|
Post by Elyon on Dec 4, 2009 15:33:16 GMT -5
Elyon closed her eyes again and tried concentrating as hard as she could... She started having some doubts about wether she could do it or not but she had to try... She promised that to Cedric...
However, her concentration was once again broken, this time by the startling whispers of the whisperers... "not prince phobos..." What!? What was that supposed to mean!? The crowd got a bit restless... What in the metaworld was going on? Admittedly, Elyon had no idea either...
"here he comes..." some whisperers murmered... "here comes the prince..." "prince phobos..." "here is prince phobos..." The whispers were soft and they all spoke at the same time, so nobody really had any clue what they were saying... Until a tall hooded figure managed to make it's way through the crowd... From what Elyon could see underneath the hood, it bore a slight resemblance to a murmerer, but much taller... "You shouldn't waste your precious power on a lowly creature like him, Elyon." the figure spoke with a very familiar voice as he approached the princess and her brother's body... The more loyal soldiers in the courtyard immediatly started yelling. How dared this guy make such a claim about their beloved prince? But the murmerers understood, and so did Elyon when she heard his voice...
"But you're... How!? What!?" she tried to find a logical explanation but only got herself dizzy in the process... The figure snapped with his fingers for a moment as a bright ring of light moved across his body, from toe to top. In a moment, the figure not only lost his hood, but also the rest of his illusionary disguise and revealed himself to be no one less than... Prince Phobos!?
Everyone was shocked. Astonished even. If Phobos was there in perfect health, then who in Imdahl's name did the rebels shoot? The prince gladly revealed that secret too and removed the body's disguise as well... Just another murmerer appeared in it's place... Everyone was allowed a second to let the facts sink in, before the prince turned to the crowd and shouted: "What are you all doing here!? Get back to work!"
As the garden reluctantly emptied, the prince approached his sister... "I'm so sorry Elyon. I didn't mean for you to get involved in this..." "But... What the...!? Why the...!?" "Calm down Elyon." the prince put a reassuring hand on Elyon's shoulder. "I was supposed to be having peace negociations now with the rebellion. But, as I had feared, they merely took the oppurtunity to try and take my life..." "Elyon held her head, trying to make the facts stop spinning. "I don't understand... You're a shapeshifter too!?" Phobos chuckled for a moment. "Not at all. I do not share all of your wonderful talents." He gently began to urge her into the relative safety of the castle's hallways while he explained... "I used a simple magical feat to manipulate the light around me. Something I will teach you soon. " He paused for a moment, noticing how Elyon still didn't understood what just happened. "Elyon, you're tired. You should get some rest before you try to comprehend the situation..."
"Say..." the prince looked up, quickly scanning the area for someone... "I do not see lord Cedric anywhere. Is he alright?" "Ohmygosh! Cedric!" Elyon snapped out of her confusion. Without explanation, she dashed off to her room... Unlike Phobos, Cedric's injuries were real and in need of treatment...
The prince stood there alone in the courtyard for a moment... While Elyon ran into the castle's hallways, he took the oppurtunity to smile... Poor little Elyon... She was so misguided, she drained a man of his life force just to save her brother. Cedric has done an excellent job of currupting her mind... Perhaps it was time to deploy her powers against the guardians... Without speaking, Phobos signalled a few whisperers to follow his sister, and guide her back to him once her errands were done...
[Exit: Elyon to Elyon's chamber] [Exit: Prince Phobos to the Strategy room]
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 15, 2009 1:19:57 GMT -5
[Belac, Soldiers, & Rebels: Enter from Valley of Light] There is a little commotion as rebels begin entering into the castle--especially after Phobos' death act. But after Belac explains that Caleb acted on his own & the rebels no longer serve him, things begin to calm down.
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 15, 2009 3:31:05 GMT -5
[Enter: Caleb from the Forest]
Caleb made it just in time to see the rebels swarming through the gates. It wasn't as surprising as it would have been, if Caleb wouldn't have witnessed the larvak's field drama. But still, it was shocking. All those years together and now... now they're walking into the heart of Phobos' domain - like defenseless lambs. Caleb didn't know why. He tried to guess, of course. This could have had something to do with Phobos' death. It could mean that the rebels are broken and can't fight anymore. It could mean that they betrayed him. It could mean something else - maybe more sinister. Right now, Caleb decided to find out, instead of trying to guess from afar. He put on a cloak and completely covered his face, so that no one would recognize him, and entered the courtyard with the rebels, observing everyone's reaction. For a moment there, he hoped that this is some kind of suicidal move and that now the rebels will all attack with no warning. But seeing all those tired and fearful faces, Caleb understood that it can't be the case. Then, what were they doing here? Even women and children came.
Caleb also noticed that the soldiers are somewhat calm. He couldn't imagine them having so much self-control, to be so calm after seeing their prince dead. Maybe the fact was kept secret? Or maybe... No. First thing's first. Now, Caleb had to find out if the people here can still be called rebels. And so, he decided to speed things up.
"Free people of Meridian!" Caleb shouted as loud as he could, throwing the cloak away at the same time. "Is there anyone here left to fight alongside your leader?"
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 17, 2009 1:06:46 GMT -5
Boromir: "What's he talking about? We came for peace--not bloodshed."
Drake: *shrugs* "Maybe he's high off pot or something?"
Aldar apologizes to Belac for the rude outburst of the confused rebel.
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 17, 2009 7:48:10 GMT -5
"Hey, hey. Listen up." Caleb commanded. "Remind me again, when did I, the rebel leader, give you any right to command our people? Oh, yes, that's right. I never did that. And if I never did that, that means I'm the leader around here. And you will listen to my orders."
Caleb approached Boromir and started walking back and forth in front of him. "You came here for peace? Is that so? What kind of peace do you see in slavery? Are we rebelling against Phobos just so that we could make peace and live pathetic slave lives? I think not."
Soldiers in the courtyard surrounded the rebels tightly and readied their weapons. Caleb looked around nervously, looking for support and then, some rebels emerged from the crowd and surrounded him with their weapons drawn. "Good." Caleb said. "I see not all of you are traitors." Then he looked at Drake and continued. "Hey clown. Is it okay if I call you that? Because that's what you are. You're not the Drake I remember - not the brave rebel commander who went through so much with me. You want peace too? Go on ahead, crawl to the soldiers, lick their boots and beg for forgiveness. Go back to living death, with no happiness or hope." Caleb turned around, trying to look into every rebel's eyes. Most of them turned away instantly, especially women and children. "I'm gonna say this once and just once." Caleb shouted. "I'm gonna ask you just once - to answer the call. The call of the rebel leader. Those of you that want freedom. Those of you that want true peace, who wish to actually change things - you will come with me and fight. You won't let Phobos and his pawns control you. And you won't listen to some pathetic weakling who forgot all his ideals and just wants peace. Peace!!!" Caleb spat that word out. "If what they're offering is peace, then I'm the biggest fool in the world! They're offering us death - but not honorable death, but the death of a slave." "Alright, that's enough." A guard captain said. "Someone shut that fool up." "To me, rebels!" Caleb pointed his sword at the sky. "To me, free people of Meridian!" His loyalists shouted as one and also raised their swords. But it still was a critical moment. It could have ended in the worst way possible. "Drake! One last chance!"
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 19, 2009 17:52:14 GMT -5
Drake approaches Aldar & mumbles under his breath so only the blue man may hear.
Drake: "That fool--trying to start a battle when there are women & children about. It's as if their lives mean nothing to him."
Aldar: *also whispering* "Indeed... No wonder the only rebels who sided with him are without family. Those with nothing to loose care not about those who still have loved ones."
Drake: *sighs* "He's lost it. ... What are we supposed to do with him?"
Belac: *smirks* "So this is the honor of rebels?" *looks at the rebels, then glances at Aldar & Drake* "You give me your word that Caleb operated on his own. Yet, several of your number have already drawn their swords when unprovoked. Is the word of a rebel leader so worthless?"
Aldar: "No." *glares at Caleb & those rebels with him* "Put down your sword. There's been enough bloodshed for one day."
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 19, 2009 19:08:58 GMT -5
Caleb almost lost it. He really didn't feel like talking. Trying to convince them was obviously a waste of time. "I don't know what kind of dreams have you been having,but you are not the rebel leader.I.Am.The.Rebel.Leader." Caleb said slowly, with anger."You keep that in your d**n mind, shut up and follow my orders. You are to aid me in escorting women and children to the forest, before these so-called soldiers have them killed - or enslaved, it's not very different. Obey me, or I will kill you where you stand - for being stupid enough to fall into such a primitive trap."
Caleb looked around, to see a few more rebels emerging from the mass with determination. But still, there were too few. Guess the saying was right he thought sadly. Every mob consists mainly of idiots.
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 19, 2009 22:26:56 GMT -5
Drake: "Hmph! Who died & made you prince? The only reason we followed you was because we thought you'd lead us to freedom. But we were wrong. You're nothing more than a wannabe tyrant."
Some rebels start to surround the small band. All have hands on the swords.
The soldiers watch with curiosity.
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 20, 2009 6:55:15 GMT -5
"What kind of peace will you achieve here?" Caleb glared at Drake. "You think they brought you here to give you freedom? I don't even know what to say. It's just too obvious - it's a trap! Maybe I didn't succeed in giving you all freedom just yet, but it's only a matter of time. If you'll go there and 'negotiate' with them, it'll all be over. Everything we fought for. Everything we ever believed in. All that will be lost." Caleb looked at the women and children farther away and continued. "I must admit, starting a battle with women and children around is rather dangerous - or even foolish. But we have to make such choices if we are to win. Right now, you have two choices - listen to the soldiers and be slaves forever or follow me and start from the beginning. I can't promise you anything - except freedom to choose. And a small hope. But that's more than they will ever give you." A little more than a dozen rebels were on his side now. "Quick, give me a bow." Caleb whispered to one of them and then turned at Drake. "Drake," Caleb said calmly. "Are you willing to fight for the right thing or not?"
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 21, 2009 1:51:22 GMT -5
A rebel moves to give Caleb a bow, but Drake interferes. Drake: *getting in the way* "Uh uh, his archery rights have been removed. He's done enough hunting for one day." *looks back at Caleb* "You just don't get it, do you? The fight's over--we won. Now give it a rest already." Phobos: *to Drake* Order the soldiers back to their posts.Belac: But all the rebels are here! We can't leave them unsupervised--not in the castle.Phobos: If they don't 'think' we trust them, then how can we expect them to 'believe' that I offer them peace? Besides, the less targets that ex-leader has--the better. ... In fact, I want you to go to Elyon's room & escort her home. Stay with her until I summon you.Belac: W-wait a second... I'm not some babysitter!Phobos: Those are your orders. I expect them to be followed. *cuts link* Belac: Dammit! *looks at the soldiers* "What are you slackers gawking at? Get back to your posts! Phobos isn't paying you to stand around!" All the soldiers rush to their posts. Belac: *looks at Aldar* "When you are finished handling your little mutiny, send a soldier to inform Phobos you are ready to discuss the terms of the treaty."He storms off without waiting for a response. [Belac: Exit to Elyon's Chamber] Only rebels remain in the courtyard.
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 21, 2009 11:21:13 GMT -5
Caleb sighed. "Listen," he said. "I can fight Phobos. I can fight his soldiers. I can fight tyranny. I can fight overwhelming hordes of enemies. But there's one thing I cannot fight - and that's your d**n stupidity!!!" Caleb turned at the rebels "I am your leader. You are to follow me. I don't have to stand here and to convince you. Here's what I'm gonna do. I'm going to the forest now. If any of you feel like following me, do so. We'll start over, but at least we'll have a chance. Those of you that just can't open your eyes to reality, stay here and die. I couldn't care less. War isn't a situation in which one can be stupid." Caleb turned away from the rebels. He wanted to play calm, but inside, he was burning with anger. He knew he'll regret this. All these people will most likely die. But it wasn't something he could change now. So Caleb just started walking towards the main gate. About twenty rebels followed him - the remains of the rebellion.
[Exit: Caleb and loyal rebels to the Forest]
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 21, 2009 15:06:07 GMT -5
Aldar & Drake wait for the traitors to leave.
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 26, 2009 19:49:51 GMT -5
[Enter: Vathek from the Throne Room]
Vathek walked in, looking at his feet. He didn't notice former rebels yet and he didn't pay any attention to he noise they were making. The warrior was deaf and blind to everything but his thoughts now. I'm not that kind of guy. Vathek thought, kicking a pebble. I should leave thinking to others. The problem was that no one was opening their eyes. Everyone either lived in a lie - like Elyon, or in a world plagued by treachery - like Cedric. Cedric, his friend was a proud man - snake - whatever. But in this war, he was just a servant of a disgusting leech. Stop thinking about it. Vathek quickly tried to remember something else, maybe a bit nicer, but it wasn't easy. Time after time, his thoughts got back to the same thing. And he thought about it over and over again.
If only... No, that's not a good way to think. Why me? If only? What if? Such questions shouldn't be asked. Vathek knew that well - but in this case, he could do little else. What could he possibly do to counter Phobos' magic, Cedric's stubbornness or Caleb's anger? The only ones Vathek could support were the rebels. But the rebels... They regarded Cedric as a foe and the blue giant didn't want the snake-man to lose his life. That's why Vathek didn't side with anyone.
Then finally he raised his head and saw the rebels. A mass of dirty, worried people. Women and children. The elderly. Warriors with nothing but fear and weakness in their eyes. Caleb wasn't among them. What were they doing here? What was the last time I took a bath? "Shut up," Vathek told the last thought and addressed one of the rebels, a man with better clothes (Drake). "What's happening here?"
|
|
|
Post by Prince Phobos on Dec 26, 2009 23:21:10 GMT -5
Drake: "Aha! You're right on time. Please inform Lord Phobos that we're ready to meet him to discuss the treaty."
|
|
|
Post by knownasstation on Dec 27, 2009 8:46:07 GMT -5
"Well, alright..." Vathek replied. "I don't have anything better to do anyway."
One thing was bothering him though. "Where's your leader?" Vathek asked, still searching for Caleb.
|
|