|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:08 pm
 (This is set BEFORE Maion becomes an elder. He has just been kidnapped by a pair of Kalona's) Maion felt heavy, every bone in his body seemed to throb and ache... what had happened? Where was he? He tried to force his eyes open but nothing happened at first. With a grunt he tried to roll but something was stopping him... something cold... hard.... he struggled. Panic setting in at not understanding what was going on. That was when he finally managed to open his eyes. It was slow, the world coming to focus so lazily that it took him a while to figure out what he was actually seeing. His body stilled... he was... in something man made. Looked like a device to keep him locked up. That was when he remembered... two Kalona's.... Drashi... the foals.... He forced himself to his four hooves, his large form near enough filling the entire 'cage'. He blinked... the room unfocused... he fell. His form slamming into the side of the 'cage' with such force that it shuddered around him. Maion couldn't move though, everything seemed to have a mind of it's own and right now it all seemed determind to ignore whatever he wanted it to do. Leaning on the 'cage' he looked around, he could see some strange clear thing filled with water, more cages... some empty and others with creatures in them. His eyes refused to focus, and for a moment he felt sick... sure that the darkness was about to sweep him under again. Somehow Maion fought it, staying awake even as his vision flickered again. He found his voice, asking one question with a voice that sounded weak even to him. "Where am I?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:46 pm
 "That's a good question. I still haven't figured that out myself and I've been here a couple of days. Looks like you took a real beating before they dragged you in here. You okay? I ask, like I could do anything." The golden stallion shakes his head and resettles his wings as a sign of discomfort.
Auri had been in his cage for two days. He hadn't more than glimpsed at his captors. They had taken him while he was asleep. And he hated that he hadn't woken in time to fight back, but by the time he heard them, there was a blow to his head and he woke up later here.
More than anything, Auri worried about Tiger. He hadn't seen his feathered friend since he'd been here and hoped the hawk had escaped. The star-spangled stallion looked the worse for wear and Auri hoped the damage to his wings was superficial feather breakage and not broken bones.
"I'm Auri, by the way. So far I know the water is safe, the food is bad, what little we get, and the space isn't up to my standards. But they haven't bothered talking to me at all. So I know nothing, I'm sorry."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 2:23 pm
The mare in the corner lay almost still, her eyes half-glazed in a pain that was not entirely physical. Sweat glimmered on her flanks, giving her already grimy fur a sickly appearance. Dirt and dust clung to her in clumps, staining her in shades of muddy grey. Her weak healing powers could barely hold off the infection she felt slugging its way through her body.
Sakura's mind was barred to everything around her. At first, every sound had made her jump, but now it was lucky if she even noticed them. Her brain, unable to comprehend the situation, had locked itself away in its own cage. It didn't help that she was utterly spent. Every spare scrap of energy she could muster went towards the thin thread of healing magic she could just about sustain. Without it, the wounds littering her body would have started to fester much more virulently than they did now. But wounds were not something she allowed herself to think about, only the healing of them.
So hidden from her surroundings was she that she almost missed the dialogue between the two stallions entirely. It was only the strength of the second male's voice that hitched in some stray sound receptor within her ear. She winced. She didn't want to get drawn out of her bubble. She couldn't trust the others. What if they turned on her, just as those two kalonas had? No. Bad. Bad line of thought. She quickly barricaded it away, her head shifting to turn to look at the other captives.
Were there so many to begin with? Or was her mind playing tricks on her? But that was irrelevant. "Wh-" She began to say, before her voice cracked painfully. How long had it been since she had tried to eat? Tried to drink? She ran her tongue over her mouth, attempting to moisten it slightly. Her efforts were near futile. "Water's safe?" Though her head was turned towards them, the rest of her body cringed further away into the corner of her cage. They could try to kill her too, after all. Once such thoughts would never have crossed her mind, but she no longer knew what to think.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:00 am
Maion tried to relax against the cold metal that held him, he needed to preserve his strength... for he had NO intentions of staying her. His breathing was still laboured from the kicks to the chest he had taken after falling... he could now remember every blow, every pianful cut, bruise and torment. Maion could also remember telling Drashi to take the children.... and as long as they were safe Maion cared not about the scarifice he had made to achieve it. He closed his eyes and groaned; so they were being held for some sick and twisted creatures delight.... from the look of this room all the victums had wings... a theme? Or simply coinsidence. His mind was busy trying to figure things out that he was taken aback when a voice more shaky than his own spoke. He turned and forced his eyes open once more.... a mare, also winged. She looked as if she was in a worst state than the rest; had she fought back also? Maion found his fury building. He hated it when mares were made to suffer, especially for anothers pleasure and enjoyment. He couldn't stand it! And it was in that moment that his mind was made up... while there was still breath in his body, a heart pumping, he would do whatever he could to free himself and those trapped here with him. "Yeah...." He said in answer of her question, not wanting to ignore her despite her weak voice. "...at least that is what..." He frowned, not knowing the others name, "...the other stallion said." Maion had yet to taste the water so didn't know for sure. "My name is Maion.... " He offered it in the hopes the others would trust him with their own. But Maion wasn't foolish, he knew the limitations of his body... and although he had a horn his healing power was none exsistant, his angeni blood had always been the stronger of the two... that made him less than useless when it came to healing those around him, especially how tender and tired he was. Information was all he could try to gather while he recovered a little of his strength. "Kalona's." He said, hoping it would jog details from the others also;... what was outside of the place they were being held? "Two of them, from the conversation they were having I would guess Father and daughter." He must be so proud, Maion thought just resisting snarling like the beasts he had grown to despise. "Do we know why they may have done this?" With each word his voice grew stronger, less pained, but his body still refused to support him... at least not yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:10 am
"Besides being sick, twisted and sadistic? Not so far. But they don't seem to be done." Auri craned to see the mare. His cage was positioned so hers was blocked by a few others. He hadn't even know she was there and wondered how long she had lain unconscious before waking.
"So far, my water has been safe, lady. I am Auri. I wish I could offer more than my words in aid, but at the moment, I am a bit constricted. When I got my strength, I tried kicking my way out of this cage, but it is sturdy and I did myself more harm in the attempt than good." He sighs and shakes his head.
Things were bad here, but he hadn't had the first clue as to why. Auri knew that not all Kalona, or at least not all who carried Kalona blood, were evil. But that such was more likely. Until he had been captured, and more importantly, until he had seen the state of the other prisoners, Auri hadn't had anger or fear against the Kalona. Skinwalkers were another thing entirely. He would happily stomp out any Skinwalker he ever met.
But now, his blood boiled at the thought of what those Kalona had done to those in the other cages. But he had been well trained and knew that the anger could lend strength, but that allowing it to control him would ensure his defeat.
"There isn't much I know or can do. I've been hoping my friend, Tiger, would be able to follow me here and help with an escape. But it's been too long. I can only hope he's still looking and hasn't been killed by the Kalona. Without outside help, I don't know how we're going to get out of here."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:08 am
((I tried to write a shorter response, honest XD It just didn't work))
The mare continued to eye the two stallions with distrust, wincing at the mentions of two kalonas and cringing as the stallion gave his name. Names were so personal. How could she give it to a stranger who could tear her apart just as those two had? But then the other one - Auri - spoke his. She recoiled slightly further into her shell. She didn't want to be close to these strangers. She didn't want to be close to anyone. She was afraid. So many had betrayed her trust... her father, her siblings, even her own son had once turned on her. Now even strangers turned and spat on her face.
But the orange one (she refused to think his name again, not wanting to draw the bond any closer) had hinted that he had friends who could save them. Would this Tiger save her? But why would he? Then again... had she not helped many people in the past? Not a week ago she would have lent a helping hoof to any passing stranger. Maybe... she should give them a little. A knot of terror seized her as memories of pain flashed through her mind, the brutality of strangers. But survival came first.
And first she needed water. Seizing a few deep, shaky breaths, she gathered what little strength she had and tried to pull herself onto her feet. It wasn't easy. Her legs shook, cuts screaming out as tired muscles strained against half-formed scabs. Something about her balance was off. It took her a moment to realize that was because of her left wing. It looked oddly crumpled. Hopefully it was just badly sprained. She didn't want to consider a broken wing.
The mare closed her eyes for a moment, seeking to gather her strength once more, but that only made her dizzy. They flickered open again just in time to stop her from toppling over. She took a shaky step. She seemed to be able to hold her own weight. Another. Still okay. Her back ankle caught on a small flaw on the floor, sending jagged pain through her calf. Another sprain? It seemed like it. It had been her fault for running from the kalonas though.
Eventually she made it to the strange metal tray.
Half-glazed eyes stared at the water cautiously. What if the stallion had lied? What if it were poisoned? What if he was on their side? But... the other one... the Angeni had believed him. Angeni were supposed to be good, right? After all, one had helped her when she was pregnant. 'It's death either way... You need rehydration, soon, or you won't last.' The thought came unbidden into her mind, but it was the truth.
One last moment of hesitation. And then the cool liquid touched her parched throat. The water was murky and had a metallic tang, but it seemed pure of taint. After a sip, she paused. Then took another little bit of water. Gulping it down would only make her feel sick.
"Seems... clean." She offered cautiously, her voice no longer cracking. Another drink. She owed them a name at least, even if not the bond that came with name-sharing. "I'm... Sakura. Yes, Sakura." It took a while to find the words. "Escape is futile. I tried... to run. They caught me again. No reason. Just pain." For a moment her eyes seemed to bore into the black and white Angeni, wishing him to understand, yet afraid of contact. It was a silent cry for help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:11 am
Maion flinched... Auri... the guy had said that already! He was sure of it, so why wasn't it sticking? Why did it feel like his head was full of mud and he was having a tough time wading through it. Instinctively he tried to open his wings only to grit his teeth as pain assailed him. Oh holy heavens! That hurt! He hoped it wasn't broken.... or maybe it was just because of the cage? He didn't know.... Leaning down he took a sip of the water, trying to clear his hazy thoughts. "Sakura..... Auri...." He hadn't realized he had spoken out loud at first until he recognized the sound of his own voice. "We will escape here." He said, a confidence rippling through him. He wouldn't let them die here.... he couldn't die here! He needed to get out of here! He wanted to return to his herd, his family, to the people that needed him.... of course those here also needed him. Perhaps that was why he was brought.... dragged.... here? He blinked and shook his head again. "Together. We must do this together." Did he say more? Did he dare? But surely thy knew the dangers first hand? Kalona's are trouble on the worst day.... but captured and injured they become your own personal nightmare. Glancing between the pair he nodded at Sakura, as if deciding something. "You are brave for trying on your own. But you are not alone now. None of you are." He glanced towards Auri.... looked around for any others. Was that movement in a small cage? Familiar perhaps? He was thankful that Elijah was not in such a sorry state. He was thankful for the slight unicorn blood he had... whatever the reason it was helpful here. His magic in regards to healing was none existent, he couldn't really do anything other than small surface wounds and it left him tired.... he needed his strength if he was going to get out of here. "If they try to catch us.... you run.... I will block them for as long as I can."Of course.... first he needed to get out of here! Looking at the lock he wondered if his horn could get in there.... after all the Kalona's had to be able to do this with what they had.... he tried... his sight flickering to darkness a few times as he tried to jimmy open the lock. It took far longer than he would have liked but eventually he heard the satisfying scrap of metal against metal.... but then he froze.... the screech was loud.... what if the kalona's were still here? So sorry guys..... sweatdrop
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2014 8:10 am
Auri felt for his companions. They were in such worse shape than he was. He had only taken the one blow to the head before he had woken up here. His ankle was a bit tender from where he had tried kicking his cage open, but even that wasn't too bad.
Taking stock of himself, with the exception of really wishing there was something filling to eat, Auri knew he was likely the strongest one here. He was about to respond to Maion's assertion that they run if caught while he held them off when he noticed what the stallion was doing.
Holding his breath, Auri didn't want to interrupt the other. When he finally heard the sound that indicated success, he started coughing to cover the sound. After a minute in which they were still left alone, he looks over at Maion again.
"Good idea. Did it work? And, for the record, if they try and catch us, I'll hold them off. I'm in pretty good shape, my wings still seem functional, and I've been trained to fight Skinwalkers. You're not going to be up to fast flying for a bit, from the look of those feathers, and you'll need to help Sakura get away."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2014 3:43 pm
Not alone. Not alone. The words reverberated around her head, banging around within her skull senselessly. Her body twitched involuntarily, trying to recoil away from his voice. Did he think they could escape all together? A dark chuckle bubbled up within her chest, dying before it could reach her lips. There was no escape. Running was futile. Resistance was pointless. They would find them, they would punish them. Sakura took a step backwards, away from the bowl of water.
Her eyes rolled as she raised her neck backwards. The whites showed. Her muscles screamed. "N-no." Shudders ran up and down her back, violently ripping through through her body. There was no way they could be thinking about this. No way she should be thinking about this. Those poisonous words feeding false hope deep within her. She couldn't allow it. They wouldn't allow it.
Two faces loomed in her vision. Cajoling her. Taunting her. She was theirs, they said. She would do as they pleased, they said. What was she but an alicorn, a pretty little play-thing? A whimper escaped between her teeth as she screwed her eyes shut, backing into the rock wall behind her. She winced as the cold bit at her wounds. Her wing knocked out of place, sending agony lacing up her spine. A silent cry lay at her lips as her head snapped back, tendons in her neck straining against the pain.
And then a loud screech cut through her nightmares as metal scraped on bare stone. She was jolted back to reality, staring with disbelief at Maion. He'd... opened the cage? How? What? And the other one... Auri? She winced at thinking his name, but it came unbidden. He was offering to fight, to protect them. Her nostrils flared as she battled with herself. Were they trying to deceive her too? Was there only pain and suffering in that direction? Or could they truly offer her freedom?
She poised, motionless, before taking a hesitant step forwards. She wasn't sure if she could trust them, but one thing was certain: only death lay here. Could going out of that door really lead to worse? Her gait was tense and awkward as she stumbled forwards, but a new purpose seemed to fuel her. Maybe it was a false hope, but it had taken root now. Maybe these two would truly be her saviours. "Th-thank you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
