Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 14, 2008 20:51:31 GMT -5
It had been many weeks since he'd worked on it. Frustrated by his initial clumsy attempts, Zee had given up on it for a time and had lately been busy. Or rather he'd been busy before and had lately been sulking. Now though he was ready to try again. His command over his element had increased tremendously, plus he had some time to kill anyway and could think of no better way to spend it. Legs dangling in the open evening air, Zee sat on the ledge of the Astronomy tower and gazed from the setting sun to the rough silver statue in his hands.
Exemplifying his more perfect control, Zee lifted the small metal figure to eye level and set it to spinning before his eyes without ever moving his hands. As he watched, his mind's eye summoned up the image he held of Wysteria at the Halloween Masquerade Ball. That had been the night when their vague romance had solidified. How stunning she had been in her gown. Slowly the figure before his eyes grew to match that in his mind. The skin grew smooth, and somehow looked as if it would be soft to touch despite the hard material that composed it. The facial detail was amazing, though of course the fancy mask hid most of the face. Every fold in the fabric of the dress was just as he'd remembered.
It was almost laughable how long he'd spent on it before without much to show for his effort, and now it had taken him a mere span of minutes to complete the miniature statue of Wysteria, posed as if she were dancing. Despite her claims, she had proven to be quite a talented dancer. Reaching up to pluck his workmanship tenderly from the air, Zee gazed at it longingly.
"I'll see you soon. One way or the other . . ."
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on Apr 15, 2008 5:30:14 GMT -5
It was late, far later than Keaira generally preferred to be awake. But it seemed that as of late her preferences no longer ruled all of her actions. It seemed that she had been spending many a night laying awake in her bed, unable to find any peaceful nights rest. Tonight had gone much like it had the previous nights, She would finish all her class work, eat some food, most of the time either sitting alone, allowing her to confine what she was thinking about to her own head, or she would sit with Alessandro, and hope to make some more progress with him. She would then have only a short amount of time to finish her tasks for the evening, whether it be training with some one, or brewing a new batch of potions, and then it was time to patrol. Her patrols had been relatively uneventful, and were managed rather efficiently as of recent. Then after they had swept the area, and ensured that there were no students caught out of bed, Zane and herself would return to the dungeons, and she would take her leave to meditate, and relax.
Each night it seemed she would spend more and more time listening to the soothing music of her grandfathers flute. Allowing her mind to filter through what had occurred in the past day hoping to find some solace through the herbal infusion, or through the quiet time alone. Yet, it seemed that she would not be given that. No matter how long she stayed alone listening to the music playing, through the candle lit room, it seemed that there was still something weighing on her when she left. She was beginning to lose a part of her it seemed. After nearly three hours of attempting to figure out what plagued her mind she had sleepily given up and retired to her bed room.
Alas, even with in the enclosed space that her bed provided her it seemed she would not find any peace. She lay there, unaware of what time it was, sleep seemingly unattainable, for what seemed like a long while. She tried sleeping in nearly every fashion one could sleep in, but it seemed that there was no appeasing her body tonight. After what seemed like an eternity of sleeplessness, Keaira made a decision. If her mind would not allow her to sleep then she wouldn't try. Swinging her legs over he edge of the bed, and sitting upright, she removed herself from the warmth of the comforter. Blue velvet pajamas adorned her body. A spattering of stars, and moons adorned the tactilely pleasing cloth. Her feet touched the cold stone floor, and a shiver ran down her spine. Donning her favorite black bathrobe, and matching slippers, she pocketed her wand and began walking.
Normally when she was overcome with the urge to leave her bed in the middle of the night she headed down the hall, and soon found herself in the elf kitchen, or some where near by. Tonight however, her feet had other plans. She headed up, wandering through the dark corridors, secret passages, and stair wells. At first she had no idea where she was headed, she was simply walking. But after wandering about the halls for some time, it seemed that she had decided on a path, whether consciously or unconsciously she really couldn't tell. By the time she had reached the top floor, she had decided to slip out and get some fresh air. Finding the window that Wysteria had shown her oh so long ago, Keaira slipped out, and climbed the last bit to the roof with ease.
As she pulled her self up over the edge, she realized that this was it seemed, to be a popular place for those troubled by their thoughts. Silently she placed one foot in front of the other, and closed the gap between herself and the boy that she knew could only be Zane. As she neared him, she kept her thoughts to her self, or at least, kept them away from what she was doing. Soon she was close enough to sit down beside him. Gracefully doing so, she noticed that up until then her actions appeared unnoticed. Whether through Zane's own comfort with her, or through his distracted thoughts, she wasn't sure. With her legs dangling next to his she looked at the statue that he held in his hands, and then out to the grounds.
"Couldn't sleep?"
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 15, 2008 11:02:00 GMT -5
The sun had gone down long ago, and yet Zee had not moved from his seat. His reasons were many, yet most were excuses. At first he told himself he had to give the vampire (Wysteria?) time to awaken and begin moving about. It would not do to have him burst into the clearing where they'd found D'rorah, only to discover that he was alone, surrounded by Shadows, the vampire having slept in or somesuch.
Truly though, it was simply a matter of doubt creeping in. Zee had been so confident in his conclusion that this vampire must actually only be a half-breed, and more importantly, his half-breed. Now though he'd begun to second guess himself. D'rorah had told him in no uncertain terms that Wysteria was dead. Alessandro had done the same just that night. True that aside from not really being trustworthy in Zee's mind, the boy had lost so much knowledge that he may not even recognize the feeling of connectedness with his Shadow Warrior, still Zee trusted D'rorah. He knew now as he had then that she would not have brought the information to him if she wasn't certain of its validity.
But no, it was still possible that D'rorah had been misled and that Darko had merely repeated what he'd been told. But then, that begged the question why was Wysteria intentionally avoiding contact with him? If she had been there the night they'd rescued D'rorah, if she were there now, if everyone had been wrong and she were still alive, still the Shadow Warrior of Fire, then why the hell hadn't she run to his arms? The idea that she was alive and would rather not see him hurt. Not as badly as the idea that she was gone forever, but still it stung fiercely.
What if she knew? Could that be it? Had she found out about what he'd done to Dylan? Did she despise him now as all the other lightfighters did? Zee sat there on the top of the tower, wracked by his indecision and guilt, for he knew not how long. And then she was beside him. So not all the lightfighters despised him.
Normally Zee would have attempted to hide his embarrassingly uncomfortable thoughts, but of course that was pointless with Keaira. If it weren't for the warm comfort he received from her very presence he would have been startled by her sudden appearance. Focused inward, Zee had not even been listening to her surface thoughts as they buzzed in the background of his mind. Ignoring her question, his grip on the figure of Wysteria tightened symbolically as he raised his eyes to look at his only friend. His voice was hoarse and cracked clearly despite only speaking one word.
"Why?"
Zee conveyed all his tortured thoughts to her, all the questions churning in his mind, the tormenting answers he was imagining. The moisture built up in his deep brown eyes, begging for something from her. Anything.
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on Apr 16, 2008 22:15:42 GMT -5
Sitting next to Zane, Keaira felt completely comfortable. There was something about the boy that she felt couldn't be replicated in another human being. Whether it was through the connection that the two always had, or through the dangerous situations that they had been through, she knew that there would never be another Zane Bishop in her life. As she sat next to him, the cool air surrounding them, Keaira wondered, not for the first time, just how deep their connection ran.
Hearing his voice in her ears and in her head she not only heard the sadness, and confusion in his voice but felt the torment in his thoughts conveyed in that single word. All his thoughts on the situation with Wysteria overwhelmed her as she sat there. Wondering if she was avoiding, or if she was really gone. Unable to discern if what he had originally thought was real, or if he had made it up as he went along. It was all so very confusing. The hope that she was alive, mixed with the fear that she was really dead. What ifs and whys filled her head as Zane's thoughts intermingled with her own.
Seeing the soft glint of tears in his eyes as the moon light shone down upon the pair sitting together on the roof, Keaira moved slightly closer to him, and rested her head on his shoulder. There were so many things running through her head now. All these weird feelings. Sometimes when she thought too deeply on the matter of the men in her life it felt like she was trapped in some sort of love square. She loves Alessandro, but was connected with Zee, who loved Wysteria, who may or may not be dead, and is deeply connected with Alessandro.... And of course the boys had their problems with each other. Why did this all need to be so confusing,
Her head gently resting on Zane she let out a slow sigh. Why... that really was a loaded question now wasn't it.There were so many answers to that, some Zane had already thought of others he had not. Unsure of how to proceed Keaira looked around at the stars hanging in the sky around them. Was Wysteria looking at these stars as well?
"Zane, not everything is as logical as you might hope it to be... Sometimes things can't be answered when you ask why." Pausing for a moment she considered what she knew about the Wysteria situation. "The night we found D'rorah.... that hunger was unlike anything I had ever experienced when dealing with Wysteria. It's possible that it was not her at all... or that something has changed her for worse. But what ever the case is, I promise, I will help you figure it out. We've got to stick together."
Sliding her arms around Zane's waist she pulled him in to a half leaning embrace, hoping to offer him some measure of comfort. Either they would find Wysteria and he would be reunited with her, or she would console him, and help him deal with the grief of losing her fully. Either way, she would be by his side.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 17, 2008 10:17:54 GMT -5
After managing to choke out his question, Zee simply stared at his Shadow Warrior for several long moments before slowly lowering his eyes back to the gleaming figure in his hands, several warm drops falling to splash against the cool metal. At first he didn't even notice that she was suddenly closer to him with her head on his shoulder, so natural did it seem, like it had always been that way. Without even thinking about it he laid his head down on hers. his gaze remaining on his wrought image of Wysteria. He was reminded of the time long ago that the fiery Shadow Warrior had set her chin on his shoulder. It was one of the few times they had actually touched.
His eyes slid closed as she spoke, considering all her words a second before they actually came out of her mouth, picking up on the thoughts that inspired those words. A similar sigh escaped Zee's lips as she told him it wasn't that simple. Perhaps she was speaking strictly of his desire for Wysteria, but he'd seen her thoughts on the situation both Elemental Masters and Shadow Warriors of Metal and Fire were in, and he couldn't disagree that it had grown irritatingly complex.
Zee's jaw clenched as Keaira began speaking of the hunger she'd felt the last night they'd been in the forest. It was a puzzle. Wysteria was only half vampire, so it was logical to think that her thirst would be mild, if there at all. But what he had felt through Keaira that night, from the sensations she'd plucked from Alessandro's mind, was a vicious desire. If he'd felt it for any length of time he may have ended up taking a bite out of one of his companions. Preferably Alessandro . . . no. If he had to hurt one of them he would certainly pick that one, but he imagined Caity or Keaira tasting much sweeter . . .
Yes, that hunger was definitely not that of a half vampire, unless Archer had been far off the mark in his lesson. What then? Had it been some other vampire? One who had known Wysteria? But what of the Jasmine? Could that part have simply been in Alessandro's mind as a subconscious memory? Did the thirst remind him of Wysteria and thus the Jasmine? Or . . . had Wysteria been fully turned? She was attacked by Shadow Vampires. Would their bite have shifted her? Was she some undead . . . thing now? What would that mean? Did she retain all her memories?
A second sigh slipped out. There were too many possibilities, too much information he still didn't have. How could he possibly come to any conclusion as it was? Zee didn't know where he should go from here. The vampire in the woods seemed to be the only source he would find of answers but . . . did he want any of the answers she would possibly give? Would any of them allow him to hold his Wysteria again? He could almost feel her arms around his waist . . .
Wrapping his arm around Keaira's shoulders as she embraced him, he let the statue rest in his lap as his fingers rested upon the soft fabric along her upper arm. Zee squeezed gently, appreciating the closeness and comfort she offered. His consciousness began to drift, losing himself in his thoughts once more. He could smell the jasmine in his mind. He could see his love, the flowers arranged neatly in her hair. She looked just as she had the night of the Masque. But the image shifted. She grew even paler, seemed to thin slightly, looking almost gaunt, yet she still held an immortal beauty. They had never truly embraced except that night as they danced, and now they were dancing again. As they slowly spun about the room in his mind, Zee ran his fingers up her arm, her shoulder, to her throat. It felt whole, unblemished. There were no cliche puncture wounds, just the soft warm flesh.
Opening his eyes, Zee realized that his fingers had crept up Keaira's shoulder and were lightly trailing along her neck, her skin smooth and soft in the night air. Lost in his reverie, Zee hadn't even been paying attention to her thoughts so he wasn't sure what her reaction would be. Dropping his hand back to her shoulder, Zee cleared his throat quietly.
"Sorry."
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on Apr 19, 2008 14:28:36 GMT -5
Sitting in the nights air with Zane by her side seemed to be just right for the two of them. Few words were spoken between them, but words were less than necessary when one shared a telepathic bond with the other. Their thoughts intermingled with each other. With such an advantage of perceiving Zane's actions before he actually preformed them, Keaira was able to adjust slightly to remain in peak comfort when Zane set his head down on top of her own. As she sat there, leaning slightly against her Elemental Master, Keaira found that her thoughts followed a similar direction as Zee's. He had thought of Wysteria, and she of Alessandro. They even thought of the same night, the Masquerade.
The image of Alessandro and her standing on the balcony under the stars came to mind quite clearly. They had been standing out in the nights air, arms wrapped around each other. She had softly rested her head on his shoulder, breathing in the smell of Alessandro's cologne. He had then reciprocated the action much like Zane did in their current position. resting his head gently against her own. Alessandro and Keaira;s night together had ended with their lips pressed against each others... How would this one end?
Keaira's thoughts wandered as they sat together on the tower. She wished she had more to offer Zane, more to give him in the ways of comfort and support. But all attempts at such thoughts seemed to come up null and void. The best she could do was hold him and tell him that she would be there to help. She felt his hopes diminish slight as he thought of the possibilities to explain the blood lust that they had perceived. None of hem seemed hopeful. Even if it was Wysteria the thought that she could have been turned to a full vampire had very complicating implications.
Sitting together silently Keaira couldn't really think of a way to help Zane in the current situation. If they sought out the vampire in the forest it would lead them into danger to say the least, after all, there were more than just vampires in the dark forest. However, if seeking out the vampire was what Zee needed, she would be by his side as they walked through the shadowy forest.
Keaira thoughts were slightly disturbed as she felt Zane shift slightly. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, draping his left hand across her right shoulder. Feeling his gentle touch a small frown came in to her features. Just under the velvet cloth of her pajama's the arm that Zane caressed was scarred quite horribly. It was a final token from her time spent with Dien. A last memento of her first Elemental Master. At least Zane had been there to catch her, and keep her from succumbing to the darkness that nearly consumed her when she witnessed his death.
Sitting there leaning against Zane, Keaira let her eyes slip closed. At least in this moment she could find peace, something she had been lacking in the past few nights. Eyes closed, she didn't see Zane move his hand. However, feeling the boys touch travel up her shoulder and to her neck, she tensed for a second. What was he doing? The light touch of his warm fingers against the cold exposed flesh on her neck seemed soothing. And yet, she wondered, what was he thinking. Twisting ever so slightly she looked up at the boy. His eyes were closed as he sat there, keeping his story hidden from plain view. However, his mind was not hidden by any means. Seeing clearly the image of Wysteria dancing in the fore-front of his mind Keaira knew what had provoked his actions.
A slow sigh escaped her lips. Things between them would always be complicated. When ever there were two guys and two girls with their kind of relationships, things would always be complicated. Part of Keaira wanted to say 'it's alright, I didn't mind' but there was the lingering thoughts of Wysteria and Alessandro that changed her words. Although it was alright that he had done it, Keaira wasn't sure if saying she didn't mind was the right answer to the situation. Questions of if that would provoke other actions, or a future replication of this swarmed her mind as she searched for a response.
"Don't worry about it, although, I'm not sure if you would want either Alessandro, or Wysteria seeing you doing that."
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 20, 2008 20:57:28 GMT -5
Feeling awkward was something Zee rarely did, but this was one of the occasions. A verbal response not immediately forthcoming from Keaira, Zee grew slightly anxious and peeked into her mind to determine the cause of her hesitation. One notion stood out to him, the simple phrase "I didn't mind." Before he had a chance to look deeper into what exactly she could mean by that, she finally spoke, and before she could finish he was already reacting.
As soon as she mentioned Alessandro, Zee let out a single peal of harsh laughter, drowning out her addition of Wysteria to the comment. The arm that was still wrapped around her tightened protectively, and perhaps a little possessively. An amused smirk and the rolling of his eyes spoke volumes concerning his concern about Alessandro seeing them together, even without the sarcastic thoughts and words that accompanied the expression.
"Of course, it would be dreadful for Darko to see this. Oh dear, I shudder to think what he might do. Perhaps try and cruciate me again."
It was no slip of the tongue. Zee was absolutely telling on Alessandro. Lifting his head from it's place resting on hers, he turned his eyes down to Keaira to gauge her reaction, probing her surface thoughts. All thoughts of undermining Alessandro's relationship with his Shadow Warrior flew from his mind when he caught in her thoughts that she had also mentioned Wysteria. Biting his lip, Zee let his hand slip off Keaira's arm, pulling it back to his lap to clutch the image of Wysteria. Though he knew he wouldn't find the lost half-vampire, Zee looked around guiltily as if she may pop out of hiding and scold him.
Misinterpreting what the other said and did had been a common occurrence between the two ever since their first meeting. Would she be any less likely to misunderstand his actions with Keaira? Would it be a misunderstanding to take them as anything beyond simple appreciation for her presence? As much as he may not have intended to do it, Zee couldn't deny that caressing Keaira had been enjoyable. She was soft and warm, beautiful to be sure, and she was his. Logically it seemed to fit, seeing as they were already deeply connected. She knew his mind, had seen his darkest thoughts, and had not cast him aside. He similarly knew her, and could protect her against the advances of the unworthy.
Like Alessandro.
And yet Wysteria knew his soul. She should; it had been a gift from her. Everything good in Zee was there because of her. This he believed unquestioningly. Perhaps she was gone, erased from existence by the Mage or transformed from the girl he'd known to some predatory horror. And yet whatever happened, she was still his. And he was still hers.
Raising his hand to his eyes, Zee sighed in irritation at the lack of simplicity. If only he knew for certain what had become of Wysteria . . . But even then, if it were only because Wysteria were gone, would pursuing . . . possibilities with Keaira be right? Would that be fair to his Shadow Warrior? Zee chuckled darkly at his thoughts. When had he ever before been concerned with whether or not an action was "right" or "fair?" Looking at Keaira from the corner of his eye, Zee gave a defeated smile.
"You're right. As always."
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on Apr 22, 2008 19:29:12 GMT -5
Her words were overshadowed by Zane's reaction, something that Keaira wasn't prepared for. Not only had she planned on his attention being on her mention of Wysteria, but she had been prepared for him to simply clear his throat and slid his arm away. His arm however, had tightened, wrapping itself even closer to her body. Although a certain part of her was comforted by his apparent desire to keep her close, the majority of her was unfortunately put out by his words.
"Cruciate? As in the unforgivable curse? No. He wouldn't...." Keaira sat upright. Her body, no longer leaning against his, her arms, slipping away from Zane. A look of shock over took her features. Would Alessandro do something like that? Had Zane provoked him? What had happened, she needed to know. "Show me...."
She knew that he wouldn't deny her the memory of what the boys had done to each other. Mostly because denying her the memory would not only look bad on him, but would also be pointless. If she wanted it know, she could merely rip the information out of his head. However, giving him the opportunity to give it to her, was a better situation. It would be less damaging on their relationship if he openly gave her the information... well... at least it would be less taxing for the two of them depending on what the memory revealed.
Feeling Zane pull his arm away, she knew that his thoughts were occupied with the realization that she had also said Wysteria. It seemed that her words, or thoughts had sunken in and Zane was reacting the way she had thought he would. Well for the most part at least. His thoughts turned inwardly Keaira took the moment to heed what it was that distracted him so. He was worried that Wysteria was lurking about, watching him, and taking offense. And yet, he had no regrets about his actions. He had enjoyed them, and he thought Keaira was beautiful. Such thoughts flattered her, and yet the next one had left her with a bitter taste.
Alessandro was hardly 'unworthy' in her mind, and who was Zane to think of him that way? A slight annoyance at her Elemental Master filled her mind, and yet, she could hardly justify remaining angry at him for an extended period of time. Even if his desire to protect her from other men was more for his own benefit that her own, he was still right about one thing. As long as they both lived, they would be each others. There was no escape clause where the bond between them would be broken. Although the level in which they would be each others would surely depend on the relationship that they shared.
Keaira's mind wandered a little. If they both survived the war, and were still bonded together at the end of it, how would that effect their future? If they ended up going separate ways, and marrying, would it not be awkward having a mental connection with a person that you were not married to? And yet, if they did not separate after the war, and chose to pursue each other, their relationship would be still complicated. With such a connection surely there would be times when things were thought that hurt the other.
Shaking the thoughts out of her head, Keaira looked up to the nights sky. The moon was slipping behind a dark cloud as she did, the area would soon be plunged in to a slight darkness.Although Zane had not given her the memory that she wished, she felt confident that he would.
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 22, 2008 20:44:13 GMT -5
Resigned to the fact that he would not solve all the issues in his life this night, Zee was feeling relatively calm. The notion of allowing Keaira to witness everything that had occurred between himself and Alessandro however made him slightly nervous. He hadn't done anything in their interaction that he feared showing her, certainly nothing close to what he'd done to Dylan. But she would not, he knew, approve of many of the things he had said to Alessandro, and these days Keaira's good opinion meant more to him than nearly anything else in the world. Despite this, Zee couldn't keep himself from thinking his response to Keaira's denial of Alessandro's behavior.
Wouldn't he?
As she'd predicted, he projected for her the complete memory from when he'd first discovered Darko on the third floor outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom to when he'd left the boy and journeyed up to the Astronomy tower, where he'd stayed. Nothing was edited or downplayed, but Zee did try and emphasize how he hadn't made any attack other than a conjunctivitus curse (a harmless spell, relatively speaking) and when he had knocked Alessandro out, and that had been for good reason. His elation at the opportunity to bludgeon the boy likely came through as well though, and she wouldn't like that.
As the memory came to a close, Zee put Wysteria out of his mind. Going over all that had happened with Darko reminded him how bizarrely the boy had been acting. Lifting his right leg up and bending it as he laid in down on the roof, he tucked his foot under his other leg, which continued dangling over the edge as he turned to face Keaira. His face grew somber as he took a deep breath. She wouldn't like this and likely wouldn't listen, but it had to be said. As he began his hand sought out hers and wrapped around it, ensuring he had her full attention.
"Keaira, something is wrong with him. I was shocked when he attacked me, and it was quite clear that a change had come over him. The things he said about love, about you . . . He perpetually shows himself to be neither worthy of nor good for you. I have to strongly recommend that you spend no time with him, especially in isolated situations. I know . . . I know how you feel about him. That (among other things) is why I helped you save him, but he's not the Alessandro you love. That boy is gone, doesn't exist. And to be honest I'm not convinced he ever did."
Zee squeezed Keaira's hand as he finished, his dark eyes looking directly into her lighter, greener ones. His mind remained open, ready to show her his genuine concern, and his genuine (and in his mind, justified) hatred for Darko, if she cared to look.
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on Apr 30, 2008 6:42:34 GMT -5
Zane's words echoed in her head for a moment before he began reliving the experience to her. He portrayed it as a mere question of what Alessandro was capable of, but it truly was more than that. As the images came swiftly to her mind, playing out exactly as they had that day, Keaira found her right hand touching the Italian horn that adorned her neck. She had to give Zane credit, he had started this venture as calmly as could be expected. And yet, there was always that edge to him, that part that made him seem unapproachable sometimes. His words were harsh, and cold, but that was merely a part of who he was now wasn't it? Zane was never really the type to sing sweet love songs, and dance in the rain.
Images and thoughts were intermingled, causing Keaira to take her time in processing all that had occurred. Zane truly felt that Keaira deserved more than Alessandro could offer, but he simply did not know what it had been. Feeling the hatred and rage at Alessandro that Zane had felt caused Keaira such anguish. Why couldn't they simply get along? Boys. Zane had taken mostly defensive actions throughout the encounter, with the exception of him punching Alessandro at the end. But yet even that was defensive. She could only be angry for his words and thoughts, but not his actions.
Then there was Alessandro... no Darko, to consider. She had noticed it, the slight variations in his mannerism, his speech and his thought patterns. He really was a different person sometimes, and she had been aware of it. The realization of how far Darko would go, what he could do, scared her, and yet, she could never fear Alessandro. The words that were exchanged by both parties stung her, how could they say such things? She could not be angry with either boy, their words held notes of truth, and were fueled by anger, and yet, she could not deny their existence.
Her eyes burned, The wetness that had leaked from the corners felt both cold and warm on her face. How long had those twin streaks of water been flowing down her face? Had it been Zane's words or Alessandro's that had prompted her eyes to react the way they had? She did not know, and yet here she was. The tears fell silently as they had done more and more with recent events. How many nights had she cried herself to sleep since they rescued Alessandro.... No since Dien had been stolen from her... Too many... Too long. Was this who she would always be?
Keaira O'Connell, the girl who pretends to be so strong, and yet is, and always will be, weak.
She made no move to dry her face, knowing that it would only be mere seconds before the lines were back in place. Her hands were cold, she realized, as Zane plucked them up and wrapped them with in his own. His words rang in her head as he spoke. He was right about somethings, and yet so wrong about others. Alessandro was different, but somewhere in him the boy she loved was still there. Zane would not understand, but Keaira knew that the boy she had fallen for, was real, and could still be found.
I'm holding on to a dream that won't come true.
Her head tilted down, as she let his word process. Her loose hair swept down and covered her eyes as she looked at nothing, and everything all at once. Several minuets passed with out a sound from her. Although, her mind was working frantically to try and discredit some speck of Zane's statement, she showed no signs of it. After a long pause a slow sigh escaped Keaira as she took a deep breath and let it all out slowly.
"I know. I have been noticing the differences in his actions, and his thought patterns periodically. It's as if when he runs in to something he can't process right away, this other part of him steps in and does the work for him. Its not pleasent.... but I can't simply let go of him and shun him for it. If anything, I should be trying to help him more... You know that I will never be isolated, unless I want to be."
Her words came slowly, pausing between each thought. Although she knew Zane was right, she could not simply cast Alessandro aside. Her heart would not allow it. Her eyes found his, but soon fell away from them. Zane's eyes told volumes of how much he cared for her, a feeling that was shared. And even so, she knew that unless all her resources were exhausted, she could not give up on Alessandro. Fresh tears rolled down the well marked path on her face as she look straight at Zane. A thousand words could not describe the look of pain, and sadness her eyes held. Her mind busy wishing for a normal teenage life, one with less complications. An old song played in the background.
'This is the story of a girl, who cried a river and drown the who world. And while she looks so sad in photographs I absolutely love her........Now how many days in a year. She woke up with hope. But she only found tears'
"You're right..."
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on Apr 30, 2008 19:04:08 GMT -5
As he finished speaking and saw the tears flowing quite freely down Keaira's face, Zee's mouth twisted into an upset grimace. He had not wanted that. He would have preferred for her to scream at him and storm off than for that to be her reaction. He was overcome once more by that unfamiliar compassion, and in that moment he would have done most anything to put a smile back on her face. Yet there was nothing he could do. Her mind was his; he could examine it and (for the most part) understand it. Her heart though, that belonged to someone else. It wasn't him that she wanted, which didn't bother him. At least he didn't let it bother him . . . much. It was her particular choice that he objected to.
Zee began to regret his confrontational manner in approaching Alessandro. The entire encounter seemed to hurt Keaira badly, beyond her ability to suppress. He had quickly learned that suppressing her pain was a full time occupation of Keaira's and he felt extreme resentment towards himself for breaking down her defenses.
No! It was Darko, not I! He's the one who said that he despised love! He's the one that attacked me! He's the one that abandoned Keaira as surely as he abandoned Wysteria! He's the one that doesn't deserve her, or anything that he has! He's the one . . . that she loves.
Zee had gone internal for a few moments as his hatred of Alessandro built upon itself, Keaira's anguish adding to it. It seemed nearly all the trouble in Zee's life could be attributed to Alessandro. All the issues with Wysteria, all the issues with Keaira. Yet . . . no, not all was Alessandro's fault. The issues with Dylan and D'rorah were Zee's burden alone. He had almost come to accept that Dylan would never forgive him though and, given his less than high opinion of male Ravenclaws, that bothered him little.
Refocusing on Keaira as she spoke, her last comment, before she briefly looked up at him and then back down, stung and brought back the grimace. He remembered keenly the potions lesson when she had indeed isolated herself, forcing him out of her thoughts and keeping him out. True, part of that had been a reaction to the potion that had gotten into her bloodstream, so he did not hold it against her. But though his own mishap with his potion had prevented him from adequately expressing it, her actions had hurt him badly that day.
Now though he saw the pain in her eyes as the fresh tears poured out. He saw the hopelessness and again the compassion took over. True, he irrefutably believed that she couldn't and shouldn't be happy with Darko. True, with his tentative belief that Wysteria was still alive he couldn't fully offer himself to her as an alternative. True also that anyone who witnessed his next actions would seriously question his devotion to Wysteria. Yet none of that mattered to Zee in that moment. He saw nothing but Keaira's anguish and there was no desire in him but to lessen it as best he could. Pushing Darko out of his thoughts to shield her from his hatred of the boy, which hurt her so, Zee wrapped both arms securely around her and pulled her to him, holding her gently against him. Softly his lips caressed the top of her head before he pressed his cheek against her forehead and whispered to her.
"Don't cry love . . ."
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on May 2, 2008 0:01:13 GMT -5
She woke up with hope. But she only found tears......
The story of her life. How that line in that song spoke to her. It seemed more and more she found tears escaping her eyes. She had been collected enough to never allow any noise to come from her as the water found its way down her face. Her tears, as always were silent. If she could not keep the emotionless facade she had taken the time to build over the years, she would at least control the amount of emotion that was given out.
Silence filled the night air after Keaira finished speaking. All that pierced the cold night was the occasional noise from the forest and grounds. Owls out to prey on the weak creatures of the ground. Beings of the forest out about their nights activities. Nothing out of ordinary, just night time noises. Her mind played the song over and over, as the tears slowed to a halt.
As she sat there lost in her own thoughts and silence, Keaira did little to stop Zee as he pulled her close to himself. His warm arms wrapping themselves around her, she felt secure. Although, in such a situation she was far more vulnerable then if Zee was simply sitting next to her. With his arms encasing her body she would not be able to react to a threat if one was suddenly upon them. However, she was not thinking about that. How long had it been since she felt the peace of being held by some one who truly cared for her?
Leaning slightly in to Zane she let her eyes close, allowing a new pair of tears to leak from her eyes. If only this moment was all that she had to worry about. But alas when it was over the rest of her world would come back in to focus and she would be back to the start. With her eyes closed she felt the warm press of Zane's lips against her head. He had just kissed her... in a caring an affectionate way. What was he thinking? A question she never had to ask, but always knew the answer. He wanted her to be happy, or at the very least, to be less sad, and torn apart by the actions of those she cared for. There was such a strong desire to have her tears disappear and to see a smile on her face.
His voice was soft and sweet as he whispered to her. Wasn't this the kind of thing that all girls wished for when they saw the man of their dreams? A guy that would hold her, and wipe the tears from her eyes. Someone who would tell her it would all be better, and have it not be an empty promise. She had herself wished for such things as a child, and yet, now that some one actually held her, asking for her tears to be spared, she did not feel the way she had once thought she might.
Instead her mind swarmed with emotional reactions to his words and actions. She had enjoyed the comfort of his touch. It left her secure, and safe feeling. Even the press of his lips and cheek against her skin had been enjoyed. She longed for some one to show this level of affection toward her, and yet, no one had done such a thing in some time. Then there was also a level of attraction she held for Zane, being bonded to him as she was she was privy to every intimate detail of his life, something she hoped to never share with another person. After all if she did, that would most certainly mean that Zane had died, and Keaira would be bonded with another person. Knowing a person so completely gave them the advantage of full understanding of who they were, and Keaira knew that there were many parts to Zane Lucifer bishop that she sought after in a male.
And yet, with all of these emotions there was also guilt. She cared for Alessandro, and she knew that at one point he had returned that feeling at least at some level. Simply being alone with Zane in such a circumstance made Keaira feel like she was betraying a part of herself, and Alessandro. However, she was not simply alone with Zane now, with his arms wrapped tenderly around her, but his lips had pressed against her flesh, and she had enjoyed, or at least, had liked the sensation. How could this be happening to her?
She knew that cheating on a test was wrong, she was firmly against it. But where matters of the heart were concerned where is the line drawn? Was this cheating on Alessandro? He barely remembered her name sometimes, and had though she may have manipulated his mind. He could not remember their relationship, and had made no sign that he ever would. So was it really cheating if she enjoyed the company of another man? And then their was Wysteria. If she was alive would she not be crushed by Keaira, and Zane's actions? She had been a friend, would Wysteria forgive her if Zane turned away from he for Keaira?
With her head already leaning on Zane, Keaira gently pressed her cheeks against the crook of Zane's neck, wiping the small rivers away from her face, first the left and then the right, onto his shirt. The motion was soft and delicate, so that she did not end up scraping her face on the fabric of his outfit. After she had cleared away the tears she rested her head near his neck. Her lips mere millimeters away from his skin. Her breath was light as she rested there. But she did not remain still. Words came to her lips, causing them to brush ever so lightly across his neck with each syllable. With her last word she turned her head away from him, and looked out over the grounds. Her hands, finding his own.
"I wish it were that easy.."
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on May 4, 2008 16:43:03 GMT -5
Zee remained quiet and simply held Keaira as she processed all that had happened, well aware of her surface thoughts and the conflict there. In truth he hadn't intended on sparking such thoughts, thinking only that he could relieve some of her near constant pain and tension, if only for a short while. She had indeed enjoyed what he'd offered, and the ego that had of late been under constant assault from all sides swelled as she admitted to herself her attraction to him. Perhaps she had not meant that thought for him, but she had to have known he would hear it.
Yet when she examined the guilt, Zee blew a soft sigh of frustration. How could his view and hers of Alessandro be so conflicting? Which of them was deluded? Both? No, not him surely. He judged Alessandro on his actions, ignoring any motivations behind them or any feeling of love that would color his view. She on the other hand spent a great deal of time inside his mind, and of course there was the love issue that often caused people to idealize others. For the sake of not bringing up a relapse into tears, Zee pushed those thoughts away and focused on simply observing Keaira's mind rather than reacting to it.
As Wysteria surfaced in Keaira's thoughts though, Zee bit his lip lightly. Indeed it would wound her terribly if she were alive. But then that condition seemed to rule every facet of Zee's life of late. If Wysteria were alive . . . There was no concrete proof and no evidence that he could implicitly trust to show that the reports of her death had been even slightly exaggerated. He had allowed hope to grow within his heart, but now it seemed the time was nearly upon him when he would learn for certain. Could he put all his faith in that one hope? It would destroy him if he did and it failed him. Was it so wrong to look at alternatives to blindly hoping his love still lived?
It seemed a perpetual pattern that Zee would get lost in his own thoughts for a few moments before returning to the present situation. Keaira's motion prompted his return, a a tiny smile found his lips as she dried her face on his upper chest, glad that he had at least managed to give her enough comfort to stem the flow. Then her lips brushed his neck.
A small shiver ran through Zee's body as the breath again escaped his lips, this time in a tiny gasp. He freed one hand to lightly rub his neck where her lips had tickled him, but winced as soon as he touched his skin, accidentally feeling the crescent scar he'd received the night they had rescued Alessandro. It had been several weeks yet the scar still hurt. It had been dark magic for sure, but had also been cast by a particularly powerful Shadow Soldier possessing a malevolence unparalleled in any human. The wound would likely never stop aching. Zee's gaze drifted from the dark grounds below to the face of the girl beside him. He'd gotten injured because he had followed her yet he did not regret it. Alessandro hanging in the balance, she would likely have gone without him if he'd refused his help. And she would likely have never returned.
Bonding with her may have been the best thing that had ever happened to Zee. Without her he would surely have collapsed in on himself after Wysteria's death, destroying himself and quite possibly taking a few other lightfighters with him. Now he saw before him the possibility of a life with her. He would not ever feel like he needed to hide anything from her and couldn't even if he tried. He would never have to rely on any other to protect her. He could always be by her side, always in her head and in her heart. He could lean down now and softly part her lips with his own, getting lost in her essence and forgetting about all the complications, all the problems.
You could, yes. But you won't.
Once more Zee audibly exhaled, again in a sigh. Terrifying as it was to think how his hopes could lead to crushing disappointment, he would never abandon them until such time as they were utterly disproved. He would continue believing that Wysteria was alive, and as long as he believed that, he couldn't even consider other options. The most he could do for Keaira was help her in any way he could to retrieve the Darko she had known before. He had no notion of what to do, but he resolved to do what he could when the time came. He would also be there for her if she needed a break from her efforts, a distraction, and of course, a comforting embrace. His hand leaving his neck and returning to protectively encase her hand, Zee squeezed gently.
"We'll get through this Keaira. Whatever happens, you're not alone."
"I will be your anchor and your support, both in combat and out."
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Post by Keaira O'Connell on May 6, 2008 21:57:59 GMT -5
The moon had reappeared from behind its silver lined clouds, bathing the roof top in moonlight. If things were different, if her thoughts were not as they were, Keaira might have considered the setting to be quite romantic. Alone in the middle of the night, with nothing but the stars and moon to light their faces. She had always been fond of nights. So many evenings spent with her father and grandfather staring at the stars. It had conditioned her to particularly enjoy night time rendezvous.
However, with her thoughts troubled as they were Keaira found little time to contemplate the sentimental scenario. So this was how it would be. Keaira would fawn over her feelings for Alessandro; wondering if the boy would reciprocate them eventually, and Zane would hold on to the empty hope that Wysteria was still alive. But why? What good would it do either of them to hold on to the hopes and wishes that life would return to a semblance of what it was? In the end they would both probably end up driving themselves crazy. Zane wishing for real closure on Wysteria's life, and Keaira striving to regain the love she had lost as well.
But what good would such things do for them, none. Such was her thoughts when she felt the urge to have her lips caressed by Zane's. His tongue delicately slipping through her defenses, affectionately tangling itself with her own. The thought consumed her for a moment, her breath ceasing to come as it mulled over in her mind. But that wasn't her urge, or was it? No, at least, not entirely. Zane's next thought confirmed it.
You could, yes. But you won't.
He would not pursue such a course of action. And the reason was easily seen. Wysteria. As close as Keaira and Zane were there was still some one who was closer to him. Even in death the girl held his faithfulness. But why? Pushing herself away from Zane, she stood to her feet. A long breath escaped her lips. Was it frustration with the lack of results she had been having with Alessandro, or jealousy that Zane would likely give his everything to have Wysteria by his side again? Was Wysteria really that much better than her?
Taking several steps away from Zane, Keaira tried to allow a sense of reasoning subdue the rampant thoughts that she was having. But there was simply a part of her that she could not suppress. The thoughts she had half formed spewed out from her mouth passionately, as she stared off in to the night sky. Refusing to make eye contact with Zane.
"I don't understand why you would put so much of yourself on the line for the mere hope that She[/b] might still be alive. I mean, it seems like such an futile hope. What are you going to do if you find out that she's not coming back Zane? What then?"[/color]
Shall I then hold you up, and keep you from failing? Or would you refuse such help? I'm here for you now, and always will be, no matter what happens with Alessandro.... But if she's out there, can you really promise such things?
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Zane Lucifer Bishop
Slytherin
[green]6th Year Slytherin[/green] Elemental Master of Metal
You people all have to learn. This world is going to burn.
Posts: 483
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Post by Zane Lucifer Bishop on May 7, 2008 19:53:50 GMT -5
Believing his reassurance would comfort and calm Keaira, Zee began to lean his head down against hers once more. Her thoughts were very similar to his own, desiring the closeness and the passion they could have now with each other that they were both being denied in their other relationships. It was certainly tempting, but he was sure her thoughts would at any moment shift to Alessandro and she would be glad he hadn't taken advantage of the situation, of her vulnerability. Zee didn't know as much about women as he liked to pretend.
Having begun to lean towards her, he nearly fell over when she roughly pushed him off and got to her feet. Regaining his balance with one hand placed on the cold stone, he blinked up at her in surprise. Clearly she was upset, but her thoughts were distant and confused and wouldn't give him a clear picture of why. He saw both the Elemental Master and the Shadow Warrior of Fire and the frustration she held with both. In the center though was an image of himself and he was shocked to find that, at least in that moment, he was the source of her greatest anger. He could only sit and stare in shock as she began her tirade against his stubbornness in clinging to the hope of Wysteria's continued existence. Where had all of this suddenly come from? As she shifted to direct thoughts rather than words, he imagined her scenario, that Wysteria was gone. What, indeed, would he do then?
Slowly rising to his feet, Zee's eyes remained on Keaira's distraught face. Could she truly be so upset because he still pined for his lost love? Was she not in a very similar situation with Alessandro? Perhaps that was just it. She had been aware of his thoughts and had picked up on his musings over how simple and delightful a solution it would be for the both of them. Had he given her a taste of what could be? Had he given her hope of being able to experience a better life right then, only to crush it by again turning his thoughts back to Wysteria? Taking a few steps, he closed the gap between them with his eyes full of sorrow.
"I never wanted to hurt you. Keaira, how could you think that I would leave you, stop being here for you? You've kept me sane over the past months, held me together. I owe you a great debt that I'm not sure I'll ever be able to repay. You could ask me for any aid, any favor, and it would be yours. I am yours in every way, but one. Don't ever think you're not as good as another. You're breathtaking. You're cunning, resourceful, dedicated, selfless, incredibly capable, inescapably beautiful. It would be by no means inaccurate to say that I love you."
His eyes sparkling in the moonlight, Zee's hand came up as if to lightly stroke her cheek, but paused just before it made contact and began shaking slightly. His deep brown orbs seemed to darken, to grow even more remorseful than they had previously been.
"But . . ."
But what? Zane Bishop, the wondrous wordsmith who had spent time shamelessly flirting with and teasing the most dangerous woman this side of the Shadow Realm, had convinced everyone of his innocence of a ghastly crime which he had committed, could not find the words or even the thoughts to express his feeling. The pause grew uncomfortable and still his hand remained near Keaira's face, seeming unwilling to achieve contact nor pull away. Finally the only way he could explain it came to his thoughts, and he tried futilely to keep from broadcasting it, knowing it would hurt her further to hear.
You're not Wysteria.
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