Topic: When Good People go to War ((18+))

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-12 15:26 EST

((Just leaving this as a for warning, later in this SL the post may be found disturbing due to graphic content as well as the amount of foul language used, view discretion is advised ))

Help wanted ads were always a constant around Rhy'din. In need of a cleaner. In need of a plumber. However there was always an odd one out. Some were comical. In need of a Mattress for a stunt. In need of a Maid for magic practice.

However some seemed comical and were overlooked, were purely serious. This day, the one that everyone seemed to overlook was:

Hitman needed for things

For things. Nothing more then that. Most overlooked it since the Hitman business in Rhy'din was almost something of a joke with recent developments around the city. However an opportunistic person, or someone simply looking for adventure, might just pick up on an ad like this.

Today that adventurous young soul was Charles. Even with his professional military background, nothing could satisfy that boyish feeling when you get to do something adventurous. He plucked the number from the bottom of the sheet and glanced over it for a few moments before moving away from the Ad board with a nonchalant walk. But inside he was not all that nonchalant, rather he was excited to what this number might bring him to. Sliding it into his pocket he went towards a small diner in the marketplace, somewhere not to busy where he could call.

The front door chimed to his entrance, quickly followed by:

"What can I get'cha hun?" the waitress behind the bar called to him.

"Nothing, thanks for the offer though" Charles nodded to her as he moved over towards some secluded booth to the side of the room. Combat boots were not at all made for stealthy movements, as each step made a hard clank against the floor.

Sliding into the booth he pulled the small slit of paper out and set it in front of him. Pulling his datapad off of his side he taps in the number and slides his earpiece.

Ring....

Ring.....

Rin.

"Hello I noticed your ad..." He began to speak but was cut off.

"Docks, 2200 hours, be there." Click.

Charles pulled his ear piece out and glanced around, that was way to easy he thought, but now he was in it forreal. That boyish feeling never did give in though. "Ma'am" He called to the Waitress "Some coffee please"

"Sure thing hun! Comin' right up!"

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-15 23:47 EST

2200 hours. Right on the dot. The man did not specify what dock he wished to speak with him on. But Charles was at the end of one pier, combat boots placed so they only nearly hung over the edge, rifle lightly slung across his back.

"2200 hours on the dot. Im impressed Mr. Charles. Or should we call you Sergeant Charles, or Legate Charles" The man, draped in a black overcoat spoke in a hushed and harsh tone "We know all about you Charles, you leave quite a ....trace....to follow. Your skills un-matched with a rifle, and power in magic you have yet to even learn. The ability to cause whole planes of existence to collapse into themselves, and then you can rescue them. Yet you are here. Why' You could be making money for yourself..." He pestered him more.

Charles turned softly to face the man "Im guessing you are the man whom I spoke to?"

"Yes I am the man. and you are now working for me. Don't worry about pay, if you complete your contract you will be...well....rewarded. Here is the target" A picture of a well dressed business man was handed to him "kill him. Simple. He will be in the marketplace at 0200 hours tomorrow. Do it then. Fail us and you die. We will be watching." And like that he simply seemed to slink into the shroud of the shadows and disappear.

That left Charles all alone on the dock. How did the man know so much. How did he learn. Why him. What was all of this going to cause. He gulped a bit and looked about nervously, hopefully no one saw him as he moved away from the dock that he was standing on towards the easiest way to the rooftops. He was going to get a hive set up to take the shot.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-16 22:22 EST

An hour had passed since the quick, and near wordless meeting at the docks. He still had plenty of time before his target was to be anywhere near the market place. But with all of the activity that was now picking up there, any rushed placement or rushed shot would easily give away his position. He was crawling, ever so slowly now to get into position. He wasn't using his rifle, since it was so specific to him. A simple store bought rifle with enough rounds to get him out of a single situation, and a silencer. Personal camo that helped him blend even more into the near pitch blackness of the rooftops.

Soon he was in position, just over looking the largest square of the Marketplace. Still had plenty of time though. He pulled the black mesh over him and got into a stable, prone stance on the flat roof, he already paced his breathing for the shot. He placed the picture of the man right next to his scope, right where he could look over every exact detail. Brown hair, green eyes, elongated nose with a slight bend in it. Small lips, plain skin, slight facial hair: never count on that:

Another hour passed and no one, other then the random stragglers or patrol went by in his scope. His breathing never left the slow pace that he had been holding, and his eye never left the scope. This was the stuff he spent hours training his body, mind, and soul for. However in due time the stillness and peace of the market, or at least what little peace there was, was about to be broken once again.

Not had he looked away for half a second did his target enter. A middle aged business man, in a very expensive suit, hair combed back, and carrying some sort of black suitcase that had an extensive triple lock.

"Target acquired" Charles murmured to no one but himself, but kept with his old habits.

A few moments passed as the cross-hair settled just above the mans head quietly. A guard passed by the man, and turned down a alley way. The moment of truth. Breath released and held there, the sway of the scope became non existent. One more second passed as the finger hovered of the hair trigger. A simple muscle movement downwards on the trigger sent a round from the small slit in the mesh towards the target. Striking him right above the ear, left ear, coming through his skull and out the lower, right hand side jaw area. Instant kill. The only sounds made was the slight hiss of the silencer releasing the pressure of the gases. The thud of the body. And the scream of a woman down the road that saw the bloody murder.

Job done, Charles was gone before the even present Watch could start to get a bead on him. Quick , clean, and without a trace.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-05-19 17:24 EST

"So what do we have here?" " "Prelim on the GSW from the other night, Sir." " "I mean how did this report end up on my desk?" " "Sir, given the specifics this has been handed over to Special Operations." " "Well let's have a look see" I don't think it can be that much outta the ordinary, given all the other stuff happening around here lately." " "Sir." " "No need to stand like that, Tim. Grab a chair, and let's have a look at this report together." " "Yessir.""

A bit of a sigh escaped Brian, as he nodded to the younger officer who quickly grabbed a chair, and took a seat next to the desk that belonged to the Reserve Captain. The report was thumbed through a bit, as Brian took a quick scan of the contents.

"Business man' Lovely' Lessee here—-GSW to the head, and the projectile entered from just above the left ear, and exited the jaw" Pics on the "45" look rather clean, poor bastard never had a clue. Least he was able to keep his face. High powered rifle, and given the trajectory and impact and exit signs. It's hard to say—- I know damn sure this wasn't an M107 50, or a 15mm Czech. I'm just talking out of my @ss here a bit cause there's no way they'd pull that shot off, within 500 yards Let alone keep the 45s face intact....No this was something with less kick, but still high powered enough and more so quiet enough..." " "Sir?" " "Hmm, oh sorry about that, I was referring to a some terran high powered sniper rifles."

"Like a Dragunov 7.32, Sir?"

"Huh' So you do know a bit about rifles, eh' Say, take a look at this other file here, and find me the POI for the round, after it exited the 45, please."

"Not really, Sir. I just know that was favorite of Timmens, and he used to collect them. And here you are Sir, these three here. And also here's a diagram of where the 45 had been standing, and the direction he faced."

"Hmm, that is a helluva point of impact, no wonder this poor bastard didn't see it. I'd say, the sniper was definitely in the market area, and fairly close....Did we recover any of the round?"

"They did Sir, over on page 5 there. Yes, right there, Sir."

"So only pieces, it seems. It ricocheted an shattered a bit, I'd have to guess....But that doesn't—- damn. He was easily within a few hundred yards, or so of the 45. No one heard anything either, so he was silenced....Alright, let's do this. Find me the local shops around here that deal in rifles, terran or otherwise. It's a start, and who knows maybe we'll run into something. I'm gonna head over to the scene and have a look around, for myself. Also see if we have any leads on that missing cash, and have Timmens find find witnesses, 1 and 3 for me. I need to ask some follow ups."

"Yes Sir."

"They were right to send this to us, cause something doesn't add up with this....So let's get to work, and have Dobson get with me as well, I need to see his supplement report on that missing money."

"Right away, Sir."

Moments later, Brian had exited the Watch Station and was en-route to the scene. Report in hand, as he replayed the events, as he read them. Something was missing, and it was time to find out what the hell that was...

So much for Reserve work, it seems. Especially with Eps in her current state, and all the other crap going on around the city. Not to mention the 'readiness detail', which was truly a support operation for the Center of Disease Control. So it seemed the 27th had their hands full, as of late.

Just another day on the Watch, no"

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-19 22:23 EST

The scene was all but at peace now. The simple white outlines of a body taped to the ground are the only things that give way to the fact that no less then a few nights ago an assassination occured here.

But not all things were as they were left. In the middle of the outline was a suitcase, the same suitcase that was stolen from the man. However inside there was no large sum of cash. Rather then a simple, typed note that had no other evidence on it. It read:

Brian Ravenlock, this has nothing to do with you. We suggest you stay out of this one, or bad things will happen, just like they will for Charles.

So obviously the cat was out of the bag on who did it. But the bad thing for Brian was that Charles was now considered AWOL from his current employer after not reporting to role call 2 days

::2 days ago::

Charles was walking the docks, working on getting to the rendevous point to pick up his payment. Little to his knowledge was that someone was tagging him on the rooftop. Moments went by and no one came to give the payment, and Charles could sense activity picking up in the area. Little did he know that the group that he was working for would soon be the group sent out to kill him.

One explosion rocked the docks but did not damage them. However Charles was forced to the ground. Null magic explosion. With magic out of the way he was much less of a danger to the 10 man group that seemingly swooped out of no where. Surrounded and out gunned he did what he knew how to do. One shot infront while he whipped around to take down another, but nothing took these guys out. Each with their heavy personal armor on all lethal parts of their body, they charged in on Charles.

The pain was quick, a broken nose from the impact with the wood. A few broken ribs from punches given from brass knuckles, stab wounds in the legs and arms, and an injection point on the right shoulder. Soon Charles was Knocked out and was being carried away from the scene where there were no witnesses.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-19 23:16 EST

Yasuo ________

The sound of falling water.

A constant. Never ending. Hypnotic.

It helped ease the mind and clear it of thoughts.

Nayun sat in meditation on the rocks beside the fall. Her eyes closed, her back straight her hands calmly folded upon one another. She breathed in through her nose, and exhaled past her lips. Much like the constant fall of the water, the breathing did not sway as well.

She had been here for an hour. Simply trying to find something. That something — unknown to her.

"Master" The interruption came without warning. The pure white kitsune landing on the rock beside its Mistress. Each of its three tails flowing gently in the breeze, as if apart of the wind.

Nayun's brow twitched. Her meditation ruined. "What is it?" Spoken softly.

"There is trouble in the city...It appears Charles Blackstone is missing." The fox padded around the rock. Sniffing here and there, then finally settling herself down to sit in front of Nayun.

"Should this worry me?" Nayun replied.

"It seems odd...Saito is worried." The eerie voice of the fox met Nayun's ears.

"Then we leave for the city at once...I will gather my things." Legs uncrossing, and in the same motion - Nayun rose to stand.

The fox said nothing more. She simply bowed her head and folded the space about herself and disappear.

Nayun, now alone, reached to gather her clothing so that she could dress herself once more.

"Interesting.."

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-20 00:10 EST

It was a trap. It was a F*cking trap.

Charles woke up in a dark room. No idea of time, place, or date. All he knew was the fact that he was gagged with a sock in his mouth, his hands were bound sharply behind to back and shackled to the table. Same story for his feet. He struggled, trying to break free using all his might. But the second he tries to use magic he winces in pain as the spell backfires onto himself. Null magic zone around him.

A man walks in the room, decked out in all black clothing and carrying some sort of black weaponry, but Charles was so groggy from the drugs he couldn't make out exactly what or who he was dealing with.

"You have five minutes to tell those who you need too what you need to." He pulled a lever somewhere off in the shadows.

Charles dropped to the ground where his hands were unshackled and unbounded, but he was so weak any attempt to escape was useless. He could only write. And thats what he did.

Nayun, It seems there has been a snag in our plans, I will need time But I will begin to teach the Guard I apologize for the delay.

Charles.

Just as he finished writing that piece a metal bar hit the back of his head, he winced as blood dripped from his now bleeding skull onto the paper.

He still had time so he kept writing

Brynn I know I told you I would always be around. And I promised I would never leave you. Well I want to uphold that promise but right now....Im.....busy....I just want to let you know, that through all of this I love you and I will soon return to you. It has been a while since we last spoke, but I still love you more then anything, or anyone else....Im so...

"Times up. " A fist struck Charles face, more blood splattering on the paper. The two letters were sealed up and shipped out.

Charles was roughly dragged onto the cold, harsh table and shackled back up to be left there for sometime.

Brynn Hawthorne · Date: 2013-05-20 16:25 EST

"Brynn," Garreth whispered. He really wasn't wanting to wake her. Unfortunately it had to be done. The sleeping woman stirred just barely. He sighed, clearing his throat to try again.

"Brynn." He was more insistent this time around, moving across the room to her bedside. A quiet groan issued from Brynn's lips and she shifted uncomfortably, rocking her head side to side to indicate her unwillingness to wake. It still hurt to move and the painkillers weighed heavily in her blood, making her sluggish as she tried to will herself awake.

"Brynn, wake up, it's Charles. He's...I think something's wrong." Garreth's worry spilled through his words. The mention of her beloved's name was enough to draw her from the depths of her dreams and she sat upright, squinting eyes working to find Garreth's face as her vision adjusted to the sudden intrusion of light.

"What is it, Gare?" Blinking slowly, she brought a hand up to rub the sleep from her eyes. Another groan came forth, muscles finally catching up to her movement, burning with soreness. With her right arm still in a sling, she struggled to push herself into a more alert position.

Garreth snaked his arm around her back to help her sit up fully. His brows knitted together as he took a slow breath in before offering out the piece of paper. Keeping a hand on her back, he awaited her reaction fearfully. The flat granite of her eyes ticked over the paper, trying to read words past the spattering of now dried blood. Brows rising up her forehead, she found it getting hard to breathe.

Apprehensive, he kept his eyes on hers, watching the panic rise. He looked on as she drew a fingernail over one of the larger blood stains, scraping up a flaking and lifting it to her nose. She inhaled, the scent confirming her worst fear.

"Charles..." She whispered. It was his blood.

Garreth caught his lower lip between his teeth, biting hard. This wasn't good, not at all. Azure flecked emeralds locked on hers, waiting. Waiting for...something.

Soon that something came forth, an inky blackness seeping into her irises, soaking the cloudy grey with a deep onyx, overtaking the tiny flecks of blue that her beloved adored so much. Her breathing steadied, slowing until her chest barely rose or fell. Fingers clenched at the paper as she read and re-read, over and over.

Brynn's eerie calm scared the living hell out of Garreth though he did his best not to show it. The hand he had on her back tingled slightly, and he pulled back, wincing. This really wasn't good.

"Brynn, I need you to stay calm. You know what?ll happen if you get too worked up so soon after..." He trailed off, brows knitting together with worry once more. His words fell on deaf ears because she exploded soon after. A wave of darkness overtook the room, sending it into pitch black as she let out a feral howl of pain, physical as well as emotional.

Even in the dark, he could see her lashing out and he dove forward to wrap his arms around her tightly. His mouth by her ear, he murmured a soft tune, pleading for her to calm down. Every muscle in her body was burning, every nerve ending alight with unseen flame.

"Charles..." Brynn whispered again, this time a whimper. She barely registered Garreth's calming voice in her ear. But calm her it did and soon the darkness that had infiltrated every nook and cranny of her palatial bedroom soon retracted, seeping back into her very being. Any hint of the previous energy shown had been sapped and she slumped in Garreth's grasp.

"Find him, Gare." She pleaded softly.

"Brynn, you know I can't leave you. Not like this." He responded, hating to see her ache like this.

"He's been hurt or worse, I trust you to find him...please..." Closing her eyes, she felt the adrenaline being replaced by the sluggish flow of morphine in her veins. Soon, she was drifting again despite her best attempts at clinging to consciousness.

"I'll do what I can, Bree. Trust me." Garreth's hand ran over her hair as she faded again and he eased her back down onto her pillow. Pulling the blanket up to cover her, he stood there for what seemed like an eternity, watching her in her drug-induced slumber, before turning to leave her room.

Hand on the light switch, he glanced over his shoulder then shook his head.

"Damn it, Blackstone, you better come back to her..." He muttered and left to see what he could find out.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-20 18:33 EST

Adenna Embassy: Sakura Gardens _____________________________________

A sudden lurch of the stomach, the feeling of her air being taken from her body, and then with a flash — she would be back home; or the home away from home that was the Adennian Embassy of the Sakura Gardens.

"Welcome Back!" The cheerful greeting from one of the many welcoming Magi of Liltu met Nayun's ears.

Nayun spoke not a word to the woman. Her walk brisk in its nature, holding the air of urgency with each step taken. Yun, her ever faithful kitsune familiar, had been waiting for her. No longer a fox, but instead the white haired kimono clad woman of illusions.

"Master." No other words were needed. Held within her hands - a letter. Nayun stared down at it and flared her nostrils. Even without opening, she could smell the tell tale traces of blood coming off it.

Gloved hands reached out to take the letter delicately into her care. Opening, then pulling it free to read the contents.

Nayun, It seems there has been a snag in our plans, I will need time But I will begin to teach the Guard I apologize for the delay.

Charles.

"What does it say..?" Dawn's voice came from behind her. The blonde currently recovering from her own trip via portal with the way she clutched at her stomach.

Nayun relayed the message, which seemed to cause Dawn to sigh out in relief. "...He sounds okay...I was worried."

"His writing is short, the pen strokes fast...There's a smell of blood." Nayun's head tilt to the side, inspecting the letter more. "He is in a troublesome situation."

Nayun did not wait to listen to Dawn's worried reply. "Yun." She looked down to the white haired woman instead; the woman who immediately bowed her head and waited for orders.

"Begin searching. Gather whatever information you can."

Yun bowed her head deeply. "Understood!" Then, within a puff of smoke, the woman was replaced by the three tailed fox. Nayun turned to peer over her shoulder at Dawn whilst Yun quickly dashed down the hall.

"What are we going to do?" Her worry worn. The blondes fingers idly plucking at the hem of her shirt.

Nayun watched this nervous tick, it being an excuse for her pause. Her red eyes peering up at Dawn soon enough. "For now, we train. There is no reason to worry."

The Sensei of the Shin Tenshi Ryu sword style turned.

"Worrying only leads to mistakes." Her words ended with calm footsteps leading her away from Dawn. "Prepare the rifles. Tell the students to report to the range."

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-21 22:58 EST

Charles was left knocked out on the table. Shackled so movement wasn't possible he lay there for days. Minimal food and water was force fed to him, just enough to keep him alive.

Finally though, he started to come to his senses, though it wasn't a dream like he wished it was.

"I think he is coming to master" A female voice spoke somewhere in the distance before quickly coming up close to Charles left ear "Oh hello....love..." there was a sinister giggle.

The near half dead Charles huffed out as he tried to break free from the chains, no dice. He didn't recognize the chorus of voice around him. But something was oddly familiar.

"Oh don't tell me you forgot me..." There was a finger running against his torn shirt, catching skin every now and again between the holes. "I think you will remember in due time."

"Stop it Siren" A commanding voice called from behind her. "We have much work to do with this one. The only one to escape and keep his life. " A sinister laugh followed promptly "Now we will make sure he wishes he was one of the lucky ones to have their lives taken away. Tamriel, how is that potion coming together."

Tamriel...Tamriel...Charles huffed again but this time in pain as he realized who he was dealing with. It was the Legate, the same ones he ran away from. The same ones that cursed him with his power. He knew what would follow now would be painful.

"Its coming along well Darius. In a moment we will cause him much pain." He laughed manically as the sounds of bubbling reached Charles ears.

"Good. " Darius replied with a smirk as he reached over and gripped Charles face roughly "You will enjoy this."

Moments passed by in the silence. What was going on' How did they all go on' Suddenly he jolted forward at an acidic burning placed on the center of his chest. He remembered this pain. It was the same pain he experienced when he was getting the Elemental soul. He winced in pain as it kept burning.

"May I have the honors" Siren spoke with an evil, calm voice.

"Of course" Darius laughed a bit as he watched.

Soon a magical encasement formed around Charles, a mixture of dark magics and psionic magic. Soon the penetrated him. Charles screamed aloud as he shot forward, trying to fight the pain. But it was to no avail. His body started to thrash around as his scream became a shriek. Moments went by before the thrashing stopped and all became quiet. A silver streak came flying from Charles center. That streak was the Soul of Reis. Encased in the dark magics Siren took the dragon out, far from where they were, before setting her free.

Reis quickly took form, not knowing where she was, and started to fly towards Rhy'din, to try to help.

Charles was slumped in the shackles, but still alive, a gaping hole in his chest where the acid had burn through. Blood was already puddling on the floor.

"Step one is done" darius nodded.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-22 09:07 EST

Adenna Embassy: Sakura Gardens, Gun Range _____________________________________

"Ready!" - "Aim!" - "Fire!"

The commands yelled. The students followed. The echoing sound and the smell of gunfire filled the air. Nayun watched from behind her students while her assistant instructor, Saito Mio, continued to bark her orders.

"Again!"

Simultaneously. The sound of spent cartridges being spilled to the floor. Followed by another order.

"Ready!" - "Aim!" - "Fire!"

Again and again. Much like the waterfalls of Yasuo. It was a constant. A drill that would continue for the next hour. Nayun sat there, yet her mind was far, far away from the gun range. No word had come from Yun of the current situation of Charles. For now, she had been left to sit and dwell over the thoughts of what ifs and other such things. This situation should not trouble her. Charles Blackstone was not a citizen of Adenna, yet he stayed at the dojo as her student. He helped them when it came to firearms and other gunnery activities, yet he could easily be replaced.

Charles Blackstone is not a friend to Nayun; but he is a friend to Saito, to Dawn, to Aurast; the twins - Shion and Megumi, they enjoyed his help and instruction in firearms as well. He is her student as long as he respected her rule and did not question. As he stayed diligent in his studies.

"Worried, Nayun-sensei?" The words of Toren pulled Nayun out of her thoughts.

"There's no reason to call me Sensei." Nayun was quick to inform him like always. She listened as the man chuckled and sat down beside her.

"You're a teacher now, Sensei. That's how these things work...But are you really going to sit here and talk semantics with me, or are you going to tell me what?s on your mind?" Toren paused in thought. "Is it about Charles" Ahh...what did that boy get himself into this time." A carefree sort of laugh came from the man. He brushed strands of black hair from her shoulders, then shook his head. "Troublesome! That's all he's been, ever since he arrived...First the trouble with that Lion man, and now this" Trouble. So much trouble." But he said this with a grin.

"I'm joking." He was quick to say after. His laughter dying down. "Not that you can find much humor in it, Sensei.."

"I'm wondering...How should I go about this situation." Nayun spoke. The sound of gunfire filling the air once more.

"Kagami! Your aim is off!" Saito yelled from the distance. "Pay more attention!"

"You know Adenna's stance...Stay out of situations in RhyDin that does not involve us. You're under the protection of the Embassy, it would be bad if something happened to you." Toren slouched in his sitting position, then quickly rose to sit straight when Nayun looked his way.

"Would you report my involvement to your family?" Nayun said. Her voice low.

"Of course not...What Adennian would stand in the way of a woman' That would be bad luck! Unless you're my wife, but I don't see that happening anytime soon." A look of mock disappointment on his face as he looked to Nayun's stare. "What do you take me for" A snitch' You're the Sensei here, Sensei. I'm the student. A student knows when to keep their mouth shut." He smiled. If Nayun was any other type of girl, she might of found it charming.

"I see." Nayun felt at ease, for now. Her eyes looking back to the range as she watched the students reload, ready, and take aim once more. The loud echo of rifles being fired brushing through the air around them. "Perhaps I should send a letter to Miss Corea...she is better at gathering information than Yun and I."

"That could work...But it may be hard to get in contact with her. Even more if the only way is speaking with the Siovaui." Toren rubbing his chin. The non-shaved stubble itching against his fingers.

"This is true...and Miss Seirichi would tell me to leave it alone." Nayun pondered more.

"Ahh...Orders are supposed to be followed, right?" Toren cracked a grin. A sideways glance at Nayun.

"They are.." Conflicting emotion could be heard in Nayun's voice. Her chin dipped and eyes looked to her lap. The sound of gunfire, it rang in front of her.

"Sometimes...it's better not to follow them." Toren rose and stretched. "Sometimes you need to follow your heart."

"Tell me," he paused. "Who is the Sensei and who is the student?"

"I am...the Sensei." She gripped at her hakama. "But, my sister.."

"If I recall correctly." Toren tapped his chin. His steps circled in front of Nayun. "The Queen ordered you to RhyDin." He held up a finger then. "To wait until she sends word...That's what she told you, correct?"

"Correct." Nayun nodded.

"I don't think not helping Charles is mentioned there." He grinned. "You're your own master now, Sensei. You have a long leash, you might as well roam while you can!" The sound of his words, as well as his footsteps, came from a slight distance as he walked away.

Nayun was left alone to think. Then, with a nod of her head, she rose to the sound of gunfire.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-22 19:55 EST

"Adenna...Wintervale." Nayun repeated the words as she calmly paced back and forth in front of her shikigami, Yun. "The Marketplace, a good source of information.."

"Did you overhear anything else?" Nayun pressed. The small fox, who currently was sniffing about the ground, peered up and spoke through their thoughts.

"Miss Corea was spoken of by name."

"Miss Corea.." Nayun stopped in place. Her chin dipped as she took the time to ponder how to go at this situation.

"Yes," Nodding her head. The Adennian turned to Yun and spoke up. "I wish to keep Miss Seirichi in the dark of this predicament, so it will be on you to find Miss Corea and deliver her this message."

The three tailed kitsune bowed her head and awaited orders.

"You will relay what you have told me and request any information Miss Corea may know of the current situation." There was another pause. Nayun looked to the spacious Sakura Gardens from her window.

"As for this Brian Ravenlock...Deliver him a message as well."

Ravenlock

My name is Nayun I am from Adenna Charles Blackstone is a student of mine I request that any information you gain be shared with me I have included a copy of the last message Charles Blackstone sent to me If you wish to speak I am currently located in the Sakura Gardens It is the Adennian Embassy within the boundaries of RhyDin City Located in the Dragon's Gate District

Tread carefully

That is all

Nayun (( The Letter Included )) Nayun, It seems there has been a snag in our plans, I will need time But I will begin to teach the Guard I apologize for the delay.

Charles.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-05-23 12:13 EST

Ravenlock

My name is Nayun I am from Adenna Charles Blackstone is a student of mine I request that any information you gain be shared with me I have included a copy of the last message Charles Blackstone sent to me If you wish to speak I am currently located in the Sakura Gardens It is the Adennian Embassy within the boundaries of RhyDin City Located in the Dragon's Gate District

Tread carefully

That is all

Nayun

The letter had been read, and re-read as Brian copied the information folio he currently had on Charles. Information indeed traveled fast, and in Brian's eyes, if someone from Adenna contacted him directly, it meant that they knew some of what he knew and or possibly more. That and with every passing moment it seemed that more parties showed a distinct interest for the man known as Charles Blackstone.

So much for being the proverbial "Lone Wolf", and what not.

Charles Blackstone carried ties that were wide spread indeed, and closer to home than some would imagine.

Adenna....The Belarus Family' The Ravenlock Family'

Each of these entities so very far from one another, yet in the past to some degree have been bound to one another in more than a mere matter of coincidence.

"Dyarhk?" The name said softly, as he recalled the man he regarded so deeply as the brother he had never deserved"yet fate had deemed that Dyarhk indeed was a brother Brian Ravenlock had been blessed to have.

Brian eyes shifted once more to the letter that Nayun had included.

Nayun, It seems there has been a snag in our plans, I will need time But I will begin to teach the Guard I apologize for the delay.

Charles.

"So you knew, you wouldn't make it?"

Brian flipped through the folio of collected information, a bit as he pondered more so. "Snag in plans" A request for time, and an apology too' And in the middle, a promise to commit' Snag in "our" plans" Who's plans" Seems there has—- not saying outright, yet the promise and apology may dictate otherwise" Charles, what the hell did you end up involved in and who else is in this boat of ours?"

Securing the folio, Brian retrieved "Pulgasari" from its rack and strapped the enchanted katana about his waste. "Jes?"

"Yes, Brian?"

"Can you please deliver this to the Adennian Embassy in Dragon's Gate?" Brian offered the letter to the Taru Black Mage, who in turn nodded respectfully.

"The Sakura Gardens, correct?"

"One in the same, old friend."

"Very good, I will take this and do be careful on your way over.?

Nayun,

I will meet with you at Sakura Gardens, and I will share what I have with you.

~Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-23 16:29 EST

"A letter." Short spoken, Sakamoto Maya is. She's not at all the greatest of wordsmiths. Keeping things short and simple proved better for this girl, and Nayun had no qualms about that. "Sensei." Left the woman's lips as she backed away two steps after delivering the sealed message.

Nayun took a moment to look over the message before opening to read its contents.

Nayun,

I will meet with you at Sakura Gardens, and I will share what I have with you.

~Ravenlock

Her red eyes narrowed some. Reading. Re-reading. Trying to find any trace of anything extra. With none found, she slowly closed the letter and set it off to the side. "Tell Saito to end the rifle practice early...We will be having a visitor. Move the students inside the dojo and continue with kendo."

"Sensei." Maya bowed her head when she spoke that single word. Turning soon after to depart from the room.

"I wonder.." Nayun spoke in a murmur to herself.

Clover Belarus · Date: 2013-05-24 05:20 EST

Walking around her office, a large glass of Absinth in her hand, sipping at it now and then, Looking out her window, her eyes resting on the Katana and her bow and arrows, before focusing on the outside world again, staggering back a little the glass dropping, frowning, "oh no"

Moving to her desk, being decisive "Private, I want to talk to every free commanding officer, and I want to talk to them now" Looking at the file on her desk courtesy of Brian, then looking up again.

Moving into a small closet, taking down a silver case, only for emergencies written on the front of the case.

The missive sitting inside the case, looking up as her office filled with commanding officers, all bowed to her, as her eyes hardened and looked over them "one of ours has been taken, as you are all aware Sergent Blackstone, my adopted brother, has been MIA for a while now, the truth has just been made available to me, Seargent Blackstone has been taken by an unknown enemy"

Getting up walking around to sit against her desk "as his........friends, his family we must find, retrieve and protect him"

One spoke up "so why we finding out now" they have an advantage on us" we dont know anything"

"Do you take me for a fool?" Glaring at the soldier who flinched, shaking his head "Take out your secured data pads, the information is being uploaded as we speak, you are the best of the best, ensure you are not taken prisoner, and ensure if you are, your core is destroyed, understood, this is for the Emperor, this is for the Empire, this is for our brother"

They all nodded, and stood to attention "as you can all see you will all be seperated due to all you expertises, you will go to each area and search, then report to myself or to Brian Ravenlock, understood, question everyone, and watch everything" Looking at them "Dismissed"

Watching them all leave, before moving back to her seat closing her eyes praying to Aya for thier safety and to bless Charles with strength to hold on.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-05-26 11:11 EST

"Adennian Embassy' Damn, this is amazing. I can't believe this is the first time—- damn.."

Impressive was an understatement indeed, as Brian found himself standing alone before the majestic gates of the Embassy proper. His eyes panned the span of the massive structure, as a step had been taken forward and then he stopped.

A pang of regret took of Brian, as he looked upon the gate. Again his thoughts shifted once more to Dyarhk" The last time they had been together, Dyarhk had saved Brian's @ss both literally, and quite figuratively during the "Scarred" campaign, in the wake of the fall of Public Works.

Of course that was a harbinger of events that would soon follow, where once more Dyarhk would come to Brian's aid. Save that time—- Dyarhk had already been dead. Yet' Brian knew what he felt, and saw when he had been pulled from the recesses of the hell that Jacyn had kept him imprisoned within.

A hell that Dyarhk had carried him from, in more ways than one.

Tugging himself back to the present, Brian approached the gate once more and was quickly intercepted by what appeared to be a guard, and then another that seemingly came from nowhere. The pair were quickly taken in and accessed, as Brian offered a respectful bow with his hands clearly to his side and open for observation.

"My name is Brian Ravenlock, and I am here to meet with someone called Nayun."

Upright once more, Brian awaited whatever was to come, knowing somehow they'd be a step closer to Charles"

Somehow.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-26 14:13 EST

Charles was still in the compound and still unconscious of everything around him. He had been that way for days now, only having a deep breath every now and again to allude to the fact that he was still indeed, alive.

Talon sat across from Charles, watching tamriel prepare the mixture "Hurry up will you? I want to get the real torture started"

Tamriel huffed out "Almost there, Ya know this isn't easy to make, although it is worth the time spent since I won't wear off quickly"

"Lots of play time then" Talon snickered as he waited.

Only a few moments passed before the bubbling solution of a drug was drawn into a fairly large needle. Tamriel walked over to Charles, picked a hole in his shirt and jabbed the needle in, sending it into his bloodstream.

Charles' body thrashed for a second at the pain but soon fell to its slump, however his eyes jolted open and stayed open as they began to search around, not the darkened rooms of the bunker, but the lush green fields back in runeterra.

Talon stepped up and laughed a bit "It worked....good....lets begin..." He stood next to Charles, sinister blade held in his hand. "Take me to your first Kill Charles, the young boy."

The memory seemingly fast forward to the spot. The dust ridden air was chocking anyone who didn't wear some sort of face covering. Charles stood there with his then dark brown hair waving gently in the soft breeze. It would be a serene moment if it wasn't for the fact that millions of soldiers had clashed in two ridden lines, and now were dueling to the death for the sake of victory. In front of Charles, who was just 14 at the time, was another young lad, only 14. He made the first move at Charles. He swung his great sword down at Charles, who in turn blocked it with the blade of his axe. Reversing Charles swung out and clipped the side of the kids face.

Talon, who was watching the memory roll through with Tamriel's psi link to Charles brain, took his fist across Charles face "Think of how that kid felt when you hit him. He had a family ya know, a little brother, a mother, a father" Oh but you didn't you had nothing to lose did you?"

Charles physically winced in the real world, the words sunk in hard. But the memory kept going as Charles kicked the boy down. Talon kicked him in the ribs at the same time, snapping a few ribs with ease.

Charles raised his axe towards the kid, and with hesitation sent it down towards his mid section, killing the boy with ease. His first taste of blood, and it wasn't glorious like it is for others.

Talon sunk the curved blade into Charles with an evil laugh "How does it feel Charles, how does it feel to feel what that Child went through before you stole the one thing that he had left in his life. His mother cried you know, cursed the gods and cursed you, wanting you to die the most horrid death. His father even went to track you down. He was not older then you, same age actually, but he had a future, he loved music. Think about what great music you ended with the thrust of your axe then Charles."

Charles winced and slumped, the spell wearing off finally

Tamriel nodded "Who is next' Aragorn?"

Talon nodded "Aragorn, then you, then siren, then Darius. He should be out for a while I would think."

Tamriel nodded and spun around to begin making the next potion.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-05-26 15:04 EST

It was like Aragorn had perfect timing too as he simply appeared in one of the far corners "You rang?" He had an unusually evil grin on his face "My turn is it." he had to think for a moment on what he might pull out on Charles

In the mean time Charles was gently bleeding on the floor. The minimal warding of the place kept him healed just enough so he wouldn't die, but the pain was still left in full. By now he had many gaping holes in his body from stab wounds, his back was in shreds from both acid attacks and whips, His arms were carved into designs that held no purpose other then to cause pain and anguish.

Tamriel had just finished the next solution and drew it into the needle "Need to know when you are ready"

Aragorn shifted up "Yeah. I think I got the perfect one to get him. "

Tamriel nodded and shoved the needle into Charles other arm this time.

Again Charles eyes flashed open and began to look around. But this time it wasn't the lush fields but rather the sky. His arms in this memory were chained as he looked around. Dark brown hair falling into his view. He was panting as he looked over every member of the Legate, and the mass array of the Archmages that assembled.

The memory jumped forward to Charles being lowered on the acid. His body thrashed both in the real world and in the memory as it ate away into his body. An Archmage stepped forward with the soul he was holding and shoved it into Charles. Charles body just slumped as it did in the dream. A simple slump as the power coursed through his body painfully.

Tamriel smirked a bit "You were given a great gift Charles. The gift of the manipulation of the oldest and most noble elements, you could have achieved great things with up. Feel it now, the power that you had once, how great it was. How alive you felt. You had a purpose then didn't you? "He battered Charles with questions, his body repulsing each one figuratively with little movements here and there "What if your mother saw you now. I know that she wouldn't be as proud of you as if you had kept with the plan we laid out for you. What of your father? A military man himself. He would be proud to see his son a warrior. That's what he wanted. Not this. Not a coward that runs from fights." Blade entered Charles back, stimulating the nerves back there. Charles was forced away from the memory and his unconsciousness huffing out.

But not words could be spoken. He was to tired for that. But weak, silver hued eyes glared at Tamriel for a moment, before falling to the floor in despair and hopelessness.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-26 16:54 EST

(( Response to This Post ))

"Another for the little princesses' dojo?" The woman on the right, the same one who seemingly came out of no place, had said to the rifle toting partner.

The one that the question had been addressed to said not a word for the moment. Instead, she simply kept her eyes on Brain — giving him the good once over before tilting her head. Shared words, but at a low frequency were spoken between the two.

When a nod came from the more vocal one, the quiet one turned about and gave a quick whistle. This whistle seemed to travel upon the air, from person to person as it bounced along the grounds of the Sakura Gardens.

The rifle holder moved away from the situation. No longer needed, so she chose to continue her patrol instead.

"This way, sir." Gesturing for Brian to follow. While she appeared to be alone in this endeavor, there was always another guard in eye-shot.

————————-

"Nayun-sensei...Your guest has arrived." Saito said from behind Nayun's door.

The Adennian rose from her meditation and gave a small nod of her head. "Good..," Reaching for her sheathed katana when she said that. The weapon slid to her side, her gloved left hand soon enough resting against the pommel.

The door of her room slid open and Saito moved quickly to step aside. Nayun gave her a small glance, then a nod of her head before continuing on her way.

"Brian Ravenlock.." She spoke softly to herself.

Soon enough, she'd appear from the front of the Embassy. Two rifle holding guards at her side as she moved across the fallen cherry blossoms that graced the walk way. When Brian, along with his escort came into view, she'd motion all three of them to leave her and the man alone.

Nayun said nothing for now; instead she simply stared up at the man and waited for him to speak.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-05-27 08:40 EST

Brian said no word what so ever, as he waited.

Not a word at the "Princess-Dojo' comment, and no word in regards to hushed tones. In fact the only thing Brian did was take in his surroundings as best as he could with no outside evidence of doing so.

The way the speaker had literally come out of nowhere had been noted, along with the way he had been gauged by her companion. His eyes never leaving hers, as she took him in. Because, at that time he too was taking her in and he wanted her to see as much.

Nodding respectfully, Brian complied with the direction, moving accordingly. As they walked, he took notice of the others just within eye sight, at varying distances. Some rifled, and others not so. Yet their attentions were—- tangible in a sense. Such a discipline that these people carried, as it caused Brian to wonder why they were so heavily garrisoned, and more so—- so tense at times.

That was quickly set aside, as the matter at hand came to mind once more.

Charles Blackstone.

The Sakura blossoms drew a stir indeed from the eldest Ravenlock, as he faintly smiled recalling his love and children. The joys of taking in such a spectacle together as a family, and the sheer wonder that this simple yet amazing tree offered those who would revel in its splendor, be it together or alone.

And then she appeared"

Halting as his hand slid to the pommel of Pulgasari, coming to a rest.

Flanked no less by a pair, which drew a thought from Brian' The thought that perhaps he did not bring enough with him, in regards to personnel. That thought was set aside, as he watched the trio leave he and she alone.

So there they were"

His eyes took her in slowly, as he nodded respectfully. "Nayun?"

"It seems we have a common thread here in Charles Blackstone? Let's get to the heart of the matter, as anything else would simply delay us in recovering him. You asked something of me, and I am here. Given the timing of the information I received and your request, I will assume you know some of what I know already. This of course lends credence to the eyes and ears so to speak, that you have out and about."

Reaching behind him, Brian pulled the thin folder from his waist and held it out in the open. "So let's set all of our cards on the table, and bring Charles home by any means."

This was no time for being subtle, in Brian's eyes. Not when it came to the matter at hand.

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-05-28 19:06 EST

"I will be honest with you," Nayun's words came to a soft pause as she looked down to the folder. "I lack any new information on the situation involving Charles Blackstone.

Red eyes peering up to take in the mans features once more. "What I shared in my correspondence with you is all I know."

"Sadly, I cannot offer much help at this time...Though, with talks of land within the realm of Adenna being spoken of, I can at least offer information on the land if needed."

There was a whistle off in the distance. Nayun gave a soft tilt of her head, then a lift of her chin before responding with a whistle of her own. The line continued — more and more into the distance.

Her eyes leveled back with the Ravenlock. "As for Miss Corea...I have ways of contacting her, if you have not done so on your own."

"I seek nothing more than bringing Charles Blackstone back to this dojo. Should you require my skills, I offer them to you."

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-06-04 09:21 EST

Brian listened to Nayun carefully, as his eyes took the sight of her in. He looked for something else, anything that could have possibly been"hidden. Yet, there was nothing found at all. He asked that all the cards be set out on the table, and it looked as if that would indeed be the case.

Following her gaze to the folder in hand, he offered it to her. "This is what I have so far" It's not much but it's a start. It has the initial report for the deceased man in the market, that Charles sniped. The scene from the dock side as well, as well as everything I have in regards to Tamriel, and Darius. Also Reis, the Dragon and what she had stated about being a part of Charles."

"Aside from Adenna, do you know anything of Wintervale" I was told that he was to the north between Adenna and Wintervale. Is Wintervale in Adenna?"

Brian waited a moment, as the whistling occurred and then continued.

"As to Miss Corea, I have not had been able to contact her, or discern who she is in all of this. You contacting her would be a great help, and one I'd be most thankful for."

His eyes met hers once more, "I want him back too and we'll do whatever it takes to recover him, and see him back. "

Brian quieted a bit and then realized something, "I've a question, if I may' The letter he sent you? It stated there was a 'snag in our plans" , and "I'll need time" and also an apology for the delay. It sounded as if Charles knew there'd be an issue. Was he working on anything sensitive that you know of, that would have drawn attentions his way' I mean other than his usual brand of chaos??

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-06-04 17:54 EST

The lightest of clicks came from her left arm as it reached out to take hold of folder within gloved hand. She gave it a look, yet did not open it for now.

"Sniped." Repeating Brian's choice of words. There was no flourish of energy in her voice when she uttered that single word; in all honesty - it sounded indifferent.

Another whistle sounded out in the distance, along with the sound of gunfire. Nayun peered over her shoulder and blinked. "Do not worry," She said to Brian; If he were to somehow question what happened. "We train students in firearms as well as bladed weapons.."

Choosing to answer his last question first instead of the others. "I had been in Yasuo and wrote Charles Blackstone, asking him if he could offer firearms training to the guards stationed around here. As of then, he had only been offering training to the students of my dojo."

She paused, looking back to the man. "I believe that is what he meant in his letter. Charles Blackstone is an instructor here, as well as a student."

The folder was slid into kimono then, allowing her hand to be free so that it could calmly rest against the pommel of sheathed katana.

"As for Wintervale...it is within the realm, but not apart of the Adennian Kingdom. It is a small town on the outskirts of Winterhill. The monks of Winterhill are in command there, but I would not believe they are interested in what has happened, or in Charles Blackstone."

Nayun gave a tilt of her head. "If they are hiding in Wintervale, then the problem will be to get permission from the monks of Winterhill...but, in these sort of situations. It is best to turn permission into apologizes after the fact...if you would like to send a scout, I could see that they find their way to Wintervale."

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-06-05 08:51 EST

Brian listened to Nayun's words intently, taking in each sentence again and again.

Charles was an instructor, and a Student'

He was also a paid assassin it seemed, and that's things got rather fuzzy for Brian. If Charles was instructing, and studying why be so bold as to kill someone rather openly to the point that others would indeed recognize his work" Unless Charles had not been paid for this, and it was instead—-personal.

Whatever the case, it caused him to miss his commitment to Nayun. The Charles that Brian knew did not do that as easily as this felt, even if he did apologize for his delay.

Wintervale, and Winterhill" Inside Adenna, but not a part of it. That made things that much more interesting, especially if things happened to go south in a poor manner.

A manner that Brian could not risk others having to deal with, at all.

"I don't handle permission obtaining rather well, especially when it comes to things like this" And you are right, Nayun. It would be best to apologize after the fact, or perhaps not apologize at all, if we're careful and can get out without incident."

Brian pondered a bit more so, and then continued.

"If it's alright with you, I'll need a guide to get me to Wintervale?"

Brian nodded to himself, a bit. Impulsive decision, decent risk, no real idea of where he's headed" Yeah it had the making of something he and Dyarhk would have done years ago. "Whatever maps I can get of the region as well, and maybe some localized clothing if I'll need any."

"The guide is to get me there only, no sense in putting anyone else on the line for this. That way if anyone's offended by what happens it's on one person."

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-06-05 09:27 EST

"You will be going?" This, surprisingly, caused a twitch of emotion to appear over Nayun's features. One of confusion, with the way her brow perked ever so lightly. Or could it have been intrigue"

"Interesting." Her words died there, but for only a second. She turned her head to let out another whistle. Only some seconds would pass before two rifle toting women came out from behind two of the sakura trees that rest alongside the walkway of the gardens.

"Saito..," Nayun paused. Speaking to one of the women.

The short, brown haired girl looked between Brian and Nayun, then set her full attention on her teacher. A soft nod given to show she was listening and prepared for her words.

"Gregory Dunken," Nayun gestured to Brian. "Will be entering to sell his goods within Adenna when he is prepared...you will tell Floe this." Nayun glanced back to Brian for a few seconds as she continued to speak. "Gregory Dunken has requested the right to trade within our borders...and he has my permission. He is a skilled swordsmith," Nayun paused once more. Waiting to see if Saito had understood her. When the girl nodded once more, so did Nayun.

"When you are prepared, Gregory...You will have access to the way-gate." Nayun said to Brian.

"As for maps...Winter has come to Adenna, and no map will help you. Kagami may not be the best with a rifle, but she knows tracking well enough to lead you through a snow storm if need be." She gestured to the girl who had stood beside the now departing Saito.

"My family knows the land well. As their only daughter, it is only right that I do so as well." Kagami's voice was soft, yet held much pride in it.

"I will see to finding maps of Wintervale while you prepare." Nayun spoke up again. "Along with warm clothing more suitable for you."

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-06-05 17:49 EST

Tamriel had done what he needed, trist left in the hands of someone who could use him. Entering the Compound he knew everyone but him would be asleep. That everyone included Charles.

Charles was still Chained to the wall was slumped, hainging loosely in his sleep like state. However the second the metal doors open his eyes fluttered to a slight bit of openness, enough that that could glare at the person entering with all of the hatred he had built up. Hatred, that was what was keeping him alive, not any sense of hope or love, those were all but gone, it was simply hatred in him now.

Tamriel would return the glare before moving over to his alchemy workstation. Gathering the materials he needed he prepared the last two batches of the memory serum. Turning with the needle in hand he looked at Charles with little care in his eyes "They will be coming ya know. For you?

"Stop lying to me Tamriel. Why would you even think about telling them where I am. You don't give a damn about me, your just a useless f*cker like the rest of them" he spit hatred in his words towards him

Tamriel only shook his head "if anything it was to no benefit other then me simply getting free. Yes I have to die, but I am free." He walks over and jabs the serum in the needle into his arm.

Charles was going to speak but was sent into some sort of shock like state, his body thrashing around before it feel slump. Once again he entered into the realm of his memories and his once dreams

This time Tamriel took the helm of Charles modifiable subconscious mind. Though he hesitated, and simply let the serum run its course, allowing all the pain to be felt by Charles on his own. No need to add torture to a mind that is already torturing itself.

Tamriel turned and walked away, watching Charles for one last second before shaking his head and heading off into the deep sanctums of the compound.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-06-07 00:51 EST

Siren moved into the room where Charles was being held with ease. She was by far the oddest of all of the Legates, but by far the most versatile. She stalked over to the sleeping Charles side, a gentle hand running down his face "It is time to wake up Charles" She whispered to him.

Charles shook a bit and opened his eyes, he was still suspended over the ground. A turn of his head towards Siren and his spit towards her "What do you want witch" His voice still carrying the hatred that was filling him.

Siren didn't flinch as she held her position "Oh nothing" She walked around him, heels clicking loudly against the floor. From the left side of her waist a dagger appeared "Just to Break you? She turned and thrust the dagger into him, and left it there, blood spilling over the large blood stain on the floor.

Charles winced and flinched as the cold blade entered him, but once the sharpness of the pain went away he looked at her "Is that it?" He did his best not to move so the pain would stay minimal.

Siren only smirked, patting the pistol that adorned her right waist-side "No not at all. " She smirked a bit. "Tell me, do you know the Drow named....Charity?"

Charles froze, his empty grey eyes widened and then glared right at her, and through her if they could "Don't you dare..."

"Oh I did. Tell me you loved her didn't you." She smirked evilly as she drew her pistol and held it in her off hand. "And she even thought she loved you back"

Tears were rolling down Charles face by now. "Stop it" He swung out but in doing so he only dug the dagger deeper into him and caused more pain and more blood to flow. He fell back to the wall and winced "Stop it she has Nothing to do with this. Leave. Her. Alone!!!!" He yelled out

Siren smirked "Oh but doesn't she" You loved her enough to take the pain away. To kill her. Murder her, steal her from her purpose hmmm?" She leveled the gun at his torso.

Charles swung again, in a frenzied state he pushed off the wall, the dagger only going deeper stops him "I didn't kill her. I saved her!!"

"Saved her. " She laughed and shot him "How does that feel, does that feel like you are saved?"

He grunted, the bullet going right through him, and the wards on him closing the wound but leaving the pain for him to fight through "She is safe from the darkness....that's all that matters!"

Siren smirked and holstered her pistol "Oh I do hate to inform you then. Eternity absorbed her."

Charles didn't move, didn't breath, nothing came from him. He was shocked at what he had just heard, and like any shock victim, he denies it "no....no...no no no NO!" He starts off softly before yelling "Its not possible, she died, I held her as she did. She was gone. Its not possible." He slumped a bit to ease the pain as dry tears kept streaming down. "Its not possible..."

Siren didn't stop there though "And what about Brynn then?" She forced the question to his ears

Charles flinched in pain "Please....stop..."

"What....what was that. Big bad Charles asking me to Stop." She laughed "Not a chance honey." A smirk "You know how she felt in that prison' Alone. Without any memory of her lover?"

"Stop....please!" He yelled out, thrashing one more time, this time the chains actually buckled. "It wasn't her fault! It was mine. I ....I failed her...." He started to question everything he had once thought of. He and Brynn had literally just made up after a long time of not seeing each other. He can't lose her now.

"Or now, that she doesn't know if you are a live or not, or if you are even in love with her."

Charles growled, a low, feral, hate filled growl. "I love her with everything I am"

"But does she" Siren retorted "She hasn't come Charles."

He winced at the thought "She loves me....She really does...." He pauses "She has too..." He was shaking, his mind in tatters, his heartbroken, his body weakened, his soul gone. He was just a shell of himself, tears kept streaming as he gave up fighting it, murmuring incoherent words and babbling that only a madman would be able to decipher.

Siren smirked and walked out. She had broken him.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-06-07 01:05 EST

The room was cold and damp, offering minimal protection from the cold of the outside realm. Charles yanked at the chains that bound him to the wall silently. He was for once awake, but he willed himself not to be. There was a constant stream of blood and sweat droplets pounding against the floor, joining the countless others to form large puddles. But it wasn't the physical pain that bothered him, it was the fact no one had come yet. It had been countless days since he had gone missing and not even his lover had attempted to contact him magically, he would have noticed that. These thoughts pulsed when he was awake, and soon sent him into a hopeless slump, wishing death more than anything else.

Within the cell, the darkness would deepen, almost as he was being overtaken by sleep or the abysmal vastness of an empty cosmos—an unquiet void populated by the sounds of an acoustic guitar as the darkness became deeper. Oh trust me. There is a purpose for this, for out of the shadows would come a light. Yes, it would seem like it would be the end of the tunnel, and it just might seem like death had finally come for him, though in truth he is still within the cell. Who knows" Perhaps this was really all in his head. But just as Dumbledore (RIP) says: "Of course it's all in your head. But that doesn't make it any less real."

He simply moved towards the light, mentally and physically if he could. He wanted rid of the hell he had just lived, the pain that his body, soul, mind, and heart had just taken, the wounds that would heal, and the ones that would not. All of was real to him right now, because everything hurt.

Physically' No. This could only work if he was asleep. Which means that something is occupying his dreams" Something otherworldly. Perhaps even....cosmic. Indeed, it would be cosmic, because upon passing through the light, he would be met with a vista of galaxies, nebulas, stars uncountable. And you don't need a helmet to occupy this infinite panorama full of the strange colors and forms of deep space.

At the sight of what was space he stopped and stood there. He was one that traveled these stars with ease before. But know he knew that this, even if it was simply a dream, would be one of the last times he would ever be able to see them on his own terms and when he wanted to see him. But the acoustic guitar caught his attention, and soon he was off chasing the source of the sound, wondering how it was happening.

"Sweetie. Right here," says a familiar voice directly behind him.

Charles turned and looked. It was a glare but its hard to smile after what had just happened to him. "Luna.." He spoke weakly.

Luna, indeed, was standing there, and when he turned, he would have been taken to truly an alien landscape: purple moons sitting within a blue sky akin to the summer's day; yellow snapdragons that tickled around bare feet; Cyclopean trees impaling the sky like organic walls surrounding the lush field of blue grass, populated by the weird, the impossible—tentacles and eyes in all the wrong place, and yet seeming to fit with their sinuous undulations. The celestial standing front and center, as white as the starlight that birthed her, is smiling, and she reaches out to take Charlie's hand. "Come on!" With that, she starts sprinting on bare feet.

He was also bare footed, but probably not for the same reason. He started running behind her quietly, taking in everything around them as he did his best to keep up with her, a hard task indeed. "How are you even...." He didn't understand how or why they were here, but his voice was weak, even in the dream that he was in, the psychological damage was just as bad as the physical damage.

She doesn't answer the incomplete question. No, she just keeps running....No. Floating. She's not on the ground anymore, at least most of the time. Think of it like lunar gravity, or Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. They will run forever it might seem, but eventually, they reach their destination: a cliff, on the brink of which stood Black with his guitar. They would pass right past him as they hurl themselves off the cliff to the roaring ocean down below, Luna laughing the whole time.

She was worse than Brynn in the crazy factor. As he passed by Black he nodded to the man before he spun and leaped off the edge of the cliff, letting himself hit the water back first instead of head first. The splash resulting was larger indeed. Charles swum up to the surface "Luna what?s going on?"

Nope. You missed the hint with the movie reference earlier. They don't hit water, not even remotely, but instead fly off and up toward the violet moon. That is when their speed is reduced, and Luna can face him safely as they continue to go up and up and up. "You have been hurt, Charles. You still hurt," she finally says in that characteristic soft voice, and almost as though they were lovers, she wraps arms around the wounded soldier and pulls herself closer. "I am here to help you be free."

"Free" There is no way to escape this Luna. You don't know these people. I thought I was safe, even in Rhy'din, yet they went thousands of years into the future to track me down, and they always will be tracking me" He frowned in her arms "I know I'm hurt. When haven't I been hurt?" He muttered against her shoulder, the remnants of the 16 year old that died physically was still there, even if he wasn't

"Even the most battle-hardened soul must shed tears," she almost whispers as a delicate hand rests against his head like a mother would. "And you will be free, if only in your mind. Release your woes, child of earth. You have friends among the black.

"I got in over my head Luna. This time to the point I don't think anyone will, physically, save me from the trials and tribulations that I can't handle. I am falling back into his grasp again. If I do, who knows what will happen" He whimpered, tears forming in his eyes "Not even Brynn has gotten through me"

"Believe, Charles. Believe, and be strong. Your friends will come." She falls into silence now, letting him cry for a while until their time is up. She can only hold this dream intrusion for so long, and if she stays for too long, he will come to depend on her rather than himself. That is the lesson here. A couple of eternities later and she gently push him towards the void with those last words lingering through the black: "Be strong."

He fell back into the void, falling for some time before hitting the stone wall. Cold chains rattle as he moved "Luna." He looked out the small window slit to see the last bit of light from the waning moon. He nodded as he took a deep breath and then sighed out. He needed to gather what strength he could to fight the pain. His eyes shut, and the world went black once again, and he entered what slumber he could.

Charles Blackstone · Date: 2013-06-07 02:15 EST

Wounded men cry and call for their mothers Heartbroken men cry and call for their lovers. Broken men do not cry or call for anyone. And it is in this silence you should be very, very Afraid - Unknow

Charles hung there in the pitch blackness of the room. Blood had pooled and dried over and over below the slab of stone he was chained loosely to. His mind was gone into the deepest hell he could find for himself. Even with the encouragement from Luna and Black there was nothing stopping the insanity and the pain from seeping from his mind and out through his lips.

He had just started to drift back asleep when a squirt of water, his daily dosage of the stuff, went right into his mouth. The cold liquid mixed with the dried blood of his mouth. It went down like a rock. He was for sure awake for at least another hour, if not more now.

His mind forced his mouth to move and voice the ramblings, thoughts, opinions, ideals, and anything else that came through at that very moment in time. Softly he whispered into the air:

"Charity she was dead. Dead I swear she was dead. I held her as her last words were spoken and her last....her soul....it left her....Eternity he couldn't have taken her it is impossibility, impossible. I know she was dead. I killed her. It was me that killed her. I made sure of it"

"Brynn loves me, I mean damn it she has to, I have risked everything for her not to. I have killed for her, went against nearly the entirety of the world for her, I have waited for her and not lost any love for her, I have remained faithful to her....I love her..."

"I didn't mean to kill those people....It was just my job....A job....soldiering is a job that must be done....but that wasn't soldiering....that was mass murder....genocide....I did that....that was me....I killed them....It was my entire fault.....Please stop screaming....please stop it.."

"That kid....He.....I....we were so young and yet we were soldiers....soldiers fighting for causes we did not even yet understand yet we were fighting. Fighting each other. Fighting to the death even....I won. I won I killed him. But for what.....Mother would hate the fact..."

The room would fall silent after his rambles finished, the air was stale and cold, but a certain.....heat....was forming around Charles. He was down. He was ready to tap out. He needed help, he needed a rescue. But he would be damned to give up without one final fight.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-06-09 10:26 EST

Meanwhile....Inside the Adennian Embassy.

"I will be going." Replied Brian in a matter of fact type of tone. It wasn't one of those "Me Tarzan' type of tones, and what not. It was pleasant enough with just a bit of that edge of truth to it. He would be going, and that was that.

The brow perked reaction was noted, and perhaps had this been another time or place, Brian would have made light if it somehow. However the fact of the matter was that, they were long past that and more so—- he didn't know Nayun well enough to make light of anything, nor would he do so and possibly demean the efforts at hand.

"Interesting."

Yes it was interesting indeed, because Brian still was second guessing himself, despite his rather one sided decision. It was expected, truth be told" As it stood, Brian had not ventured into the unknown in a good bit of time, let alone doing so on his own. Still it wasn't like help wasn't offered in regards to getting Charles back, especially recently. The truth was, when it came to that offered help—- Brian didn't want any half @ssers" It was balls in or get the &*^% out' There was no middle ground for anything less. Cause that $&^* would get someone hurt, or killed. So offers were soundly refused, by any of those types and for good reason.

Still despite being balls in, Brian still had those doubts"

Jenai came to mind, foremost. I mean it wasn't like he could just walk into breakfast all "Hey hunny, I'm off to Adenna to whup someone's @ss and drag Charles back, oh and by the way I have NO effin idea where the hell I'm goin" and um—— I'm going alone", or something along those lines. Yeah that would go over real well. Smooth indeed, Ravenlock. Dairy Queen Smooth—- hold the phone". Gregory Dunken!"

Ah, yes"that would work indeed, and a skilled swordsman too' Bonus" The cover had its merit indeed, and Nayun was definitely skilled in her handling of the matter, especially when making sure Saito had understood.

Bowing before Saito respectfully, and looked back Nayun as he lifted once more, listening to her words. His eyes fell to Kagami, as he then bowed before her, "I thank you and place my trust with you, Lady Kagami. I will protect you with all that I have, as well."

Straightening once more, Brian nodded to Nayun.

"Thank you, Lady Nayun"for everything."

Nayun Takamine · Date: 2013-06-09 19:28 EST

"Now, if you will excuse me," Nayun stilled her tongue so that she could take the moment to bow her head in response to Brian. "I will gather the the maps and other supplies now." The Adennian's form straightening then. Her red eyes locking onto the man once more, but only for a few seconds. With nothing else to say, she'd turn and begin her slow retreat from the scene. Yet, she would stop after four steps.

"Bring Charles home." Her monotone voice seemed to show a hint of something in there. "The grounds are open to you, for now." Her step starting once more. "I will see that the guards know this. Personally."

Kagami gave a soft bow as well, then followed after Nayun. Quick to keep on her teachers heels as they spoke soft words to one another.

Brian Ravenlock · Date: 2013-06-28 16:23 EST

Just outside the Adennian Embassy, Dragons Gate

"Well, Pup....I guess this is where your master wanted me to go' Through this?"

A yip came from the wolf cub, as he circled Brian a few times, and then began to walk towards the portal that had literally just appeared before the pair, leaving Brian to honestly wonder if this was the really the wisest course of action, as he too began to step towards that same portal.

"Wait a sec, pup."

The cub paused, looking back towards Brian with a rather curious expression as the man took to a knee a bit for a quick re-check of his gear.

"Can't very well roam into uncharted territory an raise holy hell without making sure I'm prepared, yeah?"

The cub padded on back, as Brian began to sift through his pack once more, only to be soundly cut off by a 200+lb Moor Cat that appeared out of think air, before the smallish wolf.

Which did do well for the cub one bit, as he yelped loudly and back peddled something fierce.

"That wasn't nice, Jean." said Brian with a matter of fact like tone that caused the Moor Cat to simply leave the pup be, and settled at Brian's side.

"Maps—- well, what little I could get without notice....Small arms, and heavy grade...Close quarters, and situational....Climbing gear, and food— yeah I know, Jean. Yer always hungry— sides of we run outta jerky, you can always snag something. Credentials for one 'Gregory Dunken, goods seller'....Hopefully, Nayun gets my letter in time and the preparations will me made, otherwise these won't do sh*t for me.."

"Thermal gear, and a spare coat....Day to Night, as well. Well, it's not like I'm planning at a long stay, so I guess this is as good as it gets."

Brian refastened the clasps to his 'bug out' bag, and did the same for his tactical harness, and bags. The bag was slid back in, and fastened once more, as the winter environmental coat was slid over himself with care, and tugged a tad to make sure he was in fact covered wholly.

By all accounts he felt ready, and looked the part and yet— he felt like this was something he was not completely prepared for, in some strange way.

"This should be no different from anything else—- we go in, do what we do and drag his @ss back here....Right Jean?"

The large cat offering a nuzzle of his master's leg in the way of a reply.

"Why the hell do I feel like it's not what we....Never mind, forget it. Alright pup, take us to your master and Charles."

Despite his words, Brian could not forget that somewhat off feeling in regards to this particular venture. The somewhat off feeling that told him, this wasn't a smart thing to do, and maybe he should leave it to some others to handle...

Maybe some who were— younger, or perhaps more spry.

That perhaps the Ravenlock Patriarch was biting off more than he might be able to chew, this time around. That perhaps his recent successes were more chance, rather than skill.

"Need to keep that sh*t outta m'head.."

This was out of Brian's hands, regardless of how he felt. After all, it was Tamriel who personally came to Brian, and told him the terms in regards to getting Charles back.

"You have to end me, and you can have him. Kill me, and give me my freedom. But I won't make it easy, you'll have to fight me and the others. Keep my pup, and he'll lead you to us, when the time is right."

The words told to Brian, after he had sought out Nayun and the others. For some reason, Tamriel had waited for Brian, and that made the eldest Ravenlock want to know why it was he, that Tamriel came to. More so, it also presented Brian with a challenge—- to get Charles back somehow, without killing Tamriel in the process, and still giving the man the freedom he wished for.

That meant dealing with Darius and the others, firstly.

Well, like he said before to himself....No set plan. No real lay of the land. Absolute chance of chaos ensuing, and damage of the physical and property variety....Chance of a inter-realm incident occurring, damned good. What could go wrong, right?

So Brian stepped towards the portal once more, hoping the letters he had left behind would be read and that no hard feelings would be had, from his abrupt departure.

The letters left are as follows,

Babes,

Jean and I went to go and drag Charles' @ss back to Rhy'Din. We're headed to Adenna (Where Dyahrk was from) an I hope to be back soon. If I play this right, I'll be making my return at the Adennian Embassy in Dragons Gate, and my point of contact is Nayun. You can reach her there as well, hun. I love you, and we'll be back soon!

~Me

Nayun,

Please forgive my abrupt and unscheduled departure. The time table has been sped up, and Tamriel (One of Charles' captors) has named his terms for Charles' return. I have been given a direct way to them, and am leaving today.

If you could, please make the arrangements in regards to 'Gregory Dunken', and see if you might be able to add another persona for Mister Dunken, perhaps an un-named servant, which with the gods willing, will be Charles. That way, our return may be a bit easier.

I got what I could in terms of maps for the regions we discussed, and supplies and I hope to return soon.

Again, thank you for everything and I look forward to meeting you once more with Charles in tow.

~Ravenlock

Clover,

I've been contacted by Tamriel directly, and have gone to get Charles. I hope to have news soon. We'll be returning at the Adennian Embassy and our point of contact is Nayun.

~Brian

Topic: When Good People go to War ((18+))

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Brian Ravenlock

Charles Blackstone

Nayun Takamine

Charles Blackstone

Brynn Hawthorne

Nayun Takamine

Charles Blackstone

Nayun Takamine

Nayun Takamine

Brian Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine

Clover Belarus

Brian Ravenlock

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Nayun Takamine

Brian Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine

Brian Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine

Brian Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Charles Blackstone

Brian Ravenlock

Nayun Takamine

Brian Ravenlock