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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2022 10:07:56 GMT -5
The ride back was relaxing. Lana was sure not to be obnoxious on the bike, rather she took it slow and steady. Perhaps it was the feeling of Vaena’s arms about her, her cheek upon her back that she enjoyed. Perhaps it was the company of someone decent that made her feel good. When she pulled up to the lake, she kicked the stand down and stepped off after Vaena. She pulled her helmet from her head, and her hair fell about her shoulders once more. “Me – go in there?” she lifted her gaze up to the Condo. In truth she had been in the establishment before, the Capitol owned the Complex… She set her helmet down and adjusted her jacket. “Alright” she chuckled and followed behind the eager woman.
“I was never here” Lana raised her hand and then chuckled to the greeter. She followed Vaena to the elevator and leaned against the railing in the back. “You know it’s really fancy when there actually isn’t any elevator music” she smirked and the doors opened once more. “Well, you know. Not sure if its really calm or I-Don’t-Give-A-Fuck” she laughed and shrugged. “You know” she stepped inside. “We’re more alike than you think. You and I both come from legendary fathers, who expect big shit from us…” she set her helmet down on a decorative table by the door, her keys clanking next to it on the polished wood. Lana looked up and Vaena let out a cry – a man held her.
“What the fuck – Julius” she held her hand out and the door closed behind her. She rushed forward and peered to Vaena. She stepped to Julius and swiftly brought her thumb forward. She gripped the back of his head and pressed her thumb straight between his eyes. The runes on her arms lit brightly and suddenly the scene changed – but only for Julius and Lana.
“I’m not valuable Julius” Her voice range in pitch darkness. Suddenly a light flicked on and in the middle of the darkness sat Julius – tied to a chair. She had entered his mind and controlled it completely. “Vaena is valuable…” she appeared suddenly and stood before him. “My technique is flawless, and legendary… you know to fear what comes next. So you’re going to tell me exactly why you are here, and who sent you, and what you plan to do with Vaena… and then I’m going to tell you – to kindly fuck right off. But not without a little bit of fear” she snapped her fingers.
The room’s temperature began to creep upward until it got hotter and hotter. The feeling of flame flicked across his skin – but no fire to see. His skin did not char either, no, just the pain and sensation of burning alive filled his bones. One of his fears – was being burnt to death. He thrashed in the bindings of the chair and kicked. When he cried out for her to stop – it suddenly did… The entire room filled with water instantly. His lungs choked for air… before him a giant shark circled about him… not one, but five sharks. They bumped into him and rubbed on him. “What typical fears… no.. let’s really dig in” the scene changed just as his lungs cracked.
He sat in a small room, upon a couch. The TV was on – the news was playing. The place smelled of oatmeal cookies and had a kind of poor-dampness to it. The front door open and closed and the clicking of heels overlaid the TV. A second passed and suddenly the woman was pulling Julius by his ear across the home. Another passed – Julius would be unable to act, only feel and see. The woman began to strip him of his clothes. His mother proceeded to abuse him in ways he would never forget. His first kill, Lana knew this, was his mother, when he was 17. He stabbed her 62 times in the chest as she pulled at his jacket one fateful day after school. That day he changed forever… When his mother climaxed – she turned and gripped his jaw. “You’ll tell me everything” she threw him down.
Suddenly he fell to the ground in the pitch dark room, he was still strapped to the chair. “This is just the cusp… You understand now – why I am so good at what I do…” Lana’s voice rang out. “You see, you identify yourself with the Blue Robins, until your blood runs blue. You shouldn’t do that… Blue Robins should be like a pin on your vest. Speak for yourself, do things for yourself, live for yourself… You just hurt and kill whoever the hell they tell you to? You honestly think that’s how life works? No, that is how the Capitol became. Do you want to just be apart of Capitol 2.0?” she appeared and gripped his collar. She lifted him so he sat upright in the chair and she peered to him. “You have so much potential, you know… I always liked you..” she flicked his nose. “Vaena is far more important than you realize. Vaena is our in on the Capitol, she is the one who can give us all the intel we desire, she is the one that can help us bring it down from the inside. Don’t you see that? Now, if you tell me everything you know… I’ll let you go free of charge. You can go running back to the Robin’s and tell them Lana took over your whole gig, and Vaena is off limits. Next time – I won’t be so nice…” she smirked to him and then pulled a cigarette from her pack. She lit it with a single finger and took a puff. “So start talking, or Mommy comes back for round two” she puffed and peered to him.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2022 10:38:09 GMT -5
Julius crossed his arms as he watched Lana. He glanced to the door as it slammed shut. He took a step back and held his hands up as she came forward. But there was no fighting against Lana’s power. He groaned as they were sucked into his mind. “Lana...” He spoke through grit teeth as he breathed heavily. “Don’t….do…..this….” He struggled. “You...know I can’t tell you.” He pulled against the straps that held him firmly in the chair. As the heat of the room increased Julius screamed. He thrashed against the chair, doing anything he could to escape. He wasn’t a mage, he didn’t know a lick of magic. There was absolutely nothing he could do to protect himself. It was one torture after another. Bubbles flowed from his mouth as he cried out beneath the pressure of the water around him. Though that wasn’t the worst of it. No. The worst of it was his mother.
Tears streamed down Julius’ cheeks. He closed his eyes as he tried to get away from the horrible memories. But even with his eyes closed he could still see it, smell it, feel it. His breathing was quick and erratic. As his back slammed against the cool hard ground he let out a cry. Lana’s voice once again spoke. He was trembling. As she appeared before him he stared into her eyes, his own seemed void of emotion at this point. Perhaps she’d pushed him too far? As she flicked his nose Julius turned his head away from her. “Please...” He breathed. “I’ll tell you what I know Lana...” He lowered his head forward for a moment to gather himself. His breathing was still quick, his body still shook. “I received a letter a week ago...it didn’t have a return address...not a stamp...just a seal...” He lifted his gaze to her finally. “That letter was addressed to me. It was given to one of the members of the Blue Robins to give to me. I’ve never heard of the Black Fox...but that is who signed it. I took the letter to Peter...and I asked him about it….he’d never heard of this person before either.”
Julius closed his eyes a moment as he tried to straighten his thoughts. “The letter spoke that the Capital was to bring in a new Magister, a mage from the Academy. It knew her name. It knew what she looked like. The letter had her described down to the fine details of how she dresses. The letter even explained that she would be placed in this very condo...” He blinked a few times. “So when I saw her walking into the Capital Tower today, to join the High Council...I knew that I had to act.” Julius grit his teeth slightly. “They will just have more power over us with a Magister again, Lana. Especially one that is so young. She’ll follow their every command.” He spoke quickly. “The person that wrote this letter...they wanted me to bring her to the lower east end. I was to meet them there tonight with the Magister. I...don’t know what they aimed to do with her...but they spoke of stopping the Capital and their corruption in their tracks. Lana this is our chance to really fight back!” He shifted in the chair.
“How can you say that she will give you intel from the inside? She will crumble to their every ask. Lana even if you know this girl, after the Capital is finished with her you will no longer recognize her. Haven’t you seen what they do to people? What they become once they are indoctrinated into the Capital? There is a reason we do not have Blue Robins undercover within the Capital Tower. What they do...” He shook his head. “You have to let me take her to this Black Fox. We can really strike a blow to the Capital. If we wait too long it will be too late.” He pleaded toward the end. “I have the letter. I can show it to you. Maybe you know who this person is? Or maybe you don’t. But they’ve got the same interests as the Blue Robins. They want to bring the Capital to it’s knees.” Julius stared to her, his brows furrowed. “Please, Lana.”
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2022 10:59:51 GMT -5
When Julius began to talk – Lana flicked her cigarette away, which simply disappeared into the abyss. It wasn’t even real, just for show. She didn’t even smoke, to be truthful. Lana crossed her arms and listening to him. A detailed letter, from some new force – Black Fox. What was with using animals and colors to describe groups? She pressed her lips together and listened. “You know that is not how the Robin’s operate. You honestly think to even trust this stranger? You don’t know what they plan on doing, and you really thought to just take the only asset we have to their door step?” she sighed “You really are a fucking moron” she threw her hands down and paced slightly. “What could they possibly do that would strike such a blow over night, hm? The only thing they could do is warp her own mind, or you think she’ll honestly strike a deal? You kidding me? No, you can’t force someone’s hand. You have to do the right thing – you have to show them the options, educate them, HELP them. Not force them” she squeezed her hands into fists. “Your mom forced you, didn’t she? And you forced every girl after that… don’t think I don’t know” she grit her teeth together. “Let me ask you something” she placed both hands on the arm rests of the chair and she leaned in.
“If I was in that Magister chair, would you trust me?” she questioned with a lifted brow. “Vaena is the smartest person I know, and if you thought I was powerful – she is even more so. She is also – not an idiot. It would take a wave of her hand to bring the entire Robins down, this Black Fox, and even more. Or a wave of her hand for the Capitol too… she knows their corruption, she see’s their manipulation. If we force her to see it our way – she will reject it equally so. If we show her the way, and allow her to decide… you’ll find that Vaena is just as human as you and me, with a heart twice as big as yours… You think you’re doing the right thing, because you feel pinned up against the corner, you knee jerk reaction – you don’t care who it hurts, who it harms, you don’t see the doors of choices. You see the fastest door to salvation, the 62 stabs to a woman’s chest, the simple solution…” she stood then. “I’ve received what I needed…” they faded.
As they came back to – only a second had passed in real time. Lana reached forward and gripped his throat, in an instant – it broke. Julius collapsed to the ground in an instant death, quiet and swift. “You were always a real piece of shit…” she spoke and knelt down. She shifted through his jacket until she found a folded letter… she slipped it away in her pocket and she sighed deeply. “She won’t like it… but she needs to know…” Lana spoke softly to herself. She turned to the collapsed Vaena, and she waved a hand over her head, her hand glowing slightly, to wake Vaena.
“You okay?” she questioned softly and she helped Vaena to sit on the couch. “Relax – deep breaths.” She sat upward and peered to the body on the ground. “You were gassed by this asshole… unfortunately…” she crossed her arms. “He’s no longer.. but” she lifted the paper and handed it to her. “This sort of thing… will become normal. The Capitol is right – you will be a walking target… My father often had his own guards as well, he… was twitchy – I know he always feared assassination… I am sorry, Vaena…” she sighed. “He was working with some new group, the Black Fox… I’ve never heard of them, truthfully…” she looked to Vaena. “I can take care of this body, or we can report it. The Capitol has people who… clean this up swiftly for you, get help figuring it out… I think it’s important you…we..be truthful to the Capitol, they’ll trust you more if you are… Do you want me to make the call?” It was unfortunate, she still had the number in her phone for the Capitol Services, she had called them before to help her dad.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2022 11:42:33 GMT -5
Julius watched Lana carefully. “I don’t trust anyone Lana. You know that.” He remarked. “But Peter said to do this. So I’m going to do it. You need to understand the bigger picture.” He furrowed his brows. “If we can combine with this new group...just imagine the capabilities that we could gain. Two rebel groups against the Capital scum, united? That sounds like victory to me.” He smirked to her. “So what if they warp her mind. She’s Capital scum, Lana. She’s the Magister. She can’t be trusted to do anything good for us.” He retorted quickly. He watched as she squeezed her hands into fists. Her next comment caused him to look away. A look of shame on his expression now.
Her next question caused him to bring his eyes back to her. “Of course I would trust you, Lana. But you would never been the Magister. Think about it. They killed your father. You really think they would let you into that seat?” He laughed as he watched her. He tilted his head slightly. “Why do you care about this girl so much, Lana? You’ve never had a problem in the past getting rid of some of the Capital’s finest. You’ve just as easily turned your eyes away when we’ve offed a few of those in charge. Don’t act like you’re a saint now. Like you’ve turned over a new leaf and you’re going to start being a do gooder for society.” He smirked darkly to her. “I still remember when you took your first life, Lana. That look in your eyes. You liked it. I know you did.” Those were the last words that Julius spoke before Lana brought them from the confines of his mind and easily broke his neck.
Vaena still lay upon the floor, her breathing was slow and even, her expression calm. Though as she began to come to her brows tugged together. Her eyes opened and electricity came to her fingers. She sat up swiftly and a haze overtook her mind from the chemicals. “Lana...” She breathed as the sparks left her eyes and fingers. She allowed the woman to help her to the couch, her eyes stared to the body. The lifeless corpse on the floor. Her breathing began to catch in her chest. She felt her heart begin to beat more rapidly as Lana’s words washed over her.
“You killed him?” She spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. She stared to the letter and read over the words. She read it over and over again. Tears welled in her eyes. The details that described her were perfect. Her stomach churned into knots. “Lana...” She was breathing more rapidly now. “I...I haven’t hurt anyone...I….I...” She stood swiftly and paced about. “I can’t...d-do this...” She looked to the body again. The world was threatening to spin out of control. Classic panic attack. She collapsed into one of the chairs across from Lana and stared to her. She refused to look at the body. “You just...killed him...you couldn’t have just...hit him over the head? What if he knew something about this group?” She had crumpled the letter slightly in her hands from how tightly she was holding onto it.
“God….no don’t touch the body...you can’t just….just….make it disappear...” She stood and walked over to the kitchen, she gave a wide girth to the body that lay on the pristine wood floor. Vaena poured herself a glass of water and she gulped some of it down. Her mouth felt dry. As if she’d tossed sand within it. “You killed him...” She breathed again as she leaned against the counter. She reached for her pocket. “Y-you’re right. I need to call Damien.” She quickly scrolled through her contacts and without a second thought she clicked on his name. The monotonous ringing of the phone sounded over the speaker as she set the phone down on the counter. Vaena leaned onto her elbows as she tried to slow her breathing.
“Hello…?” A tired voice came from the phone. “Who...” There was some ruffling of blankets and a groan. “Vaena? Are you alright?” There was a care to his voice with this question.
“Damien.” She swallowed and closed her eyes. “You were right...I am a target...I...” She was having a difficult time getting the words out.
“Where are you? Are you alright?” Damien could be heard moving about. “Vaena? Talk to me.” The jingle of keys came from the phone. “Are you at the condo?”
“Yes.” Vaena managed to croak out.
“Are you safe, Vaena?” He questioned the sound of a car door shutting and then the rumble of an engine sounded as he began to drive.
“Yes. I...” She looked to Lana. “I’m safe because of an old friend. Otherwise...I don’t believe I would be on the phone with you.”
“Just stay where you are. I’ll call the right people. Call me if anything changes, Vaena. Sit tight.” Damien disconnected the call.
Vaena stared to the body again, her eyes couldn’t pull away from it. She shakily lifted the glass of cool water and carried it over to the couch. She sat down next to Lana. Her jade hues still locked upon Julius’ body. Silence filled the room with the exception of her shaken breathing. “I...I’ve never seen someone...like that...” She could see bruising upon his neck where Lana had gripped him before she killed him. “Dead...” She spoke the word slowly. “I um...” She bit at her lip. “I remember the person who fell from the balcony above the gardens at the Academy. I heard about it. They told me it was awful to see...the girl who found the body...she quite the Academy.” Her expression was void now as she lifted the glass of water to her lips.
“So...I would be dead...if you hadn’t come to my room with me...wouldn’t I? To think I was so nervous to ask you to come up to my condo.” A broken laugh came from Vaena. “I...” She finally pulled her eyes from the body. “Th-thank you Lana.” She searched Lana’s eyes. “I should say thank you.” Her voice trembled. There was a heavy rapping upon the door then that caused Vaena to jump, her breathing quickened once again.
“Miss Barellis. Capital Guard. Could you open the door?” A voice rang into the room. Vaena didn’t budge from where she sat, her eyes stared once again to the body of Julius.
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2022 12:04:08 GMT -5
Lana sighed softly in defeat You killed him? . She knew Vaena would be in shock, she knew this was the first body she would see. She knew she probably took it far… but she could tell that Julius wouldn’t just walk away. He was spouting words of a cultist, a fool and fanatic. While Julius had helped her before – she knew he was a bad egg, teetering on the edge of making a bad decision. A twinge of pain sparked through her chest, but she muffled it away by telling herself she ended his suffering. When she glimpsed into his fears – they were hours long, that she witnessed in seconds. It was not an easy task to pull them from a person… she had to face them, with their emotion backing her up. In that moment she was equally as scared. He was facing many problems, PTSD, disorders… a ticking time bomb. She pressed a finger to her brow and let out a deep sigh, trying to let the images of Julius’s broken past out of her mind. “You didn’t do this – I did this, Vaena” she stood and watched Vaena go through the waves of emotion. She did not say anything…
Instead Lana pulled the throw blanket off the couch and laid it over the chest and face of Julius. She turned her gaze from Vaena as the spoke on the phone, she sat quietly on the arm rest of the couch as she waited. When she got off the phone – Lana stood and sighed softly. “I know… I’m sorry. It is done now… just… sit” she stepped towards the door as a knocking rung loudly. She opened the door to the guards and stepped to the side for them.
One guard stepped over to the body and pulled the blanket back slightly and set it back. “Gone” Lana crossed her arms. The other guard stood before Lana. “He was in the room when we arrived. We got dinner together, as celebration for her new role. Seemingly – this guy already knew about it… Vaena, the note” she waved for her to hand it over. “Someone leaked this knowledge and this guy scrambled through her stuff, and then knocked her out with chloroform… can you access the surveillance?” she questioned. “I came up seconds later and uh, handled the situation” she lifted a brow. “Something to do with a new group – Black Fox…” she huffed slightly.
The door was still open from the guards and it creaked open. “Damien…” Lana turned and glanced to him. She had seen him since that fateful day. The day he arrived to her Metaphysics class and pulled her out. To tell her that her father had been murdered… he held her as she cried… and then she never saw him again. He was the only one she didn’t attempt to bother with questions… She sighed softly and turned towards Julius on the floor. “Celebration Dinner, came back – Vaena attacked, I took care of it. Guards are pulling surveillance up now…” she sighed once more. “I’ll cooperate” she spoke and glanced to him. She was ready to be arrested, if he deemed it necessary. She did… kill a man.
The guards punched a panel on the wall and a screen pulled up. It was exactly as depicted. Julius grasped Vaena and smothered her. She collapsed. Lana stepped forward. His words were different though. “Who are you, what are you doing here?” Julius questioned. Lana stepped forward and pressed a thumb against his forehead – a second passed – and then she broke his neck. He fell to the ground… Lana shifted through his clothes and pulled the letter.. and then she woke Vaena…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2022 12:41:34 GMT -5
As the guards came into the room Vaena stared to the covered body. Her brows tugged together. When Lana spoke her name she jumped slightly, jerked from her own mind. “The note...” She looked to the note in her hands that she’d crumpled even more by this point.
“I will take it.” A guard spoke as he stepped forward to her. “You’re alright, Magister.” He took the paper and stepped back from her as his eyes looked it over. The guards were clad in the finest of body armor that could be afforded. They had rifles slung over their backs. An aggressive presence if one was on the wrong side of the Capital.
As Damien walked in the room his eyes fell upon Vaena and then he looked to Lana. His brows rose slightly. “Miss Highland.” He spoke in greeting to her. He crossed his arms over his chest as she ran through the events swiftly with him. “I see.” He spoke and tilted his head slightly. He turned his attention to the screen that pulled up and he watched closely as the footage was replayed.
“We have this note from a new group called the Black Fox, sir.” One of the guards held the note forward.
Damien pulled the crumpled note into his hands. He drew in a careful breath as he read over the words. “Someone knows a bit too much about you, Miss Barellis.” He spoke as he looked to Vaena whom was still in shock from the whole situation. “I’ll be sure to assign you that guard detail. I’m certain you understand why I wanted to assign it now. Hm?” He folded up the note and slipped it into his pocket. Damien then turned his eyes to Lana. “The footage shows you quite heroically protecting our new Grand Magister of the High Council, Miss Highland.” He spoke as the guards carried the body away for processing. “It’s been quite sometime since I’ve seen you.” He commented as he glanced back to Vaena. “I had no idea you were friends with Miss Barellis.” He shifted slightly.
Damien pulled a set of cuffs from his pocket as he looked to her, he gave a bit of a weak smile. “I do have to bring you in for questioning. You said you would cooperate. So I imagine I do not need these...a life is a life after all. Even if you were defending our Magister.”
“No.” Vaena stood and stepped forward. “You’re not locking her away for protecting me.” She still had a quiver to her voice. “I won’t allow that to happen.”
He turned his gaze to the Magister, “So what do you suggest that we do with this woman then, Grand Magister?” He asked his eyes curious.
Vaena drew in a breath, her jade hues looked to Lana a long moment. She then looked back to Damien. “Clearly if these vigilantes have gotten so much information about me...down to when I would arrive at the Capital Tower...if they have such information then it must be someone that has knowledge from inside of the tower. I do not wish to have a protection detail of any of your guards until you have flushed out the apparent rat that you have among the people that you deem trustworthy.” Her voice was strong as she spoke. She paused for a moment as she looked to Damien whom merely had a smile upon his lips as he waited for her to continue. “I have known Lana for quite sometime, and though I knew she had difficulties after her father was murdered. She never truly did anything wrong.” She glanced to Lana and then back to Damien. “I want to be able to work with her. She can also help me research the material that I need to perform the spell that Malcom has asked me to perform. She has a strong mind. One of the best mages at the Academy before she left.”
Damien glanced to Lana and then back to Vaena. “As compelling as that is.” He spoke and held the cuffs up. “I still have to follow protocol.”
“She protected me.” Vaena spoke as she stepped between the two. “If she were not here I would have been taken to this Black Fox.”
Damien grit his teeth slightly. She wasn’t wrong. A sigh came over his lips then. “Well.” He glanced to Lana. “You two are great mages. We know where this miscreant was to meet with this group. Why don’t we round them up? If you can get me one of the members of the Black Fox. I’ll let you have Miss Highland dismissed for her crime. How does that sound?” He looked to Lana. “I won’t even charge you for the use of illegal magic.” He looked to her hand and the runes that were visible and glowing.
“Damien.” Vaena spoke as she stood her ground. “We can provide you with this. Malcom said any resource I need I can have. I need Lana to work with me in order to solve this. If you lock her away I may not be able to execute the spell effectively. It cannot be done alone. I’m sure she would be interested in helping me.”
Damien seemed to think for a moment as he slipped the cuffs into his pocket. “Tell me, how do you plan to get me more information on the Black Fox?” He questioned. “We need to find the informant and put a stop to them. Otherwise you would face more attacks.”
“Which, if I had Lana with me I will be safe.” Vaena drew in a breath. She truthfully wanted to scream, she wanted to cry. Her eyes were welled with tears. “Damien, I know I am new to this position...but please trust me. I’ve given you as much information as I know. I want to help the Capital. Lana does too.”
Damien looked to Lana a moment as he crossed his arms. “A change of heart then?” He spoke as he watched her. “I seem to remember you trying to break into the Capital Tower when your father passed. I was told all of the things that you spat at the guards. Though, I could chalk it up to grief from your loss. Your father was a good man. He didn’t deserve to die like that.” He watched her another moment longer. “Tell me then Lana, how will you get me the Black Fox?”
Vaena looked to Lana then she bit at her lower lip. Her nerves were at an all time high. She felt like her body was on fire. She only hoped that this is what Lana wanted, because now there was no turning back.
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Post by Raven on Apr 27, 2022 13:52:22 GMT -5
Lana turned to Vaena with wide eyes – she didn’t expect her to stand up for Lana like that. She expected her to roll over, to cry away the shock of this attacker… but there was a sense of strength in her words. Lana muffled a smirk and she watched Damien’s response to her, he ended up giving in slightly. Of course not without strings. “A lot has happened in 5 years…” she tilted her head. “We’ve all grown a little” she smiled to Vaena and then she let out a slight sigh.
“Consider my service to Vaena an act of friendship, and also honoring my father… he would want that” she watched as the guards pulled the body onto a gurney and rolled it away. “First off… lets just… relax, for a minute. We can’t have good discussion, planning, or anything with all this energy in the air…” she walked over to the door and shut it. She then walked over to the kitchen and put a pot of water onto the stove. “Just.. relax a minute, alright?” she pulled her jacket from her shoulders and set it down on the back of the chair. The water began to steam quickly and she poured three cups of tea. Whatever tea she could manage to find in the cabinets.
“That man’s name is Julius.. when I pressed onto his mind – I managed to grab some information… I know – don’t even..” she interrupted Damien before he could mention the legality of the magic. “He doesn’t know who this Black Fox is… he received the letter anonymously, a whim decision to take action based on it. My personal knowledge – I don’t know them, never heard of them. Must be some rising group, but I can’t imagine they have a lot of local help… which bothers me. Whoever this group is – they are small, intelligent and purposeful. The information they have is…decently classified, this is not something I would catch on the streets. So as Vaena said, a rat..a bug.. some where” she crossed her arms. “So, we certainly cannot charge into this meeting, we surely cannot underestimate them.” She sat down on the couch and crossed her legs, boots still on. She sipped on her tea, her brows pulled together as her cog’s turned.
“If we want to do this, we cannot play by the rules. If anything – they will expect us to. Sending that guy – Julius… he is inexperienced, and foolish. I mean, obviously he didn’t even really give it a great effort. Went through her things, had no idea I’d be here? Shitty work, almost like they expected him to fail. If they wanted premium success, they would have sent a mage, with a bigger skillset. So, if that is true – then they want us to know they exist? Perhaps, or maybe they’re just that dumb…” she sighed and rubbed her eyebrow in thought. “So…” she leaned back and set her mug on the coffee table.
“I can pose as this Julius, I have… certain spells that can emulate. I can also bring a…” she glanced to Damien and sighed. “A double, also another skillset. This double will emulate Vaena… so it will appear as thought it is Julius, and Vaena meeting the Black Fox… However, that is a lot of magic for me to channel.. I won’t be able to control the double well. Vaena – you will need to channel into the double and control it for me… So you will be here, channeling – with protection… and I will be there. If it goes to hell, well – I’ll find my way out, and Vaena will remain safe. We’ll get what information we can. I don’t know if they are proposing something? If they intend harm? But… Vaena will be able to speak on behalf of herself, as well…” she lifted a brow and picked her tea up once more. “It’s not by the books… but, whenever has anything actually happened by the books?” she sighed. “What do you think?” she questioned. The feat on its own was a massive amount of magic, to say it so freely – as if it was just that easy – was a statement of Lana’s capabilities. Something of this nature would often taken 2-3 mages to accomplish…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 27, 2022 20:55:09 GMT -5
Damien watched Lana, he took in her reaction. His brow raised slightly to the surprise from the woman. Though it was to be expected. Not many in this world would truly stick their neck out for another human. It was too dangerous. Especially within the city so close to the Capital Tower. “An act of friendship, is it?” He questioned and then looked to Vaena. “You’ve never spoken of Lana before, Magister.”
“You can call me Vaena.” She spoke up her brows tugged together slightly. “She was my friend, yes. I didn’t know where she went when she left the academy. She left without so much as a word to anyone. So I didn’t speak of her. I didn’t have time to speak of a lost friend.” She pressed her lips into a flat line as she gazed to him. “But I’m not going to allow her to become lost again.” She added before she glanced to Lana.
Damien chuckled lightly. “Very well, Vaena.” He looked to Lana as she made the tea. He stepped over to the counter and took a seat upon the barstool. His eyes peered to her as she began to speak of Julius. As she spoke of the magic that she used to get into the man’s mind his brows raised and his lips parted to speak. But she was quick to silence him. Damien smirked to this. He seemed amused at least. He took the tea as she offered it forward and sipped upon it as he stood and made his way to the chair that sat across from the couch. “Hm, so we know absolutely nothing about them...really? You’ve never heard a peep from that coffee shop of yours?” He eyed her as he asked this question. He smirked slightly as she spoke about playing outside of the rules. “By all means, do as you need to. You’ve the Grand Magister on your side.” He held his hand toward Vaena whom sat on the other end of the couch that Lana was sitting on.
“The number of mages have dwindled in the past 10 years.” Vaena chimed in, her eyes looked to Lana. “Especially a mage that could pose a threat...”
“Clearly they didn’t need a mage to catch you.” Damien lifted a brow as he looked to the Magister. “You’re lucky that he was so foolish. Perhaps he didn’t expect Lana to be with you. Most would have thought you to be alone if they gathered their intel from watching you at the Academy.” He commented and then looked back to Lana. “Go on.” He drank from his mug of tea as he listened to her. He looked surprised once again as she spoke of her magic. Her abilities. “You’ve gained quite a skillset, Lana.” He thought of the plan that she’d laid out. “I’ll stay here with Vaena. Don’t worry, I’m not a rat.” He smirked as he looked to the Magister. “What do you think of the plan?” He kept his eyes on her.
Vaena seemed to think it over. “It’s an incredible skill set to have mastered.” She glanced to Lana. “There are few, if any other mages that can claim such power.” She sipped from her tea. “I can control the projection...and hopefully...we at least get more information….how long can you hold this emulation spell? If it turns into a lengthy visit with this Black Fox...how long do we have until we need to get out?”
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Post by Raven on Apr 28, 2022 20:45:53 GMT -5
“Well – perhaps so.” Lana turned her head towards Damien as he mentioned – Clearly they didn’t need a mage to catch you . “The academy doesn’t teach us the need to be on the look out, the hesitancy to even enter one’s own condo…. No, those skills come from other learned opportunities. Perhaps Vaena will need some training in this department. It is not like she is incapable” Lana sipped on her tea and then stood. “I can only hold the gig up for about 3 hours, I think. I wont channel until I get relatively close. Maybe we can wear some ear pieces or something…” Lana pulled her bag from her back and dug through it. She pulled out a large graph pad and a marker. With her legs crossed she flipped to a fresh page and began to draw out a sigil. She pulled her arm upward to get a quick references of one of the runes tattood on her skin. Though currently – they were not glowing. Rather they were just dark lines, like a fun tattoo. It took her only a few minutes to draft it up. The graph paper helped create perfect lines, which were even and clean. “That will sync up with my own rune, so you can tap into my clone. At that point you’ll need a Spell of Manipulation… not sure which one you prefer. I like Magotti’s personally…” she ripped the page out of the book and then flipped back a few pages. “You’re welcome to draft a rune for the Manipulation spell, but I am willing to bet you already have that one mastered” she grinned. The runes themselves were aids, to help channel. Many complicated spells were actually many spells in one, and often times it gets very difficult to cast that many at a time. So the runes help direct the magic… though when you master a spell – one can perform it without a rune, and sometimes even without guiding-words. Not many could, but she was sure Vaena was a master of more spells than even she. Lana’s capability has always been quick study, and accomplishment. She could learn a new spell swiftly, but her level of mastery was slim. She relied on runes heavily, but that also made her a Rune-carver. Someone who could draft up runes by memory, and even create new spells via runes. There was meticulous science, mathematic level of the runes… much like an algorithm. Though this was much like ancient word, algorithms, geometry and understanding of the compounds of magic. Such as many styles of magic moved differently, almost like they operated at a different frequency… so the same rune may not react when using a different style of magic. Such as Arcane, fire, frost, soul, blood, and this new Star-Fusion… they all were completely different worlds of magic, which took individual understanding to create runes. Others could focus harder and force the magic to flow the way they needed, they are considered more Masters of Magic in its rawest form. Those kind of people were frequently the most respected, as true mages. They could react swiftly on a whim, and their power is often unlimited. Others could perhaps perform many magics at once, some specialized in one specific type of magic and became extreme experts in them...the opportunity was as endless as the combinations… “I remember – second year - when we learned the Manipulation spell, the series in truth” she smirked and closed her book. She set the rune on the coffee table next to her tea and smirked. “When we essentially took over the mice, completed the maze and the little bastard got the cheese” she laughed. “When Marci lost focus and the mouse jumped out and chased her around the room – you had to cast it again to save her” she chuckled. There were many types of manipulation spells. To talk for, to control it… it was considered a spell you shouldn’t ever use on humans – but the foundation of the spell was the basis of many other Psychic spells… so it was a must to learn. “Let’s practice real quick, hm?” she stood then and walked to the center of the room. She waited for Vaena to get the rune and prepare herself. Once she was ready – Lana gave a nod. Her entire arm lit up purple, different from the blue from before. The runes flicked with energy, the waves of power breathing through the tattoos. A clone appeared next to her and Lana turned her gaze to it. Then in a flash – both Lana and her clone’s appearance changed. She appeared to look like Julius, and her copy looked to Vaena. “Is this convincing?” Lana spoke, though her voice was rough and deeper – exactly like Julius. “My name is Julius Banner, I retrieved Vaena as demanded… here to seek your request out…” he held a hand forward and shoved the copy of Vaena forward. She was roleplaying, but it was good practice….she looked to her clone – Vaena Beta – waiting to see what would Vaena do through the copy, if she could channel through it. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 28, 2022 23:09:09 GMT -5
Damien smirked slightly to Lana’s comment. “Perhaps the Academy should begin training its mages in self defense so that they are not as vulnerable.” He glanced to Vaena whom sighed softly.
“I can defend myself just fine. I was caught off guard….I’m not used to being outside of the safety of the Academy. It is something I will have to grow into.” She spoke before she looked to Lana whom began to explain the length of the spell. “3 hours should be sufficient enough for us to gather information.” She nodded. “Ear pieces?” Vaena smirked, “I wouldn’t want you to get caught with an ear piece. I have a better idea.” She watched as Lana began to draw out the sigil. “I have a spell that I can use that will enable you and I to speak freely to one another through our thoughts.” She glanced to Damien whom seemed to be interested in the topic. Curious even. “Few can cast the spell.” She glanced to the sigil that Lana drew, the fine lines. How careful and precise she was.
“Ahh yes Magotti.” Vaena spoke as she took the graph paper into her hands and she tilted her head slightly as she took in the artwork. She set the graph paper down upon the coffee table and then took the blank piece and the marker into her own hand. “You know...” She began sketching the rune swiftly. “Magotti tried to mimic the great works of Leo Farunde. He made some great works, and it is Magotti that we are taught in the Academy by Meister Keiflar...but the true greatness begins when one understands the original works.” It seemed as though she had drawn this sigil thousands of times. Some lines were thicker than others, the carefulness was overshadowed by the ease of the sketch for Vaena. “You should try this one sometime.” She smiled as she looked to Lana. “It will draw less magic.”
As Lana began to speak about their classmate a laugh came from Vaena. “Oh yes! Yes I remember that. We were just learning the manipulation spells. Our first time truly using the psychic magic.” She had a warm smile upon her lips. “Marci’s face was priceless. That mistake followed her through our graduation. Keiflar even spoke about it when we had our ceremony.” She giggled like a young school girl. She held a hand up as she laughed and shook her head slightly. “Yes, we should practice.” She watched as Lana moved to the center of the room.
Vaena lay both of the pieces of graph paper upon the coffee table. She had woven two spells together on her paper, one for manipulation and another for speaking to Lana through her mind. The mage drew in a breath before she gave a nod. “Alright. Let’s see it.” She watched as Lana nodded and the purple magic began to glow.
Damien watched the two mages in awe. It was an incredible sight to be before two incredibly powerful masters of magic. For many, even being in the presence of one powerful mage was an event of a lifetime. But two? That was something else. His lips parted as Lana took on the different form and then the copy of Lana turned into Vaena. There was hardly a different between the two. A carbon copy if you will.
Vaena focused on Lana for a moment before she closed her eyes and drew in a breath as she placed her hands over the sheets of paper. An electric magic darted about the backs of her hands as she slowed her breathing. This was a great amount of magic to channel.
Quite convincing. You sound just like him. Her voice would sound in Lana’s mind.
The copy of Vaena became animated. Fear showed in her expression. “What are you doing?” She asked as tears welled in her eyes. When she was shoved forward she fell to her knees. “Please. I don’t understand. I am a Mage of Argaris Academy.” She remained on her knees, her body trembled with fear. She portrayed a great weakness. She slowly stood and then turned and smirked to Lana. “Convincing enough for you?” She bowed and then gave a playful chuckle before the clone ceased to move.
The true Vaena opened her eyes, electricity sparked within her hues for a moment as she relaxed back upon the couch. “Easy enough.” She smirked. She was enjoying this. Getting to use her magic and push her limits. It made her feel alive. She loved a good challenge, she always had. It was what kept her truly going in school. Her father would dangle a challenge before her. Once she reached the goal, he’d give her another challenge that seemed impossible. But Vaena never gave up. That was what made her so strong as a mage.
Damien gave a nod as he looked to the two. “I wouldn’t know the difference between you and the copy. Quite impressive Lana. I’ve never seen such magic before. It’s chilling in a way. To think that someone can take on the likes of another so easily.”
“It’s no simple task. Such actions usually require 2 or 3 strong mages. For Lana to perform such magic on her own is a feat in itself that should not be underestimated.” Vaena spoke with a strength in her voice once again. “She was the only other student in my cohort that could possibly keep up with me. She’s truly an incredible mage and she deserves nothing less than recognition for it.”
Damien gazed to Vaena a long moment. “Yes of course Grand Magister.” He smirked and then took a sip from his tea. “How far away was this place?” He questioned as he pulled out the letter and read it over again. “That’s in a terrible part of town.” He wrinkled his nose. “Would you like me to place the guard on backup in case something does go south? To keep you safe?” He asked curiously.
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Post by Raven on Apr 28, 2022 23:41:27 GMT -5
“Wasn’t it because Leo Farunde was caught in some political scandal, some bullcrap really, the Academy cut him out of the text books?” she pressed a finger to her chin as Vaena spoke of the spell. She watched her swiftly draw out the rune, she leaned over and peered to it. “Oh I see – but you’d have to use both Psychic and Astral at the same time, that’s the Dipper Horn Axis, right?” she pointed a line. “Huh, I can see where they would connect though, it makes sense.” She hummed slightly. “I suppose you are right. It takes more mastery but it is more simple…” she stood then and proceeded with the spell.
As she heard the voice in her mind - Lana lifter her gaze and smirked. Ah, what a very cool spell. You will have to show me this one . She replied and watched as Vaena took over the mimic. It sprang to life and moved naturally – her voice, the acting was perfect. Once they finished – her arms color faded and the image disappeared of the Beta clone. She let go of a breath and nodded “Pretty good” she smirked and came back to the couch. She sat down and shook her hands slightly, as if it were to help her cool down from using the magic. It was a little thing she always did, like a stretch after working out.
“Oh, come on. You don’t need to kiss my ass that much..” Lana blushed slightly at Vaena’s comments, her admiration for her skill. “I don’t need any guards, I don’t think. I can easily escape if something happens…” she stood and pulled her phone out of her pocket. “Just give me a minute though, quick call” she thumbed through her contacts and her phone began to ring. She stepped off to the kitchen.
“Hey Mom” she spoke in a hushed voice. “I’ll need you to run the bakery for a few days. I’ll call Melissa up and she’ll give you a hand. Close early if you need to…” she hummed slightly. “Yeah, I’m alright. Everything is good. Actually - Do you remember Vaena?" she questioned, then a chuckle. “Of course, I forgot that you and dad went to academy with her father… well, Vaena and I reconnected and I’m going to help her with some studies. Take some time for myself too” she nodded several times, as if her mother was there. “Yep yep, of course. So yeah, I’ll try to swing by and let Remmy out for you tomorrow, I’ll text you. Alright, love ya, good night” she hung up and slipped the phone into her pocket.
“My Mom says she would like to have you over for dinner sometime” Lana stepped into the living room and chuckled. “Maybe If the news is out – you can tell her.” She smirked. It wouldn’t have been the first time her Mom had barged in. Several times she had brought bagels, or take out to the library for them. A quick hello, goodbye, but always a loving nature around Vaena. She remembered how many times her mother would passively mention how she adored Vaena, and how she was a good influence on Lana. ‘Maybe, just maybe, she’ll keep your nose out of trouble’ her Mom would chuckle… and then dad would defend Lana, as per usual.
Lana turned her head and then nodded. “Alright, I can’t show up on a motorcycle. I’ll need a car, and likely not a Capitol registered one…” she thought of all the things… it was evident this wasn’t her first radio doing something like this. “Is yours a personal, Damien?” she questioned with a grin. When he finally offered up his car – she took the keys and chuckled. “Don’t worry, I wont dog her too hard” she then nodded. “I’ll head over there – I’ll text you Vaena when it is time” she spoke and then head for the door.
Lana rode the elevator down and soon came back outside. It was nearing 9pm by this time, the moon was high and the clouds had wafted away now. It was still wet outside, the humidity was gross and sticky. She found Damien’s car and climbed into the driver seat. After some adjustments she fired it up and drove away. It was about a 40 minute drive across town. The closer she got – the nastier the town became. Homeless lines the edges of the street, tents and such piled high. The place turned into a grid, and soon she came to an old warehouse… The whole place gave her not-so-great vibes, but she had been to worse places.
With a wave of her hand – she turned into Julius. Tattoos and long leather jackets, gloves to cover her glowing hands. In the passenger seat Vaena Beta formed. She pulled her phone out and texted Vaena.
Lana: Go time
Lana climbed out of the car and went to the passenger side. Vaena Beta’s wrists were clasped by an Anti-magic bracelet. Julius pulled at her arm and pulled her out of the car. “Let’s go Princess” he spoke and pushed her forward. His head turned from side to side to check if anyone was coming. He locked the car and lead her forward to the primary, unmarked door, of the warehouse. He didn’t bother to knock, he simply opened it up…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 29, 2022 21:24:09 GMT -5
“Politics.” Vaena rolled her eyes. “Politics in the world of mages should not exist in my opinion. The man was a genius. His books are filed away in the forbidden libraries and no one can truly appreciate them. It’s a shame.” She raised a brow. “Though, it is fun to show someone his tricks. The awe in their expression is worth it. I won’t let him die just because he was cut out of our curriculum.” She shrugged and then grinned as Lana had recognized the two magics that were blended together. “Yes, exactly.” There was an excitement in her voice. A fire behind it.
The spell went perfectly and Lana seemed to be impressed by Vaena’s work. As Vaena came back from casting her magic she glanced to Lana as she sat upon the couch. She smirked to the blush that she gained from Lana from the comments. Vaena grinned but made no comment. Moments later Lana stepped to the kitchen. Damien looked to Vaena with his dark hues as he relaxed back on the couch. “We will have to get you a place that is more suitable, since you’ve accepted the position.” He smiled to her.
“More suitable?” Vaena questioned as she looked around the condo. “I already feel as though I don’t belong here. It’s so high class...” She brought her eyes back to him.
“You’re used to the old dusty hallways of the Academy. I know. But you are the Grand Magister now. You have to look the part.” He rested his arm on the back of the couch.
Vaena glanced over to Lana a few times as she eavesdropped on the conversation slightly, she’d heard her name. She then returned her attention back to Damien. She laughed to him slightly. “I don’t intend to wear those gaudy robes so don’t even try that.” She remarked to him. “I intend to help the Capital and I intend to carry out the tasks in which they place before me. But I won’t wear those, it’s like a bag.” She wrinkled her nose slightly at him.
Damien chuckled and shook his head. “You’ll have to talk to Malcom about that. I’m certain he intended to have you fitted into robes tomorrow. Shame.” He grinned to her as Lana approached the two once again.
Vaena looked to Lana and smiled, “Dinner? With you mom?” She nodded, “That sounds great. Your mother is so kind.” She complimented.
Damien looked to Lana at her question about his car, he winced slightly. “It is my personal vehicle yes...” His brows tugged together slightly and a sigh came over his lips. “Don’t scratch it.” He pulled his keys out, “And don’t burn the clutch.” He dangled the keys before Lana and then grinned to her. He knew very well that she’d know how to drive it.
Vaena stood as Lana made to leave the condo. “Yes, of course. I’ll be waiting.” She gave a weak smile. Her nerves bubbled up once again within her chest. “Be careful, Lana.” She spoke as the woman left the room. She sat back on the couch and sighed. Her jade hues looked to Damien whom seemed to be studying her.
“You know, Vaena, it isn’t such a bad idea for you to keep Lana around. She seems handy. She seems to be doing well.” He spoke before he finished his tea. He stood and carried the mugs to the kitchen and began to wash them.
Vaena stood and paced slightly. She stepped before the balcony and looked over the park and the lake. She bit at her lower lip. “What if she gets hurt?” She asked as silence encased the room.
“She can handle herself. You heard her. I imagine she will do quite well. If not….” He pulled his phone from his pocket and waved it slightly. “I’ve got several of the Capital Guards that are just a few clicks away. I have a tracker in my car, so I know exactly where she is.” He walked over and opened the app. “See?” He held his phone forward. “I can order them to where the car is and get her help if she needs it. But it would be better for this to be carried out without the need of the guards. We don’t want to spook this group. The retaliation that will come from them would be difficult to guess. We cornered a group of the Blue Robins a few weeks ago...we didn’t get any answers but we had hell to pay after. They blacked out one of the Capital banks and when the system came back online some of the higher ups were missing thousands of dollars...” He chuckled, “The Blue Robins at least aren’t violent.” There was a shrug from him. “Unlike this new group. I wouldn’t expect the Blue Robins to attack you...perhaps try to persuade you into their side. But not a kidnapping.” He took his phone back. “Looks like she’s there.” He slipped his phone into his pocket.
As if on cue Vaena’s phone buzzed. She looked down to it and read the text message. “Okay...” She spoke as she stepped over to the couch and took a seat before her runes.
“I’ll be right here to protect you Vaena.” Damien spoke as he sat across from her.
Vaena nodded and gave a weak smile before she placed her hands over the runes and closed her eyes.
**
The beta of Vaena sucked in a breath as her eyes blinked a few times. To control a clone over such a distance. It felt strange. A true out of body experience. She turned her jade hues as Julius climbed from the vehicle. It was like seeing the future that would have become of her if Lana hadn’t been there to save her. As her arm was grabbed she tugged back against it and winced. “Stop. I don’t understand what you want from me.” She held her hands forward and acted like she was attempting to use her magic. She grit her teeth and bit at her lip as she looked to the glow of the bracelets. “What did you do?” She questioned, her voice filled with fear. She was doing a splendid job of acting as she was shoved toward the old abandoned warehouse.
As she was shoved inside she stumbled forward and tugged at her clasped wrists. “You have to be mistaken.” She pleaded, her voice trembled. “Please...I am a mage of Argaris...I’ve hurt no one...” Her breathing increased. The warehouse was dark. Her voice echoed through it.
The sound of hands clapping together came from the darkness. “Well done, Julius.” The orange glow of a cigar could be seen in the distance as someone took a drag off of it. “You managed to grab the single most important thing to the High Council.” Lights clicked on, aimed directly at the two. Vaena stumbled and fell to her knees, she squinted and held her clasped hands up to shield her eyes. A whimper came from her. The sound of footsteps plod forward and soon enough a man knelt before Vaena. He blew the smoke of his cigar into her face and chuckled as he held it between his lips. “You’re very young.” He was a finely dressed man with jet black hair that was brushed to the side. He looked like a high class businessman. “You made a mistake accepting the position within the council, Grand Magister.” He pulled her up to her feet. His eyes looked to Julius. “I almost forgot.” He grinned. “I owe you don’t I?” He grasped Vaena’s arm and pulled her forward harshly. “Follow along Julius. I’ll have to welcome you properly, but first we must get her downstairs.”
The man walked to a counsel and punched in a code. A pile of crates slid to the side to reveal a staircase that went into a well lit space below. A bunker of some type. Vaena pulled back against the man, but his grip was tight. He glared to her. “You want me to knock you out? I can certainly do that. But I would rather not bruise that pretty face of yours.” He smirked and took another drag from his cigar. He towed her down the stairs harshly and they wound through the hallways. There were several armed guards dressed in all black. Their eyes looked to Vaena as she passed and then they nodded to Julius in approval. The man scanned his fingerprint in and pushed a door open. “Your room for the evening Magister.” He shoved her inside roughly. Vaena fell to her knees and quickly stood back up she rushed the door just as he closed it. She slammed her fist against it and cried out. The man let out a laugh, “She’s a fiery one isn’t she? Never been to the city.” He shrugged. “Come along Julius.”
He led Julius forward and scanned into another room. It was a high class office with a beautiful oak desk and a few bookcases. He poured two glasses of bourbon and then handed one to Julius. “Welcome to the Black Fox my friend. You’ve truly out done yourself.” He chuckled as he moved to his desk. “She will break eventually, and she will bend to our needs.” He took a seat. “I’ve plenty of ways to warp her mind so that she will perform for us….in fact my guards should be starting any moment now.” He snuffed out his cigar in an ashtray. “Oh yes, formalities. You may call me Raymond. I am the leader of the Black Fox. It has been good doing business with you Julius.”
Lana...they are taking me somewhere. I...don’t know what’s going on. They put a mask over my head. Vaena’s voice sounded truly fearful now. She didn’t want to experience what they may do to her.
“Do you think you can get any more members of the Blue Robins to join the cause?” Raymond questioned as he sipped upon his bourbon. “Oh yes….your pay...” He opened a drawer and placed a large bound stack of money forward and pushed it across to Julius. “That should be plenty.” He grinned. “What did you think of the new Magister? How easy was she to capture?” He leaned forward, curiously.
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Post by Raven on Apr 29, 2022 21:47:12 GMT -5
Julius did not say anything as they proceed forward – he shifted when the lights powered on. The echoing of the lights filled the warehouse, in a creepy movie kind of way. He lowered his head and pushed Vaena forward towards the guards. “It was easy” he brushed his hands off on each other and slipped them into his pockets. He watched Vaena get towed away and then followed along behind the man. Julius watched as she was shoved into a room and he lowered his gaze away, not saying a word.
As the drink was poured – he accepted it and lifted it into the air. “It is time some real change finally happens…” he smirked and took a sip. “Raymond, to you, and the Black Fox” he took another sip and then stepped forward to the desk. He lifted a fresh pack of money and thumbed through it. “She did not expect it, certainly. Young, Naïve – all that time behind the pretty bricks of the Academy walls have caused her to become very relaxed… must be nice” he put the money in the duffel bag before him and zipped it.
Julius scanned the room briefly and then sat down before a chair. “Give me a pen and paper”
Don’t worry… you won’t feel anything. Just pretend to feel the pain and hang on. I’ll see what kind of information I can extract…
He began to write down several names. “These are mostly lower ranking people of the Blue Robins, but if you can get them – they can convince some of the others, surely. And if you take away the force behind the Robins – they will eventually crumble. No resources, mean’s no capability” he slid the pad forward, it had several names written down. “Those – you can recruit easily… we can discuss tactics of others, but of course” he placed a hand on the bag of money. “Information is pricey” he set the pen down and leaned back. He swirled the glass of bourbon and took a sip.
“So, what is the first agenda item? You bend the Magister’s mind, put her back in her Magister chair and start milking her for intel? Perhaps we can get some of the Black Fox agents on her guard, weasel our way into the capitol?” he questioned and crossed his legs. “Or am I thinking too small?” he smirked and took a sip. Julius placed a hand on the edge of the table and moved forward slightly. Though a rune would be drawn into the bottom side of the table in an instant. It flashed slightly, but was covered by Julius’s body. Then it disappeared – unable to be seen by the naked eye. A bug, planted quietly…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Apr 29, 2022 22:33:29 GMT -5
“Ah yes, the Academy doesn’t teach the mages a thing about how to use their magic in defense. I always thought that was curious.” He sipped from his glass. “Time for her to learn what the real world is like, hm?” He grinned, it was a dark menacing smile. A chuckle came from the man. Raymond watched as Julius surveyed the room. “Don’t worry Julius, we’re all friends here.” Raymond grinned to him. “No need to be so on edge. The Capital has no idea this place even exists.” He pulled a pen and pad of paper from the drawer and pushed it across the desk to him. The man didn’t look like he belonged in some rebel group. He was dressed too fine for that.
“I like the way you think.” He spoke as he looked to the names on the page. “Cut them off at their knees so to speak. They’ll come crawling to us. You – Julius...you’re a fine asset to add to the Black Fox. I’m going to enjoy having you around.” A chuckle came from him before he sipped his bourbon once again. He leaned back in his chair and laughed, “Ah yes, information is always pricey, isn’t it? But you know what is priceless?” He questioned as he leaned forward once again. “Life.” His eyes were dark as he watched Julius. “It’s a fine line we walk each day, isn’t it Julius?” He smirked. “Some don’t even realize how close they are to death.”
As Julius questioned about the plans for Vaena another grin came to Raymond’s lips. “Curious aren’t you? Are you digging to see if you’ve made the right decision? Hm?” He sipped from his bourbon once again. “There’s no need to return her back to the Capital. We have her exactly where we want her. The Capital is at our mercy now that we have the mage. You see...they carefully picked her. They’ve waited 5 years to bring her here. Though, I believe they waited a bit too long.” He frowned. “But that’s quite alright. Once she sees the reason why we have taken her, she will understand that it is not the Capital that she should be helping. We will cut them off at their knees and make them beg for our help...” He chuckled and then smirked to Julius. “She’s so young, of course she would jump at any chance to help save the world. That’s what they’ve told her she’s doing at least.” He rolled his eyes slightly. “What I’ve seen in the lab was enough to make a man take his own life, Julius. I won’t bore you with the details but, her magic will be put to good use. There isn’t much time for us to play nice with her...so unfortunately we will have to cut to the chase.” He shrugged and finished his glass. “I do believe the evening has grown quite late. Don’t you think?” He asked as he stood. He heard a scream that sounded much like Vaena from down the hall. “Ah, seems they’ve begun.” He nodded as he walked to the door. “I’ll show you out.”
**
Vaena was shoved into a chair and straps were tightened around her wrists and ankles. She struggled and whimpered as the hood was taken from her head. A young man with thick framed glasses looked to her. “Magister.” He spoke as he searched her hues. “You must understand. This is only for your good. You will stop the Capital in their tracks.” He turned and stepped to a table.
“What are you talking about?” Vaena questioned quickly. “Please. Let me go I didn’t do anything.” She struggled against the straps.
The young man looked to her, his eyes sad. “It’ll only hurt for a moment, Magister.” He spoke as he approached her with a syringe gun that held a thick needle on the end of it and a viscous bright green liquid within the vial that was attached at the back of it.
“Please don’t!” Vaena cried as the needle as pushed into her neck. She grit her teeth and tears began to run down her cheeks. She let out a scream of agony as she heard the click of the button on the syringe gun.
The man stepped back as he watched her. “Apologies Magister...” He bit at his lip and nearly scurried over to the table that held several other medical instruments.
“W-what….are you doing...to me?” Vaena whimpered as tears flowed freely down her cheeks.
The man looked to her, his face filled with shock. “You...you shouldn’t be conscious...” He rushed over to her and felt her wrist for her pulse. Vaena had to quickly focus to increase the pulse of the clone. Her breathing quickened as she did this. He looked her over. “Just breathe.” He gazed into her eyes.
Lana...I think you need to get out of here...
“Why are you doing this?” She cried as she gasped for air. Vaena allowed the spell to break then and the clone’s body went limp.
**
Vaena sat back her eyes full of electricity she sucked in a deep breath as she came to. Damien was sitting across from her. “Vaena.” He spoke as he watched her. “Are you alright?” He asked as he stood and moved to her side. “What happened?” He placed his hand over hers.
Vaena pressed her lips together and pulled her hand from beneath his. “I...I’m not sure...” She pulled her phone and looked to it. “I just hope Lana gets out okay...” She whispered softly.
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Post by Raven on Jun 6, 2022 20:08:33 GMT -5
As Julius spoke to Raymond – Lana felt straps about her wrists. Binding down and clasping harshly against her flesh, though if she were to peer – she would see nothing. The sensations of her clone would mimic through her own flesh, down to the every chemical reaction. Though Lana was prepared for this and would be able to hold her own… as best as she could, of course.
Julius reached forward and grasped the duffel and stood. He followed Raymond out the door and they walked down the hallway. The screaming of Vaena echo’d through the door and Julius’s brows lifted. Soon enough they came to the single door that lead to the empty warehouse. “I look forward to more encounters… Raymond” he smirked and slung the duffel over his shoulder. He stepped into the giant warehouse and made his way to the dark outside, where the moonlight cascade over the stench riddled alleyway.
As Lana walked forward to the car – she felt a woozy sensation in her mind. Her body grew tired and sluggish quickly. Not much time left. She quickly climbed into the car and started it and began to drive down the block. She made it a few blocks when she lifted a hand. Her meld of Julius faded and her arms were glowing bright red. “Invictus” she muttered, her eyes flashing bright red. In an instant she disappeared from the car – exactly as it exploded into flame and ash. The explosion was loud and shook the earth, though only about 5 blocks away did it echo.
Vaena’s dummy within the warehouse lulled its head back and grinned wildly. “The red Canary sends her regards” and then suddenly the body of Vaena melted into a thick oozing mud. The clothes of the woman were mixed up in the slush of brown that piled onto the ground…
The red canary was a known and feared mob boss that ran the local Cartel. It was a rouse of course, to throw them off course… it was to Lana’s advantage that the Red Canary was known for her obnoxious and intense gestures, so that no one would ever forget her prowess…
Lana gasped as she was sucked through a vortex with her teleportation spell. All at the same time the effects of the serum began to take hold. She fought the pain and the stiffness of her body, she had to let the spell finish. She felt as though her flesh was being ripped apart and rebuilt – just barely enough strength to finish the spell.
Within the living room of the condo – a red swirling light appeared, like a cosmos in the night sky. Lana collapsed onto the ground from its core and the light faded. She gasped for air as her lungs cracked against the pressure change of the transportation…
Lana rolled to her side and gripped her gut, the pain was unlike anything she ever felt. “Vaena” she murmured through her grit teeth. “Black Ring Cap” she barely got out. She did not name the cure, but rather what she believed she was poisoned with. A vicious and rare mushroom which is known for its paralyzing effects coupled with insane pain. Left untreated it would eventually lead to a horrible death. The prime biome for the mushroom is warm, damp acidic locations… such as the gut. One would become infested and eventually the effects would cause the body to attack itself in confusion, add some horrible effects and such. It was considered an old torture tactic to manipulate someone… Low dose medication would relief the symptoms but not rid the spores. High dose medication would equal a full cure. However, the medication is even more rare than the shroom itself, making it a perfect manipulation tool of fear and pain.
One would think though – Lana did not actually get injected, would the spores be truly within? And the answer would be… yes. The magic of her clone spell is as great as it is horrible. Everything transfers over. This often meant that her clones could not eat at the same time as her, or her other clones. Or her clones could not be harmed, say – shot, or whatever the case. Though it had it perks – sex was unbelievable, at least.
Lana’s body became stiff as her muscles fought her, to the point where she could breath and move her eyes – but she lay on her side unable of anything else. She would have to wait for Vaena’s capable hands...
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