Fantasy The Underground: Age of Wars

"I was hoping you would." His smile widened. He leaned into her sweet kiss, cheeks reddening in the process. "It will keep you safe here. aaaaaand if you will accept, it has a sort of second meaning. I'm sure I don't have to say it out loud nor do I think I could." He chuckled nervously.
"Now that uh... that is out of the way. What say you we go exploring the Underground a bit? I don't think you've truly gotten a chance to explore safely."
Black Forest MLady

"Okay okay! The entrance is um....uh." The priest's face contorted as he tried to remember. He had been brought down there a few times but never seemed to remember all that well. "I remember a subway station, but then...also an alleyway being the same thing? It's like. It changes." He looked up to his tormentors. Trying to get across that he was being honest.

"Hmm. More information than we've gotten out of you before but it's real vague Priest. Care to share more? You've obviously got connections to these beasts. Maybe even one of them or God forbid...half one of them." Anton gagged at the mere thought if it.

"I well. When I was young I vaguely remember a great fairy, but that feels more like a dream. Ever since I was young these things have bothered me and follow me around but-"

"up-up-up. What was that again? I don't remember you ever saying THAT before eh? That they follow you. Oh Father you were holding out on us! What a naughty one you are." Anton grinned menacingly. "Well now we have a new agenda! Connor grab your toys we've got beasts to attract! I have a feeling the more pain we cause to this one outside of the facility the more likely we'll be able to attract one of em and force them to take us to their sanctuary. Whaddya say?"
Soviet Panda


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Austere fired back. Locking his gaze onto his father. Something was different this time...As ferocious as the Prince may have been now. His father's presence was crushing. He only spoke and yet Austere felt as though he was being crushed. "I...think I could match your prowess. At the very least, but I've still got much to learn." He gulped, the poor prince's facade quickly betrayed by a crack in his voice. "I am no fool though, I wouldn't simply go charging out into battle. Not with the number of troops under my thumb. I am no master but that doesn't mean I have no idea how to plan. My strategies have worked fairly well in the past. No warriors necessarily died." His eyes briefly darted to the space in front of him. His stance was strong and confident yet he was frozen in place. "You are not in control of me. I will speak of such things from here and you can come to me!" He spat out without thinking. "You have never trust my strategies or respected what authority I hold father. I assure you I have thought many things through. This war, keeping us from too much negative exposure, taking the throne one day and an heir, impressions on our people and most importantly how this war should be won. Which....I am still thinking through carefully enough."
Soviet Panda

Like the good dog he was, though he followed the prince into the throne room without a second thought, Shion remained by the door. The presence in the room was powerful, full, and unyielding; it wasn't the first time it had been like this, but it hadn't been this prominent. There the King sat in a more manageable form, with the many years of wisdom, experience, and age looming off of his already towering shoulders. Though he wished he could say that, by not being at the brunt of the beast, he wasn't intimidated or scared into stone, the demon simply couldn't.

Words were exchanged, the focus of presence shifted in a weird imbalance, yet Austere was clearly fazed. This wasn't of much concern, really, but Shion felt bad that the King had to face this, and the eldest prince had to combat the thoughts that being in this situation brought. His hands remained tucked behind him, fingers curling into the black fabric of his clothes when a new scent reached his heightened nose.

It was a little unfamiliar, but not without a name. He could pick out the little things, the things that you wouldn't expect to even have a scent, the things that brought comfort and a sense of calm; sweet hints of vanilla, comforting touches of summer rain, the soft tendrils of a willow, and the earthy wood that came with it.
Partially widened eyes lifted to the King and the Prince, a small spark traveling over his wrist. It would seem that Lady Lillian had arrived, slipping through the large doors he stood beside. There was very little time to give much warning, much less in a way that wouldn't call attention to the conversation between the King and Austere. Shion stepped to the side, allowing the Enchantress her space and bowing deeply to her.

"Lady Lillian.." was his greeting, a small yet friendly smile pulled across his face. "I'm relieved that you made it safely."

Soviet Panda Aridis Axeykins

"You say you're my equal, but you have much to learn. If you still have much to learn, then you are not my equal. You have no authority until I die and you sit on this throne. And you don't call yourself foolish, yet you throw a fit when you don't get what you want and threaten to break the law, laws I enforce and subject to myself. You think simply having a large army can insure victory through glorious combat. I have been running the Master of Shadows ragged, having them send party after party into the jaws of the enemy to cripple them with little risk to as many of my people as possible. And though you may have been lucky so far, warriors will die if you simply think having an army means victory." His voice boomed across the throne room, each word crashing like a wave on Austere as the full weight of the Crown came to bear. "I do control you, as every father controls his son. Your authority is what I allow you to have authority over. You will not lay a hand on these reports, and you will not leave the castle grounds unless supervised by guards of my choosing. Now go and keep thinking, think long and hard about the road you are going down and where it ends."

His eyes flicked briefly to one side of the room before returning to stare down Austere. But that brief look prompted a second one. And upon seeing Lilliana, it was as if someone had thrown a hammer at him. "Lilliana...! I did not expect you to arrive so soon. You will have to forgive us, just a discussion between father and son, ruler and heir." He had grown extremely flustered at her presence and at the fact that he had no clue how long she had been there. Was it from the beginning? Half way through? Right at the end? How he wished someone had told him sooner about her arrival.
(( Axeykins Aridis ))

"I know we must do more than sit around on our asses and watch 'patiently' as our very living crumbles. There must be a more direct approach taken as well!" He snapped back, fists clenched tightly at his sides. As sharp as his own tone was he could not look up at his father. The power and weight his presence held were too much to bear. "I....I. Whatever you say. Sir." He hissed as he knew this fight was one he had no chance of winning. "I will not step out of line again, but do not think you can fully control me. I am doing this of my own volition." He declared with yet another crack in his voice.
Unfortunately in front of his fiancee. The prince took in a deep breath to try and calm himself before turning to face Lilliana. "Lilli. Dearest, this is unexpected." He forced a half smile onto his face or rather attempted something close to a smile. It more turned out to look like a rather nasty sneer but the sentiment was there at least. "Sorry again for the awkward situation. And I suppose same to you as well Shion. Seeing as you witnessed all of it....why don't we move out of this room and find somewhere less old, sad and stuffy?"
Aridis Hoki Soviet Panda

She was indeed a very beautiful creature, whose voice could lift the heart of any man. Austere would undoubtedly be in good hands and vice versa. At her inquiry of his own day, the demon straightened and let his smile grow a bit, sky eyes remaining gentle as he untuck his hands. "Busy, of course," he responded, casting a wordless glance towards the previously arguing royalty. "It has been a good day, though.. The air is nice during these hours."

At Austere's apology, Shion only shook his head to dismiss it. He of all people didn't require the apology, a little upset to admit that he was unbothered by this kind of conflict. When the prince would come to properly greet his fiancé, he took the moment to look between the both of them. "Shall I leave you two alone?" Shion asked, "Give you time to yourselves?" Separating himself from the eldest prince of the Underground and his fiancé wasn't the most orthodox thing for a guard to do, especially when both would most likely be in his care. But his senses were so finely attuned to Austere's voice that, if he were to be called from almost ANYWHERE within the castle and a little ways beyond its walls, the demon would come running.

Axeykins Aridis

Axeykins said:

"I was hoping you would." His smile widened. He leaned into her sweet kiss, cheeks reddening in the process. "It will keep you safe here. aaaaaand if you will accept, it has a sort of second meaning. I'm sure I don't have to say it out loud nor do I think I could." He chuckled nervously.
"Now that uh... that is out of the way. What say you we go exploring the Underground a bit? I don't think you've truly gotten a chance to explore safely."
Black Forest MLady

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Alexis was very sure what the other meaning was. She studied it, it was pretty. She looked up and replied,"Sure, lead the way." Axeykins

"Er....as long as you make sure to keep a keen ear attuned as always then it is fine. " His eyes flipped from one to the other. "I'm sure the farthest we will go outside today is the gardens and it would be nice to have a bit more alone time with Lilly." The prince swallowed hard as he attempted to keep his steely demeanor sharp and well defined. Trying so hard to show his father he was not intimidated and could be just as intimidating. It was, to say the least, quite impossible as the ever growing color in his cheeks continued to betray it. "Why don't we be off then? I can't breath too well in here."
Hoki Aridis Soviet Panda

"Perhaps it's because of all the smoke and hot air you let out as you fume in your room all day? That would make me a bit short of breath." Gareth said, finally having enough at the jabs his son was throwing at him. Turning to his soon-to-be-daughter-in-law, he smiles a genuine smile and says "I look forward to dining with you tonight. I'm sure Vytas would love to know you're here. And I'd like to know first hand what's happening in one of the other Sanctuaries. But, until then, I'll leave you to do whatever you wish. If you need me, I will be right here." And with that, he once more picked up a report and began to read it over. However, he wasn't really looking at the reports. He was to busy keeping an eye on the party. And as they were about to leave. "Shion, a brief word with you." He called out. And once the guard approached him, he lowered the paper and said with a voice like iron. "Make sure he abides by the laws and he doesn't attempt to ignore the punishment I have for him. You are dismissed."
(( Axeykins Hoki Aridis ))
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Connor was only paying half attention as Anton interrogated the priest. Something about alleys and subways. But when Anton told him to collect his 'toys', he snapped back to reality. "Oh hohoho~, I can do that. Let's see how many new trophies I can get. Don't worry, I won't kill you. I'm just gonna hurt you really, really bad. Ooohh~ I just love that quote. Don't you?"
(( Axeykins ))

Once he got confirmation from Austere, holding faith in his statement of only going as far as the gardens, Shion wore a very pleased smile. Without a doubt, he would tease the eldest prince over the tint to his cheeks but that would have to come later. He bowed deeply to them both, so deep that he could almost see more than the tips of his boots.

There wasn't a whole lot that he wanted to fill his newly granted free time on. As always, he could work on keeping his skills fresh and his mind sharp - and his currents running - but that's what he usually did anyways. Shion was in the process of racking through his options when the King called for him. Dismissing himself from the soon-leaving couple, he made quick and smooth steps over to Gareth, kneeling before him with open ears.

Now, what was said to him was nothing short of expected. It was the demon's duty, explicitly said or not, to keep a close eye on Austere (how ironic that he had just given him a stretch of free time, no?). Chances were Shion would also have to butt heads more frequently with the prince over the punishment - which was always fine.
"Yes, my King," he responded, only rising once he was properly dismissed.

By the time he stepped out of the throne room, the demon finally made a decision. If his young companion was busy, it wouldn't be a problem and the demon could just focus on other things. A small smile, however, came to his face when he thought about the places where Vytas would most likely be.

He was off, conquering the halls at a brisk pace as electricity sparked over his shoulders. Inside his chest, the wolf's tail was practically wagging.

At some point, the creature following down the certain halls, shortcuts and corners no longer had a human form. His steps remained light despite his size, the slight, uncontrolled flicks of a large tail only slightly brushing against the walls. The closer Shion got to his destination, the more persistent the familiar scent became; Vytas was exactly where he had expected him to be, taking up a form of his own that sort of triggered Shion's decision to change, and he wasn't alone.
It had been quite a while since the demon had borrowed Atlas' jacket, following Vytas' death in fact. But at that point, he was much closer to the designated space than he was his own quarters, deciding to just return another time. Again.

Upon his arrival, the Raijuu - both the energy and physical body - couldn't help but feel immense amusement. Atlas was lingering more so in the shadows (as Wraiths typically did, of course) while this dark-furred wolf with dulled yet equally lively eyes remained focused. The wolf was so tiny!-- Okay, maybe not tiny by the standards of young wolves, but he was quite small in comparison to the Raijuu, who was about an indecisive three times the size of a regular adult wolf.

Shion remained unnoticed for a good bit of time despite his size, though that was most likely because both were so focused and because he was only furry rather than energized. The fae closest to him, Atlas, would be in for a surprise for this next run..
Could you blame him for interfering? The atmosphere was so serious, Vytas looked like his legs were gonna give out but continued to work because of his sheer determination, and Atlas was clearly having too much fun.

He padded over fairly undetected, lowering his body closer to the ground as he crept up behind the Wraith. If wolves could smile, he definitely was. As Atlas readied for another controlled attack on the youngest prince, Shion came close enough so that he could nudge the top of his muzzle into his friend's back "gently" - it was enough to knock the other forward a little bit, the wolf now resting on his stomach with sparkling sky eyes.

'Heheheheh~'
He was undeniably pleased with himself, the laugh even coming out as a slight rumble in his throat.

(So many words, I ened to STOP)
Aridis

"Stuffy old asshole...you'll regret testing me again..." The prince growled under his breath as he was lead out of the room by Lilliana.
Not before taking in a very deep breath and letting a trail of smoke trail out of his mouth. A peculiar one at that. Laden with a whisper spell it held a faint glimmer in it as it drifted off.
"Meet me by the throne room as soon as father goes to his chambers. Be as quiet as possible and let no one see you."
It was something the eldest prince had been practicing for some time now. A way to relay things in secret to Shion and Vytas...mainly Vytas as the eldest prince tended to most leave the message in the old family dragon-tongue. Not to mention the quickest way to find the boy.
Austere took in another deep breath with but a regular trail of smoke next to keep suspicions down. Make it appear as if he was trying to calm himself. "The gardens sound wonderful love! The servants have been working hard on it ever since there was news of your eventual arrival." An actual sweet-ish smile graced his cold face! Bringing some light back to his functional eye. "The trees should all be bearing the sweetest fruits as well and uh. I..ah. Made sure you're favorites were especially well taken care of and in the most beautiful and quietest spot."
Aridis Hoki Soviet Panda


( Black Forest MLady . I'll get a Marius response tomorrow!)

"Go to Hell." The priest hissed. Spitting in the face of he weapon crazed lunatic.
"Tsk tsk. That's no behavior for a priest now is it? We'll have to fix that." Anton snapped his fingers and they were soon joined by two men...or rather gorillas. They managed to dwarf everyone in the room. "Knock him out and bag him boys. We're going on a trip." Anton watched gleefully as they shoved a rag of chloroform to the priest's face and let his head fall to the metal table with a sharp crack.
With another snap of his fingers he was tossed over their shoulders and hauled out. "Connor, bring whatever toys you like. We've gotta play around and are what brings those beasts out for one of their own. And you've no restrictions this time my boy! Let loose!"
Soviet Panda Hoki Aridis Dalamus Ulom Blue098 Kiyoko Tomoe

Black Forest M'Lady said:

Alexis was very sure what the other meaning was. She studied it, it was pretty. She looked up and replied,"Sure, lead the way." Axeykins

Click to expand...

"Me? Lead the way? Are you sure?" He chuckled. Cupping his hand gently on her cheek. "Since this is such a special day. I was...eh. Gonna let you run about to wherever you wish. Follow and do any activity you want to. I want to see your aura brighten as you explore this place love."
Black Forest MLady

He was expecting a little bit of anger from the Wraith, but was pleasantly surprised to find that that wasn't the case. Truthfully, he was just as excited about their schedules lining up - though, they wouldn't have if Shion hadn't asked for the free time. And, just like any big puppy would, he adored the scratches, tilting his head into them and outstretching his neck.
.....What? Could you blame him?

Then there was the bark of his name, causing his lulled-shut eyes to open rather quickly. He lifted his back a little to better catch the flying prince, tail flicking a little anxiously (what if he had hurt himself??). Nonetheless, that little spout of worry didn't keep him from feeling a little bit warm from Vytas' teasings; after all, Shion and Atlas always did act like a goofy couple whenever they saw each other, but it was never their faults.
They were busy, they were pretty close friends, and it was always a treat to hang out for any amount of time.

His tail flicked once more, yet further to the side so that it could brush against Vytas' leg. Shion refrained from speaking on account of it coming out as Japanese - something that was hard to change even after these past three years of re-activity. Still, he looked between the two as if to ask how they were.

Austere's faint whisper, however, hadn't gone unnoticed..

Aridis

"I've heard the rumors but I did not expect to see just how much your boys have changed." Lady Una spoke up softly as she approached the throne. She had just returned from gathering the usual reports from their allies. Their current status, Order sightings and movements and any requests for more assistance. "I'm not sure which one is worse for your health at this point Gareth, on top of all else happening....." She paused for a moment. Shifting uncomfortably. "There's been increased attacks by rebels and a few bandits. And Gareth...the dragons of the East have fallen. The Order slipped through to their sanctuary and they've fled into the wilds along with their citizen and one of the elders has been slain."
Soviet Panda

Axeykins said:

"Me? Lead the way? Are you sure?" He chuckled. Cupping his hand gently on her cheek. "Since this is such a special day. I was...eh. Gonna let you run about to wherever you wish. Follow and do any activity you want to. I want to see your aura brighten as you explore this place love."
Black Forest MLady

Click to expand...

Alexis leaned into Marius's touch, enjoying the gentle touch on her cheek by his hand. She smiled softly as she listened to his words, he was such a sweetheart. She came even closer to him wrapping his one arm around her waist, "I've always wanted to explore more of the Underground, but know nothing makes me more happier than being with the man that I love so much. Not to say who just asked me to," she whispered," marry him." She wrapped her arms around his neck. Axeykins

Gareth was like stone as Una came in and announced her presence. He wasn't surprised that people were coming in unannounced, at the very least they could have had a guard open the door though. His slight annoyance at not having people announce themselves at the door was over shadowed, however, by the news Una brought. "The rebels are poking us as much as they are the Order, and the bandits are a small problem compared to what we have in front of us. Do you know the location of any of the scattered Dragon Council members? We must send aid to them as quickly as possible. We have boats to spare, the Order hasn't attempted to control the seas yet and we must take advantage of that for as long as possible. I'm sure they are mourning the loss of Diyan, but they must pull together and stand united. And they will stand united with me if I can help it." Perhaps he could use his age to his advantage in that regards. The Dragon Council was supposed to be equal, but age often put weight into your words and garnered some respect. Though it was possible that the younger members would want to throw away that tradition. Waving over the House Steward, the head servant if you will, and says to him. "Inform the Housekeepers that we will most likely be having yet more guests. Prepare twenty rooms to start, and keep them in good condition until I say otherwise." After that, he quickly dismissed him and waved over a guardsman. "Tell your superiors that we will be needing many more guardsmen very soon. You are dismissed." And finally, he turned to Una. "Any news about the Dwarven Sanctuaries? Have they come to their senses or are they still stubbornly holding onto what their infernal books tell them to do?"
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Connor gave a good punch of his own to the priest when he spat at him. Not only was it rude, it was also disgusting. So when he was knocked out and bagged for movement, he was very pleased. But it only got better. He was given free reign to hurt the prick as much as he want and do everything short of killing him. "Goodie." he said, picking up his things and getting ready to head out.
(( Axeykins ))

"This looks like a good place. Dead end, wont attract much attention from people and according to our reports there's always been a lot of strange activity around this area." Anton motioned for his goons to sit the man down in a restraining chair they had brought along. He was beginning to stir and awaken. "Go nuts Connor. The louder he screams the more likely we are to attract one of em! Let's try to go for a portal opener okay? Like that one in that candy shop several years ago. Finding a lead to the entrance is good but can you imagine if we had one that could make us one?!"
Soviet Panda Aridis

"I do not but I can send out my fairies in search of them and most of their people. They will be far safer than in the forests now, The Order has already torn apart and burned part of mine. I thank the Gods the larger local church prevents them from touching a good portion." Her voice cracked at the thought of what was happening to her homelands. "I've heard the dwarves are finally beginning to reconsider. They assumed they were safe and well protected by their gods and the mountains, but kept so secluded from the world they had no idea what the humans were capable of now. They no longer simply chip away at the stone for them but have machines that can eat away large portions every day. Inching closer to their sanctuary." She cleared her throat as she struggled to keep her cool, calm demeanor. "They are desperately trying to get past their pride and come to your court for a meeting. Although, you do have the youth on your side in their lands. I've heard of rebellions against the strict old ways there in an attempt to send aid and not stand around and be killed."
Soviet Panda

( Hoki Aridis )

"Meet me by the throne room as soon as father goes to his chambers. Be as quiet as possible and let no one see you."

Vytas' attention was more than grabbed when he got the message. It wasn't often that his brother asked for him, especially nowadays with the whole war thing going on. Still, if Austere was asking him to be that sneaky, then there was definitely a plan brewing in the elder's head. And, obviously, it was something that their father wouldn't be happy with. Which only made him even more excited about the idea. Still, it would be awhile until the King retired for the day, so there was still a lot of time to kill.

Even if Shion didn't seem interested, the Wraith still would've spilled everything about his adventures. It wasn't often that he visited the Underground, after all. And because of his current job of hunting down information, Atlas felt like an outlawed form of Sherlock Holmes. Or maybe more like a hyped up bloodhound.

At this point, he was able to more or less understand what even slight movements meant when it came to the Raijuu's wolf form. He could't translate word for word, but there was enough of an understanding that allowed the raven to know what he was trying to say. "Things have been a bit hectic outside, but it wasn't anything that I couldn't handle. Though the Order seems to get more careful about information getting leaked every day... At this rate I won't be of any use to the Underground except as a soldier. Which is fine and all, but every little bit of intel helps." His hands moved from the redhead's ears to his chin. "What about you, buddy? How's the Royal Heir of Edge going?"

( Hoki )