Divine Inheritance: Chaos

Raven watched two cross the border with out trouble through the window of the inn. As they left her sight, she knew she would have to keep lilith's disguise up for quite a ways. She sat down at one of the chairs next to the fireplace and concentrated. I hope 30 minutes is long enough.

---------

Knowing it obvious that the guards would know Lilith escaped, she had to think fast. Raven was still gone and her father knew that she herself was supposed to be in this cell. She couldnt admit the truth without outing her friend. At least if she played along she coild 'I just hope they had enough time' she thought to herself as she neared the cell, sword drawn "What are you two gawking at? The prisoner escaped! Round up whoever we have left and go after her!"

The guard who had been examining the chain stood and saluted immediately "Yes ma'am right away!" He motioned for the other guard with him and the two of them ran past her, so quickly her hair blew back slightly as they passed her.

In the brief moment she had alone she sighed. If the news was out her father would learn soon enough. It would be better if he heard it from her. Gathering her courage, she started walking in the direction of the throne room.


***********


Atticus had just finished speaking with the last of the subjects he was supposed to deal with that day. He turned to summon a guard to fetch JaXx so he could ask her about her task, when there was a tap at his door. 'That must be her. Good now I don't have to find her.' He called for whoever it was to approach and was not surprised to see his daughter, dirty and and slightly messed up from what he assumed was the job he gave her.

"Father..." She was saying as she entered the room
"Yes, is it done?" He interrupted her. Something about her demeanor was off. It made him suspicious already something was off.
JaXx took breath before looking in her father's eyes, ready to accept the consequences of her decision "Lilith Newgate has escaped. She is no longer in my reach."

Atticus simply stared at Jaxx for a moment, his stare could be considered blank aside from the fury in his eyes. Finally, he spoke. The tone of his voice was matched by the subtle fury in his expression "What did you say?"

The young woman hesitantly took a breath to speak again. The action was interrupted from a sharp pain of her father striking her across the face, the blow was enough to catch her off guard and continue to sting several moments later. She could feel her lip swelling and some blood pooling there as well though she knew it would heal quickly enough. It still surprised her, he had never struck at her for messing up before.

Atticus could tell he surprised her. Though he watched her force back on a brave face in seconds. It was a good thing. Weakness angered him almost more than failure. Silver blood pooled at the corner of her lip, but she knew better than to fix it. Not until she left the room anyway.

She kept her eyes stubbornly in contact with her fathers, awaiting orders. Atticus finally turned away, pacing toward the great window behind the fallen throne, kicking a cracked wedge of stone as he went. The stone flew to the wall under the window and broke into pieces with a loud cracking noise. He watched as mass amounts of soldiers ran to the edge of the city. His red eyes reflected the light from the moon and into the wondow. They seemed to glare right at Jaxx through his reflection though she knew that couldn't be. He was too busy scanning the streets far below. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of silence, he spoke again. Though he kept his eyes on the streets far below "Your mission remains the same. You will track down the criminal and bring him here. However you should know that you are not to return until Lilith Newgate is dead."

JaXx was stunned. She knew he would be angry, but not this much. "Father-"

"Get out of my sight! You leave tomorrow."

JaXx thought about trying to reason with him but decided against it. She simply turned and walked out of the throne room. Her expression remained hard, no sign of emotion.

-----------

The crackling and warmth of the fireplace seemed like the only thing connecting Raven to her current surroundings. The rest of her focus and energy was devoted to keeping up the spell she had on Lilith's disguise. She sat in the same chair with a small window to her right as the spell continued to drain at her energy until finally they were safe and out of range. The release of the spell left her momentarily drained and she closed her eyes against the fatigue, resting her head against three fingers on her propped left arm. When they opened again the tiny, contained flames before her captured her attention once again.

Funny, this little spark could destroy the whole city if not contained by just four tiny walls....
The quiet moment finally gave her time to think about the other strange things that had happened throughout the day. Her conversation with attucus and the bizarre vision she had as well. 'You will find what it is you seek. But when you do, the storm king will destroy it'
the sound of commotion outside pulled her back to reality from her thoughts. Soldiers could be seen from the inn window, plowing through anyone in the way as they darted across the city boarder with with their weapons drawn. With a grim smirk, she stood guess nap time is over. She didnt bother doing anything about the guards, knowing their target was too far away to catch now.

 

*double posting. Sorry*

Things were finally starting to quiet down after the commotion of the prison escape. The night was wearing late and the training yard was near completely dark, lit only by dim moonlight. JaXx could see just fine though as she shot one lightning bolt after the other at various targets. The noise of static interrupted the occasional cricket chirping but other than that there was mostly silence.
Here she was, finally about to see the country on her own and take on a solo mission like she had always dreamed yet still she was petrified. The feeling put a bad taste in her mouth. She shot another lightning bolt at one of the targets but as it lit up the area she realized this wasn't a target. It was Raven just returning to the castle.
Fortunately, Raven must have seen this coming because she managed to deflect the attack. She raised her hands mocking surrender "So I missed cerfew. That's no reason to kill me." She teased.
JaXx ignored the jab, abandoning the lightning she moved on to throwing knives. She threw three of them at three different targets and hit the mark with all three, then moved to grab more.
She heard her mentour talking, this time much closer "any reason you're out here at this hour and not, I don't know, sleeping?"

JaXx was quiet for a moment before finally deciding to answer "my father is furious. I don't know what he really holds against you. But I am leaving tomorrow."

"Huh, your dad is mad what else is new." Raven stepped up next to Jaxx and picked up a knife at her own. She threw it at the center target, knocking Jaxx's out. "Throw one again. Try to hit the exact same spot." She said it like she usually would if they were training but this was different.

JaXx sighed, doing as she was told she aimed "what's new is, he has ordered me away. I am not to return until Lilith has been killed among other things." She threw the knife, landing it in the exact same spot as before only to have it knocked out again by Raven.

"Fair enough. But you had to kill lilith anyway. At least this way you aren't lowering yourself to petty murder to do it. Besides don't you want her dead too?" Raven couldn't deny it might be better for Jaxx to get out from under her father's thumb anyway. This could be a good thing though she kept that to herself, handing Jaxx another knife "hit it again."
Getting slightly irritated with this game, JaXx once again threw a knife only to have it knocked out a third time. Frustrated, she threw a fourth knife, this time with enough force to knock the target over. It crashed into the gate behind it, broken. She sat down on a near by bench.
Raven was slightly amused by the tantrum but she kept that to herself as she crossed her arms listening as JaXx spoke again. "Between us, I don't WANT to kill anyone. But that's just how the world works now: kill or be killed."
"Is it though? Or is that just the way your people in power make it out to look." Raven reasoned.
JaXx smiled slightly "Don't let my father hear you saying that."
The casual warning fell on deaf ears as Raven continued "I suppose youll learn first hand soon enough."
"I suppose I will." JaXx agreed. She stood then, walking back toward the targets and removing the remaining knives "part of me wishes I could bring you along. But my father wouldn't stand for it. He insists I go at this one alone.... maybe it's better that way. I don't know." She huffed, putting the knives away.
Raven shrugged, "Perhaps it is. For one, it gives you a chance to see the world as it is without any bias. This opportunity could teach you about the world in a way I never could. Don't take that for granted."
After some consideration, JaXx nodded "You mean try to form my own opinions about the state of the world without the influence of my father. I can understand where you are coming from. But understand I will always do what is best for my people."

---------- The next day -----------

It was a gloomy morning. The sunrise really couldn't even be seen over the horizon. JaXx had just finished preparations, mostly alone though accompanied by a few servants thar were assisting her.
Atticus had denied an audience with her that morning and she had already said her goodbyes to those closest to her. It was easier this way; No awkward send off.
She watched the cloudy sunrise on the horizon, tightning the straps on her horses saddle and securing her supplies. Most travellers would see this kind of morning ominous. To Jaxx though, it was perfect. The smell of rain was in the air, no better scent in the world.
She took a deep breath, pushing her hair back from her face as she mounted her horse, taking hold of the reigns from a servant who handed them to her.
"Will you be needing anything else for your journey, ma'am?" One of the servants spoke, still close. She shook her head "no. Thank you."
With a nod, the servant backed away "Safe journey to you, Jaxah Stormkeeper. May your days be fortunate."
"And yours as well." JaXx responded in kind before she was off, in a gallop, from her home without so much as a glance back. She was determined to restore her honor before even thinking of this place again.

---

Atticus watched from his window in the throne room as JaXx rode off. His fury had not calmed much over the night. The first real task he had given her was a colossal failure which was beyond disappointing. If she couldn't carry out something as small as conquering one child, who was restrained even, she would ruin everything. He could only hope being out on her own would harden her somewhat. Until then, he had another problem to deal with: finding the truth behind the escape.
He spoke then, to a soldier in the room with him though his eyes remained on the window "Get together a team to investigate what happened last night. I want to know how the girl escaped."
"Sir. Evidence has already been gathered. We have reason to believe Lilith Newgate's escape was assisted by someone close to the crown."
Atticus's eyes narrowed as he whirled around you face the soldier face to face "who?"
"Raven, the archangel"

---------

Raven had considered seeing Jaxx off that morning but decided against it. They had already said their goodbyes the night before anyway. She was now in the castle courtyard. It was mostly uninhabited save for a few guards that would occasionally cross her path though she barely took notice of them, too lost in thought. The events of the day before weighed heavily on her mind. The deal Atticus had proposed, the mysterious warning she had received right after, and the prison escape.
All of those things were causing her to question her plans for the future. Of course, she wanted to learn the truth of her past and whatever she was missing. But was it worth it possibly being destroyed? After last night's events it became clear Atticus was willing to do pretty much anything to get what he wanted and he unfortunately had the power to do so.
Which brought her back to the memory of their deal. The idea of being near him and his whims indefinitely wasn't a much more attractive prospect either.
Until Atticus is no longer in power, I will have to put my search on hold. Until then, what will I do...
Just then, someone spoke "Good morning Raven. Are you well? It appears something is troubling you."
Raven recognised atticus's voice without having to investigate. Still, she turned to face him. "Not at all. I am just thinking about the future. Did you need something?"
Atticus paced toward her, though he kept casual she got the feeling something was wrong. She instinctively placed a hand on her hip, near the handle of her weapon though the movement could be seen as casual to most.
"The future, interesting it seems like you are usually more interested in the past. What makes today different? Or is it the future of Lilith Newgate you're so concerned for? As it seems you and she became aquainted."
Taken off guard by the question but knowing she had been discovered, she wasn't sure how to react. So, she decided to do what she could to prevent the situation from escalating. She spoke calmly while considering her options in case things went south. "Not particularly. She's out of my hands now as well as yours I'm afraid." She pursed her lips in mock sympathy.
Atticus couldn't help but admire her courage, mocking him when she had obviously been caught "Yes. That is unfortunate. Though not as unfortunate as your betrayal." He clapped his hands together which signaled an ambush of soldiers. They attacked from both sides, restraining Ravens arms as he continued speaking "You see, now I'm at a loss. I was actually growing quite fond of you. I was happy to allow your freedom while I searched for answers about you. But now, it's clear I can no longer be so lenient as you are no longer content to be silent and obedient."
Raven struggled against the soldiers to no avail. Though curiosity made her stop fighting. The way he had that suggested his search was very different from hers, more for his own gain. She was furious but kept her emotions separate from her tone. "What answers are you searching for?"
Atticus shrugged "How a lone and weakened woman could survive the venom of one of the deadliest creatures known to man and walk away with only a case of amnesia." Ravens eyes widened, she knew what he was talking about all too well. It was her earliest memory. But she had never told him or anyone about it "How..."
She was interrupted as he answered the question on her mind with a question of his own "Did you really think my men just happened to find you out there by accident? Your desert friends were only too happy to share the story." He smirked "Furthermore how does that same woman fight in four years worth of battles without being injured in the slightest? I have a feeling your past is an interesting one for sure. And I do intend to find where you came from. And as for you, it's better to say here safely in my reach." He turned his attention to the guards "Take her to her room and ensure her windows and doors are secure. If she gives you trouble, you are to inform me immediately."
The guards responded in offermative. Raven however was not as compliant. "Yeah thats not happening." She pulled against the guards with strength that caught them off guard, knocking them off their feet. A flash of light emerged breifly in two long shapes from her back. It was only there for a moment but the result was a powerful blast of wind that knocked her attackers back a few feet. Atticus had to plant himself firmly and bring up his arms against it. Raven appeared as surprised as anyone else by the ability well that's new she thought to herself though it somehow felt familiar and she was grateful for how it came in handy.
Atticus got over his shock quickly. Whatever had just happened got him even more curious "Don't just lie there! Recapture her now!" He called to the soldiers who were already getting to their feet.
Knowing she only had moments to decide what to do, Raven tried to concentrate to recreate whatever she had just done.
As the soldiers came close enough to touch her, there was another flash of light, much brighter than before and it lasted several moments. Even Atticus had to sheld his eyes against it. As it finally dimmed, the space Raven once stood was empty. There was no sign of her or where she had gone.




-------------------- Time Skip ------------------

It has been a month since the escape of Lilith. She and Kable made it to Mira safely. JaXx tracked them north before losing their trail. She is now wandering the mountains near Lis Montagnis Du Sari trying to decide her next move. Since Ravens disappearance, she has been missing without a trace. No one has seen her.
Lucius has also made it to his destination with his army to meet Marcus, the amazon prince who is currently in charge of operations.
Meanwhile Barisor has been overtaken by the enemy in a surprise attack the Azureth army was not anticipating.
Atticus is enraged by the lack of progress in the search for any of his targets as well as the loss of Barisor. Though he has received good news from a search party in the deserts of Geriks home land.

 

The high peaks of the Lis Montagnisdu Sari mountains were more chilled than Jaxx had expected. Her every breath turned to small clouds in the morning air. She was way off her mark, that much was clear. Whenever her target left these mountains it must have been some time ago. She did manage to find separate tracks from those of Lilith and her companion. A larger set-probably a man- followed by someone much smaller, more likely a child. However signs of even those people were few and aged. However, JaXx also knew there was a village somewhere in these mountains. Perhaps lilith had stopped there for supplies at the very least, it was all she had to go on. She wandered for some time. The sun was nearly in the center of the sky as she finally found something in the distance that looked like it could be a village. She started in that direction but something didn't seem right. As she got closer, she realized the buildings were badly damaged and many were not standing at all. A fire she concluded to herself as she got closer, noting it odd that the buildings and structures of the village were completely destroyed but the trees and foliage around the boarder were barely singed at all.
However the next thing that caught her attention was much worse: the smell.
She knew the scent all too well from occasion on the battlefield. It brought on memories of collecting fallen comrades from the battleground. But this was much worse, much stronger. The decay was enough to make her stomach turn but she pressed forward. It was when she finally reached the center of the village did she find the source. There before her were dozens of dead bodies, nearly unrecognizable as the living people they once were. The village itself was completely destroyed. She could tell, whatever had happened here it would have at least been weeks ago. The thought crossed her mind that Lilith and her companion might have done such a terrible act... but she dismissed it quickly. Her hands balled intof fists and she felt sick. Knowing there was nothing more she could do, she continued forward occasionally having to step around or over the dead 'I must send guards to clean this up... give these people a proper burial.' She thought to herself as she finally made it to the other side, eyes stinging though she maintained her composure. 'These were some of my own people how could I not have known about it?!"
The thought angered her and she stopped, shooting a bolt at a tree, which instantly destroyed it. She took a deep breath, grateful she was alone as a tear ran down her face. She quickly wiped it away. 'This was the work of the enemy. Bandits, orcus assassin's, it even spies from the invading armies.' She thought to herself. She steeled her resolve then, once again, that the world was a brutal disgusting place. She had to do what was necessary to stop any threats to her people. If that meant having to kill Lilith, Marcus, anyone else, then so be it. So that she could stop things like this from ever happening again.
With this purpose in mind, she continued North toward Mira hoping she would re-find her trail.