Log:The Council Meets

The Regent Legacy 2014/07/12 Chen Paragon

6

The Clearing

This is a grassy clearing, well kept and open. it is not especially large, but it over looks the city and the bay. it is an arduous hike to get there, and who up keeps it is a mystery. In the clearing is a marker which if looked upon is made of some material that seems to have qualities of both metal and stone and glows iridescently. On its face is an angelic figure holding the hands in flight with two twin female figures.

In your minds, you hear a voice, it is clear, like a clarion does it ring through your mind, and overrides any conversation or dream you may be having. "Witnesses" says the voice, "The Council of Lords has need of you, you vowed an oath, it is time to fulfill its obligations"

Chen jerks up in her bed. Then she says a short and probably highly obscene comment in Chinese. Somehow she guesses that refusal isn't an option. Getting out of bed she prepares herself for what's likely to be a long day, heads to the castle kitchen to grab a bite, leaves a note for her father, and starts making her way back to Colonial Bay and an obligation she really doesn't want any part of.

Paragon is on patrol in the western part of the city, where she last saw a glimpse Arion. She's mentally conversing with Porter while he's at home resting up through the network connection he has established with her. (I don't think I'm going to have any luck finding Arion through blind chance. I'm about to loop back to...your....) Paragon stops transmitting as she lands on a roof top, feeling and hearing the call. She turns with a grind of her heel on the rooftop surface and leaps in another direction to where she's being summoned. (Something's happening. Hm? No, I don't know what. Is it ever good news these days?) She pauses. (I know you'll be there if I end up needing you. It's okay.)

At this time of night, darkness reigns, it is Persephone's time, as you walk through a particularly deep shadow, you come out in the clearing, not certain how you got there, only that one moment you were where you were, and the next, you were here.

Arion sits in an apparent thrall his hand on the marker, he stares into open space, seemingly unaware of his surroundings.

Persephone, Gaia, Thrym, Pele, Garuda, Apollo and Neptune stand in a circle around the Marker as well. Their arrival much less momentous than their last.

Paragon looks around the clearing, trying to remember exactly how she got there. A moment ago she was still quite a distance and within the city. She rubs the back of her head, trying to figure out what happened...and what's happening.

Chen says, "Huh... Not much on asking politely are you?" to the assembled Lords and Ladies. She's feeling put-out and her usual reaction in such instances is an unthinking belligerence. "Who's him?" she adds point to Arion.

"That's Arion. He's one of the few surviving heirs to the Regent's power," Paragon solemnly and quietly explains. There's something very different about her. Paragon seems withdrawn and solemn. Her voice, weary and sad, with the weight of someone who has been through a lot. After a moments paused, she pans her head to look to Chen. "I've missed you..." she says softly.

Gaia floats over, the only one who has a soft spot for humanity.."My children, please forgive us. There is trouble in the realms. The ritual you bore witness to, there have been ramifications." she nods in respect to Paragon's words. "She is correct, the one you call Paragon." her eyes are full of compassion as she looks upon Paragon, "I feel for you, you have undergone much since our last meeting. And we thank you for bearing witness."

Chen moves over to Paragon and hugs her, all trace of her former belligerence gone. "You don't look too well." she says to Paragon in a concerned voice.

Paragon's sagging shoulders perk up at the hug, feeling some of the weight lifted. She slowly wraps her arms around Chen in a big hug. "I'll be alright," she reassures Chen with a soft, sad smile behind the helm. Her head turns to Gaia curiously. "You're welcome. I wish I had been better. I wish I could've saved them all..." she says softly. Then her head tilts in confusion. "Ramifications?" Neptune calls to the three, "Gaia, if you are done, please bring the witnesses We have much to discuss."

Garuda and Thryme move to the side, making ample room for the two witnesses.

Gaia, the green mother, Lady of the Earth Realm, Beautiful in a motherly way.

Neptune, King of the Oceans, and Lord of the Plane of Water, powerful in build, holding a giant golden Trident

Persephone, Lady of Darkness, Beautiful in a dark way, her presence is seductive, but her eyes are cold.

Pele, Lady of the Fire Realm, A beautiful woman with white hair, polynesian features, her eyes smoulder with an inner fire

Thrym, A giant of a man, at least 10feet tall, heavily muscled, blue and icy, his beard and hair are spikes of ice, his club a giant cudgel that looks more like a tree, than a weapon

Apollo, Lord of Light, God of the Sun. He wears the light mail of the Greeks, and he glows a golden glow. He is beautiful, a beauty, that like the sun is difficult to look upon for too long.

Garuda, Lord of the plane of Air, the Great Sky King. He is a man of greenish hue, the head of a crane, he is feathered and green, wearing a loose robe with golden embellishment, his eyes strangely human.

Paragon looks around in confusion and gently releases Chen before walking to the circle at a slow pace and taking her place. Once situated, she straightens her stance and stands tall and heroically, waiting for what's to come.

Neptune says to all, "We gather today for the realms are at unease, the request comes from Gaia, but has also the support of Apollo, Garuda, Pele and Thrym. I stand as moderator, and Persephone as arbitrator. The witnesses bear relationship to the issue at hand, and as this is in regards to the Regent Legacy, they are involved. Do we all agree to this?" he asks the group, including the witnesses.

Chen steps up to stand beside Paragon.

All the Lords and Ladies collectively say "aye" together.

Paragon glances down at Chen as she takes her place beside her, then looks back up to the group attentively. Her arms were held at her sides with her hands clenched into fists. But once Chen steps up, the hand on Chen's side relaxes, the fingers uncurling. "Aye."

Chen reaches for one of Paragon's hands and holds it if allowed. Then she shapeshifts into Master Chang, an elderly Shaolin monk. "Yes." she says. Somehow, recently, taking on the guise of Master Chang has seemed to brought some of his wisdom with the change.

It's what Paragon was waiting for. Her fingers close around Chen's hand silently, without even looking to her. Paragon's gaze is focused on the proceedings at hand. Something seems very official about her; very business-like.

Neptune nods, "Then We are in agreement. Gaia, bring forth your concerns."

Gaia nods and steps forward, "As the Lords and Ladies are aware, since the passing of the Regent, the realms and the soul children have been put at risk. There was an incursion into my realm, by one of the witnesses, the realms of Light, Fire and Air have also suffered incursions. I will defer to the witnesses to speak their experience." She stands back and allows Paragon to speak.

Paragon's eyes blink off and on. She doesn't like the vocabulary they're using. "Incursion? I don't know what you mean by that. I did experience events in the realms of Earth, Light, Fire, and Air through the eyes of others, but unwillingly and not by my own power. I have no such abilities. I can't travel to other dimensions under my own power, or inhabit the body of another."

Chen listens curiously but with little or no understanding of what is being said.

Gaia places a gentle hand on Chen's forehead and knowledge of what has happened comes to her mind.

Chen exclaims in Chinese and tightens her grip on Paragon's hand in sympathy.

Neptune says, "Tell us of your experiences Paragon, The council must know all you have to offer."

Paragon maintains her grip on Chen's hand and takes a slow breath as she begins to explain what she can. "There's much that's happened. The first experience I had, I thought I was dreaming. It happened when I was asleep. I was in the Realm of Earth in the body of Captain Artemicia. I was myself, but I also had some of her memories as the incident progressed. There was a melding of memories. It was when Gaia informed Captain Artemicia and her knights of the Regent's passing."

"The second time, I was sleeping again, and found myself on the Realm of Fire in Arage's body while his father was training him. My memories and his did not become mingled, so I was able to remain myself and learned about the situation with the children being in danger."

"The third time actually happened while I was still awake. I suddenly lost consciousness, and was mentally transported to the Realm of Light in the body of Arania. I was completely melded to her and had no sense of self. I witnessed and experienced her death first hand." Her voice wavers at the memory of her death."

"And the other day, a rift opened on Earth and pulled in myself and a few other heroes to the Realm of Air, where we encountered Apollo's Golden Lances attacking Arion and tried to keep the piece. All incidences were against my will. I only tried to understand, and to help if I could."

Chen returns the pressure of Paragon's grip seeking to give what support she can as Paragon relates her experiences.

Neptune nods, "The witness speaks, and the Council has heard. Ladies, and Lords speak now of your concerns."

Apollo steps forward, "It is understood that the incursions were not of invasive nature. It is the nature of the Legacy. The witness is absolved. The death of Arania, she was of my realm and Her father and Mother of my elite guard. I would know of her murder."

Apollo looks at Paragon for answers.

Paragon's head pans to Apollo. "Arania and her parents were in the fields of Valor on a picnic when shadowy beings attack. There were several of them, and Arania, Maritus, and Shan'ce were outnumbered. They tried to escape, but the shadows caught up with them. Their main target was Arania, and they killed her. When she died, my connection to your realm vanished and I returned to Earth. I later heard from members of your Golden Lances that Maritus and Shan'ce also perished in the same battle. I'm so sorry." Her voice is diplomatic, but tinted by her sadness of the event.

Apollo nods, "I lay before the council that she speaks with veracity, the light of truth verifies this." he says, "Shadowy beings, The Shadow Assassins. I bring forth that Persephone must speak."

Neptune puts a hand up, "Garuda will speak first."

Apollo nods, and steps back, Garuda steps forth.

Garuda speaks, his voice has the timbre and eloquence noted previously, "My brothers and sisters, The incursion that occurred was not unlike the rifts that would occur with the Regent. Tears in the very fabric of our barriers, They came forth shortly after the Rogue Golden Lances came to take the wings from Quetzalcoatl for the accusation of his involvement in the unfortunate death of Captain Maritus' family. It was then that Arion" he points at the young man in thrall, "Became involved. The Lances took Quetzalcoatl's wings from him, and if not for Madame Pele's cooperation, he would likely be dead. It has been found that in fact, Quetzalcoatl, has been found guilty of the accusations, and I am dealing with him myself." Garuda steps back.

Neptune speaks, "As is your perogative, Lord Apollo has also dealt with his Lances appropriately." He turns to Pele, "Madame Pele, Please step forward and speak to us of your incursion"

Paragon stares in shock, then her helm doesn't betray it. She can't believe Quetzalcoatl was behind this.

Angry glowing coals for eyes, "My Captain's Son, Arage was brutally murdered his the second attack, his first he survived only due to his to his mother's sacrifice. Shadow Assassins were also involved in this. Does Lord Garuda accept responsibility for this attack upon MY realm and MY people?"

Garuda shakes his head, "I do not. The evidence of blood shows that payment was only made for the lives of the family of Maritus."

Pele's eyes blaze, "Then who!"

Neptune speaks, "This is what we are here to find out Madame Pele. We all grieve for your loss, and are angry for the attacks on our realms. I ask for you to step back. "Witnesses, bear you any other pertinent information?"

Chen speaks up. "Evidence of blood? If we are here to witness it should be important we understand. I lack knowledge of what that means."

Paragon nods to Chen and looks to Neptune. "I do not know what the Shadow Assassins are or who they serve. Are they not from the realm of shadow? And what solid proof is there that Quetzalcoatl was behind the attack on Arania? Were there witnesses?"

Garuda nods, "I will explain" he says. "Lord Neptune I ask permission to speak in this area, for clarification."

Neptune nods, "It is out of order, but necessary."

Garuda nods and says, "There are assassins from the Plane of Darkness, Lady Persephone's plane. They are called the Shadow assassins. They are paid in blood, a sacrifice of blood must be made, once this sacrifice is made, it is a promise that the essence of the being who has made the sacrifice will be payment for the completion of the assassination. When the sacrifice is made, the blood of the sacrificer is tainted with a memory of the promise made. It is what draws the Shadow Assassins back to the one who struck the deal. A being may run, but they shall never escape that which is owed. If one can read the blood, the nature of the sacrifice and the deal struck is simple to read."

"His blood showed the evidence. But only for the death of Maritus."

Paragon listens quietly. "And there's no way to use the blood of another to make a sacrifice?"

"The blood cannot lie." says Neptune. "Do you both understand?"

Garuda shakes his head, "No..the sacrifice must be made willingly. this is not a blood sacrifice of your world, one may only offer up ones own essence, and never another."

Paragon nods slowly. "Alright. So one cannot be threatened or coerced into making the sacrifice willingly either. I understand."

Chen nods slowly. "If I may ask, has Quetzalcoatl given any explanations as to why he did this act?"

"Persephone, Lord Apollo has asked you step forward and speak." Pele seethes in her place as Persephone steps forward, "Of course Lord Neptune, As you all know I do not control the Shadow Assassins. Just as you," she looks at Garuda, "Could not control Quetzalcoatl, your most trusted servant. It is sad that Quetzalcoatl shall join me. He was one I respected, he ruled for you in your stead Garuda." she looks at Apollo, "I grieve for your losses Lord Apollo, The magic is old, and it is also a willing binding, so it cannot be stopped, and bears no recrimination. The Shadow Assassins have been a presence in the Shadow realms since time immemorial, I cannot take responsibility for their actions." She looks at Chen, obviously not happy to be interrupted, but Neptune places a placating hand up, "The witness asks a viable question."

Garuda speaks again, "Is it not obvious? Love for his son." he turns to the others "Quetzalcoatl pays for his crime, but it was the love for his son that he did the crime. It was in fact a crime of passion. With the Legacy in effect, he sought only to have his son live. His was a foolish road, and one I acutely feel the pain of. It is unacceptable, but it is the answer."

Paragon clears her throat and speaks. "According to the Golden Lances, Shan'ce was found dying at the scene of the crime. Shan'ce had said that the Shadowlord in charge of the assassins told her that Quetzalcoatl had sent them. And that he sent his greets and thanked them for their daughter's power. That doesn't sound fully like a crime of passion."

Chen feels something is wrong with that explanation but doesn't know enough about the 'local' situation to pinpoint it.

Paragon says, "And why ask the shadow assassins to confess your involvement in the crime and leave the victim dying, but alive? It doesn't make sense."

Apollo and Pele both seem angry, but Neptune steps forward, "None of us approve of the Shadow Assassins, but we do understand the nature of them. I move that we absolve the Shadow Realm of any guilt."

Garuda has no answer, no one does. "I cannot answer, that Paragon." says Garuda, "It makes no sense to me either. But his blood does not lie."

Paragon frowns a little as she tries to think, glancing at Chen curiously, then looking back to Garuda. "I wish I knew more about magic, but it seems like there's always a loophole or an exception." Her brow furrows. She just doesn't know what, though.

"To this point there are only two children of the Regent Legacy left alive, the Child in the Realm of Darkness, and Young Arion here."

Persephone nods, "We have placed the child in a protected area, she is under my protection, I mask her signature, and the Shadow Assassin cannot locate her."

Neptune nods, "I would have you allow one of the other Lords to have knowledge of her, we must test her and her guardian."

"Lord Neptune, as you have no conflict of interest, I choose you."

"Does the Council agree?"

"Aye" they all answer.

Chen decides to speak again. "Lord Garuda, you asked if it was not obvious why Quetzalcoatl did what the evidence of blood indicates. To me it is not obvious. I do not know him, I do not know anything other than what I have been told here. Was that explanation straight from Quetzalcoatl own lips and did you hear it yourself?" Garuda nods, "Indeed, it was, and I did. I have known Quetzalcoatl for over 10000 years. I found it unfathomable"

Paragon says, "It was the Shadowlord's admission to Shan'ce that led the Golden Lances to attack Quetzalcoatl, and in turn revealed his involvement and guilt. It sounds more like pride was his downfall, but that doesn't make sense. It sounds more like a setup. He would have gotten away with it if not for the gloating comments of the Shadowlord. You've known him for so long, Garuda. Is Quetzalcoatl that foolish?"

Garuda shakes his head, "No..I would normally say it is very much not like him, but as I said, this was a crime of passion. Madness accompanies Passion."

Neptune nods. "The Witnesses ask questions that we ask ourselves. You present yourselves well Children of Earth." he points to Arion, "The child of darkness is kept safe, but what of The child of Air? There can only be one, and we must make certain there are no more deaths. Both must be protected."

Chen says, "Wait a minute. Uh... What was meant by the comment, '... and thanked them for their daughter's power?' Does that mean anything?"

Paragon sighs a little. She can't shake the feeling about how something's very off. "And now a separate party has hired the shadow assassins again, but it wasn't Quetzalcoatl? Why wouldn't Quetzalcoatl hire them for both attempts? Both deaths would be needed to protect his son."

Neptune stops, "I shall explain, as it was a child of Water that died first, When a soul child dies, the remaining children inherit that child's power. Until the final child is left with all remnants of the sold of the Regent"

Chen nods, finally understanding.

Garuda shakes his head, "Paragon, agreements with the Shadow Assassins, are a life for an assignment. Multiple assignments cannot be made. Shan'ce and Maritus were collateral damage to the assignment.."

Paragon raises an eyebrow. "Collateral damage? Arania died first. The shadows could have escaped. Instead they finished off Maritus and gloated over Shan'ce. If the contract was only for Arania and Shan'ce and Maritus were an accident, why was a message delivered to Shan'ce?"

Garuda says simply, "I cannot answer that Paragon, I cannot tell you that hich I do not know. We know there are discrepancies, it is part of the reason why we are here."

Paragon's hand tightens around Chen's as she grits her teeth in anger at what was done to Arania, Maritus, and Shan'ce. Having been so lost to Arania's personality, they are still close to her heart. She tries her best to rein in her emotions.

"The Question of Protection. Gaia has suggested that these mortals have a power to protect Arion. While humanity has ever been weak, in times of great turmoil, ever have the Humans been the bringers of salvation. What is the Council's decision to allow Arion to remain on Earth? And who shall be his protector?"

Neptune looks at the group after saying this...

Garuda looks concerned, "I shall abstain from this vote. I have a conflict of interest. Arion is a son of my realm, I would have him with me, but that cannot be." He looks at the others..

Chen says, "Isn't it obvious?" She intentionally uses Garuda's own words. "Paragon should be his protector. Paragon will protect him as will all those of us who she calls on."

Gaia nods and smiles, "Humanity shall ever stand as the shield against that which even we cannot stand against." She says, "I vote Aye."

The rest follow suit.

"Then it is settled, Arion, Son of the Regent, shall remain on Earth, Colonial Bay shall be his protector, The Lady Paragon his defender." says Neptune.

Paragon blinks and looks down as Chen volunteers her. She's a little surprised, then looks up at the Lords and Ladies. Before she knows it, she's been volunteered to watch over the kid she can hardly keep track of. "Oh. I accept this duty. I'll protect him with my life," she pledges. She mentally cringes as Porter panics and worries over her network connection at her words.

Garuda walks over to Arion and places a hand upon his head, "Be at peace my son." he says softly, and Arion's eyes close, as he lays down as if asleep. Neptune looks to everyone, "I call this Council at an end. Be well my brothers and sisters"

The Lords and Ladies begin to disappear Only Garuda and Gaia remain.

"Witnesses, we now call you protectors" says Garuda, "I bid you care for Arion until such a time that we may know more."

Chen shifts back to her usual form, "Hope you have a spare room, Paragon. I'm moving in for the duration."

Garuda nods to both of you and he disappears as well. Only Gaia remains.

Paragon nods softly. "We will," she says to Garuda and Gaia. She steps over to Arion and kneels beside him, sliding her hands underneath him. Once she has a good grip, she lifts him up as she stands, cradling him in her arms. She looks to Chen. "It's going to be a full house, but I have some spare rooms."

Paragon looks to Gaia. "Is Arion going to be alright? How long will be sleep?"

Chen says, "Good. Down to one. Lady, how will the shadow assassins hunt? How will they track Arion down?""

"Oh my children, you both have more potential than you know. It is as I've said, I look forward to your futures." she touches both of them, and a feeling of peace comes over both of them...it is temporary, it is simply her gift.

Paragon watches Gaia quietly for a moment before speaking. "I don't suppose you have anymore tips concerning our futures, do you?" she asks, half hopeful.

Gaia's eyes become harder, "The Shadow Assassins are fallible, they are of the shadow realm, so they are weak to attacks of light. They have been known to use some kind of bladed attack, they are able to fly, they have immense strength to hold their targets captive. Little more is known, and they have failed before. but rarely. They have somehow been given the essence of the target. We suspect it is the essence of the Regent that they have somehow been given. That is all we know."

Magma smiles to Paragon "Worry not for Young Arion. He has much he is dealing with, he will wake when his mind is ready." and she says softly, "The future is unwritten, I can only see possibilities, and they are a mystery even to me." She begins to sink into the ground...

Chen waits for Gaia to sink fully into the ground. Then she turns to Paragon, "Do you get the feeling this whole thing stinks worse than a busted sewage plant?"

Paragon watches Gaia sink away as she holds Arion close. "Every day," she says with a sigh, just shaking her head. "I'm not really satisfied with their findings. Something's totally off. But for now, I guess we just do what we can to keep Arion safe. And try and recruit some more help."

Chen says, "That's your job, Paragon. You're the trusted respectable one here."

Paragon chuckles softly and just shakes her head. "Chen, I don't even know how I got that reputation some days. Although I do already know a few people who will help. C'mon, let's head home." She turns towards the city and takes a moment to stare out over the twinkling lights, trying to pick her path home.