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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 26, 2007 19:38:44 GMT -5
D'rorah regarded Zane quietly as he spoke. She took note of the fact that he did not volunteer to offer the proof she had asked for. However, there were plenty of reasons a person might not wish to share his thoughts with another that were perfectly legitimate. However, given the current climate, it wasn't safe to reveal much to anyone she wasn't absolutely sure of. And, much as she'd like to be, she couldn't be absolutely sure of Zane just yet. However, she could give him more information than she already had... and she could do so fairly safely.
"Mister Bishop..." she paused, considering where to begin for a moment. "We are in the beginnings of a war between two realms. Our realm is a Realm of Light. The realm we fight, the Shadow Realm, is a Realm of Darkness. So, when I ask whether you would choose between Light or Dark, I mean something much more abstract yet more absolute than good or evil. What I mean is, do you see this Realm, with its infinite failings as containing things worth preserving? The Shadow Realm itself is a dark, desolate place which has been ravaged by Shadows, the Shadow Mage, and all the other creatures of Darkness... and now they seek to control this realm as well, to eliminate those who represent Light. There are those who oppose these dark creatures... those called Lightfighters. The Lightfighters realize that, in order for this realm to continue to exist, it must maintain a balance of both Light and Dark... they seek to maintain this balance while the Shadows wish only for Darkness to have a hold here. If these creatures of Dark succeed, it will mean the end of existence as we know it... this Realm will no longer be as it is now and will begin to destruct. Indeed, the Shadow Realm itself cannot last much longer... the decay caused by pure darkness is the very reason those creatures are interested in conquering this Realm."
She paused, watching him to gauge his reaction. "So then, my question once again is this--When the time comes, will you support those who serve Light in their bid to bring the world back into its proper balance? Or will you choose the thrill of darkness and its fleeting rewards?"
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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 Dec 28, 2007 16:23:59 GMT -5
Much as he tried, really tried, to maintain his ever-present facade of confident disinterest, Zee's face refused to obey and showed clearly his confusion and fear. Taking a step away from D'rorah, his back found the cold marble column behind him. He was trapped. Zee was no angry, bitter sadist who wanted the world to burn. He liked the world, despite its many shortcomings. Why would he want it destroyed or turned into a shadowy wasteland? And yet he could never offer D'rorah a glimpse into his mind. That would be the end for him, and who cared about the world once he was gone?
I may need to rethink that last part. That could possibly lead to the darkness . . . I sound so melodramatic.
A tiny smirk came to Zee's lips as he thought of the absurdity of it all. How often did one hear that the entire realm was in danger? That all you knew could be twisted and darkened until you couldn't even recognize it anymore. With a sigh and a shake of his head, Zee stepped away from the pillar, back to his original spot.
"Miss Philosophy, you cannot trust my words. If all is as you say then there is too much risk for you to open up to anyone based merely on their words. So instead I ask that you look at all you know of me. Truly you have known me longer than any other at the school, and I've spent more time with no other, with the possible exception of Miss Edwin."
Zee was also amused by the way he seemed to emulate D'rorah's tendency to refer to everyone formally when he was around her. He kept any smirk from his face this time though.
"You have observed me since I arrived at the school. Do you believe me to be the type who would wish this world destroyed? Or have you so little respect for my intelligence that you think I'd choose the quick, easy, and ultimately self destructive path that can only lead to a dead end? Once again I assure you that if my choice is spending my days with the inhabitants of this castle, most of whom leave much to be desired, or sitting in the dark with the emotionless terrors in the forest, then that is really no choice at all."
He stood there, mostly expressionless, awaiting D'rorah's decision. He would not attempt to play the virtuous idealist he played for most of the other students and teachers. She knew better. Still he believed his logic to be sound, and from a purely practical point of view, it was extremely unlikely he would join the shadows. If all were indeed the way she had explained it. Zee knew there were three sides to every story. Your version, their version, and the truth.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 28, 2007 23:48:54 GMT -5
D'rorah nodded slightly as she listened to Zane's reply. "There are those who find the promises of the Shadow Realm too great a temptation to refuse," she replied thoughtfully. "Wizards may join with Shadows seeking more power or simply a different sort of power. What most fail to realize is that tapping into this power slowly gives more strength to the Shadow until the person is no long capable of controlling his or her own self."
"The Mage could offer you power. You would have the opportunity to wield a magic that few others ever experience for themselves. She might offer power, authority, access to learning Shadow Magic. She might even offer rewards after taking over this realm and the ability to acquire more power." Her tone became more pragmatic. "You are an ambitious creature, Mister Bishop. I know that such promises may be quite tempting. As a Lightfighter, you may learn a bit of Elemental Magic, but I cannot promise what the Mage will. All I can promise is that you will have the opportunity to participate in the war. Perhaps you will acquire power, perhaps you will learn magic you would not otherwise have access to. Overall though, the end benefit is that you will assist in maintaining the existence of this world so that you are free to continue your own pursuits. We will not attempt to break your promises, because we make few."
She paused. "Personally, I find that the Mage's methods are sickening. As you are well aware, I am not what anyone would consider... innocent in the realm of Dark Magic. However, her methods even I find questionable. And it is my experience that such people tend to cease honoring promises made to those who are no longer useful for them. Such is the nature of pure darkness. I propose to fight for light so that we maintain a balance... light and dark working together in order for the world to remain complete. So, even those of us with darker ambitions stand to benefit."
Had she explained her feelings on the matter well enough for Zee to make a more definite commitment to the cause of the Lightfighters? As much as she wanted him on her side, she wasn't really sure how it would happen. But his answers seemed sincere so far... perhaps...
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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 Dec 29, 2007 2:03:00 GMT -5
"Your candor is overwhelming Miss Philosophy. It sounds almost as if you're trying to persuade me to join the Dark. Who is this Mage you speak of? And based upon your great concern that I will join her, I take it many other wizards are doing just that. It makes me wonder if you know of any specifically who I should watch out for. You wouldn't keep me in the dark, thus leaving me poor and defenseless would you?"
Zee was growing impatient. He wasn't sure what D'rorah wanted from him short of full access to his mind so she could assess whether he could be trusted or not. That she would not get, but telling her as much bluntly would hardly be a very diplomatic maneuver. At times he got the feeling she was concerned for his personal safety, but generally she made it clear she cared only for the war, and that only included him if he proved useful. It was aggravating, but not entirely unexpected.
"I believe that you aren't feeding me empty promises Miss Philosophy, so you need not worry that I'll think the dark a better choice based on what you've said. I do wonder however what it is you're looking for me to say. Twice now you've asked me if I would choose the Dark. Twice I've said no. How many more times are required?"
His tone was calm and inoffensive, but he wanted to make it clear he wasn't interested in repeating himself over and over just to get slightly more information out of her each time.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 29, 2007 8:07:39 GMT -5
"I am not interested in how many times you say no, Mister Bishop. I am only interested in the fact that, when the time comes, you choose not to serve the dark." She shifted slightly in her seat as she considered him. "It would be so disappointing to have to kill someone so seemingly intelligent." She had given up on having access granted to Zane's mind, realizing that she wouldn't have it with his permission. And, for the first time since she had met him, he seemed genuinely sincere in his statements. His usual mode of double talk had been temporarily abandoned, having given way to what might be a smirking honesty. As far as she was concerned, the only logical choice was to support Light... and Zane seemed to be mostly a creature of logic. Shrewd logic, no doubt, and always looking for the position that would most benefit him... but still logical.
"You are correct, many are choosing to join the Mage. She is the leader of the forces in the Shadow Realm. The current Mage has been gathering her forces for the past three centuries or so, slowly maneuvering to gain power for herself. Her main opponents are known as Lightfighters. At the core is a group of ten people, five Shadow Warriors and Five Elemental Masters, who possess the power to combat her effectively. Shadow Warriors, as implied by the name, are endowed with special abilities which grant them the power to destroy Shadows and creatures of that Realm. The Elemental Masters are ones who have complete control of their Elements... there are only five in existence at any time--one each for Water, Wind, Metal, Fire, and Earth. When those five Elements join, they create light. For the past three centuries, the Mage has been successful in either killing or separating the forces of Light so that they could not combat her. However the current generation have almost all found one another, and already are engaging her forces in the beginnings of what will culminate in a war between the two realms." Prudently, she omitted the fact of her status as a Shadow Warrior or the names of any of her fellows from her conversation. That was exactly the sort of information she would not trust him with until she had reason to... until he had either proven himself through actions or through allowing her into his mind.
Of course, he would have likely already surmised that Keaira and Alessandro were Shadow Warrior and Elemental Master, though not for the same Element. She could not help the show Zane had seen on the night of Keaira's return from China. She truly believed in their ability to defeat the current Mage. For those who were Shadow Warriors or Elemental Masters, there was no choice but to fight. Dark Phoenix had already proven her willingness to kill them whether they fought or not. Such was the nature of Darkness... just as Unforgivable Curses, once unleashed, did not care who their victims were, the Mage would not be troubled with questions or ethics or morals as she eliminated those who might potentially be a threat to her. D'rorah, though a shrewd person, did still allow her conscience to have some sway over her decisions... though most still felt her to make her decisions dispassionately, with no concern for anything other than the end result.
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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 Dec 29, 2007 11:43:50 GMT -5
Zee's pride irked at D'rorah's simple statement that it would be disappointing to kill him. He did not however think it an idle threat, or truly a threat at all. It was an honest expression of her feelings on the matter. It did make the Slytherin wonder about her though, if her only reason for not wanting him dead was because of his intelligence. Her words of only caring about useful people came drifting back to him, and he became less sure that she would prove a safer companion than this Shadow Mage. Thus he elected to lean forward on the back of the chair facing her rather than seat himself in it.
"Then I already know two of the lightfighters at least. Keaira has clearly shown her ability to combat the shadows and Darko his affinity with fire. Wysteria being Darko's best friend leads me to believe she is also involved, though what part she plays I've no idea. This does help explain a lot of her secretive nature though. Clearly you are involved to know so much about it, and if Darko's involvement makes Wysteria guilty by association, then yours no doubt has the same effect on Mr. Cooper."
Zee ran through all his memories since he'd arrived at the school but he could think of no other likely partakers in this war.
"Are all of the lightfighters students then? Surely one of you must be a professor. Perhaps even the headmistress. This could be quite the example of history repeating itself if you switched your name to LaPointe's Army."
Zee smirked, though only lightly. His joking nature was clearly little more than an attempt to make himself more comfortable with his recent revelations and the slight tension he felt growing between himself and D'rorah.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 29, 2007 12:15:48 GMT -5
D'rorah considered him for a moment again before speaking. Indeed, she had attempted to limit her involvement with other Lightfighters where others might see for this very reason; however, the attempt seemed to have been in vain. She could reason with herself that Zane was more intelligent than most of the students on the campus, but the connection probably was not very difficult to make in general.
"As point of fact, there were professors who were Elemental Masters," she replied with a slight nod of her head. "However the Mage seems fit to have facilitated their untimely demises... thus, we have made the decision I spoke of to you before. Those who prove to be against us are killed before they can kill us. Perhaps there are still some who are sentimental... in actuality you have three choices, Mister Bishop. You may abstain from involving yourself--in which case we will do our utmost to protect you as we do all students. You may choose the side of Light--in which case you will fight with us. Or, you may choose Darkness--in which case the only real viable option will be your eventual death, either at our hands or the hands of the Mage."
She rose from her chair. "Think upon it, Mister Bishop. I am certain you would be an excellent ally. Unlike most, you have a streak of darkness in you which I am sure allows you to see things rather differently than those who have no affinity whatsoever for dark magic... it gives you a different perception and makes you a better fighter because you will better understand the thoughts and motives of your opponents. She gestured toward the window, through which the Forbidden Forest was visible. "Take time to consider... think of those whom you suspect to be allied with the Light side. Then think of those such as Mister Soldier, who have allied with the Dark." She smirked slightly, knowing that Gat could hardly be a good representative for the side of Shadows with his foolhardy actions and less-than-exemplary spellwork.
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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 Dec 29, 2007 21:27:22 GMT -5
Amazed that she would so blatantly say that he would be killed if he didn't at least persuade her that he wasn't going to join the Dark, Zee was more than slightly on edge given his indecisiveness and the knowledge that still ate at him concerning what he'd done to Dylan. Due to this, he visibly flinched when Dee suddenly stood. No attack came and he immediately felt very foolish, but he did his best to hide the feeling. Standing straight, he attempted a cocky grin that didn't last more than 2 two seconds.
There's no point. Just (and I can't believe I'm saying this) be honest.
"I suppose then that there is nothing more to say for now. You have made many excellent points and I will consider them. I trust you more than perhaps all but one other person Miss Philosophy, but then I understand people far too well to trust."
The tone with which Zee finished his statement was filled with venom. Truly Zee despised most people for their weakness and unwillingness to do what was necessary to get what they wanted, though lately most of his bitter thoughts had been directed towards himself. His opinion on the human race as a whole was not high, and it made him worry that perhaps he would rather not save this world. If he had been confused before, he was desperately lost now. His mouth hung open for several seconds as he tried to think of something else to say, some way to excuse himself. Finally he shook his head and simply walked out of the room.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Dec 29, 2007 21:40:32 GMT -5
D'rorah nodded. "I have only told you the unvarnished truth, Mister Bishop. My opponents will not be so straightforward," she admonished in a neutral tone of voice. She watched as he left, thinking that perhaps now he might understand a bit better what she had meant when she had said there were some things a person simply did not wish to know. She could almost see the shift in his eyes as he had spoke, as though some part of his view of the world in general had shifted. Until this was resolved, it seemed there would be no more quiet research sessions in the library or anything of the like. She somewhat regretted that... here she was losing what she supposed passed for friends nearly as quickly as she was gaining them.
She wondered if he would see the logic. That, in the end, Light was the only side one could serve. The eventual destruction of the world in exchange for power... well, what good was power for someone who didn't live long enough to use it? She watched after the door he had departed through for several long moments before gathering her things and quietly making her way to her dormitory. She needed somewhere quiet to meditate, to bring under control the darkness which had invaded her mind back in the DADA classroom. Having already chosen the side of light, she now had to keep hold of her emotions and resist being corrupted without the help of her Elemental Master so she could keep her choice about which side to serve.
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