Orders for My Kerridon

[Dark Phoenix]

She remained sitting in her stone chair as she waited for Mordred and Gat to leave her presence. She had given them their orders and now it was time for Kerridon to receive his. He was a different matter and she knew he required a different sort of touch than that of Mordred or Gat. His family had worked with her for a long time and she felt that he deserved something for that. After the other men left, Dark Phoenix smoothly rose from her chair and made her way down the steps from the raised platform. Walking in a manner that caused her dress to flow and waver, as if it were not her legs moving the dress but the air stirring it, she made her way closer to Kerridon. She was not foolish enough to trust him but she knew he would not take action against her unlike Mordred or Gat. As she neared him she smiled and opened the conversation with a motherly voice.

My Kerridon, why have you become so careless? I have news that you have come close to being discovered. (Putting her right hand against the side of his face she continued speaking as she moved it down and under his chin before she slowly pulled her hand away) I do not wish to lose you. However, if you cause threat to my plans I cannot keep you. (She worked her way around him slowly so that when she said “dead” she was standing behind him) You must watch yourself or you will be found dead and how am I to help you if you are so?

Dark Phoenix waited a moment to let her words sink in before circling back to the front. Standing a few feet in front of him she locked eyes and engaged his mind with a telepathic link. Over the years she mastered the skill so that only someone trained would notice her presence in their mind. She preferred giving her orders this way so that no one else could overhear. It made life much easier especially when you needed someone in your ranks to kill another in the rank. She had ordered Raziel’s death in the same manner as she had done many times when necessary. She regretted losing such a capable man but chances were not something Dark Phoenix enjoyed toying with. The technique was also a convenient method of ensuring that the orders were not forgotten and easily recalled. Speaking into his thoughts with a tone of command she began.

I have new plans for you, my Kerridon. In addition to gathering information on the Elemental Masters and Shadow Warriors, you are to gain their trust. You will inform them, when you are able, that you overheard plans that Mordred and Gat are going to capture Darko, the Elemental Master of Fire, and have him taken here in three days. This should make your issue of gaining their trust less complicated. Separate any of the Shadow Warriors, that you can, from their Elemental Masters. Send as few as you are able to meet Mordred and Gat. You must make sure that as few go as possible but be sure that Keaira, the Shadow Warrior of Metal, goes.

Letting the mental link remain she considered how to give him a little motivation as she walked over to a candle, that floated in the air with a blue flame, to their right. She had been watching him closely and it seemed that he had lost some of the zeal he used to hold in his heart for her. Gently Dark Phoenix sifted through his thoughts searching for something he might desire. The prevalent image that kept appearing was that of his dead sister. Dark Phoenix was not foolish enough to promise something as absurd as being able to resurrect Taisy so she continued looking for another desire. After another moment she came upon another image; one of him doing research. Plucking the candle out of the air she turned back towards Kerridon.

Do this for me and I will reward you. (Dark Phoenix waved her hand and the air to her left thickened with an image of a library and personal quarters) I will raise you in rank and give you this library. You will have your own quarter in this castle for your own needs. Do you understand what I am asking and what I offer?

He was a smart boy and she knew it. She doubted that he would have many questions but waited nonetheless to hear if he had. There was no reason to cut him off and send him away; you never knew what revelations one might stumble upon with one question. Waving the floating image away she began playing with the flame of the candle as she waited.

[Kerridon Paradox]

Kerridon entered the Shadow Mage’s chambers in slight trepidation, passing Mordred and Gat as he went but ignoring them. He hid his feelings well on his face, but knew that would not prevent Dark Phoenix from working out his mood. Even such a short time in the Shadow Realm would adversely affect the strongest person, and his mind was filled to the brim with nightmarish situations, many of which he had been a part of or witnessed. Right at the top of the list was the memory of Taisy’s death; something he could usually hide in the recesses of his mind. In this realm, his defences were close to useless. His mistress’ mind tricks did nothing to help, even if he couldn’t tell when she was using them.

As she approached he bowed to her, not making eye contact as he disassembled his thoughts. Some of the stuff inside his head she could not be allowed a glimpse of or he would be accused of treachery. Sighing, Kerridon closed his eyes to block out the flickering light of the fire before him. His mind wandered of its own accord to the thought of what life would be like if he had never begun serving the Shadow Mage. With an effort, the memories and any similar were pushed as far away as possible.

“My Kerridon, why have you become so careless? I have news that you have come close to being discovered. I do not wish to lose you. However, if you cause threat to my plans I cannot keep you. You must watch yourself or you will be found dead and how am I to help you if you are so?”

Kerridon stayed completely still as she circled him, eyes unfocussed as he stared straight ahead, taking in every word she said. He managed to stop himself from flinching when she touched his face, clenching his teeth together instead. Normally he wouldn’t be so uneasy around her, but the thoughts of being punished were making him nervous. So she knew about the incident in the forest. The shadows he had felt around him at the time had made this an extremely likely probability, but it was too much to hope that she would leave the matter at gently scolding him in this manner. Doubtless more was to come – he had never been let off easy before, whenever he had gone wrong. Most of these situations had involved Taisy in some way or other, whether while he was mourning and not concentrating on the mission he had been given, or just trying to protect her during a mission. He did not answer her questions immediately, for more than one reason – firstly he knew them to be rhetorical, but also, much more importantly, one did not simply interrupt Dark Phoenix if one wanted a relatively painless life that lasted more than a few minutes into the future. Still, on this occasion she seemed to be waiting for an answer, and one did not simply ignore what Dark Phoenix wanted either.

“I apologise, Mistress,” he replied, licking suddenly dry lips as she locked eyes with him. “It will not happen again, I promise you.”

The thoughts were projected into his mind and Kerridon knew that she was inside his head.

I have new plans for you, my Kerridon. In addition to gathering information on the Elemental Masters and Shadow Warriors, you are to gain their trust. You will inform them, when you are able, that you overheard plans that Mordred and Gat are going to capture Darko, the Elemental Master of Fire, and have him taken here in three days. This should make your issue of gaining their trust less complicated. Separate any of the Shadow Warriors, that you can, from their Elemental Masters. Send as few as you are able to meet Mordred and Gat. You must make sure that as few go as possible but be sure that Keaira, the Shadow Warrior of Metal, goes.


So he had been right – Alessandro and Keaira were both lightfighters. Unwanted and unasked for, thoughts rose up in his mind. He may not be able to actually sense when she was in his mind using any mental prowess, but he could often work it out just by using common sense. First Taisy appeared, time and time again, then an image of himself in Hogwarts library, working on his research.

"Do this for me and I will reward you. I will raise you in rank and give you this library. You will have your own quarter in this castle for your own needs. Do you understand what I am asking and what I offer?"

His eyes lit up as he saw the library appear to his right. He turned his head, breaking the eye contact to stare hungrily at all the books that could await him if he succeeded. Did she know that doing his research experiments was what had almost caused him to be caught? Possibly, but he wasn’t going to bring the matter up. Then something occurred to him that would be a major problem in his returning to Hogwarts to complete this task.

“Mistress, D’rorah and all the other lightfighters who were in Hogsmeade – doubtless the others now, too – know my allegiance. Mordred proclaimed it in front of them all when he called me forward. How can I return to Hogwarts and be expected to have any sway over what they think or do when they likely just want me dead?”

Dark Phoenix likely already knew how to return him in a good light, but Kerridon himself could not see how it could be managed. He had a few loose ideas running around in his head, but he hadn’t had enough time to formulate these enough that they would actually work.

[Dark Phoenix]

Holding the candle, Dark Phoenix watched Kerridon’s expression as his eyes lit up when he saw the image of the library and quarters. If that was all that it took for him, she would be amazed; it truly was a small price for her to pay. It was always a nice feeling to pay a small price for a lot of gain. His expression changed and she had a feeling of why. Listening to his words proved her thoughts right. Mordred and Gat had explained the situation in Hogsmeade. Ceasing her mental link she mentally cursed Mordred “The wretched fool!” She understood the situation and already had a plan for Kerridon. However, it annoyed her that Kerridon would have to pay for Mordred’s mistake. Of course, his punishment was also deserved for almost being caught.

Yes, Mordred and Gat have explained the situation in Hogsmeade. Mordred did not listen to my orders. (She let a scowl twist her face and then made it disappear before she continued) Do not worry. I have already devised a plan that should welcome you back into the arms of the lightfighters. Follow me.

Without looking towards Kerridon, Dark Phoenix elegantly made her way to the exit corridor that Mordred and Gat had taken. There was no reason to show uncertainty by glancing at him to see if he would follow; she knew he would. Motioning him to walk next to her, on her right, while she walked down the hallway, Dark Phoenix admired the stonework in silence. She was sure she felt his uneasiness as they walked; for good reason. The hallways were dark, lit only by candle light; their stone walls causing the air to chill though she had trained herself long ago to ignore the sensations of the cold and heat. Dark Phoenix understood however that the main reason for his uneasiness was surely because they were heading towards the torture chamber.

Even though the castle gave of a dark and dreary feeling, it still held its own beauty. Along the top of the stone walls the stone was carved in an ancient language and inlaid with gold. The letters of the language flowed together with beautiful arcs and dots and unlike any other written language this one made use of color. Dark Phoenix was still deciphering the seemingly infinitely complex language. Few things were beyond her reasoning and the script reminded her of a decent challenge. In most rooms, right below the ancient text, tapestries hung down the walls of most of the castle offering a sense of story and history. Here, in the hallway leading to the torture chamber though, there were no tapestries. The almost black stone was left as it was on purpose.

They were also with a purpose and Dark Phoenix was going to reveal it to Kerridon shortly. Smoothing her dress as she walked she took a few more moments to gather her thoughts. The candle she held, when activated, would let the subject retain their thoughts and at the same time prevent another mind from glimpsing anything before the candle was used. There were many ways to create these candles. Each candle looked, smelled, and burned differently according to their uses. This one she appreciated the most however. Unfortunately the affects only lasted for two days, slowly diminishing as time passed. Most candles were used with meditation while breathing in their smoke. This one however, required a different administration.

She appreciated her training as a young child in Asia. Her teacher, Master Xhoa, had taught her to create these candles. She turned the candle over in her hands. He was the only true master of the art and when she had finished her training she made sure all of his knowledge remained with only her. She repaid his family by casting Obliviate on them so they would not have the painful memories. She reminisced for a few moments remembering when she was not so callused towards others. Being over three hundred years ago, those times were far over she reminded herself. Reaching out her left hand, Dark Phoenix let her fingers glide across the wall, feeling the insensitive stone as she began telling Kerridon the story he was to tell.

This shall be your story: While in Hogsmeade, Mordred assumed you worked with the lightfighters and cast the Imperius Curse upon you, forcing you to join him in his return to the shadow realm. He then brought you here to have Gat torture the information out of you. Gat, not realizing you are able to make use of magic without a wand, underestimated you. You were able to free yourself and escape the castle. Outside a fair distance away you found the portal to the Forbidden Forest.

As she ended, the torture chamber came into view. A large steel door was left open in preparation for their entrance. As they walked in a smile appeared on Dark Phoenix's face as the memory of her torturing D'rorah surfaced. The smile quickly turned into a frown at the thought of Kerridon being tortured though that quickly left as well. By now she knew Kerridon understood what was happening. She could sense his unease and so began the explanation so that he did not have time to rethink his situation to too much degree.

As you may have surmised; you will be tortured. I wish this not upon you, my Kerridon, but it is the only way. Think of it as punishment for being so careless. They will see the scars and the pain and they will care for you. With this they will forget why you have come from the Forbidden Forest and if they do not, you have an answer ready for them. You will know your moment of freedom when it is shown to you by Gat. Follow the description of the story I gave you. Your story begins now!

With that Dark Phoenix sped towards Kerridon with an unexpected speed; the candle burning blue held in front of her, as if leading her. Reaching Kerridon she thrust the flame of the candle onto his chest in front of where his heart rested. From the point of connection between the flame and his clothing a burst of blue light shown and then bent backward to fold itself over Kerridon. Dark Phoenix leapt backwards floating gracefully and landing five paces away, her visage changing from that of a regal and calm queen to an angered lioness.

I will know the names of those of whom you serve! Keep a careful record of the lies you spew forward! For each one your flesh will be torn. (Turning to Gat) You may begin.

Before awaiting an answer from either, Dark Phoenix strode out of the room. She enjoyed the pain and agony of someone being tortured but she knew that she could not remain in the room if the escape story was to be feasible. Walking down the corridor, Dark Phoenix mulled over her plans and the many plots she had weaving. If everything worked according to plan a new tapestry would be hung soon. A smile crept evilly across her face as she glided down the next hallway heading towards her divination chamber.

[gatsoldier]

[glow=red,2,300]You may begin.[/glow]

Gat nodded back to show that he understood perfectly. That he did. Out of his pocket, his wand came to his hand at his will. A huge grin rose up on his face. He walked up to Kerridon and thrust him onto the torture table. He pointed his wand in the direction of Kerridon.

"Crucio." As the word escaped his lips, the familiar deep sense of power. This was one of the many things he enjoyed about being evil. He felt a deep hatred coursing through his body that he had toward the one who killed his parents and stolen his most ancient power and tradition from him. He aimed all that anger, all that hatred toward Kerridon. He watched as the poor boy writhed in pain and agony.

[Kerridon Paradox]

He was right – she did have a plan. He could tell that the moment she started talking. Seeing her scowl, he wondered how exactly Mordred had explained himself. After all, he had revealed all the Mage’s spies at Hogwarts, with the exception of Caira, apparently against her wishes. He followed Dark Phoenix to the corridor he had entered through, and walked besides her when he was motioned to do so. He could feel the constant cold surrounding him but ignored it, knowing that if he shivered it would probably be seen as weakness by his mistress. After all, you never saw her being affected by the temperature. They walked, and Kerridon suddenly realized in which direction they were heading. The torture chamber. She was not going to let his mistake go, then. He didn’t falter at this realization, knowing that nothing he said would do anything to deter her. In fact, it might even make her be harsher on him, and he wasn’t going to risk that. Doubtless the punishment would be bad enough as it was without him making it worse by protesting. She still had not answered his question on how he was going to return to Hogwarts, though, he noted with slight confusion. What exactly was she planning on doing?

This shall be your story: she started, and he focused all attention on her. While in Hogsmeade, Mordred assumed you worked with the lightfighters and cast Imperious upon you forcing you to join him in his return to the shadow realm. He then brought you here to have Gat torture the information out of you. Gat, not realizing you are able to make use of magic without a wand, underestimated you. You were able to free yourself and escape the castle. Outside a fair distance away you found the portal to the Forbidden Forest. Kerridon was sweating now, knowing what would be coming within the next few minutes. He could not return to Hogwarts and say he had been tortured without a mark on him. Now he knew why she had brought him to the torture chamber. He grimaced openly upon realizing he would be expected to fight his way through the forest, which would inevitably have many dementors and shadows around the portal. Having not completed his research on another way to defeat or protect himself from them, he would have to attempt his patronus – something he had not managed to summon since Taisy’s death in January.

As you may have surmised; you will be tortured. I wish this not upon you, my Kerridon, but it is the only way. Think of it as punishment for being so careless. They will see the scars and the pain and they will care for you. With this they will forget why you have come from the Forbidden Forest and if they do not, you have an answer ready for them. You will know your moment of freedom when it is shown to you by Gat. Follow the description of the story I gave you. Your story begins now!

He had been waiting for the attack but was nonetheless unprepared for her to fly at him, sending the candle light into his chest. All of a sudden, his memories of the last few minutes were hazy and he felt a kind of mental numbness.

I will know the names of those of whom you serve! Keep a careful record of the lies you spew forward! For each one your flesh will be torn. You may begin.

Kerridon was confused by the words – what was going on? He turned just in time to see Gat aim his wand at him and say the words to the cruciatus curse. He screamed, giving up on controlling his normal outward façade of being detached from his emotions. Sinking to his knees, the pain washed over his body, crushing any resistance inside him. This was why he served the Shadow Mage. This was why he tried to do exactly as she wished. If he ever disobeyed her, he would feel this again, but ten times worse and ten times longer. It was simply not an option. He knew that Gat was one of those people who thrived on others’ pain. For all his faults, Kerridon could not claim the same thing. He only used torture or murder as a last resort, unless he was ordered to do otherwise. Perhaps if he showed himself to be in pain that would satisfy the Slytherin. The tiny part of his mind not focussed on this internal battle wondered for a moment how long he would be forced to go through this before he was allowed to escape. The thought did not last long as the pain increased and Kerridon curled up, shaking. Just get through the next minute, then the next, then the next...

[gatsoldier]

The scream that Kerridon's pain caused shook through Gat's entire being. He laughed aloud with great joy. After a few more moments of seeing Kerridon in complete agony, he finally let his wand down. He knew his orders and he needed to cause visible scars and the like. Gat grinned at him.

"Your in luck. Your going to be the test subject of my new torture method. Never before seen by the human eye. I bet your dieing to know what it is." He said in a mocking voice. To Gat this was the highest form of fun. It was not often when you get the chance to torture an ally. Gat slipped his wand into his pocket. He raised his hand over Kerridon's arm. At Gat's will, all the liquid stretching from Kerridon's arm all the way to his finger tips completely froze into solid ice.

"Can you feel it yet. The searing cold. Tell me, whats it feel like. On a scale of one to ten how would you rate it?" Gat asked him. Using his elemental prowess he held the ice in kerridon's arm against the torture table. There was no way or form of escape......yet. After letting the cold set in he readied for the next phase of his torturing method.

"Tell me. What is the greatest physical pain you've felt? Does this come anywhere near to it?" Gat asked. Gat was enjoying himself immensely. At his will, an icicle shot out of the back of Kerridon’s arm. And again in the back of his hand. The cold temperature of the arm was preventing any blood flow. Another pierced his shoulder blade.

“Now for the worst part. Be ready will you.” Gat told him. His grin widened. His eyes opened wider, watching as the ice that was in Kerridon’s arm rose in temperature in a rapidly increasing rate. The icicles melted into boiling water that covered the length of his arm, causing blisters and boils all over.

"Tell me. How does it fell. How does it hurt." Gat was playing with his prey. Toying with a boy that he presumed to be a gifted wizard. He repeated the process a few times on that arm before moving to the next. All the time he was laughing at him and mocking him. Afterwards he pretended to presume that Kerridon was too weak to do anything. Gat released his hold on the liquid in Kerridon’s arms. The blood in them flowed freely out of the holes that the icicles had made. Gat took Kerridon’s wand and then turned his back on Kerridon to place the wand on a nearby bench. This was Kerridon’s chance………Gat was sure he had done his job properly and readied himself for the upcoming escape..........

[Kerridon Paradox]

Kerridon continued to shake as Gat laughed, desperately trying to block out the pain but failing. It ran through his body; the fiery sting never lessening however much he tried to fight it. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the curse ended, but the constant ache was still there as his body attempted to recover from that particular Unforgivable.

Gat began to speak and Kerridon managed to calm his erratic breathing enough that he could hear his supposed ally.

”...in luck. You’re going to be the test subject of my new torture method. Never before seen by the human eye. I bet you’re dying to know what it is."

Closing his eyes in an effort to ignore whatever was about to happen, the other boy’s mocking tone angered him. He at least had not been the reason why his own cover had been broken – that was all Mordred’s doing. If it wasn’t for the ex-Elemental Master, Kerridon might still be at Hogwarts, researching, with no one suspecting he wasn’t completely with the Lightfighters. And he wouldn’t be being tortured by –

The intense cold immediately processed and found its way through his thoughts and distractions from what was happening. Kerridon became aware of the ice coating his arm, right from his shoulder down to his hand. It was like being plunged into a freezing sea, except that the uneven surface of the ice was scratching infuriatingly at his already aching arms, making the experience worse.

"Tell me. What is the greatest physical pain you've felt? Does this come anywhere near to it?"

Kerridon determinedly ignored Gat, knowing that he would completely lose it if he listened to his colleague’s gloating and taunting. And if that happened, then not only would he be unable to correctly stage his escape, but he would have to face his Mistress’ wrath for not obeying orders. Even when orders involved submitting to torture, she still demanded complete obedience. Besides, if you put aside the “physical” pain aspect of Gat’s question, this was nothing compared to what he had felt after Taisy’s death. Knowing that the Slytherin could not have what he wanted – the claim to having caused him the most pain. None could claim that but his father, who had been the one to kill his sister, albeit unintentionally.

He let out another howl as a spike was driven through his arm, then his hand, then a few moments later his shoulder blade. The ice was actually helping somewhat to numb the pain that he knew he should be feeling, but before that thought could truly formulate and he could be thankful for it, Gat spoke again and the ice began to melt. Kerridon’s breath came in ragged pants. The pain from the holes in his arm became more apparent as the numbing that had been a result of the ice gradually faded and blood began to pour out. That wasn’t the end though; the water continued to increase in temperature, more and more and more, and before long his arms were covered in boiling water that refused to obey gravity or evaporate as it was supposed to. His skin was blistering, and boiling, including where the icicles had been directed into his arm. The feel of boiling water on raw wounds was excruciating, but then it froze again. More ice, more spikes, more boiling water, then the next arm, repeated, over and over...

Kerridon became aware that the pain had lessened – the water fell to the floor, leaving him to collapse against the torture table. Splinters from the rough wood entered into his arms but the pain was already so great that he didn’t even notice. He didn’t hear Gat’s words, concentrating instead on regaining enough energy to perform a spell that would lead to his mistake. He felt his wand being taken and knew that Gat had turned away, knew that this was his chance. Closing his eyes once to focus, he aimed his finger at the boy’s back.

“Stupefy...” he croaked hoarsely.

The words were rasping and nearly unintelligible, but his magic had always been strong. The spell was released. After allowing himself a few seconds to regain his voice again, Kerridon sent an energy replenishing charm at himself, just enough that would get him going again. He knew that however much he wanted to, he couldn’t heal his wounds – the Lightfighters needed to see them. The worse off he looked, the more sympathy he would gain from them.

Without glancing back, Kerridon staggered from the room. He saw no one, unsurprisingly if he was supposed to escape, and went left, lurching his way in the direction of the exit to Dark Phoenix’s castle. The pain from his wounds was terrible, but he could do nothing but ignore it and hope that his memory was serving him right. The darkness and coldness of the shadow realm hit him more than ever, and more memories came back of the last few years. His discomfort when he was first ordered to torture someone for information, his pride when he was allowed to go on his first mission, those times he had been tortured as punishment for doing something wrong, his indifference when first his mother and grandfather, then his father, were declared missing presumed dead, but above all, the day Taisy had been killed. Over and over in his head, the light flashed and he remembered the feelings of denial, and shock, and anger, and that overwhelming pain that beat any physical or mental torture he had been put through by the Shadow Mage or her followers.

A cold wind hit his injuries and alerted him to the door coming up ahead. Not far now...

“Diffindo!”

The cutting spell was powerful enough to tear apart the lock and he performed another spell to push the door open. There was no way in hell that he would be able to open it himself without magic. In retrospect, he would be surprised at how much magic he had been able to use given his state, but it was always surprising what one could do when they were desperate. Currently Kerridon was desperate to escape to wherever it was the Lightfighters would find him, and heal him. He slipped through the doorway and was outside.

It took another ten minutes’ walk to reach where he knew the rift was between the Shadow Realm and the Forbidden Forest. It probably should have taken less time than that, but he was not in a good state for finding his way, or even travelling in the shadow realm full stop.

The portal opened to the midst of the Forbidden Forest. Kerridon fell to his knees on the damp grass, gasping as the wind from the realm he belonged in hit his wounds. He could feel the effects of the shadows and dementors all around him – they knew not to attack one of the Mage’s own, but could not resist coming to watch and feed on his pain. What to do now? He had no way to contact the Lightfighters... no way to bring them out to the Forbidden Forest at night... The pain was increasing again and blood was still seeping from his arms... With just enough time to realise that he had not thought this through properly, Kerridon’s eyes closed and he finally succumbed to the darkness that had been beckoning him ever since Gat’s torture had begun. The dementors and shadows began to leave the area surrounding the unconscious boy – they knew as well as the human members of Dark Phoenix’s army that disobeying orders was not permitted.

[Continues here]