accomplished something Zeffer wouldn't have guessed possible in a million sweeps. He couldn't imagine the conversation that must have gone down, but if there was a single troll on Alternia who could convince their science-loving savior to leave his lab, it was Aprife. "I'll vouch for him too. Glad to have you, Tete." Zeffer grinned down at him, trying to send a bit of positivity his way even though he knew it probably wouldn't do much. Good old, ******** Tete. The greenblood's outward disgust and neverending glare were overlooked after that point, as Zeffer had no shame in showing a tiny bit of open affection toward his matesprit. He hung up against the yellowblood even after their embrace had ended, and his manic aura seemed to increase tenfold once the cat was out of the bag. Aprife fed off of his sort of stuff, but he was afraid after a moment that his lack of evidence would make him look a fool. <******** Akko and her disappearing act.
"It's true, really! Watch...she'll be here, I was with her before..." Zeffer babbled in hushed tones after Aprife fell silent. He trusted the yellowblood to believe him, and he knew that Aprife would be able to tell that he wasn't lying, as his eyes scanned the other's face. She had been there with him...hadn't she? As much as he hated to fall into that old, doubtful trap, he certainly felt stupid, as he lifted his head to scan the small crowd that had gathered. Was she hiding somewhere amongst them, laughing at him? It wasn't a very Akko thing to do, but by then he was ready to blame her absence on just about anything. With his imagination thrumming a mile a minute over possible explanations, he was about to continue prattling on to Aprife about what had happened, when the doors opened instead, and cut their reunion short.
With a soft huff, he took a seat between Aprife and Muerte, and only spared another brief look at the other members who were gathered around the table. A fierce looking greenblood, a few youngsters, and...was that the yellowblooded chick who'd lead the prison break? Zeffer's eyebrows shot up, but his attention shifted again as one of the hoods began to address the gathering. It was difficult not to fidget as the troll spoke, and at the mention of the night's topics, his expression flattened out for a moment. The prospect of discussing relevant information sobered the blueblood for a moment, and his eyes darted to Aprife. That was the kind of stuff the yellowblood lived for, and while such a summons might have bored Zeffer in the past, after being sent to <******** prison he was more than just a bit curious himself. What the hell had gone so wrong, and how had they fallen into such a horrible trap? It looked like they were going to be enlightened soon, but then the speaker was pausing, and...
Zeffer's jaw fell open, and he nearly leapt to his feet, leaning hard on the table instead. His eyes were wild, rife with a multitude of emotions as her gaze locked with his own. Immediately his fist flew up to his mouth, and he had to bury his fangs into the leather of his gloved knuckles, in order to contain the raucous exclamations that threatened to escape. He was grinning by then, like some sort of deranged finbeast. That sly b***h. That crazy, leggy little harpy had been the one on top all along? He could dig it, but how hadn't he seen it before? He panted audibly and swallowed his pump biscuit, eyes flashing around to see the reactions of his companions. Tete was oblivious to the importance of the reveal, but it didn't matter. He could see Aprife was affected by it as well, and he gestured to her, as if he hadn't seen her already. His excitement threatened to burn a hole through his chest, but he forced himself to hold it together, as she launched into the next part of the speech.
Loyalty, losses, corruption, integrity. Trust. Once he'd taken a few deep breaths, it made it easier to hone in on what she was saying, and as her request became clear, he sobered up again, for just a half second. At one point, Zeffer might have been tempted to take his anger out on her for what had happened to them all, but he knew better than that now. She had suffered herself, and had had no control over it. That meant someone else was responsible, and now it was up to them to figure it out. He narrowed his eyes slyly as she spared him another glance, and he winked like the blueblooded b*****d that he was. He didn't know how she expected them to go about the task she'd set forth, but with Aprife and Muerte and their big brains at her disposal, success was almost guaranteed.
Aprife barely got his welcome out before Zeffer slammed his hands down and sprung to his feet, finally allowed to let go of the outburst that had been building up since Akko's revelation. "IT'S BEEN YOU THIS ENTIRE TIME, LEGS?!" His voice echoed through the cavern, and he cackled as he slammed back down into his seat, not caring how crazy or disrespectful his actions looked to the others."Fuuuuuuuck me. I told you guys she'd be here." He rubbed his face with an amused sigh, grinning the smarmiest grin he could muster as he sprawled in his chair, exchanging glances with Aprife before looking over to their beloved leader once again. "All I wanna know is, how do we get started?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:57 pm
Rasali’s resolve was as strong as ever upon discovering her letter from the Phoenix Initiative. However, she found it weakening somewhat as the train pulled out of Four Fronds. For some ungodly reason, she’d decided to go this journey alone. Even more bewildering, Kappadad had agreed. Rasali knew her decision came from wanting to prove herself and solidify her stance on the rebellion. Yet, her desire to return to the comfort of home was far more tangible as she wandered off the empty train platform and into the empty plains.
Thankfully she was picked up by an Initiative member before her trepidation could overwhelm her. The company, while silent, was welcome. Rasali felt her nerves quiet as she directed her focus into keeping her footing on the steep trail. She wanted to redeem her failure in the Old Hemisect rebellion? Well, these people would help her sort that out. Simple as that.
’Simple as that.’ Rasali repeated to herself as the trek brought her deeper and deeper into the cliff side. Rasali took a deep, calming breath of the damp air and entered the final room.
The room was larger than the previous hallways and alcoves she’d seen on her way in. To her infinite relief there was a wide assortment of trolls of all ages and blood colors, all similarly un-cloaked as Rasali was. She hadn't known there was going to be a dress-code.
Rasali’s attention shifted as the doors opened once more, and three cloaked trolls entered. The room quieted and the atmosphere thickened in response to the even, purposeful steps. Rasali discreetly moved towards one of the open chairs and sat down, facing the strangers.
This voice was familiar. Rasali recognized this woman from Old Hemisect. Her speech this time was much more solemn, but Rasali listened with the same rapture she had those seasons ago in the forest. Air hissed quietly between her teeth at the reveal of Byakko’s face. Her scar was obvious and painful-looking. (It also wasn't teal, according to these wavering candle lights, like what Rasali remembered). What struck Rasali the most, however, was how young Byakko was. Rasali didn’t know what she’d expected from a rebel leader. It was such a foreign concept to her—whimsical even. To see something so… familiar… Rasali felt an icy pressure solidify in her chest. She was fearful, but resolute. This troll, not much older than Rasali, could lead the Phoenix Initiative. Rasali had no excuse not to give all she could to the betterment of Alternia. Clearly even she was capable of making a difference.
Just as Byakko’s appearance brought Rasali hope and pride, her words brought a sourness to Rasali’s mouth. Betrayal. The slander of the Phoenix Initiative’s noble cause in the name of self-gain. Rasali’s fists curled against her legs. This faction had such potential. To have it abused was despicable. More than just the members of the Initiative would suffer for such behavior. There was good to be done by these people. They deserved the opportunity.
Across the room, a couple of older trolls began making a ruckus, startling Rasali out of her thoughts. They were jovial in a way Rasali wouldn’t have expected from their grizzled exteriors. Rasali felt her tension ease at their levity. The rebellion had a face and a name now. One with loyal friends. Rasali felt she’d made the right decision to come there. She turned back towards the front of the room.
“Y-You have my support!” Rasali squeaked out before she could stop herself. She felt her face color at her own forwardness, but stuck to her guns with unwavering eye-contact. After what happened to Old Hemisect… What little had been disclosed of Chittentown’s research facility… Rasali needed something to believe in. Her last rebel interactions were undoubtedly disastrous. Even then, Rasali couldn't deny that sitting on her hands sure as hell wasn’t getting her anywhere better. She’d take a beautiful ideal over a mediocre reality any night.
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Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:27 am
Stryke looked up in time to see the hooded figure join them; he carefully lowered his own travel cloaks hood as he leaned against the table with his elbows. The small kid glanced around the room, frowning. Almost everyone here was easily bigger than himself, it even made him a bit self-conscious the more he thought about it. He'd grown some from the summer, he was nearly over the four feet marker, but thankfully no one here cared about his height save his own self.
For now he moved his eyes on the initiative leader, listening to her closely as her speech began. The scars on her were revealing of a horrible incident, yet they didn't detract from her appearance or meaning of her words. Her voice was clear, and easy to understand. She took great pride in what she stood for, and he recognized it immediately with how she choose to address everytroll present. It was truly inspiring to hear from the leader of the initiative at last. A sense of hope settled in him he hadn't believed was there before coming here. Stryke wanted to believe he'd made the right choice, and while distressing to know there was disloyalty among the ranks he wasn't willing to turn the other cheek. The yellowblood was in this for the long haul, permitting he was trusted to be allowed to remain.
At some point however following a greeting from a yellowblood , and another greenblood's grumpiness at the same fellow, and a squeaked voice of support had him nodding in agreement. However, there was a booming voice of a taller troll with a mohawk. It nearly made Stryke shoot out of his seat. Yelping in surprise the child clenched his teeth, visibly cringing. It took him a moment to recover, opening an eye as his lusus nudged his chair. SkinkDad was encouraging him not to be the chicken s**t he was feeling like at that particularly moment.
One particular voiced question made his head turns, staring at a troll he could faintly make out as familiar he blinked in disbelief. It was like looking through a looking glass. So much time had passed, and while sure he was older, had nasty scars and his voice was raspier than he remembered it, but it was the symbol above all else that Stryke's eyes recognized without question. He was still as arrogant and cocky as ever, and it too was a dead giveaway to the identity of this greenblood. With some amount of reluctance Stryke leaned over to the older troll, stretching his arm out to gently tap him on the shoulder to draw his attention. It wasn't like they were right next to one another, so it took a bit of reaching on his part. He was two seats down from him, to the exact left of the other.
"fancy meeting you here kursha…nice to sssee you again. i think anyway." Without adding more, the child leaned back, wearing a pensive smile on his face. What had transpired between them was in the past, war did awful things to ones thinkpan. He wasn't willing to let it affect his reason for being here. In reality, Stryke figured he'd have to leave Kursha alone for now; but wanted to speak to him further when they had the opportunity...trusting the other would allow it.
Sitting up straight, Stryke realized the need to at least try and find his voice. Byakko had asked a question of them all after she'd informed them of her identity. It was very important question, one he'd wished to ask for some time. It was hard being devoted and loyal to a cause when you were left in the dark, and didn’t understand in full what your leaders expected from you. He waited until everyone was quiet, thinking about what he wanted to say.
Moving up on his knees, he cleared his throat as he sat up, raising his hand. “i do have a question yesss. um.. what then are the initiatives plans from here on exactly? from the looks of it, unless more are coming it's looking like we're short staffed? so. how do we move forward?" he frowned slightly folding his hands back onto his lap again. All the while, keeping his eyes on Byakko, and the others in the room as he chewed at his bottom lip in contemplation.
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Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 5:11 am
Hands clasped together firmly on the table before her, Byakko collectedly listened to each troll speak up in turn, calculating her responses. Her ardent stare flickered with familiarity as Aprife spoke, gaze softening temporarily at the yellowblood. Much like his moirail, he had changed so much since their stirring separation, and Byakko's insides bubbled with a mixture of relief and pride to see that beaming grin once again. She nodded her head at him in gratitude, internally thanking him for his acceptance. There would be time for a more personable reunion later. In all honesty Akko had braced herself for the worst, preparing for a backlash from the recruits, blame even; to her solace they seemed predominantly engaged so far, with the exception of a sour faced greenblood hunched over beside Apife.
She hadn't much time to size up Muerte's frown before Zeffer lept to his feet, impetuously screeching her dreaded nickname for the entire cavern, and possibly base, to hear. She froze, carefully built composure shattering momentarily as a mortified scowl danced across her face. How dare he. A snicker was heard from one of the two hooded figures behind her. His outburst may have been merited- but that?! Akko noted her clenched fists on the table vaguely trembling with anger, and quickly tucked them away underneath. Of all the asinine ways for him to react, out of all the dumbass reckless s**t he could say to undermine her- why?! Why Legs? Byakko swallowed down her displeasure, watching Zeffer sink back into his chair, offering no other reaction other than a furious eye twitch. Admittedly, his enthusiasm tugged at her. He now knew all the mutantblood's secrets, and yet he still stood beside her as fervently as ever. While Zeff had proven his undying loyalty to her long ago, her fears had not been completely pacified until that moment. He might have been a dipshit, but to some extent she wouldn't verbally admit, he was her dipshit. Having his total acceptance was a strangely forgein yet comforting feeling, and she felt a flash of new found confidence in the gleaming faces of both her friends.
That confidence was only amplified as Rasali piped up, and Byakko couldn't help but find a faint smile playing at her own lips. "I thank you," She was sincere, and mildly humbled by the child's keenness, making a mental note to approach the seemingly unescourted girl after things here had wrapped up.
Byakko turned her attention back to the young greenblood who had first spoken, expression hardening once more as she snapped back to the task at hand. Kursha had seemingly made himself more than comfortable during her fervorous speech, if his kicked up heels demonstrated anything. She wasn't quite sure how to interpret his posture. "The intent is for us to decide, collectively, how to proceed once we have more information pertaining to the dissenters." Given, the resolution wasn't quite that simple, nor could it entirely be left to debate. Byakko would have liked to think it would have gone without saying, but she continued. "Regardless of their fates, those found guilty could not possibly be allowed to return to the Initiative."
Next, Byakko addressed the yellowblooded child sitting several seats down from Kursha. "You're not wrong; our numbers are far from impressive, and they will likely take a significant hit when this is done and dealt with. Still, we have faced similar obstacles before on an overwhelming scale, and we persisted. We press forward and blaze a path any way we can, young one. It may seem daunting, or futile, but if you are sitting amongst us tonight surely you are willing to fight against the odds for what you believe in." Byakko took a short breath, lifting a hand in the air to gesture loosely in the direction of Stryke as she spoke. "There will always be others, others who think similarly to you and I. Others who will come, given the means."
"As for how we get started," Byakko glanced over at Zeffer, addressing her blackcrushes' one actual question. "You're currently sitting in the heart of our operations. If there's anywhere to launch our investigation- it's here. I suggest splitting off into teams of three for efficiency's sake. You are free to come and go as you please throughout the base during your search. Look around, talk to others, do what your team sees is necessary to get the answers we need. In one week's time, we will meet here once more, and share our findings. I have every confidence that if we collaborate, we can do this." Byakko finished, taking a moment to make purposeful eye contact with each attendee as she waited to see if anyone would speak up once more.
You are free to continue roleplaying in this thread! The next portion of the mini meta has been posted in the Alternia RP subforum, (links posted in sign up thread for your ease), with the appropriate labels, last day of gameplay being the 18th. Game play is explained there- and if you have any questions please feel free to ask myself, saedusk or in the main thread~
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Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2015 2:25 pm
Odette fidgeted. These meetings always made her feel tense, with the secrecy and the darkness and the hushed whispers. Surely, she understood why such measures were necessary, but she still couldn't help but be nervous under such conditions. Maybe she'd get used to it, she hoped.
She looked between Vremea and Athene, at first too shy to open her mouth. She took a moment to gather her courage. "Do you think Milieu will be here?" She asked, genuinely concerned for their tealblooded friend. Almost immediately she regretted her words as one of the leaders began to speak. The command to sit was heeded immediately, Odette scrambling to find a proper chair.
She carefully listened to the troll's words, leaning forward in her seat. Byakko's reveal touched her blood-pusher, despite the reveal having little to do with her. She faintly recognized her face from somewhere, but perhaps she was just imagining things? Either way, the honesty of the girl was something to be cherished. Especially considering the circumstances, Odette thought. With the possibility of corruption within the group, revealing her identity was a dangerous thing to do. But it was the right thing, there was no doubt about that in Odette's mind.
Byakko's eyes hovered over Vremea, and Odette started to shake with joy. This was wonderful for Vremea! She was so responsible and loyal and caring, she'd be a perfect fit in the Initiative. Then Byakko turned to Odette, and the feelings of joy were immediately replaced with dread and self doubt. She started to sweat, eyes darting around to see if perhaps Byakko was meaning to stare at an entirely different troll. When she realized there was no other, Odette clasped her hand over Vremea's, grabbing it tightly. She froze on the spot, hardly registering the words of the other trolls over the sound of her own beating blood-pusher.
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