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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 7, 2018 19:19:19 GMT -5
Melani looked to the nurse who had entered the room as well. Discussion of an attacker... She pursed her lips and then sighed deeply. “We have been still for too long... We need to keep moving...” She nodded and then stepped forward.
It wasn’t long before they were on the road. It was nice to be out a gain. The sun was falling in the sky, but it was still warm and strong. Clouds, a breeze, the sweet smells of the world. It was like she had stepped outside for the first time. She smiled as she walked along. Her steps were becoming slightly more fluid, but it was obvious that there was something wrong with her leg, to a passerby for sure.
Melani pulled her ID out as they approached the train. “Does not surprise me...” She groaned as Hugo obviously flirted with the woman... As they came to the train - she boarded and set her bag down on one of the seat in their cabin. It was completely private to them, with a buffet table filled with finger foods and treats. “Jeez...” Melani made her way to the table and lifted a chocolate covered strawberry.
She turned then as Jules asked her for the necklace. Melani made her way back over and handed her the necklace. Her eyes watched as Jules clicked on her flashlight.
Melani placed a finger on her chin and she looked at the map. She shook her head “I don’t know... we would need a map to display that on, but even then...” She shook her head. “We have no idea what this means, We could assume the necklace and the other hidden cities are relative, but what if they’re not?” She questioned and crossed her arms.
The train began to move - it was extremely fast, and very quiet, as compared to regular trains. Melani made her way to her seat and she sat down, her leaned her head back and shut her eyes slightly, thoughts going over the tomb they had discovered. And surely they only saw a small portion of it...
After several miles - unknowingly to the passengers, the train’s track altered. The track shifted from east to west at a splitting point...
Melani shifted in her seat and pulled out the Zen that she was able to recover. She turned it in her hands and then slipped it away.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 7, 2018 20:13:41 GMT -5
Jules clipped her flashlight back to her pack and sighed. “With how old this thing is I bet we would need an ancient map too.” She muttered visibly deflated. Jules moved and sat down, her eyes watched out the window. “I can feel...something when I pick it up.” She looked to Melani a moment then back out the window. “Something I’ve never felt before...” She fell quiet then.
Hugo had his arms crossed as he sat in his seat, he tipped back his flask, “The hidden city is real.” He smirked, “Remember, I told you it existed, maybe you two are on to something.” He shrugged slightly.
Jules shook her head, she held her hand to her head and let out a long breath. Her head still ached. She pulled a small bottle from her pocket, pills rattled around inside of it. She popped one into her mouth and leaned her head back as she swallowed it. A pain suppressant. It wasn’t long until Jules’ eyes became heavy. She pulled her knees up into the chair with her and leaned her head against the glass of the window. Soon enough she’d slipped into a light slumber.
Hugo stood and reached into a cabinet. He pulled a small blanket and travel pillow from it and walked over to Jules. He carefully adjusted her and leaned her head back against the pillow before he tucked the blanket in around her. He let out a breath as her eyes fluttered slightly before she drifted again. “So what do you think will happen once her bracelet is removed?” He asked as he sat next to Melani. “Do you think she’ll be able to control her magic?” He questioned with a raised brow. “What if that can’t get it off?” He glanced to the Zen that she held in her hand before she slipped it away. He tilted his head back as he finished off his flask. “I have to get a refill.” He chuckled as he stood and walked toward the front of the train cart.
The ride was smooth. The scenery flew by, it was hard to tell just where they were. The four hours came and...they were still on the tracks. Hugo stood, he was staring out the window at the blurred scenery. “That...doesn’t look anything like Kalestad.” He spoke, his voice full of alarm.
Jules was still nestled into her blankets, fast asleep. Then suddenly the brakes of the train were put on. Hugo flew toward the front of the cabin and slammed against the oak paneling. Glasses shattered. Jules shifted forward and was pressed against the seat in front of her. Her eyes shot open, she glanced to Melani just as a horrible sound came from beneath the train.
It sounded like the grinding of metal. Jules pushed against the seat just as the train was lifted from the tracks. They’d hit something. Jules screamed as she was thrown to the side. The world became a blur as the sound of metal twisting about echoed around her. Glass shattered all around her. “Mel! Hugo!” She cried. The chill of the outside air then engulfed her. An icy cold. A cold of the western mountains...
Jules hit the ground hard and rolled several times. When she finally came to a stop it took several moments before sound returned to her ears and her vision became clear once more. Jules staggered to her feet. “Mel....Hugo...” She fell forward to her hands and knees, her head was spinning.
“Over here.” A voice called.
Jules looked ahead, her vision wavered in and out. “Mel?” She questioned as she walked toward the voice. “Mel!” She moved forward more quickly.
Suddenly Jules was pulled back, she felt cold icy metal clasp around her wrists. “Gotcha.” A voice spoke into her ear. “Vance will be pleased.” The man snickered then. “He should have just hired me from the beginning.” He turned Jules to face him. He stood before her, a patch over an eye with a long scar coming down from his eye. The man chuckled, “What’s wrong?” He asked with a smile. “Oh....you thought they’d captured me huh?” He stared into her eyes. “No, once I told them who you were they let me go and were kind enough to tell me exactly where you three had run off to.”
Jules pulled back, she stared at the man, “What....did you do...?” She looked to the people that surrounded them, flung from the train. “All of these people?” She questioned.
“The lives are in your hands, mage.” His voice was harsh. “You did this.” He held a hand out and motioned to the wreckage. “Could have been avoided.” He shrugged. “Now let’s get you back to Voxstein hm?” He shoved her forward harshly. Jules stumbled and fell forward, her face mashed into the ground. The hunter lifted her up harshly by her arm and shoved her forward again, snickering.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 11, 2018 18:58:43 GMT -5
Melani lifted a brow and then took the necklace. “It is likely of extreme magic properties. I don’t know of a metal that has more magic than Zen, so whatever this is - is either really hidden or it is of some new mineral...” She slipped it away and then watched as Jules took some medication.
Melani shifted her weight, her leg crossing over the other as Hugo spoke to her. “I don’t know what will happen, it could be complete chaos, couldn’t it?” She questioned softly and sighed. She stood then and followed Hugo to the selection of alcohol. After everything that had happened... she could use a drink.
It was then that the train suddenly stopped. She glanced out the window - and then towards the man who rushed into the room. He gripped onto Jules and clasped handcuffs about her hands. Melani stood and grit her teeth “Unhand her -” she rushed forward. “No one did this but you, you’ll pay-”
Suddenly an attacker rushed towards her. She lifted her leg - and suddenly an immense amount of strength channeled through her. She slammed the shin of her leg into the side of her attacker. A loud crack filled the air as his ribs caved in. She quickly shifted her leg and turned it into a butterfly kick - her other foot slammed into his cheek and he flew to the ground.
With in seconds she had reached for her gun and fired three shots. The electric pulse shot forward and zapped into the final 3 men, leaving just the hunter - holding Jules by the arm. “Hugo” she nodded.
Hugo stepped forward and grasped the mans arm. His tight grip about his arm squeezed harder and harder until the hunter cried out and dropped Jules. Hugo then pulled back his arm and slammed it forward - a brutal slam to the face, instantly braking his nose. “Messed with the wrong girl” he spoke and threw the guy down.
Melani grit her teeth and helped Jules up. “We need to go” she spoke as she looked to the crowd of people who were beginning to gather. They were headed to their part of the train... Melani moved Jules forward and they stepped to the door - she opened it and got out. Her eyes looked to the tail end of the train - it was completely off the tracks, and mangled. Many died. That was for sure.
She took in a deep breath, she could see a town in the distance, not far. “Lets go-” they were amongst a long flat plains, with the occasional tree and bush. Otherwise it was dry and hot. She wrapped an arm around Jules and heaved her forward, they ushered away from the train.
The people had boarded and were shouting at the hunters - blaming them for the huge accident. Melani lead them forward until they came upon a series of large red rocks - all bundled together. The landscape had become this - the ground was hard and cracked, orange and red dirt and sand packed together. As they climb over the rocks - she peered to the city in the distance.
They made their way forward and soon enough they came upon a bread and breakfast hotel. It was a huge mansion that the owners had converted and owned personally. She entered the front door and rang the small bell at the counter. A woman approached and smiled brightly - though she had a cloth tied around her wrist, covering her band. A mage.
Hugo pushed through and placed his card down. “2 rooms, uh for 2 days” he smiled and nodded.
“Oh excellent” the woman clasped her hands together. They spent the new hour touring the large home, it had everything they could dream of.
Melani looked to the woman and tilted her head. “By any chance do you have a workbench? I am an Engineer - I have this invention on mind but none of my tools with me...”
The woman perked up. “Yes - my husband is actually quite the tinkerer, we have a beautiful work room, come come” she ushered them forward.
They entered the room - it had a large bench, the wall was lined with everything. Different types of wire, a furnace, metal, gears, gadgets, tools. It was beautiful. “Wow...” Melani sat down at the bench and pressed her hands over the wooden table.
“He might come and bother you though” she chuckled.
“That’s quite alright, I would love to meet him. I could probably use a hand...” She smirked.
The woman, Belle, nodded and then lead the others out. Melani sat in the seat and closed her eyes briefly.
Her hands fell upon a paper - she began to sketch the design. She worked out the algorithm. She spent the entire night in the workshop. It was late into the evening, the sun had set. Harvy entered the room, Belle’s husband, he had two plates in hand. “Good ol’ fashion spaghetti” he smiled and set it down. “Do you mind?”
“Not at all - sit” she held her hand out. She pulled her goggles from her head - they had magnified her work. She was working on something very small.
“What are you working on?” He questioned, holding a fork into his pasta as he looked to her.
“Well...” She smiled. “You’ll have to keep it a secret...” She glanced to his wrist - she could see his scars from being drained... “But I think you’d want to” she lifted up the small device. It was a metal box, within it was a tiny piece of gem that glowed happily. Around it were several gears, a coil and then a tiny wire. “My name... is Melani Foxtran...” She lifted a brow. Instantly the man shifted uncomfortably.
“Oh.... Ms. Fox-”
“Don’t...” She cut him off. “I was fooled into inventing that very thing on your wrist, I did not intend it to be used as it is. This device... is going to remove that from your wrist.”
“W-really? How?” He questioned.
She began to show him the blueprints. How the Zen would amplify on a frequency so high that it would counteract and nullify the incoming frequency of the bracelet. At that point it could be cut off - without damaging the arm. She showed him exactly where, and how.
“There is enough Zen here to make 500 of these. Once used they can be removed from the bracelet and used again...” She looked to him. “Once I test this prototype... I’m going to replicate this Blueprint and leave it here...” She lifted a brow.
“I am hunted, my father knows I am up to no good. This needs to be copied and mass produced, it needs to be patented...” She looked to Harvy then. His mouth was agape, he was astounded.
“This ...this is really happening?” He questioned in complete disbelief.
“Yes... are you up for the challenge?” She questioned.
Harvy quickly slurped his last bite and moved across from her. “Show me - show me everything. I’ll build it right now with you...”
Melani smirked and lifted two tools and handed it to him...
They worked all night and it wasn't until Belle came in the morning, two cups of coffee in hand. “It is lovely to see you making a new friend, learning new things?” She smiled. “Come on, breakfast is ready...” She nodded.
Melani looked to Harvy, who had just finished his. “We need to test it... I am confident this will work, but if it doesn't...someone will lose an arm. It can't be you - you need to produce this..” She stood then and lifted her nullifier. Harvy followed after her.
They walked to the breakfast table and she set hers down infant of her. Eggs, bacon, toast, orange juice, biscuits and gravy...
“Tell them Harvy” she smiled.
Harvy sat down and cleared his throat. “Melani has invented a nullifier for the bracelet...” He looked to his wife. “She is leaving the blueprint in my hand, I will claim it and mass produce it, to save you - and all of our people... She will take it and do the same...” He smiled then.
Belle lit up and smiled brightly. “Really?!” She nearly knocked the table over as she stood. She pulled the cloth off her wrist and approached her husband. “Do you trust it?” She questioned.
“With my life” he lifted the nullifier. “It makes sense, the equation is perfect...”
“Lets do it.”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 11, 2018 20:39:38 GMT -5
The events that happened after the hunter released Jules blurred together. She felt Melani’s grip around her, she leaned into it. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Soon enough they stood in a beautiful home, Jules’ eyes were heavy as she looked around.
“I’ll take her.” Hugo carefully wrapped his arm around Jules. “Good luck, Melani.” He nodded as he led Jules off. “How are you feeling?” He questioned as he helped her up the stairs toward the bedrooms.
“Dizzy.” Jules spoke, her voice soft. She was still rattled from the train wreck. “I’m okay, though.” She pulled from Hugo and placed her hand on the beautiful oak railing. “Really.” She gave a gentle smile. “Don’t worry about me.”
Hugo chuckled then, “Me? Not worry about a lady?” He winked as he helped her into her room. “You just need to relax, hm?” He stepped over into the bathroom. “A hot bath? That will soothe you.” He nodded, “I’ll even mix you up a drink.” He called from inside the bathroom as he ran hot water. Steam began to come from the bathroom. Soon enough he slipped from the room and returned with a glass filled with a blue liquid. He smirked, “The bar had exactly what I needed.” He set it down.
“Thank you, Hugo.” Jules spoke as she took the glass.
“Of course doll, if you need anything I’ll be at the bar.” He smiled to her before he left the room.
Jules set the glass down and sat down on the bed. She slipped the gauntlet from her wrist and stared at the bracelet, what would it be like to be free? She took a swig of the drink Hugo mixed her and her face scrunched, it was incredibly strong. She shook her head slightly before she took another gulp. She needed to relax. She needed a drink or two to unwind. Soon enough she’d climbed into the bath. Steam rose from the water around her as she leaned her head back. The spinning left her head as she calmed. She climbed from the bath after the water began to cool and she slipped her clothing on. Jules curled into her bed and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.
Henry scooped Jules up into his arms, her giggles echoed off of the walls. A grin spilt his lips as he set her down on the table. “Let’s see here. The grand adventurer Jules, at it again.” He knelt down as he opened a small med kit. Jules had a deep scratch on her knee from falling. He carefully cleaned up the wound. “You’re going to have a scar from this one, girl.” He chuckled.
Jules winced and looked away. “I’ll get better at climbing, and I won’t fall. You’ll see.” She grinned to him and then she grimaced from the pain and looked away.
Henry chuckled, “I’ve no doubt that you will my dear.” He looked up to her as he placed the bandage. “Just, be careful.” He stood and hugged her gently.
A knock came from the door then. Henry turned and stepped to the door. “We need to take Jules to the tower.” A guard stood before Henry.
“You’ve just had her.” He shook his head. “How much more are you going to draw from her?”
The guard watched him, “If you will not allow her to come, we will take her and she will not be returned to you. You will not impede the Baron or the government. Do you want to be thrown in prison?”
Henry took a step back. Jules rushed to his side and hugged herself to him. “Don’t worry.” She spoke softly. “I’ll be okay...” She looked up at him, tears brimmed in her eyes.
Henry grit his teeth slightly, he brushed a tear away just before the guard took her away from him. “Be strong...Jules...” He whispered.
“Hey there sleepy head.” Hugo knocked on the door and stepped into the room.
Jules shot up, tears streamed down her cheeks. She brushed them away quickly.
Hugo looked to her a moment, “Are you alright?” He stepped forward.
Jules sniffled slightly, “Yes, yes...just a dream.” She offered a weak smile. “Did Melani have any luck?” She questioned as she climbed from the bed and straightened her clothing.
Hugo shrugged, “I’m hoping so, I haven’t seen her since last night. Come on, Belle has breakfast ready.”
Jules nodded. She pulled on her gauntlet and it clicked into place. They walked downstairs then and sat at the table. “It smells delicious.” Jules smiled as her stomach growled. Her eyes then fell on Melani as she came back into the room with Harvy. A grin split her lips, “You did it?” She looked to Melani.
Hugo smiled as well, this was the game changer. This was what they needed to get the mages behind them. Everyone ate their breakfast hastily. Jules stood, “Okay, how does it work?” She questioned. She stepped forward to Harvy and carefully took the small device into her hands. She turned it over a few times.
“It counters the frequency of the bracelet.” He glanced to Melani a moment. “Belle dear, would you like to test it?” He questioned.
Belle nodded and stepped forward. “Yes, I trust you.”
Harvy reached out and clicked the device into place carefully. He took in a breath as the device began to whirr. He watched as the gentle glow from Belle’s bracelet disappeared. “Okay...” He cleared his throat slightly then before he pulled a tool from his back pocket. He stared into his wife’s eyes a moment before he clamped it down. He winced, worried that the explosion would follow. The bracelet hit the floor, clattering loudly.
Belle reached forward and hugged her husband, she let out a cry to happiness. “This is incredible!!” She grinned she glanced to Melani then. “Thank you!” She rushed to her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you for this.” She searched her eyes.
They then took Harvy’s bracelet off. Jules pulled her gauntlet from her wrist and held her hand out as Harvy stepped forward. She looked to the device as he clipped it into place. JJules watched as Harvy clipped the device over her bracelet. She bit her lip slightly. What if she couldn’t control it? She’d never truly felt her power...she’d always had some form of device attached to her. Jules sucked in a breath as she watched Harvy cut into the bracelet. As the bracelet fell off it clattered to the ground, Jules took a few steps back. A glowing swirl raced around her arm leaving runes upon her skin as it rushed about her. The glowing swirled around her, lifting Jules’ feet from the ground. Jules cried out as she floated three feet above the ground. Her eyes began to glow bright white. “Mel!” She cried, the feeling was overwhelming. Her chest heaved. Runes scrawled over her neck and face adding a beautiful appearance to her. Old ancient runes from the times before the war.
As the energy swirled around Jules the air in the room sucked toward her and began spinning around her. The light that hung from the ceiling began to swing about, casting light in all areas of the room. Jules cried as the glowing consumed her, the magic was flowing through her being, overtaking her. Her entire body was glowing white by this time.
“We have to stop her!!” Belle cried out, her hand held up against the wind that rushed about in the room.
“Jules!!!” Hugo called out as he stepped forward. “Breathe Jules!”
Suddenly Jules came to the ground, a huge blast of magic emitted from her. It shook the ground, books flew from the shelves. Lightning struck outside, dark clouds had rushed in around the lodge. It began to pour rain. Jules was on her knees, her hands balled into fists. She was trembling, blood dripped from her nose onto the floor. She leaned back slightly, her eyes rolled into the back of her head, her breathing skipped as though she was being choked.
“Jules!” Hugo stepped forward to grab her, but it was like an invisible force surrounded her. He couldn’t reach her. “How do we stop this?!!!” He shouted over a loud crash of thunder outside.
A wisp appeared before Jules, it looked like a smokey form of a human. It placed its hands on either side of Jules’ face and held her there. Jules’ eyes stared to it and then suddenly the room fell silent. Jules slumped to the side her body was completely limp. The storm that was raging outside stopped suddenly...sunlight shone through the windows. Blood trickled from Jules’ nose as she lay on her side, her fingers twitched.
Hugo went to step forward but Belle held her arm in front of him. “No, you don’t want to touch her now.” She looked to her husband whom nodded. She then looked to Melani, “Just who is this girl? Jules...” She looked to Hugo. “You called her Jules right?” She watched for Hugo to nod. “As in the Jules Brisco that the government soldiers keep making rounds for? Offering flyers. She has a high price on her head...” She crossed her arms. “Her magic has never been allowed to breathe...it’s never been allowed to be awakened like this...” She looked to Jules, she watched as her brows drew together and then softened, her hands would ball to fists and then fall limp again. “I’ve only met a few mages with the power she has...most mages...” She shook her head and let out a soft laugh. “I can control vegetation, so...I can grow things, a garden perhaps...Harvy can create machines with his magic, twist and curve metal as he likes...” She looked to Jules, “She has much more than that....have you heard of the ancient mages? The whole reason the war started...the whole reason we are enslaved to the Mechs...to your father.” She looked to Melani a long moment.
Belle shifted slightly as she looked back to Jules, “There is an ancient line of mages that had control over the very world around them, the weather, the temperature...healing...it is an incredible thing that no one truly knows in this age...Harvy and I may look young but we are quite old.” She gave a gentle smile. “The perks of being a mage.” She watched Hugo and Melani. “We broke away from the city as soon as we could, Harvy did his best to stop the transmissions to our bracelets and we built this lodge...it is our sanctuary away from the Mechs that hunted us so long ago.” Belle took in a breath. “Harvy...does she resemble someone to you?”
Harvy looked to Jules as she writhed slightly, the runes glowed upon her skin a fiery orange now. He was quiet for a long moment before he nodded, “She does...look familiar.” He nodded and looked back to his wife.
Belle moved to the cabinet and unlocked it with a key from her pocket. She pulled old tattered books from the cabinet and set them on the kitchen table. She tossed them open quickly and pulled out an old faded picture. “Her mother and I were best friends before she was taken away by the government....Julie and I were great friends...” She looked to Jules a long moment, “I even met this girl when she was just a few days old. Julie was terrified...we all planned to run from the city, but we planned to leave too late...they...said that all three of them perished in the fire...” Belle took in a slow breath. “Do you know if Julie is alive? Adam is he alive?”
**
Jules sat in a dimly lit room. She could hear water rushing around her, the ground beneath her was icy cold. Each breath felt like it took all of her effort. She raised her eyes to see a woman staring back to her. “Jules.” The woman spoke, her voice was old and broken. “You’re alive.” She reached forward and touched Jules’ cheek. “You’ve broken free of the Mechs device.”
Jules stared to the woman, her eyes were the same ocean blue, her hair was a tint of ashen grey just like Jules. “Wh...what’s happened?” She questioned. “Who are you?” Her voice echoed. She gasped for air. She lifted her hand then as she felt a hot liquid run down her face. Blood. She brushed it away and stumbled.
“Shhh....” The woman steadied her. “Jules, you must listen to me.” She held her head and stared into her eyes. “You must find the city of Alabaster, it is the last city of mages, they are well hidden. Find Percy, he will help end this...he will help you get to me...” She groaned slightly. “I...must go...Jules...” Her body dissipated then, melting into the air like fresh flakes of snow.
Jules reached forward trying to catch her, trying to reel her back in. “Wait!” She cried. The world began to spin around her. “Wait!” She screamed as she was ripped into the air and tossed about. She screamed as she fell into the darkness then she suddenly slammed into the ground and everything went black.
**
Jules suddenly shot up, she gasped for air, she’d stopped breathing. Her chest heaved. She heard Hugo trying to speak to her, but she couldn’t make out his words. She shuffled to her feet quickly and stumbled. Blood poured from her nose, her eyes were glowing a bright white. She stared to Melani as she gripped onto the kitchen table. Her world was spinning. She staggered slightly. “We have to find...Percy...he’s in Alabaster...” She choked out before she collapsed.
Hugo rushed forward and caught her under her arms. “Alabaster?” He questioned.
Belle stared to Jules a long moment. “Alabaster is the hidden city of mages...Harvy and myself couldn’t even find the passage...” She shook her head. “Percy is rumored to be the leader there...there are the mages that escaped the government, before these were put on us.” She lifted the bracelet. “Before the necklaces and other devices, they got away.”
**
Jules woke a few hours later, she rolled and fell from the bed onto the floor with a loud clatter. The sun was set. She groaned and scrambled to her feet. She took in quick breaths as her eyes glowed. “I...can’t...control...this...” She grit her teeth, fear overcoming her. She slid to the floor as she held her head and shut her eyes tightly. Focusing. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Thunder began to rumble outside as she fought with her magic. Rain pelted against the windows and wind ripped against the sides of the home. Her pulse raced along rapidly as she fought against it. “Come on...” She whispered to herself. “Come on....” Her voice trembled. Thunder crackled loudly causing the lodge to shake as she focused...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 12, 2018 20:04:49 GMT -5
Melani watched carefully as they cut into the bracelet of Belle. She winced slightly, holding her breath - it snapped from her wrist and fell to the ground in a clattering motion. The glowing hue dissipated.... Melani leaned down and picked it up - she slowly turned it over in her hands.
Caroline stood before her. She had long red hair that flowed like a rushing river, rapids bounding over rocks and turns. She stood next to Vance, his wife next to him.
“Finally... we can end your suffering...” Vance stood before Caroline - a bracelet in his hands. “No pain, no suffering...” he smiled and then clasped the band around her wrist. It bonded at the seam and formed into one band, which was too small for her take off. “Try now” he nodded.
Caroline held her hand up. Nothing. Nothing happened. She smiled brightly - “Thank you !!!!” She shouted and threw her arms around Melani. She hugged her tightly. For the first time in years. Caroline would normally burst into flames upon contact, any time her heart would pump of excitement or joy - she would burn whoever she would touch.
Melani grinned brightly and squeezed her sister, she even lifted her and spun her slightly. “Finally” Melani smiled and then looked to her mother. Her mother smiled just as happily, and then she too reached forward to Caroline for a long hug.
Just as she did so - a clasp went about her wrist. Six men came piling into the room, they grasped both of the women - and dragged them away.
“What’s happening?!” Melani shouted, she was pulled back by two guards who held her down.
Vance grinned. “The new wave of the future, my dear...” He then turned and left the room. The was the last time she saw Caroline....
Melani squeezed the bracelet and then slipped it into her pocket. She then turned and watched as Harvy’s was released from his wrist, and then finally Jules. The moment she had been waiting for. To watch it become successful, this was a true pleasure.
Though as soon as the bracelet was cut - a shock wave sent Melani flying back. She shouted - for fear that Jules’ arm had just been blown to bits. But that was not the case. Jules was beaming with power - inscriptions covered her body. She had seen this image before. An old tapestry hung on the walls of the tomb. A woman floating in the air just like so - covered completely in glowing blue lines. Except Jules’s was not blue... it was a bright white at the time, but then they changed, glowing yellow like the sun, then changing.
Melani gasped and scrambled back to her feet - Jules hit the floor like a rag doll, blood pooling from her nose. “Oh gods-” she was stopped by Belle as well. “No - no look” she shook her head. Just as the runes faded - Melani rushed forward and grasped her wrist. “She’s not breathing, no pulse-” she began to panic.
She knew then why the love of her life sacrificed her life. This girl truly was the key. The others spoke of her mother. But the sheer power - it was one of the gods, one that even the ancient mages bowed to. Jules had to have been of ancient lineage, and Agatha had found that out... It all made sense now. Agatha gave her life so Jules could live - because Jules had the power to truly reverse all of this. Hugo kept saying she was the key, did he know something Melani had not? Except now... it was clear. She really is the key.
Jules shot up - risen from her dead status. “Damn-” Melani breathed heavily and watched as Hugo lifted her. She followed along swiftly, into the room to rest. Melani sat at the chair next to her - she kept an eye on Jules’s rising chest, for fear it would stop again. The entire while Jules slept - she thought of that tapestry. Was it an ancestor? Or was this the telling of the future, a prophecy?
“Hey- Relax” Melani stood as Jules woke, scrambling to her feet. “Sit sit - “ she urged her forward. It was then that she felt a insane vibration from her pocket. Melani sifted through and pulled the necklace up. It dangled from her hand by the chain - the necklace began to lift up into the air and float towards Jules. “Whoa--” suddenly the Necklace jerked from her hand and flew to Jules...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 12, 2018 21:41:12 GMT -5
Jules looked up to Melani, “I can’t...I can’t...control this...” She cried, her voice trembled, her hands shook. “Make it stop...please...” Lightning crashed just outside the window. It was then that the necklace flew forward. It clasped around her neck.
“Relax.” A voice spoke. It was calm and collected. “You can control this, I’ll show you.” A wispy image appeared before her, a man in heavy robes, he had a clean cut beard. “Focus on something else.”
Jules backed against the wall, tears streamed down her cheeks. He expression was full of fear. “Mel....please...” She shook her head and held her hands up, holding her hands over her ears. Only she could see the spirit before her.
The man stood his arms crossed. Energy swirled around Jules. “You are the key, you will control this.” His voice was more demanding now. “The prophet foretold this day.” He reached forward and clasped her by the front of her shirt, he lifted her then, holding her up, her feet dangled slightly just a few inches from the ground. “Look at me, I am your ancestor Lillian.” He spoke as he set her on her feet, though he didn’t release her. “I was murdered and locked into that necklace that you have around your neck. The mechs locked me and 3 others away into necklaces, they feared that our power was too great! That we couldn’t control it.” He released her then and glanced out the window as lightning crashed. “You’re doing that.” He smirked then. “Think of a beautiful sunny day, just imagine it, the large puffy white clouds, the cool gentle breeze.”
Jules stared to the window, her brows quivered. Just as he spoke the words the horrible storm outside disappeared...large puffy clouds filled the skies. Jules leaned her back against the wall. “How...am...I controlling this?” She stared back to the spirit. He’d taken on a blue glow. “Mel...can...you see this?” She questioned. She felt like she was losing her mind. This all had to be a dream.
The spirit reached forward. “Lillian.” He spoke her name. He reached forward and grabbed her dagger from her hip. He grinned as he watched her a moment. He grasped her hand and without warning he drew the blade across her arm. Blood began to rush from the wound.
Jules cried out in pain and gripped her arm. She grimaced and stared to the spirit. “Are you mad?!” She cried.
He chuckled, “No, not at all. You can’t die now, Lillian.” He looked to her arm and pulled it forward he brushed the blood away. “Heal it.” He stared into her eyes. “Imagine the wound healing, come on.”
Jules trembled, the sound of her blood splashing against the floor filled her ears. She stared to the wound as the spirit brushed her blood away again. She bit her lip and whimpered as she closed her eyes. She imagined the wound mending, healing...the hot pain began to dissipate from her arm. The bleeding began to slow then...her skin pulled together and the wound disappeared.
“There you are.” The spirit grinned, he tilted his head slightly. The world around them had grown a grey color. “Oh...” He chuckled. “I should let you go, shouldn’t I?” He questioned.
“What...do you mean?” Jules’ eyes fluttered slightly. She realized it felt like something was pressed against her chest. Suddenly her vision blacked out...
**
As soon as the necklace clasped around Jules’ neck she gasped, the runes flashed and she fell to the ground. Her body tensed and she whimpered. The glowing of the runes pulsed as she lay on the ground. The storm began to intensify outside and then suddenly, it was a clear day. Everything followed suite just as it did in her mind, her arm began to bleed and then she healed it. Then her chest trembled as she fought to breathe. She held her hand to her chest in her sleep as she gasped. Then suddenly she fell limp. Blood leaked from her lips. Several minutes passed, her chest didn’t rise and fall...her heart didn’t beat. The awakening of the magic within her body was pushing her limits. Jules’ eyes fluttered open then, she took in a deep breath. Her eyes had a beautiful glow to them. “Mel...” Jules breathed, the runes swirled lighting up a purple color for a moment before the runes disappeared. She reached up to the necklace which was glowing lightly. She lay her head back, the soft pillow rest beneath her, she’d been moved back to her bed. “There’s a spirit...in this necklace...” She sat up slowly, her head wasn’t spinning...it didn’t ache...she looked to her arm. “Did that happen? Am I losing it?” She questioned and looked to Melani. She stepped over to the window then. She placed her hand on the glass and looked to the skies. Her eyes began to glow a crystal blue. Frost covered the window where she touched. She let out a breath, the temperature in the room had dropped nearly 20 degrees. She watched as flakes of snow began to fall outside.
Jules grinned as she watched the clouds swirl outside. “How is this even possible?” She chuckled and then looked to Melani. The glow from her eyes faded and the glow returned to her necklace. The spirit within the necklace was helping her learn her powers, he was aiding her in controlling it.
**
“Sir.” An officer stood in the tower. “We have lost the signal from three bracelets sir.” He spoke his voice soft, worried.
“And what do I care if the mages kill themselves?” The Barron turned in his chair, a chuckle in his voice. “So long as I have my mages her in Voxstein and Foxtran continues to supply us with strong mages and weapons I have nothing to worry about.”
“Sir, one of the bracelets was the Brisco girl...”
The Barron stared to the officer, his hand balled into a fist, “Jules Brisco?” He questioned.
“Yes sir.” The officer took a slight step back.
“Find her! Now! Get that mage back in Voxstein.!” He slammed his fist down on the table. “Get me Vance! I need an answer as to why his so called hunters didn’t track her down!!!” He snarled.
**
Jules traced her fingers over the necklace, “There are other necklaces like this...trapped souls...they can help me learn to control this...we can get your sister out, we can stop this.” She looked to Melani.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 12, 2018 23:16:25 GMT -5
“What the hell is going on?!” Melani shouted out, she watched as suddenly the thundering stopped, the earth quit shaking. Though in that very instant - blood splashed onto the ground. Melani quickly reached forward and placed her hand on the wound. Just as she did the wound disappeared. Fresh pink soft skin covered the wound, sealing it up.
“Wh-what” She stumbled back. She had never seen such a thing before. This was madness. The act of a god... She knew magic was real but she had never before seen it, especially like this. Hugo had rushed in - having heard Melani shout.
“Whats wrong?!” He then rushed forward, helping Jules sit up. “She just - she, the weather and then she just started bleeding, a cut - and and” she shook her head.
Hugo searched her - and then saw the faint pink line, a soft beautiful scar. “Wow...” He whispered. Jules came to just seconds later. “A soul?” He questioned softly. “That would explain why the necklace has such powerful magic properties...” Hugo spoke and then helped Jules back onto the bed.
“Did this soul talk to you?” Melani questioned and then she stood as well, dusting her legs off slightly. She reached towards the necklace, she didn't take it off of Jules - just extended it forward. “Hmm..” She pondered. “So we have to find the other necklaces?” She questioned and shook her head.
“The other hidden cities, the tombs...” She closed her eyes. “Okay... I guess if we’re going to do this adventure, we have to go all in huh?” She smiled weakly. “Come on... lets get you some water or something.” She stepped from the room, Hugo helped Jules up to stand.
They made their way into the kitchen, Belle was at the counter with a mixing bowl. “Belle...” Melani sat at the counter of the bar. “Do you know anything about the other hidden cities? We found one here in town - in the mines, the tombs lead us to a magical necklace. Apparently... there are others... Do you know anything?” She questioned.
Belle looked up from the bowl, she was mixing together batter for brownies. She squeezed her brows together and paused. “There were 4 total hidden cities, 3 smaller ones and 1 final one. The 3 are now just lost ruins - and yes, I had heard rumors of one hidden here. The two others are quite far. I know there is one in the Mountains of Velan, and another near the Shores of Walan. The exact location? I do not know, but you could start there...” She raised a brow.
Moments later Harvy entered the room and set down a box. It was full to the brim with little devices. The one to remove the bracelets. “Oh, excellent job” Melani smiled and then looked to Jules and Hugo. “So, where to first. The mountains or the shores, and when?” She questioned, her brow rising as he studied Jules. “Are you well enough to travel?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Nov 13, 2018 0:12:30 GMT -5
Jules walked down the stairs her eyes looked over the cabin. She had to focus to hold back her energy, she could feel it swarming within her body. She felt alive. In a way she’d never felt before. It felt like a fire was burning within her soul, a fire that had been suppressed her entire life.
Jules watched as Belle stirred the brownie mixture. She then looked over as Harvy brought the box of devices out. She reached forward and lifted one into her hands.
“You will want to unlock the shores first.” The spirit spoke within her mind.
Jules blinked her eyes a few times, she looked to Melani and gave a weak smile. “I’m well enough, yes...I should be just fine...It...is just going to take some getting used to...but the sooner we find these necklaces...the sooner I can be more in control.” She looked to her bare wrist, the scars that remained. Jules took in a deep breath. “The shores, that is where we should start.” She nodded.
Hugo watched her carefully. “You don’t look well, Jules.” He spoke a brow raised.
Jules looked to him and then shook her head. “We can’t stop now, right?” She weakly smiled again. “We have to press forward.” She nodded. “If not, if we sit idly too long...”
“You’re right.” Hugo took in a deep breath. “You need to take these to Aeradenn and get as many mages free as possible. If we are going to do this, we are going to need as many mages behind us as we can.” He glanced to Melani and gave a nod. “We should set off then.”
Harvy held a jingling ring of keys forward. “It is an old rusty bucket of metal, but, it will get you into Zhalo, you can get on an airship or train from there to the Shores of Walen.”
Jules reached forward, “Thank you.” She bowed her head slightly.
“Keep safe, Jules.” Belle spoke she looked to the other two. “All three of you keep safe, I imagine the road forward will only get harder. The closer we get to pushing Mr. Foxtran from his pedestal the more push back we will receive.”
Jules grinned then, “Let them push back.” The magic coursing through her veins was giving her an edge, a sense that she couldn’t die. She’d never felt so strong, so unafraid. It was dangerous, reckless.
Jules stood and walked from the home she found the old rusty car and climbed inside. It took a few times before the engine turned over. It popped and crackled and smoke poured from the exhaust as it came on. She smiled to Melani and then to Hugo before they took off. “How far are the shores?” She asked.
“A few days, it’ll be an airship ride away, but only a few fly there, it isn’t a very highly populated place....and well...those who do live there have their own transportation.” Hugo noted as he took a swig from his drink.
Jules nodded, “Right, only the rich...” She spoke, thinking. She was quiet for a long time before she took in a breath. “You asked if the spirit was speaking to me...” She looked to Melani and bit her lip slightly. “He is...he pulled me into this world, it felt so real, but the colors were gone...he showed me how to control myself...he showed me I can heal injuries...” Jules looked ahead. “Everything...it doesn’t feel real...this...doesn’t feel real...” She looked to her bare wrist again as they pulled into town.
Jules walked forward with the group toward the airstation. She looked to the large ships that were docked. She held her passport forward to the officer and they passed forward. Jules felt eyes on her. She looked to see officers headed their direction. “We...need to move.” She rushed forward. “Go!” She cried as she pushed Melani forward onto the airship. Hugo raised his pistol and fired just as the officers fired their own rounds. Bullets ripped through the air. The two officers fell to the ground. Jules gasped as she held her side. It felt hot. It burned. She winced as blood ran over her fingertips.
“Shit!” Hugo grunted as he lifted her and ran onto the airship. “Take off!” He ordered. “Now!” He yelled at the captain. “They didn’t have to shoot her!” He growled as he set Jules down on a table. He pulled away at her clothing. “It’s lodged in there Jules...”
Jules reached a shaken hand up. “W-wait...” She choked. Her eyes were glowing, the runes showed then a beautiful white color. She lay her head back and placed her hand over the wound. The bleeding slowed and she lifted her hand, she dropped a mangled bullet onto the table. “Th-there...” She breathed her voice tired.
Hugo stared his eyes wide, his jaw slack. “H-how...” He drew his brows together. He looked to his bloody hands. His face was full of disbelief.
Jules let out a shaken breath as her eyes slipped shut. Hugo looked to Melani a long moment. “Agatha was right about her huh? She is the answer...” He nodded. He then let out an uneasy chuckle. “I guess we don’t have to protect her as much now huh?” He scooped Jules up into his arms. “I don’t know about you, but I need a drink...” He chuckled as he carried her off below decks. He carefully set Jules on the bed and tucked a blanket in around her. He glanced to Melani, “Good job, Melani.” He nodded, “I honestly never thought I would see the day one of those bracelets came off.” He crossed his arms. “So the hidden cities huh? Do you think there are more mages like Jules?” Hugo took a swig of his flask then.
**
It wasn’t long before Jules woke, she blinked a few times and held her hand to her side. She remembered getting shot. Everything happened so quickly. She slipped from the bed and made her way into the hallway. Jules walked around the ship until she found the bar.
“Jules!” Hugo drunkenly called with a chuckle. “Did you get your beauty rest, Doll?” He stood and stepped to her. He took her into his arms and danced as he chuckled.
Jules let out a soft chuckle. “Yes, please let me go.” She slipped from his grip and came to the bar. She glanced to Melani and gave a soft smile. “So...after we find the lost city...what if they don’t want to fight? What is our plan to stop your father?” She asked softly.
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