|
Post by Asila on May 8, 2008 23:58:46 GMT -5
ooc; I am moving this thread and all it's posts from another site, so I am going to be posting everyone's responses up until the point we stopped. The four people involved were Seven, Sparkfyre, Lien, and me, of course. Just to keep things straight, I will put the name of the author at the beginning of each post. If there is no name, then I am the one who wrote it. With one exception. Since I'd feel demented putting my own name down, I'm not going to bother with my posts. So if it is nameless, I am the one who posted it.
Besides, we all know that I created Malevolos, just as we know that Seven's charrie is Serena, so it should be easy enough to keep straight.
All right then, let us begin!
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 8, 2008 23:59:52 GMT -5
Malevolos stood beneath the onyx shadow of Thornfield Mansion, thinking it looked even more charming at night than it did during the day. Against a sky that was a dark purple reminiscent of a severe bruise, the jagged outline particularly striking, it looked worthy of his ownership. Two gargoyles stood on pedastals that framed the heavy wooden door. Their eyes were of some indiscriminate black stone, polished but without luster. Dark as the buildings shadow, the peculiar gems lit with a blood-red glow as Malevolos neared and the gargoyles, animated now, bowed to their returning master. Once he passed, the stone guardians of Thornfield Mansion returned to perfectly still, and perfectly convincing, black granite gargoyles. The heavy oak doors, attuned to his aura, opened without further order to invite him into a dark house. It did not stay dark for long, though. As he stepped across the threshold the lights blazed to life, illuminating his way as he began his inspection of their rooms and hallways.
It was all very mysterious and dramatic...and just to his taste. Malevolos had a low tolerance for the ordinary. He believed himself beyond it.
It took only a brief cursory glance of each room for him to feel assured that everything was as it should be. Except for the dust. It lay in thick blankets across every available surface, clung to corners in gray skeins, draped the hallways and rooms in a great collection of macabre strands. He bared his teeth in distaste. He would have to find someone to put it back in working order.
If only he had managed to capture the werewolf child. He would have had one slave lined up already. Oh well, at least someone had thrown sheets over all the furniture when he had departed. The act had saved the graceful antiques from ruin. He aproached one of the cushioned chairs in his dining room and pulled the sheet free, revealing a Victorian gentleman's chair. He then sat upon it and proceeded to lose himself in his plans for what he meant to accomplish. There was much to be done, and the remaining members of the Thirteen had yet to arrive.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:05:02 GMT -5
Sparkfyre:
Frost came shortly afterwards into the room, the usual soul-less light in his eyes, looking like a living toy or perhaps a machine rather than a person. "Greetings. Reaper has sent me to assist."
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:07:08 GMT -5
Malevolos focuses his frustrated gaze on Frost, the crimson orbs sparking softly in the golden light of the candelabra. After only a few moments of thought he had found that while there was plenty that must be accomplished, his means by which to accomplish anything were not very formidable. As things stood now, the odds were not in favor of the fractured Thirteen.
"Glad to see you have finally awakened, Frost." He says dryly. "Reaper has sent you to assist me? And where, pray tell, shall we start?"
He stands and starts to pace, clearly agitated. The more he analyzes the situation, the more it seemed as though they were on the losing side of the battle to come. And now Reaper sends this mindless drone to assist him? Magnificent. Perhaps they should just wave the white flag now and save themselves the trouble of a lengthy attack on the Trinity. For if what he had encountered tonight was any indication, the resistance was stronger and better organised than the Thirteen was at this point in time. He had only had the werewolf girl in his clutches for a few minutes when the first of five Trinity members and sympathisers had arrived to stop him. In comparison, the only being allied to him who had been present was Reaper, and through the mess they had failed to recognise each other.
It was starkly clear to him. While the Trinity was rapidly becoming a force powerful enough to give even a whole Thirteen trouble, the Thirteen itself was a disorganised mess.
"We have to even the odds," He ranted outloud, "The Trinity are becoming a nuisance. We need to disband them in whatever way we can." Suddenly he stopped pacing. As they were now, 'whatever way we can' really didn't amount to much. But there was something, however small, that could be done. He turned to Frost. "I need you to keep track of the Trinity and it's more powerful allies. Eventually, one or more of them will make the mistake of wandering off on their own. If that happens, bring them to me. Can you manage this task?" He stared at Frost as he waited for the answer. He was pleased with his plan. Even if Frost only managed to capture one victim, it could compromise the threat the Trinity posed to them. Blackmail was a very useful tool. As were well-planned traps and ambushes. Any of which could be arranged if they had a hostage to bait Azrael and his Trinity with. He bared his fangs in a feral smile. When he remembered the bleeding-heart philosophy's of the Trinity, the odds no longer seemed insurmountable. Such emotion was far to easy to manipulate.
(And the danger/drama continues to escalate. ;D What fun! Given the opportunity, I would send either Evening or Asila off on their own. Poor things, they have been cursed with a creator who has a flare for drama. ^^)
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:08:07 GMT -5
Sparkfyre:
Frost's eyes turned pure white for a moment, then returned to normal. "Scan complete. Most powerful known ally of Azrael is currently Azrael himself, followed by Yugopotamia Quill, a match of Wikd Black and Orion White, succeeded by Liken Moss. Shivan Slayr has currently defaulted and is on our side. It seems he has memory loss."
Frost's voice was rather monotone.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:09:33 GMT -5
"Shivan Slayr has turned on them, then." Malevolos studied Frost, interested now. This was indeed good news. "And who is with him to ensure that his alliances remain inverted?" (Ick, short post )
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:13:05 GMT -5
Seven:
The light was quickly fading from the sky as the sun was dramatically setting, causing the blood red colors in the sky. Outside, Serena sighed, leaning against a tree. She was usually so GOOD with directions and navigating by position of the sun, what was WRONG with her today? First she got lost in Youthen (until Nathien came to register them for school) and right after she promised she wouldn't get lost taking a walk, that's the very first thing she does!
The day had been so very exciting and dramatic, from homelessness, to the discovery of magic, to even registering to LEARN magic (who'd imagine that?), she'd gone for a walk to clear it all up in her mind and reassure herself it was in fact, not a dream. And the scenery had been soo very gorgeous! caught between her newly founded magical daydreams and feelings of delight of the surroundings, she hadn't noticed where she wandered off too.
Serena was very bright, but she was a hopeless romantic. Even a short walk turned into a new and mystifying adventure for her. She'd lose track of time and place. and though she realized her dilema and her anxiety was rising, she all quickly forgot about it when she gazed upon the beautiful mansion. She couldn't help taking a few steps forward with awe. The mansion attracted her like a moth to a flame (as this cliche may be prophetic as well)--the gothic and dark structure and decoration was simply fascinating to behold! And lo! Gargoyles carved from stone! She couldn't bare it anymore as her curiosity and imagination took flight. She wondered what magnificent peoples inhabited such a gem. though she was far to shy to ever approach newcomers, she couldn't resist observing the finace of the stone, placing a carrassing hand upon it and smiling.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:16:06 GMT -5
Without the slightest warning the dark stone eyes of the gargoyles lit with a disturbing blood red light. They stood and stepped down from their pedastals, circling the girl who had foolishly chosen to trespass here. They resembled panthers, with a gargoyles terrible snarl etched into their countenance and pointed demons wings. Their paws sank into the soft earth, the weight of the granite statues too much to bear.
Intruder, rumbled the first, it's voice so deep that it seemed to crawl through the ground in a minor earthquake instead of emanating from the gargoyle itself. It sat down in front of her, towering at seven feet even without the pedastal.
Trespasser, growled the second, in exactly the same manner as it moved behind her to eliminate any chance of escape. They glowered down at her, their forms morphing with the inky shadows of twilight so that only the seething red of their eyes was clearly defined.
In the mansion, Malevolos looked past Frost, gazing at the door with a small degree of interest. "It seems we have a guest," He announced with deceptive calmness. From the impression that the gargoyles had sent him he knew the girl they had detained was not powerful, but he may find a use for her yet. "Bring her to me," He ordered Frost, and waited with little patience for him to obey the command.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:17:53 GMT -5
Sparkfyre:
Frost nodded as he headed out the door. Even his movements were quite robotic; he appeared in front of Serena a couple moments later, for he was still quite fast. "Your presence is requested. Please, come, or I shall be forced to hurt you."
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:19:25 GMT -5
Seven:
Serena jumped back with wide eyes when the gargoyle moved. She didn't make a peep, and was even slightly curious still, but anxiety rushed through her and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She breathed deeply. They didn't seem to be attacking, only surrounding her. 'Perhaps they are a magical kind of alarm system?' she observed, calming herself a bit. She tried to convince herself that they were and that someone would come to fish her out in which case she'd sincerely apologize and explain everything. Who knows, maybe they could even point her in the correct direction? Somehow, deep down, Serena knew she wasn't going to be that lucky.
Still...
It was somehow both frightening and fascinating. There seemed to be such an abundance of magic literally EVERYWHERE! How could she have missed it before? Why, it seemed like everything was happening today! If she hadn't met Nathien, god knows what how'd she'd be panicking and fainting this very moment. It was a very good thing that Serena, like her name, was a calm and easy going person. Even with all her knowledge, anyone else would have screamed bloody murder.
She saw a figure approaching, and she couldn't help but smile. Smiling was like a twitch for her--she did it automatically. Not just when she was happy, but when she was nervous, anxious, upset, frazzled....and so on. It was as though she thought if she smiled enough, her blankness would be replaced by geniune joy.
she watched as the man got closer and closerand she humbled herself, ready to apologize for the hassle. Before she had the chance though, he beat her to making the first line. And what an unfriendly one it was! Why, he threatened her! But rational soon clouded her anger ((a reversal for once, huh? lol)) as she realized he spoke in the same jogged manner the gargoyles did. It was quite likely that this person was also another part of the alarm system, programmed to do one task. There was no use saying anything to him in that case, if he was just another mindless droid.
She nodded, "I've made no attempt to escape, but my entry way is blocked by these stone gargoyles...well.." she looked at the gap between two of them, and like a mouse tht can fit it's entire body through any crevice should it's head fit, she wiggled out between her trapped position, nearly stumbling as she did so. She managed to regain her balance at last moment, and brushing off as she did.
She smiled again, a hopeless case. "Please lead the way," she said a her calm tone.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:20:48 GMT -5
Sparkfyre:
Frost made a bow and led Serena back to Mavelous.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:22:36 GMT -5
Seven:
Serena looked around in awe as they entered the mansion. She gave a little sneeze, not anticipating the sudden dust. She had always unfortunately never had a strong immune system, and throughout her life had been susceptible to various ailments.
When they'd enter Malevolos's range of sight, he'd see the girl dressed unspectacularly in a unshapely, old gray hoodie, large sneakers, and fading jeans with a shabby flower embrodery on the pockets. Once again, nothing to behold and obviously not much to look at. And alongside a clear lack of exterior beauty (and decent clothing), he'd sense no magical energy within her.
Yet despite this and her obvious humanity, she didn't seem too alarmed about just being ambushed by magical stone gargoyles. She just smiled, a little sheepish and apologetic, and began to explain herself, "I am so sorry Sir--I realize I must have trespassed upon your grounds, but I was so impressed by your exquisite taste and lovely home..." she pauses, trying to find a good way to explain herself, "I just meant to approach a little closer to get a better look...but I had no intention to come any closer or disrupting you....but then your alarm system reacting immediately." She bows her head a little, a humble expression, "Please forgive me Sir, I didn't mean to be such a bother and I mean no ill-will. I've just been lost for a while and trying I've been trying to make my way back to school."
She finally looks back up at the man, magnificient and handsome. He was just as--no, more entrancing than the house. The whole setting seemed to be a scene from a gothic fairy tale. 'He matches his house perfectly!' she couldn't help but think.
Even so, Malevolos might be wary of something that appears so innocent and quaint. After all, just earlier today he discovered that his old nemesis had taken the form of a dorky child, and inevitably lost because of it. Why, if he were so paranoid, he might even wonder if this girl is actually just another disguise of Lief's! After all, it was never below a fox to take the form of the opposite gender if necessary for their devices. Even though fox had been notorious for taking the form of beautiful people (as they were all quite vain), Crevan had played this sort of character just earlier. Perhaps looking like an outcast was a new trend for kitsune! Who knows! Perhaps Lief had tailed him, looking to spy on him to gather new information for a second attack. But surely the fox would not be so foolish as to not only jump right in, but play off the same 'look' again. Though a human who was not alarmed at magic was indeed very, very strange...
Meanwhile, Serena just continued to smile innocently, completely unaware of the deep trouble she was in; thus explaining why she didn't seem at the slightest afraid.
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:36:19 GMT -5
After Frost had left to fetch the girl, Malevolos had realized just how disheveled he was from the day's battle. The long black jacket he had worn was ruined, torn and charred nearly beyond recognition. He decided to take it off, slinging it over the back of the Victorian chair. The long-sleeved flannel shirt beneath it wasn't much better, however the thick coat had saved it from the worst of the damage. It was inflicted only by a few tears and stained almost imperceptibly by blood. Imperceptibly because the shirt happened to be a crimson shade that matched the color of freshly spilled blood. It would pass. The black pants were decent as well, suffering almost no damage.
It may seem odd that the clothing had survived at all, considering that he had shifted into a multi-ton winged dragon while wearing them. However, because his father had been a spirit being, he was able to consciously rearrange his molecules while shifting. It had not taken him long to learn how to include his clothing in the shuffle. And so his outfit was relatively whole, suffering damage only from Lief's act of trickery.
He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it into a formation that was less wild. The completed image was actually very striking. He looked both imposing and charmingly disheveled, the fantasy of any girl who was afflicted with that fatal attraction for the dark and dangerous type.
When the girl entered, he studied her intently, his crimson eyes, so much brighter than those of the stone gargoyles that had detained her in the front yard, glittered with dark consideration. She looked about as threatening as a sparrow, and human, nonetheless. Still, he was careful to look closer, reaching out with his magical aura to scan her for signs of dormant magic. After being fooled once by Lief he had chosen to err on the side of caution. But there was nothing, only the feeble life force of a human. She was no threat to him, though she may prove to be of great use.
He smiled at her as she apologized for her transgression and complimented his home. "You have no need to apologize, my dear girl." His voice was resonant and as dark it's owner, though the overall effect was quite charming. He had decided to take a more subtle approach with this one. There was no need to leap into her imprisonment right off the bat. If he left her with the impression that she was in no real danger, she would be easier to keep in check. "Really, I am pleased by the company. Welcome to Thornfield Mansion," He accompanied this last line with a dramatic sweep of his arm, indicating the Victorian-style dining room, complete with crystal chandelier. It would have been breath-taking if all was not coated in dust. To those who were charmed by gothic elements, this dramatic sign of abandonment may only add to the grandeur. He almost smirked. If her expression was anything to judge by, she just happened to be of that former group.
"I am Malevolos, and you must forgive me for the ill state of things here. I have only just returned after a long absence."
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:41:03 GMT -5
Seven:
And indeed, the girl was completely charmed and now relieved that her 'host' meant her no ill-will (or so she thought). "Thank you, Malevolos," noting the unusual name, "but really, you have nothing to be ashamed of. It is I who feels bashful about not being more appropriately dressed for such charming company!" she smiles, perfectly sweet, but with strong feelings of regret for not having worn one of her rare, nicer outfits. Today, after all, had been so very important. If she had only known (and not been worrying about her eviction) she wouldn't have avoided such sloppy clothes.
She approaches him slightly, being taken in by his gentlemanly charm and the overall 'dashingness' of his character. The strange man to her is like one of the Byronic-heroes or even just the average gentleman of the Edwardian Era, full of wit and a sort of chivalry that today's men lacked. She nodded her head, hoping to appear as graceful as he did, "Thank you for your kind invitation. My name is Serena," she smiled.
The girl, however, was not as dim-witted as many humans would be. It is true that she is only human, but behind her rimless glasses, she had eyes (though impaired) like everyone else. So when she came closer, she noticed the minor tears in his clothing. Once again, being curious and worried, she took another step forward, this time not looking up at him, but at the shirt, where she could faintly see the outline of a stain. Her eyes traveled around the room once more, this time noting the what little view she had of the tattered jacket on the chair. She gasped slightly, quickly figuring it out, "Why--you were injured today, weren't you?" she says, worry for the man now overcoming all other thoughts. "Oh dear--what happened? Are you alright?" she barraged him with an procession of questions while sincerity reflected off her worried, large eyes.
How very funny and ironic it all was though! Of all the people Serena had never trusted (why, including Nathien who had given her so much just earlier!), Serena chose to place her faith in the one person she shouldn't have. Well, she might have not been so quick to become so friendly with him had her overall good-nature not panicked! and of course, she couldn't tell he had already been healed--for all she knew he was could be suffering right this instance, only biting his lip and stifling his pain to not make her feel uncomfortable! Oh how chivalrous and strong of him! If only she knew....
|
|
|
Post by Asila on May 9, 2008 0:46:06 GMT -5
Sparkfyre:
Frost was standing right behind where Serena was, looking evermore like a statue, save that since he was still a real ice spirit, looked lifelike enough that it seemed almost impossible that anybody could have made it except by the power of elements.
|
|