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The protest began Monday morning at 8 o'clock. Humans and supernaturals alike stepping up side by side to stand in protest against racism. Some brought their own signs, but there were some signs provided made by Daphne and her crew.

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While some marched and protested, others were hard at work cleaning, and fixing up the buildings victimized by vandalism.

He was happily surprised that there were people already showing up to protest and march. He was there, mixing in with the crowds preparing to march, purple eyes dragging around to the many different faces. No one, yet, that he knew, although this would be the chance if any to start networking. He shifted off his left foot some, moving to a new place in the crowd, passing by the group handing out peace pipes; he kindly denies the offer, giving a happy smile regardless.

He wasn't here necessarily to protest. He doesn't agree with anything that has been happening: the Vandalisms, the Defense classes against "non-humans". But, he isn't carrying a sign. Any of the chants that ring out, his voice is not lifted to match the tune. While he doesn't look the part: dressed in jeans and a button-down shirt, he is there to ensure that the protests go off without a hitch each and every day. He didn't openly carry his weapons, nor did he plan of ever discharging them, unless it was needed.

Needless to say, while he got some side-eyes for not being active in the protest, he was ready to do his part.

Okay, so... Keirra basically got what the protest was about, by bits and pieces of what Tess and some others told her. However, she couldn't think of anything clever to put on the sign. One word stuck out in her pregnant brain, and that was Tessa's promise of cupcakes. So... This happened.

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That's not to say she didn't get into the spirit! She had a t-shirt made in honor of her best friend, who is in fact, a non-human. Someone she would easily lay her pathetic human life on the line for without a second thought. One Mr. Dorian Vandeviere.

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Rhy'Din's favorite grrrrl band TRASH came out in full force for their own brand of support for the equality protests. On Tuesday they set up shop in the market square to blare a set of covers that seemed suiting for the current political climate. They didn't linger to make political statements. The music could speak for itself.

The First Drop
Same Love
Power of Equality
A Beautiful Indifference
One Day
Blood Red, White, and Blue
One Love

He had seen the video while surfing R-Net, and since the girls were spending the day together with Phen, and Doran was down at the Shanachie in some capacity, Ebon found himself heading over to join the crowd. The recent boycott of non-human shops and the surge in vandalism that followed its announcement had put him on edge, and a peaceful protest in support of diversity and community in Rhydin seemed to be just the ticket.

After two respectable terms as the city's governor, Ebon had learned when to play it cool and avoid attention, and when to harness it. Today was one of the latter occasions, as he strode proudly through the streets, returning greetings and welcome smiles. Anyone who asked where he was going got an honest answer and a hearty invitation to join him.

Some of those who asked turned away, but more gave a thumb up or a grin of approval, and several of the latter decided to follow Ebon. So it was that he reached Daphne's protest with at least two-score Rhydinites alongside him.

Word-of-mouth was still one of the best ways to gather a crowd.

Ebon mingled throughout the crowd, helping pass out coffee, tea, hot cocoa and baked snacks (including some special brownies, perhaps). He also lent a hand de-grafitti-ing a number of shops, and kept an eye out to help deal with anyone who might take advantage of the protest's peaceful nature to start trouble.

It was a good day.

It was the wee, wee hours of the morning when Danny snuck back into his temporary living quarters at Katja's, the Russian having offered him couch space his first night back. His legs and feet aching from the long march. Careful not to make any noise to wake her, he settled down onto the sofa.

Quickly, he pulled out his laptop, plugged in his camera, and checked the files. 1500 pictures. As he flipped through, he noted one thing. The protesters, with very few exceptions, were a happy bunch. He looked at one picture he had taken from up high of the sprawling crowd and smiled. That so many people banded together so passionately for so long, with not one incident of violence among them impressed him. The night's march was a total love-fest, and he was proud to have been a small, small part of it.

Danny set the pictures to upload onto a server, kicked off his boots, and went to lay down. He was out before his head hit the pillow. It had been a good day.

These two days went smoothly for Daphne, with Charles playing security guard, she had her mind at ease. Everyone remained peaceful, even Brady. Though there were a few close calls where she had to jam some Nelson up his nose and into his airways. Whenever he seemed like he was going to explode, she put up a hand to keep Charles from intervening and took care of it. Always trading Nelson for a peace pipe. Occasionally, she would make small talk with him about Disney plots, because that was kinda their thing. Get high and watch Disney movies.

Despite Brady's anger issues, Keirra was the real handful. She had to constantly bark at her not to pee in public, since they were in the marketplace and there were plenty of indoor places for her to go. Though the pregnant rogue seemed to be loving the atmosphere and probably the distraction. She kept a closer eye on her and Brady, since they belonged to Tess in their own strange ways. Oh and she made a point to give Keirra a different sign and supply her with cake.

All in all, it was a great first day. She'd built up her own decent crowd, and the former governor not only made an appearance, but doubled the people! She made a point to greet him and give him a t'shirt, thanking him for coming. Danny got a lot of good shots of all the people in full protest, and the day and night alike remained peaceful. She'd met Frankie around the same time Danny discovered him with his lens. It was easy for Daphne to love him; how quickly he went from angrily ripping up a sign, to joining the protest peacefully. She was sad to see him leave, but made a point to let him know that he was welcome back anytime.

The next day was even better. The crowd seemed to expand a bit, not to mention Trash came by to play! She fell in love with their song choices, and cheered them on. Thanking them for the beauty they added to the protest! Of course she provided them with T-shirts to take home if they wanted them.

"Humans being racist against non humans?"
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It didn't take Shiloh long to stumble across the video, and took even less time for him to decide to get involved. (Though that was probably more than likely because he thought Daphne was cute.) He'd skipped Monday mostly because he was getting everything he needed together. Around lunchtime on Wednesday, Shiloh set up shop handing out free slices of Peace-Pizza to feed hungry protesters.

Including a sign that read:
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And a shirt that said:
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The fun-loving chimera-in-denial would surely put food in the bellies, and a smile on the faces of many that were protesting.

Monday, Day 1

First and foremost, she was well overdue for a change of color. Hair color, that is. Having not changed it since her previous color of pink, teal and purple, it was faded into something terrible. Not that the weirdo needed much of a reason to do so in the first place, she decided that the protest would be a great time to let her freak flag fly.

A regular as it was to Hair or Dye Salon, she'd made sure to not text her favorite spirit animal, Grace at 7 am this time (sorry, Mark!) for her appointment. What did she choose? A neon, almost traffic-cone orange that she was phenomenally excited about:

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"This oughta stop some traffic!" She'd declared proudly.

Afterwards, it was straight to work. She'd been busy creating signs, getting together cleaning supplies and just about anything she could possibly think of to support her tokin' buddy's protest. Using some of that trust fund for a much better cause than greed, she'd put together some "cleaning baskets" to scatter about for those that were willing to help with cleaning up the vandalized victims.

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She'd even had vintage buttons made for the occasion, and she was busy handing them out while chanting among the crowd. "Stop the violence! Unity can be achieved! Drop the segregation! Racism is the true monster!"

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(Image found on google, credit goes to the original owner!)

(A thank you to Daphne's permission for the old hermit to make a speech for the cause.)

1.25.17
Wednesday
Third Day Into the Protest

Out of the woodworks, the old hermit came out of his hiding. A cursed man who did not belong to humans or non-humans, not to any literal sense. A man caught in permanent limbo of not belonging. Perhaps, until today. He was dressed in his old uniform, without his rapier at his side. His back was straight as a board, from years of habitual duty as a soldier to the English army on Earth those centuries ago. He?d seen the video online, the photos posted from Dah about the spectacular event that had taken place. The same event that had drawn his attention in the first place and drawn him out of his home in the Glen. It didn?t take him long to find the young woman who had put the event together, who had gained quite a crowd together as well as a rather long list of fans online. After walking to Daphne and introducing himself, and his intentions of being there today, she lead him to the stage and helped get the crowd?s attention.

?Many of you may or may not recognize or know who I am. With good reason,? he chuckled. ?I believe the proper term for someone such as myself is ?hermit?. Those who do know me, would likely question my sanity to have brought myself here today, as it?s not usually in my nature to do so. But even a hermit such as myself couldn?t stand back and not take the opportunity to speak. I wish to be pardoned as I grant you all my fondest apologies for the length of time this may take.? He took a deep breath, hazel eyes scanning the crowd as he took in the collaboration of people collected. From humans, to non-humans, even the combinations of the two. Even himself. ?My name is Julius Warden, and it could be debatable on what spectrum I would belong in. Human? Not really. Non-human? Not necessarily.? Realizing he was outing himself to not only the protesters, but the spectators standing on the sidelines as well. ?But I can tell you I?ve seen both sides of the coin.?

?I have lived as a human, a soldier in fact. Back in England, I was a prideful soldier. I served a country I loved deeply, and I did not hesitate to march in wars. I was human. Completely. Born and raised as a human, I served my country as a human. I have seen..? Sighing, he paused before continuing. ?Unspeakable acts of both sides. Humans, that have killed for little reason other than to wash their hands in blood. Non-humans, who kill not for survival, but for the pleasure of doing so. And there are some of you here today, that my words will not matter to you. I understand,? he nodded, pressing a hand to his chest as he looked around and raised his brows. ?We are all capable of our own thinking, our own opinions. Our own beliefs. But we are all also entitled to our own rights. To live. To speak. To survive.?

?To discriminate against a race, or multiple races as a whole for the actions of a few strays having lost their way of what ?survival? means is hypocritical. I have seen both sides of the coin here, mind you. As a soldier, I have seen what my fellow humans were capable of in the war. I saw the bloodshed on the streets, the violence. The proof is in human prisons. Murderers, rapists. To claim that every non-human in this city is a monster because of the actions of some, is to claim every human being in this crowd today is a criminal. Is a cold-blooded murderer.?

?Racism comes in all shapes and forms. On Earth, there were wars over the color of one?s skin. There still are to this day. There were wars and discrimination, segregation and hatred over the color of one?s skin, one?s religion. Of one?s right to love who they wish to love.?

?When I came to the wonderful city of Rhy?Din, I thought this place was beautiful. I truly believed that I could find peace here. And I did. After all my years, my lifetimes of riding the thin line between human and non-human, not belonging to either category, I thought I had found a home.? Pinching his fingers together, he moved his hand with his words. ?Humans, co-existing peacefully among non-humans. Knowledge of their existence without mass hysteria. A human, that can go buy groceries from a werewolf at the supermarket,? chuckling softly, there was a soft smirk on his face as he spoke now. ?And, they?d talk about the weather. How their children were doing, if they?d seen the latest television show of something they both watched. And both fully aware of each other?s species. And now?? That?s when his smile faltered, his hand dropped.

?Now? there is violence on the streets. Segregation of signs on storefronts, telling non-humans they aren?t welcome. Calling fellow humans traitors because they believe in civil co-existence and refusing to turn their backs on their beliefs. Businesses and homes that have declared themselves Safe Havens for those that have been assaulted -those that have never hurt a living soul in their life- now being attacked and spat words of hatred in their faces. Violence only breeds violence, mes amis.?

"And to mention the wardings on businesses that have refused to service non-humans," he looked astounded, almost abashed at the idea. "Potentially harming a non-human for simply walking through a door, blocking them at the very least. Concern for the little ones that aren't human, who may not be able to read the signs posted.. the warnings.. what could happen.." He shook his head, the look on his expression downright disgusted as he glanced to those on the sidelines that were against the peaceful protesters. "To instill such fear, you are no better than those you are claiming to be better than. Each one of you should be ashamed for your actions, because respectable is not a word I would use for such behaviors."

Looking to the ground for a moment, he was quiet for no more than two seconds before he lifted his eyes and looked to the crowd. ?These words do not apply to the protesters here fighting for the rights of the non-humans. But for those that I would be working my tail off to the bone to put behind bars as a soldier and officer. I have never quite been so ashamed of humans until I saw the destruction of this city over something as petty and ignorant as racism.? The muscles in his jaw shifted as he turned his eyes to those on the side-lines that were looking at him with hatred and irritation. ?My loyalty stands with those non-humans you despise so much. Because out of all my time spent living as one, I have found more honor.. More respect? and more appreciation of and with those that you call a monster.? Dragging his eyes back to the peaceful protesters, there was a pleasant smile that showed more fang than he?d been yet to show in the confines of Rhy?Din. ?And my thank you extends to every single one of you brave souls who stand here today, marching and calling out for peace and coexistence of my kind and yours. It may not be today, or maybe not even tomorrow. But you have changed the lives of many here, you?ve given them hope that not all humans are ignorant and full of judgmental hatred. You are treasures among this city, reasons why I take pride to be a part of it. To Daphne here, who brought all of you wonderful people here today and had the courage to speak up for what she believes in, and for sticking up for us monsters.? Snickering to the word. ?Thank you, all of you, for listening to an old man say his own peace.? Dipping his head politely, his hands were clasped behind his back. ?Merci.? And with that, he?d turn and make his way off the stage. Standing off to the side, he resumed his soldier pose. He?d considered walking home, but in case there was an uproar over his words, he refused to leave them to handle it on their own. Instead, he stood with his chin lifted as if proud of where he stood with the others.

Mach didn't protest. No, the hunter was far too much of a skeptic to believe in the power of cleverly ironic signs, milling about inconveniencing motorists, memeishly cringe worthy chants, whaky tobaccy, or folks singing hokey songs around burning objects. This held especially so when your enemy was something as formless, ambiguous, and frankly just conceptual as fear. Sure, sticking up for social liberties and denouncing closed mindedness was always a good thing, something he deeply believed in; but counter-protests against a faceless counterculture felt about as useful as trying to stave off the night with a candle... without starting a forest fire (because being a dick to nature was generally bad too.)

Okay, maybe it was more his cynicism that kept him out of the protest, but that didn't mean he still couldn't participate in the odd internet video prompted protest, if in his own way. He had just recently told another that actions spoke louder than words after all, and more particularly that clever and sly actions spoke better than upfront ones though he wasn't sure towel snapping exactly conveyed that. And so he milled about the edges of the protests and sites of those working to fix vandalism armed with the most basic things he needed for crowd control ? his 'charm' and a bottle of alcohol.

Was he getting people who tussled drunk? Heck no! That would have gotten expensive! No, Mach worked slyly kind of being a drunken dick to both sides and diffused hostility by way of sheer duckery and confusion. What!? Sometimes what you needed more than a hero was a common annoyance to deescalate and make people rather forget what they were originally planning. Did it paint him as a giant tool? Maybe. But how was that any different from how he was usually painted as? And more importantly none of those little places he intervened at in such a way seemed to escalate beyond just a clash of words with the schmooze occasionally even getting the two sides to work together against the drunken foolery. All in all a pretty good success he figured.

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Of course the hunter kept to the periphery sort of spot solving problems as they came up giving him a fair bit of situational agility. Always a good thing when dealing with groups of volatile individuals (and yes he was including the smoked up and pizza'd down folks as volatile too if only because their uninhibited tongues could stir a lot of trouble!) In particular it allowed him to head off a few of those roving bands of troublemakers before they could even get close to cause trouble. Dealing with those, well, sometimes a more direct approach was necessary.

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Yeah, no one would be calling Mach a 'hero' by the end of things, that was for sure. But he would keep the peace in the best way that he knew how.

Tuesday, Day 2

She was going to be there all week, going home long enough to get some sleep in and shower before she'd do it all over again. Tuesday, she spent the majority of her time cleaning up close by shops that had been vandalized. Every time someone had mentioned the muffin baskets Russo had supplied to them, she'd gotten a goofy grin with that emotional glisten to her eyes. "Yeah, he's amazing, isn't he?"

She'd been scurrying from one thing to another, trying to keep Vida focused on what was at hand instead of trying to just be all over Justin or anyone else she knew, even helping Brady fend off a few attacks by her. She kept giving Russo that big grin with her nose scrunched up now and then, the crowd's atmosphere getting to her excitement levels. And the colorful hippy might've mauled Daphne with affectionate hugs for doing all this to begin with when the woman came within reach.

When the local all grrrrl Trash band showed up and played a set of on-point-peaceful-protest songs, Tess' baked ass had swayed and sang along to her favorites, even trying to pull Russo in on it when she could. Just because it was a serious matter didn't mean it had to be depressing!

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(Photo credit of course to Chloe Norgaard, reference to her 'blitzed' dancing at the show.)

Through out the days of protest, many may see Lupinossai among the groups. An oddity since the violence from the racial hatreds had spurned a Travel Advisory to the Lupe people that lived outside of Rhy'Din City. Yet, they were there, the few that were willing and brave to volunteer to come help a red head that always seemed to be around and amidst catalytic events.

Ammy efficiently employed her small band of fifteen Lupinossai from one large 8 foot Erthrii down to several diminutive 3 foot winged Airii to provide assistance among the protest activities. She rolled up her sleeves too lending help wherever people wanted it in both good ol' fashioned elbow grease or nifty alchemy and magic. Anyone having ever gone to a convention would know the group effort as 'Gopher' patrol as they all would 'go for this' or 'go for that'.

Each Lupinossai wore a dark green t-shirt with the Sword of Damocles Foundation logo on it but nothing was said about the foundation or any offers made. They let their helping actions speak for themselves helping others tote supplies, scrub graffiti off of walls, assist in repairs where needed and more. Ammy would be seen reassuring any Lupinossai looking worried or antsy, each one though drawing courage from their team leader seeing that if 'she' had the courage to be on the streets with others after being shot many times, then they could have the courage too.

What kind of loyal wolf would she be if she let Keirra go to the protest alone? She knew things could get dangerous, and she didn't want the pregnant rogue to get caught up in the crossfires. The first couple days, she stalked the potty mouth, but upon getting caught, ended up being dragged into it. Keirra had painted the wolf's white fur rainbow, and spent most of the day riding her. Not that the lycan minded, compared to her massive self, even a pregnant Keirra was nothing. She did however, mind the rainbow fur paint. What, did the rogue's pregnant brain mix up peace with pride? She had no clue. Either way, she wore the colors and walked tall.

In actuality, Keirra painted the wolf up to make Tessa smile, knowing full well that the girl had a thing for rainbows.



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Photo credited to Bluemoongem on deviantART

TUESDAY

The morning after the initial protest, Danny sat in front of his computer. Selecting pictures had taken up much of his time, but in between, he managed to do a quick write up. He checked over his work, thinking back to the night before and the pride he felt having been a part of it. A picture of Daphne, fist in the air, mouth opened, shouting in protest was at the top, looking fierce and iconic.

Last night had been a success, and he would be there to do it again today.

His mouse hovered over the "post" icon.

Click.


Humility First
The date was Monday, January 23rd. The crowds gathered as far as the eye could see, a mish-mash of different species; human, fae, nighteaters, elves, and more. The exact numbers assembled are still forth coming, but all around, there were the faces of Rhy?Din, unified in defiance of bigotry. Their name: Humility First. Their goal: to raise awareness of an anti non-human sentiment that has recently begun to creep into this fantastic place.

The protests come in direct response to an upsurge of anti non-human sentiment by the group Humanity First. Signs posted on businesses and light posts read ?Non-Humans Not Wanted? dot the landscape, as well as acts of vandalism to non-human owned businesses and homes, creating an atmosphere of division amongst the diverse life-forms that dominate Rhy?din. The movement, tied heavily into the Temple of the Divine Mother cult, seeks to end a perceived human oppression by supernatural lifeforms so prevalent in Rhy?Din.

Late into the night, the protest?s organizer, Daphne Winters led the throng, handing out t-shirts, chanting passionately, and keeping the huge mass of people on task. It was Winters? viral video that kicked off this peaceful protest, the fiery young woman stating, ?As a human, you do not speak for me. I do not, nor will I ever agree with this. You cannot promote rights for someone else by diminishing the rights of others.?

Winters soon found herself with the daunting task of assembling and maintaining the massive outpouring of voices, both non-human and human, who came out in support of her cause, It is a pleasure to report that incidences of violence and destruction of property remained non-existent, even as the offending signs were pulled down.

Looking at the many faces, one would be struck by the various emotions displayed throughout. Fear, excitement, anger, joy, and most prevalent, hope. Hope for a better tomorrow for all races in Rhy?Din. In the midst of anger, in the midst of fear, the members showed their fine quality throughout the evening?s march, attracting the talents of the popular music group, Trash and even an appearance by former Governor Ebon Ilnaren.

The graffiti has been washed away and the signs have been taken down for now, but the sentiment still remains strong. The racist, xenophobic ideals may still be there, ready to rear their ugly heads again, but Daphne Winters and Humility First will be there, waiting. The fight has just begun.

Andu accepts the t-shirt with a big smile and a hearty thank you... But as soon as Daphne's back is turned, he spends several moment just staring at the shirt with a confused expression on his face. One hand reaches up to scratch at the base of one of the two horns sprouting from his head to almost the width of his shoulders before curving around in front to about triple their length with the graceful curve included.

The sight of members of the 27th division joining in as security was welcoming. By the third day, especially seeing the numbers rising after the concert and the outreach that each day was bringing, Charles went from being unarmed and mingling to being openly armed and staying on top of the roofs.

Hope would get a nod from him, as well as, if she wanted to conference with him, he would gladly do so. He kept his distance, watching the protests go on, only intervening when needed, but for the most part avoiding most altercations. A few other figures, hidden or only silhouetted, were also on the rooftops, keeping overwatch.

Daphne bowed her respect right back, and thanked Ammy for the card and the help. It wasn?t long before she was turning her back and getting her hands dirty again. It had been a great day, everyone was so friendly and respectful. People, human and otherwise, were standing together for something much bigger than themselves: unity.

Then there was Danny?s article. Anyone who had ever been in her house, would know it didn?t have much of a personal touch. Sure, it was decorated, but she bought it that way for the most part. She didn?t keep personal things laying around. There weren?t any pictures on the walls, weren?t any letters from home. It was almost as if the empath had no actual family?which didn?t matter to her. This was her family. Still, she wasn?t much for keeping clutter. That article, though. It had been printed out and framed, sitting on her dresser. It meant more to her than words could express. She?d thank Danny that day for it, hug him?but then it was back to work.


The next day, however she seemed?different. Perhaps a bit broken? It was the attack on Danny that had wiped the smile off her face. If it weren?t for his words, she might have told everyone to pack up and go home, told everyone that it was over. Standing up for what she believed in, did not mean putting the safety of people at risk. Still, despite his words, she found herself again at that microphone, taking Julius? spot in speech giving. It was awkward at first, the light robbed from her eyes.

?Excuse me everyone,? she began, in a grim tone. ?I have some bad news?? If it weren?t for the microphone, she might not even have been audible. ?Last night, one of our own was attacked.? One of our own meaning people, not humans. Family. ?I saw him last night, and he?s going to be okay, but? That doesn?t make it okay.? Daphne shook her head sadly. ?If it weren?t for speaking to him, I?d probably be up here telling you all to pack it in and go home, but I?m not going to do that. Instead, I?m going to tell you that? Despite everything we?re doing here today, the chance of violence is still very real. So I urge you to walk away if that?s what you feel like is best for you.? Daphne chewed on her bottom lip lightly, and took in a deep breath. ?I don?t?want to see anyone else get hurt. I?m going to see this through til the end, because that?s what he wants, but please know that doesn?t mean I expect any of you to be by my side. I want each and every one of you safe. So, if you?re staying, you?re welcome to, but? Please, do not walk home from the protest alone. We?re stronger in numbers. If you see any violence, I urge you to call for help. I will be handing out my phone number, if anybody needs a ride, I will gladly give them out. That?s?that?s all, thank you.?

With that, she?d step down and go back to protesting with whoever stayed.

When Danny showed up that next day, determined as he was...she'd hand him a box wrapped in gift wrap. When he opened it, he'd find a better version of his old camera, minus the smashy part.

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--Danny, if I'm not allowed to stop protesting, you're not allowed to stop taking pictures or writing.
~Love, Daphne.

Friday, January 27

Around 11 AM Danny's page updated with a new article, along with a camera phone picture of him in a hospital bed. His face was battered, a nasty gash on his right cheek bone, a swollen lower lip, and stitches along his chin. But the most prominent thing on his face was a smile, a peace sign gestured with his bandaged right hand.

Never Back Down

Hello, happy campers. As many of you have probably heard, I was attacked last night. Three gentlemen of my own species decided that the work we?re doing here was an affront to them. A threat to human-kind. I was set upon by them, and limped away with 2 broken ribs, a split chin requiring 3 stitches, a bruised bone in my right hand, and bruises in places I don?t care to talk about. I am, quite simply put, a mess.

But, dear readers...my friends. I am still here.

When the bullies and tyrants are brought into the light, they will shy from it. They will lash out at the light and try to destroy it. Ladies, gentlemen, non-gendered friends...we are that light. This attack, this violence toward me is a sign, but it is not a sign that we should stop. It is a sign that what we?re doing matters. That we have made the bullies, the cowards, the bigots afraid.

I have seen much in my short life. War, squalor, death, subjugation. I?ve embedded myself in villages set upon by war lords. I?ve ridden in helicopters to warzones beside brave men and women in the country of my birth?s military. I?ve been embraced by creatures of such power and beauty, only to find them killed for sport by cowards seeking to prove their masculinity. I?ve held starving children in my arms while they died because they were stolen from by greedy, selfish men. This is not my first fight and sadly it will not be my last. I will bear these scars with pride.

Protest and marching is easy when there are no consequences. But now, our resolve is tested, and we must win out, even in the face of attack. I despise violence, but there those who see it as a means to an end. We cannot be those people. I ask you, do not lash out. Do not attack. Stand strong in your convictions. Never stop fighting. Never back down. You may be wondering, then, what do we do in the face of violence? Well, I will use words wiser than my own.

?Compromise when you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move. It is your duty, to plant yourself like a tree, look them in they eye and say...

No. You move. ? -Peggy Carter

With love,
Danny F. Dubek

Somewhere Above Rhy?Din City]

Keep your head down and your nose clean. It had been Dianna?s mantra since her under the radar escape from Rhydin three months prior. In that time she had gained little traction and only the slightest bit of space from the M-class planet that she had called home for over two years. The transport cruiser made regular stops at the Stars End port and at those times, she always took particular care to stay as far from the port regulars as possible.

Head down. Nose clean. Or as clean as she could be when she spent the days tending to the rooms of the ship?s passengers. They were a dirty lot more often than not and the pay for cleaning up their messes was barely enough to cover her room and board, a ploy she thought more than intentional on the part of the transport company that ran the fleet. It was a far cry from the luxurious life she had enjoyed as a pet of the Humanity First movement. But it was a life just the same which was more than could be said for Francis or many of those she had left behind on Rhydin.

?Hello, Claech. Does the day find you well?? A midday break from her never ending to do list found her in the doorway of one of her fellow crewmates. The Klos?elmie looked up from a desk laden with monitors and torn apart electrical components with a grin of sharp teeth.

?Deedee! It?s Rhydinian Friday, of course it?s a great day!? He stretched back in his chair, his scale covered arms clacking with the extension before he dropped them onto the chair?s arms. ?Check this out. The down below?s little stink has turned into a full on week of protests in the city.?

?Oh?? Her brows lifted. Claech beckoned her over with a point to the screen. Word of unrest in Rhydin had been spreading along the gossip grapevine but this was the first chance she?d had to see it in person. Across the monitors scrolled feeds from a number of news sources. Reports of non-humans being barred from businesses, pockets of human neighborhoods banning non-humans from their communities, non-humans fighting back in any way they could. And then there was the peace protest.

?Isn?t it cool? It?s like the edge of a civil war, have you ever seen such a thing?? Claech sounded far too excited by such a prospect. Dianna?s mouth twisted into a frown.

?I have.? Time away couldn?t diminish the prim lilt to her accent, something that her fellow crew members often poked fun at. None of them knew who she was though, the chameleon filters had done enough to change her appearance until she only vaguely resembled her former self.

?It?s beautiful.? The green skinned Klos?elmie sighed happily. He tipped his head back to look up at her as she looked over his shoulder at the screens. Noticing she clearly didn?t feel the same, his smile fell. ?What?s wrong??

?They?re going about it all wrong.? Her hands had tightened but she had slipped them into the pockets of the olivine canvas jumpsuit she wore to hide the tension from her friend.

?Whatcha mean?? Now Claech was curious. He sat up in his chair and swiveled it to look at her better.

?I mean that it?s possible to elevate humanity?s status without denigrating the status of others. It?s feasible to build strong communities on a foundation of similar principles, whether by race or other virtue, without destroying the communities of others.? There was an impassioned conviction to her tone that Claech couldn?t help but gawk at. Deedee, as he had always known her, had always been so quiet and reserved. Never had she spoken up like this before, instead always contenting herself with soft nods and subtle expressions whenever political conversations came up.

?Yeah? How?re they gonna do that?? He asked. Dianna looked over her shoulder at the door and frowned.

?Claech? your setup here, you can broadcast from it, can?t you?? As vaguely gestured to the rigged system in front of him. He glanced from her to it and back, nodding.

?Yeah, it?s a pirate signal but it usually holds for a few minutes until they can figure out how to override it. Why?? Claech watched as the woman went to the door, pressing her hand to the access panel so that the door slid shut. She turned back to him, a fire in her green eyes that she hadn?t seen before.

?How do you feel about making a statement??


Thirty Minutes Later]

Public stations across the city cut to static before their signals were overtaken by a grainy feed of unknown origin. The camera was less than high quality but for those who had been in Rhydin during election season, the person sitting in front of it was a familiar face. Dianna Faulkner sat against a sterile white wall in a similarly colored chair. Her dark hair had been pulled into a braid over one shoulder and fatigue seemed to limn the edges of her normally bright eyes. The olive colored jumpsuit she wore washed her skin tone out to an unhealthy looking pallor. Despite her slightly unkempt appearance, her gaze was cool and collected as she looked into the camera. Briefly it ticked upwards, looking offscreen just long enough for Claech to tell her they were successfully connected. With a muted nod, she licked her lips and spoke.

?It?s been some time since I last had an opportunity to address the people in this way. You?ll have to forgive me if my thoughts are a little scattered. I?ve only just received reports of what is happening in the city and I? I?m beyond words. Rhydin City, a melting pot founded on but a handful of indisputable tenets. Firstly, the people rule themselves by their morals and their might. The strong look out for the weak and in turn the weak rise to join their ranks. Secondly, all are welcome no matter their race, religion, or creed. These facts are what drew the Humanity First movement to Rhydin to begin with. In a land of gods and monsters, surely the humans amongst them surely needed help keeping pace, lest they been run roughshod over as if they were nothing but detritus upon the streets. We were right in some aspects and when we found this to be true, we wanted to help build humanity up in Rhydin.

?I am ashamed to see what has become of this movement, twisted and bastardized as it is. You fight now not for the rights of humans but rather to take away the rights of those around you. I speak to those of you who think this is your mission. Do you truly believe that you accomplish anything by building your rights atop the backs of those you broke in the process? Nay, you merely become the oppressor and in doing so, become no better than those you fought against all this time. Is that what you wish?

To those fighting in the name of humanity or Humanity First, I say stop this. Stop your wretched display of pomp and ego and once more build up your community. Do not tear one another down. Do not exclude or hurt those that may be different. Instead create something that draws those you wish to be associated with. Build it and they will come. Build something to be proud of.

I say do this because this is not a war you will win. Not here. You spit in the faces of those that have helped make the city what it is now and expect no retribution? Surely you all must be more intelligent than that. Prove that humanity deserves its pedestal, do not expect to be elevated merely for knocking down others.?

Offscreen, a muted voice can be heard. ?Thirty seconds til disconnect.? Dianna?s gaze ticks up again then back to the camera. With a deep breath, she continues.

?Humanity is better than this. I implore you look inwards to find this fact within yourself. Rise above violence. Rise above division. Do this and humanity will prevail in the way they are meant to. Not at the cost of others. Dianna Faulkner, signing out.?

The feed goes dead the moment after and programming is restored to its normal broadcast.

Friday, Day 5

Oh boy. So much had changed in one day. Receiving news at the crack of dawn of the violence that was lashed out against Dah that night, it had brought the peace-loving-hippy into tears. Horrified, disgusted at her own race that had singled out one man and jumped him? she felt sick to her stomach and just a little bit broken. She?d hardly slept after the news, fighting between anger and sadness at what had transpired.

But a part of her hadn?t neglected the possibilities that this could?ve happened. Just because they believed in peace and believed that it could be handled without violence, did not mean that everyone would. Even if that recognition had her sinking into a kitchen chair and putting her head on her crossed arms, releasing a well of emotions in the form of salty tears. Somewhere close to four in the morning, she?d gotten up and made coffee with a look of hard determination on her face. Something was telling her that this news would have Daphne wanting to pull back, to stop. She knew the woman well, and a part of her could sympathize with those thoughts. But the attack the night before was only proof that what they were doing.. It needed to be.

Weighing risk and reward that morning, she?d forced herself to eat even if the food that she put in her mouth tasted like dirt and was difficult to swallow.

She pushed herself to go to the Protest, though her expression was a bit more downtrodden and haggard than the days before. By the time she reached the crowd, she forced a smile on her face even if it didn?t reach her bleary eyes. She made it in time for Daphne?s speech, watching among the others and might?ve slipped her hand into Russo?s should he be standing there with her like it was her only lifeline. Her eyes had welled and spilled over to see Daphne so broken, but there was a swell of pride in Dah for pushing her to continue. A soft and warm smile at the strength and conviction in his beliefs, his refusal to back down. She was growing more and more fond of the man, and might have been thinking about adopting him into her wide array of Strays she considered her family and closest friends.

And in that afternoon.. the broadcast arrived?

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Post to be continued!

In a city filled with residents of dizzying variety, it never really occurred to Tenball that he might be among the most unusual. This was largely because of the fact that the beholder treated everyone he encountered with the same lighthearted, friendly eagerness, and it tended to be returned in kind.

In this instance, of course, the generally uplifting mood helped.

As he drifted among the Humility First crowd, with a trio of signs--provided by Daphne's crew, with many thanks to them--floating around him, Ten joined the chants and cheers. "Diversity together makes us stronger!" It wasn't the best of mottoes, perhaps, but it worked. "Diversity in Union!"

A few of his fellow protesters, hearing his cry, turned to give him high fives, then blinked in surprise as he met all of their upraised hands with closed eyestalks. "Dude! Nice drums!" The girl speaking pointed to the pair of wooden drums hanging in a harness from around several stalks. "You play?"

"I do," replied the beholder as he let his signs lower gently to the ground before withdrawing a pair of wooden beaters from their pouch. "I see you all have some yourselves. Want to jam?" With that, he started laying down a rhythm. The others laughed and took up their own instruments, weaving their own beats in and around Tenball's lead. Before long, a small crowd had gathered around, swaying and dancing, drawing together.

Diversity in union, indeed.

Friday, Cont'd

The moment that broadcast had come on, she'd stared at the screen with her muscles so tense that her lean body shook with the effort. Seeing Humanity First's right hand woman Dianna Faulkner, she honestly expected the worst. There was surprise, there was uneasiness radiating off her. She swallowed hard, though it seemed to be stuck in her throat. Here comes the chopping block..

Though as Dianna's words sang out, weaving those lyrics for everyone to put down their guns and violence, the achingly tense muscles slowly relaxed. Each word filtered through her ears and rattled her mind something fierce, and shock was apparent on her expression by the way her jaw was quite literally dropped. She stared at the screen long and hard, even after the broadcast cut off. Mouth open, eyes doe-like and wide. She probably looked like a guppy the way her mouth kept opening and closing, words not quite coming to her as she blinked rapidly. ?I? don?t..?

She finally pressed her lips together, swallowing hard as she looked over to Daphne beside her that.. Was already looking at her. Her eyes were glistening, threatening tears to come but they didn?t quite break over the waterlines yet. She reached out, putting her hand on her best friend?s shoulder to give it a squeeze. ?... That?s the real meaning of humanity..? Words laced heavily with emotion before she choked it back. Daph was far too close to get hit with the brunt assault of those tears, and she dropped her hand from the woman?s shoulder to look over at Russo standing on the other side of her.

Suddenly, excitement thrummed through her as well as those emotions spilling loose (run, Daph! run!) and the woman was flinging herself to Russo into a death grip of a hug.

Only then to plant one on him. Right on the mouth. At least she wasn?t roofied!

Olive juiceee.

When the broadcast first showed, he tensed up a bit. Seriously, who trusts broadcasts that randomly pop up? Instinctively, he scooted closer to Tessa to make sure there was much ample moral support at the ready if she needed it. Then the words came, and they were inspiring to say the least. Still, it was a 90/10 shot of making Tessa emotional. Whether it was positive or negative, really. The remaining ten percent would be if the person came on and talked about how red play dough was her favorite? The emotions reared their beautiful head, but were turned on Daphne. He hadn?t moved from his spot, just watched as Tessa offered her own words and a squeeze to the dread-head?s shoulder. Daphne was considered a moment. He liked her. She was good to Tess, and might be the only one that he?d known that rivaled Tess in kindness. It was no contest who his heart belonged to, though.

If it was in question before it certainly flew out the window when Tessa flung her attention to him. Arms instinctively wrapped around the small of her back when she hugged him. Then her lips found his and the entire crowd seemed to go silent?or maybe his ears were just ringing against the spinning in his head and the panging of his heart. He froze, as if her touch could turn him to stone and went a bit wide-eyed. Russo couldn?t remember the last time he had a kiss. The roofied kiss didn?t count! It just didn?t, okay!? After a moment of swirling thoughts in his head, he shut his brain down and just went right for it. His lips pressed harder against the kiss, those eyes came to a close and a pleasant hum left his lips, vibrating against hers.

Olive juice?.

Saturday, Day 6

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(Credit to Chloe Norgaard, y'know, the usual.)

The day had been spent as the rest of the week had been. Signs, chanting, cleaning. Welcoming new and late additions. Whether it had been Daphne or Tess that had been handed the cards, they would surely make their way over to Tess regardless. And she might?ve tried to stop the werewolf from leaving.. If only for a hug he let her as well to thank him for the services offered before she?d move out of his merry way. She was a hippy, Quinn. It was just her way. Peace and love.

At least? until the unthinkable happened that night after the protesters had left?

Saturday
Danny spent the day out at the protest, happily taking pictures and talking to well-wishers. The response to him and his articles uplifted the wounded journalist.

The day took its toll, though. He began to feel a bit woozy and when a stitch popped, he had to cut the night short.

Danny was at the hospital when the attack happened. It was only on his way out that he'd found out anything happened. As he stepped out into the lobby, the doors burst open. Paramedics were working fiercely to save their patient. Danny couldn?t see her face, but when he caught a glimpse of a long, red braid dangling off one end of the gurney, his heart dropped. The world seemed to suddenly go quiet and everything moved slow.

He stood there in a daze as the realization came to him in waves...the report on the TV, the protesters who were pouring into the lobby, some of them covered in blood, and that braid. Suddenly, it felt like the earth moved under his feet and his legs turned to jello. Danny clutched a nearby seatback as he collapsed to his knees, trying desperately to catch his breath. Everything shook, everything felt numb. Everything seemed to crumble.

Sunday, Last Day of Protest

The night before had been pure chaos. She was running on no sleep, having finally left the hospital sometime in the late morning. She'd spent all night talking (fighting) with the doctors, being shoved up Daphne and Brady's ass in the hospital, answering calls and making a few of her own. All the while, the conversation with the culprit was haunting her thoughts. That last word replaying like a broken record, each time sending a sharp pain like a blade to her stomach. Checkmate.

She was drained, emotionally and physically. She'd spent a good portion of the morning sitting in the tub to try to wash Daphne's blood off her, crying and fighting off the nausea that was flopping around in her belly. Why didn't you tell me about those fucking texts, Daphne? She knew why, and a part of her understood. Had the roles been reversed, could she really tell Daphne? She knew the woman would've tried to talk her out of the protest, to hang up the towel and walk away from it. Would she have done the same? It was a possibility, if only for the well-being of her friend's safety and health.

By the time she was finished with her shower and cried herself dry of tears, she felt numb. Cold. Distant. She stared in the mirror at her own reflection, gritting her teeth as thoughts battered her left and right. The culprit had hurt Daphne, had tried to kill her. That homeless girl and Brady had gotten caught in the crossfires. Tessa was a peace loving hippy that would tie herself to a tree to stop it from being cut down. She wasn't one for violence, or physical fighting. But there was one known fact about the woman. You don't hurt my people. My friends. My family. Her jaw was clenched to the point of pain and her fingers were gripping the sink until they were white as bone and almost numb with the pressure.

Tearing herself away from the mirror, she let out a hiss between her teeth and charged out of the room. That empty, broken look in her eyes were replaced by anger. Is this what Brady feels like all the time? For once, she understood him. Truly understood him. White, hot, blinding rage shook her slender frame and had her fists balling and splaying her fingers. She wanted to hit someone, something. She wanted to track down the aggressor and deal back the pain he'd put on Daphne and her Strays. Standing there for a good minute, she took the stairs to her home two and a time.

She'd seen those words at the hospital, the upload of the incident to the blog. She'd watched it over and over, torturing herself and her memories with a third party view of the catastrophe. And the caption at the bottom of every post.

Consider Humility First officially disbanded.

"Fuck you we are," she snarled to her empty bedroom, tearing apart her closet. Today.. was not a bright and cheery day. Today was a dark day, an angry day. Today, she didn't feel like Rainbrow Brite as Grace called her.

.............................................

Tessa showed up to the protest sometime after noon, dressed in all black gym-wear and a golf club in hand. There was a darker expression on her face, though she tried to force a smile to those who had showed up to the protest despite the threat and violence at hand. If she hadn't cried herself out for the past 12-plus hours, she might've gotten teary-eyed at the display. She'd given a stiff hug to those she knew, thanking them for showing up and being brave considering the heinous actions taken upon them. She told them she was proud of them. After being surrounded by her new-found family, her dark expression softened some.

And just when she thought she was all cried out.. Dah made the speech. She didn't sob or wail, but tears spilled down ashen cheeks as she watched him on the stage. Russo had been shoved up her ass all day, and she took an exhausted lean on him sometime during the speech, refusing to admit she was a little cold. (She'd been too angry to consider a jacket, really.) At the end of it, she mouthed two words to him that she hoped he saw. Thank you. She'd wanted to say something, but she didn't know where to start. Her words would've been violent, angry, not uplifting and inspirational as his were. That's IF she didn't just burst into tearless sobs on the stage, flailed her golf club around and made inaudible sounds to just confuse the crowd. Which was a much more likely circumstance.

She stayed the entire day, refusing to leave until the last protester made their way home. And that golf club didn't leave her hands once.

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Zver showed up at the beginning of the week ready to protest away. Unfortunately, no one really told him it was supposed to be a peaceful protest.

He showed up with a sign inspired by Slipknot, reading "PEOPLE = SH**" and got his sign stolen by Daphne. Little did she know that under his shirt... he had another shirt that said the same thing. Eventually, he just got chased off by Keirra demonfacing at him and saying "You're gonna get us both kicked out, and I want to stay and eat free food. Get out of here!"

He was relatively sure he heard someone tell him "You're drunk Zver, go home." Which... he was. But still! That's okay, he had Janie and his DS to get home to. Mario didn't stand a damn chance.

(Thanks for the input from Daph and Keirra!)