Divine Inheritance: Chaos

JaXx, exasperated with this conversation sighed "against your might alone? How pretentious of you to believe that because you are strong, you have what it takes to defend your people better than anyone else." She scoffed "there are many strong, powerful, intelligent people in this country willing to die for their country. Any leader understands the importance of standing together with their people. That is the point of this war on heracy in the first place. Those who seek to divide and defy their own kind do not have a place here."

She spoke coldly but as always controlled her tone. "And the ascension trial is not about killing and dividing to simply sit on a chair and give orders. It's about proving yourself as not only the most powerful, but the one who is most willing to do what it takes for the good of our people..."

She stopped speaking as she heard the approach of a horse on the distance...

------------Council Meeting, Throne Room, Azureth capital city: Sax--------

A near identical conversation was taking place many floors above them in the throne room. Emporer Newgate took the head of the conversation sitting on his throne surrounded by his personal guard detail. Before him stood many council members.

"....and that, Emporer, is why your proposal to end the succession trials and simply crown your daughter is preposteros." Atticus was saying, backed by many of the council with nodded heads. "Not only is it completely against our traditions, for reasons I have already pointed out, it is also irresponsible. Lilith mat have power, no one is denying that. But what she has in power, she lacks in sense. Even if the succession was to pass to the next generation without the succession, Lilith would not be the first choice of the people."

"And let me guess, councelor" another council member, representing Mira, interjected "in your opinion the most likely candidate would be your own child, JaXx?" He argued. To which, Atticus surprisingly denied "JaXx has potential but she is too young to know for sure. The obvious choice, in this scinario, would be the third candidate, the Amazon prince Marcus."

A few council members mumbled in agreement and others in disagreement before the chatter was silenced by the raised hand of Newgate.

"As Councelor Atticus has just pointer out, the children are too young for us to know for sure what kind of rulers they will be when the time of succession comes. However, Lilith already displays the most power. But more importantly, I have no doubt she will also bring a wind of change to this country. She thinks differently, and the people are beginning to respond in the like. The time has come to evolve."

Atticus scoffed, stepping forward. The action caused the guards on either side of the throne to step forward as well but they were silently dismissed by the emporer and took their original positions. Atticus waited for this before speaking "You speak of bringing peace and love to hell itself. When the invaders reach our boarders again, what then do you propose? To send Lilith to hug them?" A few council members chuckled before he continued "when heratic Titan followers begin their riots, do you expect peace because you asked nicely?" He turned his back to the emporer, now addressing the council directly.

"This man speaks of peace when our gates are, at this very moment, being pounded on by enemies who would speak to destroy us." Murmurs filled the room as Newgate's hands balled into fists Atticus continued "He preaches unity as the country is being seized by religious and civil discontent, which began under HIS. RULE!"

Atticus's words had finally pushed Emperor Newgate who responded with authority. He stood from his throne "You WILL address me with respect." He warned, the other council members hushed though Atticus continued, he turned his attention back to the Emperor "and thirdly you propose a better way to choose your successor lies in overlooking the other candidates in favor of your daughter, who is equally as weak as you."

Atticus barely had the words out before emporer Newgate struck suddenly, with a glowing hand he struck Atticus who was sent hurling backwards through the wall behind the throne room which crumbled from the blow. All was silent for a brief moment, council members staring in disbelief and others impressed. The silence was short before the hole that Atticus had knocked through the wall was filled with a blinding blue light. A deafening Crack was heard and the building shook as a powerful electric bolt struck Emporer Newgate, who was taken off guard and thrown back into the throne which fell to peaces from the blow.

Atticus addressed the council again "In this world you are either the cattle or the monsters! There is no room for cowards here!"

Newgate at this point had returned to his feet and had regained his composure "If that is what you believe, than so be it." He growled, "Atticus of Sax you have offended the crown and shamed your people. You will accept the consequence of your actions!"

"I agree your highness and I intend to the same way you will accept yours!" Atticus stepped forward his sword drawn he stabbed it into the ground directly in front of Newgate's feet "If you are so sure your way is the best than may the gods back you. I challenge you, Newgate, for the throne."

 

---------- narrative ---------

Lilith was wrong, however. The battle was close but Emporer Newgate fell that day. Most of his family were killed as well though no one knew what happened to his daughter Lilith. Though rumor has it the canyon near the castle was caused by her rage on that day.

Atticus took charge with an iron fist. At first, his rule was successful but it wasn't long before civil discontent spread once again. The war with overseas invaders is also still raging on worse than ever.

JaXx grew up to be a prominent warrior in her father's army. She currently spends a lot of time on the battle field or at her father's side.

The nameless girl in the desert was found by travellers who took her in to their camp. There, she woke to find them very surprised that she had survived. Apparently that particular kind of scorpion was known to be able to kill even second generation demigods in no time. Though she never could remember who she was or what she was doing out in the desert alone, she ended up travelling with them for quite some time. It was among them she eventually started going by the name Raven. She was content with the travellers though she could never shake the curiosity over her identity and her past. She was constantly getting the feeling that something was missing. Eventually she parted with the travellers and found her way to Sax.... she has been there ever since.

--- Present day: Sax ---

It was early in the morning, on the same training ground JaXx stood on this very day 5 years ago when her father took power by force. Once again she held her sword, which was much easier to hold now, in a defensive stance and waited for her rival to strike first. The feeling of Deja vu vanished just as quickly as it came as she turned her attention on the task at hand. She couldn't afford to lose focus. Her mentour, Raven, was really on one that particular morning.

Raven also had her weapon drawn though she didn't move in to strike immediately. She knew JaXx would wait all day if she had to. She never attacked first. This was a habit Raven was really trying to help her young pupil break but so far, was unsuccessful.

Finally deciding on a proper opening attack, Raven decided to create an opening by force. She darted at JaXx head on.

JaXx quickly moved her weapon to block the incoming attack but was caught off guard when, on contact, Raven disappeared. At that same time, she was knocked forward from behind with a lot of force toward the gate. She managed to spin herself around in the air to hit the wall feet first and kick back off but she was too slow. Raven wasn't far behind and had already planned her next move. She grabbed Jaxx's arm and twisted hard, immediately disarming her before using a low kick to knock her onto her back.

This round was over too quickly. Raven lowered a hand to help JaXx up. "And this is why I say you need to practice without your powers." She was saying as JaXx got to her feet. "If ever caught in a situation without them, you'd be dead."

"One, when would I ever be caught without them. Two, you are WAY faster than the typical enemy I face in the battle feild. This is pointless." JaXx snapped back crossly

 

"I'm going to let you think on both of those statements and report back to me why they are stupid by next time we meet up." Raven countered to Jaxx's attitude with some of her own.

Two two fell silent when they realized they weren't alone. A tall figure had entered the grounds and walked toward them. As he got closer Raven recognized this person as one of the emporers errand boys. What does he want. She thought to herself as ge approached.

"Ladies." The servant said with a polite nod. "I bring news from the emperor. Atticus requests for the lady Raven to meet with him in the throne room. He also reminds his daughter that she is late to do her responsibilities in the dungeons."

"Oh crap." JaXx groaned as she began to walk away. "Father is going to kill me. Ill see you later, Raven." As always, she knew not to mention what exactly she was doing in the dingeon. Not even Raven was permitted to know about Lilith.

"Remember to think about what you said about no-magic combat. We will be discussing that later." Raven called after her only to get a dismissive wave in response.

In spite of her rather blunt behavior, JaXx couldn't help but like Raven. After 4 years she was still one of the only pepole that JaXx knew that could deal with her attitude. That earned her some respect. Especially when she dealt it back even worse most of the time.

She quickly made her way to the dungeon and made her way to a heavy door, slightly larger than the other ones a ways down the hall. She instructed the guard to open the door and entered lilith's cell. Instantly, her guard was back up.

"Morning, Lilith."

 

Something about this sight always slightly disturbed JaXx though she would never admit it. She never understood why her father chose to keep the daughter of his enemy alive in this way. Though questioning him on the matter never turned out any clear answers, she did as she was told.
She motioned for her restraints to be removed from her arms and placed a plate of food in front of her. Though it was risky to partially free her, Lilith wasn't really in any condition to fight. JaXx could easily best her, in this condition, if she tried anything.

"I'd rather not talk about me today." She was polite at least in her answer. "What about the past is so interesting to you?"


----

'Lady' huh? Raven thought to herself as the servant walked away. The people around this place were so polite in the strangest way.
It was almost creepy. As always she used magic to fix whatever she and JaXx had broken in the training session, taking much longer to do so than she usually would. Finally she could admit she had procrastinated long enough. she began making her way to the throne room.

 

JaXx sighed, the memory coming to her for the second time that day. She watched in shock as half the city was torn apart by her father and Lilith's. It was a sad day for the country though much good came from it. Her father had done many great things since taking the throne...

"Yes I remember that day well. It was a sad time for us all." She remarked. "But good came from it. We have made great strides with the invaders. I am finally convinced we have a fighting chance at winning this war." Standing she walked over to a tiny window that overlooked the city from Lilith's cell. The canyon was perfectly in view from there, a constant reminder of that day. JaXx could only assume that was by design... but she hoped her father wouldn't do something that petty.

"Sometimes I wonder if that's why my father decided to imprison you in the first place. That somehow he finds your power a threat to the people."

---------

Atticus stood in the throne room watching out the window. There was clear view of the training yard from there and he had been watching his daughters training session with Raven. He found it strange that JaXx hadn't used her powers once that morning. Raven had once but not near what she was capable of.

The throne was next to him, still broken and not usable from that day 5 years ago when it crumbled. He had decided not to have it repaired. He would be the ruler with no earthly throne. Because, as he told the people, a chair does not make a good warrior. Most of the time he made a point of standing with his men.

He was roused from his thoughts when there was a light tap on the door. "Enter." He turned to face his guest as she entered.

Raven wasted no time striding yo the center of the room, sword still strapped securely to her hip. She crossed her arms, shifting her weight to one side "You wanted to speak with me." It wasn't so much of a question as a greeting. This particular room always put her on edge. There was a strange energy to it.

"Ah yes good morning Raven. How was training this morning? Is JaXx improving?" Atticus had watched most of it but asking about her progress was common with Raven.

"JaXx is making remarkable progress though control of her storm based powers is still somewhat of an issue." Raven explained "it's becoming a frustration to her so we have moved on to armed combat for the time being."

Atticus couldn't help but chuckle slightly "armed combat? She's a demigod. Her enemies could never get close enough to her for her to have to use a sword." His skepticism was obvious.

"For most, that's true." Raven countered, deciding to ignore his condescending tone. "Though not all. Besides she has trouble in this category too. Learning balance of body might help correct some of the imbalance with her powers."

"Indeed. I apologize you are right as always. Carry on with your plans. I will not stop you."

"Good to know." With a polite nod of her head, Raven added "while we are on the topic of progress, has the most recent search come up with any leads for me?"

Atticus sighed, knowing she was asking about a search team he had claimed to send east to find any sort of clue to her past. This was an elaborate lie, his men had really been sent north to the desert where she was found. He was doing his own investigation under the guise of helping her. He did, however, have an answer ready. "Unfortunately no. There was some rumor of the symbol on your pendant originating from a city north east of here but it turned up no evidence. No one in that area seemed to know anything either. I am truly sorry... I had high hopes for this one."

Raven masked her disappointment well, but she wasn't done with this topic. "Well, perhaps it's time for me to investigate myself. JaXx has matured nicely and doesn't need me to constantly defend her anymore. I can be back in a month."

"You know I hate saying no to you. But I don't think that's a good idea." Atticus walked back to the window, thinking quickly as he spoke "you are needed here. Besides this city in question, Mira, is quite dangerous as its fairly close to the war zone. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

Raven anticipated this answer, as always. "How thoughtful." Ravens sarcasm could be translated to sincerety well enough. "However my mind is made up. I will be leaving within a week."

This answer annoyed the emporer. He took a moment to cool down before responding. "Very well. It seems I can not stop you. So let's make a deal instead."

 

JaXx nodded, placing an arm against the wall in front of her and leaning forward against it. She watched the people of sax, looking tiny as they made their way through their own days, oblivious to her watchful eye. From this distance, it was difficult to see each of them as individuals She couldn't help but wonder at the sight. Is this how the gods see us?

She dismissed the thought, responding to Lilith. "In spite of what you think, my father isn't a monster. He would not condemn a child to death. He put you aside for their safety. Your wrath killed hundreds of Sax citizens five years from today. That guard, who so willingly gave you the date lost his wife on that day."

She closrd her eyes, taking a deep breath before continuing "The world is scarred, on that, at least, we agree. All of those people down there, they live with the fear of not knowing what tomorrow brings. Yes I do what I can for the economy, and the well being of as many as I can. But, their future is my priority. I will create a world where they don't have the fear of civil discontent, or palage, or war... I wish for the same peace you do. The only difference is that I know the only way to save a garden is to pull the weeds, not water them with the flowers. If I have to get my hands dirty for my people, I am willing."

Opening her eyes, she pulled herself up straight, pushing her hair back from her face as it was still messed up from training earlier that day. "I can not stay, I am to report to my father in an hour." She stepped away toward the door "I will return later this evening."

As she walked out, the guards re placed Lilith to her original position. JaXx was followed by a guard who she spoke with as she walked through the dungeon halls "Ensure she gets time to walk at some point today. It's true we must keep her contained. But we are not barbarians."

"Yes, ma'am" the guard bowed before walking away to carry on with his own duties. JaXx barely noted his bow or his exit and had a rather uneventful walk to her room. She examined her face as she neared a mirror beside her bed. A hint of a smile finally crossed her face as she realized what a mess she was. Hair flying everywhere, dirty face, bruising arm from Raven's less than ethical tutelage. She wiped her face off somewhat with her sleeve before laying down on her bed, trying to wind down for a moment. She had to report to her father soon.

---

"Ok.... I'm listening. What is it you propose?" Raven frowned.

Atticus was silent for a moment, as he organized his thoughts "It's becoming a concern for me that at this point, you may be better off just putting your quest for answers to rest." Judging on the look on Raven's face at that suggestion he pressed forward with an explanation.

"As you told me, the day you were brought here, your earliest memories are grim. Am I incorrect? Alone, possibly abandoned in the middle of one of the most deadly places in this kingdom. Have you ever considered that whatever happened to you, whatever it was that led you to that place, is better forgotten?"

Raven took a breath to argue but was interrupted. Annoyed, she rested her hands on her hips and waited for him to finish speaking. "What you had is a mystery. Sure, there is a chance- slim as it may be, that you have a family, friends, a husband, a purpose, or whatever else out there. But if that's the case, why has no one stepped forward to claim you. You are famous in this kingdom now. Many of my people know your face as a war hero, my archangel. Surely your family would have recognized you or come for you. So why have they not?"

The response he got was complete silence. When Raven finally did speak, she seemed to have disregarded his rant completely, staring Atticus in the eyes, she repeated her question "What is this 'deal' you propose?"

No witty retort? Atticus had to force himself to keep a sincere expression and not to grin. Though she hid it well, he knew he struck a nerve. "As I said, all the past has is questions and holes. Ones you keep trying to fill by trying to find whatever it is you think you've lost. What you fail to see is you can have it again with what you already have here."

Raven raised an eyebrow "And that is?"

"A purpose and a family. My armies respect you. You have become an influence on most of my men through your strength and success on the battlefield. Many feel as though with you, my general, and JaXx, they can not loose. They need you. You have also earned the respect of my daughter. You fit here. So what I propose is this. Go, take a month, see if you can find whatever it is you're looking for." He gestured to the window as he spoke "but if this quest turns out to be another dead end, stop torturing yourself with this false worry of someone looking for you. Accept your new life, home, and family as a substitute officially. If you can agree to that, I will not stand in your way."

---- Moments later ---

Raven was gone from the throne room having left without a word. Atticus has expected this reaction. The girl was spirited but she had some tough walls. He knew she would think about what he said though and that was all that mattered. That little piece of doubt in her cause would solve his problem for now. In time it might even sway her resolve to leave at all. Though he hadn't lost interest in finding whatever it was about her that was so different, what he told her was true: she was a powerful ally and tool in his army. He would rather not loose that to some fantasy in her head. He turned to a guard who had been standing near the door "Send for Lucius. I must speak with him."

 

"Surely by now someone would have recognized you or stepped forward. So why haven't they?" Raven replayed these words in her head as she walked down the hall with no real destination. In spite of her growing distrust for Atticus, there was a voice of reason somewhere in her that could admit he had a point. In four years of searching, she never could find any clue to her past. No sign of whatever it was she was missing. And the only thing that ever seemed to at least distract her from that was teaching JaXx and helping to defend the innocent in the wars. Maybe that should be enough..

She brushed past Lucius on her way, gesturing in turn to his nod when they made eye contact. Much like Atticus, there was something about the general that Raven didn't trust. Having fought by his side a number of times, though, there was something about his dedication she could respect.

As Raven neared the courtyard, once again she was interrupted from her thoughts by a voice to her right.

"Do not doubt your instinct, Raven. Like me, you have the gift of intuition. You know some thing is not right here."

It took little investigation to find the source of the voice in the form of a child who stood not far from her, nearly hidden in the shadow of an obscure hall.

Ok... random child somehow appearing out of nowhere being cryptic. Why not? I'll humor him. Raven thought to herself. "Clearly. However I don't believe I've seen you before. Who are you?"

The young boy smiled, his face some what distorted by shadow "An observer with a warning. You will find what it is you've been searching for. But when you do, the storm emperor will destroy it."

"Sounds promising. I'll keep that in mind" Raven heard footsteps approaching which distracted her gaze for a moment she saw a group of soldiers walking nearby.

By the time she looked back at the hall, the child has vanished. ... nope I'm just seeing things. Raven you're losing your mind.

She turned her attention back to the soldiers who were now in hearing range and had not noticed her.

"Do you think the emporer's brat will notice what happened with the prisoner this morning? I can't imagine I'd like to face her wrath over it." Raven could hear them saying faintly from the distance. This caught her attention and she tried harder to hear what it was they were talking about.
"Who cares if you'd ask me. From what u hear Jaxah will be sent away to the wars here soon. The Newgate girl got what she deserved. To hell with Her."

Newgate? Isn't that the name of the old emporer? Today is turning out to be fortunately interesting... she used her illusion magic to cloak herself , deciding she would follow the two and find out what they were up to.

_____

"Yes, Lucius I did." Atticus greeted the general formally with a nod. "Firstly, what is the status on that job I gave you regarding the heratic village Lis Montagnis du Sari. Is it done?"

____

JaXx took the quiet moment she had to cobsismder the conversation she had with Lilith earlier that day. Something about lilith was so different. Full of energy and childish ideas but she could debate them so well, you could almost see her side... almost. It waw somewhat amusing. She considered the time, remembering she had to report to hdr father soon. With a sigh, she sat up quickly pulling herelf together to not lool quite so muvh of a battle worn mess before she was on her way.
She entered the hall leading toward the throne room just as Raven cloaked herself. The two women passed right next to each other without her knowing.

She heard her father's voice in the distance as she got closer

 

"Excellent. In that case, how soon could you round up a few men and be ready to leave? The battle in the North East cost is looking bleak. The time has come to send reinforcements. I would like you to lead a squad there to deal with this matter personally." Atticus was plain and to the point. "Do you accept this mission?"

-----

During this same time, Raven had managed to successfully follow the soldiers to the dungeons, down the hall, and toward a door that was slightly taller than the rest of them...