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Post by Leo/ Clundy on Nov 16, 2023 17:29:53 GMT
River nodded and looked at every person that came back from the meeting that was in the room. "Im with Irene. The faster we know, the faster we can figure out what to do," He said. With every glance at each of the people he made it a point to wait and see if they were going to speak up or be silent as he continued speaking. "If they have a list of people they want it's safe to figure they want them for some reason."
What the reason could be was what was disturbing. They didn't know exactly what the exiles wanted them for and could only guess and make theories. What concrete knowledge they didn't have was dangerous.
Griffin shifted uncomfortably when River looked at him and stiffened. Only when he was free from his gaze did he shift closer towards Ariella and whisper in her ear. It was a could quick words that seemed to make Ariella's features fall further into worry. Her eyes darted from object to object in from of her until settling on one of the empty chairs of the leaders table.
"Oh..." was all she could quietly utter.
Jason looked at everyone in the room so many miles away from them. He could almost taste the sour energy from Venice when a list was made known. A list of people the Exiled were willing to accept in exchange for Daniel and Echo. The last two remaining kidnaped.
He felt his stomach drop at the thought. Everything had gone wrong so quickly.
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Post by 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕪 on Nov 17, 2023 18:35:24 GMT
Cleo smoothed out the paper before them as Irene insisted on knowing the list rather than having individuals keep butting in. Chiara and Dillon were only answering Lucien, and then Lucien was off again demanding to know if he was on the list. Leave it to him to not wait his turn.
Gross, that was almost thought in fondness. Like being impatient was a quirky personality trait instead of an annoyance.
Cleo took a deep breath, sighing, staring at the names with tallies. Might as well start with the least desired, the only name with one tick among the list, and go up.
"As River stated, the Exiled have a demand that we hand over a set of requested Ascendants in exchange for the rest of our people. A refusal to comply will yield the-" they paused, throat feeling clogged, "the death of them. Such as what happened to Haleema."
Guinevere already knew the girl was actually dead. But Lorenzo gasped at the confirmation. He was hopeful, he held out hope that it was cruel joke played by the Exiled, that Haleema was alive, perhaps injured, but alive.
"Pascal has been returned, in exchange for Theodore who handed himself over for Pascal's safe return," as they said that, they thought they heard a tiny scritch-scratch again, but they shook their head, returning to the list.
"Each of the three Exiled leaders gave their demands. One of them requested Jason," at that Cleo looked at the computer screen, staring at the boy with a soft gaze, almost apologetic.
"Next, with two leaders requesting them, we have Ariella, Dillon, Luka, and Chiara," they read down the list of the names with two ticks.
Then they looked up at Lucien, "and the people all three leaders requested were Lucien," they paused, feeling a bit afraid as they looked at the last name, but sighing out evenly, "and myself."
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Post by pallas on Nov 17, 2023 19:08:25 GMT
Lucien listened as Cleo went through the list, but at the same time his mind was working on what Irene had said. Considering alternatives.
Cleo had explained that if they didn’t go along with the deal people would die, so plain refusing to go along with the deal was not an option. But perhaps there was another way to get around this. Perhaps there was another way to somehow make this work.
He didn’t like that Luka was on the list, because he knew how much Cleo wanted her out of their hair. He knew how convenient it would be for them to suggest Luka be handed over. Lucien wouldn’t stand for it if they tried.
But then his name did indeed come up. Alongside Cleo’s as the most requested by the exiled leaders.
He swallowed, and his mouth suddenly felt dry. He’d prepared himself, even wanted not to be counted out of consideration. But he hadn’t quite prepared himself for being at the top of the exiled’s lists alongside Cleo. It was scary, knowing that for whatever reason they wanted him as much as they wanted Cleo who was one of the more outspoken leaders - for better or worse.
But he knew why they wanted him, the same reason Cleo wanted to keep him safe. Because of his powers.
”Irene is right about alternatives.” Lucien admitted. He paused, the seed of an idea beginning to germinate in his mind. ”What if we… what if we only made them think we were agreeing? Got them to meet under the pretence of handing someone over and launching an ambush?”
Take them by surprise, maybe deal some real damage or even end this once and for all? It was an idea, at least.
”It’s an idea.“ Chiara admitted. But he could see her thinking about it, turning it over in her head. ”It would be a risk, though. They could take it out on Echo, Daniel, and Theo the moment we make a wrong move. Not to mention the risk for whoever has to be the bait.“
”We’d still have to discuss who would be the ones to do this.” Dillon reminded. This suggestion, which was risky anyway as Chiara had pointed out, didn’t take away the necessity to select someone to go to (or pretend to go to) the exiled.
”I know people will start talking about my powers and everything,” Lucien began carefully. He knew how people would react to all of this. He’d seen how they had kept him out of missions and everything before, ”but whatever we do I want to be considered just like anyone else. They clearly want me.”
A lot, too. And Cleo couldn’t go. They were too important in terms of the leaders. They had done a lot of harm but how would they ever go about trying to be better like they had talked about if they went over to the exiled.
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Post by Nari on Nov 17, 2023 20:14:54 GMT
It took every ounce of energy Irene had to keep herself in her chair when the names started being listed off. Her name hadn’t been mentioned, nor was River’s, but Jason, Chiara, Ariella, and Theo were mentioned instead. Regular members who’d been singled out by the exiled for one reason or another.
She turned back to the younger boy in the room, feeling a pang of guilt as she remembered Atticus’ attack, and how hard he fought just to help her in her weakened state. If he wasn’t there, he might have been safe from this. However, she knew damn well that she’d be worse off if it wasn’t for him. If her name not being mentioned meant anything, it was an indicator that her life was of little consequence to the exiled. Either she lived or she died, and frankly, she’d prefer to be alive right now.
Living meant she had another chance to make those fuckers pay for what they’re doing.
Irene’s plea for alternatives was caught on by Lucien, who suggested a plan involving an ambush. In theory it was a decent idea, but Chiara’s concern about the danger it could pose wasn’t unfounded.
“It's worth the consideration, because what the exiled seem to want is for the situation to remain the same. Where we can’t do jack shit because people’s lives are being held over our heads. Our ideal solution has to be to ensure they get out of there without having to sacrifice anyone else. It's certainly a better plan than just going through with the trade and hoping they don’t kill people anyway.”
Irene knew she was speaking from an ideal standpoint, where they could somehow find a solution that didn’t require them to be at the mercy of the exiled. It could be better or worse, she had no idea, but it was the only idea they had so far.
"If we can't do that, we'd need to find some way to even the fucking playing field. Take one of their own, or even find some way to get rid of that dog they have." Fenrir was one of their more dangerous enemies, and if what she knew was correct, the exiled seemed keen on using him for the intimidation. If the exiled didn't have their guard dog, then they'd be much easier to manage.
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Post by Leo/ Clundy on Nov 18, 2023 1:23:20 GMT
"Lucien, shut up," River snapped, rolling his eyes till he was glaring at Lucien. "You want to be an option so bad at the risk to yourself you're not thinking about the people that do value you here and need you as one of the only two healers we have. You know why we don't consider you an option. Especially, when it comes to this," he scolded.
His expression was angry. Furious even that Lucien would even offer himself up like that at this time. With the rate that they were all getting hurt and almost dying because they kept going into these half planned missions. They needed him now more than ever. So, damn his feeling of exclusion.
Turning his attention to the rest of the room, River expression didn't soften. "An ambush is risky especially if we don't know the area where we are meeting and don't know who is going to be there. We'd have to plan for literally every situation that might be thrown at us and it still will be risky. Then we can pick who should be bait," he insisted.
Ariella raised her good hand and cleared her throat. "I'll go. They want me for some reason and i'm strong enough to hold back Fenrir if I need to."
"You're still hurt, Ariella," River hissed. He sounded annoyed that someone was volunteering to go already after he just said they needed to come up with plans before doing so.
"I'll be fine," she insisted, doing her best to put on a brave face despite how she was actually feeling.
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Post by 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕪 on Nov 18, 2023 7:23:39 GMT
Cleo looked between Irene's screen and Lucien. They're face soon fell, an agitation hidden there, a scoff escaping them as Lucien continued with the suggestion, "because that ended so well last time we tried it," Cleo commented sourly.
Guinevere nodded along with that, glancing between Ariella and Chiara, "yeah, Chiara, Ariella, Luka, Theo...they didn't really come back good last time,"
Cleo shook their head, "I didn't mean them," they said, "I meant Haleema. Ripley's message, that message only came after that attempt."
Distantly, they thought they could hear a sharp intake of breath, but with the people in the room, they had no idea who did it. It wasn't that Cleo was blaming the four, but the timeline matched up, and Cleo didn't want to risk someone again.
Lucien offered himself up, and River snapped at him. Cleo couldn't help but agree...to a degree. "No one is...no is counting you out, Lucien," they said, softly. They were aware of Lorenzo's outraged gasp at that, but they sighed, "and...and bait? A counter attack? We can't even fight them when we send our strongest fighters to do it," they whispered, horrified a bit at the reminder, "that wolf...they killed one of their own because she lied about her guide. He-he ripped her in half. Like-like it was a normal Tuesday, what do you think they will do to us?"
They had a distant horrified look in their eyes, a glaze that was haunted. They witnessed Fenrir chewing on Haleema's bones, they witnessed him rip a girl in half. There was so much brutality in that scene, and Atticus had clearly gotten his message across.
Trickery would not be tolerated.
When Ariella offered to go, they shook their head. "River is right, you're injured still," they paused, "and River is right about Lucien...he is...while he's sought after by the Exiled, he is a healer, and Pascal...he just got back," they reasoned.
That still left quite a few. Dillon would be...not great. The Exiled preferred power, and Dillon didn't have it yet. Lucien was the healer. Ariella was injured and was one of their strongest fighters, losing her would be...horrible for them. That left Chiara, Jason (who was a minor), Luka, and themself. They couldn't bring themselves to say it out loud though. Two of those people were not even adults yet, Chiara was also still recovering, and they were...well, maybe they'd work?
They weren't going to offer themself up yet, instead choosing to take Irene's advice about not wasting time. They had to discuss all the options first.
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Post by pallas on Nov 18, 2023 10:06:44 GMT
Lucien sighed when River began to angrily scold him. The other man had a point, he knew that. Lucien didn’t know what to do, for he knew that he had responsibilities as the healer, but he also didn’t feel right being treated like his life was somehow more worthy of being protected just because of his powers. Especially with the confirmation that Haleema was dead.
He couldn’t help but remember being told how Cleo had prioritised helping him over Theo after he’d been injured by Styx. It felt shitty, all of it.
”I was only asking for fair consideration.” Lucien replied ”I wouldn’t feel right otherwise with so many other people asked for less than I was. I’m meant to be proving to Cleo that I deserve to stay a leader and that’s hard to do when I’m not allowed within a mile of any risk.”
It hurt him to have to experience the pain of people who went out to put themselves at risk on the behalf of him and the other ascendants and know he couldn’t do for them what they had done for him. Despite being a healer it made him feel useless, helpless. Having to pick up the pieces after every mission after watching people get hurt time after time.
Besides, what did River mean ‘people who valued him’? He didn’t know who did. The only person he thought would give a shit about the idea of him going to the exiled if he weren’t a healer wasn’t even in the room.
But River was right and he knew it. A good leader would put the good of the group first. That meant however staying back all the time might make him feel, he should do it because it was where he could best help the group. His healing powers were where he was of most value and he had to accept that. He was only proving himself too childish and selfish to be a leader in his suggestion that he put himself in danger.
He did feel relieved when Cleo said nobody was counting him out. Although they agreed with River, it made him feel a little bit better to know that he was being treated on the same level as the others. Sure, his powers still came into the discussion because of course they had to, but he was glad that a discussion was happening anyway.
The mention of Pascal sealed it for him, though. Pascal had just come back from a horrific experience with the exiled. Lucien would never want him to have to take the strain of being the sole healer. With him being so recently back, Lucien had not been used to having to consider that side of things. But Pascal had agreed to help Lucien because the strain of being healer was too much for him on his own. He couldn’t very well give that burden to Pascal after all he had done for him, no matter how tired was after carrying it alone these last few weeks.
He was glad that there had been a fair moment of thought given to it rather than instant dismissal, but he did agree with River and Cleo’s points around why he should not go. It would be irresponsible of him on many levels, and he had to show at least some maturity now. The boy nodded.
He couldn’t stop messing up his attempts to prove himself to River and Cleo, he felt. He wanted to do the right thing, badly. Maybe so badly it was blinding him.
Ariella was injured, River and Cleo were right. It was noble of her to offer to go but she’d already been badly hurt by Fenrir. Besides, Lucien couldn’t help but think, the group couldn’t afford to lose a much-needed kind heart at that moment. ”You’ve done so much already.” Lucien said gently to her.
Besides, the conversation for now had to be on their options. River was right, if they were going to launch an ambush it would have to be meticulously planned. Every possible scenario would have to be carefully planned out. But Cleo clearly did not seem to approve of the suggestion.
”We know it’s dangerous, but do you have any other suggestions? As I see it our only other option is to go along with the deal.” Dillon said to Cleo. Maybe just giving the exiled what they asked for was the smartest idea but they had to at least think about alternatives. They had to give other ideas a chance before they started sacrificing anybody.
”If we did do the ambush, maybe we could take control of where it’s happening.“ Chiara suggested, thinking about River’s words about not knowing the area. ”Maybe we could suggest the handover place. They might not allow it but surely it’s worth a try.“
After all, the ascendants had something the exiled wanted just as much as the exiled had something the ascendants wanted. Surely the ascendants had just as much right as the exiled to name a meeting spot.
The girl couldn’t help looking at Cleo though, because she was putting the pieces together just the same as Cleo was. She knew Dillon would be a displeasing offering for the exiled, and Jason and Luka were minors. Ariella was healing. The only valid options left were she and Cleo.
Which meant Cleo intended to suggest themselves.
_____
CHARACTER PROFILE IMAGE CREDIT: ElenaA via Picrew
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Post by Nari on Nov 18, 2023 10:49:59 GMT
As the discussions continued, Irene cupped her head in her hand and stared ahead at the screen, her other hand lightly drumming the desk. She knew River and Cleo had a point about the ambush idea, and how risky it was. It was entirely possible another failure on their end would just make it worse for the prisoners. What happened to Haleema was proof of that.
Her gaze lowered on the screen, and she held her tongue as she tried to think of other things they could do. An all out attack involving everyone left in the pantheon? No good, they’d just be signing their own death warrant at that point. Besides, she couldn’t stomach the idea of suggesting such a plan when she wasn’t able to fight with everyone else.
Perhaps they could go off the ‘bait’ idea and send over someone to act as a double agent? Get more intel on what the exiled were doing so they could actually formulate strategies. Unfortunately also unlikely. The exiled weren’t against killing one of their own, it would be exceedingly dangerous if they sent someone over only for them to get caught in the act.
In the brief period she was lost in thought, Irene failed to notice the door at the back of the room open and close on its own. Her attention soon returned to the people on the screen, and before she could speak her mind, her expression shifted to one of confusion.
“Has Pascal been here this whole time?” She exclaimed, dumbfounded as she looked ahead and saw the older boy among the people seated. She swore he wasn’t there a second ago, but there he was now. Sitting close to the front and trying not to draw attention to himself.
“I just got here,” Pascal mumbled, barely loud enough for people to hear, “Pay me no mind, I didn’t want to interrupt.”
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Post by Leo/ Clundy on Nov 19, 2023 20:24:20 GMT
"Ari, we need you here," Griffin pleaded. His eyebrows pinched in worry and squeezing Ariella's hand tightly. "You don't need to go with them just cause you feel you need to. I need you here."
Ariella smiled at him gently and shook her head. He didn't need her here so much anymore. He had Guinevere. Besides, she could be of use to the pantheon if she went. Her shoulder was healing nicely and was almost back to semi-normal. She wasn't as injured as everyone thought she was just taking it really easy. Waiting for the moment that she was needed again.
And now she was needed.
"I really haven't. If they want me they can have me," she replied to Lucien. She didn't care how many times they said no, she'd keep volunteering until everyone agreed. As long as she could prevent anyone else from going.
River ignored Ariella and instead spoke loudly over her. She was not an option and was not going to be. If they needed to have a stubborn competition then they very well could.
"They won't let us," He said to Chiara. "They have the power in this situation there is no way they would give us even a fraction of control. We're the desperate ones not them," he explained. And it was obvious that they were being toyed with time and time again. The pictures, the phone calls, hell the kidnapping themselves. They had no real leverage over the exiles at this time. "An ambush is extremely risky. Obviously, they are willing to kill for the smallest things and we can barely act as a team without fighting one another."
The more he thought about it the worse he realized the situation was. They really didn't have an option but to hand someone over to get someone else back. What a shitty place to be in.
Jason was still in the same position over Irene's shoulder in the camera. Legs folded into his chest and his arms wrapped around them. Not much of his face could be seen from behind his legs but it looked like his expression hadn't changed despite the news of the list. The only thing moving were his eyes as he looked between speakers until Pascal was brought up and suddenly there. He watched River turn to look at him and give him a thin yet gentle smile.
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Post by 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕪 on Nov 19, 2023 21:06:40 GMT
Taking a deep breath as everyone discussed their last point, Cleo froze as they heard more of that scratching noise, eyes widening as they stared up, but there was nothing on the ceiling. Just, well, the ceiling.
Well, great, they were losing their minds. What else was new?
Maybe it was Pascal?
It was probably Pascal coming in. Guinevere had just about jumped out of her own skin at the appearance of the boy and him piping up. In fairness the Guinevere, he was completely silent. It kind of made them wonder how that ambush would have went had Pascal been on that team and not kidnapped by the Exiled.
"However much it sucks, I suggest we focus on finding someone to trade over for now, someone who will be of enough value to the Exiled that they won't be hurt or killed by them," Cleo stated, giving a passing glance to Dillon as they said that, then looking at River, "no reason to trade both over at once. If we spread this out, we can take longer to find cracks in their defenses, if they have one..."
This was horrible. Tapping their fingers a bit, stressed out, they sighed again, "so who do we have that the Exiled would want to keep alive? That they wouldn't hurt?"
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Post by pallas on Nov 19, 2023 21:40:44 GMT
Lucien jumped a little at the sudden appearance of Pascal close by, but he couldn’t pretend he wasn’t glad to see the other boy again. Pascal had taught him enough to get by these last few weeks and keep his friends alive when they needed more than just his healing powers to help them.
He’d also, by the look of River, managed to do what Lucien had failed at and gotten the other boy to accept help. He was so, so grateful for that. River still didn’t trust him after what he’d done on Hallowe’en and probably for his countless fuckups afterwards and on top of that he’d guess that River wouldn’t have wanted Lucien to experience his pain. Lucien had been worried for him, which was why he’d dropped off the supplies, and hated feeling that he couldn’t be of help. Or if he did try to help he would mess it up as he always seemed to do. He was glad Pascal had done what had been impossible for him.
So he gave the other boy a flicker of a smile when he appeared.
The smile soon faded when the discussion continued. It seemed to be becoming more and more clear that they didn’t have any option but to go along with the deal, at least for now. The ambush was a nice idea but impractical with the current state of things and far too risky when the ascendants were already on the ropes.
When Cleo asked who could be a good trade, Dillon spoke. ”We couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t kill anyone we might trade.” the boy pointed out, ”Even less so for hurting them.”
That was true. They couldn’t predict anything here, and while they could make reasonable assumptions on what the exiled would do it would be foolish to think anyone was safe.
Chiara spoke up a little hesitantly. She didn’t like supporting the idea of handing someone over but she couldn’t think of anything else either.
”Probably any of the active leaders.“ Chiara began, voice growing steadier as she continued. ”With the exception of Dillon, whose lack of powers would frustrate them. And Lucien, whom they could equally keep alive as a valuable trade or just immediately kill to make certain we can’t get one of our healers back.”
Chiara’s words drove home once again River’s argument about Lucien not being a viable trade, as much as he hated it. It didn’t mean part of him didn’t feel the unfairness of it all. It didn’t mean he wouldn’t have willingly gone. But he couldn’t fight the others on this, and he knew it was sensible to stay.
Dillon looked down for a moment when Chiara mentioned him and his lack of abilities. Lucien suspected he was feeling more than a little helpless, with no powers apparent yet and no ability to even trade himself away instead of one of the more valuable ascendants.
”I’m the one we can most afford to lose, though.” Dillon added when he looked up at the group again. He might not be of value to the exiled but he was on their list and they couldn’t argue with that. And perhaps even if he was at risk he was a better trade than anyone else in the group. People who had powers and could help.
”Anyone strong they might keep alive if they think they can convert them to their side.“ Chiara continued, brushing over Dillon’s statement for now. The argument and counter argument stood and the others could consider them as they wanted. ”And my danger senses might keep me alive if they consider it useful. They wouldn’t see me as a threat with no offensive abilities and one functioning arm and my powers make me useful.“
She’d presented some options, at the very least. Hopefully enough to narrow down their list and make their discussions more productive. Leaders, strong fighters, they could stand a chance. And maybe she could too.
_____
CHARACTER PROFILE IMAGE CREDIT: ElenaA via Picrew
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Post by Nari on Nov 19, 2023 23:00:24 GMT
Pascal nodded to River and Lucien briefly. While his expression remained its traditional tired self, there was some warmness there when he acknowledged the two. He frowned slightly when his arrival caused a small fright with the champion of Apollo and Guinevere in the back. That was unplanned.
Though his brief attention to the small group behind him got him to notice Griffin and Ariella’s conversation. Seemed like she was willing to give herself up as well, and the guilt tugged at his chest. It already hurt him to know someone had given themselves up for his sake, and it felt worse knowing that more people were willing to do the same.
“It's noble, but Griffin is correct. They are an unkind bunch, even amongst their ranks. Your safety wouldn’t be assured,” he spoke to them, only loud enough for them to hear. While he felt this way about the others who spoke up, the idea of speaking loudly to a large group of people filled him with dread.
The room was loud enough already with people speaking up about what to do next, with some of them settling on figuring out who they should be trading over. Pascal’s gaze soon flickered to a screen, where Irene, Enzo, and Jason were on. The leader herself seemed noticeably tense, injured, and so so angry.
“Are you fucking kidding me!?” she snapped from the screen, “no, we absolutely fucking can’t be considering sacrificing more people to those assholes! It won't matter who we send over because people are going to get hurt regardless of what we do.”
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Post by Leo/ Clundy on Nov 20, 2023 0:10:47 GMT
"No, you're not," River spoke turning his attention to the Champion of Hera. His expression was still hard but his voice had lowered as he shook his head. "You know too much. If they manage to get information out of you then that's a problem for the rest of us."
Of course if they want him for that reason. They could also just want to kill him and then they'd be down a leader again. The more leadership they lost the more control they lost.
Sighing heavily, River leaned forward against the table and rubbed at his face. There was no point in trying to fight with Irene, her last comment summed up the entire situation. No matter what they did they lost. And sending someone to the exiles again could very well be a death sentence he agreed, but what else could they do? What if they never decided and sent over no one? They lose and people die. If they plan an ambush there was a high possibility of more of them dying than expected. It was a hard choice. A disgustingly difficult choice that left them with worse outcomes because of the unknown.
"Who asked for me?"
River dropped his hands from his face and looked up at the voice. Jason was still curled into himself staring at the screen over Irene's shoulder. He sat very still despite the trapped leader's outburst.
"What?"
"Who..." Jason hesitated as he contemplated what he was asking. "Who asked for me?" he finished and lifted his head above his knees steeling his composure.
It was silent for a moment. River didn't know how to answer after all, he wasn't there. He just shrugged and looked between Dillon and Cleo wondering if one of them was going to answer or leave it in the dark.
"Atticus," Griffin answered looking at the computer screen. He, again, shifted uncomfortably in his seat and looked down at his feet for a second after he answered. Part of him didn't like telling Jason that information but he also didn't want to keep it from him. He deserved to know.
Jason simply nodded slowly as he turned it over in his head and took a deep breath. His eyes were cast down at the floor until he exhaled sharply and nodded decidedly.
"Jason, don't," Ariella warned, her eyes going wide.
"Oh no, I don't want to in the slightest," Jason agreed with a scoff. "But, lets look at the facts. Cleo, Lucien, Luka, and Dillon are leaders with the inner knowledge of how this place is running and the people within it. We've already lost one leader we shouldn't rush to lose another so fast cause I'm guessing that's probably what they want. Chiara could see or hear us coming from a mile away if she's turned against us and has been targeted by Fenrir more than once along with Luka. That's a guaranteed death for both of them. Lastly, if Ariella is swayed to the side of the exiles she could easily take all of us in a fight. Or they're going to kill her to weaken us."
Ariella paled and swallowed hard at the blunt words. The thought of death had been in the back of her mind as she continued to volunteer but the threat hadn't been truly real until someone said it out loud. She stared down at her feet and gripped Griffin's hand a little tighter, knowing he could handle it.
"If we have to send someone to their side for now then send me. I can't be used against all of you at the same time no matter how well River was training me. Plus I can get more information while I am blind and I am the least wanted person on that list."
"And what if they want to kill you?" River asked. He sounded upset. Not wanting to let his student go into the hands of the evilest people they knew.
Jason shrugged and smiled a big fake smile. "Simple. I won't let them." and he stated that as an unwavering fact. He dropped the smiled an shifted so that he was sitting with crossed legs now. He wanted them to see if face and understand that he wasn't taking no for an answer. "Counting me out because i'm sixteen is insulting and hypocritical. Did you not send Echo out to her kidnapping directly after you called me a defenseless child? Did Luka not just come back from almost dying to the wolf? Does Lucien not feel the pain of our injuries when he heals us?" he asked.
He waited a beat, looking at each and every person on the screen. Waiting for someone to contradict themselves. They were all chosen for a reason. If they wanted to ignore that a lot of the younger members are their strongest, then they were going to lose this war.
He continued. "I know the least, have no authority, and have a much more obvious weakness you all can exploit if I do turn to their side. I strongly don't agree to this plan or even want to go. But, I am your only option."
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Post by 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕪 on Nov 20, 2023 18:19:42 GMT
Cleo let the conversation meld to who would be safest to go, watching in silence. Chiara's suggestion was active leaders excluding Dillon and perhaps Lucien, Dillon for not having abilities, and Lucien for his healing abilities. That would leave Cleo themselves and Luka as potentially safe options using that logic.
Dillon still suggested himself, but an outraged cry came from the call with Irene, from Lorenzo of all people. "you told me you wouldn't do anything stupid!" Lorenzo snapped, his heart breaking from the sound of Dillon saying he was the best to go, as if he wasn't important, "this is stupid, Dillon! Trading yourself over because you think you aren't as important as everyone else...how can you say that?"
Cleo looked over in surprise because that was the first time they ever heard the sunshiney sweetheart sound so angry and scorned. At Dillon of all people? They looked between the two, raising an eyebrow at Dillon. Whatever was going on there, they weren't touching it with a ten foot pole.
Irene was yelling, so Cleo promptly ignored her, looking instead at Jason.
Then Jason was offering himself up, and Cleo had to admit, he had some...sound logic.
They actually looked away when he commented about Echo and the mission. About Luka's injuries. About Lucien's pain when healing. He was right, they couldn't discredit him for being a minor. He was just as grown up as everyone else here.
Jason, Lucien, Luka...they were all incredibly strong. Maybe there was a reason. Hide strength in youth, make enemies believe they lacked it due to inexperience. Cleo had fallen into that trap many times. The throbbing in their nose reminded them of it.
"You're right," Cleo admitted, looking down, thinking. Even if it wasn't Jason, even if they sent Lucien or Luka instead...perhaps they could trick the Exiled into believing they were weak too? "I'm not saying that as a final decision. Ultimately that's your decision Jason," they admitted, and looked back up, "but with that said, it may not be a bad idea to think of a second person..."
They looked over to Lucien, then back at the group, opening their mouth to speak. "We cou-"
A deafening, loud caw echoed throughout the room. Guinevere yelped in terror, leaning into Griffin. Lorenzo meeped and hid behind Irene despite being on a call. Cleo themselves looked up to find their source, though the noise of creaking drew their attention too. They looked up, at a vent that was near the middle of the ceiling.
Another caw rang throughout the room, before it morphed pretty much mid-croak into a very human yelp. The vent shook a bit, dust exploding out, before the vent succumbed to the weight and fell, sending Luka hurtling for the ground.
Landing in a mess of limbs, but still on her feet, she seemed to land almost good, ducking and rolling despite the unexpected drop and running smack dab into the desk of the inner circle.
Guinevere hopped up in shock, screeching, "IS SHE DEAD!?"
Cleo groaned, "we could only hope."
Still breathing, Luka quickly pulled herself up. Standing with all of the grace of a newborn giraffe with four severely broken legs, Luka did a unsteady little circle to look at the people in the room, flipping off Irene when she spotted her on the screen, and looking up at the ceiling where the vent had opened. The casing had fallen as well, knocked under the tables by now.
"People of the court," Luka began, rounding on Cleo and Dillon, "what the FUCK is happening!?"
She said it in such a tone that implied she wasn't asking them what was happening, but more so how fucking stupid are you? She looked over towards the screen resting by Dillon, at Jason behind Irene, a flicker of sympathy in her eyes before she glared back at the other two.
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Post by pallas on Nov 20, 2023 19:04:08 GMT
Lucien noticed how Dillon struggled to keep his composure when Lorenzo began to protest against him making himself an option. He didn’t know what exactly was going on there, but the boy regained control and kept any further telling emotion from his face. He seemed all too aware of Cleo’s gaze, the question in their eyes, and it seemed to strengthen his resolve to keep his face impassive.
”I’m trying to make the best strategic choice.” Dillon replied evenly, ”I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t think it was best for everyone.”
But Jason had a good point, Lucien realised. Dillon had information; that was something the exiled would want. But he had no powers to make him useful to them and so they would have no reason to hold back when trying to get that information. They could torture Dillon with impunity if he refused to give them information, with no reason to restrain themselves. They’d keep him alive as long as he served that purpose but Lucien knew any time Dillon spent with the exiled could be brutal.
The boy in fact made a solid argument for himself as an option. As awful as it sounded, people did seem to be considering it. Chiara also spoke up, probably not wanting Jason to be forced into this as their only choice.
”You don’t have to be our only choice, Jason.“ Chiara said steadily. ”I also have a clear weakness that won’t go away anytime soon, since my arm shows no improvement on its own; and my powers also allow me to gather information. What you say about Fenrir is true, but Theo was also attacked by him more than once. If Fenrir truly cannot be controlled at all then we’d have to assume his death is just as certain.“
She wavered at the mention of Theo. It was clear she was worried about him. Her concern wasn’t the only thing driving her offer, Lucien was certain. Possibly a feeling that she truly might be a solid strategic option. Probably because, while she accepted Jason’s argument about not counting him out as a minor, she would feel remiss not to present herself as an option if it meant he didn’t have to go.
But she clearly wasn’t willing to shut him down completely. She respected the bravery of his offer, and the validity of his arguments, and if he wanted to be an option she clearly didn’t want to take that away from him. That was why she continued. ”You are right about my powers, though. The exiled could use me to alert them to attacks, though I could not be used to fight in my condition. If you’re settled on this, Jason, I won’t stop you. I just want you to know it doesn’t have to be you.“
A fair statement. If he chose to go she would respect it, but she didn’t want him to feel trapped into it by necessity.
Cleo seemed also to consider Jason’s words, and then began speaking of a second person. Cleo’s eyes seemed to move to him for a moment, and Lucien knew in an instant what they were considering.
Giving him away after all? Lucien felt sudden nerves about it he had not felt earlier, especially after Chiara had planted the idea that the exiled may choose to just kill him. Especially after it had been made clear how selfish his offer to go had been when it put everyone else at risk. But he felt a grim determination pass over his expression.
If they tortured him for information, he could heal himself. He wouldn’t give it. That might make him safer than the other leaders. He was a much sought-after choice by the exiled so they may keep him alive long enough to fix this situation, just to revel in having him as a prisoner.
And it would mean for a while he could forget about proving himself and pleasing people, or being a responsible healer or leader. He could be himself, and rage and be angry all he wanted. He could be a scared but furious child all he wanted. No Cleo to prove himself to. No tearing himself apart over how to make up for his mistakes. It was freeing, in a way.
He was ready to give his consent to the idea the moment Cleo finished speaking the words, but they never got to.
Lucien shot to his feet, shocked, as Luka plummeted to the floor before the group. She’d evidently been listening to the whole thing and was more than a little… perturbed… at the discussions. Furious was more the word.
He looked with concern to his friend until he realised that she was not badly hurt, more just angry than anything. He shook off his worry, but when he spoke his tone still had a hint of bewilderment, thrown off-kilter by her sudden and unexpected arrival. Unconventional way of making an entrance to say the least. ”Oh there are going to be so many Among Us jokes about venting.” the boy muttered.
But he turned now to answering her question, which in fairness was a very deserved question. It felt surreal that they were even considering this, but they had to.
”You’ve obviously been listening,” Lucien answered, and he couldn’t hide the hint of appreciation for the fact that she’d listened for so long undetected. ”by all means enlighten us if you have a better idea than agreeing to the deal.”
He looked to Cleo then, the same decided expression settling back over his face as he’d had when they’d been about to speak before Luka’s entrance. If they suggested it, he would say yes. He knew they knew that.
If it was only for a short time, if they could prepare for it, it might be okay. He could give the exiled more than they bargained for, at least, whatever happened.
The further anger from Luka seemed to prompt Dillon to speak again. ”Look, I know people are angry because talking about this is hard for everyone. But this is what the exiled want. They don’t care who we offer them that much, what they care about is making us fight over what we decide and creating more division. Let’s not fall into the trap of fighting.”
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CHARACTER PROFILE IMAGE CREDIT: ElenaA via Picrew
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