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Post by mallan on Jan 11, 2008 0:55:11 GMT -5
Mallan sat comfortably and quietly in his chair as he observed the room. After a few moments Dylan walked in, and with seeing Zee, burst into a stance fuming with hatred and contempt. His body posture spoke volumes and Mallan became uncomfortable but did not know what to do. He was sure Dylan was looking for a fight and so Mallan thought as quickly as he could but came up with nothing. He didn't even know the boy that well because Dylan never said more than a sentence at a time to him and that frustrated Mallan immensly right now. After watching and seeing Zee look up, seemingly void of all emotion, Mallan knew that there was something wrong, some kind of sadness or helplessness, otherwise Zee would have said or done something to defuse the situation. With Zee's lack of response Mallan knew he needed to say something for situation was obviously not defusing itself.
(Mallan regarded Dylan unsurely but still friendly, however, not chipper or overly friendly!) Hey there Dylan. I didn’t know you were an Elemental Master.
Seeing as the greeting did not sway Dylan in the slightest Mallan became extremely uncomfortable in his powerlessness. Thankfully someone else walked in before Mallan started overly fidgeting. A Slytherin girl, though she also put on a smile that felt like she didn’t really want to be here. "This meeting is turning out marvelously," Mallan thought with wretched, dry sarcasm. At this rate Mallan knew there was going to be an all out fight. He could do nothing for he did not even know why the meeting was even called. He couldn’t start the meeting to demand their attention so Mallan just shifted in his seat and put on an expression that would help relax anyone who looked his way.
Mallan was relieved when he saw another girl, who was in his Divination class, walked in with a more cheery expression. Normally a cautious attitude would not be considered cheery but at this point Mallan was willing to accept anyone that was not depressed, sad, angry, or vengeful. Mallan smiled at the girl as she took her seat trying to take his mind off the weighing emotions of the room. He still kept an eye on Dylan and Zee in case they started a fight so that he could step in quickly.
"The room is finally beginning to fill with people," Mallan noted as Susan walked in. He remembered her from the Care of Magical Creatures class and gave her a smile as well, though his smile was a little less broad and pleasant after the tension of the room had been held for so long. He watched her as she took her seat. She did not acknowledge him.
It seemed that no one did. The only people this entire day that had had been D’rorah and Zee. He felt annoyed and left out but he was glad that the aforementioned two at least gave him some kind of inclusion; even if Zee’s had been curt. Mallan grew slightly irritated at all the others. He shifted in his seat from a proper position and into a slouch as he decided that he would not participate or acknowledge anyone until they did so to him first.
Then D’rorah stood up and spoke. As she mentioned names of the people who died, names he did not know Mallan could not help but look around the room at the faces. Some began to weep and others just lowered their heads further down. Some kept their eyes away from the others and looked at the table. It seemed that these people who died had meant something dear to most of the people here. Mallan could not help the feelings that began to arise in him. His heart ached for these people around the table; even for the ones he did not know. Such pain was not due to anyone.
Mallan continued to listen to D'rorah as she finished and was shocked that she asked him to speak. He was new, didn’t know or had just met half the people there, and she wanted him to speak?! Mallan looked over to Zee because D’rorah had also wanted him to speak. However, Zee was just as shocked and so Mallan decided, feeling that Zee did not want to speak, that he should speak and spare Zee a few more moments to himself. Two moments before it would have been awkward for Zee, Mallan stood up, preparing himself to tell the tale that D’rorah had told him.
(In a calming, recital tone, Mallan began. As he moved through his speech he seemingly chaotically but methodically changed his tone, speed, and emphasis so that they would not become bored with his voice. Mallan added a good inflection when he spoke of Yin and a evil inflection when he spoke of Yang)
Innumerable millennia ago there were two forces, immortal to all but each other. These forces were that of Light and Dark. Both of these forces became sentient and acquired qualities and characteristics. The force of Light became known as Yin and the force of Dark became known as Yang. The forces’ attributes and characteristics allowed them not to exist peacefully with each other. In the beginning there was only tension between the two but Yang felt that Yin was weak and so decided that it would conquer Yin and become the only and supreme power. Yin sought balance but realized that as long as Yang existed in the world, peace could not be possible. Yin found a way and had both forces banished from our realm, moving to a realm where they could perceive our realm but not interfere.
Yang continued to search for power and soon found that, though he could not directly intervene in our world, he could affect those who could. He chose his first Shadow Mage and gifted her with all the powers of shadow and the Dark so that she might release him from his banishment. In response to Yang, Yin divided his own power, the power of light, into the five elemental powers. For each element he appointed a guardian and a protector later to be known as the Elemental Master and the Shadow Warrior. They were each to protect a fragment of the Light, for if the Shadow Mage were able to obtain all of the five fragments, she would be able to break the banishment of Yang and bring him back into our realm.
When the forces are not in balance the realm, whichever realm that may be, begins to decay. If Yang takes control, the realm collapses into depression, hatred, and destruction, inevitably destroying itself until there is nothing left. If Yin takes control, though it does not want to, the realm becomes apathetic and lazy with overwhelming joy and becomes unprepared whenever any sort of darkness or conflict looms, inevitably letting destruction and the Yang to take control.
(Mallan waited a moment before continuing) This is our duty: to maintain balance, to fight the Dark, to fight the Shadow Mage. In that we must all work together. (Mallan paused and put extra emphasis on his next statement to make sure it rang clear and true while he looked each and every one of them, that he could, in the eye) As one. For if we cannot we will surely fail.
Mallan stood silently for another moment to let the last thing he said firm itself into everyone before acknowledging D’rorah and sitting back down.
If all of this was true, which Mallan believed, they all would have to work together. They would all have to work together or they would all die. The Dark was empowered in one; the Light in five. If one of the Light was missing then they would not be able to face the Dark, the Shadow Mage. Mallan looked at the others memorizing their faces. Knowing he would have to trust them all with his life. The irritation that he had felt earlier had been replaced with a strong solemn feeling. Mallan sat in his chair, patiently, awaiting D’rorah or Zee while watching everyone else.
((Sorry Dylan. If you think he would act differently let me know.))
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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 Jan 11, 2008 4:27:11 GMT -5
Even as Mallan sat back down, Zee felt the general attention of the room shift his way. Heaving a tiny sigh, as much more would have required more effort than he wished to give, he gave a slight shake of his head and began speaking himself. Where Mallan's speech had been entrancing and quite artfully expressed, somewhere between a professional bard's performance and a captain preparing his troops for battle, Zee's by sharp contrast was delivered without emotion, almost monotone, and utterly matter of fact. The Elemental Master of Metal didn't stand, didn't even bother to look up from the table as he spoke.
"Dark Phoenix will destroy each and every one of us. She will come at us from all sides, offering us power, tempting us with our darkest desires. When that fails she will turn to those we care about, and tear them from us with cold, cruel efficiency. Thus does she hope to demoralize us and crush our will to fight. If that does not work, or if she believes it to be an easier path, she will simply murder us.
"Her methods are many but her goal always the same. She will maintain no promise, she will honor no treaty. There can be no peaceful resolution for her only goal is the complete destruction of ourselves and everything we know. And from what I can tell, she has a good chance of success.
"I look around and see that we are missing our Elemental Master of Water, and have none here to represent fire. The Mage, it seems, is quite proficient at separating and eliminating us. Personally I don't believe we will win."
Zee paused for a moment to grind his teeth, his lips curling back so the action was plainly visible. His fists closed tightly, knuckles whitening considerably. His voice grew lower even as it was infused with a hatred that exceeded even that being directed at him by Dylan.
"But I will make that bitch pay for what she has done, and I do not believe myself to be alone in that sentiment."
At that point Zee looked as if he would stand with enough force to throw his chair backwards and pound the table into dust with those bone-white fists. Just then however he felt Keaira's hand on his and saw in his mind all the peaceful settings she placed before him. The reassurance that he would not face Dark Phoenix alone did calm and comfort him some, and his fingers relaxed. All the scenes that flashed through his mind however reminded him of all the things he would never share with Wysteria, and when he turned his head to face his Shadow Warrior, tears were welling in his eyes.
Zee managed a short nod of appreciation before breaking down and turning his gaze back to the table as his body shook with tiny sobs. He did not move his hand to reconnect with her though. He did not believe that he deserved the comfort.
((Sorry, I know I kinda manipulated the timing of your action Kee, but I thought it worked well this way. Sorry if that was pretentious of me. I can change it if you wish))
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jan 11, 2008 8:33:19 GMT -5
More people entered and Caitlin felt her nerves begin to ebb away as she realised that she knew a fair few of them, or had at least met them on some occasion. The boy from her divination class - Mallan, she thought his name was - smiled at her and she smiled back, surveying the other occupants of the room. None of the others had acknowledged her, and it seemed as though Mallan was in a similar situation.
D'rorah had already told her about Mordred and she had never had Professor Serlaen as a teacher, but the news about Wysteria shocked her. She had wondered where her dorm-mate had disappeared to, but had not expected anything like this.
Mallan began speaking as per D'rorah's instructions, and she shifted her attention to him, putting that news from her mind for now. She felt a sort of sense of relief - it seemed that finally she was going to get answers to all her questions. However, as he continued her nerves started to come back to her. She remembered wondering if the situation was so serious that D'rorah would need to cast a muffliato charm, and now she knew it most definitely was. This wasn't just about a few dark creatures in the forest; this was, apparently, a fight between good and evil. This must be why students were involved in the fighting; they were the shadow warriors and elemental masters. And, if what D'rorah had said was right, she was one too. Although she'd voluntarily asked Susan what she could do to help, now there was no choice for her.
When Mallan sat back down and looked at each person in turn, she met his eye but could not hide the fear she was now feeling. A war? She was sixteen! Not for the first time, she wished she was back in India away from the madness that was currently surrounding Hogwarts.
Zee began speaking in a much more subdued tone than how Mallan had spoken. What he had to say was no more cheery. In fact, he seemed to be somehow personally connected, judging by his breakdown at the end. Not sure how to react to this but seeing Keaira attempt to calm him down, she turned back to D'rorah.
"And you say... I'm one of these Shadow Warriors? Of water?" Pausing for a moment to hear an answer, she couldn't help but ask another question which Zee had referred to. "Who's the Elemental Master? Of water, I mean. Why isn't he here?"
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Susan Matthews
Gryffindor
[red]5th Year Gryffindor[/red] Shadow Warrior of Earth
goddess, nymph, divine.
Posts: 505
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Post by Susan Matthews on Jan 11, 2008 9:47:15 GMT -5
Susan looked around the room, as D'rorah initiated the meeting. Only a few chairs remained empty. Her eyes grazed over the filled chairs. She was pleased to see that she was familiar with the majority of them. D'rorah and Dylan were there of course, along with Keaira. The presence of Mallan and Caitlin and Zane were new, but Susan wasn't surprised. She caught the look of Mallan's discomfort and regretted the fact that she hadn't acknowledged him or Caitlin. In attempt to lighten the dim mood that coated the room, she sent small smiles to each of them.
D'rorah was the one to speak first. As the undeclared leader, it seemed it was up to her to get the meeting rolling. Susan wished that they were meeting on better terms. D'rorah brought news of death. Wysteria, Dien, and Mordred. The loss of Mordred was expected, as she had witnessed the use of his body in Hogsmeade. Wysteria and Dien on the other hand, were a shock. As hard as she tried, Susan found she couldn't hold in the gasp that welled inside of her. Susan recalled her very first day at Hogwarts. Wysteria was the first student to befriend her, and now it was hard to believe she was gone.
With her thoughts on that first day in Potter Park, Susan noticed that Alessandro was missing from his seat marked of Fire. She glanced around the room, hoping for a moment that maybe he had just refused to take a seat, that he might be lurking in a corner. However, she saw no Alessandro. Because D'rorah had not mentioned his death, Susan only assumed that he was no able to attend the meeting. She refused to accept the worst.
As attention was directed to Mallan, Susan zoned out a little. She'd heard the story of Yin and Yang before. It was nice to hear it out loud though. She found herself nervously wringing her hands. She wasn't sure how to take the news of the recent deaths. Half of her wanted to cry, and the other half wasn't sure if she was worthy. There were others here that were closer with Wysteria than she.
As Mallan's speech came to an end, the attention of the room was redirected again, this time to Zane. Although Susan had never personally been introduced to Zane, she'd certainly seen him around. Given by Dylan's sour expression, and the evident tension in the room, Dylan certainly had. Susan didn't make the connection.
Though slightly less eloquent and efficient than Mallan's speech, Susan found Zane's spiel equally effective. He left them inevitably ready to fight, ready for war, and ready to risk their own lives. Or at least Susan knew was ready.
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Post by Dylan Cooper on Jan 11, 2008 21:22:55 GMT -5
His expression creasing in anger, he found Zane’s eyes lift to his own. Anger flared through him at Bishop’s expression; how could he sit there, so emotionless, so lost for words, after everything he had done. Dylan didn’t honestly know what he’d expected. In fact, he had a slight inkling that perhaps he had put off even thinking about when he would next meet Zee face to face. Did he want an apology? Or would it seem too forced, coming from someone who had inflicted such damage upon his own body and mind. Not even registering anyone else who entered the room, he only became pulled back into reality by D’rorah’s soft spoken words into his ear.
Blinking and casting his eyes to the surface of the table, away from Zane and his disturbingly blank expression, he regretted the fact that Dee had to leave him to begin this meeting. An exuberant, seemingly joyful Susan took her seat beside him and offered a little hello. Not intending to be rude, he just wasn’t in the mood to answer. He supposed she would understand if she knew of the identity of his attacker.
His attention shifting almost dutifully to D’rorah as she began to speak, he held onto her words, attempting to focus on something other than the negative. The content of the beginnings of her speech, however, didn’t offer any comforting words. Quite the contrary, in fact. Her words explained a lot of things, however, something for which he was actually quite glad. He had wondered at Mordred’s appearance in Hogsmeade for some time now, and this seemed to at least aid in his understanding of the circumstances.
His eyes sticking to her as she concluded and resumed her seat, his expression told of nothing while his eyes told of the world as he looked at her. Flicking his attention to Zane as if weary to leave him unattended for too long, he saw that the Slytherin was making no moves to interject the silence and put in his two cents worth. Seeing Mallan stand from the corner of his eye, his attention turned to the younger boy slowly, his eyes seemingly dragging themselves away from Zane. Expecting that his words would not be entirely educational, Dylan found himself correct in that matter. Having gone over texts for their research numerous times and in numerous languages, he had seen such information detailed and depicted in several volumes.
His attention reverting back to Bishop, he eyed the boy rather distastefully. He would refrain as much as possible from making a scene here and now, but that did not mean that he intended to let this pass unnoticed. Some of the wounds inflicted upon him had been healed magnificently by the school nurse; others stubbornly remained, the dark magic used to cast them unable to be removed by anything. Others simply couldn’t be bandaged; weren’t physical enough to touch, but they could certainly be felt by the Elemental Master of Earth.
At Zane’s words, Dylan’s eyes narrowed. He simply disliked absolutely every word that came from the boy’s mouth. They were all so negative, so disheartening. The newer entrants to this battle, while not naïve, did not need someone telling them that they would all die very soon, that they would not win. None of them needed that, to be quite honest. Resisting the strong urge to rise from his seat, stride around the table, and smack the boy in the face, he remained within his solid chair, his knuckles turning white at the effort of clutching the sides of it. His final words didn’t seem to help his own feelings, though he surmised that perhaps no words would have. A defiance merely struck him as incredibly hypocritical, and annoying that Zee could be so hurt by something, could hate something so fully, when he had done such monstrous things. Further negativity, however, would have quite set his teeth on edge.
Not expecting it, he saw tears well in the boy’s eyes. His own widening ever-so-slightly, though barely noticeably, he wished to simply leave the room. Hearing Caitlin’s query, he calmed down somewhat. It wasn’t much, but it was something. After a sharp intake of breath from Susan, he spoke in a subdued voice, his tone thick with emotions most people would probably not decipher. Not particularly bothered about whether or not D’rorah would recognise such a thing, his eyes focused on Caitlin. He briefly recalled their meeting in the ballroom; the raw emotion she had seen within him on such an occasion, as well as the composed calm that he had withdrawn from somewhere inside of himself.
“We believe you are the Shadow Warrior of Water, yes,” he reiterated quietly. “As to your Elemental Master… He is currently not aligned with our cause,” he said carefully, his eyes tempted to flow back to D’rorah’s as he spoke those words. He perceived that he had a vague understanding as to how she felt seeing Gat everyday; having to endure his loathsome comments and even presence, how hard that could truly be. Respecting her all the more for it, his eyes left Caitlin’s features and settled back onto the table, his head downcast as he waited for someone to speak or respond.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jan 11, 2008 22:14:38 GMT -5
D'rorah nodded in agreement as he affirmed Caitlin's suspicion that she was a Shadow Warrior. "That is correct, Miss Collins. It would explain why you were drawn to the rest of us in Hogsmeade. That day I summoned Elemental Light... it called together all of the Shadow Warriors and Elemental Masters. The only one who did not arrive was Mister Darko, who has been withdrawn from the school by his parents. Unfortunately, away from the protections of the school, I fear they may have placed him in far graver danger than he ever would have faced here with the rest of us. I have Order members positioned near him for the time being so that at leas we shall know if anything happens and be able to go to his aid." She left unvoiced the thought that they would likely be too late to do anything by the time they received any message, knowing the last thing they needed was further demoralization.
She rose from her seat again, moving slowly around the table as she spoke. "Now there is another matter to be concerned with." She indicated Caitlin and Susan. "In order to achieve the ability to fully wield her powers, a Shadow Warrior must endure some sort of deep, emotional trauma. This trauma must be severe enough to begin the separation of her emotions... typically, the Warrior would join with her Master after said trauma has occurred."
She paused and took a deep breath, leaning on her hand against the table. "I do not intend to have either of you intentionally endure such a trauma. As Miss Matthews and I have already discussed, she has experienced no such trauma in her life. Miss Collins, you do not have the... air about you of one who has endured such trauma. Therefore, I have turned my research to the topic of finding how to bring you to the realization of those powers without said trauma."
She straightened. "I know how devastating it was to learn that my own Master knew of my abilities and did not explain to me what I was or that I could defend against Shadows and Wraiths for the sake of allowing me to experience that trauma. You shall begin training now. You will fight as you are... you will join with your Elemental Masters today if you have not already done so. No, I should correct myself. Miss Matthews will join with Mister Cooper. Miss Collins, you do not yet require the anchoring abilities of your Elemental Master... yet if you begin to fight Shadows, I believe you will. We cannot, however, have you join with Mister Soldier. I do not know how to resolve this problem."
"I open the floor now to entertain possibly solutions or questions. Even questions may be helpful in guiding us to the correct solution, so please do not censor yourselves."
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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 Jan 12, 2008 13:33:57 GMT -5
As ridiculous as it would have made him feel, Zee wished he'd brought a handkerchief with him. As it was he simply sniffed several times to keep his sinuses in line as he lifted his eyes to D'rorah. His gaze shifted momentarily to Caitlin as he considered the predicament. The Elemental Master of Water, whom Zee had never considered terribly intelligent even before he knew much about the boy, had aligned himself with the Mage. The Shadow Warrior of Water would not be of much use without an Elemental Master, and the group as a whole would be incomplete without an Elemental Master of Water and a functioning Shadow Warrior of Water. It seemed they really only had one option, though it did split into a couple branches.
Clearing his throat as softly as he could, though still making quite a bit of noise given all the mucus he'd accumulated, Zee spoke up in an even and logical tone, his emotions apparently back under control.
"We need an Elemental Master of Water. We know who currently holds the title. We need to find him, capture him, and return him here, or to some other stronghold of Light, if there is such a place. Hopefully Gat will prove less stupid than he's shown himself to be and will see the wisdom in joining us. If not, then he will have to be killed and we will find the one who arises in his place."
Zee could not deny that to kill anyone in the Mage's service would bring him some measure of satisfaction, but his tone gave no indication that he hoped for that outcome. Indeed he did not. However little value he placed on Gat's life, it would be far more convenient for the group if he came around to their side than if they were forced to go searching the globe for the inheritor of his power.
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jan 12, 2008 15:40:13 GMT -5
((thoughts))
Apparently her words had managed to somewhat break Dylan out of his task of staring down Zee, at least enough that he was the first to answer her. There was definitely far more tension in this room than there should be between allies. It seemed that the more answers she was supplied with, the more questions appeared to her.
“We believe you are the Shadow Warrior of Water, yes. As to your Elemental Master… He is currently not aligned with our cause.”
Not aligned with our cause? Why not? she could not help wondering to herself. If he's an elemental master shouldn't he be one of the lightfighters? Isn't that the point of being an elemental master? And who is it? Someone I know?
D'rorah spoke and Caity turned to face her, the confusion evident on her face. There was little doubt as to her status as a shadow warrior, it seemed. She had met Alessandro on numerous occasions and was saddened to hear that he may be in even more danger among his own family. Wasn't Hogwarts dangerous enough as it was? Then her thoughts turned to her own family. How long was this likely to go on for? Was it likely that the opposition would target her when she was at home during the holidays? Or might they even target her family because they were her family?
The 'trauma' idea did not appeal to her in the slightest either - did she really have to experience something that bad to "fully wield her powers"? "No, nothing traumatic," she agreed, slightly uncomfortable. She made a mental note to offer her assistance to D'rorah's research effort the next time she saw the older girl in the library. But what D'rorah had said implied that all the shadow warriors except she and Susan had already experienced trauma at some point in their lives. She was starting to understand why so many of the people in this room walked around the school with a thundercloud above their head.
Caitlin continued to listen to D'rorah, then something flashed up in her brain. Mister Soldier? That name rang a bell, but she couldn't place it. Looking around at the others to see if they had any ideas about how to solve the apparent problem of bonding with her Elemental Master, she tried to remember where she had heard that name before.
"We need an Elemental Master of Water. We know who currently holds the title. We need to find him, capture him, and return him here, or to some other stronghold of Light, if there is such a place. Hopefully Gat will prove less stupid than he's shown himself to be and will see the wisdom in joining us. If not, then he will have to be killed and we will find the one who arises in his place."
Gat Soldier. "Gat?" she gasped, not quite comprehending it. "Gat Soldier? He's my Elemental Master?" She had been shocked the other day when he had proclaimed his allegiance for the opposite side of the war, but then she had not understood the gravity of the situation. He's fighting for the destruction of this world? Why? She had saved his life, and now it seemed they were destined to be on opposing sides. He's an Elemental Master, my Elemental Master; he's supposed to be on the same side as us! Head still reeling, she processed the second part of what Zee had said. "Kill him? No! You can't just... kill someone, that's..." She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. "Why? Why is he fighting for this Mage? What on earth could he have to gain from destroying this world?" she demanded.
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Post by mallan on Jan 12, 2008 16:19:14 GMT -5
Mallan was becoming sick and tired of the tension in the room. “We need to be united,” Mallan reaffirmed “this emotional squabbling needs to be put to an end.” Mallan knew they were not going to like it but he knew he needed to bring it up. As he listened to the words spoken by his fellows, Mallan could not help but agree. The current Elemental Master of Water had to be subdued. The task of securing our realm required that all of the Masters and Warrior work together or else the only result would be failure. It seemed, to Mallan, that the first course of action would have to be to unite all of the Masters and Warriors. Mallan decided, after looking at the other Elemental Masters, that he should help Caitlin by standing in as her Elemental Master for the purposes of helping her anchor her emotions. The others seemed emotionally taxed themselves. They all needed to stand together and this would be his chance and show of a step being taken. It seemed that everyone was remaining seated now and so Mallan did not rise as he spoke but merely leaned forward.
(As Mallan spoke he regarded them with a solemn expression and tone of voice. It was a serious topic and it needed to remain serious.)
(Mallan looked towards Caitlin as he answered her) Caitlin, I do not know what the Mage offers, but right now he would kill us. In this, we must protect ourselves and so protect all life. (He then turned to Zee) I concur with Zee. (As Mallan continued he regarded each and every one of them with equal expression) However, not only do we need an Elemental Master of Water we also need one of Fire, and with fire, a Shadow Warrior. I deem that we first look to unify ourselves. We must find and eliminate the threat this Master of Water brings; whether the outcome is that of joining us or his death, though I will regret the latter. Also, we must find the Master of Fire and his Shadow Warrior. For if we are to stand against the Mage and the Dark we need to be unified. We need to be as one in action, mind, and trust. So before we take measures to fulfill our Circle I suggest that we first strengthen ourselves. I have the feeling that some of you may not wish to work with another and I dislike bringing the topic up. However, I will not be weakened by your personal matters. I do not know what has occurred but I do know that we need to trust each other and stand with each other. Therefore, I swear to stand by each and every one of you without knowledge of your past; I stand with you with trust. You may think it foolish but I say it is necessary. I hope that whatever has occurred, you will be able to set it aside and stand with me and with everyone else here. With that in mind, I would like to suggest that I watch over Caitlin as her anchor until her Elemental Master is in our Circle once again. (Mallan turned towards Caitlin hoping she would accept) Caitlin, will you accept?
He had talked longer than he wanted to. Words just kept coming out and new ideas formed as he talked and Mallan felt abashed at taking control of the room. He normally did not like standing in the spotlight and was unsure what came over him. He waited to see the others’ reactions to his words. He hoped they would be able to set aside their hatred, anger, and other personal issues in order to help the Circle. They have to, otherwise they would not succeed.
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Post by Dylan Cooper on Jan 12, 2008 18:52:07 GMT -5
Swallowing tersely as D’rorah commented on Alessandro’s whereabouts, his mind flashed over the meager amount of time they had spent together. It seemed pathetic, now, that he had never gotten to know his own dormmate. Her words that there were allies placed nearby to him did nothing to comfort Dylan; his newfound friend had been ripped from the safest place possible and taken into possibly the worst situation possible for his safety.
His eyes following her as she stood and moved around the table. Again, she brought to the forefront the concept that he had not yet joined with Susan. He would do whatever he could, however, to ensure that she did not require an intense emotional trauma in order for that to happen; she was the best friend he had at this school, and he would not let her be damaged in such a way. His eyes having been cast to the table surface before him, they flicked back up to D’rorah as she talked of her own experiences. His eyes softening considerably as he regarded her features, her words, he gained a respect for her that he had never considered to feel before.
Viewing her in a new light as she continued, he turned his attention to the task at hand. Of course, with Gat the way he was, Dylan was quite happy to have the boy killed. He surmised, however, that it could save valuable time to simply convert him to their side; waiting for the new Elemental Master of Water to surface was not a luxury they could afford at this point in time.
Ignoring the sniffing coming from Zane as much as possible, he couldn’t help but agree with the words exuded from that horrid mouth. He recalled a time when he had disguised his voice, attempting to keep his identity hidden, when he had used those ocal chords to issue commands of darkness and pain onto Dylan’s body. Closing his eyes briefly against the memories flooding through him, the stench of burning flesh that had begun to invade his nasal cavity, he fought back the tide, sending the images of his own bleeding, broken body back into the depths of his mind.
Taking a deep breath, his eyes reopened. Taking in the sight, he observed everyone seated at the table, as well as the one standing member of their collective. Zee still seemed… off. Caitlin looked confused, nervous. It was only then that he noted there was someone who could, should be here, but was not. Professor Faye. He remembered that she had been called to their gathering in Hogsmeade, the Shadow Warrior to replace Wysteria. Looking around as if to double check, he found that she was indeed noticeably absent. “Dee…” he began quietly, his eyes turning to her. “Where’s Kailee?” he questioned lightly, wondering why she hadn’t been contacted about the meeting, or rather why she hadn’t shown up.
Hearing a gasping comment from Caitlin, he turned his head to gaze at her. He saw the realisation dawning as she began to see just who her Elemental Master was. At her rather shocked exclamation that they couldn’t possibly kill Soldier, he gained what might be perceived as a sympathetic expression. Hearing Mallan speak up and offer a partial explanation as to Gat’s allegiance, his expression fell as the older Gryffindor continued. He became significantly more somber, the words sinking in just enough to have what he perceived to be the desired effect.
His eyes refusing to look anywhere near Zee, he sighed and closed his eyes, knowing what he needed to do. As an Elemental Master, he had a duty to everyone at this table. He could not afford to abandon them over this… As he regarded Mallan, he saw a side of him that had not been evident before. He was being incredibly mature, in fact; and of course, he was quite right. If they did not trust one another they would lose this fight hands down.
Softly, he responded to Caitlin once more. “Caitlin… We can’t afford to have an Elemental Master or Shadow Warrior on the Mage’s side. If Gat remains on that side, alive and well, we will fall. We have a duty to ourselves and to the rest of the world to defeat her at last, while we have the best chance available. We have accessed nearly every one of the ten supposed to be here, and now is when the Mage is beginning to put her plans into action. If we do not stop her, the world as we know it will fade and be cast into oblivion.” She needed to understand, more than anything, that Gat could not remain as he was. If he would not be convinced to their side, he would have to die. “Mister Soldier has chosen a side which provides him with false hopes of wealth and luxury, of freedom. He doesn’t realise what awaits him if he continues down this path. Many people fall to the temptation of darkness, but he is one person who cannot.”
Placing both hands onto the table before him, he pushed his chair back and stood. Standing still for a moment, he turned first his head and then the rest of his body to the side and began to make his way around the table. Reaching the point he knew Zee to be at, he raised his head slowly, looking upon the features he had come to so loathe in the hours since he had discovered the identity of his attacker. He considered briefly the notion of making sure everyone knew what this Slytherin was capable of, but he decided against it. It would do no good but to satisfy himself; only spreading discord and doubt amongst the group. Offering one slightly reluctant hand, he extended it to Zane, pushing aside his pride and hurt at what Bishop had cost him.
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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 Jan 12, 2008 21:27:21 GMT -5
Dylan's was not the only pride that had to be overcome. Zee's own arrogance, though it was far more subdued of late, balked at the thought of simply accepting forgiveness from the Ravenclaw. He somewhat wished that he had put more effort into rectifying the issues between them himself. He didn't like the thought that it would now seem like he was a monster and Dylan was quite saintly to offer to try and move on.
But you are a monster. What you've done is inexcusable, abominable, and unforgivable. There is a reason they are called unforgivable curses. Were you not necessary to the cause, they would execute you here and now, and they would be right to do so. So will you now accept this boy's forgiveness and let it all pass away into memory, the others never knowing what you did, what you are? What was that quality that Wysteria so valued? Ah yes. Honesty.
Zee looked up into Dylan's face, noting the scarring that was either from him or Dylan's other misadventures, but knowing there were invisible scars that were undoubtedly his doing.
It was funny. Three days ago he'd have considered killing to keep his secret from reaching the ears of those gathered in this room. Now he found he had an opportunity to perhaps put it all behind him and never have to reap the consequences of his heinous labor, and he could not take it. Wysteria's death had changed him, perhaps more than her life had.
With a small shake of his head and what might have passed for an apologetic look, Zee muttered quietly so that only Dylan, and possibly Keaira could hear.
"I can't. They have to know."
Swallowing hard to clear the remainder of the buildup from his throat, Zee turned to face the rest of the assemblage, though he still remained seated.
"Listen . . . You can't trust me. Not one of you. Susan, Mallan, you haven't met me before so you don't know. The rest of you know me to varying degrees and I tell you now that you know a carefully crafted lie. I am not noble or praiseworthy, generous or selfless. Dylan's attack the night before the Halloween Masquerade . . . I perpetrated it, and no, there was no reason or justification behind it. That's who I am. That's who you'll be allying with. Unless of course it's decided that it would be a more advantageous route to hope for a better Elemental Master of Metal to arise next."
Glancing back at Dylan, Zee gave a hopeless little shrug and collapsed back in on himself, eyes on the table before him and hands folded in his lap, looking more than a little apathetic to the conclusion they would reach.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Jan 12, 2008 23:32:21 GMT -5
D'rorah listened quietly as voice after voice rose to add to the conversation. When Dylan asked about Kailee, however, she interjected to answer. "No one has seen Professor Faye since that day in Hogsmeade as far as I am aware." She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the pounding pain of a headache beginning to dance through her grey matter. "Over the past six centuries, there have been generations of Shadow Warriors and Elemental Masters. The current Mage has snuffed each of them out, most before they were able to learn of their own identities as Lightfighters. Though we have come a long way in bringing everyone together, we are not entirely safe. Considering Professor Faye's disappearance, I consider it likely she has either been captured or killed. Knowing the Mage, a torturous death is most likely. I have an Order member attempting to track her at this moment, but I am unable to locate her mentally and he is having little luck himself."
She listened as Mallan spoke, agreeing with his general sentiment. She was quite proud of Dylan as he extended his hand, willing to forego his own hatred of what Zee had done and move forward so they could all work together as a team. She watched for Zee's response, hardly daring to breathe as she hoped he would accept Dylan's outstretched hand in reconciliation. However, it did not seem Fate slated this encounter to go easily... it did not seem any of it would go easily, in fact.
She listened as Zee confessed out loud to the group. He didn't attempt to rationalize his actions or plead for mercy... for once in his life, he was being very straightforward. D'rorah moved to stand beside Dylan, putting her arm around his waist in show of her support for his willingness to move on.
"Mister Bishop. The fact that you are able to admit to your trespass with genuine remorse signifies that, even as abominable as your actions before were, something within you has shifted." She lifted her eyes so that she addressed the whole group. "You have my endorsement. Even if there is still darkness within you, you are not allied with the Mage. You are intelligent enough to realize that such an alliance could only end in your eventual destruction. We are all allied against this common enemy... she has gone by many names... Shadow Mage, Dark Phoenix, Queen Mary, Hsiao-Ch'in... her predecessors perhaps known as Lilith, Medusa, Ammut... the history is quite extensive. She is the darkness we must fight, and despite your past, I am willing to trust you now and protect your from this point forward as one of our own."
She turned to Mallan. "As for you anchoring Miss Collins, you must beware that it will be far more taxing to anchor a Shadow Warrior who is not of your own Element. Wind and Water are complimentary, otherwise I would be far more hesitant to allow it." Her gaze shifted to Caitlin. "However, the fact that your emotions have not yet begun to separate should make it far easier to anchor you. Miss Matthews and Mister Cooper will join today as well. Once all of our currently present Shadow Warriors are properly anchored, we will begin a search for our missing comrades... as well as our misguided Master of Water."
She decided to add one last thing, knowing it would be far from popular. "I must insist that anyone planning to depart over the approaching winter break is accompanied by a partner. I realize that most of you have family to visit and I do not wish to keep you apart from them. You are safest here at Hogwarts... the castle itself has enchantments which protect it from entry by Shadows. Considering how easily the Mage has dispatched those who have left for any extended period of time... I think it of the utmost importance that we do not leave the protections of the castle alone. Shadow Warriors should travel with their Elemental Masters and or vice versa."
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Post by Caitlin Collins on Jan 13, 2008 12:40:17 GMT -5
Caitlin's mood seemed to worsen as she listened to the sense that both Mallan and Dylan were saying about Gat. Before she'd come to Hogwarts everything had been so simple, in terms of morals. Don't torture, don't kill, try not to gossip or lie. But now... everything seemed to be pointing towards the conversion or death of Gat, and she was in no way in favour of the latter. With all her newfound knowledge, she knew they were talking sense but just could not bring herself to imagine the Slytherin her own age being murdered - by themselves, the supposedly good guys! - because he made the mistake of siding with evil. He must have some reason, and there must be some way to convince him that he was wrong in his allegiance.
Hearing her name, she turned to face Mallan.
"With that in mind, I would like to suggest that I watch over Caitlin as her anchor until her Elemental Master is in our Circle once again. Caitlin, will you accept?"
Staring at him for a moment, not quite comprehending what he was saying, she finally nodded. "Thank you Mallan," she replied sincerely. She didn't know him that well but he was obviously trying to help and she was grateful.
She was yet again dismayed to hear that Professor Faye was missing. The one remaining adult in their group was gone and they were left as a group of students fighting for the safekeeping of this world.
When Dylan stood and held out his hand to Zee, she was at first confused, wondering what exactly had caused this tension between them. But when Zee admitted he had been the one to attack the Ravenclaw, she was completely thrown. She did not know the details of what had happened the night of the Masquerade and to be honest, she didn't want to. She had seen the new scars on his face and visible skin to be given enough of an idea to be repulsed. She remembered how he had come across herself and Jacques alone in the forest, and was even more grateful that Alessandro and Keaira had turned up not long after. As D'rorah approached Dylan and put her arm round him, stating how she believed in Zane's genuine remorse, Caitlin thought about what could have possibly given the Slytherin such a change of heart.
"What exactly do you mean by anchoring and separating emotions?" she asked, putting aside the thoughts of Gat and Zee for the moment. "And what exactly can I do as a Shadow Warrior?" A thought came to her and she turned to Keaira. "That chanting you did in the forest, was that part of it?"
D'rorah mentioned not leaving the protection of the castle alone, and Caitlin was happy that she had visited her family before she'd found out about any of this. But she had also arranged to visit them again at some point in February. Glancing at Mallan, whom she presumed would be the one to go with her if he was acting as her temporary Elemental Master, she wondered what her parents would say to her bringing home a strange American wizard. Still, with all the deaths and missing people that had been reported, she was not going to argue with D'rorah's logic.
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Susan Matthews
Gryffindor
[red]5th Year Gryffindor[/red] Shadow Warrior of Earth
goddess, nymph, divine.
Posts: 505
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Post by Susan Matthews on Jan 13, 2008 19:36:21 GMT -5
Susan had remained quiet in her chair for a long while. She pondered the bouncing conversation with only herself, her eyes occasionally flitting across the circle as the speakers changed. Susan sighed deeply at D'rorah's mention of Alessandro. Although the news wasn't the best, it was certainly better than death. It gave Susan hope to hear that they would be called upon if trouble arose.
Also D'rorah spoke of joining between Elemental Masters and Shadow Warriors. Susan slouched a little and folded her arms as D'rorah openly told the rest of their group that neither her nor Caitlin had endured the necessary trauma. Though it was nothing to be ashamed of, Susan still craved acceptance. As she looked into the eyes of all of those around her, the hurt was there. While it didn't necessarily jump out and say, "Hey, here I am!" It was there, if you knew what to look for.
The next hot topic to arise was Gat. Susan couldn't recall for how long she'd suspected Gat's alliance with the Mage. Perhaps it was the Defense Against the Dark Arts class incident. In the end, it didn't matter. The Gat, Susan knew was stubborn and he probably wouldn't be swayed. Though she didn't voice her opinion, she silently agreed with Zane's voice that Gat would have to be done away with. Though it would be risky to wait for the next Elemental Master, it would be better than have one allied with the Mage, wouldn't it?
The speakers changed again and everyone's attention was directed to Mallan. Susan dutifully followed his words, taking everything in. At Mallan's suggestion to unify ourselves, Dylan rose from his seat. Susan sat up a little straighter, eager to see what was about to happen, for it seemed it would either be extremely good or extremely bad. Susan couldn't help but furrow her brows in concentration. What is going on?
Zane's next words made Susan want to be sick. Zane openly admitted to the fact that it was he who attacked Dylan. Her eyebrows fell limp and she leaned back into her chair again, not sure of how to act. Her emotions surged as she fought the urge to yell out or cry.
"Why?" she whispered as the threat of tears became stronger. She wrapped her arms around herself, desperate for any kind of comfort. She was afraid no one heard her, but it didn't matter. She couldn't look at Zane anymore.
Instead, Susan focused on slowly eliminating the urge to react. Her thoughts flowed over the orders by D'rorah. She had no objection to them, and only wondered how exactly she would need to join with Dylan. She was relieved when Caitlin voiced these question, for Susan was certainly in no condition to speak at the moment.
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Post by Dylan Cooper on Jan 14, 2008 2:19:16 GMT -5
Unsure as to what exactly he should have expected from Zane, it was certainly not what was transpiring. His proclamation of absolute honesty, of revealing to the assemblage that he had done such things to Dylan’s body and mind, was actually quite surprising. He didn’t believe, before now, that someone who could commit such a heartless, ruthless and brutal crime would be capable of simply overlooking a chance to get off scott free, to admit to what he had done and sound so… remorseful.
Perceiving that there was a lot to the boy before him that he could have ever comprehended previously, he lowered his hand and felt familiar arms wrap around his waist as Bishop concluded. Taking in her words, he simply regarded the elder Slytherin before him, wondering at the complexity of the human mind. His head turning slightly as an indication that he was indeed listening to D’rorah, hoping against hope that she was right; that this was not some carefully constructed show to gain their confidences. Pushing the notion aside, he knew there could be no room for doubt. One moment of weakness, of doubt, one mistake, was all it would take to condemn all of them and the world as they knew it. He was obliged, for the sake of humanity and all things good and worth fighting for in this world, to have faith in his companions, even if that included Zee.
His attention shifting to Mallan and Caitlin as Dee continued, he allowed himself to remain in her embrace, glad for the comfort it brought. Pushing his previous feelings of hatred and disgust, of betrayal, aside, was not an easy thing to do. Noting her final words, he looked to Susan. How would it work? Spend half the time with Susan and her chosen visitation site, and half at his own home? He had been planning on spending a large portion of these upcoming holidays with D’rorah, too… It seemed that their own luxuries would have to be put aside for the sake of safety.
His mind shifting to think of Mallan and D’rorah spending so much time together, he actually grew slightly resentful that things had to be that way. He didn’t hold much hope for the concept that he would be able to spend copious amounts of time with his girlfriend during the period, with Mallan and her attached at the hip and he and Susan much the same. It would get very crowded, and he would, of course, be acting very selfishly. Sighing lightly, he turned his attention to Caitlin as she posed a few questions. Feeling that D’rorah would be able to sum it up far better than he ever could, he left those particular questions be.
Hearing the smallest of mutters, his head turned once more and his eyes found Susan’s. Seeing her position in the seat she had taken, her expression, his brows furrowed worriedly. He knew her, probably better than anyone else, and he could easily recognise the pain in her voice, the tears threatening to overwhelm her. His heart reaching out to her, he assumed she would need more than that. Turning to Dee, he kissed her lightly, a slightly uncharacteristic action in front of others but one he felt comfortable with, and slipped from her arms. Circling the table back to the Earth section, he crouched beside Susan’s chair briefly, looking up to try and find her eyes. Wondering if anything but a response from Bishop would suffice, he rose slightly and attempted to pull her from her seat and into a hug.
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