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 Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 8:59 am
Well, at least I was on my way out of Moonfall, so Mother will not be worried for me just yet...but what a way to end my first trip home since graduating.
Azra'iel flinched, narrowing golden eyes as he quietly emerged from the back of the carriage he had just recently awoken in. Unlike the shapes around him, he had been propped in a corner and nearly upright, so his extremities were not nearly as numb as they could have been. He had received a bit of a shock from his bindings when his first response had been to summon a soft glow of light, informing him that his captors were quite serious; then, as the ringing in his ears had cleared, he heard the mumblings around him about a 'field trip' to Poena Privus.
The young witch could not help but glance around almost curiously: he had no inclination to join the Reapers but his love of knowledge could not help but prompt him to see all he could in what would likely be a once-in-a-lifetime... 'visit' to the secretive castle. He could easily see over the heads of most of the other captives, so continued forward toward the center of the group of mostly witchlings. He was surprised to see some older, familiar faces, but thankfully no one he knew well. Not that he would want to see anyone in this situation... the perpetual frown that had been lingering on his face since he woke deepened, hardening his features. What could the Blackhearts want with this ragtag group of nearly untrained witchlings?
Well. He was human, purely human and to his knowledge, had no dealings with Majin. Even if he had, he had never been involved in underhanded dealings of any sort! So while Azra'iel was at a loss as to what the Reapers' organization had taken him for, they had no right to keep him---but with the rough handling thus far and constant shushing, maintaining silence and cooperating seemed the best course of action. For now. Any power and protection he had to offer might be needed later to help the younger ones.
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Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 8:02 pm
After a bit more looking around, not as though it he would suddenly have a spark of inspiration that would somehow get them out of this mess he turned to look back to the group that he was standing with, taking in everyone that had been gathered up along with him. It really did make him wonder for the millionth time what was going on... but those that had taken them were rather close lipped about it. Either they didn't know themselves or they saw fit to keep it a secret from their captives, either way it wasn't as though he was going to learn the reason any time soon. All he could do was wait and keep an eye on those around him. It was Athir that drew him out of his wandering thoughts, making him glance over toward the witch he'd met sometime ago. Shaden? Not a name that Uaithne knew but it did have him glancing around for a moment, to see if anyone reacted to the name, guessing that it was perhaps someone in their group? He didn't see anyone react though.
Turning then to Cedar as she called out in a quiet manner to him, Kalypso, and the one called Xerxes who he didn't know personally. After glancing at Kalypso to make sure the white haired witchling had heard Cedar he moved a bit closer to the witch and the others that were gathering to her. He felt safer with the group even without his powers and even knowing that either of the Blackheart could likely cut them down easily... it just somehow felt a little safer with the others. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking on his part.
Shifting in place the green haired Majin did his best to keep himself ever between Kalypso and the two Blackhearts that had been in the carriage with them though it seemed a lost cause. The longer they stood here in the open the more Reapers and Blackhearts seemed to appear around them, making it almost impossible to keep himself between her and all the various threats. It wasn't something that he liked, not in the least. His brightly colored eyes flickered from side to side, trying to count how many potentially dangerous people were around them. It was as he tried to take stock that he suddenly noticed a flash of white, something that caused him to jerk in surprise, "Vinteren?" He murmured to himself. To see the mononoke here that he'd met some time ago while hunting moon flowers was like a punch in the gut, to think such a nice guy was among these people... it really was disheartening and a voice in the back of his mind whispered to him about the mononoke being some sort of a spy or informant. It was a paranoid voice he ignored, deciding that he wanted to believe Vinteren far to nice for such a thing. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why he was here. So many questions and so few answers, it really was making him more and more on edge.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 9:29 am
Athir's gaze couldn't leave Shaden once he'd locked in on her. She was his one bit of safety, familiarity. His only friend... But the response he got as their eyes stayed transfixed brought more confusion to his delicate face. The shake of her head... what did it mean? He saw that there were others around her, not really giving them much of a glance, perhaps it was towards a conversation she was having with them. But.... her stare was as intent as his own. It had to be geared at him... And so he snapped out of his trance like state when he was suddenly shoved into, making him stumble a little, arms pulling to try and gain balance, but unable to. Thankfully he didn't fall, and he only gave a slight glance to the woman that had committed the action. Seeing that she was already on her way, his eyes fell to the ground.
All around them it looked like reapers and knights.. Shaden included. What was going on..? The purple mononoke didn't seem to hold any ill-feelings but... there was a seriousness that had been plastered on her face that made his stomach knot even more with slight worry. And thus, he kept quiet now, and his gray eyes averted, once more trying to keep invisible as much as possible.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 10:13 am
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
The captives were guided into the main hall of Poena Privus, the Blackhearts who had taken them herding them as if they were sheep or cattle. The halls were ancient, darker stone, dimly lit by antique-looking lamps that hung overhead, dark red and burgundy tapestries and rugs lining the cold stone floors.
As they passed nearby reapers and other blackhearts who hadn't been called in on this mission, Sibelius gave them each a glance, and a slight nod of aknowledgement. "One of you mind getting the holding cell's doors open down below? We have a deposit to make." he grumbled, already testy. He was just waiting for one of them to cause a riot and have to be silenced the hard way, hoping it wouldn't happen, but knowing it probably would.
Down the stairs they went, the air becoming more chill and old smelling, light becoming scarcer and scarcer, until the steps leveled out into what could be nothing else but a dungeon of sorts, that had apparently been being used mostly as a cellar to store supplies and food that they indulged in at Poena Privus. "In there for now." he grunted at the captives, motioning towards the opening cell door of a large iron cage.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★✰
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 1:51 pm
Scentana had stuck close to Mia the entire trip. Her violet eyes scanning the strangle place the reapers and blackhearts called home. How could this be a good place to live? It was so dark...and depressing. Her home had always been bright; full of sounds, colors, and smells. Her sisters always brought fresh flowers into brighten rooms and add sutble smells to the house. But this place.....it....was just the opposite. The mononoke shivered a bit, but not from cold.
Soon they were decending steps, delving deeper into the darkness. Her tail was beginning to wrap around her legs more for warmth as the child became more prevelant. Now she really was clinging to Mia, her bound hands holding onto the other's arm. She was hoping more and more they hadn't searched her for her potions and she at least a few left on her. If she could pull together enough magic she could activate one....if it would have been of any use.
Suddenly they stopped and the blackheart pointed at a large iron cage. Her little black ears went back in fear and she made a soft scared sound. But she wouldn't go in there alone. Cages scared her, maybe it was her animal blood but she hated to be confined in a cage. More than once she remembered her sisters throwing a blanket over her and getting her to calm down that way. Even the embarressing time in potions class she had at least been hauled off in a backpack. But this......this scared her more than anything at the moment.
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Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 5:49 pm
Kalypso followed the others out the van and looked around. She was preprared to put all information she got to memory. She needed to be able notice every small details.
She looked up just in time to see Cedar motioning to her and Xerxes, and Uaithine. Kalypso got closer to her. Kalypso was happy to not be alone in the whole situation and to have her friends around.
She followed the groups inside of Poena Privus. She looked at the other Blackhearts and Reapers that just happen to be inside and felt disgusted. How could they stand around and not do nothing? She listened the what the blackheart leading them had to say and followed the group down a set of steps. The further down the stairs they went more scared Kalypso become. She reached out and grabbed one of her friends hands. She didn't know whose hands it was, but she was rather sorry for the pain she was probably causing from squeezing too hard.
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Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 8:27 pm
Cruor followed Sibelius' lead after only a brief moment of hesitation, moving to get all the captives effectively corralled, hoping that the sight of his blade alone would keep them under control; despite what it seemed like, he didn't really want to hurt... Most of them. He did, after all, have a rather deep-rooted resentment of all majins, so, honestly, only the possible harm that might come to the humans bothered him. However he also knew that Sibelius was right, that sacrifices did have to be made, especially with the number of Witch Eaters seeming to increase daily.
As they passed the other Reapers and Blackhearts, Cruor only cast them a brief glance, mostly making sure to be wary of any sort of interference. He didn't particularly want to fight his comrades, but orders were orders, and he would follow them for... The greater good. However when he reached Shaden he locked gazes with her, eyes hooding a little, showing the doubt and confusion underneath the facade; he didn't quite understand the orders either. Despite that he trusted Sibelius enough to not lead them astray, especially since the other man had more information than any of them and would not have approved of this if there wasn't a reason... Right.
Once they reached the cells, Cruor made sure to position himself in such a way that he blocked the only exit, eyes narrowing a little; it was a quiet threat saying that if anyone tried to slip past him, he wouldn't be gentle. Swallowing he watched them begin to file into the cage, his tail lashing behind him, the armor clinking as his crimson eyes followed their movements intently. There would be more time for questions later but, for now, he would do as he was ordered until said orders were proven... Unsavory.
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Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 10:45 pm
Shaden blinked at the pale weasel Mononoke as he shifted back. Her frown seemed to be rooted in place and her tail constantly thrashed behind her every few seconds. Even her ears were flattened against her head. But her irritated mood wasn't directed at him. Or any of the others around her. They were, after all, as clueless as she was right now.
"You would be correct." She replied in a muttered voice, shifting her weight to rub at her arm nervously. "Quite embarrassing, ain't it?" Shaden sighed.
More like shows there are strange things going on at Poena Privus.
Once again, her eyes fell on Athir. It was so hard seeing him, of all people, down there and not doing anything about it! Shaden could see the confusion and fear in him. Wanted so very much to collect him up and hide him. I...I'm sorry! Not now. Not yet. A low growl vibrated up her throat, too soft for any but those right beside her to hear. ********! She hated not knowing what was going on. What was going to happen to the young ones. She knew there were majin among them. And couldn't completely feel as strongly against whatever was going on in regards to them. Unlike Athir. She cared very much for the boy.
An almost annoyed look was shot towards Sibelius when he herded the kids towards the holding cells, grumbling at those others like herself watching. Perhaps if he felt like sharing what the hell was going on, they might be more willing to assist...? Though, there was a small bit of fear in the Reaper, that even Sibelius might not know the answer.
Keep calm. Don't do anything stupid. Yet.
...stay safe, Athir.
It wasn't until crimson eyes locked with her gaze that Shaden's expression shifted slightly, the Reaper biting at her lip. As she thought. Even Cruor was in the dark on this. Which made her feel even more nervous and yes, confused as well. She held his gaze as long as possible, her fear slipping out just long enough for him to catch it. Then her cyan eyes drifted downwards, but there was trust in the dragon Mononoke in her.
One thing she was positive about though. Even if there would be severe consequences, she would protect her friend.
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 8:16 pm
Shuffling along slowly and as steadily as his bonds and the others crowded around him would allow, Azra'iel kept his head forward and slightly drooped as to appear still woozy from the spell that had captured them. But behind his swinging bangs, champagne eyes were alert and constantly on the move, observing everything he could see.
The castle was darkly stunning, haunting, and elegant. Thick rugs lined the stone floors, muffling the sounds of movement and halls branched off the one they traversed: the maze-like quality enhanced by the low lighting. It seemed that retaining memory of their route through the castle would be impossible, so he had almost immediately stopped trying. More interesting to the young witch were the faces of the other occupants they passed. A majority of them revealed confusion, some even appeared alarmed as the captives passed...how strange. So knowledge of this kidnapping mission was not wide-spread? That was ...discouraging.
Azra'iel was careful to avoid making eye contact with anyone throughout their trek. But he could not help baulking at the sight of the cell they were being ushered into. It was not so much a surprise, of course they were going to be contained; but as a being connected to light, the dungeon they were being held in had him completely on edge and it was harder to appear compliant. The witch slowed, unconsciously trying to stall the inevitable. Narrowed eyes whipped to their captors, resting on the dragon mononoke who was rather menacingly blocking the only exit. He had not meant to make his full awareness known, but as he reluctantly dragged himself into the cell, Azra'iel was relatively certain the Blackheart was aware of his glare.
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 8:45 pm
Uaithne couldn't help but to drag his feet just a little as he found himself being slowly herded inside Poena Privus. This was not where he or his kind were meant to be, not by a long shot. He didn't want to be here... if anything he just wanted to flee. Flight wasn't an option though, was it? Instead he watched as the doors to the outside were closed behind the group cutting them off from both even the most minimal of chances as escape as well as the sunlight. That lack of sunlight seemed almost to cause the green haired majin to wilt a little. How long had it been since he was completely cut off from the sunlight? It was a question he didn't really have an answer too... maybe when he was sick with a cold when he was little and his Grannie didn't let him go outside? That was the closest he could think of, even since heading to the academy he still spent his off hours wandering about looking for various plant life to add to his collection. He doubted highly that where they were heading there was any of that save maybe moss...
Giving a shake of his head he turned to look for a moment at the two Blackhearts that had brought them this far. There was way no way that they would give up now that they had gotten the group this far he thought to himself before he turned to look at Kalypso who was reaching out with one hand for someone else, likely for reassurance that she wasn't alone as they were forced down some stairs that caused the world around them to grow darker and dingier. Reaching out he took her hand in his, trying to hide his wince as her hand clamped down on his and squeezed. Were it any other place, and one that he could easily escape from anytime he wished, he might find going underground at least a tad interesting since he'd never before been underground before. Knowing that he had no choice while being surrounded by people that would hate him merely on princple though just made the new experience one that was more terrifying then anything. As they reached what would be their holding cell Uaithne couldn't help but to gulp. The creak of the door into the iron barred cell sent shivers through him. Once they were inside the cell there was no coming out... but then again thre was likely no chance of that since they'd been tossed in the carriage.
After a glance toward Cruor and Sibelius, which cemented in his mind that even a single backstep away from where they were ordered to go would end badly, he found himself going into the cell. He'd have plenty of time after stepping inside to curse himself for being a weakly, for now he just didn't want to be the one that caused the two Blackhearts to start swinging since it was more then possible he wouldn't be the only one hit if they did. Once inside he gave Kalypso's hand a bit of a squeeze, while he couldn't tell her that it would be alright at least he could be here beside his friend he thought to himself as he moved toward the back of the cell, wanting to put distance between himself and their enemies.
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 7:27 am
The harsh sound of a long-unused key turning in an iron lock echoed eerily in the cellar as Sibelius secured them in. This room too had many anti-magic seals placed around it, seals that wouldn't entirely prevent the use of magic, but severely impede it from being used properly.
Sibelius cast a glare towards Shaden, crossing his arms over his broad chest in disapproval. "Don't look at me like that," he muttered, pocketing the long, rusted key. He was brooding, well aware of the strange looks the others were giving him and also Cruor. "We had a mission, and we completed it. Doubting the reasonings behind what our master says is probably the reason you are just a reaper." Ouch. Sibelius was grouchy, and he wasn't trying to hide it in the least.
"Come upstairs with me, and I'll explain this s**t. They'll be fine in there by themselves for a bit. Probably try to escape and fail at it." When he and the other blackhearts and reapers made it to the top of the stairs, he kicked the solid door downwards shut, leaning on it lazily, a gloomy and grumpy aura permeating off him like some foul odor.
"In that cage, there are majins and humans. Even though I know who is who, I'm not telling any of you. That's beside the point. You all remember that reaper who went insane at the ball, and we had to execute? He was craving human hearts, even though he was a b*****d human, why do you think that is?!" his voice had raised to a near yell, partially out of frustration, partially out of some bottled up anger. It wasn't like kidnapping young whelps made him feel good, either, but he knew the reason, he knew why... "Questioning me and Cruor with your dark looks, as if this whole thing is just to be pricks to these damn kids ---" his face suddenly froze as he looked beyond them, and his brows furrowed together in an apprehensive look as he looked to the floor, caught in the act of practically yelling at Shaden, Ophelia, Theron and Vinteren.
"Dear Sibelius, don't be so harsh," a harmonious female voice called out from behind them. It was like honey and tea to the parched and pained throat, dripping with nurture and comfort. "You must not blame them for their demeanor, they couldn't have possibly known our reasons, isn't that right?"
Runa, the master of Poena Privus, stood behind them, a whimsical site even at their sacred headquarters. There were many there who had never seen her truly, only a shadowy form of her when they received their first scythe, as she did not like to make merry with her subordinates, or any others for that purpose. She was smiling at them approvingly, her pale, colorless eyes exchanging appraising glances toward each one in front of her as she closed the gap between them.
Before finishing what Sibelius had started to say, she stepped between both he and Cruor, extending a hand to each of their cheeks and stroking a finger down their jawline fondly. "What a good job you two have done, such good boys you are." Her hands left their faces and crossed under her bosom; such praise was never long-lasting.
Runa turned her attention toward her other subordinates, smiling bemusedly at them. "My darlings, don't fret. Our great foundation would never strike harm or fear upon innocents, but not all is at it seems lately. There is reason, true reason, to why we have taken the liberty of helping ourselves to these young ones, human and majin...and I must tell you, it is not a happy reason. Shall I explain this to you all now?"
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 7:58 am
The ermine mononoke was pretty sure something different was going on right now. Perhaps, only being a training witch, he was not use to such goings on. He glanced to the two female reapers hoping one of them had more to say despite the harsh words of the blackheart to the other mononoke. He walked with the rest of the group, but stayed behind them. He was a subordinate, not even a full reaper so he would stay quiet unless addressed.
Once in the room his black tipped ears went back as the older man yelled at them. He hadn't been present when the reaper had gone mad but there had been plenty of stories. He had wondered what was going on and now it seemed there would be answers. But the man's current attitude didn't seem to be forth coming. His sudden stop made his tail twitch as he looked over his shoulder at the new person.
His dark eyes got wide at the moment he saw her. Reapers and blackhearts rarely saw this woman, let alone a trainnee witch. The monononke watched as the woman gave small praise to the blackhearts then turned to face them. It seems, as it should, that the leader of them all had the answers and she was willing to present them. He stood silently, unwilling to speak being rankless here.
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 8:33 am
Behind the Master of Poena Privus a ghostly cluster of dark, smokey shadows curled up from the ground, pitch black and thick. It twisted and undulated, stretching upwards and outwards until it was a large mass of simply black.
The blackness shuddered - and from it stepped an all-too-familiar figure to some as Xander Demetri slipped from the shadows, a pair of black and silver swords held loosely within his gloved hands. His long, two-toned hair was swept up in a ponytail at the back of his head, a few strands loose about his face, and he was dressed in a set of dark clothes very much unlike the ones he wore when he was Professor X, teacher of Arcane History at Makai Academy. The serpent that always seemed to be with him was gone, the expression on Xander's face looking extraordinarily bored.
Behind him the shadows dissipated into nothingness.
As his gaze swept the room, idly tracing the forms of all who stood there, the corner of Xander's lip curled upwards into a mocking sneer, his smile dark and dangerous, coldly calculating.
They were here. She had brought them - or rather, Sibelius and Cruor had, and Xander lifted his chin as he cast a glance towards them, his expression unchanging.
He stepped towards Runa, standing in his place just behind her left shoulder, and there was a flash of silver as he shifted, one of the swords catching the dim light from the candles.
The game was just now beginning.
[ OOC: PLEASE QUOTE ME IN YOUR POST IF YOU ARE TALKING TO XANDER otherwise I'll miss it! Please don't quote me in the main thread! ]
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 9:13 am
Ophelia shook her head at the young mononoke witch as she followed the rest of the group down to the cells. Each step she took down those stairs made her feel more and more uneasy. It would be one thing to be guiding witch eaters down, but innocent children?
She winced at Sibelius' remark towards Shaden's rank. She knew it was also probably directed at herself as well. But as his voice rose and temper flared, her lip quivered, caught between a frown and a snarl. She clutched her scythe tighter, her violet eyes finally daring to meet his when she heard a voice behind her.
Whipping around, she recognized Runa, despite never having actually seen her. Somehow she just knew that this woman was the fabled leader of the reapers. Almost subconsciously, her grip slackened at the sound of her gentle voice. And it seemed like finally she would shed light on the situation here, despite it not being a "happy reason".
She felt that uneasy feeling again as Xander appeared beside her, his smirk filling her with dread. She kept her eyes on him now, still listening for what Runa had to say.
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Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 2:17 pm
If it were possible, her ears flattened even more against the top of her head. Those cyan eyes were slits and much more 'feline' as she scowled right back at Sibelius. Shaden knew, somewhere amid the haze of anger at the low blow, that he was just as uncomfortable with some of this as the rest of them. But the Reaper couldn't help but to bristle at the jest. A low hiss escaped her gritted teeth. Since she was already in an equally foul mood, it had her reacting without much thought.
Where her fellow Reaper's may have felt the sting but remained silent, Shaden stepped right up to the Blackheart, scythe resting dangerously close to the man's neck. There was no question between which of them was the strongest. And Shaden knew it too. But that didn't keep her from showing she would not let anyone to get away with insulting her - or the other's of her class - without a fight. Of sorts.
"Or, perhaps I value my heart and mind, more than someone like you." Shaden growled softly, feeling the nails of her hands extend and sharpen.
As much as she wanted to let her nails dig into his flesh right now. To take out her frustration on Sibelius. But his words made her hold off, tail thrashing in thought.
Fine. Fine, they could all congregate upstairs. And hear what he had to say this time.
Shaden followed, refraining from bashing the end of her scythe into a certain Blackhearts head. She so very much wanted to know what the hell was going on. And what the purpose of gathering innocents (because yes, she knew some of those young ones were innocent) at Poena Privus.
Of course it shouldn't have surprised her to have him to basically yell at them as if they had done something wrong. Oh there was definitely a dark look coming from Shaden now. Though when she glanced to Cruor, it lessened. Him, she trusted. Sibelius, she did not. However is abrupt silence sent chills down the Reaper Mononoke's spine. Slowly, her gaze turned towards the direction the Blackheart had looked. And she felt her stomach drop. Shaden instantly found herself bowing respectfully to their Master. She had never seen her so fully before, but she had no doubt who she was. The appearance of X beside her only confirmed it as well. And sent another wave of chills through her.
"Please...Mistress, if it's not too much trouble. We're all so confused and do not wish to fumble with your plans." Shaden murmured honestly. Or mostly honestly anyways.
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